Albert Bouchard is best known as a founding member of Blue Öyster Cult. The original lineup sold millions of albums for Columbia Records, with such classic songs as “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper” and the #1 hit on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart “Burning For You”. Contributing to songwriting, drums, and lead vocals on some of their greatest songs, such as “Cites On Flame With Rock And Roll”.


With the success of Re Imaginos last year, Albert Bouchard is now back with Imaginos 2 – Bombs Over Germany (minus zero and counting), continuing the Trilogy of Imaginos, a concept album about an alien conspiracy that is brought to fruition during the late 19th and early 20th century through the actions of Imaginos, an agent of evil. The album weaves scripts and poems by the late Sandy Pearlman. It features guests Ross The Boss (Dictators), Joe Cerisano (Silver Condor, TSO), and reunites original Blue Öyster Cult members Eric Bloom, Donald “Buck Dharma” Roeser and Joe Bouchard, as well current BOC member Richie Castellano, who all contribute to this latest installment. The album also features reworks of classics like “Cities On Flame With Rock And Roll”, “The Red And The Black”, and “Dominance And Submission”.


The first single from the album is “OD’d On Life Itself” and Albert had this to say about it, “This version of 'OD’d On Life Itself' is a very different take on the song that was recorded for BOC’s second album, Tyranny And Mutation. The lyrics return to the original lyrics written by Sandy Pearlman, much less sarcastic and much more spooky. The track reflects that change with a simpler and more spacious arrangement with just acoustic guitar, mysterioso guitar, violin, drums and bass. The stand out lyrics are “Don’t you fear this trade in lives” and “This wedding by heaven was made up in hell” which portend to the darker nature of this second act in the Imaginos saga.”


window._taboola = window._taboola || [];
_taboola.push({
mode: 'alternating-rec-reel-3n4-a',
container: 'taboola-mid-article-thumbnails',
placement: 'Mid Article Thumbnails',
target_type: 'mix'
});



View lyric video below.


Deko Entertainment is very excited to continue their relationship with Albert and RockHeart R

The organizers of this weekend's Rebel Rock festival in Orlando, Florida have announced the cancelation of the four-day event. Earlier today, they issued the following statement regarding the matter: "We are deeply and utterly devastated to announce the cancellation of this weekend's Rebel Rock Festival.

"After this week's severe weather and despite our crew's effort to improve the ground conditions around the Main Stage over the last three days, our venue partner has deemed the area unfit for artists, crews, vendors, and fans. We were able to get in the Taco Metal Party on Thursday by using the B-Main grounds while continuing to work on the conditions of the Main Stage grounds. The amount of water dropped this week simply proved to be too much to clear to provide you a safe festival environment and experience. We can't tell you how heartbreaking it is to see two years of work be tackled by mother nature.

"We'll share more information about refunds as soon as possible."

In the last few weeks, Rebel Rock was forced to reshuffle its lineup following several high-profile cancelations. INCUBUS, which was stepping in for original headliners LIMP BIZKIT, announced on Tuesday that it was dropping out of the festival due to COVID-19 concerns. LIMP BIZKIT called off its entire tour shortly after playing at the Lollapalooza festival this summer. Other acts which pulled out of the four-day festival at the Central Florida Fairgrounds included DEVILDRIVER, LIGHT THE TORCH and EMMURE. VOLBEAT were forced to cancel its set due to issues getting into the U.S.


STATEMENT: We are deeply and utterly devastated to announce the cancellation of this weekend's Rebel Rock...

Posted by Rebel Rock on Friday, September 24, 2021

In a new interview with Classic Rock magazine, JUDAS PRIEST singer Rob Halford was asked if he has listened to "Demolition" and "Jugulator", the two albums PRIEST made with singer Tim "Ripper" Owens during a period in the late 1990s and early 2000s when Halford was out of the band. "No. I still haven't," he said. "This might sound selfish, but because it's not me singing, I'm not attracted to it. I sound like a twat, but I'm really just not interested. And that's no disrespect to Ripper, 'cause he's a friend of mine."

Halford went on to say that he first met Owens "when the band went through Ohio, [and Tim] came to the show. Was it awkward? Not in the least," he said. "We gave each other a hug. He's a massive PRIEST fan, and when the opportunity came for me to go back, he was, like, 'Thumbs up, it's great. I'm happy for the band, I'm happy for Rob.' I respect his chops; he's a great singer."

Owens joined PRIEST in 1996 after being discovered when the band's drummer, Scott Travis, was given a videotape of him performing with the PRIEST cover act BRITISH STEEL. JUDAS PRIEST at the time was seeking a replacement for Halford.

In a 2000 interview, Halford explained why he was reluctant to hear "Jugulator". "It's just too difficult for me to listen to the band when I'm not in it, and that's nothing to do with taking a shot at Ripper," he said. "I just can't listen to it. It's just psychological. I should just put it on and listen to the fucking thing, but then if I do, [interviewers] will say, 'Well have you heard it?', and I'll go, 'Yeah', and then you'll go, 'What do you think?', and I don't want to do that. I don't want to be put in that situation. I just love all the things that I've done with the band and I'm happy to be a part of that great legacy and that's all. You want to treat it with respect because that's what it deserves."

Last October, Halford told "The SDR Show" that he would "absolutely" be open to performing material from "Demolition" and "Jugulator" with PRIEST. "Those two albums are just as valid as everything else in the PRIEST catalog," he explained. "So who knows? That day may yet come."

In 2019, Owens told Ultimate Guitar that he believes his era of JUDAS PRIEST is largely overlooked. "Yeah, I think it definitely deserves more [attention]," he said. "I mean, they don't do anything. [Laughs] It's kind of amazing that they just totally erased it that they won't play... I mean, 'Burn In Hell' [off 'Jugulator'], the crowd would like to hear 'Burn In Hell'.

"They don't have to give me a tribute or anything, but it would be nice to play a song from... You know, that was a pretty big thing, I did two studio records, two live records, and a DVD, starting from '96 to 2004. So it's kind of crazy that it's just been erased and they won't even play a song from it live, because it is JUDAS PRIEST."

In October 2019, JUDAS PRIEST guitarist Richie Faulkner said that "Hell Is Home" is one of his favorite songs from the Owens era. The PRIEST guitarist, who joined the band in 2011 as the replacement for K.K. Downing, offered his opinion during a live video chat. He said: "I was listening to the Ripper albums the other day, and 'Hell Is Home' is such a great track. It's really heavy and the vocal melody is really great. I think Ripper sings it really well. It's probably one of my favorite PRIEST songs of the Ripper era. 'Hell Is Home' — I really like that."

"Demolition" and "Jugulator" are included on "50 Heavy Metal Years Of Music", JUDAS PRIEST's upcoming limited-edition box set which will contain every official live and studio album to date plus 13 unreleased discs. Due on October 15, it is the most extensive release of previously unreleased music the band has made from its vast archi

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, German bashers Gamma Ray (led by Helloween co-founder Kai Hansen) decided to do a live streaming event in 2020 and set up a big stage in the ISS Dome in Düsseldorf, Germany, on August 27.


On their new release, 30 Years Live Anniversary, the band would like to invite all of you to join their exclusive and only show in 2020, which has been streamed to all fans all over the globe. This extraordinary show is now released as a double live album on both audio and video via earMUSIC.





window._taboola = window._taboola || [];
_taboola.push({
mode: 'alternating-rec-reel-3n4-a',
container: 'taboola-mid-article-thumbnails',
placemen

Acclaimed rock vocalist, Jeff Scott Soto, recently announced the release of his next solo project, The Duets Collection, Vol. 1, on October 8. For this album, Soto wanted to do a career retrospective and re-record some of his favorite songs from his storied career, but with the twist that he invited friends to join him on duets of said songs.


