Guitarist/vocalist Matt Tuck of Welsh metallers BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE spoke to Germany's Guitar about how he first started playing music. He said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUT.NET): "There was literally one thing that started it all. I always grew up listening to music. My dad, he wasn't a musician but he was a music fan. And his taste was rock and kind of more singer-songwriter stuff. So I grew up listening to — with no choice of my own; it was just always on in the living room, just playing in the background — like, LED ZEPPELIN, Bob Seger, Bruce Springsteen, THE EAGLES, FLEETWOOD MAC. So I grew up just having this thing implanted in my head even before I knew it. And then one day I was watching TV. MTV was on, and [METALLICA's] 'Enter Sandman' [video] came on, and that was it. I was just hooked. I don't know what it was — it was something about the sound, it was something about the visuals of the video and how cool James [Hetfield] looked. It just looked badass, and I was, like, 'Damn. This is it.' And then that was it. I was hooked, man. And I just went on this musical journey."

He continued: "The first album I ever bought was METALLICA's Black Album when I was, like, 14 years old or something, and that was it. I've never looked back. I was hooked. So I did all the METALLICA albums in reverse. I started with the Black Album, '…And Justice For All', '[Master Of] Puppets', blah blah blah. And I just kind of picked up a guitar, saved up some money, managed to get myself a guitar and I just sat down and I just learned everything that I could by ear on those METALLICA records. And that's how I learned to play guitar. And as things progressed then, I got introduced to more heavy stuff, like on the [MTV] show that used to be played called 'Headbangers Ball'… Every weekend, I'd wait for Sunday night to watch 'Headbangers Ball'. I just kind of got introduced to all these heavier, more intense bands, like MACHINE HEAD and PANTERA and stuff like that, SEPULTURA. And I was just, like, 'Fuck.' And that was it, man. I was just off on my journey. And then it snowballed. It just kind of took over my life. All I wanted to do was play guitar; all I wanted to do was start a band with my friends. It was never about becoming famous. I just loved it so much. All my time I just put into learning guitar and trying to create music with my friends. So that was it, really. It's all METALLICA's fault."

Three years ago, Tuck told Radio Bob! that he would love to see METALLICA cover one of his songs. "I take myself to being a 14-year-old kid and going back into that kind of headspace. And METALLICA has always been the reson for any of this happening in the first place," he said. "So to maybe hear them giving one of our songs a little bit of makeover would be a pretty special moment for us. And I think they would do it justice, especially the older stuff. Maybe a song like 'Scream Aim Fire', 'cause that song was just basically built around what they've always done — it's thrashy, it's edgy, it's intense, it's got riffs for days, it's got multiple guitar solos. So I think they could probably do a kick-ass cover of that. That'd be good."

Tuck also reflected in more detail how being first introduced to METALLICA's music when he was 14 years old shaped his earliest songwriting efforts. "I focused all my efforts, even at 14 years old, to sitting down, learning to play guitar by myself," he said. "I didn't take any lessons or anything. I just stuck on the 'Black Album' and off I went — I just kind of learned it from my ears, worked it all out. And that's that, really. So, the moment I got the opportunity to, kind of, jam with other boys, METALLICA was always that band, as we first all started to play those songs together. So we weren't a METALLICA and NIRVANA cover band as such — we were just playing songs from multiple bands, like SLAYER, MACHINE HEAD and PANTERA. Loads of stuff. But METALLICA and NIRVANA were the two bands that our group of friends would most listen to, so that was what we were trying to play."

Back in 2016, Tuck told NME that he wanted to collaborate with METALLICA, adding that the two groups "could make beautiful heavy metal together." Directly addressing the metal legends' lead singer James Hetfield, he put out the call, saying: "Boys, let's make it happen. I'm here, I'm ready when you are."

BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE recorded a cover of METALLICA's "Creeping Death" for Kerrang! magazine's "Higher Voltage" compilation disk. Another METALLICA cover, "Welcome Home (Sanitarium)", was featured on "Remastered" in celebration of the 20th anniversary of the "Master Of Puppets" release and Kerrang!'s 25th anniversary.

In the video below, IRON MAIDEN singer Bruce Dickinson, who is also the chairman of Caerdav, a fully approved and certified Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) and pilot training company based at the St Athan – Cardiff Airport Aerospace Enterprise Zone in South Wales, United Kingdom, talks about the exciting new deal between Caerdav and GE Aviation to provide engine change support for low-cost carrier Flyadeal.

Flyadeal, a subsidiary of Saudi Arabian Airlines, has signed a seven-year TrueChoice Overhaul agreement during the Dubai Airshow to cover CFM56-5B engines that power its 11 A320-200 aircraft fleet. The TrueChoice Overhaul agreement provides time and material required to overhaul Flyadeal's fleet of CFM56-5B engines.

"GE Aviation is honored to provide Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul services and material to support Flyadeal's growth in the Middle East. This agreement will enable us to provide high-quality OEM service to keep Flyadeal's CFM56-5B engine fleet flying," said Russell Stokes, GE Aviation Services president and chief executive officer.

As part of the agreement, GE Aviation provided Flyadeal an end-to-end engine management solution, combining engine overhaul services along with logistics for engine removals, changes and leases. Previously, the cost and logistics of engine removal, delivery and collection was the responsibility of the airline or lessor customer. The company's turnkey approach means these logistics will be handled by GE and its suppliers.

"We are delighted to be working with GE Aviation in developing its first integrated turn-key engine services program which addresses the complete A to Z needs of Flyadeal under a single vendor agreement between GE and Flyadeal. It's a testament to how a true low fare operator like Flyadeal is driving innovation and change by working closely with key partners willing to adapt to the specific operational needs of Flyadeal," said Mike Hewitt, chief operating officer of Flyadeal.

GE Aviation is providing Flyadeal integrated overhaul and engine change services through Caerdav, which is a GE vendor in this agreement.

"This idea represents a new way of doing business for GE, and we are proud to be one of their trusted MRO suppliers. Through working closely with Caerdav, GE will be able to offer their customers a more streamlined, efficient and cost-effective way of managing their engine requirements," said Joachim Jones, group CEO for Caerdav.

The TrueChoice suite of engine maintenance offerings incorporates an array of GE capabilities and customization across an engine's lifecycle. Each TrueChoice offering is underpinned by GE Aviation Fleet Support's 24/7 Remote Monitoring and Diagnostics to help reduce maintenance burden and service disruptions for customers.

Operating from a former RAF maintenance base equipped with 6,000ft ILS runway and parking for up to 20 narrow-bodied airliners, Caerdav specializes in MRO work for Airbus 320s and Boeing 737s, and provides complete training for airline pilots and cabin crew.

FOZZY held what was being billed as the "Ultimate Fozzy Fan Fest" Sunday night (December 12) at the O2 Academy Islington in London, England. The final show of the band's U.K. tour started with a world-exclusive premiere listening party of FOZZY's upcoming album, "Boombox". The LP isn't due out until April 15, 2022, but fans got a chance to hear all 12 new songs for the first time ever in a live setting with the bandmembers themselves. Then FOZZY singer Chris Jericho hosted a question-and-answer session with questions submitted by fans. Fans were invited to come up with their best questions and present them at FOZZY's merch booth, along with their names and where they were from (pen and paper will be provided) and Jericho chose the best ones for him and the band to answer. The event concluded with the band playing two of its biggest songs, "Enemy" and "Judas", live, with special guest vocalists — the fans themselves.

Photos and fan-filmed video footage of the "Ultimate Fozzy Fan Fest" is available below.

Jericho, a former WWE world wrestling champion who currently competes for All Elite Wrestling, was unable to sing at the London concert on doctor's orders due to medical reasons.

Prior to the London gig, FOZZY canceled two shows on its U.K. tour after Jericho was hospitalized.

Chris has not yet publicly commented on the exact nature of his illness.

FOZZY had already played nine shows as part of a 12-date "Save The World" tour of the U.K. before being forced to scrap Friday night's concert in Swansea and Saturday night's show in Nottingham.

"Boombox", which includes the top 10 singles "Nowhere To Run" and "Sane", was once again produced by Johnny Andrews.

FOZZY recently announced the "Save The World" 2022 U.S. tour. The trek, featuring special guests GFM, KRASHKARMA and THE NOCTURNAL AFFAIR, will kick off on March 31 in Detroit, Michigan and wrap on May 16 in Sauget, Illinois.




