Andrea Haugen, who previously was married to Samoth (EMPEROR, ZYKLON), will release her third album under the NEBELHEXË moniker, "Dead Waters", on May 5. The effort will be made available through Amber Autumn, which is a subdivision of Candlelight Records.

Despite her popularity in the metal scene, Haugen's music is often refered to as "ambient/folk/rock/gothic." She describes "Dead Waters" as "very own, very dark, very organic, very strange. 'Dead Waters' certainly turned out to be more organic, kind of like a mix of dreamy ambient, tribal, and a darker form of country... or something like that... maybe it was the influence of that Texas snake beer we were drinking in the studio (cool stuff!) and the hot weather. The songs, as usual, embrace many of my deep and dark thoughts, dreams... and recent experiences... I have a talent for ending up in unusual, interesting and weird situations... always kinda stressy when it happens... but they always makes the best and entertaining stories afterwards."

Through Nebelhexë, Haugen has released three albums so far: "Laguz - Within the Lake", "Essensual" and now "Dead Waters". Her lyrics talk about her real experiences, dreams, magical visions, vampires and animalistic impulses, dream gods, animal abuse, yearn for freedom, fears and her thoughts about society...

She is a writer of thought-provoking publications and articles about the darker aspects of human nature, animalistic instincts and other esoteric/taboo subjects which became quite popular in the alternative and metal music scenes. She also wrote a book about the understanding of northern myths, traditions and goddess worship, which became very popular. She has a column in a Norwegian gothic magazine, called "Seriously - The Things That Irritate Nebelhexë", yet she prefers to write her dark surrealistic stories, such as her comic "One Autumn Day".

"Dead Waters" track listing:

01. Against The Wall
02. Skindeep
03. Digital Sleep
04. Dead Waters
05. Charmed (Again)
06. In My Dreams I Am Free
07. 19th Century Ghost
08. Beyond The Ninth Wave
09. Fallen
10. The Nightguard

Horror metal band First Jason, featuring Friday The 13th’s original “Jason Voorhees” Ari Lehman, has announced the release of its new video for their latest single “The Price Of Peace.” Describing the song as embodying a harder edge than the band’s recent projects, Lehman says he is particularly proud of this track as it is reminiscent of the group’s earlier work.


“It’s kind of like us almost returning to our original formula, like ‘Jason Never Dies,’ which has most of our biggest hits where we’re on a little more hardcore than a heavy metal sound. Maybe even a little bit of a nu metal sound in there, admittedly, because I’ve been very impressed by bands like Nonpoint, Ice Kills Nine, who I did a collaboration with, and just looking at different sounds that are out there,” Lehman said.





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What’s also different about the “Price Of Peace” is its subject matter. Written during quarantine, the song explores today’s turbulent times. Lehman said “It asks the question, ‘Is this the price of peace that we have to pay?’ And it says the only way to pay the price is to sacrifice your pride, so it’s a philosophical song, which kind of reveals a lot about me.”


T

Frontiers Music Srl announced the signing of Kandia, an alternative metal band from Portugal, to a multi-album deal in late 2020. The band released a single, "The Flood", along with an official lyric video.


Today, the band release a video for the acoustic version of "The Flood", which can be viewed below:





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Watch the official lyric video for "The Flood":





Kandia is one of the first bands signed through the Frontiers & Beyond initiative, which was launched by the label with the intent to sign bands who will be part of the next generation of hard rock and metal.


“We are excited and very eager to work with Frontiers," says the band. "The label is passionate about music and we are proud to be part of the family. Our new album will definitely have our identity, but we always like to experiment with new things. These hard times that we are going through are giving us much inspiration, so this record will be filled with different emotions."


Kandia started in November 2007, founded by singer Nya Cruz and guitarist André Da Cruz. They decided to name the band Kandia - to obfuscate, to blind by light - as they felt it would represent the positivity they wa

Frontiers Music Srl will release of the sophomore album from Groundbreaker, Soul To Soul, on November 12. Today, the melodic rock project centered around the vocal talents of Steve Overland (FM) have released the song, "There's No Tomorrow". Listen below, and pre-order/save Soul To Soul here.


Groundbreaker's new album, Soul To Soul, is once again centered around the fantastic vocal talents of Steve Overland (FM) with stunning production by Alessandro Del Vecchio. While the self-titled debut was a collaboration with Robert Sall (Work of Art, W.E.T), on the songwriting side, joining Steve and Alessandro this time are Stefano Lionetti (Lionville), Pete Alpenborg (Arctic Rain), Jan Akesson (Infinite & Divine), and Kristian Fyhr (Seventh Crystal). The resulting album is simply everything that a melodic rock fan could hope and dream for. Expect nothing less than soaring hooklines, magnificent melodies, and amazing instrumental performances. Mixing the best of the European melodic rock traditions, Soul To Soul is easily one of the melodic rock highlights of the year.


The lineup on the new album includes Sven Larsson (ex-Street Talk) on guitars, Nalley Pahlsson (ex- Vindictiv, Therion) on bass, Herman Furin (Work of Art) on drums, and Alessandro Del Vecchio on keyboards. Steve Overland plays lead guitar on the track “Wild World” too.


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Groundbreaker started with a conversation between Frontiers President Serafino Perugino and Overland. Perugino was eager to start a top notch collaboration with well-respected musicians from the European melodic rock scene and highlight Overland's absolutely stunning vocal talents. Robert Sall of Work of Art was brought into the picture to craft the songs and to be paired with Alessandro Del Vecchio’s production. Overland immediately loved the material that was submitted to him and consequently, they started to work on finishing the songs. The band's debut album was greeted warmly by the melodic rock community and now, those same fans can prepare themselves for another delightful entry into the melodic roc

IRON MAIDEN singer Bruce Dickinson and DEEP PURPLE bassist Roger Glover will take part in a performance of Jon Lord's "Concerto For Group And Orchestra" in Győr, Hungary on November 5, 2021. Adding DEEP PURPLE tracks, the concert will be performed by the Győr Symphony Orchestra together with Kaitner Z Doka (JON LORD, IAN PAICE, DON AIREY) on guitar and Bernhard Welz (JON LORD, DON AIREY) on drums. Also appearing at the event will be conductor Paul Mann, a close friend of Jon's.