Today, fans can get another taste of the album with the release of "Don't Let It End" (originally performed by Yngwie Malmsteen) where he is joined by Dino Jelusick & Howie Simon. Watch the video below, and pre-order/save The Duets Collection, Vol. 1 on CD/Color Vinyl/Digital here.


Using the down time from his normally relentless touring activity due to the worldwide pandemic, renowned vocalist Jeff Scott Soto decided to create a very special album which pays tribute to some of the classic songs he has recorded over the course of his storied career. But, rather than simple re-records, he wanted to make the album something special, unique. So, not only did he re-record these songs with his musical friends Jorge Salan, Howie Simon (guitars), Leo Mancini (guitars), Tony Dickinson (bass) and Edu Cominato (drums), but he called in some of his fellow rock friends/vocalists to create a unique Duets album. With the likes of Erik Mårtensson (Eclipse, W.E.T.), Eric Martin (Mr. Big), Johnny Gioeli (Hardline), Deen Castronovo (Revolution Saints, Journey), Nathan James (Inglorious), Russell Allen (Symphony X), Renan Zonta (Electric Mob), Dino Jelusick, Mats Leven (Candlemass, TSO), BJ (Spektra, Soto), and Aliro Netto (Shaman, Queen Extravaganza), this is an amazing international affair.


window._taboola = window._taboola || [];
_taboola.push({
mode: 'alternating-rec-reel-3n4-a',
container: 'taboola-mid-article-thumbnails',
placement: 'Mid Article Thumbnails',
target_type: 'mix'
});



The tracklisting alone will surely make any JSS fan excited, much less hearing the final product. Where can you get such an amazing list of singers and songs all in the same place?


Jeff says, "It was a DREAM to cast these voices and I am so amped for you to hear the results…”





Tracklisting:


"Livin’ The Life" (Rock Star) with Erik Mårtensson (Eclipse/W.E.T.)
"Don’t Let It End" (Yngwie Malmsteen) - with Dino Jelusick
"Mysterious" (Talisman) - with Eric Martin (Mr. Big)
"Believe In Me" (Jss) - with Nathan James (Inglorious)
"Coming Home" (Soul Sirkus) - with Deen Castronovo (Revolution Saints, Journey)
"I’ll Be Waiting" (Talisman) - with Alirio Netto (Shaman, Queen Extravaganza)
"Callin’ All Girls" (Eyes) - with Russell Allen (Symphony X, Allen/Lande)
"Colour My XTC" (Talisman) - with Renan Zonta (Elect

With "Woven Into Sorrow", Finnish death doom metal masters, Swallow The Sun, present a new single and video taken off their upcoming album Moonflowers, which will be released worldwide on November 19 and can be pre-ordered as of today.


The bnew track is the first heavy version to be released off the record, as the band already released very special classical editions of the regular album songs. Both versions - classical string and regular album version - are as dark and mournful as we are accustomed to Swallow The Sun.


Frontman Mikko Kotamäki comments: “Here it is! The first single of Moonflowers is out! ‘Woven Into Sorrow’ is probably the gloomiest track of the album. The backing growls for this song came by Antti Hyyrynen from Stam1na. Enjoy the misery!”


window._taboola = window._taboola || [];
_taboola.push({
mode: 'alternating-rec-reel-3n4-a',
container: 'taboola-mid-article-thumbnails',
placement: 'Mid Article Thumbnails',
target_type: 'mix'
});






Moonflowers will be available as Ltd. Deluxe sky blue 3LP+2CD & Art Print Box Set, Ltd. 2CD Mediabook, Gatefold black 2LP+CD and digital album (incl. Bonus album) and can be pre-ordered here.





Tracklisting:


CD1
"Moonflowers Bloom In Misery"
"Enemy"
"Woven Into Sorrow"
"Keep Your Heart Safe From Me"
"All Hallows’ Grieve"
"The Void"
"The Fight Of Your Life"
"This House Has No Home"


CD2
"Moonflowers Bloom In Misery" (Classical Version)
"Enemy" (Classical Version)
"Woven Into Sorrow" (Classical Version)
"Keep Your Heart Safe From Me" (Classical Version)
"All Hallows’ Grieve" (Classical Version)
"The Void" (Classical Version)
"The Fight Of Your Life" (Classical Version)
"This House Has No Home" (Classical Version)


Watch the previously published classical Trio N O X versions below:

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.


Mad Invasion now release their long-awaited debut album, entitled 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. The three first videos also feature special guest Mikkey Dee from Motörhead and Scorpions.


About the album: The theme of the album is dark and mostly about the constant battle between the evil that surrounds us, in all shapes and forms. A topic that has been around as long as humankind has existed. Evil is real and  we all experience it in our everyday lives, where life is getting harder and tougher for everyone.


window._taboola = window._taboola || [];
_taboola.push({
mode: 'alternating-rec-reel-3n4-a',
container: 'taboola-mid-article-thumbnails',
placement: 'Mid Article Thumbnails',
target_type: 'mix'
});



Life is a constant fight constant battle between good and evil, and that it isn’t always the good that wins - quite often the opposite actually. That’s why we all need to fight back… fight the good fight to take us out of the darkness. The band are champions for good and the are determined to bring light to the darkness. The title track and third single from the album Edge Of The World captures the dark and complex state of the world in dramatic way, with its bone-crushing guitars, stone heavy rhythm section and multi-cultural instrumentation. Join the Mad Invasion crusade in the shadowland.


Stream the 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"

BraveWords is premiering "I'm Gone", the new single from Fuel's upcoming full-length album, Ånomåly, out on October 22.


“I’m Gone” brings out Fuel’s heavier side, with chugging guitars and multiple impressive solos paired with steady and driving drums. Lead singer John Corsale’s vocals are sung with a bit of an edge, providing the perfect pairing for the hard rock instrumentals. Clocking in at just under 3 minutes, “I’m Gone” is relentlessly ‘in your face’ from the start to the end, showcasing the band’s musicianship and founding member Carl Bell’s dynamic songwriting.


Songwriter/guitarist Carl Bell states, “As a songwriter, the brain becomes hypersensitive to any input and songs can come from anywhere at any time. For ‘I’m Gone’, I was working on another song entirely and I was just checking to make sure the guitar was getting sound through the channel. I absentmindedly just played a riff, and instantly I stopped and thought, ‘What was that? That was kind of interesting.’ I had just played the opening guitar riff to ‘I’m Gone’. I stopped everything I was doing and just started developing the song. Got it to a good place, then recorded it

"Anadem Gyre" is the brand-new ethereal single from Antiqva. The chamber black metal project was founded by Xenoyr (Ne Obliviscaris) and Lindsay Schoolcraft (ex-Cradle Of Filth) while on tour in Europe in the Autumn of 2015. The band has issued the following update:


"We're pleased to reveal our debut music video, 'Anadem Gyre', a song released only in vinyl format in 2020 as a bonus track to our 'Funeral Crown' single. 'Anadem Gyre' is a more emphasised dark folk element from within our sound, a portion of this infused into our chamber black metal backbone is what to expect on our debut album. With all our tracks we utilise the Romanian tongue and so we thought it fitting that we pay respect to the country, one so rich in spirit, character, and folklore. We hope you enjoy this visual experience."

The International Metal Army have released their first single, a cover of “Eraser” originally recorded by Ed Sheeran. Watch the official video below.

T.I.M.A is a collective formed by experienced hard rock and heavy metal musicians from all over the globe:

Jake E (Cyhra, ex-Amaranthe) - vocals
Bill Hudson (NorthTale, TSO, Doro, ex-U.D.O) - guitar
Mikael Planefeldt (NorthTale, Gathering of Kings) - bass
Vikram Shankar (Redemption, Silent Skies) - keyboards
Alex Landenburg (Kamelot, Cyhra) - drums

The track was mixed by Vikram Shankar, video editing was done by Jake E.

Symphonic extreme metallers Zornheym have unleashed a new track, taken from the band's upcoming album, titled The Zornheim Sleep Experiment, which will be out October 22nd via German label Noble Demon.


After the already released first single "Keep The Devil Away", Zornheym delivers with "Slumber Comes In Time", another stunning harbinger of the new album, which impresses with folk elements as well as orchestral arrangements.


Says the band: "The epic chorus of 'Slumber Comes in Time' is based around a folk tune from the 16th century that the Wallons brought to Sweden. The male choir and the epic orchestral parts present a new side of Zornheym’s crushing sound."


window._taboola = window._taboola || [];
_taboola.push({
mode: 'alternating-rec-reel-3n4-a',
container: 'taboola-mid-article-thumbnails',
placement: 'Mid Article Thumbnails',
target_type: 'mix'
});



Furthermore Zornheym add: "We are also happy to officially confirm that there will be a second graphic novel! You liked the first one? Check out the lyric video and see how Anu has outdone herself with this new one."


Dive into the bleak and disturbing world of Zornheym; watch the lyric video for "Slumber Comes In Time":





Founded and led by multi-instrumentalist and songwriter Zorn (ex- Dark Funeral), Zornheym quickly grew from an ambitious idea into a dramatic musical and narrative driven concept revolving around the horrors of a mental institution and its prisoners. The band's debut album, Where Hatred Dwells And Darkness Reigns, opened the doors of the asylum in 2017, introducing the terrifying concept and gruesome characters within. Featuring ten new tracks of powerful, cinematic and mesmerizing symphonic extreme metal, Zornheym's upcoming album picks up where they left off, inviting the listen

"Hello all, we unfortunately have some bad news," begins an update from British old school death metal band, Memoriam. "We are working on album number five."


"We have pretty much wrapped up the instrument demos, Scott (Fairfax - guitarist) is busy working on writing some absolute classic old school death metal riffage, soon it will be the turn of Frank (Healy - bassist) to sit in at riff central and drink, which ultimately leads to a few changes, then onto Karl (Willetts - singer) to vocal demo the tracks. Exciting and busy times, no time to waste."


The as yet untitled new album from Memoriam will serve as the follow-up to, To The End, which was released in March 2021.

Frontiers Music Srl released the third album and label debut from Temple Balls, Pyromide, back in April. In this live studio session video, the band perform the song, "Heart Of A Warrior":





The hard rockin' Finnish band is ready to take the world by storm. Order/save Pyromide here.


window._taboola = window._taboola || [];
_taboola.push({
mode: 'alternating-rec-reel-3n4-a',
container: 'taboola-mid-article-thumbnails',
placement: 'Mid Article Thumbnails',
target_type: 'mix'
});



Temple Balls are an energetic hard rock band from Finland. Pyromide, their Frontiers debut and third album overall, is a tour de force of melodic hard rock that sees the band pushing themselves onto the world stage. Produced by none other than Jona Tee (H.E.A.T.), Pyromide is a tour-de-force of hooks, powerful rhythms, and anthemic rock ‘n roll like it was meant to be played.





Tracklisting:

Frontiers Music Srl will release The Grandmaster's debut album, Skywards, on October 15. The Grandmaster sees the pairing of legendary metal guitarist Jens Ludwig (Edguy) together with renowned metal vocalist Nando Fernandes (Sinistra, Brother Against Brother) for the creation of a stunning melodic metal masterpiece.


Pre-order/save Skywards here, and listen to the album opener, "Lunar Water", below.


Of what inspired his performances on the album, Jens Ludwig says, "The songs were all the inspiration I needed. 'True North' and 'Lunar Waters' were the first songs I heard and they made me wanna participate immediately! In the end, I really felt like I had a great connection with everyone involved, especially with Alessandro [Del Vecchio]. Didn’t need much more. Right time, right place, right songs, right team… it just felt ‘right’ to be a part of it. And it‘s been about time for me…"


window._taboola = window._taboola || [];
_taboola.push({
mode: 'alternating-rec-reel-3n4-a',
container: 'taboola-mid-article-thumbnails',
placement: 'Mid Article Thumbnails',
target_type: 'mix'
});



"My inspiration came from the compositions themselves, especially the vocal melodies, where from the first listen I could see that my voice would fit perfectly in all the songs. And this inspiration only grew with each song recorded. I was really moved during this process. Some lyrics also touched me a lot and helped to make my performance really real. Another strong point was the quality of the musicians involved, it really made my job a lot easier," adds vocalist Nando Fernandes.


Continues Fernandes, "I believe that there are variations within the same work, from hard rock to traditional metal, from progressive to melodic metal. The repertoire is not stuck within a single aspect and this is what makes it very interesting for listeners. The variation brings different emotions for each track. I would love to hear this CD myself, if I wasn't part of it. For those who like to listen to songs with strong interpretations, emotional solos, and an aggressive feel, this is a full plate!"


"I guess I would call it melodic metal with all elements this genre has to offer. Diverse and powerful songs featuring an outstanding vocalist," adds Ludwig.


The Grandmaster is another exciting musical project put together by Frontiers President and A&R director, Serafino Perugino. Taking center stage this time is a musical alliance between the outstanding Brazilian singer Nando Fernandes, a vocalist whose style follows in the tradition of the great metal singers of the '80s and '90s (think Ronnie James Dio, Jorn Lande, Russell Allen, etc.) with one of the power metal genre's truly gifted, talented, and stellar guitarists, Edguy's Jens Ludwig.


The end result of this powerful combination is a muscular, melodic metal album which offers a great take on traditional German power metal with strong elements of melody incorporated into the musical mix.


With superb production courtesy of the multi-talented Alessandro Del Vecchi

French / Irish alternative/progressive rock outfit Molybaron, who recently signed a worldwide deal with InsideOut Music / Sony Music Entertainment, have released a studio session video for "Slave To The Algorithm", eatured on their latest album, The Mutiny. Watch below:





The band around singer Gary Kelly has already caused a big stir internationally with their two albums Molybaron (2018) and The Mutiny (2021). The sound of the band is multifaceted and ranges from influences from Tool, to Mastodon, Gojira and Muse. With a big partner behind them, they are now ready to take the next big step.


window._taboola = window._taboola || [];
_taboola.push({
mode: 'alternating-rec-reel-3n4-a',
container: 'taboola-mid-article-thumbnails',
placement: 'Mid Article Thumbnails',
target_type: 'mix'
});






The band comments their new deal as follows: “We’re over the moon. Every kid who picks up a guitar dreams of joining a big label one day and after 6 years of hard grind, we’ve finally done it! We want to give a massive thanks to our formidable manager Richard Gamba (Sphere Manage), who saw something special in this band and made this deal possible. We are so excited about our future together! To Thomas Waber and InsideOut Music for putting his trust and faith in us. To our publisher Nicolas Ramaget (Editions Hurlantes), for his tireless support and counsel. But of course, none of this could happen without the unbreakable support and belief of our families, friends and our fans! Thank you al

Green Lung have released a video for "Graveyard Sun", featured on the new album, Black Harvest, out on October 22 via Svart Records.


Says the band: "Long-lost paranormal investigation footage shot in Highgate Cemetery has resurfaced thanks to the meticulous restoration efforts of Billy Price of Puppy. And it happens to feature our song ‘Graveyard Sun’ as the soundtrack!"





window._taboola = window._taboola || [];
_taboola.push({
mode: 'alternating-rec-reel-3n4-a',
container: 'taboola-mid-article-thumbnails',
placement: 'Mid Article Thumbnails',
target_type: 'mix'
});



Black Harvest will be available on heavy-weight vinyl, CD, and digital formats, and is available to pre-order here. Listen to the new single "Reaper's Scythe" below.


Green Lung vocalist Tom Templar comments: "After reissuing Woodland Rites we were beset by the plague and the cancellation of our tour schedule. But these events gave us the chance to hide away like hermits in the middle of nowhere and create the definitive soundtrack to the folk horror film in our heads. We are grateful to all our fans for their patience, and we can’t wait to finally bring these songs to life onstage later this year."


Recorded at Giant Wafer Studios in rural mid-Wales over the course of two weeks with longtime producer Wayne Adams (Petbrick, Big Lad), before being mastered by John Davis at Metropolis (Led Zeppelin, Royal Blood), it’s a more expansive and textured record than anything the band have done before, boasting a cinematic quality and more attention to detail. All samples were sourced from the local countryside and from instruments found in the studio, including the haunting opening vocal of The Harrowing which was recorded on a whim after the band broke into the local church (the organ can be heard creaking in the background).


Picking up where the self-released Woodland Rites left off, on Black Harvest, Green Lung continues to draw inspiration from Britain's rich history of folklore, from witchcraft, and from cultish

Swedish 7-headed psychedelic rock orchestra, Nephila, has released a music video for the track ”Clavata”, featured on the band’s self-titled debut album, which was released earlier this year.


Jacob Hellenrud from the band comments: ”The lyrics of this song are a tribute to the fear and horror that the spider ”nephila clavata” gives mankind, but Clavata is also that track on the album you just wanna rock your hips to. The music video will therefore make you just wanna move your feet to the beat."


The music video for ”Clavata” was shot and directed by Thomas and Elias Borrenmo at 42store.


window._taboola = window._taboola || [];
_taboola.push({
mode: 'alternating-rec-reel-3

Italian modern symphonic power metal maestros, Temperance, recently released "Pure Life Unfolds", the first single cut from their new studio album, Diamanti. Watch a drum playthrough of the song, below:





Check out the music video for "Pure Life Unfolds" below.


window._taboola = window._taboola || [];
_taboola.push({
mode: 'alternating-rec-reel-3n4-a',
container: 'taboola-mid-article-thumbnails',
placement: 'Mid Article Thumbnails',
target_type: 'mix'
});



After releasing their vibrant fifth studio album, Viridian, in 2020, Temperance delight their devotees with the persuasive new offering Diamanti, to be released on November 19 via Napalm Records. With Diamanti, the exceptionally skilled Italian outfit once again showcases their extraordinary ability to merge brilliant vocal melodies, hefty power metal guitar riffing, and symphonic soundscapes in perfect harmony - all dressed in modern surroundings. This is an offering that fans of bands like Amaranthe will fall in love with immediately.


Diamanti was mixed and mastered by Jacob Hansen (Volbeat, Epica, Amaranthe), with the cover artwork once again created by Yann Souetre (Ayreon).


Marco Pastorino (vocals, guitar) on the new album: "With Diamanti, we managed to combine our best qualities and selected the best Temperance songs so far.  It's not our heaviest album, it's not our fastest work, but surely it's our favourite one so far! We weren't necessarily supposed to record a new album only one year after Viridian, but luckily we made it! In this album you will find our trademarks: the vocal harmonies, the catchy melodies, but also epic stuff, strong arrangements, and long tracks - I am very proud of Diamanti and I am convinced we have written a bombastic album!"





Diamanti will be available in the following formats:


- 1CD Digipak
- 2LP Gatefold Black
- 2LP Gatefold Curaçao Sea
- 2LP Gatefold Diamond Clear

Texas death metal torch bearers, Creeping Death, will unleash The Edge Of Existence on October 8 via Entertainment One. A visualizer for the song, "Humanity Transcends", can be found below.


Crafted at Homewrecker Recording Studio in Tucson, Arizona and produced and mixed by Ryan Bram (Gatecreeper, Bitter Rivals, Sex Prisoner), the six-song EP introduces certified hellraisers, "Relics From The Past", "Humanity Transcends", and the title track. The new bangers sit alongside remade and revitalized versions of the three songs from Creeping Death’s 2016 debut EP: "Sacrament Of Death", "Doused In Flames", and "Skinned Alive".


Pre-orders for the The Edge Of Existence EP can be placed at this location.


window._taboola = window._taboola || [];
_taboola.push({
mode: 'alternating-rec-reel-3n4-a',
container: 'taboola-mid-article-thumbnails',
placement: 'Mid Article Thumbnails',
target_type: 'mix'
});






Tracklisting:


"The Edge Of Existence"
"Relics From The Past"
"Humanity Transcends"
"Doused In Flames"
"Sacrament Of Death"
"Skinned Alive"


"Humanity Transcends" visualizer:





"The Edge Of Existence" video:





Creeping Death will support gore metal veterans Exhumed on their Worming Through America Fall tour. The twenty-nine-date trek begins October 22 in Costa Mesa, California and runs through November 20 in Oakland, California. Additional support will be provided by Bewitcher and Enforced. See all confirmed dates below.


October
22 - Costa Mesa, CA - The Commissary
23 - San Diego, CA - Brick By Brick
24 - Mesa, AZ - Nile Underground
25 - Flagstaff, AZ - Yuc

Texas-based “mythological occult metal” act, Proscriptor McGovern’s Apsû, will release its debut/self-titled album on November 26 via Agonia Records. The album’s first single, “Caliginous Whorl”, is available for streaming below.


Proscriptor McGovern’s Apsû constitutes a new incarnation and direct continuation of Absu’s legacy. Touted as one of the most important bands in the history of American Black Metal, Absu was dissolved by drummer/vocalist Proscriptor McGovern (Russ R. Givens) on January 27th, 2020, after 30 years of existence. Since the band’s last, unreleased album was to be penned as “Apsû,” McGovern fused the title with his name to form this new group, Proscriptor McGovern’s Apsû. Securing the ranks, alongside McGovern, are continuing bassist Ezezu (Absu: 2008-2020), new guitar virtuoso Vaggreaz (Possessed, Gruesome) and keyboardist Vorskaath (Zemial, Agatus). With this much anticipated, self-titled album, McGovern’s objective was to append the signature sound of “mythological occult metal,” but to convolute it with bouts of psychedelia, fusion and vintage electronics.


When asked about the album’s final outcome, McGovern stated the following: “Having the opportunity to assemble these band members, in the development of this album, was a remarkable honour and I strongly feel this album captures the band’s true, yet frenzied potential.” McGovern, who also produced and co–engineered the album, added: “I specifically appointed these three to augment and heighten the overall sound portrait of these recordings, hoping that our emphasis on ‘mythological occult metal,’ coupled with progressive and psychedelic elements, clutches the listener’s momentum. Most importantly, I highly commend Agonia Records for migrating our musical and arcane foresight onto the next level.”


window._taboola = window._taboola || [];
_taboola.push({
mode: 'alternating-rec-reel-3n4-a',
container: 'taboola-mid-article-thumbnails',
placement: 'Mid Article Thumbnails',
target_type: 'mix'
});



The album was chronicled at studios around the world with final mixing handled in Dallas, Texas by both McGovern and J.T. Longoria (Absu, King Diamond, Solitude Aeternus) and mastering by Swedish Grammy nominee Karl Daniel Lidén in Sweden. The album also features guest appearances from Ross Friedman (Ross The Boss, ex-Manowar), Rune Eriksen (Aura Noir, Vltimas, ex-Mayhem), Alex Colin-Tocquaine (Agressor) and The Dark (Agatus).


In assembling the album’s packaging, the band re-commissioned the expertise of renowned Polish artist Zbigniew Bielak (Darkthrone, Portal, Watain). Not only did he administer the front cover, but also was assigned to create eight separate “plate illustrations” tailored around the lyrical conceptions. Regarding Bielak’s work, McGovern stated: “With incredible rapidity, he was able to resuscitate the artistic pulse after I presented the album’s subject speculations and lyrical themes. Some plate illustrations are affiliated with multiple songs; others integrated to only one song, yet Zbigniew perfectly surmounted each piece reflecting my oblique and ‘in–betweeness’ motifs.”


McGovern continues regarding the album’s lyrical approach: “This album was written for those who are curious and unwearied in their quest of arcane knowledge. I have (with vast exertion and detriment of time and space) collected knowledge deemed, in regard to my subject theories of ‘mythological occult metal:’ from Thelemic Magick and The Zos Vel Thanatos Formula to Fractal Ontology and (obviously) Near East Mythology.”





Formats:


- Jewelcase CD
- Digi Slipcase CD
- Clam–Shell Box CD (Limited To 1000 Numbered Copies With Pin & Front Cover Flag)
- Black LP
- Swamp Green LP
- Gold LP
- Mercurial Silver LP
- Ultra Clear LP
- Picture LP
- Mephitic Vapour Splatter LP
- Cassette
- Digital


Clothing:
- T-shirt 1 – Quasaric Pestilence (White On Black)
- T-shirt 2 – Tantrums Of Azag-Kkû (Black On Gray)
- T-shirt 3 – Logo With Sleeve Prints (Red On Black)
- Black HSW Zipper


Pre-order here





Tracklisting:


"Amenta: Accelerando: Azyn including Hierophantasmal Expounder"
"Esoterically Excoriating The Exoteric"
"Quasaric Pestilence"
"Mirroracles"
"In-Betweeness Gateway Comm

GUNS N' ROSES has just dropped a brand new song called "Hard Skool". The track, which had the working title "Jackie Chan", was originally recorded during GN'R's "Chinese Democracy" era but was eventually omitted from that album. Short clips of the song were later posted online and a full version was leaked in August 2019.

More recently, the partially reunited classic lineup of GUNS N' ROSES rehearsed the track during soundcheck at several concerts on the band's summer 2021 tour but has yet to perform it live.

Rumors of the new song's imminent release began to circulate earlier in the month after a fan was reportedly told about it by frontman Axl Rose when they met backstage at a recent show in Atlantic City.

On "Hard Skool", Axl sings: "But you had to play it cool, had to do it your way/Had to be a fool, had to throw it all away/Too hard school and you thought you were here to stay/ If that were true, it wouldn't matter anyway."

"Hard Skool" is the second "new" GUNS N' ROSES song to be released in less than two months. It follows the arrival of "Absurd", a reworked version of a previously unreleased track called "Silkworms", which came out on August 6, three days after the band performed the tune live for the first time during its concert at Boston's Fenway Park.

GUNS N' ROSES last performed "Silkworms", which was also reportedly written during the "Chinese Democracy" sessions, in 2001.

The band is now said to be working on a new studio album — the first under the GUNS banner since "Chinese Democracy" and the first to feature Rose, guitarist Slash and bassist Duff McKagan since 1993.

ME AND THAT MAN, the dark folk/blues/Americana-influenced solo project of BEHEMOTH mastermind Adam "Nergal" Darski, will release its third full-length studio album, "New Man, New Songs, Same Shit, Vol. 2", on November 19 via Napalm Records. The official music video for the disc's second single, the soulful blues-rock ballad "Angel Of Light", featuring the compelling voice of Amalie Bruun (MYRKUR), sets another milestone within the scene and follows the millions of streams of Nergal's previous tracks.

Nergal comments: "Behold the 'Angel Of Light'! This song is perhaps the most sinister and dark Americana in our repertoire. Whilst we often offer a little smile and wink with our music, this is pure Luciferian splendour delivered by our very own angel, Amalie from MYRKUR. It's all yours now folks! Enjoy!"

Amalie adds: "I am excited to collaborate with Nergal on this song and video, where I play the role of a woman who's captured by the shadow. She looks for ways out and turns to the 'Angel Of Light' for guidance and comfort." Behemoth’s Nergal Releases ME AND THAT MAN’s Second Single and Official Music Video “Angel Of Light” (ft. Myrkur)

Following the chart-breaking and critically acclaimed antecedent, "New Man, New Songs, Same Shit, Vol. 1" (2020), the enthralling new offering follows the exciting path Nergal then set ablaze, once again featuring an abundance of heavy music icons — but this time, he takes it to a whole new level. Experience greats such as Gary Holt (SLAYER, EXODUS), Alissa White-Gluz (ARCH ENEMY), Mary Goore, Randy Blythe (LAMB OF GOD), Devin Townsend, David Vincent (MORBID ANGEL), Doug Blair (W.A.S.P), Hank Von Hell (TURBONEGRO) and Olve "Abbath" Eikemo (IMMORTAL, ABBATH) intertwining with the album's bewitching collection of occult anthems, marking another breathtaking symbiosis of unfiltered blues, gothic-laced folk, country essence and touch of evil you'll swear was either beamed straight out of hell or the most blackened of churches.

The first track and the official music video, "Got Your Tongue", features Chris Georgiadis (TURBOWOLF) and showcases another facet of his juxtaposed project and fuels the fire for more.

Darski comments on the new album: "Here we go again, mother lovers! 'New Man, New Songs, Same Shit, Vol. 2'. You guys know the drill, I recruited the best of the best in heavy music to collaborate on some unique tracks me and the Polish, Italian and Ukrainian crew have been working on over the last 18 months. Once again, the result, amazing and the performances, inspired! Thank you, comrades — Abbath, Alissa, Amalie, Anders, Blaze, Chris G, Chris H, David, Devin, Douglas, Frank, Gary, Hank, Jeff, Kriss, M.Goore, Michale, Ralf and Randy. Who knows when we'll get together to play these songs but I will try my best to make it happen! Enjoy it everyone!"

Following the chart-breaking part one of the album, ME AND THAT MAN are now presenting whole new facets: Opening track "Black Hearse Cadillac", featuring the vocals of Hank Von Hell and guitar sorcery by Anders Odden, marks a sinister beginning to this infernal journey through dark desert soundscapes and evil lyricism. Driving "Under The Spell" (featuring Mary Goore) lives up to its title, at times evoking a spaghetti western-esque ambience. Songs like wicked "Witches Don't Fall In Love" (featuring Kristoffer Rygg of ULVER), straight-to-the-head rocking "Blues & Cocaine" (featuring Michale Graves) and mysterious "Goodbye" — with a haunting-yet-powerful vocal attack by Alissa White-Gluz — showcase the record's extensive variety and that there's something unexpected lurking all throughout. This is further evident on songs like the soulful blues-rock ballad "Angel Of Light" featuring the compelling voice of Myrkur, or insanely dynamic, uptempo outburst of "Got Your Tongue" featuring Chris Georgiadis (TURBOWOLF).

After the enticing debut "Songs Of Love And Death" (2017), followed by sophomore release "New Man, New Songs, Same Shit, Vol. 1", its sequel once again mirrors Nergal in a completely different light and provides a tremendous contrast to the extreme metal sounds of BEHEMOTH.

"New Man, New Songs, Same Shit, Vol. 2" track listing:

01. Black Hearse Cadillac (feat. Hank Von Hell, Anders Odden)

02. Under the Spell (feat. Mary Goore)

03. All Hope Has Gone (feat. Blaze Bayley, Gary Holt, Jeff Mantas Dunn)

04. Witches Don't Fall In Love (feat. Kristoffer Rygg)

05. Losing My Blues (feat. Olve Abbath Eikemo, Frank The Baptist, Chris Holmes)

06. Coldest Day In Hell (feat. Ralf Gyllenhammar, Douglas Blair)

07. Year Of The Snake (feat. David Vincent)

08. Blues & Cocaine (feat. Michale Graves)

09. Silver Halide Echoes (feat. Randy Blythe)

10. Goodbye (feat. Alissa White-Gluz, Devin Townsend)

11. Angel Of Light (feat. Myrkur)

12. Got Your Tongue (feat. Chris Georgiadis)

ME AND THAT MAN is:

Adam "Nergal" Darski - Vocals, Guitars

Łukasz Kumański - Drums and Percussion, Backing Vocals

Matteo Bassoli - Bass, Synth, Backing Vocals

Sasha Boole - Guitars, Mouth Harp, Banjo

Photo credit: Grzegorz Gołębiowski

San Diego metallers AS I LAY DYING have released a new song called "Roots Below". You can now listen to the track below.

Frontman Tim Lambesis comments: "Its exciting to be working on music again after some downtime.

"'Roots Below' was originally a B-side leftover from when we recorded [the 2019 album] 'Shaped By Fire', but Phil [Sgrosso, guitar] and Josh [Gilbert, bass, clean vocals] really brought new life to it when they recently finished it and added new layers.

"It's been refreshing to get back to the creative process with the same team of songwriters being intact that have been writing with me since they joined the band.

"The lyrics were influenced by someone I recently met who shared a story of trauma with me that would have destroyed most people, yet from that struggle came strength, openness, and growth that inspired me."

Late last month, guitarist Nick Hipa confirmed his exit from AS I LAY DYING, explaining that he can no longer justify being part of "a superficial pursuit" of the "story and meaning" that the band's 2018 reunion was built upon.

Although Hipa's exit was originally rumored in August 2020, neither he nor his bandmates had publicly spoken out about the split until he took to his Instagram on August 31 to write: "At this point though, it has been well over a year since I have distanced myself from [AS I LAY DYING] on a personal and professional level. In that time they have only given fans merchandising posts and show announcements. This sort of activity highlights and reinforces our differences.

"Respectfully, I left because the story and meaning we built our reunion upon decayed considerably over time. What primarily endures is a superficial pursuit I cannot justify supporting or being part of. This is not an indictment on any who choose to remain or be involved. There is tremendous good that can be accomplished through singular focus on the power of music. However to my memory and recent experience, it comes at the cost of tolerating behavior which at times mistreats, disrespects, and hurts other people. I do not have it in me to walk that road again.

"The talent and unshakeable ambition of the band is undeniable. They will continue to release successful music and do great business. On a human level, I hope everything else fares well for them."

Lambesis was famously convicted in 2014 for his role in a murder-for-hire plot against his estranged wife.

In May 2014, Lambesis was sentenced to six years in jail after pleading guilty to paying a San Diego police officer posing as a hitman $1,000 to kill his wife. Approximately two and a half years later — on December 17, 2016 — he was discharged from a California detention facility and was transferred to the Division of Adult Parole Operations.

In June 2018, AS I LAY DYING played its first show with Lambesis in five years and released a new single. Lambesis also owned up to his crimes in a long apology on the band's Facebook page after his release.

In September 2019, AS I LAY DYING released its seventh full-length album, the aforementioned "Shaped By Fire", via Nuclear Blast.

The return of AS I LAY DYING raised some questions, particularly since Hipa categorically denounced the band's disgraced frontman as a "sociopathic narcissist in definite need of rehabilitation" in a social-media post back in 2014.

KILLSWITCH ENGAGE has released the official video for "Us Against The World", a track from the band's latest album, "Atonement". The footage is culled from KILLSWITCH ENGAGE's August 2021 livestream event that took place at The Palladium in Worcester, Massachusetts — the site of many iconic and memorable KILLSWITCH ENGAGE shows through the years. It was directed by David Brodsky and Allison Woest for MyGoodEye.

"This is one of my favorite songs off the album so I'm glad it is getting some attention and a visual component," says singer Jesse Leach. "It's a song about facing down the odds and finding confidence to overcome and conquer a situation. I originally wrote it as a battle cry song with my warrior Highland Scottish, Norwegian, and Swedish ancestors in mind. However, it can be about friendship, love, or even the camaraderie of being in a band traveling the world. The title says it all — 'Us Against The World'!"

KILLSWITCH ENGAGE is currently on the tour with SLIPKNOT, FEVER 333 and CODE ORANGE as part of the "Knotfest Roadshow". The band will also appear at several key fall festivals.

On September 10, KILLSWITCH ENGAGE performed without longtime bassist Mike D'Antonio at the Inkcarceration festival in Mansfield, Ohio after he tested positive for COVID-19. Filling in for him was the band's production manager Josh Mihlek.

"Atonement" was released in August 2019 via Metal Blade Records in the U.S. and Sony Music Entertainment in the rest of the world. The disc features guest appearances by the band's former lead singer Howard Jones and TESTAMENT frontman Chuck Billy. It marks the band's third full-length release since the return of Leach, who rejoined the group in 2012.

In July, Leach and guitarist Adam Dutkiewicz released the second album from their TIMES OF GRACE project, "Songs Of Loss And Separation", via the band's own imprint label, Wicked Good Records, distributed by ADA Worldwide.

HALESTORM has returned to the studio in Nashville, Tennessee to resume recording its upcoming follow-up to 2018's "Vicious" album, tentatively due in early 2022 via Atlantic.

Earlier today (Saturday, September 18), HALESTORM guitarist Joe Hottinger took to his Instagram to share a photo of singer Lzzy Hale laying down vocals for the new LP, and he included the following message: "Back at it in the studio. We're getting close to a wrap on this bad boy."

A few days ago, HALESTORM drummer Arejay Hale told Lou Brutus of HardDrive Radio about the band's musical approach on the upcoming album. "At this point, we're just, well, we could either try to create as much open, breathable space so when we play these songs in arenas, they can sound really big, or we can try to do almost the opposite, but tastefully. Like, let's try to bring out more personality, let's try to be even more ourselves in the sense of bringing more energy to the songs. 'Cause like it or not, we play without a click track live, so the songs are gonna be a little bit faster, we're gonna throw more notes in here and there, we're gonna get excited and do something crazy.

"I feel like with every record we do, we have that much more experience and we get even closer and closer to matching our live energy, which has been consistently our M.O. when it comes to going in the studio," he continued. "So that's where we're at once again. We're, like, 'Let's try and amp it up even more.' And not playing a show for a year and a half definitely brought out a lot more aggression, I think, in us.

"We said, 'Working on this record throughout the entire pandemic, it's either gonna be the best record we put our or it's gonna be the most insane record we put out, and everyone's either gonna love it or hate it,'" Arejay added. "I hope that they love it. I love it. It gets me excited. I feel like with these new songs, there's an energy and excitement there that has been lacking in the last couple of records."

As for a possible release date for the new HALESTORM album, Arejay said: "I'd like to know that too. [Laughs] I honestly don't know. I hope by next year. [Laughs] I'm hoping by hopefully early next year. Don't quote me on that; I don't know that for sure. But we are planning on tracking [some more] in October. 'Cause we have a short run in September, and then, I think for most of October, we're gonna be tracking in the studio. And then we have the EVANESCENCE tour in November, which I'm so excited about 'cause I love those guys."

Last month, HALESTORM released a new single called "Back From The Dead". The video for the track, directed by Dustin Haney (Noah Cyrus, Luke Combs) and produced by Revolution Pictures, features Lzzy and the rest of the band in a morgue and cemetery somewhere between life and death.

HALESTORM's new music is once again being produced by Nick Raskulinecz, who first helmed the band's 2017 effort "ReAniMate 3.0: The CoVeRs eP" and was previously described by Hale as the group's "fifth member."

HALESTORM's latest EP release was last year's "Halestorm Reimagined", a collection of the band's reworked original songs as well as a cover of "I Will Always Love You", the love ballad made famous by Whitney Houston and Dolly Parton.

Lzzy and her brother Arejay formed the band in 1998 while in middle school. Guitarist Joe Hottinger joined the group in 2003, followed by bassist Josh Smith in 2004.

In December 2018, HALESTORM was nominated for a "Best Rock Performance" Grammy Award for its song "Uncomfortable". Six years earlier, the band won its first Grammy in the category of "Best Hard Rock/ Metal Performance" for "Love Bites (So Do I)".
























View this post on Instagram









































A post shared by Joe Hottinger (@thejoestorm)

Knoxville, Tennessee death metallers WHITECHAPEL will release their new album, "Kin", on October 29 via Metal Blade Records.

For a another preview of the record, a music video for "A Bloodsoaked Symphony", directed by David Brodsky of MyGoodEye, can be viewed below.

At this stage in the game, the name WHITECHAPEL commands respect. Already sitting on one of the most enviable catalogs in contemporary metal, in 2019 they dropped "The Valley", showcasing a confident evolution in their sound and standing as a true landmark release that sets a new standard for the genre.

"To me, it was like the stars aligning for us to create our almost perfect record in regard to songwriting, vocal performance, the mix and master, and the artwork," says guitarist Alex Wade. "We like to look at our albums as chapters of our career, and that is one chapter I will never forget. I think it really solidified that we can embrace a new sound, and if we execute it properly, then the fanbase is going to support and enjoy it."

In 2021, WHITECHAPEL returns with that album's successor, the mighty "Kin", which is an even more dynamic and diverse collection, further advancing the band's sound into new territory without losing sight of what brought them to this point.

"I feel with every album, we learn what worked best on the last one and try to utilize that in our writing," adds vocalist Phil Bozeman. "Early in the writing, there was some discussion of the album being like 'The Valley' part II, not literally called that, but in how the songs sound and flow through it. It's very much a storytelling type record like 'The Valley' was. Musically, we just want to create what we vibe with at the given moment. We write music with how we feel and not what is expected of us, while lyrically the idea of continuing from the story of 'The Valley' was always the goal."

The resulting record explores a lot of sonic and emotional territory, and for the first time, it could be said that a WHITECHAPEL record is as much a rock album as it is a metal one, an assertion Wade agrees with.

"It's still very much a metal album, but there are elements of the record that have more of a rock and open vibe," he says. "We really wanted these songs to breathe and have life and to sound bigger than anything we've made so far. We have explored more singing on 'Kin' too. It wouldn't make sense to have the majority of the fanbase enjoy that sound and then shy away from it." This is not to say that the band have lost their hardest edges, with the full-on death metal assault that kicks off both "Lost Boy" and "To The Wolves" as brutal and serrated as extreme metal gets, and while Bozeman explores his wide-ranging singing voice more, he also cuts loose with his trademark roar across the album's eleven tracks.

Tracking of "Kin" was predominantly done at guitarist Zach Householder's home studio with producer Mark Lewis producing his fifth straight WHITECHAPEL album, making for a very comfortable working environment.

"Creating records with [Mark] has an effortless flow to it, and we can track things pretty quickly and efficiently these days," says Wade. "Mark has a great ear for giving us unique and complementary guitar and drum tones for the songs we are trying to record." The tracks were then sent off to David Castillo at Ghostward Studios in Sweden for mixing, with Ted Jensen mastering it in Nashville, Tennessee. Now, having another album they can be as proud of as its predecessor, it stands them in good stead as they look toward the future. "I see more growth and a limitless potential," says Wade. "I think we found a great formula on 'The Valley', and we used that to create another monumental record for our career that I can't wait for people to hear. We hope to continue to grow our fanbase with this new album, and always seek to move in a positive direction. I'm excited as the pandemic lessens for the touring world to come back to life and to be able to perform these massive songs we have created in the manner they were meant to be heard — live and loud."

"Kin" track listing:

01. I Will Find You

02. Lost Boy

03. A Bloodsoaked Symphony

04. Anticure

05. The Ones That Made Us

06. History Is Silent

07. To The Wolves

08. Orphan

09. Without You

10. Without Us

11. Kin

Photo credit: Alex Morgan

WHITECHAPEL is:

Phil Bozeman - vocals

Ben Savage - guitar

Alex Wade - guitar

Gabe Crisp - bass

Zach Householder - guitar

Alex Rüdinger - drums

Roger Taylor has had plenty of free time recently to reflect on his long, rich, extraordinary journey through life and music. With QUEEN + ADAM LAMBERT's blockbuster "Rhapsody" European tour postponed until 2022 by the COVID-19 pandemic, Roger has made good use of his lengthy lay-off. Fired up with creative inspiration, he spent much of lockdown writing and recording new material. Before long, he found himself with his first solo album in eight years, "Outsider".

Taylor's world-class skills as a composer, vocalist and multi-instrumentalist served him well during the enforced isolation of the last 18 months. In a tradition dating back to his very first solo album, "Fun In Space", from 1981, he wrote, produced, sang and performed all the songs on "Outsider" himself, with just a little help from longtime friends and collaborators. Building on more than half a century in music, Taylor conceived "Outsider" as a kind of mature late-career statement, its prevailing mood autumnal and bittersweet. "Autumnal is a very good word for it," he says. "It's slightly nostalgic and wistful, and quite adult, a bit more grown-up than my last couple of albums."

"Outsider" offers up a sumptuous widescreen tapestry of ruminative, exquisitely arranged pieces that cast a philosophical eye over human fragility and our brief time on Earth. Composed in Cornwall during the first lockdown in 2020, the album's opening track "Tides" is a mournfully beautiful meditation on mortality set against the vast canvas of cosmic time and the immutable cycles of the ocean, Mother Nature's very own rhythm section.

"'Tides' just completely came out of a feeling," Taylor explains. "My house is by the sea, and the tides come in and go out, you can set your watch by them, you can rely on them in a way that they can almost be a friend. It's about the inevitability of our short term here, our sure passing."

But "Outsider" is far from a gloomy album. Indeed, it balances world-weary melancholy with optimism, compassion and glimpses of brighter tomorrows ahead. Another lockdown-inspired track, the introspective 2020 single release "Isolation", concludes with the cautious hope that the scars of solitude and anxiety will soon heal when normal human interaction returns again. Meanwhile the elegant lead single "We're All Just Trying To Get By", with guest vocalist KT Tunstall adding voluptuous harmonies alongside Taylor, celebrates that most basic of human impulses: survival.

"It's the simplest statement really," Taylor explains. "It's what every life force on Earth is doing: just trying to get by and proliferate and exist. That's all we are trying to do, from plants to animals to humans, trying to survive. Also, of course, we are in the middle of a bloody pandemic..."

Even the album's cinematic, uplifting title track reminds us that alienated underdogs can rise up to wrestle triumph from the jaws of defeat. "'Outsider' is about bullying and not being in the in-crowd," Taylor explains. "It's kind of harking back to school, but we've all had that in some part of our lives. Everyone's an outsider at some point, they feel excluded or picked on."

"Outsider" may find Taylor in mellower mode than usual, but his fondness for sensual pleasures and hard-rock hedonism are still part of the package. Soaked in bluesy regret, the gorgeous "I Know, I Know, I Know" is a husky-voiced, soul-baring confessional from the viewpoint of a remorseful lover who has made one too many hurtful mistakes. "It's a bluesy apology for some very human wrongdoing," Taylor says. "Is it autobiographical? I think you should make your own mind."

By contrast, the narrator of the hard-riffing, raunchy blues-rock stomper "More Kicks" feels no shame about celebrating his wild youth and insatiable appetites. "That's a bluesy non-apology," Taylor laughs. The loudest number on "Outsider" speeds up into a stampeding crescendo with Taylor in his element, pounding away behind the drum kit like a man possessed. "Oh yeah, I can still clobber away," he grins. "But I like to think I clobber with more subtlety these days. Maybe not quite as much power but more technique."

Taylor's albums have never shied away from political statements. "Outsider" continues this tradition with the airy, polished, deceptively catchy protest song "Gangsters Are Running This World" and its punchy funk-rock sister track "Gangsters (Purple)". The scathing lyric is aimed squarely at authoritarian leaders across the globe, from Putin to Lukashenko to Bolsonaro.

"In QUEEN we always tried to be apolitical," Taylor nods. "But when you have the freedom to express yourself as a single person, you can say what the hell you like, which I've always tried to do. So many gangsters are running countries these days."

The most delightfully unexpected wild card on "Outsider" is "The Clapping Song", best known for its original 1965 Top 10 U.S. smash version by Shirley Ellis, as well as its hit 1982 U.K. remake by the BELLE STARS. This bright, brassy, funky banger is a fond flashback to Taylor's teenage pop tastes. "I loved the original by Shirley Ellis," he says. "It's just so joyful and simple. It's got a swing to it, and I've tried to recreate that swing using an ancient drum kit. It was just a real pleasure to do that song, it's like a playground nursery rhyme for kids."

"Outsider" also revisits and reworks a handful of tracks from Taylor's extensive solo canon. The lush, heartfelt romantic ballad "Absolutely Anything" first surfaced on the soundtrack to the 2015 sci-fi rom-com of the same name, starring Simon Pegg and Kate Beckinsale, which was written and directed by the late Monty Python legend Terry Jones. Another archive cut, "Foreign Sand", is a unity anthem co-written by Japanese rocker Yoshiki. The original was a Top 30 U.K. hit in 1994, but Taylor's new "English Mix" strips the song down to a raw acoustic ballad, his grainy vocal clothed only in luminous, delicate, finger-picking guitar.

"I just think people needed to hear the real kernel of the song," Taylor explains. "I felt the original was bit over-arranged and over-orchestrated. I like that John Lennon thing of stripping things down so you hear the kernel of an idea instead of dressing it up too much."

"Outsider" concludes as it began, reflecting ruefully on the majesty of the cosmos and the finite span of human life on "Journey's End". First released four years ago as a stand-alone single and mini-movie, this immersive seven-minute epic serves as the perfect finale for Taylor's most ambitious album to date, with its sombre emotional shadings and sumptuous symphonic feel.

"It has a quite whimsical, rather fatalistic atmosphere," Taylor says. "It's basically about thoughts of mortality. It is a sort of acceptance of the fact that this is a journey, and that journey will come to an end. It's a very musical piece with a sense of finality about it, but a sort of optimistic finality."

Launching "Outsider" in grand style, Taylor and his band are playing a 14-date tour of the U.K., beginning at the Newcastle O2 on October 2. Promising a set-list of solo career tracks old and new, plus some crowd-pleasing QUEEN classics, this is great news for the rock-starved masses as we finally emerge from lockdown hibernation.

"I want everybody to enjoy it," Taylor insists. "I doubt I will be doing this much longer but I'm still able to do it, so I really embrace it. Will I be playing QUEEN songs too? Absolutely! I can't stand people who don't embrace a lot of the stuff they are loved for. Come on, admit who you are!"

Roger Taylor may be in autumnal mood on "Outsider", but he is not going gently into that good night. This long, rich, extraordinary musical journey is not over yet.

"Outsider" track listing:

01. Tides

02. I Know, I Know, I Know

03. More Kicks

04. Absolutely Anything

05. Gangsters Are Running This World

06. We're All Just Trying To Get By (featuring KT Tunstall)

07. Gangsters Are Running This World (purple version)

08. Isolation

09. The Clapping Song

10. Outsider

11. Foreign Sand (English mix)

12. Journey's End

Originally hailing from Greenville, South Carolina, international death metal legends NILE have become one of the most revered names in the worldwide heavy metal scene today, combining extreme traditional and technical death metal styles with their trademarked blend of Ancient Egyptian and Near Eastern soundscapes and historical mysticism. Now, NILE takes the next step in its acclaimed journey by signing a worldwide contract with Napalm Records.

NILE mastermind Karl Sanders states about the signing with Napalm Records: "The band is eagerly looking forward to bringing fans the next chapters in the NILE saga, as part of the Napalm family. We have been quietly working away, earnestly writing new songs for the next NILE album. It will be NILE's 10th record, and we are determined to make it especially killer for the fans."

Drummer George Kollias adds: "Absolutely thrilled that we are a part of Napalm Records and super excited for the new album that's coming soon, first one with our new label! I feel this is a very crucial moment in our career and I would like to thank Napalm Records for their trust in us — I know we will do some incredible music together! NILE has always kept raising the bar without compromising a single thing and this is what we will do for the next album too. Working on our new album as we speak, and we are hungry as hell to deliver our very best yet!"

Sebastian Münch, Napalm Records A&R, says: "For me, NILE has always been the most amazing technical death metal band in the world. Starting with 'Amongst The Catacombs Of Nephren-Ka' in 1998, NILE have released nine 'instant classic' albums! Welcome to the Napalm family!"

In other news, NILE has announced a slew of new U.S. headline tour dates scheduled to take place in early 2022, kicking off what will be a banner year for NILE. Featuring support from INCANTATION, SANGUISUGABOGG and I AM, the tour will kick off on February 3 in Nashville, Tennessee, visiting several major cities before wrapping in Spartanburg, South Carolina on March 12.

Tickets for all dates go on sale this Friday, September 24 at 10 a.m. local time.

NILE 2022 U.S. tour dates with INCANTATION, SANGUISUGABOGG and I AM:

Feb. 03 - Nashville, TN @ Basement East

Feb. 04 - Atlanta, GA @ The Masquerade (Heaven)

Feb. 05 - Orlando, FL @ The Haven

Feb. 06 - Tampa, FL @ The Orpheum

Feb. 08 - Houston, TX @ Scout Bar

Feb. 09 - Dallas, TX @ GMB&G

Feb. 10 - San Antonio, TX @ Vibes Event Center

Feb. 12 - Phoenix, AZ @ Nile Theater

Feb. 13 - San Diego, CA @ Brick by Brick

Feb. 15 - Los Angeles, CA @ 1720

Feb. 16 - Berkeley, CA @ Cornerstone

Feb. 18 - Portland, OR @ Hawthorne Theater

Feb. 19 - Seattle, WA @ El Corazon

Feb. 21 - Salt Lake City, UT @ Metro Music Hall

Feb. 22 - Denver, CO @ Oriental Theater

Feb. 23 - Lincoln, NE @ Royal Grove

Feb. 24 - Iowa City, IA @ Wildwood

Feb. 25 - Minneapolis, MN @ Cabooze

Feb. 26 - Joliet, IL @ The Forge

Feb. 27 - Sauget, IL @ Pop's

Mar. 01 - Fort Wayne, IN @ Piere's

Mar. 02 - Detroit, MI @ El Club

Mar. 03 - Cleveland, OH @ Beachland Ballroom

Mar. 04 - Pittsburgh, PA @ Crafthouse

Mar. 05 - Reading, PA @ Reverb

Mar. 06 - Worcester, MA @ Palladium (Upstairs)

Mar. 08 - New York, NY @ Gramercy Theater

Mar. 09 - Baltimore, MD @ Baltimore Soundstage

Mar. 10 - Richmond, VA @ Canal Club

Mar. 11 - Greensboro, NC @ Blind Tiger

Mar. 12 - Spartanburg, SC @ Ground Zero

Also on the NILE front, the band recently announced that they will release a new anthology guitar tablature book via Sheet Happens on September 30, 2021. The book is available to order now.

Sanders says about the tablature book: "Also coming out soon is a retrospective NILE anthology guitar tab book that was months in the making. We had a blast putting it together with the Sheet Happens people, who really do incredible work presenting totally on point metal guitar tabs.

"Accurate NILE tabs are something NILE fans have been asking me for many years, and I felt strongly about only putting out a NILE tab book if we could get it 100% authentic. And these tabs are the real thing. I sincerely am happy to share this book, and the music within, with NILE fans and guitarists alike."

NILE is:

Karl Sanders - Guitars/Vocals

George Kollias - Drums

Brad Parris - Bass/Vocals

Brian Kingsland - Vocals/Guitars

Photo credit: Francesco Desmaele