Posted by Dan Butler on Monday, December 13, 2021



Ultimate Fozzy Fan Fest!! Bit of a different show tonight but was awesome to hear the new album and everything else.

Posted by Dan Butler on Monday, December 13, 2021

Instrustrial metal prophets, Disision:Dark have announced more details and a brand new song from their upcoming debut album, Prophecy.


The so far anonymous five-piece - currently known only as the prophets Ezekiel, Abel, Judas, Aaron and Natanel - has today released another single and video, featuring The Agonist singer, Vicky Psarakis.







"Twisted Game" spreads the sound of the coming doomsday. Watch the clip below:

In a new interview with Ultimate Classic Rock, Pepper Keenan spoke about DOWN's plans to resume touring in 2022. Plans for select shows featuring Keenan, vocalist Philip Anselmo, guitarist Kirk Windstein, drummer Jimmy Bower and bassist Pat Bruders performing DOWN's 1995-released, now-classic debut, "NOLA" in its entirety to celebrate its 25th anniversary were sidelined due to the global pandemic.

"Everybody's just trying to come up for air," Pepper said. "We played Psycho [Las Vegas festival] in Vegas and we played at Fillmore in New Orleans, and they were both slamming shows. We did live streams. It was just so bizarre to be sitting on your ass for a year — literally. We had shit planned all over the fucking place — both [DOWN and CORROSION OF CONFORMITY, Pepper's other band]. And we just got hobbled. So now we're just trying to slowly put it back together without going too fast. But, yeah, it's definitely on the radar."

Keenan went on to say that it is pretty special having Windstein back in DOWN after a six-year absence. A founding member of DOWN, Windstein left the band in 2013 in order to focus on CROWBAR and his family life. He was replaced by Bobby Landgraf, DOWN's former guitar tech who was previously in GAHDZILLA MOTOR COMPANY, a 1990s outfit also featuring Jason McMaster (DANGEROUS TOYS, WATCHTOWER), and HONKY. Windstein announced his return to DOWN in 2019 and played his first show back with the band in August 2020 at a special livestreamed event dubbed "The Quarter Century Throwdown".

"[Kirk] was our missing link," Pepper told Ultimate Classic Rock. "And I did tell everybody, I said, 'I ain't gonna do it unless Kirk's in the band.' I called Kirk. Kirk said, 'I'm in.' We went berserk. We were out of our element and went insane. But we've all known each since we were kids, so you can't be mad that long. And nobody was mad. It was just… [Laughs] We were losing it. We were coming off the rails."

Prior to the August 2020 livestream, DOWN's last live appearance took place at the 2016 edition of Psycho Las Vegas.

DOWN was forced to cancel a number of shows in 2016 after Anselmo was filmed giving a Nazi salute and shouting "white power" at a California concert. Keenan later offered his take on what transpired, telling Metal Wani that DOWN was "far from done" after the controversial incident. "You know, DOWN didn't do anything wrong," he said. "I mean, we were just guilty by association on that one. That was Phil's mistake. I've spoken to Phil and told him to get his shit together, and he is. He knows he made a mistake and was being stupid."

Photo by Danin Drahos

Fans of classic Canadian rockers TRIUMPH are in for a special treat — the launch of the "Triumph Vault" web site on Tuesday, December 14.

By accessing triumphvault.com, fans will be able to discover artifacts from the band's career beginning with a celebration of TRIUMPH's classic 1981 album "Allied Forces".

This inaugural collection will feature a selection of newly discovered artifacts personally curated by drummer Gil Moore, guitarist/vocalist Rik Emmett and bassist Mike Levine in collaboration with Definitive Authentic. Several pieces are partnered with new audio commentary directly from the band.

New collections will be added to the Vault regularly for fans which will unlock over 45 years of TRIUMPH's illustrious rock and roll history through rare photos, audiograms, video, behind the scenes content, and exclusive collectables.

Commemorating the launch, the Triumph Vault will offer signed and numbered limited-edition memorabilia that have never been made available until now. And as part of the celebration and in keeping with the iconic "Allied Forces" cover, fans who sign up for updates via the site are automatically entered to win a Dean Flying V guitar with a personal note from the band.

Said Moore: "We're super excited to have our loyal fans experience the launch of the Triumph Vault. Finally, after years of touring and recording, we're able to unearth and display rare elements and artifacts from TRIUMPH's history. We can now share with our fans what we've been stowing away for years at Metalworks Studios."

TRIUMPH rocked the world, and in the process, gave us countless classic hard rock anthems ("Fight The Good Fight", "Hold On", "Magic Power", "I Live For The Weekend", "Lay It On The Line", and, of course, "Rock & Roll Machine", and albums ("Just A Game", "Progressions Of Power", "Allied Forces", "Never Surrender", "Thunder Seven", etc.).

Originally formed in 1975 and hailing from Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, the trio was always proud of their Great White North roots. And seemingly ever since their inception, TRIUMPH was on the cutting edge of technology when it came to their live show — particularly lighting, sound, and effects. Sophisticated lasers, pyrotechnics and moving lighting rigs, all computer-controlled — TRIUMPH was one of the first arena rock bands to incorporate all of these elements into their shows.

TRIUMPH's headlining tours were legendary, and the band was featured on many memorable stadium/outdoor shows — including the US Festival, the World Series Of Rock, the American Rock Festival and Texxas Jam, Day On The Green, to name but a few. And earlier this year, the band was the focus of a documentary, "Triumph: Rock & Roll Machine", directed by Banger Films' Sam Dunn and Marc Ricciardelli.

ICED EARTH guitarist Jon Schaffer is one of more than two dozen members of the Oath Keepers and the Proud Boys who are being sued by District of Columbia Attorney General Karl Racine in an effort to recover the millions of dollars the city spent to defend the U.S. Capitol during the January 6 attack.

According to CNN, the lawsuit filed Tuesday in federal court in Washington, DC, accuses 31 members of the extremist groups of "conspiring to terrorize the District" on Jan. 6, calling their actions "a coordinated act of domestic terrorism." The lawsuit cites the Ku Klux Klan Act of 1871, a federal law created after the Civil War to protect civil rights and, as Racine noted, "to protect against vigilantes and insurrectionists."

"I think the damages are substantial," Racine told The Washington Post. "If it so happens that it bankrupts or puts these individuals and entities in financial peril, so be it."

The 84-page complaint, which can be found at this location, describes Schaffer as "a founding, lifetime member of the Oath Keepers." It goes on to say: "Schaffer was criminally charged and indicted for his role in perpetrating the January 6th Attack. In connection with a promise to cooperate with investigators and potentially testify in criminal cases related to the conspiracy to commit the January 6th Attack, Schaffer pleaded guilty to the entire Statement of Offense in the criminal action brought against him, which included two felony offenses: (1) trespass of the Capitol while armed with a deadly or dangerous weapon and (2) obstruction of an official proceeding of Congress. The Criminal Complaint filed against Schaffer—as well as Schaffer's Plea Agreement and the accompanying Statement of Offense describing his conduct—are publicly available documents that are hereby incorporated into the Complaint by reference."

"No one bore the brunt of this gutless attack more than the courageous law enforcement officers including the men and women of the DC Metropolitan Police Department who went into the fire and violence with one objective in mind: remove the violent mob and restore our country's fragile democracy," Racine said at a news conference.

"The defendants, as you know, were not tourists, nor were they acting patriotically," he added. "They were vigilantes, members of a mob, insurrectionists who sought to crush our country's freedoms."

As part of his April 2021 plea deal, Jon entered into a cooperation agreement with the government.

Although Schaffer was initially charged with six crimes, including engaging in an act of physical violence and targeting police with bear spray, he pleaded guilty to only two charges: obstruction of an official proceeding of Congress; and trespassing on restricted grounds of the Capitol while armed with a deadly or dangerous weapon. The first charge is punishable by up to 20 years in prison, while the second carries up to a 10-year prison term.

In his plea agreement, Schaffer acknowledged that on January 6, 2021 he was in Washington to attend the "Stop The Steal" rally at the Ellipse in Washington, D.C. to protest the results of the presidential election, which he believed were fraudulent. Schaffer wore a tactical vest and carried bear spray, a dangerous weapon and chemical irritant used to ward off bears. When the rally finished, Schaffer joined a large crowd that marched from the Ellipse to the Capitol, where a joint session of Congress, presided over by Vice President Michael Pence, was in session to certify the electoral college vote results. Shortly after 2:00 p.m., members of the mob forced entry into the Capitol building, disrupting the joint session and causing members of Congress and the Vice President to be evacuated from the House and Senate chambers.