A new video message from Dickinson promoting the show can be seen below.

"Hello. It's Bruce Dickinson here from IRON MAIDEN," the singer says in the clip. "But on the 5th of November — that's fireworks night in the United Kingdom. Well, fireworks night with a symphony orchestra, with the Győr Symphony Orchestra in Győr, we're gonna be performing Jon Lord's 'Concerto For Group And Orchestra', and we're gonna be doing some PURPLE classics at the end of the show as well. It's gonna be a fabulous night. I'll let you in to a secret: I've done it twice before, and it was mega. But this is gonna be even more mega than it was before. Oh yes!"

In November 2019, Bruce performed at the Palais Montcalm in Quebec City, Quebec, Canada as part of the 50th-anniversary celebration of "Concerto For Group And Orchestra". Joining him at the event were Mann, the Quebec Symphony Orchestra (QSQ) and the PAUL DESLAURIERS BAND.

When the Quebec City concert was first announced, Dickinson said: "It's a great honor to participate in the 50th anniversary of the 'Concerto For Group And Orchestra'. When Paul Mann contacted me about the Quebec event, I said yes immediately.

"As many people know, DEEP PURPLE have been a major, ongoing influence in my life since I was a teenager, and down the years, I have been fortunate enough to become good friends with all of the band, most especially in my collaborations with Jon Lord.

"[I] am looking forward to seeing everyone at this very special commemorative evening."

Added Mann: "My long collaboration with Jon Lord, and in particular his innovative, genre-defying 'Concerto', has been one of the greatest joys of my musical life. Jon's spirit will definitely be with us."

After the November 21, 2019 concert went on sale in April of that year, it sold out immediately and a second show — on November 22, 2019 — was added.

During a September 2018 spoken-word gig in Copenhagen, Denmark, Dickinson was asked about his relationship with Lord. He responded: "Jon Lord was a wonderful gentleman, and we were close friends. And he sadly died of… He had pancreatic cancer, but he survived for a year and a half — much against what everybody had said would happen. And actually, at the end, he didn't die of pancreatic cancer — he died, unfortunately, of some terrible blood collapse that happened with him, possibly as a result of treatment. But we had all kinds of crazy plans, including me going out on tour with him, singing DEEP PURPLE songs with an orchestra, which he was planning to do; that was one of the things we were planning to do. But it all got interrupted and canceled, and [it was] obviously very sad. He was a wonderful man."

Lord died on July 16, 2012 at age 71 after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. Lord, who was known for his keyboard virtuosity and his reinvention of the Hammond B-3 organ sound, co-wrote such PURPLE classics as "Smoke On The Water" and "Child In Time", among others. Lord and drummer Ian Paice were the only original members to last through the band's initial run from 1968 to 1976. He was on board for their 1984 reunion and stayed on through to his 2002 retirement from the band, after which he worked primarily in the classical field.






Drummer Bernhard Welz has just announced a new performance of Jon Lord's “Concerto For Group And Orchestra" in Győr,...

Posted by Jon Lord on Thursday, July 22, 2021

California glam metal jokesters STEEL PANTHER have recruited Rikki Dazzle as their new bassist following the departure of Lexxi Foxx.

Fan-filmed video footage of some of STEEL PANTHER's recent live performances, featuring Dazzle on bass, can be seen below.

Earlier this month, Lexxi — whose real name is Travis Haley — told Rocking With Jam Man that he hadn't spoken with his former bandmates since his exit. "I still talk to the singer [Michael Starr] a little bit; I have in the past," he said. "But I think that those scars and I think that the departure, the way that it went down, I think there's some sore spots. But that's tough for me to talk about.

"That was something that I'm very proud of — to be that character for such a long period of time, and to play with those cats," he continued. "They're all amazing musicians. And I just think that it is different to not have that [in my life] — I'd been in character for so long — but I have to say it's a little refreshing as well."

When STEEL PANTHER first announced Lexxi's exit in July, the band jokingly said that Foxx "started his side business, 'Sexy Lexxi's Prettiest Pets,' to bring in money for Botox during the lockdown." After realizing that "his love for making pets pretty was greater than his love for being pretty himself," he chose "to hang up his mirror and focus on his newfound passion: making ugly dogs pretty," the group wrote in a statement.

Back in December 2018, Lexxi sat out a STEEL PANTHER tour after being admitted to "sex rehab." The real reason for his absence was never officially disclosed.

During an appearance on a recent episode of the "2020'd" podcast, STEEL PANTHER guitarist Satchel stated about Lexxi's departure: "We didn't want him to quit. Nobody wanted him to quit, including a lot of fans. I'm sure a lot of fans are very sad that he left. But he's the guy who left the band. I think he's got his own things he's dealing with, and he just wanted to go and do that. So, I don't know… I can't answer for Lexxi Foxx. But we will all miss Lexxi Foxx, and we all wish him the best in everything that he does. But we didn't fire him; he quit the band. So we're gonna have to move on and get somebody else who's younger and foxier and doesn't need as much Botox," referencing the drug doctors have been using for years to treat wrinkles and facial creases.

Formed in 2000, STEEL PANTHER specializes in imitating and exaggerating the less flattering aspects of 1980s hair metal, with unrepentantly crude, non-PC sexual content as a favorite lyrical theme.

The group's music has been described as "VAN HALEN meets MÖTLEY CRÜE meets RATT meets 'Wayne's World', complete with operatic shrieks, misogyny, shredding guitar solos and libidinal overdrive."

Thirteen years ago, STEEL PANTHER changed its name from METAL SKOOL to its current moniker and shifted the focus of its act from '80s metal covers to originals.

Haley, who was an original member of STEEL PANTHER, recently announced the formation of his new band HOLLYWOOD GODS N' MONSTERS with longtime friend and television celebrity from MTV's "Pimp My Ride", Diggity Dave.












Steel Panthers new bass player Rikki Dazzle is PUUUURRRRFECT! Wow I’m bl... https://t.co/AfIX2HiTcn via @YouTube

— ᗰiᑕᕼᗩEᒪ ᔕTᗩᖇᖇ (@MichaelStarrr) October 19, 2021

Finnish metal legends Nightwish have checked in with the following announcement:


"Dearest fans,


We are happy to confirm the following European concert dates for 2021:




November
14 - Oslo, Norway -Spektrum
22 - Amsterdam, Netherlands - Ziggo Dome (SOLD OUT) 
23 - Amsterdam, Netherlands - Ziggo Dome (SOLD OUT) 
30 - Budapest, Hungary -  Budapest Sportaréna


December
10 - Antwerp, Belgium - Lotto Arena
13 - London, England - SSE Arena Wembley
19 - Vienna, Austria - Stadthalle
20 - Prague, Czech Republic - O2 Arena
29 - Tampere, Finland - Uros Areena (SOLD OUT)
30 - Helsinki, Finland - Ice Hall





These are the only shows for 2021. Due to various Covid restrictions, we have had to postpone the rest of the European tour dates to 2022 and we will announce the new dates as soon as possible. Hold on to your tickets! 


We would also like to kindly remind you that proof of vaccination and / or recovery will be required to enter these shows. We heartily thank you for your patience in these peculiar times and hope to see as many of you as possible very soon!"

Swedish band, Mad Invasion, combines classic 70’s hard rock influences with a modern approach and soundscape. The vast experience of the band members as musicians, songwriters and performing artists - includes numerous album releases and tours over the years.


In September, Mad Invasion released their long-awaited debut album, Edge Of The World, an album that offers a wide range of heavy songs with bone crushing guitars, airy keyboards, and a dynamic rhythm section - adding the final touches to the very distinct Mad Invasion sound.


Today, the band premier their new video for the song, "Walking In The Shadows". This heavy and dark song describes the constant battle between good and evil... where more often than not – evil wins. It’s about how lonely it can be when you  feel overwhelmed with dispair and dark thoughts... when it seems like there’s no way out. In that darkness is also where the demons appear, haunting and taunting, in all shapes and forms... The band represent the champions for good in a world where evil is always close and lurking.




The video was partly filmed in Prague and the dark story is emphasized by the elements of this classic city, with all its dark history. This video is also special in that this is where the ’Fallen Angel’ is born... the angel in white who went from an innocent little girl to being turned by the dark side... This happens in the ending part of the video, after a massive song outro, building towards the final climax... Variations of her final transformation, showing when good turns to evil - has  become a signature trademark for the band, being used at the end of several videos as well in marketing material.





Stream the Edge Of The World album on Spotify, Apple Music, Deezer and Amazon Music. Order the CD/LP here.





Tracklisting:


"Edge Of The World"
"Scream'n Shout"
"Crazy & Wild"
"Devil's Calling"
"Destruction"
"Until The End"
"Fallen Angel"
"Walking In The Shadows"
"Trial By Fire"
"Cry Mercy"











Mad Invasion lineup:


Pete Sandberg - Vocals
Björn Dahlberg - Guitar
Hal Marabel - Guitar / Keyboards
Mats Jeppsson - Bass
Mats Bergentz - Drums

Finland's Tolkien-inspired metallers Battlelore, who announced they were taking an an indefinite break in 2011 and made a one-off appearance at the Metal Female Voices Fest XIII in October 2016, confirmed back in July 2020 they were gearing up for a return. 


A photo of vocalists Tomi Mykkänen and Kaisa Jouhki was uploaded via the band's official Facebook page back in February 2020. When asked by a fan if a new album was in the works, they responded with a cryptic "Might be. Who knows?".


On July 8th, 2020 the band posted the photo below online, and when asked by a fan if a new album was on the way Battlelore responded "At least some new music." 










The timeline continues with new photos uploaded to Facebook:


"More demoing and getting ready for studio with The Kaiser."





"So, it’s starting. #newalbum #recording @soundsupremestudio."





Stay tuned for more.

Sam Astaroth, the Toronto-based frontman for Astaroth Incarnate, has checekd in with a message for the fans:


"R.I.P. Astaroth Incarnate 2013-2021


Thank you, spawns, for the years of support.




Due to creative differences, the members of the band are going their separate ways and focusing on their individual projects.


From our humble beginnings back in 2013 with vocalist Sam Astaroth and first drummer Jake Theo and guitarist Pablo Sagastume (Netherheart) and his cousin Louis auditioning each other to Belphegor's Stigma Diabolicum to have come to this point, there are nothing but great memories to be reflected upon.


Our bassist Sergio (Where The Light Fades) joining the fold afterwards to finding our first live drummer Marina, getting the taste of playing shows, the exhilarating rush of connecting with our fans from on and off the stage, the feeling couldn't be compared to anything else.


Our drummer Emile Giordan (Working Girl) originally joined as a second guitarist and played one live show before switching to permanent drum duties. Our previous guitarist Ric Galvez (Malice Divine) being a part of our first EP Omnipotence to contributing solos on our second EP, a lot of epic Extreme Metal shows were had. Once Ashley Williams (Autumnal Reflection) joined as keyboardist, the band took a symphonic extreme metal direction and with the help of Spencer Creaghan's orchestration, we released our second EP Ascendance and our live shows took yet another leap forward with bloodwitches and surreal metaphoric theatrics.


During the covid lockdown being away from shows, we mostly spent time writing and recording new musical ideas and when we put all our ideas together and assessed how we want to represent ourselves and move forward with our musical careers, we felt like we've all grown differently so it felt best to go our separate ways.





As the visionary member of this band; I, Astaroth, couldn't have asked for a better experience for the last 8 years, being that this is the first band I have ever been in which I had the pleasure of seeing it grow from it's inception to re-creating my persona as Astaroth (from my pro-gaming days as t3h_mAstArOth since I was 16) and seeing my artistic career flourish thanks to this band.


I want everyone to check out all the other band member's individual projects I tagged,and if you like what you hear then show them some support as they are all great musicians and I am very thankful to have been able to spend quality time jamming, hanging out, playing shows and creating memorable experiences with such awesome people.


I also want to thank our producers Alex Oprea and Tyler Williams for handling our 2 EPs so professionally, all the promoters such as Dina, Gualberto (r.i.p.), Tristan, Jess, Kelly, Cristina, Craig, Max, Gillian, Shawn, JJ, Daniel, Aaron, Karina, Noel, etc who supported us with all the shows we played, all the venues we played at, our previous record label CDN Records, Train Records for printing our CDs, Chase from Threads of Society for all the merch we printed from you, our artists Dee Gozali (r.i.p.) and Marie Cherniy for our album artworks, our PR companies Kim & Jason and Curtis that helped with our album releases, Reka, Mike, Joe and Alan for all our music videos, Jordy, Jerome and Andrew for all the themed band photos, all the bloodwitches who ever performed with me on stage, Timothy, Gaia and Alina for singing with me on stage and all the amazing musicians and sick metal bands that we have ever shared the staged with. Thank you for your support, you all rule!


Most importantly, I can't end this post without showing my utmost gratitude to each and everyone of you Spawns for believing in Astaroth Incarnate and making my first band experience memorable for a lifetime! I have had the best time getting to know you, meet you at shows, talk to you online and in person, genuinely connect with you and thoroughly enjoy your positive energy towards this band. I am a fan of you! never stop being your awesome self!


This is a new beginning for me and aside from the musical projects I am currently involved in or which I have contributed my vocals to (Iomair, Haven Dream, My Frost, In Veil). I feel like I am about to embark on a very personal adventure and fully discover myself in a newly reinvigorated dark Demonic light. I would love for you to be a part of this exciting new stage of my musical career so come follow my activities Linktr.ee/SamAstaroth as I'll be able to connect with you more closely than ever before. The artistic journey of Astaroth shall continue as a solo project under my artist name Sam Astaroth. 


It's been a wild ride and none of it would have been possible without your love and support. Thank you so much, spawns!

German doom / sludge metal quartet Confusion Master has issued a new video for the mammoth “Viking X”. The song serves as the new single from the band’s impending second LP, Haunted, set for a November 19th release through Exile On Mainstream.


Haunted was recorded during the encompassing Winter desolation of 2020, captured by Lutz Baumann at various live sessions in multiple rooms and practice studios, after which it was mastered by James Plotkin (Khanate, Pelican). Clearly not to be mistaken for a love and peace affair, but channeling hardcore anger in its purity, the result is a bonafide gain in horror cosmic doom with a strong Lovecraftian existential swirl, as reflected in the stunning cover illustration by Antonio Ilievsky / Pig Hands.


The lead track on Haunted, “Viking X”, is a thundering, groove heavy, ten-and-a-half-minute movement that encompasses the Confusion Master sound. “The layers of human condition rightly placed anger against evil,” says the band. “Those of us who choose differently never surrender.”







Haunted will see release through Exile On Mainstream on November 19th through all digital services as well as 12” vinyl, with a bundled CD which features one bonus track not on the vinyl. Additionally, two limited fan editions of the album will also be released, each including with special pressing/packaging attributes, additional bonus material and merch, and a cassette release, Live At Fusion Festival.


Find pre-orders for all physical editions of Confusion Master’s Haunted at this location.





Tracklisting:


"Viking X"
"The Cannibal County Maniac"
"Casket Down"
"Jaw On A Hook"
"Haunted" (Digital / CD / Limited fan's edition bonus track)
"Under The Sign Of The Reptile Master" (Digital / Limited fan's edition bonus track)


 

Stepping into the brand-new Marshall Studio with producer Chris Sheldon (Foo Fighters, Gun, Feeder), Bad Touch have recorded a rocking cover of The Allman Brothers Band classic "Midnight Rider".


Vocalist Stevie Westwood said, “The original is one of mine and Chris Sheldon’s all-time favourite songs, and I’m thrilled with how our version came out. It’s got harmonies out the wazoo, it’s heavy, dirty and Rob’s guitar solo is a belter. It might bother the Allman Brothers purists, but hopefully everyone loves it one eighth of as much as I do.”


Stream "Midnight Rider" now at this location.







Speaking on the upcoming tour, Stevie added, “I honestly cannot describe to you the feeling of being back at it with my brothers, we’re overjoyed. We’re fired up and cannot wait to be playing to all of you.”


Bad Touch will tour the UK in November and December 2021, previously rescheduled from April 2021 (all original tickets remain valid). Special guests on all shows except Leo’s Red Lion are Piston. 


Bad Touch will perform songs from their current studio album Kiss The Sky, as well as songs from their vast catalogue. Known for having a reputation as one of the UK’s hardest working bands, Bad Touch are looking forward to performing live for their UK fans in November and December.





(Photo credit: Will Ireland)


 

French heavy metal combo, Enemy Of The Enemy, have signed a licensing deal with Wormholedeath for their album, The Last Dance.


Says the band: "Enemy Of The Enemy is happy and honored to sign a deal with the Italian label WormHoleDeath for the upcoming album, The Last Dance, second album of the band and fifth production. We hope this is just the beginning of an adventure that will make Enemy Of The Enemy known by a larger public, we’re lucky to cross their way; to sign a disc-contract on these days is not common.


"The upcoming album The Last Dance is the result of several years of work, the main direction of Enemy Of The Enemy has always been the observation of the world we’re livin’, the human characters and the situations that makes us as humans, difficult spirits, with a lot of contradictions and also the consciousness of the Earth’s care; the ecology takes a huge part of the lyrics.




"With the help of WormHoleDeath and all the team, we know that the next album is going to be more powerful than ever, the art-pieces of The Last Dance are going to be  complete and we hope it will lead to a masterpiece."





Tracklisting:


"A Bright Warning"
"The Last Dance"
"Alien"
"BlackStars"
"Outta Here"
"Redemption"
"The Devil In Me"
"The Choice"
"SuperGreen"
"Believe"
"Born Unchained"
"When The Sun Goes Down"


"When The Sun Goes Down" video teaser:





Lineup:


Adrian "Kal" Cavalier - vocals
Nicolas "BnV" Benedetti - guitars
Fabien "Baf" Grunzweig - bass
César "Zarc" Boishus - drums

In a new interview with Canada's The Metal Voice, DREAM THEATER's James LaBrie was asked if there was ever any talk of him trying out for the singer position in IRON MAIDEN when Bruce Dickinson left the British heavy metal legends back in 1993. He responded (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "Yeah, sure. Absolutely there was. Because at the time, we were being looked at to be managed by IRON MAIDEN's management. And so, [MAIDEN's manager] Rod Smallwood, at the time, we were playing darts, and he took me aside and he said, 'What do you think about…?'

"You've gotta remember — I was in a very bizarre situation," he continued. "DREAM THEATER, we had already recorded [1992's] 'Images And Words', we were looking for management, we were getting ready to try and set up a tour and get out there. And I remember him saying to me — he takes me aside, and the rest of the guys in DREAM THEATER were there too, playing darts, because we were looking at him for management. And he says, 'I just wanna throw something at you.' And he had his assistant with him too — Merck — at the time. And they were both standing there. They were going, 'What do you think about being the singer with IRON MAIDEN?' And I said, 'What? What are we talking about here? I'm confused. Are you not here for the reason that you might start managing DREAM THEATER? Or are you here to get me to become…?' And I had already recorded the [DREAM THEATER] album. Can you imagine how bizarre that was?'

LaBrie said: "Anyways, so I just said, 'No. No way. You know what? I'm gonna tell you the reasons why I'm not going to do this.' And they said, 'What's that?' And I said, 'One: DREAM THEATER. That's it. Period.' And I said, 'But if I need to go any further with this, way back when I was 22 years old, I sang for a band called CONEY HATCH for a year. And I walked [in as the replacement for] another singer [named] Carl Dixon,' and I said, 'and basically what I felt like was a glorified jukebox.' And I said, 'Because I came into the band, I was able to sing all that stuff no problem — no problem — but there was never that 'This is me. And this is what I created.' It was about, 'Are you looking at me for who and what I am?' I don't think so. And I don't think you ever will.

"Bruce and I have mutual respect for one another. We've met several times. We've done several shows. I remember doing the BBC show with him. And there was that mutual respect between the two of us. And I remember just thinking, 'I'm not gonna get out there and be singing MAIDEN every night — even though I think they're a great band, and Bruce is a great singer. No, thank you.' I need to create something that I can say, 'No, this is what I created from the beginning.' And we all know, okay, I wasn't on the first [DREAM THEATER] album, 'When Dream And Day Unite'."

James added: "And [the offer to audition for MAIDEN] came and went. As fast as it was asked, it was dismissed. And they went, 'All respect. Totally get it. No problem.' Boom. And we moved on."

After Dickinson left MAIDEN, the job went to WOLFSBANE vocalist Blaze Bayley, an odd choice considering that Blaze's singing voice is quite clearly a baritone in contrast to Bruce's tenor/alto range.

Bayley recorded two studio albums with IRON MAIDEN — 1995's "The X Factor" 1998's and "Virtual XI" — before Dickinson returned to the group. The MAIDEN albums Blaze appeared on sold considerably less than the band's prior releases and were their lowest-charting titles in the group's home country since 1981's "Killers".

Back in October 2002, DREAM THEATER performed the entire "The Number Of The Beast" album by IRON MAIDEN during its appearance at the London Astoria. The progressive rock heavyweights played the material exactly as per the original album, with the exception of "Gangland", which was done in a jazz style. DREAM THEATER, who feature a sole guitarist in the shape of the very-capable John Petrucci, reproduced the second-guitar parts by having keyboardist Jordan Rudess play them on the keys, including the solos.

Following an intermission in the regular set, then-DREAM THEATER drummer Mike Portnoy took the stage wearing a MAIDEN shirt, after which the classic "The Number Of The Beast" spoken intro kicked in. "The Number of The Beast" album cover was projected behind the group, but with DREAM THEATER in the style of the IRON MAIDEN logo.

SYSTEM OF A DOWN has been forced to postpone this coming weekend's Los Angeles concerts to next February after singer Serj Tankian tested positive for COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus.

The band shared the news of the postponement earlier today (Thursday, October 21) in a social media post. The group wrote: "It is with great regret that we must reschedule our Los Angeles performances to February 4th and 5th, 2022. Despite multiple precautionary measures, Serj has unfortunately tested positive for COVID.

"We're sorry to disappoint our amazing fans with this last minute news, as we could not wait to finally play for you. However, the health of our band, crew, venue staff, and all of our fans is our top priority.

"All tickets will be honored for the rescheduled dates. Refund availability will be sent to all ticket buyers via email."

Tankian added in a separate statement: "After having 3 really fun shows, I got back to LA with flu-like symptoms.

"I am shocked that it could even be Covid as I am not just vaccinated but also incredibly careful.

"I am so sorry to have to push these dates yet again especially to those who made sacrifices to be here from out of town.

"Touring is not something I intend to continue doing down the line so these handful of shows have meant the world to me.

"Thank you for your love and understanding . Peace".

SYSTEM OF A DOWN's two shows at the Banc Of California stadium with KORN, HELMET and RUSSIAN CIRCLES were initially slated to take place in May 2020, and were rescheduled to May 21 and 22, 2021 and then once again to October 22 and 23, 2021.

Also originally scheduled to appear was FAITH NO MORE, but the band pulled out of the shows in September, saying frontman Mike Patton was unable to perform as hoped due to mental health issues, partially exacerbated by the pandemic.

SYSTEM OF A DOWN has toured intermittently since ending its hiatus in 2011, but has only managed to record two songs in the last 16 years, "Protect The Land" and "Genocidal Humanoidz". Released last November, the tracks were motivated by the recently erupted conflict between Artsakh and Azerbaijan, with all proceeds supporting humanitarian efforts in SYSTEM OF A DOWN's ancestral homeland of Armenia. Along with other donations from fans on their social pages, they have raised over $600,000.


After having 3 really fun shows, I got back to LA with flu-like symptoms. I am shocked that it could even be Covid as I...

Posted by Serj Tankian on Thursday, October 21, 2021

(HED) P.E. has announced the details on its "Califas Worldwide" compilation album, dropping December 17 via Suburban Noize Records. Califas is a Hispanic nickname for Southern California, a moniker that perfectly describes (HED) P.E.'s Huntington Beach G-Punk sound as it melds together with artists from around the world to create the unholy union of "Califas Worldwide".

For the record (HED) P.E. collaborated with everyone from underground heavyweights to creating sticky chemistry with Suburban Noize family members Johnny Richter from THE KING KLICK and John E. Necro from OPM, and guest appearances by living legends Angelo Moore of FISHBONE, HR of BAD BRAINS, Norwood Fisher of FISHBONE, Peter Distefano of PORNO FOR PYROS, and more.

"When the first phase of the pandemic hit, all of our tours were canceled and we had just released 'Class Of 2020'," said (HED) P.E. frontman Jared Gomes. "Rather than sit around waiting for this thing to end, I decided to channel all my energy into creating music and to work with new artists from a variety of styles. We had people from all over the world from places like Belarus, Russia, England, France, Argentina, Italy, and Germany send in tracks. When I finished, I realized there were some really cool vibes here; so I sent a selection to the record label and they agreed. They offered to release a record with all these different artists,".

"The word Califas is Spanish slang for California. I feel like my vocals have a SoCal vibe to them, so the title was a cool way of tying together all the tracks from all over the world with my Cali vibes."

In order to bring those Cali Vibes to life visually, (HED) P.E. enlisted Jim "Taz" Evans to create the cover art. Known as the "Rock Poster God," Taz has illustrated and designed some of the most iconic rock posters for everyone from Neil Young, RAMONES, SMASHING PUMPKINS, THE PIXIES, and more. For "Califas Worldwide", Evans came up with an iconic lowrider and street art that have been synonymous with the southern California landscape.

(HED) P.E. are the pioneers of the G-Punk sound, which fuses together punk-rock, metal, hip-hop, and reggae. For over two decades, the band has toured the world alongside hard rock chart-toppers like PAPA ROACH and LINKIN PARK, hardcore legends SUICIDAL TENDENCIES, as well as the iconic Ozzfest tour. (HED) P.E. experienced a creative resurgence after signing with Suburban Noize Records in the early 2000s and was instrumental in developing the booming underground scene.

The track listing for "Califas Worldwide" is as follows:

01. Not Today (feat. The Final Clause of TACITUS)

02. Choose Sides (feat. Mr. Talkative)

03. Fuck What You Say (feat. Breez)

04. Your Pride (feat. Lio Mori)

05. Across The Universe (feat. Ipcus Pinecone of THE VILLEBILLIES)

06. All That Matters (feat. Brandon the Wizard)

07. Leave Em All Behind (feat. Johnny Richter of KING KLICK and formerly of THE KOTTONMOUTH KINGS, John E. Necro of OPM, and THE LOST SOUL)

08. Hurricane (feat. Sad Silence)

09. Nothing (feat. MUSICATRISK)

10. Stand Or Fall (feat. Hunter Friary)

11. Hate (Is the Weapon) (feat. Full Frontal Lobotomy)

12. Stop Time (feat. Lio Mori)

13. Time Is Up (feat. Nail)

14. Portal (feat. Brandon the Wizard)

15. Enemies (feat. Electric Poets)

16. Crazy I Like (feat. Chubby Unicorn)

17. Just Like You (feat. Attack Mods)

18. One Nite (feat. Lio Mori)

19. Draw The Line (feat. Lio Mori)

20. Red Herring (feat. Lucid)

21. PMA All Day (feat. Shifty of CRAZYTOWN, DJ 6Blocc, Angelo Moore of FISHBONE, HR of BAD BRAINS, Mikal Blue, Norwood Fisher of FISHBONE, Peter Distefano of PORNO FOR PYROS)

(HED) P.E. will hit the road on the second leg of their "Sandmine" tour with dates starting October 29 in Costa Mesa, California.

Sweden's Eclipse have released a video for "Roses On Your Grave", the opening track of their new studio album, Wired. Watch the video below, and order/save Wired here.





Tracklisting:




"Roses On Your Grave"
"Dying Breed"
"Saturday Night (Hallelujah)"
"Run For Cover"
"Carved In Stone"
"Twilight"
"Poison Inside My Heart"
"Bite The Bullet"
"We Didn't Come To Lose"
"Things We Love"
"Dead Inside" (CD and Digital Exclusive Bonus Track)


"Roses On Your Grave" video:





"Twilight" video:





"Bite The Bullet" video:





"Saturday Night (Hallelujah)" video:





Lineup:


Erik Mårtensson – Vocals
Magnus Henriksson – Guitars
Philip Crusner – Drums
Victor Crusner – Bass

Crystal Viper frontwoman, Marta Gabriel, has released a lyric video for her cover of the Rock Goddess song, "My Angel", featured on Metal Queens, her debut solo album which is a collection of cover songs, and a tribute to the female heavy metal and hard rock singers of the '80s. Watch the clip below:





The album features Marta Gabriel on vocals and bass guitar, Eric Juris from Crystal Viper on guitars, and Cederick Forsberg from Crystal Viper and Blazon Stone on drums. Except that she invited three special guests: we will hear the Jag Panzer and Titan Force singer Harry Conklin in the Chastain cover "Light In The Dark", Riot V singer Todd Michael Hall in the Blacklace cover "Call Of The Wild", while Raven bassist John Gallagher plays bass in the remake of the Rock Goddess classic, "My Angel".




Metal Queens is available via Listenable Records as vinyl LP, CD, and digital download. Order at the Listenable Records webshop.





Tracklisting:


"Max Overload" (Acid)
"Metal Queen" (Lee Aaron)
"Call Of The Wild" (Blacklace)
"Light In The Dark" (Chastain)
"Rebel Ladies" (Zed Yago)
"My Angel" (Rock Goddess)
"Count Your Blessings" (Malteze)
"Goin' Wild" (Wendy O' Williams)
"Bad Attitude" (Hellion)
"Reencarnacion" (Santa)
"Mr. Gold" (Warlock) - CD bonus track


"Count Your Blessings" video:





"Metal Queen":

Multi-platinum-selling recording artist, songwriter and trailblazer Miley Cyrus graces the cover of Interview for its Fall 2021 issue. Photographer Brianna Capozzi captured Miley, dressed in Gucci — a partner of Miley's — with a subtle nod to R Crumb's heroines in a fantastical setting on the grounds of the Cyrus family ranch in Tennessee.

Keeping within Interview's theme of celebrities interviewing celebrities, the cover is anchored by Miley's conversation with Lars Ulrich of METALLICA. In the interview, which can be read in its entirety at InterviewMagazine.com, Miley opens up about identity, growth and opines on "Plastic Hearts", the return to live performance and their collaboration on "Nothing Else Matters" for METALLICA's tribute album "The Metallica Blacklist".

Interview's Fall 2021 issue can be found on newsstands now.

METALLICA performed "Nothing Else Matters" with Cyrus on SiriusXM's "The Howard Stern Show" on September 9. You can watch video of the performance below.

Miley told Ulrich she decided to first perform "Nothing Else Matters" in 2019 at England's Glastonbury festival for a very special reason.

"I have two notebooks that I take everywhere I go," she said. "One of them is filled with my morals, my values, my purpose, my potential, my capabilities, and my commitments — to others, and to myself. I'm constantly writing things in there. Recently, I wrote down something very wise that I heard, which is related to your question. It was about how lyrics are one of the most resonant aspects of a song, and of why an audience connects with a song. It has to do with the words, and to challenge that is to say that there's no difference between lightning and a lightning bug. But there's a big difference. When I think about the sentiment behind 'Nothing Else Matters', it aligns completely with my morals and my values. When I listened to 'Nothing Else Matters', and I knew that I was confirmed for Glastonbury — I actually have chills talking about this — it was the only song that I could imagine playing."

Miley previously told Howard Stern the Glastonbury festival came during a pivotal moment in her life.

"It was right before actually that the world knew I was getting a divorce, but I knew that I was," Miley said. "I had just lost my house in the fires … I was so heartbroken and my purpose was coming from this performance. I got sober at that time. I really pulled my fucking shit together. This song ['Nothing Else Matters'] was what drove me to that place."

"My life in regards to love was falling apart, but I had my love for music," she added.

Photo credit: Brett Murray / Metallica.com

STONE TEMPLE PILOTS guitarist Dean DeLeo was recently interviewed by Anne Erickson of Audio Ink Radio. During the chat, he discussed late STP singer Scott Weiland's talent and how Scott modeled himself after Karen Carpenter's singing, the memory of albums such as "Tiny Music" and "Core" and more. He also talked about how the "Tiny Music" era was a "double-edged sword" because of Scott.

"Scott truly was a singer," Dean said. "Scott was a crooner. And I'm gonna tell you something that a lot of people won't know, and a lot of people will be, like, 'I'm not hearing that. I don't get that.' But, really, go listen. And listen to the way they breathe. Listen to the way they enunciate. And not so much the enunciation, but listen to how they breathe though the song and deliver a line and deliver a lyric and their melodic sense. Scott was very influenced by Karen Carpenter. And if you go back and really listen, and listen to Scott's delivery, and then listen to how Karen delivered a line or a lyric or how she breathed and where she took her breaths, Scott really, really was very much like her."

Dean went on to praise Weiland's singing ability and revealed that STP's current frontman, Jeff Gutt, was one of only a small group of vocalists who were able to accurately reproduce Scott's melodies during the audition process.

"Scott — I can't say enough about his talent," Dean said. "He was extraordinary. He was a true singer, with these half-step inflections or step-and-a-half inflections. And a lot of times, when we had people come in and audition, a lot of people just kind of stepped right over that stuff. For instance, 'Interstate Love Song' is a perfect example. There's a lot half-step inflections in that, and a lot of singers we had come in just kind of stepped right over them. It was, like, 'You're missing some notes there, man.' When Jeff came in, Jeff really, really sang every song we gave him. And 'Interstate', by the way, was one of those seven [that Jeff initially played with us]. And 'Trippin' On A Hole [In A Paper Heart]' was one of 'em, 'cause that's a real hard one to get out. Jeff just nailed it in every respect of the word.

"Ironically, Jeff was the last person we auditioned," Dean continued. "We kind of went through — ooh, gosh, I'm gonna say 40 [or] 50 people we auditioned [in person] — and we stopped, and Robert [DeLeo, STP bassist] went out on the road with the [HOLLYWOOD] VAMPIRES. We didn't know what we were gonna do. And then lo and behold, Robert is in Detroit, this guy approaches him, says, 'You need to check out this cat Jeff.' And Jeff was the last person we auditioned. And yes, thank God."

STONE TEMPLE PILOTS features three original members — Dean, Robert and drummer Eric Kretz.

Gutt, a 45-year-old Michigan native who spent time in the early-2000s nu-metal act DRY CELL, among other bands, and was a contestant on "The X Factor", joined STONE TEMPLE PILOTS after beating out roughly 15,000 hopefuls during an extended search that began more than a year earlier.

Weiland, who reunited with the group in 2010 after an eight-year hiatus but was dismissed in 2013, died in December 2015 of a drug overdose.

Chester Bennington, who joined STP in early 2013, departed nearly three years later to spend more time with his main band LINKIN PARK. Bennington committed suicide in July 2017.

STONE TEMPLE PILOTS released their first all-acoustic album, titled "Perdida", in February 2020. The disc was Gutt's second with STP. His recording debut with the group was on its self-titled seventh album, which arrived in March 2018.

Frontiers Music Srl presents the latest stroke of musical genius from the inimitable Jim Peterik: Jim Peterik & World Stage - Tigress: Women Who Rock The World. The album will be released on November 5.


Today, fans can get another look at the album with the release of the lyric video for "A Capella", featuring Chez Cane. Watch the clip below, and pre-order/save Tigress: Women Who Rock The World on CD/2xLP Orange Vinyl/Digital here. (Please note, due to worldwide delays with the manufacturing of vinyl, the LP version will be released on December 10, 2021.)


The concept behind Tigress: Women Who Rock The World is that Jim wanted to showcase women in music whom he admires. The seeds for the album were planted in late 2020 when Serafino Perugino, President and Head of A&R for Frontiers, reached out to Peterik to see if he wanted to start work on a new World Stage album. A light bulb went on in Jim's head and he said, "Ya know, Serafino, how about a Women's World Stage album?" They both loved the idea right off the bat and thus the initial steps for the album began.


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Peterik has always loved a musical challenge and pursuing new ideas and the fresh idea for this album really inspired him. He made a wishlist of artists he wanted to work with and began crafting musical ideas that could work for their styles. In Jim's words, "I discovered that I needed to write songs that reflected the female perspective more than the male. It was gratifying when talented women from all over the world, heroes of mine such as Janet Gardner (ex-Vixen), Cathy Richardson (Jefferson Starship), Jennifer Batten, Mindi Abair, Kate French, Kimi Hayes, Chez Kane, Rosa Laricchiuta (Black Rose Maze, Trans-Siberian Orchestra), and so many others gave me the big thumbs up! Up-and-comers like Lindsay Kent, Leslie Hunt, Chloe Lowery, Marine Lacoste, and so many others all added their unique personalities to make this a landmark album in my career."


The full list of performers on the album can be seen in the tracklisting below.


"I hope you enjoy Tigress: Women Who Rock The World as much as I enjoyed creating it. Much love and Rock & Roll!" concludes Peterik.


Jim Peterik, through the years, has written or co-written some of rock's most memorable songs: "Vehicle" by the The Ides Of March (on which he was lead vocalist, guitarist, and songwriter), "Eye Of The Tiger," "The Search Is Over," "High On You," and "I Can't Hold Back”, hits for .38 Special such as "Hold On Loosely," "Caught Up In You," "Fantasy Girl," and "Rockin' Into The Night", "Heavy Metal" with Sammy Hagar, and many many more. Peterik, now a part of Pride of Lions with vocalist Toby Hitchcock, is one of the most esteemed and loved recording artists and songwriters, not only on the Frontiers label, but in the larger melodic rock community.





Tracklisting:


"Tigress" - Kate French - Jennifer Batten - Abigail Stanshmidt (Violin)
"Prom Night In Pontiac" - Chloe Lowery - Anika Nilles (Drums) - Ashley Reeve (Bass)
"A Cappella" - Chez Kane
"Living For The Moment" - Cathy Richardson - Jennifer Batten - Linda Mcdonald (Drums)
"Against The Grain" - Rosa Laricchiuta
"Strong Against The Wind" - Kate French
"Full Moon Crazy" - Cathy Richardson - Jennifer Batten
"Lazarus Heart" - Janet Gardner
"Taller" - Leslie Hunt
"The Best In Us" - Cathy Richarson - Kimi Hayes
"Dear Life" - Lindsay Kent – Sina (Drums)
"Walk Like Royalty" - Kimi Hayes - Nile Brosh (Guitar)
"Music In The Aire" - Chloe Lowery
"Sin To Believe A Lie" - Cathy Richardson - Madden Klas (Drums)
"Stronger At The Broken Places" - Marine Lacoste - Jennifer Batten - Linda Mcdonald (Drums)
"Brave Is Beautiful" - Leslie Hunt - Mindi Abair (Sax And Harmony Vocal)


"A Cappella" lyric video: