Andorra’s extreme progressive metal unit, Persefone, have announced the upcoming release of their long-awaited Napalm Records debut, entitled metanoia. Scheduled for release on February 4, metanoia crosses genre boundaries with ease, mesmerizing the listener with dynamic songwriting and technical precision and proving Persefone’s worthy position as longstanding favorites of progressive metal.


Featuring collaborations with standout artists like Steffen Kummerer (Obscura, Thulcandra), Einar Solberg (Leprous), Angel Vivaldi and Merethe Soltvedt (Two Steps From Hell), metanoia exploits the full potential of contrasts in every song, with each track representing a story evolving from beginning to end and constantly growing in strength - redefining typical musical boundaries. Mixed by David Castillo (Leprous, Soen, Opeth) and mastered by Tony Lindgren (Enslaved, Ihsahn, Sepultura), the new full-length stretches over 10 songs, each appearing to glide seamlessly from one to the next.


First single "Merkabah" promises an intense ride that reveals both the heaviest and most vulnerable sides of Persefone. An atmospheric entrance carries Miguel Espinosa’s deep, majestic voice, transitioning into an interplay of Marc Martins evil growls and Miguel’s clean vocals. Flickering guitar riffs front a spherical orchestra, spanning the song’s intensity to its maximum. Persefone guide progressive metal to a new chapter.




Persefone on "Merkabah”: "metanoia is all about a musical journey for a spiritual breakthrough. Merkabah is a vehicle to elevate, Merkabah asks for meditation and trust in the process. With this song we wanted to mark a pivotal moment in the album and write about a personal detour from the old self, a painful and needed transformation to reach new heights, to leave fear behind, to embrace life as the amazing experience we have been gifted with... "on my knees, I still believe".”


Watch the music video for "Merkabah" below.


Outstanding progressive/melodic death metal outfit Persefone is known for their band of rich soundscapes and technically precise work that sets new standards in modern extreme progressive metal. Founded in 2001, Persefone has released five studio albums, each one showcasing the band’s myriad of musical principles: high technicality, distinct melodies, plenty of head-turning riffs and musical acrobatics. The band has toured worldwide with notable acts like Obituary and Leprous, has hit stages at important festivals such as Wacken Open Air, Metal Days, Brutal Assault, ProgPower and 70,000 Tons of Metal, and is now set to release their new album, metanoia.


metanoia sets off with the opulent opener "Katabasis”, drawing dramatic, cinematic soundscapes mixed with electronic influences. The soft, clear vocals of Miguel Espinosa alternate with sharp growls and pierce through constantly changing riffs. Persefone balances soft passages with intense walls of sound on tracks like "Aware of Being Watched” - in which clean vocals and jazzy sections alternate with intense riffing carried by dense drumming - while solid, rich sound takes on orchestral dimensions on songs such as "Leap of Faith”. Vivid and dynamic instrumentation, tempo and rhythm make up the intense ride "Merkabah”, showcasing the band’s hardest yet most vulnerable sides as screams and blast beats are followed by soft instrumentation - spanning the song’s intensity to its maximum. A special surprise is the 11-minute masterpiece "Consciousness Pt III”, which continues a series of songs from the band’s fourth album Spiritual Migration (2013). The album closes with another opulent set of songs, "Anabasis Part I”, "Anabasis Part II” and "Anabasis Part III”. "Anabasis Part I” starts off with calm, dreamy piano sounds, drifting over to the intense "Anabasis Part II” and leading seamlessly into "Anabasis Part III”, gently closing the album with a cinematic outro.


Persefone about the new album: "metanoia is the next step in our personal pursuit for existential growth through music. This album is a call for a deep change, a call for an inner journey through fear and pain, a call for a leap into a meaningful and rooted place. Making this album has forced us to face many  musical and personal hurdles and fears, and the result of that confrontation lives within all the notes and words captured on this new chapter in our journey.  May you will find meaning in all this musical chaos.”





metanoia will be available in the following formats:


- Digipack
- 2LP Gatefold Black
- 2LP Gatefold Clear (incl. Slipmat & Logopatch)
- 2LP Gatefold Marbled White & Black
- Digipack & Shirt Bundle
- Digital Full Length Album


Pre-order here.





metanoia tracklisting:


"Metanoia" ft. Einar Solberg
"Katabasis"
"Architecture Of The I"
"Leap Of Faith"
"Aware Of Being Watched"
"Merkabah"
"Consciousness Part III"
"Anabasis Part I"
"Anabasis Part II" ft. Steffen Kummerer, Angel Vivaldi und Merethe Soltvedt
"Anabasis Part III"


"Merkabah" video:





Persefone is:


Marc Martins - vocals
Miguel "Moe” Espinosa - keyboards and vocals
Carlos Lozano - guitar
Filipe Baldaia - guitar
Toni Mestre - bass
Sergi " Bobby” Verdeguer - drums


(Photo - Èric Rossell)

Frontiers Music Srl has announced the release of progressive metal act Lalu's new album, Paint The Sky on January 21.


Lalu is a musical project originally founded in 2004 by the French composer and producer Vivien Lalu, son of Noelle and Michel Lalu (members of the ‘70s French progressive act Polène). Paint The Sky will be the first album, and third album overall from the band, released under the new partnership between Vivien and Frontiers.


Fans can get their first taste of music from the new album with the release of the single and video, "The Chosen Ones" featuring Jordan Rudess (Dream Theater) and Simone Mularoni (DGM). Watch the video below, and pre-order/save Paint The Sky here.




Paint The Sky is easily the most accomplished and mature album put together by Vivien thus far in his career. Being the son of two progressive musicians from the '70s and growing up surrounded by progressive music, Vivien always wanted to craft a true-to-its-roots progressive rock album. He spent a lot of time laying down the basics for the new effort and along with this new album comes a change in vocalist specifically designed for this more progressive version of Lalu. In May 2020, Vivien announced Damian Wilson (Arena, Headspace, Threshold) as the lead vocalist for Paint The Sky. Lalu's lineup on the album is rounded out by Jelly Cardarelli (on drums) and Joop Wolters (guitars and bass).


Guests on Paint The Sky include Alessandro Del Vecchio, Alex Argento, Gary Wehrkamp, Jens Johansson, Jordan Rudess, Marco Sfogli, Simon Phillips, Simone Mularoni, Steve Walsh, Tony Franklin, and Vikram Shankar. See tracklisting below for details on which tracks they appear on.


Lalu's first full-length album, Oniric Metal (2005) garnered critical acclaim upon its release, and marked a new chapter for Vivien and his insatiable need to create mind-expanding, cinematic music. Lalu's second opus, Atomic Ark (2013) featured vocalist Martin LeMar, bassist Mike LePond (Symphony X), guitarist Simone Mularoni (DGM), and world class drummer Virgil Donati (Planet X, Steve Vai, Allan Holdsworth). Additional contributions came from Jens Johansson (Stratovarius), Joop Wolters, Jordan Rudess (Dream Theater), Marco Sfogli (James LaBrie), Mike Andersson (Cloudscape) and Peter Wildoer (James LaBrie).


Spring 2014 saw Vivien venturing out on a unique live tour, hosting only a few select shows featuring the all-star Atomic Ark line-up of Martin LeMar, Mike LePond, Simone Mularoni, and Virgil Donati, adding Joop Wolters as a second guitarist on stage. After a few weeks’ practice, the tour culminated in the live recording of their set during the final stop. Produced by Vivien and mixed and mastered by Simone Mularoni at Domination Studio, the digital-only Live At P60 was released in June 2015.


Paint The Sky now marks the latest installment in the ever evolving musical odyssey that is Lalu. Come join the journey!





Tracklisting:


"Reset To Preset
"Won’t Rest Until The Heat Of The Earth Burns The Soles Of Our Feet Down To The Bone" (ft. Jens Johansson)
"Emotionalised"
"Paint The Sky" (ft. Steve Walsh, Tony Franklin, Alessandro Del Vecchio, Jens Johansson, Gary Wehrkamp)
"Witness To The World" (ft. Marco Sfogli)
"Lost In Conversation" (ft. Jens Johansson)
"Standing At The Gates Of Hell"
"The Chosen Ones" (ft. Jordan Rudess, Simone Mularoni)
"Sweet Asylum"
"We Are Strong"
"All Of The Lights" (ft. Vikram Shankar)
"Paint The Sky" [Instrumental] (ft. Tony Franklin, Simon Phillips, Alex Argento)


"The Chosen Ones" video:





Lineup:


Damian Wilson - Vocals
Jelly Cardarelli - Drums
Joop Wolters - Guitars & bass
Vivien Lalu - Keyboards

On their soaring, self-titled debut, melodic hard rock supergroup Out Of This World skillfully underlines the combination of well-made songs with passion: a perfect and rare constellation when the stars are aligned correctly. Forged by Kee Marcello of Europe fame, vocal thunder Tommy Heart (Fair Warning), bassist Ken Sandin (Alien), and drummer Darby Todd (Devin Townsend, Gary Moore, The Darkness), Out Of This World is a dream come true for everybody out there who is mourning the loss of quality melodic hard rock. It’s no wonder this record has already become a massive hit in Japan.


The group has announced their signing to Atomic Fire Records, who will release their self-titled debut album, including three bonus tracks as well as a seven-track bonus live album on January 14, 2022.







(Photo by; Ralf Oude Hendrikman)


"Our eponymous Out Of This World may sound like a hard promise to keep, but honestly, it describes it to a tee," comments Kee Marcello.


Tommy Heart states, "After having released our first record in Japan, we are super pumped to let our music be heard from the rest of the world as well. Very happy to be a part of the Atomic Fire Records family! We are working together since only a couple of months, but I can already tell, I have a great feeling about this team that understands our music and our vision so well!"


"Asked about my all-time favorite hard rock albums, I would always mention the self-titled Fair Warning classic from 1992, it's a true masterpiece," says Atomic Fire Records CEO and label manager Markus Wosgien. He adds, "And if we talk about Europe, I think everyone grew up with their ‘80s and early ‘90s classics. To be working with Kee Marcello as well as Tommy Heart now is a dream come true. Close your eyes, enjoy this beautiful album and you will feel like a lovestruck teenager again."


To mark the occasion, Out Of This World presents first single, “Hanging On” alongside a lyric video.


Preorder the album in various formats (2CD-digipak, blue 2LP), pre-save it, or preorder Out Of This World digitally to receive “Hanging On” instantly now at music.atomicfire-records.com.


It's no coincidence that Marcello's latest endeavor bears the name of that legendary multi-platinum Europe album released back in 1988. "When I told people about my new project, someone suggested I call it something like Kee Marcelo's Europe. But that's terrible," he laughs. "I hated it. Tommy suggested to call it Out Of This World, simple as that. Just as the Black Sabbath guys and Dio did with Heaven And Hell."


The same vibe, the same ear for melody, the same hooks permeate an album that was brought to life with the vigor and passion you wouldn't exactly expect in a rock star who's seen it all and done it all in the past forty years. "I've always concentrated on music, and my passion for that never changed," he says. "I've never changed style; I've never tried to do anything I'm not doing well."


Out Of This World beams with a freewheeling and overflowing sense of fun, musicianship, and togetherness. It's an effortless flux that's just not normally found on a debut. "You have to remember that Darby, Ken, and I go way back," the legendary axe-man notes of his rhythm section. "We did hundreds of gigs together and are as tight as a thumbscrew. Same thing goes for Tommy and I. We clicked instantly when working together for the first time a couple of years ago. We have this almost brotherly connection. We're literally reading each other's minds, man. There was no stumbling block, it was all a self-playing piano."


It’s the same for vocalist Tommy Heart who's been around in this game forever as well. "You meet, you play, and sparks begin to fly," he describes the chemistry between the members. "We don't even talk that much. We simply let the music speak. We touch our hearts when we play which is something that's incredibly rare to find. Nobody has to explain himself; everybody is doing just what anybody else would do at that moment." Heart was instantly hooked when he realized that Out Of This World was more than a one-off thing between bored musicians in lockdown. "I don't like these temporary projects," he muses. "This here is the real deal."


"With Out Of This World, though, it never felt like a project," says Marcello and he admits: "It felt like a band from day one. This is why the album turned out so well. It has a genuine band feel to it." At their very first rehearsal session in Marcello's hometown of Gothenburg, they sketched a couple of songs that would later wind up on their debut, namely “Twilight,” “Lighting Up My Dark,” and “In A Million Years.” "We actually found ourselves right in the middle of our first recording session without even knowing it," he marvels. "Everything felt so natural and so good that writing the rest of the songs was a walk in the park."


Graced by additional key wizardry courtesy of Deep Purple’s very own Don Airey and embellished by a Ron Nevison mix (Kiss, Bad Company, Ozzy Osbourne, Meat Loaf, Heart, Chicago, Damn Yankees, etc.) who reunited with Marcello for the first time since producing Europe's Out Of This World a staggering thirty-three years ago, the songs masterfully transport the bygone era of melody driven, anthemic hard rock into the present. From uptempo rocking first single “Hanging On” via “In A Million Years,” originally written for Europe's Prisoner In Paradise, to colossal anthem “Lighting Up My Dark,” and prog-rock playground “Staring At The Sun,” Out Of This World solitarily resurrect a genre we thought was lost long ago.





Tracklisting:


“Twilight”
“Hanging On”
“In A Million Years”
“Lighting Up My Dark”
“Staring At The Sun”
“The Warrior”
“Up To You”
“Ain’t Gonna Let You Go”
“Only You Can Teach Me How To Love Again”
“Not Tonight”
“Twilight” (Demo Version)*
“In A Million Years” (Demo Version)*
“Lighting Up My Dark” (Demo Version)*


*Bonus tracks


Bonus Live CD/LP
“Let The Good Times Rock”
“Burning Heart”
“Save Me”
“Open Your Heart”
“Momentum” (Instrumental)
“Superstitious”
“Ready Or Not”


“Hanging On” lyric video:

KORN guitarist Brian "Head" Welch's LOVE AND DEATH side project will release "Perfectly Preserved Live", a live album and video recording of its first concert in eight years. The DVD and Blu-ray will be available for purchase at major retailers such as Walmart, Barnes & Noble and Amazon on Tuesday, November 16, with the audio recording hitting streaming services on Friday, November 19.

"For myself and all of the musicians and crew involved, this concert experience was a bright light in the middle of such a dark and divided world. What a gift to capture this show during a moment in time that the entire planet will never forget," Welch said. "Big shoutout to the entire LOVE & DEATH team for making this concert DVD and stream available for all our fans. One of the few positive experiences to come out after 2020!"

It's a sentiment that guitarist Jasen Rauch echoes. "Having the opportunity to play during the pandemic and connect with fans, even if only in a remote way, was not only an amazing experience, but incredibly exciting and needed," he said.

"Perfectly Preserved Live" captures the release concert celebrating the launch of "Perfectly Preserved", LOVE & DEATH's sophomore album, which earned rave reviews from media and listeners alike.

The exceptional caliber of LOVE & DEATH's musiciancianship is carried over into the live performance that is immortalized on "Perfectly Preserved Live". The collaborative approach was taken to the next level with multiple guest appearances on stage, including a feature from MEMPHIS MAY FIRE's Matty Mullins on the song "White Flag".

"It was an absolute honor to perform 'White Flag' with LOVE & DEATH on their livestream," Mullins said. "KORN has certainly influenced me, but getting to know Brian on a personal level and seeing his heart in action has inspired me on a whole new level. The new LOVE & DEATH record rips, and I'm so stoked for people to check out this live DVD!"

Other special appearances include Keith Wallen (BREAKING BENJAMIN), who reprised his collaborations from the studio recording, and Lacey Sturm (FLYLEAF), who carried her part of passionate suicide prevention track "Let Me Love You". The result is an unforgettable concert that captures not only the spirit of the raw and emotive album, but the heart of the rock community as a whole.

In addition to playing "Perfectly Preserved" highlights like "Down", "Let Me Love You" and "The Hunter", longtime LOVE & DEATH fans will be glad to see that older tracks like "Meltdown", "By The Way" and the LOVE & DEATH spin on DEVO's "Whip It" all made the setlist as well. Taken as a whole, the performance is a true testament to the musical quality and deep emotional connection that the band has created.

"We hope everyone loves the DVD and cherishes the memory as much as we will for many years to come," Welch concluded.

Florida metal titans Trivium - Matt Heafy (vocals, guitar), Corey Beaulieu (guitar), Paolo Gregoletto (bass), and Alex Bent (drums) - have released a performance video for "Feast Of Fire", taken from the band's new album, In The Court Of The Dragon. Watch below:





Trivium's tenth album, In The Court Of The Dragon, is out now via Roadrunner Records. The record was produced and mixed by Josh Wilbur and recorded in autumn 2020 at Full Sail University in Orlando, Florida. Order In The Court Of The Dragon here.




The album cover is an original oil painting by French artist Mathieu Nozieres (@mathieunozieres on Instagram).





In The Court Of The Dragon tracklisting:


"X"
"In The Court Of The Dragon"
"Like A Sword Over Damocles"
"Feast Of Fire"
"A Crisis Of Revelation"
"The Shadow Of The Abattoir"  
"No Way Back Just Through"  
"Fall Into Your Hands"  
"From Dawn To Decadence"  
"The Phalanx"


"The Phalanx" video:





"Feast Of Fire" video:





"In The Court Of The Dragon" video:

Last month, Austin, Texas-based cult noise rock trio, Cherubs, released their new EP, SLO BLO 4 FRNZ & SXY, via Relapse Records. The band has released this new video for "Die Robbin'":





Physical orders for the new EP are available via Relapse.com here, and Digital Downloads / Streaming here.







A follow up to their Immaculada High (2019), the new EP capitalizes on the musical frenzy and shining moments of the latest full length, resulting in another dose of the legendary band's take on punk infused noise rock. SLO BLO 4 FRNZ & SXY digital version contains five songs cut at both 33 and 45rpm.


"Sooey Pig (Sad)" (Skrewed Version) video:





“A Pair Of Pear Tarts” video:





“Lazy Snakes (Skrewd Version)” video:





Lineup:


Kevin Whitley - Guitar, Vocals
Owen McMahon - Bass, Vocals
Brent Prager - Drums


(Photo - Alison Narro)

Richmond, Indiana’s Wolftooth recently announced the upcoming release of their colossal new Napalm Records debut, Blood & Iron, dropping December 3. Offering an immense slab of proto-metal influenced heaviness with a deep dose of doom essence and addictive stoner riffage, the album travels through a treasure trove of fantasy-themed lyrical influences - exploring mystical and often treacherous themes of mythology, lore and legend with a focus on sorcery, battle and non-stop adventure.


Following up on the release of victorious first single “The Voyage”, the band revealed a second single, entitled "Broken Sword", alongside another new music video. And today, the band release a guitar playthrough video for "Broken Sword". Watch below:







The thrash-injected track gallops towards soaring guitar melodies and an addictive chorus as the story's hero lays waste to all in his path.


Wolftooth says about “Broken Sword”: “The song 'Broken Sword' is about a young boy that escapes his village being ransacked and burnt to the ground, with most of the villagers being killed or taken into slavery. The boy journeys on a vision quest to heal his broken spirit. 20 years later, after much training both physically and mentally, he returns to take revenge for his ancestors. The broken sword symbolizes his broken spirit, and the blood on the sword symbolizes the freedom of his people."


Watch the official music video for “Broken Sword”:





Wolftooth launched onto the scene in 2017, swiftly grabbing the attention of fans, tastemakers and industry alike. Now, building upon the subterranean success of their lauded previous albums (2018’s Wolftooth and 2020’s Valhalla), the band unveils Blood & Iron, a true nod to classic, feel-good American heavy metal with modernized flair. If you enjoy your metal homegrown, larger-than-life and with a weighty dose of mystical storytelling.


Recorded, mixed and mastered by producer Jeremy Lovins, Blood & Iron begins ominously with “Ahab” - beckoning the listener to join Wolftooth’s fabled trek with an isolated guitar introduction before bursting into a sticky, metallic blues jam, instantly echoing the likes of Black Sabbath to Pallbearer while maintaining fresh delivery. The track effectively poises the album for greatness before leading into two tales of historic prevalence backed by trudging riffage - Xerces epic “Hellespont”, and mythical ode to triumphant Irish warrior Cú Chulainn, “Blood & Iron”. The tracks ebb and flow amid melodic solos, sludgy rhythms and charging drums, evident on songs like galloping, thrash-injected assault “Broken Sword” and headbang-inducing, lead-laden “A King’s Land”. Wolftooth continue their immense sonic storytelling with soaring saga “The Voyage” and frigid ballad “Winter White” before closing out the nine enormous tunes on Blood & Iron with two of its most standout offerings – cohesive and rhythmically-enticing “Garden Of Hesperides” and driving final epic “The Mare” - depicting stories of 100-headed dragons, witches, dark horses and mind control. What more could a true metalhead ask for?


Wolftooth adds about the album: "Blood & Iron is the culmination of all the work that we as a band have put into forging our sound over the last four years. Musically, we feel that we've honed what works well for us while expanding on what was already there. This album represents a more mature direction, relying on classic heavy metal influence with a strong nod to our proto-metal roots. Lyrically, the album focuses on kings, battle, conquest and myth. These elements together coalesce into a riff-laden slab of heavy metal that we are all proud of."





Blood & Iron will be available in the following formats:


- CD Digipack
- 1LP Gatefold Black
- 1LP Gatefold Gold Die Hard Edition w/ album cover slipmat and logo patch (Napalm Mailorder only – limited to 100)
- 1LP Gatefold Marbled Gold & Black (Napalm Mailorder only – limited to 200)
- CD Digipack & Shirt Bundle (Napalm EU/RoW Mailorder only)


Pre-order here.





Blood & Iron tracklisting:


"Ahab"
"Hellespont"
"Blood & Iron"
"A King's Land"
"Broken Sword"
"The Voyage"
"Winter White"
"Garden Of Hesperides"
"The Mare"


"The Voyage" video:





Indiana-local fans, take note! Wolftooth will perform a hometown show on November 6 at E Street Pub in Richmond, Indiana with Rattlesnake Venom Trip and Steel Aggressor. Check local venue listings for more information.


Lineup:


Jeff Cole - Guitars
Johnny Harrod - Vocals, Drums
Terry McDaniel - Bass
Chris Sullivan - Vocals, Guitars


(Photo - Stephanie Harrison)

During an appearance on Rock Dance Theatre TV's November 11 YouTube livestream, former MEGADETH bassist David Ellefson discussed how he chooses which projects to get involved with when the opportunities are presented to him. He said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "Every time I made a music thing about money, there was never enough money and I certainly never liked the music. [Laughs] If you enjoy the music, if you enjoy the creative process, maybe there's not a lot of money in it, but I really don't care 'cause I'm really digging the hang. So I've learned… The bills somehow have always been paid. And it's just say yes, suit up, show up, get in a room, bring your bass, be in tune, be on time, look your best, play your best, be your best and walk in with your best attitude. Every gig is an audition for the next gig. So how you handle coming into a gig is important, and sometimes how you handle leaving a gig. 'Cause all things don't last forever, so how you depart or if there's a falling out and it doesn't work… I remember [legendary drummer] Vinny Appice saying that, 'cause he was talking about, I think, BLACK SABBATH and stuff. He said, he goes, 'You know, some people just fight their way out the door rather than just accepting, eh, that was then, and it's over.' In fact, even my friend Drew [Fortier], who's the guitar player in THE LUCID, we were talking about some stuff, and it's sort of, like, don't be sad it's over. Be glad it ever even happened. Sometimes when you look at that, it's, like, 'Yeah, that was pretty cool.' Whatever it is — whether it's a relationship, a band, a book. Be glad it even happened, man, and enjoy what was there and move on to the next one. There's gonna be more."

Ellefson was fired from MEGADETH earlier this year after sexually tinged messages and explicit video footage involving the bassist were posted on Twitter. At the time, Ellefson released a statement on Instagram denying all social media chatter that he "groomed" an underage fan. Ellefson later admitted that he had been exchanging sexual text messages with a Dutch teenager, who captured a video of several of their virtual "masturbating encounters" without his consent and shared them with friends. (According to Ellefson, the woman was 19 at the time of their first virtual sexual encounter.)

David, a Christian who launched the Mega Life Ministries worship group in 2007, studied for a year at Concordia Lutheran Seminary in St. Louis nearly a decade ago.

In 2004, Ellefson filed an $18.5-million lawsuit against MEGADETH leader Dave Mustaine, alleging the frontman shortchanged him on profits and backed out of a deal to turn Megadeth Inc. over to him when the band broke up in 2002. The lawsuit was eventually dismissed and Ellefson rejoined MEGADETH in 2010.

Ellefson was in MEGADETH from the band's inception in 1983 to 2002, and again from 2010 until his latest exit.

Speaking to Greece’s Rockpages, guitarist Bernie Marsden said “it would be nice” to work with former Whitesnake bandmate David Coverdale again.


When asked about working with Coverdale in the future, Marsden said, “Well, I don’t think about it really. We talk to each other, in fact he texted me earlier today. There is no issue with us, but he said he’s retiring next year, so there’s a Whitesnake final tour, which is being fixed as we speak. And after that, you never know… He might want to do something, I might call him up… you know when I wrote all the songs for Joe Bonamassa’s last album, some of those could have been very good David Coverdale songs for sure!


“Who knows? You know, I write with different people. I work with different people all the time. I think it would be nice for him and I to do something before we get old as they say in ‘My Generation’. I think we’re already a little bit older (laughs).”




Marsden formed Whitesnake with Coverdale in 1978 and released five full-length albums with the band before departing after 1982’s Saints & Sinners.


Conquest Music has announced the release of Chess, the follow-up album to Bernie Marsden’s superb, chart-topping, Kings. Kings reached #1 in the Amazon Blues Chart, #18 in the UK OCC Album Sales Chart and gained fantastic reviews and accolades following its release in July this year.


The forthcoming 12-track album, Chess, is due out on November 26, available on all digital platforms along with a Special Limited Edition Digipak CD accompanied by a 16-page booklet.


Chess is the second album in Bernie Marsden’s Inspiration Series, where he chooses and crafts his own interpretation of the iconic artists and songs that helped inspire and shape his own musical style and taste. Like the previous release in the series, Kings, Chess marks another collaboration between Conquest Music and Bernie Marsden’s Little House Music.


Listen to each of the Inspirations Series albums and you’ll find more than a carefully curated homage to music that means much to Bernie. You’ll hear his own, nuanced guitar virtuosity and his heartfelt vocals, along with the wonderful synergy with the top-tier musicians he’s brought together for the project.


Many will know Bernie Marsden for being a founder member of Whitesnake, co-writing the iconic global smash, "Here I Go Again". He is undeniably one of Britain’s premier blues guitarists, praised by B.B. King for both his musicianship and innate understanding of the soul and feel of the blues. Bernie has written and recorded with some of the biggest names in the industry, and also composed music for film & TV. He’s also a bestselling author, an in-demand writer and producer and has amassed a priceless collection of guitars.


Chess is the second album of Bernie Marsden’s Inspirations Series’(a concept sparked by a backstage conversation with ZZ Top’s Billy Gibbons about influences and heroes). Bernie created the Inspirations Series to showcase the rich veins of music of those who inspired him during his formative years. In Kings, Bernie turned the spotlight on Freddie, Albert and B.B King; in Chess, he moves focus to tracks and artists on the fabled Chess label.


The album features 10 tracks that were originally released on Chess by greats such as Bo Diddley, Chuck Berry, Howlin’ Wolf , Sonny Boy Williamson, Muddy Waters & Elmore James. What’s more, two Bernie Marsden-penned instrumentals appear as bonus tracks on the album. Chess was recorded ‘the old way’: with a band of truly gifted musicians, all in one room, over a handful of days. It’s led to a subtle, tasteful and a superbly delivered reimagining of these classic songs.





Tracklisting:


"Just Your Fool"
"Back In The USA"
"Grits Ain’t Groceries"
"I’m Ready"
"You Can’t Judge A Book"
"I Can’t Hold Out"
"Won’t Be Hanging Around"
"Fattening Frogs For Snakes"
"That’s Alright"
"Who’s Been Talking"
"Lester"
"Johnny"


Lineup:


Guitar & Vocals: Bernie Marsden
Bass Guitar: John Gordon
Drums: Jim Russell
Keyboards: Bob Haddrell
Harmonica: Alan Glen


The Inspirations Series is an ongoing sequence of albums released by Conquest Music where Bernie Marsden pays tribute to those whose music shaped his taste and guitar playing. Not one to hang around, Bernie has begun sessions for the next Inspirations album, which will be out in 2022.


(Photo - Fabio Gianardi)

Fan-filmed video footage of PHILIP H. ANSELMO AND THE ILLEGALS performing their "A Vulgar Display Of Pantera" set on Friday, November 12 at Vibes Event Center in San Antonio, Texas can be seen below.

"A Vulgar Display Of Pantera" finds singer Philip Anselmo and his solo group celebrating the legacy of PANTERA with a set featuring select cuts from the iconic metal band's five classic albums: "Cowboys From Hell", "Vulgar Display Of Power", "Far Beyond Driven", "The Great Southern Trendkill" and "Reinventing The Steel".

In a recent interview with The News-Herald, Anselmo said that part of the reason for performing PANTERA classics is to honor the band's guitarist "Dimebag" Darrell Abbott, who was killed in 2004, and drummer Vinnie Paul Abbott, who died in 2018.

"It's one of those cases where you have to say it is what it is," Anselmo said. "All of that stuff is terribly sad. It's (expletive) very tough to wrap my mind around even listening back to PANTERA stuff. The truth of it is, I learned a while back dealing with Dimebag's death that I could muck around and stay in the past and wallow, but it's not healthy. And in turn, when I play these songs, for me it's all about celebrating the life of Dimebag and Vince. I have to do the best I can for my brothers who have fallen and for all of our fans. I have to do the best I can and look at the bright side."

Up until his death, Vinnie remained on non-speaking terms with Anselmo, whom the drummer indirectly blamed for the murder of Dimebag, who was his brother.

Vinnie Paul and Dimebag co-founded PANTERA. When PANTERA broke up in 2003, they formed DAMAGEPLAN. On December 8, 2004, while performing with DAMAGEPLAN at the Alrosa Villa in Columbus, Ohio, Dimebag was shot and killed onstage by a troubled schizophrenic who believed that the members of PANTERA were stealing his thoughts.

Vinnie Paul died of dilated cardiomyopathy, an enlarged heart, as well as severe coronary artery disease. His death was the result of chronic weakening of the heart muscle — basically meaning his heart couldn't pump blood as well as a healthy heart.

PHILIP H. ANSELMO & THE ILLEGALS features Anselmo with guitarists Stephen Taylor (SUPERJOINT) and Mike DeLeon (FLESH HOARDER, BEING KILLED, ex-MOD), drummer José Manuel "Blue" Gonzalez (SUPERJOINT, WARBEAST), and bassist Derek Engemann (SCOUR, ex-CATTLE DECAPITATION). The band's most recent full-length, the critically acclaimed "Choosing Mental Illness As A Virtue", was released in 2018 via Anselmo's own Housecore Records.






PHILIP H. ANSELMO & THE ILLEGALS at Vibes Event Center: “Strength Beyond Strength,” “Goddamn Electric,” Becoming,” “This Love,” “Victim of Changes” (Judas Priest) & “I’m Broken”

Posted by Jay K. Nanda on Friday, November 12, 2021

Finnish metal icons Waltari have shared their third output from their upcoming album, 3rd Decade - Anniversary Edition. 


Waltari's Kärtsy Hatakka comments: "We are excited to share our third single from our upcoming album 3rd Decade - Anniversary Edition: 'Helsinki 2021' is featuring the amazing German alternative rock band April Art.


'Helsinki' has been our most famous song on Spotify. It's a kind of love song about Waltari's headquarter in Finland, filled with romantic phrases in Finnish about the local atmosphere ('Atmosfear'). The German April Art wanted to create their vision about the song and we helped with the basic tracks and the basic programming. Very notable is the awesome vocal performance by Lisa-Marie, also her Finnish!"




April Art: "We were super excited when being asked by Waltari to contribute to this album. Frankly, there’s very little opportunities (maybe none?) to ever work with the Finnish genre pioneers, so we took the chance the minute we could. Once we chose 'Helsinki' as the song, it was quite a challenge for Lisa to sing in Finnish for her very first time. Still – it was super fun to do this production and we are proud to be a part of this anniversary album!"


"Helsinki" was initially featured on Waltari's 2005 record, Blood Sample. The video is edited by Olex Smith from ALM studios.





In 2021, Waltari are celebrating their 30th anniversary of their very first space journey in true style.


This means that even though a best-of compilation might be in order on such an occasion, they weren’t themselves if they hadn't cooked up something special. The band noticed it was 30 years since the release of Monk-Punk and are not going to honor the anniversary with a special album.


They revisited material from all creative phases, choosing some of their finest songs (plus one new track) to give them an overhaul with the help of like-minded musicians from every stripe. Be it Sami yoik duo Angelit or electro hip hop stars Bomfunk MC ́s, German industrial pioneer Jürgen Engler from Die Krupps or other countrymen of theirs such as former Nightwish bass player and vocalist Marko Hietala, humppa legends Eläkeläiset as well as Korpiklaani front man Jonne, The 69 Eyes singer Jyrki, German crossover newcomers April Art, Mr. Lordi himself and his band plus members from Skyclad, Amberian Dawn, Hanoi Rocks, Negative and Beast In Black.


On November 26 the special album will be released.





Tracklisting:


“Merry Go Round” (feat. Jürgen Engler)
“Below Zero 2021” (feat. Marko Hietala)
“Skyline” (Remix by Bomfunk MC’s)
“Ehtoopuolella” (feat. Eläkeläiset)
“So Fine 2021” (feat. Kevin Ridley and Youth Choirs Sykkii and n.u.k.u.
“Step Outside” (feat. Angelit)
“In The Cradle 2021” (feat. Jonne Järvelä and Jyrki 69)
“Misty Man 2021” (feat. Niki)
“Lights On 2021” (feat. Lordi)
“The Stage 2021” (feat. Tampere All Stars)
“Helsinki 2021” (feat. April Art)


(Cover photo by Jani Mahkonen / Cover layout by Aino Korpinen)

THE OFFSPRING has unveiled a live performance video for "Gone Away". The clip, directed by Sean Sheetz, was filmed over two nights in September at Nashville's Brooklyn Bowl and the Buckhead Theatre in Atlanta.

A reimagined version of the song (which was originally recorded for the band's 1997 platinum-selling album "Ixnay On The Hombre") appears on THE OFFSPRING's acclaimed, chart-topping tenth studio album "Let The Bad Times Roll", released earlier this year. The new arrangement of "Gone Away" — which transforms the song into an elegiac piano ballad — has re-emerged as a fan favorite, and during this extended period of collective grief, the song has taken on a particular emotional resonance for many people.

In his introduction to the song, lead singer Bryan "Dexter" Holland notes: "Many of you have lost someone close to you, I know that I certainly have. When I've been singing this song lately, I've been thinking about that."

And as guitarist Kevin "Noodles" Wasserman recently observed: "'Gone Away' may not be the biggest song we've ever done, but it's probably touched people more profoundly than any song we've ever done. It's a heavy song about losing someone in your life, and that happens to everybody. Unfortunately, it's part of the human experience and people can relate. To all the fans that love that song and have experienced that loss, our heart goes out to you. We've been there, and we share your grief."

THE OFFSPRING's latest album, "Let The Bad Times Roll", arrived in April via Concord Records. The follow-up to 2012's "Days Go By" was once again produced by Bob Rock, who also worked on the band's last two LPs.

Holland, Wasserman, drummer Pete Parada and new bassist Todd Morse wrote and recorded "Let The Bad Times Roll" in the last few years at various locations, including the band's studio in Huntington Beach, California.

Further cementing their place as one of the best-selling rock bands of the 21st century, 12-times-platinum rockers SKILLET are seeing their RIAA certifications multiply yet again. Their latest milestones include the new triple-platinum status of their landmark album "Awake", with three of its hit tracks also accumulating more certs as "Awake & Alive" goes double-platinum, "Hero" triple-platinum, and "Monster", already one of the most-streamed rock songs in history with over four billion global audio streams, hits quadruple platinum status.

SKILLET's latest single, "Surviving The Game", the first from their forthcoming album "Dominion" (due on January 14 via Atlantic), has made a strong debut, already accumulating over 6.5 million streams. Its music video has been viewed over 2.7 million times, and has seen some great sport sync usage, including a recent MLB hit. Now, their second instant grat track, "Standing In The Storm" is available upon pre-ordering "Dominion". Fans also have access to a lyric video for "Standing In The Storm", which swirls around the key line "I've still got some life in me", culled from one of Korey Cooper's journals.

SKILLET frontman John Cooper comments: "We're getting older, our kids are getting older, and the world is falling apart, so there's a part of me that's like, 'Do you really want to go back on the road in the midst of a pandemic?' Do we want to keep this business going? Then, she showed me this passage in her journal. I was really impacted. I started to think, 'Yes, there's a lot of crazy things going on, but I'm not done.'"

"Dominion", produced by Kevin Churko (PAPA ROACH, DISTURBED, FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH) with songs written by John Cooper, Korey Cooper, Kevin Churko and Kane Churko, was created 100% remotely between the band's tour dates, home studio in Wisconsin, and the Churkos' studio in Las Vegas.

"'Dominion' is about the celebration of freedom, a liberation from fear — to be who we want to be, say what we want to say, believe what we want to believe," John Cooper says. "In some ways, it's a reminder of the God-given rights that we were born with. It's time to regain some sort of control over our lives and not be a slave to fear. I hope this record is going to make people feel empowered, inspired, uplifted and want to rock their faces off."

"Dominion" track listing:

01. Surviving The Game

02. Standing In The Storm

03. Dominion

04. Valley Of Death

05. Beyond Incredible

06. Destiny

07. Refuge

08. Shout Your Freedom

09. Destroyer

10. Forever Or The End

11. Ignite

12. White Horse

By 2019, SKILLET not only garnered a pair of Grammy nods and sold over 12 million albums worldwide, but they also took home a Billboard Music Award for the double-platinum "Awake". Its breakout single, "Monster", remains one of the most streamed rock songs of all time, with over three billion global audio streams.

2016's "Unleashed" bowed at No. 3 on the Billboard Top 200. Hitting No. 1 on rock radio, the lead single, "Feel Invincible", cracked 643 million global audio streams and went platinum. Meanwhile, the gold-certified "Unleashed" became their fourth consecutive album to receive either a gold, platinum, or double-platinum status.

Their 2019 release, "Victorious", included the Top 10 rock radio hit "Legendary", which lived up to its name with over 108 million streams. To date, nine original tunes earned RIAA recognition in tandem with high-profile syncs by everyone from WWE and Marvel to ESPN and NFL.

Photo by Jimmy Fontaine

STAIND frontman Aaron Lewis has released the official music video for his new solo single "Pull Me Under". The track is taken from him upcoming album, "Frayed At Both Ends", due on January 28.

With a strong sense of vintage country, Lewis has spent the last ten years committed to making the kind of country he was raised on. Merle Haggard, Waylon Jennings, David Allen Coe and early Hank Williams Jr. inform the Springfield, Vermont star's take on the genre that started with the No. 1 Billboard Country Albums debut with 2011's "Town Line".

That same passion for the unseen and the unrecognized drives the guitar-playing songwriter. Having spent the last year focused on writing, often with friends he's made over the decade he's spent making country music, he's putting the finishing touches on "Frayed At Both Ends".

"There's so much great music in Nashville, which I think everybody knows. But until you really live here, get to know people, you don't realize how deep it runs," Lewis says of the dozen songs on his upcoming record. "It's inspiring to be around people who are drawn to that same hard kind of country, the stuff that digs down and looks at life with some of the paint knocked off it."

"Frayed At Both Ends" also strips back Lewis's sound, taking it to the bare minimum. With guitarists Tom Bukovac, Biff Watson and Seth Taylor, dobroist Ben Kitterman, acoustic slide and baritone from Sturgill Simpson veteran Laur Joamets, keyboards from Jim Moose Brown, acoustic guitar and mandolin from Dan Tyminski, some of Nashville's best players make less do more.

"Goodbye Town", an acoustic guitar shuffle that looks at a love that's gone, and the echoes that linger after it's over, is the first advance track. With Mickey Raphael's harmonica and a dobro rising from the mix, Lewis's weathered delivery more than carries the enduring ache.

"Big heartache is part of it," says the man cited for "his mournful baritone" by the Los Angeles Times. "Country music takes on the tough stuff, the doubts and the working harder to just stay where you are. Writing with guys like Dan Tyminski, who's sung on some of my earlier records, Jeffrey Steele, Ira Dean, David Lee Murphy and Chris Wallin all have the same sense of what this is, so I can't wait for people to get to hear this record."

Fans can pre-order the album now and receive "Goodbye Town", the project's first teaser track. They will also receive "Am I The Only One", Lewis's anthem of frustration that spent the 4th of July at No. 1 on iTunes all-genre chart, as well as being only the ninth song since 1958 to debut at No. 1 on Billboard's Hot Country Songs chart.

"This is an album of saying things that need to be said about how people actually live," Lewis explains. "Life isn't easy. Most people drink to forget, or drive for hours trying to get away from what they can't let go of or leave behind. Work takes it out of you. Love falls short or destroys you. Disappointments stack up. But still you have to keep going — and how you do that says everything about the man that you are."

The 12 songs are joined by a bonus: the previously released CreatiVets-penned "They Call Me Doc". The bare witness of a triage soldier who holds people together at their darkest moments honors the fighting men and women who've been injured and those who care for them. With just an acoustic guitar, Lewis is joined by Tyminiski and Vince Gill for the homage.

"I've never wanted to be the face of a song, or a time," Lewis offers. "I'm a lucky man. I survived my first record deal, and I can make music on my terms. One of those terms is singing for other people, the things they need to say or the heroism they've lived and no one ever really noticed. If I can put the light in those places, then the music is doing its best work."

Mixed by Chris Lord-Alge, the five-time Grammy-winning engineer burnished the warmth of the playing and found the depth in the room. For a largely unplugged project, its presence is undeniable.

"I played an acoustic show at the Ryman Auditorium," STAIND's founder/frontman remembers, "and Scott Borchetta, the head of my label, had never seen me like that. When we were done, he came backstage and said, 'You need to do a record like that.' I'd never really thought about it, but once he planted the seed..."

"I didn't have a master plan, just these songs that I'd been writing with friends. I'd never really co-written in all my years of being an artist. Sometimes writing with somebody else dials you even more into yourself, or more the reality that's all of us. And with the world being such a mess, I figured 'frayed at both ends' sounds about right. No matter who you are or what you believe, I think we all feel like the knot's coming undone."

"Frayed At Both Ends" track listing:

01. Again (Aaron Lewis, Ira Dean, David Lee Murphy)

02. Goodbye Town (Aaron Lewis, Randy Montana)

03. Everybody Talks To God (Craig Monday, Chris Wallin)

04. Am I The Only One (Aaron Lewis, Ira Dean, Jeffrey Steele)

05. Kill Me Like You Love Me (Aaron Lewis, Ira Dean, Dan Tyminiski, Chris Wallin)

06. Pull Me Under (Aaron Lewis)

07. Life Behind Bars (Aaron Lewis, Josh Hogue, Matt McGinn)

08. Waiting There For Me (Aaron Lewis, Ira Dean, Dan Tyminiski, Chris Wallin)

09. They Call Me Doc (featuring CreatiVets, Vince Gill, Dan Tyminiski) (Shaun Bott, Richard Casper, Brian Carper, Jourdan Walker, Johnny McGuire)

10. Get What You Get (Aaron Lewis, Ira Dean, Dan Tyminiski)

11. Sticks And Stones (Aaron Lewis, Paul Barber, Matt McGinn)

12. One In The Same (Aaron Lewis, Trent Tomlinson)

13. Someone (Aaron Lewis, Paul Barber, Matt McGinn)

In the latest episode of the 80's Glam Metalcast, host Metal Mike catches up with former Yngwie Malmsteen’s Rising Force drummer, Anders Johansson. He talks about what it’s like playing with his sons in his band, Tungsten, and looks back on the classic Yngwie albums he played on: Marching Out (1985), Trilogy (1986), and Odyssey (1988).


On his favorite Yngwie album he played on, and the stories of Yngwie being difficult 


Anders: "Marching Out is my favorite. It was the first one I did with him. I think it was raw and had a band feeling to it. Back then, it was kind of a band. Yngwie was the boss of course. He was always really cool to me. I read things about him now that aren’t always so positive. I never seen any bad side of him. He was never rude to me or my brother. When we quit, I think he became more of a dictator, no more compromising." 




On the vocalist and style changes from Marching Out to Odyssey 


Anders: "It wasn’t weird having a different singer on every album. We got along great with all those guys. It was kind of a natural thing. We didn’t think it about much back then. It probably would have been better for Yngwie’s career if Jeff (Scott Soto) had stayed in the band for all those albums. It was interesting though having different singers, because it made all the records sound different. Jeff was like 19 when he quit. He was really young and immature. He thought he was going to make it big with something more commercial; a band called Driver with Tommy Aldridge. We tried to persuade him not to quit. Then we got Mark Boals, who was a great singer and a great guy, too." 


On the Odyssey album


Anders: "When we did the album with Joe Lynn Turner, Yngwie did a lot of compromising. I don’t think he liked it. He thought it was too commercial. Then again, that one is his best selling album. It was the label that wanted him to be more commercial. Yngwie wanted to do stuff more like the first album, more progressive and fusion. The label wanted the new Bon Jovi. They wanted to make money, but nobody in the band really wanted to play that style. We also didn’t want to create bad vibes with the label. They almost threatened us to be more commercial or they wouldn’t support the album. When Joe came, he wanted even more pop songs. We compromised and put some fast stuff on there to balance it out. 


I think it came out great and that’s the one most people like the best. The label also wanted an all star band for that one. They wanted to bring in Bob Daisley and Eric Singer. They didn’t like that we spoke Swedish. Once Joe was in, they really wanted to create an American band. They really couldn’t get rid of my brother because their wasn’t a better keyboard player out there. For drums, I’m sure Eric Singer could have pulled it off. I talked to him before and he said he had no interest in doing it. He said the stuff was too fast for him. He ended up in KISS, so I think he did okay! Bob Daisely was in the band for a short while, we actually rehearsed with him. Yngwie didn’t think he played fast enough, either." 


On Yngwie doing most the playing and singing on his albums today 


Anders: "I think Yngwie needs a producer. When you hear him now, it’s just pretty much him on it everywhere, in every position. You need someone to bounce ideas of course. With Yngwie singing - he took singing lessons for 7 years. He asked Mark Boals what he was doing wrong. Why didn’t he sound like him, like a world class singer? Mark told him there was nothing wrong with his pitch or vibrato. Mark said it was his vocal chords. You just sound that way, there’s nothing you can do. His voice just isn’t as pleasant as someone like Joe Lynn Turner. He just sounds like an average guy.  His voice is deep, it doesn’t blend well with power metal. When he sings bluesy stuff, I think it works better."

This weekend on Deep Hidden Meaning Radio with Nile Rodgers on Apple Music 1, Richie Sambora joins Nile to share the stories behind some of Bon Jovi's most iconic songs. During the interview he discusses winning the Apple Music Special International Award at the Ivors, writing hits like "You Give Love A Bad Name", "Livin' On A Prayer" and "Bad Medicine", reflects on his relationship with Jon Bon Jovi, shares his continuing admiration for Cher, and more.





In the following excerpt, Sambora tells Nile Rodgers about his relationship with Jon Bon Jovi...




Nile Rodgers: "It's strange because when a band has a front guy, and the band has the front guy's name, you think that all the singing is the front guy."


Richie Sambora: "And all the writing."


Rodgers: "And all the writing, that's true."


Sambora: "Exactly. That was part of my deal, to shut the - up. If I had a coffee place, the sign would say, "Have a hot steaming cup of shut the - up." That would be my coffee place. And you know what? Guess what?"


Rodgers: "You did."


Sambora: "I did it. And it worked out because that's what he needed for whatever reason. And I was working with him and if he needed that kind of thing."


Tune in and listen to the conversation in full for free this Saturday (November 13) at 8 AM, PST / 11 AM, EST / 4 PM, GMT, or listen back on demand with an Apple Music subscription: apple.co/_DHMRadio.

Cradle Of Filth performed at the 2021 edition of Bloodstock Open Air at Catton Park in Derbyshire, UK on August 14th. Pro-shot video of the band's entire set is available below.


The setlist was as follows:


"At the Gates of Midian"
"Cthulhu Dawn"
"Nemesis"
"Blackest Magick in Practice"
"Crawling King Chaos"
"Nymphetamine (Fix)"
"Lilith Immaculate"
"Heartbreak and Seance"
"A Bruise Upon The Silent Moon"
"The Promise of Fever"
"Cruelty Brought Thee Orchids"
"Her Ghost in the Fog"
"From the Cradle to Enslave"

John 5 has explained his decision to pull out of his previously announced U.S. tour as the support act for legendary Swedish guitarist Yngwie Malmsteen. The trek, also featuring IMAGES OF EDEN and SUNLORD, was slated to kick off on November 16 in Atlanta, Georgia and conclude on December 18 in Houston, Texas.

In a new interview with "Whiplash", the KLOS radio show hosted by Full Metal Jackie, John 5 said about the circumstances that contributed to his decision to scrap his touring plans for the remainder of 2021: "Well, what it was is — to be completely, a thousand percent honest, I lost some very close friends to COVID. And it was just going crazy and going rampant. And I was gonna be touring in these places where there's a lot of people. And I love to meet people — I love to say hello to people; I love to give people hugs. And I didn't wanna restrict people of that; I didn't wanna be, like, 'Oh, back up, buddy.' Because I wanna say hello to people as well. So I'm just gonna wait till the spring till everything hopefully calms down so I can get out there and do it right and feel comfortable about it.

"Touring is supposed to be something really fun; I love it more than anything," the former MARILYN MANSON and current ROB ZOMBIE guitarist continued. "I never wanna look at it as a job or a stress. And that's why I chose just to wait a little bit longer. 'Cause everything's gonna be fine very soon. I mean, I'm no doctor or scientist — that's for sure — but I really believe that everything's gonna be okay next year… We have to keep that mentality, because if we don't have that mentality, it's gonna be really, really hard."

When John 5 first announced his withdrawal from the Yngwie tour last month, he said in a statement: "Due to unforeseen circumstances and out of an abundance of caution I am sad to announce that i will no longer be joining Yngwie on the upcoming US tour.

"The health concerns for artists and their crew that come with travelling extensively from city to city during this time have meant that myself and my team feel this is the best course of action to keep everybody on my tour team safe and well.

"I am certain that these Yngwie shows will be amazing, as they always are. I'm sorry i won't be there to share my new music with you all. I'll be back out on the road as soon as is safe and possible."

John 5 released his new solo album, "Sinner", on October 29 via Big Machine Records. The first single from the album, the epic "Qué Pasa", revolves around a distinctive vocal refrain. Originally built with a sample, John opted to have it reworked by Grammy-winning MEGADETH leader Dave Mustaine.

"Sinner" was produced and mixed by Barry Pointer at Riott House Studio in North Hollywood. Drums were engineered by ex-GUNS N' ROSES guitarist Gilby Clarke at Redrum Recording in Los Angeles. The LP also features a guest appearance by original KISS drummer Peter Criss on a cover of "Georgia On My Mind", a 1930s classic by Hoagy Carmichael and Stuart Gorrell that's become famous thanks to Ray Charles decades later.

John 5 has worked with a varied range of artists, performing as guitarist for some of the biggest headlining rock bands in the world such as ROB ZOMBIE and MARILYN MANSON, as well as playing session with Paul Stanley, Rod Stewart, LYNYRD SKYNYRD and more. Slash has called John 5 "one of the most mind-blowing guitarists around," and Rob Zombie has dubbed him "a fucking shredder." John 5 has released ten solo albums to date, as well as a remix album, and has written music for the likes of Avril Lavigne, GARBAGE, Ricky Martin and others.

Iconic musician, Mark Stein, is set to shine with a new collection of songs about Hope, Unity, Concern and Redemption. Sidelined by the Covid-19 pandemic and unable to perform live with popular rock band, Vanilla Fudge, lead vocalist and keyboardist Mark Stein 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.


The second single from the album, “Ball Of Confusion”, is an interpretation of The Temptations classic done only in a way that Mark Stein could do. He is no stranger for making new classics out of remakes, much like he had done with the Vanilla Fudge remake of The Supremes song “You Keep Me Hangin On”.


Mark had this to say about why he decided to do this song, “I had produced and arranged 'Ball Of Confusion' for a film called Rockin' The Wall .... and although this was a huge hit by the Temptations in the early '70s, the lyrics are still relevant in today's volatile world and fits well with the theme of my solo album, There A Light."







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. Aside from the aforementioned “Ball Of Confusion”, and first single “We Are One” Stein has written and recorded songs whose titles pretty much sum up what they are about. Including “We Are Survivors,” “Lyin’.” “Let’s Pray for Peace,” along with a powerful new version of The Rascal’s “People Gotta Be Free”.


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"


"We Are One" video:





(Photo - Marek Hofman Photography)

Earlier this month, Frontiers Music Srl released the latest stroke of musical genius from the inimitable Jim Peterik: Jim Peterik & World Stage - Tigress: Women Who Rock The World. A lyric video for the album opener, "Tigress" featuring Kate French, Jennifer Batten, and Abigail Stanshmidt, can be found below.


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.




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)


"Tigress" lyric video:





"A Cappella" lyric video:





"Prom Night In Pontiac" video:





Additional lineup:


+ Ed Breckenfeld - Drums: Tigress, Music In The Aire, Brave Is Beautiful, Against The Grain, Full Moon Crazy, Taller, Lazarus Heart, A Cappella
+ Mike Aquino - Additional Guitar: Prom Night In Pontiac, Dear Life, Taller, Lazarus Heart, A Cappella, Against The Grain
+ Joel Hoekstra - Additional Guitar: Strong Against The Wind, Music In The Aire, Sin To Believe A Lie
+ Colin Peterik - Drums: The Best In Us
+ Scott May - B3: Stronger At The Broken Places
+ Tom Yankton - Additional Guitar: Full Moon Crazy
+ Christian Cullen - Orchestration And Sound Design: Tigress
+ Jim Peterik - Guitars, Backing Vocals, Additional Instruments: Against The Grain - Bass, Full Moon Crazy - Additional Guitar, Dear Life - Bass Synth And Bass Guitar, The Best In Us - Bass, Lazarus Heart - Mellotron

Guitarist  Thomas Zwijsen has released the new video below, featuring an acoustic performance of Iron Maiden's "Purgatory" on classical fingerstyle guitar and violin by Thomas and Wiki Violin. "Purgatory" is featured on Iron Maiden's Killers album, released in 1981.





Zwijsen previously released the video below, featuring an acoustic cover of Iron Maiden's "Heaven Can Wait". The song originally appeared on Maiden's 1986 album, Somewhere In Time.

Barry Kuzay has released a lyric video for “The Virtues Of Greed”, which features an epic shredfest of a guest appearance by Joe Stump.


The song is from the new Barry Kuzay album, The Movers Of The World, an epic concept album inspired by the infamous and iconoclastic Ayn Rand novel Atlas Shrugged. The album features Barry Kuzay on vocals and guitar, Matt Thompson (King Diamond) on drums, and Ben Kuzay (ex-Monstrosity) on bass guitar, along with a guest appearance by Tim Ripper Owens (ex-Judas Priest, KK’s Priest, ex-Iced Earth, ex-Yngwie Malmsteen).







The Movers Of The World album is available on CD and digital download. Order at barrykuzay.com, iTunes, Amazon, and Bandcamp. A lyric video for for "Wyatt's Torch" featuring Tim "Ripper" Owens, can be seen below.





Tracklisting:


"Overture 2021"
"The Movers Of The World"
"Alone In The Mountains"
"The Virtues Of Greed"
"The Pirate"
"The Twentieth Century Motor Company"
"Who Is John Galt?"
"Enigmatic Engine"
"Wyatt’s Torch"
"Superspreader" (Bonus Track)


"Wyatt’s Torch" lyric video:





"Superspreader" video:





This is the second studio release from Barry Kuzay. Production on this album began in January 2020 and concluded in June 2021. Barry explains, “When world tours were needlessly made illegal by pathetic loser tyrants controlled by the CCP, I took full advantage and collaborated with some of my favorite musicians and influences on this album. I’m incredibly proud of the results, and it was a thrill to work with such highly skilled musicians.”





Barry Kuzay is a civil engineer in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin who works with steel by day and metal by night. He is the monarch of a micro-nation that has surrendered militarily to a foreign occupying power. The ceasefire agreement allows him to remain on the land with his family in exchange for paying protection money to the criminal gangs that claim dominion over that territory. He considers The Movers Of The World to be an artistic knife to the heart of those gangs of looters.

Iron Maiden are among a list of artists credited in helping Warner Music Group’s recorded music revenues top $1 billion for the fourth straight quarter, reports Music Business Worldwide.


Published today (November 15), WMG’s fiscal results for the three months to end of September (its fiscal Q4, but calendar Q3), reveal that the company’s quarterly recorded music revenues - including streaming, digital and physical sales, plus ancillary income - hit $1.172 billion, up 22.3% year-on-year (or up 21.1% at constant currency).


Major sellers across the quarter included Iron Maiden, Dua Lipa, Ed Sheeran, Masked Wolf and Ava Max.




In the previous quarter - calendar Q2 - WMG’s quarterly recorded music revenues from streaming, digital and physical sales, plus ancillary income reached $1.152 billion, up 34% year-on-year (or 27.6% in constant currency). And in calendar Q1 (the three months to end of March), WMG generated recorded music revenues of $1.059bn, up 16.8% (or 12.9% in constant currency). In calendar Q4 2020 (WMG’s fiscal Q1 2021), the company’s recorded music revenues were up 4.5% at constant currency YoY to $1.16bn.


Read the full report at Music Business Worldwide


Iron Maiden frontman, Bruce Dickinson, will be taking his spoken word tour, An Evening With Bruce Dickinson, on an extensive US and Canada run early next year.


Split into two parts, the first section of the show sees Bruce taking a humorous and often satirical look at the world from his own very personal perspective, treating the audience to private insights into his drive and ambition, peppered with plenty of Maiden anecdotes, and a myriad of other experiences encompassing not just the giddy heights but also the extreme lows, told first-hand in his inimitable anarchic style, punctuated with photographs and sometimes even erupting into song a-capella, to illustrate a point.


The final section of the evening is devoted entirely to a Q&A session, with the opportunity to pose questions on any subject whatsoever. As Bruce’s answers will all be completely improvised – the more left-field and quirky the question, the more interesting and compelling the response is likely to be!


Tickets on sale now.





Dates:


January
17 - Ft Lauderdale, Florida - Parker Playhouse
18 - Orlando, Florida - Plaza Live
20 - Tampa, Florida - Theatre
21 - Jacksonville, Florida - Florida Theatre
23 - Atlanta, Georgia - Tabernacle
24 - Raleigh, North Carolina - Meymandi Concert Hall at Duke Energy Center
26 - Nashville, Tennessee - Polk Theater
27 - Columbus, Ohio - Jo Ann Davidson Theatre
29 - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania - Carnegie Music Hall of Homestead
30 - Detroit, Michigan - The Fillmore


February
1 - Buffalo-Niagara Falls, New York - Buffalo State Performing Arts Center
2 - Albany, New York - The Egg
4 - New York City, New York - The Town Hall
5 - Boston, Massachusetts - Schubert Theatre at the Boch Center
7 - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania - The Fillmore
8 - Washington, DC - Warner Theatre
10 - Cleveland, Ohio - MGM Northfield Park
11 - Chicago, Illinois - Vic Theatre
13 - Minneapolis, Minnesota - Pantages Theatre
14 - Milwaukee-Racine, Wisconsin - Pabst Theater
16 - Des Moines, Iowa - Hoyt Sherman Place Theatre
17 - Oklahoma City, Oklahoma - Rose State College Hudiberg Chevrolet Center
19 - Kansas City, Kansas - Uptown Theater
20 - Denver, Colorado - Paramount Theatre
22 - Dallas, Texas - Majestic Theatre
23 - Houston, Texas - Stafford Centre
24 - Austin, Texas - Paramount Theatre
26 - Phoenix, Arizona - Mesa Arts Center
28 - San Diego, California - Balboa Theatre


March
1 - Los Angeles, California - Orpheum Theatre
3 - San Francisco, California - Palace of Fine Arts
4 - Portland, Oregon - Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall
6 - Seattle, Washington - The Moore Theatre
12 - Las Vegas, Nevada - House Of Blues
14 - Vancouver (New Westminster), British Columbia - Massey Theatre
16 - Victoria, British Columbia - Royal Theatre
18 - Edmonton, Alberta - Winspear Centre
20 - Winnipeg, Manitoba - Burton Cummings Theatre
21 - Calgary, Alberta - Jack Singer Concert Hall
23 - Montreal, Quebec - MTELUS
26 - Ottawa, Ontario - Algonquin Commons Theatre
27 - Quebec City, Quebec - Palais Montcalm
29 - Hamilton, Ontario - FirstOntario Concert Hall
30 - Kitchener, Ontario - Centre in the Square