In his plea agreement, Schaffer admitted that after arriving on Capitol grounds, he walked past barriers intended to restrict access to the public and to a set of locked doors on the Capitol's west side. At approximately 2:40 p.m., Schaffer positioned himself at the front of a crowd that broke open a set of doors being guarded by four U.S. Capitol Police (USCP) officers wearing riot gear. Schaffer admitted to being among the first individuals to push past the damaged doors and into the Capitol building, forcing officers to retreat. Schaffer and others advanced toward five or six backpedaling USCP officers while members of the mob swelled inside of the Capitol and overwhelmed the officers. The officers ultimately deployed a chemical irritant to disperse the mob. Schaffer was among the people who were sprayed in the face, after which he exited while holding his own bear spray in his hands.

After pleading guilty, Schaffer was released on the following conditions:

* Schaffer must submit to court supervision in the Northem Dlstrict of Indiana.

* Schaffer will surrender his passport and any other international travel documents.

* Must stay outside of D.C. except for court hearings and meetings with attorneys.

* Will be permitted to travel within the continental United States with notice to pretrial services.

* Schaffer cannot possess any firearms or explosive devices, including legally owned firearms. Any firearms must be removed from his home.

As part of the plea deal, Schaffer agreed to cooperate with investigators and potentially testify in related criminal cases, according to CNN. In return for Schaffer's assistance, the Justice Department might later urge the judge to show leniency during his sentencing.

As part of the agreement, the Justice Department has offered to sponsor Schaffer for the witness protection program.

The 53-year-old musician was the first Capitol riot defendant to reach a plea deal.

The Indiana chapter of the Oath Keepers distanced itself from Schaffer after his arrest, claiming he was not a member of the local group. But the national organization, which sells lifetime memberships for $1,200, has not commented on his alleged affiliation with the group.

At a November 2020 Donald Trump rally in Washington, D.C., Schaffer was videotaped walking behind a Florida couple, Kelly Meggs and Connie Meggs, who were accused of being among 10 members of the Oath Keepers to have played a leading role in the Capitol assault. According to federal authorities, Kelly and Connie Meggs plotted for weeks ahead of the attack, attended training sessions and recruited others. Kelly Meggs is the head of the Oath Keepers' chapter in Florida.

Following the initial reports that Schaffer was involved in the riot, his ICED EARTH bandmates distanced themselves from his actions. Singer Stu Block and bassist Luke Appleton later posted separate statements on social media announcing their resignations. BLIND GUARDIAN frontman Hansi Kürsch also quit DEMONS & WIZARDS, his long-running project with Schaffer. The allegations also apparently affected Schaffer's relationship with his longtime record label Century Media, which had released albums from both ICED EARTH and DEMONS & WIZARDS. As of mid-January, the Century Media artist roster page did not list either band.

From rewriting the hard rock rulebook with his Grammy Award-winning trio HIGH ON FIRE to reverse-engineering doom metal with his genre-defining trio SLEEP, Matt Pike has channeled his natural talents and chiseled a steely path straight to the heart of modern-day metal's molten core. On February 18, Pike will release his debut solo LP, "Pike Vs. The Automaton", via MNRK Heavy.

Born out of the challenges brought on by a worldwide pandemic, birthed under hellish red-orange skies bred from rampaging west coast wildfires, and built amidst the yearlong political riots and rallies in Portland, Oregon, Pike's solo debut, "Pike Vs. The Automaton", is both a musical and emotional release. The record was written by Pike with drummer Jon Reid, features contributions from a slew of family and friends, and was recorded with longtime conspirator Billy Anderson, the producer who brought the best out of Pike previously on touchstone titles such as "Surrounded By Thieves" and "Sleep's Holy Mountain".

"I was just going bonkers during the pandemic. It was like really, truly miserable. And then all the riots here in Portland and all the political shit. I was trapped in my garage, which was the only place I could go and jam and do anything," confesses Pike. "I was trapped in there 'cause I couldn't go jam with HIGH ON FIRE, I couldn't do this, I couldn't do that, no one could fly. I was going crazy. My friend Jon Reid, who was the original drummer for LORD DYING, had moved to Portland and was babysitting my dog, Crom, and he was drumming for my wife's band, so he had his drums already set up at my place. I finally said, 'Dude, do you want to come over and just start jamming?' So, I just started this thing with my friend Jon. I was like, 'Dude, fuck it. Let's start a side band and we'll just demo this and act like we're starting it as teenagers, you know?'

"Pike Vs. The Automaton" is advanced by the bizarrely titled track "Alien Slut Mum". A video for the song premiered via Decibel, which states: "Matt Pike is a trailblazing visionary possessed by a mindset which, from the outside looking in, appears to be steeped in pure desperation. Perhaps this is why the SLEEP/HIGH ON FIRE shredder is still so creatively sharp in a moment when so many of his peers and devotees are stuck in "echo" phases while Pike continues to plant flags in new sonic and aesthetic territories."

When asked for comment on the clip, Pike cryptically replies: "Four friends enter the woods, for a getaway, little did they know they would never return! Dogmen, Sasquach, Reptilians, or alien slut mum?!?! Where have they gone??"

"Necessity is the mother of invention" is a well-known proverb that has proven itself true time and time again. When the need for something becomes imperative, you are forced to find ways of getting or achieving it. In this true story, the need for Pike was to create and play music with others at a time when that lifelong love was seemingly out of reach.

Guest musicians on "Pike Vs. The Automaton" include Alyssa Maucere-Pike (LORD DYING, GRIGAX), Chad "Chief" Hartgrave, Brent Hinds (MASTODON), Steve McPeeks (WEST END MOTEL), Josh Greene (EL CERDO), Todd Burdette (TRAGEDY), and HIGH ON FIRE's Jeff Matz, who lays down Turkish electric saz on the album's towering closing track "Leaving The Wars Of Woe".

"Pike Vs. The Automaton" track listing:

01. Abusive

02. Throat Cobra

03. Trapped In A Midcave

04. Epoxia

05. Land

06. Alien Slut Mum

07. Apollyon

08. Acid Test Zone

09. Latin American Geological Formation

10. Leaving The Wars Of Woe

"The album title, 'Pike Vs. The Automaton', wasn't an ego thing for me," says Pike. "Billy and Jon said, 'Dude, you should use your name in this. This is your solo project.' I said, 'I don't want to do that.'

"The Automaton, in Greek mythology, is the big robot that's the guardian of the Gods, basically. It's a soulless, big machine named Talos. The big machine that's working against mankind at this moment. In 'Jason And The Argonauts', Jason and the Argonauts have to battle this big machine guy that protects the island. Basically, what the album title is saying, metaphorically, is 'Pike against the world.'"

"I made a psychedelic rock record that SLEEP and HIGH ON FIRE fans would like," Pike continues when asked for a CliffsNotes description of "Pike Vs. The Automaton". "And maybe if you're not a SLEEP or HIGH ON FIRE fan, you might like it too. I definitely think it's interesting; it has D-Beat punk, two-step. It's got everything and it still works together, it doesn't sound odd. It's just an off-the-wall psychedelic rock record."

According to The Bookseller, Headline will publish the upcoming autobiography from Dave Davies of THE KINKS.

Due in hardback and e-book in July 2022, "Living On A Thin Line" "will explore the glory days of the band, its legacy and the turbulent relationship" between Dave and his brother, and fellow THE KINKS co-founder, Ray Davies.

Dave Davies said: "I've had a laugh, and shed quite a few tears, thinking back over the last six decades since THE KINKS had our first hit in 1964 with 'You Really Got Me'. Here are the ups and downs of my life in THE KINKS and what happened afterwards. Prepare to be amazed and, I hope, surprised."

Dave Davies is a musician who needs little introduction. As a founding member of legendary rock group THE KINKS, his guitar sound, unique style and songwriting has shaped the landscape of rock and pop music across generations. A pioneering rock guitarist who singlehandedly changed rock and roll when he sliced his little green Elpico amp speaker with a razor blade, creating the first heavy metal guitar tone and riff. This revolutionary guitar sound propelled THE KINKS into stardom with the global smash hits "You Really Got Me" and "All Day And All Of The Night", followed by numerous other classics over the next decades.

"As lead guitarist and co-founder of THE KINKS, Dave Davies is one of the most unpredictable and original forces in rock," enthuses writer Bill Crowley. "His distinctive guitar style went on to have major impact on several key guitar-rock styles, including heavy metal and punk. A Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame inductee, Dave's massive guitar sounds have inspired bands from VAN HALEN to GREEN DAY."

BEHEMOTH frontman Adam "Nergal" Darski has once again blasted people who are still skeptical of the COVID-19 vaccine.

The musician, who went public last month with the fact that he received a COVID-19 vaccine booster shot, took to his Instagram earlier today (Tuesday, December 14) to share a video message in which he can be seen wearing a "Roman Vaccination" t-shirt depicting Jesus Christ on a cross being pierced by a Roman soldier. In the video, he can be heard saying (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "So, guys, since there's still a lot of people skeptical about vaccinations and there's definitely way too many covidiots out there, I'd like you to pay attention to this design on this beautiful shirt. Look at that — 'Roman Vaccination'. It did the trick two thousand years ago. Trust me, it does the trick after two thousand years. So, don't be a covidiot. Go and fucking get the vaccine. And stay conscious. Stay aware."

A "covidiot" has been defined as "a person who acts like an irresponsible idiot during the COVID-19 pandemic, ignoring common sense, decency, science, and professional advice leading to the further spread of the virus and needless deaths of thousands."

Last month, Nergal shared a photo of him getting the additional dose of a vaccine after the protection provided by his original shots had begun to decrease over time. He wrote in an accompanying message: "3rd jab done!

"Not even religious topics are as polarizing as vaccinations these days. But both have soooo much in common. You can either put your trust in proven science or you can continue to live with outdated pseudo beliefs. But god forbid you become seriously ill…"

The 44-year-old Polish native, who was diagnosed with a severe case of leukemia over a decade ago, added: "Consider your people! DO NOT BE COVIDIOT, be kind to each other." (A "covidiot" has been defined as "a person who acts like an irresponsible idiot during the COVID-19 pandemic, ignoring common sense, decency, science, and professional advice leading to the further spread of the virus and needless deaths of thousands.")

Booster shots are recommended by federal agencies for anyone over the age of 16 who has received the Moderna and Pfizer vaccine, six months after receiving their second dose, if they are over the age of 65, have an underlying medical condition or are at high risk for exposure.

In the U.S., more than 60% of the population are currently fully vaccinated against the coronavirus, while more than 72% have received at least one shot, according to data from the CDC.

More than 797,000 people have died from the coronavirus in the U.S.

According to the nonpartisan, nonprofit web site Fact Check, while vaccines reduce the probability of getting infected, they are not 100% effective, so there is a chance that an unvaccinated person could infect a vaccinated person — particularly the vulnerable, such as elderly and immunocompromised individuals. And, despite vaccination providing excellent protection against severe disease, a small proportion of vaccinated people still require ICU care.
























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HOLLYWOOD GODS N' MONSTERS, the new band featuring former STEEL PANTHER bassist Travis Haley (a.k.a. Lexxi Foxx) and longtime friend and television celebrity from MTV's "Pimp My Ride", Diggity Dave, made its live debut this past Friday, December 10 at Boondocks Patio & Grill in Scottsdale, Arizona. Photos and fan-filmed video of the concert can be seen below.

After the show, HOLLYWOOD GODS N' MONSTERS shared a few photos of the gig and wrote in an accompanying message: "First show in the bag....completely sold out and hundreds of people turned away because it was at capacity an hour before we even went on. Thank you for the support...we promise you it does not fall on deaf ears nor blind hearts. #HGNM #Smashup#Getfu*kinsmashed#band#hollywood #concert #livemusic".

After performing for over two decades with his former band, Haley had amicably decided to move on and do something a little different in the space of music and bass playing alike.

Diggity Dave explains: "It's not like he ever thought he wasn't challenged by the copious amount of talent that resided within STEEL PANTHER; it's just that he wanted to explore different kinds of music and was intrigued by some of the music I was sending him."

Diggity Dave has been doing television since the early 2000s but came from the world of music. Diggity was signed to Warner Brothers Records in the mid-1990s with a band he fronted named SHAKE THE FAITH which featured Tommy Thayer (KISS) on guitar, Brian Jennings on guitar (who went on to play with TVT recording artists CLOSURE) and drummer Danny Parker (who went on to co-found Warner Brothers recording artist BEAUTIFUL CREATURES). After a decade of being on MTV, Diggity went on to star in countless other TV shows, including "Battleground Earth" with longtime friend Tommy Lee (MÖTLEY CRÜE) and famed rapper Ludacris.

Travis, Diggity, Brian, Danny and their female singer 7even (Kris Aragon) have known one another for 20 years before collaborating on this magnipotent, musical, mishmash.

Travis says: "I am very proud of what I've accomplished with my other band. Nothing can take away the memories and the camaraderie that existed for all those years, but I just felt it was time for something new. When I heard this music, I knew this was the group of friends and the music I wanted to collaborate on."

Because Diggity, Brian and Danny had all played in a previous band together and had been best of friends with Haley for more than half their lives, the opportunity to form a new band was simply too compelling not to do so. Diggity confesses that the challenge was what kind of music they would construct. "Once we figured it out, we then set out to find the missing pieces that would propel the sonic and sound needed to round out this parade of hooligans," he says. "We knew we were in need of two types of talent. A rapper extraordinaire that could dismantle any genre of music and reconstruct it into his own image, and a female singer that could terrorize through the throat but tingle the testicles. We managed to find the perfect purveyors of punched out panic."

HOLLYWOOD GODS N' MONSTERS has enlisted a rapper named Hype (a.k.a. H.M.K.) who is a phenom in the world of not just rap but also as a vocalist. Hype, who released a single titled "Money & Power", was already a bullet on the rise in the musical scene when he was brought into the fold with HGNM. Hype says: "I knew this was a great opportunity to represent legends past and present from all genres of music, while also transforming music for a new generation. It was a no-brainer to team up with these rockstars and 'Define My Hype' to the world."

Rounding it out was a female singer who goes by the name 7even (also known as Kris Aragon). Travis says 7even was vital for the overall sound of the band because the music demanded not just a female presence, but a female who could occupy a musical space that was jumping from pop, punk, rock, rap, and country.

HOLLYWOOD GODS N' MONSTERS' music is what some might call "mashup" but they get agitated when people throw them in that category. HGNM is a new hybrid of musical forms, one that has not been explored, but is sure to ignite a million copy bands once they "blow up the area" and introduce the world to "smashup" music. The band explains it as a blender of styles, sounds, artists, genres, and attitudes.

Travis says: "This generation, the one before it, and the one that's following are ripe for a band like us. It's about losing yourself in the music, about dancing, about feeling alive. That's why the DJ scene has conquered music — because people wanna go to a show and identify and recognize the songs they're ingesting. They just wanna be enveloped in the music they know, their friends know, and hell… even their parents know."

Diggity closes by saying: "We are not a cover band. This is original stuff we're creating, and it's a living, breathing history of music. We equate it to what DJs are doing, but in the form of a full band smashing together the songs every generation has grown up with. What other band is mixing the '70s band CHIC with QUEEN, AEROSMITH, SUGARHILL GANG, BLONDIE and DMX? And that's just one song by us. Also, kids wanna see rock stars again… larger-than-life entities on stage that mirror the atmosphere. Think of us as a bigass American jukebox… where all the records in it have melted together… except when you press B5…you get that plus B6, B7, B8 and the track you thought you knew is now a stitched-up Frankenstein jam that makes you shake your ass harder than ever."






























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Thanks to everyone that showed up last night for Hollywood Gods n Monsters Toys for Tots drive last night at Boondocks! How insanely amazing was that show?! Get ready because this is only the beginning!

Posted by Anne Parker on Saturday, December 11, 2021

The fourth episode of "Psycho Schizo Espresso", a brand new podcast from IRON MAIDEN's Bruce Dickinson and Oxford University psychologist and best-selling author Dr. Kevin Dutton, has just been launched across all podcast platforms. Check it out below.

In this episode, Dutton and Dickinson chat to STATUS QUO founder and frontman Francis Rossi about how to survive in the shark pit of rock and roll. They talk egos, personas, and the psychological dynamics of being in an enduring, iconic rock band. Oh, and does it really make sense for Spotify to have over 4000 different music genres?

You can listen to "Psycho Schizo Espresso" wherever you get your podcasts, and the show is also available in Vodcast form on YouTube. Head to this location to find the podcast on your favorite platform.

Official podcast description: "If psychology was a country, then it would be the world's top tourist destination bar none. It's an enchanted territory with something for everyone: from aliens to drug lords, from serial killers to conspiracy theories. Join intellectual explorers Bruce Dickinson and Dr. Kevin Dutton for an Indiana Jones style adventure through some of its most far-flung corners as they delve into the psyches of rock icons, sporting superstars, and special forces soldiers and get the latest tips and insights from some of the most respected thought leaders and brain scientists on the planet. If you've ever wondered whether psychopaths like Hannibal Lecter and Patrick Bateman really exist outside the imaginations of Hollywood screenwriters and film directors, why ghosts only seem to appear at night, and about the true meaning of the Book of Revelation's most enduring and enigmatic mystery — 666, the number of the beast — then welcome aboard Flight Psycho Schizo Espresso and observe the 'fasten seatbelt' sign!"

Dutton explained how the idea for the podcast came about: "Not long after meeting Bruce, it became instantly clear to me that we shared a number of wide-reaching interests and that we should channel that into a podcast. 'Psycho Schizo Espresso' is certainly a journey of exploration for the both of us, and we are sure our listeners are going to learn a lot from our guests. Whether from the music industry, academia or elsewhere — you may, for instance, share our interest in psychopaths, both good and bad — this is certainly a podcast that we feel everyone will enjoy and should go and subscribe to straight away."

Brazilian singer, Alirio, released his Frontiers Music Srl debut, All Things Must Pass, back in August. Watch a video for the digital bonus track "Breeze" below, and order/save All Things Must Pass here.


Alirio is a Brazilian singer and actor, one of the most recognized rock voices in Brazil and up-and-coming names amongst the greatest singers in the country. Whether it’s on stage, in the studio, or performing in musical theatre, Alirio makes a strong impression with his powerful voice, amazing range, and effortless control. "I consider myself a very eclectic songwriter when it comes to styles of rock. My favorite songwriters at the moment, and also huge influences, are Chris Cornell, George Harrison and, obviously, Queen," says Alirio.


Of the meaning behind the first single from the album, he continues, "Power is constantly shifting hands and you gotta try to make the most of it while you have it. But that too will pass, and, when it does, will you have been true to yourself or have been corrupted by the system?"




All Things Must Pass will be Alirio’s international album debut. It embraces a wide range of rock and hard rock styles, always allowing space for great melodies and soaring ballads. The musicians on the album include drummer Adriano Daga (Grammy award winner as a producer) and bassist Felipe Andreoli (Angra). And none other than Journey vocalist Arnel Pineda appears for a duet on the album.


"I am thrilled and truly heartfelt in being a part of the Frontiers family,” says Alirio. "This album is very special to me, not only for featuring really close friends who are well known worldwide, but specially for the passion and truth I put into every single note of this album. I have to say that this might be the most honest work of my career. Having a record label of this magnitude believe in my music in such a rough moment for the whole world is a huge blessing."


As a rock singer, Alirio has fronted the band Khallice, who had signed to the prog rock label Magna Carta for the release of their debut album, The Journey. Alirio was also in the metal band Age Of Artemis, who released two albums, one of them produced by renowned singer and producer Edu Falaschi (ex-Angra). More recently, he joined the band Shaman as a replacement for the departed Andre Matos.


Alirio has also participated in several musical theatre productions, including the lead “Galileo” in We Will Rock You, the official musical production by Queen. He was also later announced as the new lead singer for the band Queen Extravaganza, which led Roger Taylor to comment, “Alirio is not only a superlative singer, he is also a great showman.”


Alirio also dubbed to Portuguese the character “Lefu” in the Beauty And The Beast live action by Disney.


Additionally, Alirio has also played the role of Jesus in the official Mexican production of Jesus Christ Superstar. He also played the role of Judas in the official Brazilian production of the same show, for which he was nominated 2014's Best Lead Actor by the “Estado de São Paulo” newspaper. This led to doors opening for him in his home country, where performances soon followed on some of the main TV shows in Brazil. He performed on the biggest talk show in the country, hosted by Jo Soares, among various other TV shows including Altas Horas, Faustão, The Noite, Jornal Hoje, Jornal do SBT, Jornal da Globo, and Programa Todo Seu, and he also performed on the TV show Good Morning L.A. in the United States along with the Queen Extravaganza.





Tracklisting:


"All Things Must Pass"
"Let It All Burn" (Feat. Hugo Mariutti)
"Here I Am"
"Back To The Roots"
"The First Time"
"Edinburgh"
"Back To The Light" (Feat. Andria Busic)
"I'm Still Here" (Feat. Andria Busic)
"Grey" (Feat. Arnel Pineda)
"You Hate" (Feat. Alberto Rionda)
"Breeze" (Bonus Track Digital)
"Come With Me" (Bonus Track Digital)
"Gipsy" (Bonus Track Digital)
"Mentiras" (Feat. Alberto Rionda) (Bonus Track Digital)
"Nada Se Compara" (Bonus Track Digital)


"Breeze" video:





"Grey" (Feat. Arnel Pineda) lyric video:





"All Things Must Pass" video:

Frontiers Music Srl recently announced the release of Seminole, the upcoming new album from Edge Of Forever, on January 21. Today, the band has released a new single and video, "Get Up On Your Feet Again". Watch the video below, and pre-order/save Seminole on CD/Limited Edition Color LP/Digital here.


Edge Of Forever returns with a new record Seminole, following two years after their fourth album, Native Soul. The last album saw a "rebirth" for the band with new members guitarist Aldo Lonobile (Secret Sphere, Archon Angel) and drummer Marco di Salvia (Hardline) joining with band founder and vocalist/keyboardist Alessandro Del Vecchio and bassist Nik Mazzucconi (Labyrinth). Seminole continues the band’s tradition of combining inspirational and positive lyrics with powerful riffs, anthemic vocals, and skilled musicianship inspired by the heart and depth of Native American culture.


Once again produced by main songwriter and vocalist Alessandro Del Vecchio,Seminole" lifts every element the band is known for to the next level. With songs like “Get Up On Your Feet Again”, “Breath Of Life”, “Shift The Paradigm”, and “Our Battle Rages On", the album is a reflection of our times with a positive and deep outlook. The album reaches its peak with the ending mini-suite “Seminole”, a four part piece featuring everything distinctive element you would expect from Edge Of Forever: intricate vocal harmonies, soaring choruses, powerful rhythms, and blistering solos set to a story that everybody can relate to. A story of resilience, perseverance, love, and positive mental attitude.




For their last album, the band should have left on tour for a few months, hitting the road with the likes of Harem Scarem, but pandemic hit and, like every other band, they were left with no gigs for a year and a half. So, the band took the time to write and dig down deep to find their best songs. With the majority of the album written by Alessandro Del Vecchio, the final four piece suite “Seminole” sees, for the first time, writing contributions from drummer Marco Di Salvia.


“I didn’t wanna just write another album, another batch of songs. Being a prolific songwriter makes it easy and natural for me to sit down and write, channel the inspiration and translate that idea into music and lyrics. But Edge Of Forever is different for me. It’s my island where I don’t wanna just write songs that I sing. I want to tell stories that can inspire people to reach their goals, live for their dreams, face adversities, and win over all the odds that life throws at us. Native Soul could have easily been a solo record since I wrote it with a band torn apart by personal issues. Then I was lucky when Aldo and Marco entered the picture and could turn it into such a strong album. Still, today I pride myself with Native Soul, but when I put myself in my EOF-mode for Seminole, I wrote every single note for my bandmates. I wanted them to shine and have a blueprint where they could weave our canvas with their personality and definitively be themselves. They were the main drive and inspiration to write these songs and I can’t thank them enough for making these songs what they have become now. We pushed everything beyond our limits: songwriting, production, arrangements, performances, but especially what we delivered in all songs is beyond, beyond us, beyond what my vision was when I wrote these songs. Seminole is a conceptual album about my life, everybody’s life. I tell the story through the lenses of a Seminole warrior and how from a defeat you can still come out stronger and even more resilient, only if you want to. Sit down and enjoy how my story began, in the land of the Seminole…," says Alessandro Del Vecchio.


Seminole is a band effort, a mirror of a group of preeminent musicians feeling as one, ready to conquer with their anthemic vocals, extraordinary musicianship, and inspiring stories.





Tracklisting:


"Get Up On Your Feet Again"
"On The Other Side Of Pain"
"Made It Through"
"Shift The Paradigm"
"Another Salvation"
"Breath Of Life"
"Wrong Dimension"
"Our Battle Rages On"
"Seminole Pt.1 In The Land Of The Seminole"
"Seminole Pt.2 Mistake Reality"
"Seminole Pt.3 Rewrite The Story"
"Seminole Pt.4 The End's Starting To Begin"


"Get Up On Your Feet Again" video:





"Shift The Paradigm" video:





Lineup:


Alessandro Del Vecchio - Vocals, keyboards
Aldo Lonobile - Guitars
Nik Mazzucconi - Bass
Marco di Salvia - Drums

Swedish metallers, Avatar, recently released the new song, "So Sang The Hollow". A new lyric video for the track can be viewed below.





Says the band: "'So Sang the Hollow' has left you frozen in terror, yet melted your heart. Now you can read along and finally understand why and fall into a brand new pit of darkness. Check the lyric video now!"







Stream the single here.





Avatar also released the new single, "Construction Of Souls". A lyric video for the track can be viewed below.





Says the band: "Surprise, surprise! Winter brings darkness, but we bring the storm! 'Construction Of Souls', a tale of the ultimate social engineering - the rise of the robots - is out and live. Listen in awe and admiration NOW!"


Get the single here.





Avatar is:


Johannes Eckerström - Vocals
John Alfredsson - Drums
Henrik Sandelin - Bass
Jonas Jarlsby - Guitars
Tim Öhrström - Guitars

One week from today, Enslaved will be launching a streaming event, The Otherworldly Big Band Experience will take place this coming Winter Solstice, on Tuesday December 21 at 12 PM, PT / 3 PM, ET. Fellow psychedelic Norwegian prog band Shaman Elephant will be joining Enslaved onstage, inspired by the creative dynamics of their recent joint Norwegian tour.


Fans can expect an Enslaved show like none other, their biggest, boldest project to date - a colossal, kaleidoscopic stage show featuring a stellar setlist covering their career, both past and present. Including some tracks never previously performed live.


Watch the new stream trailer released today:







The Otherworldly Big Band Experience


- Tuesday December 21 at 12 PM, PT / 3 PM, ET
- Tickets are now on sale now via enslavedstore.com
- The stream will be available to watch until the end of December 24
- Stream FAQ + support info is here





Enslaved's Ivar Bjørnson gave some insight, "Soon, the sun will turn - once again marking the transition from one year to another and the onset of brighter days ahead. We are many who wish to see this coming Winter Solstice mark a lasting turning away from dark days behind us. We have kept it up all along; virtual tours, rehearsing, writing, and releasing an album and an EP. You heard us when we said, “this will not stop us!” - the Enslaved Community has grown stronger through the crisis. Now we will close this cycle with a grandiose virtual concert, and hope for you to join us from all over the world.


"The Otherworldly Big Band Experience is about wanting to show even more of what Enslaved is: Enslaved is also an idea. It is a live band that is teeth-grittingly metal, has rock’n’roll in its DNA, while maintaining and expanding on its position as a groundbreaking progressive metal act. All while exploring the boundaries of Norse Mythology and Rune-lore, Psychology and History.


"We have recruited both an extension to the line-up with the young and talented Bergen prog rock band, Shaman Elephant. We have worked together with some of the most talented moviemakers and visual wizards around - also young and from Bergen: Kolibri Media. Add the Enslaved live crew to the mix and you have got magic, no less.


"We have aspired to create a concert film that reflects this expanded representation of Enslaved and cannot wait to show you all. It is bigger than any project we have done before, and it is unlike anything else you have seen in this kind of music. You will see and hear songs that have never been performed before. Songs you might have heard will sound and look like you haven’t seen and heard before. There is new material, and material as old as the band. One constant binds it all together: it is Enslaved."

Nine years after forming, legendary heavy metal duo, Ashes Of Ares, recently announced the release of their third studio album, Emperors And Fools.


This album sees Matt Barlow and Freddie Vidales take the darkness and aggression from their previous album, Well Of Souls, to a higher echelon. The writing process began almost immediately after Well Of Souls was released. As usual, it was a true collaborative effort between the two, with ideas originating from one or the other, then evolving and being refined to what is presented on Emperors And Fools.


The album flow is designed to keep the listeners on edge while bringing them from fast, heavy, pounding anthems to somber, melancholic, emotional pieces. The album ends with the eleven-minute long epic “Monster’s Lament” which features the long-imagined joining of forces between Matt Barlow and Tim "Ripper" Owens.




The Metal Voice recently spoke to both Barlow and Owens about the album and "Monster’s Lament". Both singers have never done an interview together up until now. Watch below:





Emperors And Fools will be released on January 21 as digipak CD, limited Turquoise/Black Splatter Vinyl (300 copies worldwide), limited Red/Black Splatter Vinyl (300 copies worldwide) and digital streaming and download format.


• Produced by Ashes of Ares
• Mixed and mastered by Byron Filson at Villain Recording, Phoenix, Arizona
• Drums recorded by Ed Warrin of LCS Productions
• Artwork by Kamil Pietruczynik


Pre-order the album here.





Tracklisting:


"A City In Decay" (Intro)
"I Am The Night"
"Our Last Sunrise"
"Primed"
"Where God Fears To Go"
"Emperors And Fools"
"By My Blade"
"What Tomorrow Will Bring"
"The Iron Throne"
"Gone"
"Throne Of Iniquity" (CD Exclusive Track)
"Monster’s Lament"


"By My Blade" lyric video:





Ashes Of Ares are:


Matt Barlow - Vocals
Freddie Vidales – Guitars, Bass


Guests:


Drums on all tracks by Van Williams
Keyboard intro composed by Jonah Weingarten
1st solo “The Iron Throne” by Wiley Arnett of Sacred Reich
2nd solo “The Iron Throne” by Charlie Mark
2nd solo “Monster’s Lament” by Bill Hudson
Guest vocals “Monster’s Lament” by Tim "Ripper" Owens
Keyboards “Monster’s Lament” by Brian Trainor

Mark Stein has just released a new collection of songs through Deko Entertainment about hope, unity, concern and redemption, titled There’s A Light. Sidelined during the recent Covid-19 pandemic and unable to perform live with popular rock band, Vanilla Fudge, Mark decided to put his down time to good use. He wanted to write and record songs about what was going on in America and the rest of the world. He saw social unrest, racial disparity, political division, violence, widespread sickness, and an entire world on the brink of an economic disaster due to the spread of a disease like no other. Yet, at the same time, Stein saw a great opportunity.


Mark has just released a video for the track “Let’s Pray For Peace”, which even resonates more during this Holiday season. As Mark explains, “During this Holiday Season, I hope this song helps to bring our volatile world a little closer together. Merry Christmas & A Happy Healthy New Year.”







There’s A Light, Mark’s first ever solo album is a thematic collection of ten songs which weave a remarkable story of what America was, has become, and may or may not face in its future.


Mark Stein first came to prominence in Vanilla Fudge, formed with Carmine Appice, Tim Bogert and Vince Martell. Sold out world tours; hit albums and singles; and a reputation as a group steeped in cutting-edge musicianship has allowed Vanilla Fudge to be one of the most influential acts to rise from the revolutionary 1960s. In addition to his many years within Vanilla Fudge, Stein has also worked extensively with such rock legends as Alice Cooper, Dave Mason, and the late guitarist Tommy Bolin. He has also made guest appearances with Deep Purple, Carl Palmer, Steve Miller and once recorded and sang with Michael Jackson.


There are limited edition bundles (while supplies last), which can be ordered via the Mark Stein Store, here.


Product Includes:


- One (1) Mark Stein – There’s A Light CD (Autographed)
- One (1) Mark Stein – There’s A Light T-Shirt
- One (1) Mark Stein – There’s A Light Bandana
- One (1) Mark Stein – Exclusive "We Are One" Bracelet
- One (1) Mark Stein – "You Keep Me Hangin’ On" Book





There’s A Light tracklisting:


"We Are One"
"Ball Of Confusion"
"We Are Survivors"
"Lyin'"
"Racism"
"All Lives Matter"
"Let's Pray For Peace"
"People Got To Be Free"
"Break It Down"
"America The Beautiful"


"Ball Of Confusion" lyric video:





"We Are One" video:





(Photo - Marek Hofman Photography)

Amorphis recently released “The Moon”, a beautifully haunting first taste of their forthcoming album Halo, set for release on February 11 via Atomic Fire Records. To shorten the wait until the arrival of their second single, “On The Dark Waters” (out January 28), the band has announced a limited 7" blue/white vinyl single of the same name, due out on the same day.


The 7" can be pre-ordered here







"On The Dark Waters" 7" tracklisting:


Side A: "On The Dark Waters"
Side B: "We Accursed" (live)


In addition, Amorphis have launched a documentary series in support of their upcoming album, Halo, out on February 11.


In the first episode of the series, Amorphis give insights into the band's studio work. Watch drummer Jan Rechberger as he discusses his part of the album recording process, for which he cooperated with Oskari Auramo among others.


Jan states: "Of course, the production process was a bit different this time because of the Covid situation; everything had to be done remotely, so Jens [Bogren; producer] wasn't there to kick our a**es. But overall, the result will stand the test of time a bit better than our previous records in my opinion as it's even more progressive and even more unpredictable: it's a bit longer songs and I think even heavier, rhythmically more interesting and a sort of rougher."





Once again adorned by artwork provided by Valnoir, Halo was recorded, produced and mixed Jens Bogren (Fascination Street Studios) while mastering duties were handled by Tony Lindgren.


Pre-order the album physically, pre-save it or pre-order it digitally, here.





Halo tracklisting:


"Northwards"
"On The Dark Waters"
"The Moon"
"Windmane"
"A New Land"
"When The Gods Came"
"Seven Roads Come Together"
"War"
"Halo"
"The Wolf"
"My Name Is Night"


"The Moon" video:





In the past, mythology and legend took the role of today’s pop culture: Stories and a set of values uniting us by giving us a voice and a tapestry on which we can find each other and identify with something. By weaving the tales of Finnish national epos Kalevala into their songs and interpreting them in a timeless way, Amorphis combines the role of ancient minstrels and luminaries of the modern world, honouring tradition without getting stuck in the past.


The vibrant, lively, and touching beauty that is Halo highlights their musical and storytelling mastership on a once again soaring level: It’s a progressive, melodic, and quintessentially melancholic heavy metal masterwork plucked from the fickle void of inspiration by original guitarists Esa Holopainen and Tomi Koivusaari, bassist Olli-Pekka Laine, drummer Jan Rechberger, longtime keyboardist Santeri Kallio, vocalist Tomi Joutsen, the band’s long-standing lyrical consciousness, Pekka Kainulainen, and a selected group of world class audio professionals led by renowned Swedish producer Jens Bogren. Considering the band’s prolonged journey in the forefront of innovative metal music, it’s difficult to grasp how Amorphis manages to raise the proverbial bar time and time again, presenting a more than worthy finale to the trilogy begun with 2015’s Under The Red Cloud followed by 2018’s Queen Of Time.


“It really is a great feeling that we can still produce very decent music as a band,” says Holopainen, a founding member of the band. “Perhaps a certain kind of self-criticism and long experience culminate in these latest albums.” To the songwriter himself, Halo sounds both familiar and different. “It is thoroughly recognizable Amorphis from beginning to end but the general atmosphere is a little bit heavier and more progressive and also organic compared to its predecessor,” he elaborates.


Tomi Joutsen, the man with vocal cords capable of unleashing colossal, bear-like growls as well as singing soothing, mesmerizing lullabies, adds, “To me, Halo sounds a little more stripped down compared to Queen Of Time and Under The Red Cloud. However, don’t get me wrong: when a certain song needs to sound big, then it sounds very big.” He’s right, of course: By stripping down some of the arrangements, the monumental moments become even more monumental.


That’s of course also thanks to producing renaissance man Jens Bogren who harvested the thirteen final tracks from a batch of thirty songs Amorphis offered him. “Jens is very demanding, but I really like to work with him,” says Holopainen. “He takes care of the whole project from start to finish, and he allows the musician to focus on just playing. I may not be able to thank Jens enough. Everything we’ve done together has been really great, and this co-operation has carried Amorphis significantly forward.”


Indeed. Setting off with the stormy grandeur of opener “Northwards,” Amorphis takes us on an epic journey through the lands of the north, their rich cultural and historical heritage, and musical traditions. This is not only an album for fans or metal connoisseurs. It’s a must for every imaginative mind out there with a soft spot for cinematic soundscapes, triumphant melodies and breathtaking dynamics measuring the borderlands of light and dark.


However, no Amorphis album would be complete without the imaginative and poetic storytelling of renowned lyricist and Kalevala expert Pekka Kainulainen. “From day one, Pekka has always been an enthusiastic and prolific lyricist for Amorphis,” says Joutsen. “It is a slow process of translating archaic Finnish poetry into English and adapting it our progressive rhythms. Fortunately, Pekka does everything on time and with great care.” Since 2007’s Silent Waters, Kainulainen has been navigating the mythological waters of his homeland with great skill and respect. For Halo, he outdid himself once again. “Halo is a loose themed record filled with adventurous tales about the mythical North tens of thousands of years ago,” he explains. “The lyrics tell of an ancient time when man wandered to these abandoned boreal frontiers after the ice age. While describing the revival of a seminal culture in a world of new opportunities, I also try to reach the sempiternal forces of the human mind.”


Thirty-one years after their inception, with uncounted global tours under their belt and fourteen albums deep in their career, Amorphis still proves to be the musical fountain of youth, an extraordinary band constantly reinventing itself without abandoning its mystical roots. With Halo, they deliver an astonishing album that deserves to be played everywhere, transcending the realms of metal and rock by its sheer profoundness and musicality.


Lineup:


Tomi Joutsen - vocals
Esa Holopainen - guitars
Tomi Koivusaari - guitars
Santeri Kallio - keyboards
Olli-Pekka Laine - bass
Jan Rechberger – drums


(Photo - Sam Jamsen)

Arjen Anthony Lucassen (Ayreon) is back with a new Star One album, titled Revel In Time. The new album comes more than 10 years since the previous release and is due out on February 18 via InsideOutMusic.


An update from Arjen, introducing Dan Swanö states: "Dan sings the track ‘Today Is Yesterday’ on the new Star One album, Revel In Time. Of course Dan is part of this new Star One album again with his distinctive voice and style! Check out this video to hear part of his vocals and don’t miss his spooky message at the end. Thanks once again, Dan, till next time."







The album will be available for pre-order on December 17, and it will come as Ltd. 2CD Digipak, Ltd. Deluxe 3CD+Blu-Ray Artbook (incl. a poster of the cover artwork), and as 180g Gatefold 2LP (incl. the album on CD & an LP-Booklet).


CD2 features alternate versions of the same songs as CD1, but with different vocalists. Also available will be a 5.1 mix, a high-res audio version, and an exclusive, hour-long Behind The Scenes video, on the Blu-ray included in the Artbook.





Revel In Time tracklisting:


CD1:


"Fate Of Man"
"28 Days (Till The End Of Time)"
"Prescient"
"Back From The Past"
"Revel In Time"
"The Year Of ’41"
"Bridge Of Life"
"Today Is Yesterday"
"A Hand On The Clock"
"Beyond The Edge Of It All"
"Lost Children Of The Universe"


CD 2 features the same songs as CD 1, but with different vocalists.


"Fate Of Man" video:





"Lost Children Of The Universe" lyric video:

Introducing Temple Of Shadows, the new band featuring longtime friends, Justin ‘JD’ deBlieck (Ex-Ice Nine Kills) and Joel DeMartino (Moonstriker). The band has released their new single "The Hermit" to all major platforms today! The band has premiered the official lyric video on through BraveWords; watch below!





“Our vision for this project was to combine our collective love for various genres of music while incorporating a unique and thought provoking, but ultimately relatable concept. The result is a continuous forward moving energy that propels you from moment to moment throughout each characters stories" says Justin deBlieck.




Adds Joel DeMartino, "Temple of Shadows is more than a couple guys getting together to write songs. It’s a conceptual journey, where we explore the archetypes and their relationship to the alchemical process and its pursuit of the philosopher’s stone."





Temple Of Shadows is a brand new band fronted by longtime friends, Justin ‘JD’ deBlieck (Ex-Ice Nine Kills) and Joel DeMartino (Moonstriker). Together they deliver dueling vocals, shrouded in cryptic lyrics over high energy progressive rock. Their music explores the parallels between the tarot and alchemical transmutation. Alike the alchemists of old, their songs are riddled with hidden meanings sending the listener on a mystical journey through the collective subconscious.

SYSTEM OF A DOWN singer Serj Tankian has called out the members of LED ZEPPELIN for commemorating the 14th anniversary of their concert for a charity formed by Atlantic Records founder and CEO Ahmet Ertegun, a man Serj says gave his philanthropic support to Turkey's denial of the Armenian Genocide.

After ZEPPELIN guitarist Jimmy Page took to his Instagram on Friday (December 10) to share a few photos of the 2007 performance, Serj regrammed the post and added the following message: "Dear Mr. @jimmypage. Its very admirable that @ledzeppelin played a tribute show in 2007 for Ahmed Ertegun as the man who signed your band to Atlantic records. What you likely don't know is that man spent millions of dollars on think tanks and chairs at various US universities all with the goal of denying the #ArmenianGenocide. There is absolutely no honor in that I'm sure you'll agree."

Earlier this year, Tankian, an Armenian-American vocalist whose grandparents were survivors of the Armenian Genocide, spoke to RT's "Going Underground" about his meeting with Ertegun, who was the son of a Turkish ambassador. He said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "I had a band that we had signed to my imprint, to my label, and there were a number of record companies interested in doing a distribution deal. So we met up with Universal Records, Atlantic Records at the time, and a few others in New York with the band. And after the meeting, I remember the CEO of Atlantic saying, 'Hey, do you wanna meet the old man? He's still here. His office is right next door.' And I'm, like, 'Ertegun?' I'm, like, 'Yeah, I'd love to.' He signed Ray Charles and LED ZEPPELIN and all these bands. So I went in and sat down with him and had a nice 10-minute chat.

"I can't tell you anything else, but I got an inkling that he had some defensive aspect of me being Armenian," he continued. "When I said, 'Listen, just so you know, I'm Armenian. I grew up in Los Angeles,' and this and that, and he kind of got defensive. And it didn't really affect me much. So I got on Google and I typed 'Ahmet Ertegun' and I typed 'Genocide' after, and I realized that he had been responsible for funding foreign policy institutes and chairs at universities who hired authors and writers that denied the Genocide. And that was an awakening for me."

Tankian went on to say that he reconnected with Ertegun at a later date. "He called me, and he said, 'I think the Armenian Genocide should be recognized,'" Serj recalled. "And I said, 'Okay. Great. Why don't you write it on a letterhead and send it to me? And I won't publicize it unless my back is against the wall with my community.' And he said, 'I can't do that, because I have homes in Turkey. I don't know what would happen to that.' And I'm, like, 'Then don't do it. I wouldn't want any violence enacted upon you or your family or anyone else.' But it was very clear that that was an incendiary issue. And even though he was very close, he said, to the prime minister and the government officials there, he didn't wanna take that step."

Shortly after Ertegun's 2006 death, Armenian-American writer Harut Sassounian revealed that he had met with Ahmet a couple of years earlier to discuss Armenian-Turkish issues. He also said that Ertegun was considering the possibility of issuing a public statement on the Armenian Genocide prior to his passing.

In 2019, both the U.S. House and Senate passed a bill declaring that the killing of 1.5 million Armenians by the Ottoman Turks was, in fact, a genocide.
























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Omicron, the Belgian death metal band, isn't exactly stoked about Omicron, the new COVID variant. The band recently spoke to Vice about the new variant name, saying they did it first and they're absolutely not changing their band name. They also explained that their name deals with aliens and outer space.

"Our guitarist Philippe has an unhealthy obsession with aliens and all the interstellar obscurity that comes with it. He came up with our name because he was inspired by the Dyson sphere that had been found in the Omicron Cygni constellation. And he's never been probed, as far as he knows."

Omicron, the band, is also hopeful that maybe the situation will help them gain more fans.

"We were a bit anxious that our name might get a negative connotation. But we also felt it might give us the exposure much needed for bands [starting out] in a world overcrowded with musicians trying to leave their mark upon the industry."

Guitarist Paul Gilbert (Mr. Big, Racer X) has shared a new video in support of his new Christmas album, 'TWAS. Check it out below.


Gilbert: "This brand-new Christmas song begins with the fastest arpeggio lick I've ever played in my life. The lyrics tell the story of boy with a guitar... but only three strings. Santa Claus tells the boy that if he is good, he might receive the remaining three strings for Christmas. This all hinges on the boy practicing every day, and being 'good.' So he does those things!


The lyrics are 'sung' on my guitar. You can read along with the lyric video, and groove along with the band and me, as we perform the song live in the studio! We recorded during an August heatwave in Portland, but I still wore my George Harrison 'Let It Be' inspired clothes, which happen to have some good Christmas colors."







Gilbert’s 17th solo album features a dozen recordings, two of which are new, original compositions. The global release date for digital and CD is November 26. The LP will follow on December 10. Pre-order here.


Gilbert and the label have shared the third instant gratification track, “I Saw Three Ships”. A video can be viewed below.


Gilbert states: “It was 104°F in Portland, Oregon, on August 12th, when the band and I recorded 'I Saw Three Ships'. I was trying to get extra sounds from my A/DA Flanger by attaching a foot-operated, mechanical knob-turning device. But the device kept coming loose, and I kept getting angrier and angrier at it. I finally decided to give up on the knob-turning, and convert my frustration into pure guitar playing energy. The result was a slightly worried band, subtle flanging, and a good take! Thanks to Nat King Cole and George Thorogood for the arrangement inspiration. And thanks to England for the song.”





Gilbert adds: "Many will agree that in recent times, challenging events have been pouring down upon our heads like an Exploding Waterfall of Molasses. At least it sometimes feels like that to me.  But while I was jamming Christmas songs with my friends, playing an assortment of red, green, and white Ibanez electric guitars, I felt like life was THE BEST.  I hope that this music can put a smile on your face as well.


"Ten of the songs are classics. I was inspired by the Christmas recordings of Nat King Cole, Loretta Lynn, Stevie Wonder, Barbra Streisand, Johnny Mathis, Ella Fitzgerald, and The Ventures. And of course, inspiration came from my guitar heroes, Eddie Van Halen, Alex Lifeson, Johnny Winter, Robin Trower, Frank Marino, Pat Travers, Jimi Hendrix, and Jimmy Page, to name a few. I also wrote some of my own new Christmas songs. As I have been doing recently, I begin with lyrics and a melody. Then I let my guitar take over, as it sings better than I do."


He continues. "'Three Strings For Christmas' refers to the 3-string guitar that I used on my double-neck. I tune the strings in octaves, which allows me to play ridiculously fast arpeggios, and very little else (which is why I have a normally strung guitar for the other neck.) 'Every Christmas Has Love' was written quickly, inspired by my panic-driven mental state of album making. When I know that the recording sessions are coming, my brain shifts into survival mode, and melodies start popping out. Then I take all the chords I learned by listening to 70s AM radio, and build a song. The lyrics are nice too. I'll be printing those in the liner notes of the album. Merry Christmas to all. And to all, a good night."


Gilbert formed a band of Portland, Oregon's finest jazz and blues musicians for these sessions. The players are Dan Balmer (guitar), Clay Giberson (keyboards), Timmer Blakely (bass), and Jimi Bott (drums). He reflects, “All brought supreme musical goodness to these arrangements and performances. They certainly steered me to make wiser musical choices than I would have made on my own. And as you will hear, my metal guitar instincts still breathe fire when they get the chance.” The album was recorded in Jimi Bott's studio, who also engineered and mixed the recordings. The approach was to record two songs every day, for six days, delivering the collected body of work.


Gilbert: "All songs were recorded live, although I think Jimi snuck some cowbell overdubs in. If anything should be added to a live track, I believe cowbell is the right choice."





Tracklist:


"Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!"
"Frosty the Snowman"
"Hark! The Herald Angels Sing"
"The Christmas Song"
"Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer"
"I Saw Three Ships"
"Every Christmas Has Love"
"Three Strings for Christmas"
"Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas"
"We Wish You a Merry Christmas"
"Silver Bells"
"Winter Wonderland"


"Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" video: