Gore fueled death metallers, Pathology, return with their 11th studio album, The Everlasting Plague, which will be released on November 19 via Nuclear Blast.


Recently signed to Nuclear Blast, the band is charged with a violent hunger to return to the road, and unleash their latest monstrous music to the masses. Today, they release a music video for the first single, "Engaging In Homicide". Watch the video, directed by Jeff Forrest, below.


Pathology's Dave Astor comments, "The band is very excited and honoured to sign with one of the biggest metal labels on the planet. We are happy to call Nuclear Blast our new home! Thanks to Gerardo, Oscar, and the entire Nuclear Blast team for making this a reality. We’re taking things to the next level with the new Pathology album… Get ready!”


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The Everlasting Plague will be available in the following formats:


- CD Jewel Case
- Re-Agent Green Vinyl
- CD + T-Shirt Bundle


Pre-order your copy of The Everlasting Plague here. Pre-save the album here.





The Everlasting Plague tracklisting:


"A Pound Of Flesh"
"Perpetual Torment"
"Engaging In Homicide"
"Procession Of Mangled Humans"
"Viciously Defiled"
"Diseased Morality"
"Submerged In Eviscerated Carnage"
"Corrosive Cranial Affliction"
"As The Entrails Wither"
"Dirge For The Infected"
"Death Ritual Deciphered"
"Decomposition Of Millions"


"Engaging In Homicide" video:








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Today sees the arrival of the second new Rage single and video, for the song "Monetary Gods". The song is included on the upcoming album Resurrection Day. You can watch the video below:





Fans were overjoyed when in the summer of 2020, Rage frontman Peavy Wagner presented the group’s new lineup featuring two guitarists, announcing a return to the constellation that had recorded classics such as Black In Mind and End Of All Days. After last year’s departure of Marcos Rodriguez, Stefan Weber (ex-Axxis) was enlisted, followed just a few weeks later by Jean Bormann (Angel Inc, Rage & Ruins). The fourth band member is drummer Vassilios “Lucky” Maniatopoulos, who has been with Rage since 2015.


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The current lineup could be seen and heard for the first time on the “The Price Of War 2.0” video clip, a new edition of the same-named song from Black In Mind, which has been available on all major online channels since June 2020. Immediately afterward, the quartet commenced work on its brand-new album Resurrection Day.


“I'm surprised how quickly the new line-up has gelled into a homogeneous team and how positively the talents of each band member have come into effect,” says Wagner, looking back on a highly creative production phase and commenting on Rage’s latest offering, “I feel that our music is still typical Rage on the one hand while sounding so much fresher on the other.”


Rage have recorded twelve new songs covering a stylistic range that could hardly be more characteristic of the band, from raw thrash metal tracks like "Virginity", "The Age Of Reason" and "Extinction Overkill" through mid-tempo pieces such as "Arrogance And Ignorance" and "Monetary Gods" to the straightforward ballad "Black Room" which balances things out.


“Rage fans get exactly what they want on Resurrection Day, plus a surprise or two,” promises Peavy, mentioning in particular "Travelling Through Time"; a number that explores the extremes between bludgeoning 'shoot-em-up grooves' and epic moments.


“The song is inspired by Renaissance composer Giorgio Mainerio,” he explains. “There's a piece by Mainerio called 'Schiarazula Marazula', with a wonderful theme that I often play at home on acoustic guitar. Jean and I have adapted it to suit the Rage format and given the song a different rhythmic perspective, which has added intensity. We’ve never done a number like 'Travelling Through Time' before.”


Resurrection Day will be released on September 17 in the following configurations:


- DigiPak incl. poster
- 2LP Gatefold, 140 g, orange vinyl, printed inner sleeves
- Download / Streaming


Pre-order options available here.





Tracklisting:


“Memento Vitae (Overture)”
“Resurrection Day”
“Virginity”
“A New Land”
“Arrogance And Ignorance”
“Man In Chains”
“The Age Of Reason”
“Monetary Gods”
“Mind Control”
“Traveling Through Time”
“Black Room”
“Extinction Overkill”


"Virginity" video:





Provided that the situation allows it, Peavy and his men are set to embark on a major European tour in November 2021. With Resurrection Day on their setlist, the shows are guaranteed to turn into highly explosive events!








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Gene Simmons has apologized to David Lee Roth for implying in a recent interview that the VAN HALEN frontman was past his prime.

Roth performed as the opening act for the February/March 2020 North American leg of KISS's farewell tour, but is not making any appearances on the rescheduled KISS shows which kicked off on August 18 in Mansfield, Massachusetts. Simmons explained Roth's absence from the trek by telling Rolling Stone: "[Roth] took being a frontman way beyond anything. And then, I don't know what happened to him … something. And you get modern-day Dave. I prefer to remember Elvis Presley in his prime. Sneering lips, back in Memphis, you know, doing all that. I don't want to think of bloated naked Elvis on the bathroom floor."

Apparently irked at Gene's comments, Dave took to Instagram over the weekend to share an image of a young boy wearing shades and extending the middle finger to the camera along with the words "Roth to Simmons:" Dave posted the image 18 times.

Now Simmons has clarified his original statement, telling US Weekly that his words were misconstrued.

"I am so sorry and ashamed, actually, that I hurt David's feelings," Gene said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET). "I'm the guy, actually, that saw [VAN HALEN] at a club [in the 1970s], signed them to my production company, flew them to New York, produced their first 24-track 15-song demo and championed the band. And, actually, we took David out as our opening act on the [KISS 'End Of The Road'] tour. And in the course of an interview… You hear me talking — I just sort of stream of consciousness… I don't mean to hurt people's feelings, and every once in a while, diarrhea of the mouth comes out."

He continued: "I read that quote, and somehow the way they put it together… I think I said something like, 'Nobody touched David in his prime — not Robert Plant, not Jagger, not anybody… He was the king.' And then somehow there was a segue to Elvis bloated on the ground and fat and naked and I don't wanna see that. I wasn't talking about David, but that doesn't matter. What matters is I hurt David's feelings, and that's more important than the intent. So I sincerely apologize for that. I didn't mean to hurt his feelings. It reminds me of the guy that gets out of a truck and says, 'Hey, I'm sorry, buddy. I didn't mean to run you over.' Well, what the fuck's the difference? You've been run over."

Asked if he thinks the reason Roth felt so slighted by his comments is the fact that he respects Gene and values his opinion, Simmons responded: "I don't know. Nah. I don't think anybody gives two shits about what I think, and that's the way it should be — treat everybody sort of on an equal plane. This is gonna get me in trouble too — even the Pope poops every day. You know, this kind of the humanity of it all. I'm not better than you; you're not better than me. And feelings — that includes the Pope, who's a good guy and everything — feelings are human. And anybody can hurt your feelings. I mean, you can be the king of anything, and a kid can come over and say, 'Eh, you stink,' in front of everybody else, and it can hurt your feeelings.

"So, for that I'm really sorry about. I never meant to hurt his feelings. But in the way the words came out, yeah, I could see where that was the impression. Not my intention."

In a January 2020 interview with Eric Blair of "The Blairing Out With Eric Blair Show", Paul Stanley was asked what the best part was of having Roth opening for KISS. Stanley said: "Well, Dave's got so many great songs. All the VAN HALEN catalog is terrific, and that's what he's doing. So, people get to hear all those great songs, and it was something that really appealed to us."

Simmons has repeatedly taken credit for "discovering" VAN HALEN and flying the band to New York to record a 15-song demo at Electric Lady Studios, with Gene at the production helm. But he ended up not working with the group after his KISS bandmates and manager, Bill Aucoin, expressed little interest in his demos. "I gave the demo back to the band, told them I had a tour to go on and afterward I would try to get them a record deal, but until then, I tore up our contract and set them free," he said. "It didn't take them long to get on Warner Bros."

In March 2020, Roth postponed the final six shows of his Las Vegas residency due to the coronavirus pandemic.

KISS's rescheduled "End Of The Road" dates run through October.

Los Angeles-born, guitar-driven, heavy metal icons, Alcatrazz, have their new single, “Guardian Angel”, taken from their upcoming fifth studio album, V. The record will see release October 15 via Silver Lining Music.


As soon as the proverbial needle has connected with the proverbial first-etched groove of V album opener “Guardian Angel”, it is quite literally pedal to the metal in the most glorious, traditional sense. Guitarist Joe Stump and guest-drummer for the track, Nigel Glockler (Saxon), front-foot it from that first split second, screaming guitar sprinting next to those thunderous drums, and then the voice of Alcatrazz’s new singer Doogie White tears into action, smashing the notes and hitting the vocal heights which Alcatrazz music demands.


“‘Guardian Angel’ is the frantic opening track of the album. It’s very fast and intense,” explains White. “It features Nigel Glockler on drums, who carries out a hell of a performance. Inspired lyrically by a biography of an old stage actress not being able to perform again, the song is a sort of lament of these difficult times; about the pain and sorrow of witnessing classic venues struggling to stay alive and the grief of not being able to perform nor attend concerts.”


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“‘Guardian Angel’ is a killer opening, fast double-bass, track,” furthers Stump. “Guitar wise, it starts off with a very intricate and harmonized neo-classic influenced section, followed by a ripping solo à la Ritchie Blackmore to then go into another arpeggio section and harmony. As far as tempo goes, it’s in the spirit of early Helloween or classic Stratovarius, only heavier and meaner. Once everybody hears it, they’ll know we mean business!”


View the “Guardian Angel” video:





Formed in 1983, Alcatrazz became famous for its blend of melodic and progressive rock and for introducing guitar heroes Yngwie Malmsteen and Steve Vai. Emerging in 1983 with No Parole From Rock 'N’ Roll, which featured the hit “Island In The Sun,” the band continued building popularity in 1985 with their sophomore effort, Disturbing The Peace, which contained the hit, “God Blessed Video.” The band issued one more studio LP, 1986’s Dangerous Games, before ceasing operations the following year. The band regrouped and released highly acclaimed Born Innocent in 2020, their first studio album containing all-new material since 1986.


Both vintage and timeless, V treads the Alcatrazz textured-territories of old but with renewed vigor and verve.


“The new album brings us full circle from our original roots to a modern much heavier version of all things Alcatrazz in 2021,” confirms bassist Gary Shea. “I feel great and I’m looking forward to the release of our new album with its heavy rocking metal sounds.”


There is little doubt that this Alcatrazz is going full tilt with no shackles holding them back and in that regard, White’s supreme vocal work on all twelve tracks serves as the catalyst for their creative synergy, in addition to a supremely positive energy that brings the band closer than it has been since, well, 1986!


“The guys called me and asked if I wanted to join the band, and, you know, I'm sure they could and would’ve been spoiled for choice, but, they asked me,” beams White. “I heard the music and ‘Turn Of The Wheel’ was the first song we wrote together. It's a great song, a ‘metal’ hit! V has a couple songs that are ‘commercially metal,’ and then it has some that are very dark and menacing. It touches on a lot of isolation and loneliness, alcoholism, redemption and darkness, but hopefully there’s a ray of hope and light at the end of it all.”


Produced by Giles Lavery and Jimmy Waldo, and mixed by Andy Haller (Elton John, Joe Cocker, System Of A Down), V also includes guest appearances from Saxon’s Nigel Glockler (drums on “Guardian Angel” and “Blackheart”), Tank’s Cliff Evans (bass on “Grace Of God”), and Donnie Van Stavern of Riot (bass on “Guardian Angel,” “Nightwatch,” and “Target”), underscoring how perennially popular Alcatrazz’s music remains with their peers. V stands for Alcatrazz’s fifth studio album of course… but it also stands just as resolutely for Victory; the victory that sees Alcatrazz 2021 stronger than ever despite all the odds.


V is available for pre-order here.





Tracklisting:


"Guardian Angel"
"Nightwatch"
"Sword Of Deliverance"
"Turn Of The Wheel"
"Blackheart"
"Grace Of God"
"Return To Nevermore"
"Target"
"Maybe Tomorrow"
"House Of Lies"
"Alice’s Eyes"
"Dark Day For My Soul"


"Sword Of Deliverance" video:





Alcatrazz:


Jimmy Waldo - keyboards
Gary Shea - bass
Doogie White - lead vocals
Joe Stump - guitar
Mark Benquechea – drums


(Photo - Alex Solca)





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THE ROLLING STONES have paid tribute to Charlie Watts with a two-minute video featuring various photos and footage of their late drummer over the years.

The clip, which was uploaded to the band's social media accounts on Friday, is set to the 1974 track "If You Can't Rock Me" and concludes with a photo of Watts's drum set that has a "closed" sign hanging on it.

Watts's publicist said that he "passed away peacefully" on August 24 "in a London hospital surrounded by his family."

Charlie's death came just weeks after THE ROLLING STONES announced that Watts would be missing several U.S. tour dates while he was recovering from an unspecified medical procedure.

The 12-date "No Filter" tour will reportedly take place as scheduled, with Steve Jordan taking Watts's place.

Although Watts wasn't a founding member of THE STONES, he had been with the band since January 1963.

He battled throat cancer in 2004 but got the all clear after undergoing two operations.

Following Watts's death, THE ROLLING STONES guitarist Keith Richards shared the same drum set photo that closed out the video, while singer Mick Jagger posted a smiling picture of Watts. Guitarist Ronnie Wood shared a photo of him with his late bandmate, writing, "I love you my fellow Gemini ~ I will dearly miss you ~ you are the best."




pic.twitter.com/K6OKExXBED

— The Rolling Stones (@RollingStones) August 27, 2021

A video of Dave Mustaine offering a tour of the backstage area from MEGADETH's "The Metal Tour Of The Year" with LAMB OF GOD, TRIVIUM and HATEBREED can be seen below.

Mustaine made the clip while filming a new message on Cameo, which lets users hire celebrities to record brief, personalized video messages about virtually any topic.

"The Metal Tour Of The Year" kicked off on August 20 at the Germania Insurance Amphitheater in Austin, Texas. The trek marks MEGADETH's first run of shows with bassist James LoMenzo in nearly 12 years.

Produced by Live Nation, the rescheduled tour will wrap in Quebec City, Quebec, Canada on October 2.

LoMenzo joined MEGADETH in 2006 and appeared on two of the group's studio albums, 2007's "United Abominations" and 2009's "Endgame". He was fired from the band in 2010 and replaced with returning original MEGADETH bassist David Ellefson.

In addition to MEGADETH, LoMenzo has played with Ozzy Osbourne, Zakk Wylde and WHITE LION. For the past eight years, LoMenzo has been performing with iconic rocker John Fogerty.

Mustaine has yet to reveal who played bass on the band's new album after Ellefson's tracks were removed from the LP following his dismissal from the group in late May.

Ellefson laid down his bass tracks on MEGADETH's sixteenth LP in May 2020 at a studio in Nashville, Tennessee.

In July, Mustaine announced during an episode of his Gimme Radio program "The Dave Mustaine Show" that Ellefson's bass tracks would not be used on the new MEGADETH LP.

In early May, on the same day that sexually tinged messages and explicit video footage involving Ellefson were posted on Twitter, he released a statement on Instagram denying all social media chatter that he "groomed" an underage fan.

On May 24, Mustaine — who formed MEGADETH with Ellefson in 1983 — announced the bassist's departure from the band.

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









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Multi-camera fan-filmed video footage of JUDAS PRIEST performing the song "One Shot At Glory" on August 15 at the Bloodstock Open Air festival, which took place at Catton Park, Walton-on-Trent, United Kingdom, can be seen.

The British heavy metal legends, who are celebrating their 50th anniversary, were rejoined by guitarist Glenn Tipton during their first concert in more than two years. The band also pulled out a number of surprises in its set, including first-ever performances of "One Shot At Glory" and "Invader", as well as several tracks that hadn't been played in a long time, such as "Rocka Rolla (performed for the first time since 1976), "Exciter" (first time since 2005), "Hell Patrol" (first time since 2009), "A Touch Of Evil" (first time since 2005), "Dissident Aggressor" (first time since 2009) and "Blood Red Skies" (first time since 2012).

Tipton was diagnosed with Parkinson's seven years ago — after being stricken by the condition at least half a decade earlier — but announced in early 2018 he was going to sit out touring activities in support of JUDAS PRIEST's latest studio album, "Firepower". He was replaced by "Firepower" album producer Andy Sneap, who is also known for his work in NWOBHM revivalists HELL and cult thrash outfit SABBAT.

As he has done a number of other times over the course of the last three and a half years, Tipton joined PRIEST onstage on Bloodstock for the encore, performing "Metal Gods", "Breaking The Law" and "Living After Midnight".

JUDAS PRIEST's setlist for Bloodstock Open Air 2021 festival:

01. One Shot At Glory (live debut)

02. Lightning Strike

03. You've Got Another Thing Comin'

04. Exciter (first time since 2005)

05. Turbo Lover

06. Hell Patrol (first time since 2009)

07. Halls Of Valhalla

08. The Sentinel

09. Rocka Rolla (first time since 1976)

10. Victim Of Changes

11. Desert Plains

12. A Touch Of Evil (first time since 2005)

13. Dissident Aggressor (first time since 2009)

14. Blood Red Skies (first time since 2012)

15. Invader (live debut)

16. Painkiller

17. The Hellion / Electric Eye

18. Hell Bent For Leather

19. Metal Gods (with Glenn Tipton)

20. Breaking The Law (with Glenn Tipton)

21. Living After Midnight (with Glenn Tipton)

PRIEST singer Rob Halford recently told Metal Pilgrim that Glenn is "still actively involved with JUDAS PRIEST, a hundred percent. Andy is still standing in that spot for Glenn with Glenn's blessing… And my gratitude to Andy. It couldn't have happened in a better way, if you wanna try and make something good out of it. It was a really important day when Glenn said, 'I think it's probably best if I step to the side and maybe we should let Andy come in.' That was just a really beautiful act of selflessness. That's Glenn treasuring PRIEST and PRIEST's reputation, particularly in live concert more than anything else. So bless Glenn for that. And as a result, Andy stepped in and did amazing work on the 'Firepower' tour, and we're looking forward to doing the same thing with him on this 50th-anniversary [tour]. And don't discount the fact that Glenn can show up. He plays the guitar differently, but there's no reason why Glenn can't show up and do some work. I mean, I've said to Glenn, 'Just walk out on stage and do that to everybody [flashes devil horns], and the people will just go fucking crazy, 'cause you are loved so much.' But I've got a feeling that Glenn's gonna be making the occasional appearance on this 50th-anniversary [tour]."

This past June, JUDAS PRIEST announced the rescheduled dates for the North American leg of its 50th-anniversary tour. Produced by Live Nation, the "50 Heavy Metal Years" trek will feature SABATON as openers. It will kick off on September 8 in Reading, Pennsylvania and run through October before concluding on November 5 in Hamilton, Ontario.

In early April, JUDAS PRIEST's European tour, which was scheduled to kick off in late May, was once again postponed due to "ongoing COVID-19 vaccine issues." The trek will now run from May 27, 2022 in Moscow, Russia until July 31, 2022 in Oberhausen, Germany.

In a new interview with Higgo of "Distortion", which airs on Australia's Triple M Hard N Heavy Radio, MINISTRY mainman Al Jourgensen spoke about how the Donald Trump presidency inspired some of the lyrics on the band's upcoming album, "Moral Hygiene", as well as its predecessor, 2018's "AmeriKKKant". He said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "I just hold a mirror up, and I would be remiss not [to include him on the record]. Everyone's going, 'He's not in the office anymore. Why do you have to still make fun of him?' Well, no, that's what I lived through for four years. As a matter of fact, I had to really restrain myself on both the last album and this album on not having him in every song, showing the complete grift and greed and corruption and manipulation of that administration. It made George Bush Junior look like kindergarten. This was something that — it was a test of democracy, of people's right to vote, everything, which is still going on in the aftermath or the afterbirth of the 'orange goblin.' But I had to, because it was such a large part of the last four years of our lives. Not only in America — we were inundated, but you got his tweets there, because it's all a global social media now. So I thought I'd be remiss not to at least give him a guest appearance."

However, Jourgensen was quick to point out that Trump is "not the only problem" America has had to deal with in the last few years. "He's the cancerous mole that comes through the skin, but the cancer is still underneath, and that's basically what I try and point out," he explained. "Yeah, he's an unfortunate circumstance. As a matter of fact, it may be good in the long run for the prognosis of seeing the mole that just sprouts up or a boil. You go to the doctor and then you find out you have cancer. Before it was just a mole, but the doctor tells you it's much more than just a mole. There you go. So he's just kind of representative of the sickness that we have on the planet right now."

Al went on to say that Trump "didn't cause" division and hatred in America, but he "certainly highlighted it" by opening the floodgates for all of the heretofore closeted bigots to stream out into the open. "People came out from under their rocks," Jourgensen said. "At least [in the past] racism was behind closed doors in an alleyway. He brought it out into the open. But that's not him. Trump's not smart enough to do that. This was straight out of the Russian playbook, the KGB playbook of divide and conquer. If you don't like capitalism, then make it eat itself. We don't have to take it over. Instead of spending three trillion dollars on a nuclear war and wiping out half the planet, we can spend a couple of million dollars on a corrupt politician and buy some Russian bots to take over the Internet and feed false information. So they got more bang for buck as far as this war."

He continued: "This is a war — let's be clear, this is a war — and they've won the war. They have won lock, stock and barrel. They fought a war and won for probably less than five hundred million dollars. We spent how many trillions in Afghanistan and Iraq using force issues. They use social media and some corrupt bribes. Half our senators are bribed. So they got what they wanted. They won. But you know what? I just think that people, if you deprive them of freedom for long enough and they wake up one day and they realize, 'This sucks.' I don't care how many secret police you have or how many surveillance objects you have. It's the same thing. That's why I think democracy will win in the end, but it's a bumpy road, man."

"Moral Hygiene" is due on October 1 via Nuclear Blast Records. The LP was recorded with engineer Michael Rozon (also behind the boards on "AmeriKKKant") at Scheisse Dog Studio, Jourgensen's self-built home studio and creative lab. As with all MINISTRY albums, all songs are written and performed by Jourgensen.

Photo by Derick Smith

KISS is partnering with world-renowned visual artist David Garibaldi, SPIN and leading sweepstakes platform Prizeo to raise funds for Crew Nation at the North American stops on the final leg of their "End Of The Road" tour.

After having raised over $600,000 on the first leg of the tour, Garibaldi will return as the opening act for KISS by painting live portraits of the Rock And Roll Hall Of Famers' onstage prior to each KISS concert on their final run. At each concert, fans in attendance will have the opportunity to donate $10 to Crew Nation to enter to win Garibaldi's painting from that night, through Prizeo's in-venue functionality Prizeo Live! For larger donations, fans earn additional entries to the charity sweepstakes.

"We are thrilled to be giving the KISS Army the ultimate celebration with our biggest and best shows yet," said KISS. "The 'End Of The Road' tour would not be possible without our hardworking crews, and we are incredibly grateful to be partnering with Crew Nation, as we continue to do our part in helping support the music industry and live music crews."

As a proud promotion and marketing partner for the "End Of The Road" tour, SPIN will join KISS in their efforts to raise funds for Crew Nation, by utilizing their media presence and sponsors to drive awareness to the organization.

KISS and Prizeo joined forces for the first leg of the "End Of The Road" tour to pilot the Prizeo Live! in-venue product, as a fun way to engage concertgoers in KISS's philanthropic efforts.

"Prizeo is proud to be partnering again with KISS and David Garibaldi, this time raising funds for Crew Nation," said Charity Network vice president Nichol Carlson. "Our friends in the music industry were among the workers most impacted by the global lockdowns over the last 18 months, and we welcome the opportunity to help these incredible members of the live touring industry as they turn the lights back on."

KISS and Garibaldi will be performing and fundraising for the current leg of the "End Of The Road" tour, August 18 through October 9.

To enter to win, just donate a minimum of $10 to Crew Nation in support of their amazing work supporting essential music venue staff and crew that have been out of work for over a year. If you want to give more, you'll get extra entries and score some cool KISS memorabilia.

To learn more and buy tickets for the "End Of The Road" tour, visit LiveNation.com.

TROUBLE singer Kyle Thomas has paid tribute to the band's former frontman Eric Wagner who died over the weekend at the age of 62.

On Tuesday (August 24), Thomas, who joined TROUBLE in 2012, released the following statement via social media: "Upon awakening yesterday morning to begin celebrating my wife's birthday with her, we were first met with news of the tragic loss of Eric Wagner. His passing ripped through the remaining artists and fans that had yet to leave Psycho Las Vegas. Just a few days ago I was hoping to see Eric and THE SKULL joining us all at the festival, and here we are now mourning his passing. So many tears followed, but more love and great memories eventually began to take over the conversations.

"Eric was one of a kind; a brilliant lyricist with a grand voice that was unmistakable. He was an influence on me more than I can say, and singing his songs will continue to be an honor as well as a pleasure. Although we had only properly met once, Eric reached out to me when I officially joined TROUBLE with encouraging and kind words. I cannot tell you what that means to me as a fan. But as someone that is always going to be under a microscope for occupying the spot where he once stood, it really meant a lot to me. I'll never forget that.

"I could go on and on, but I just want to wrap this tribute to one of my heroes up with some love. I want to send peace, condolences, and wishes of comfort for his family and closest friends. Thank you, Eric, for helping to bring us a soundtrack for our lives. And thank you for welcoming me into the TROUBLE legacy when you did. It made my ride much more enjoyable, please believe that."

Wagner, who was reportedly unvaccinated against the coronavirus, died after a battle with COVID pneumonia. Less than a week earlier, his THE SKULL bandmates went public with the fact that he was infected by the novel coronavirus.

TROUBLE formed in 1979 and released several classic albums like "Trouble", "Manic Frustration" and "Plastic Green Head".

Wagner left TROUBLE in April 2008, citing his disdain for the touring life as the main reason for his departure.

Eric was one of the guest singers on Dave Grohl's (NIRVANA, FOO FIGHTERS) heavy metal side project PROBOT, whose 2004 album featured heavy metal vocalists from the '80s and '90s.

Last year, TROUBLE partnered with Hammerheart Records to re-release the legendary doom legends' entire musical catalog, in addition to their upcoming album. This partnership that will see the distribution of the band's entire library of music that spans over three decades.
























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At the end of June, Metallica announced via Universal Music they would re-release "Enter Sandman" for the 30th anniversary of the band's legendary self-titled album, otherwise known as The Black Album. According to a report from Germany's Big FM, the profits from the re-release are going to a benefit effort set up to help victims of the floods that have plagued Germany in recent weeks. This is being done through Metallica's All With My Hands charity organization


The official statement (translated) is available below.


"All the profits of the German-exclusive physical single "Enter Sandman" (Remastered), which was released on Friday 20.08., will be donated by Metallica through their foundation All Within My Hands to the victims of the flood disaster that shocked all of Germany and the world a few weeks ago. The single was already planned months ago as a charity release for various projects, but the disaster immediately made Metallica active, so that the profits in this country, as a sign of the solidarity of the band with those affected, should be used."


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"Enter Sandman" (Remastered) is currently heading to #1 on the German charts according to mid-week rankings released on Wednesday, August 25th.


Metallica issued the following announcement at the end of June:


"Germany! 'Enter Sandman' (Remastered) is available as a limited edition, numbered, glow-in-the-dark 7" Vinyl single as well as a Maxi CD and 3" PockIt CD single, both of which include previously unreleased live tracks recorded in Germany in 1992. Pre-order here."





Tracklists:


Gllow In The Dark 7" Vinyl Single:
"Enter Sandman" (Remastered 2021)
"Sad But True" (Remastered 2021)


Maxi CD:
"Enter Sandman" (Remastered 2021)
"Sad But True" (Remastered 2021)
"Through The Never" (Live At Festhalle Frankfurt, Germany / November 26th, 1992)
"Damage, Inc." (Live at Hanns-Martin-Schleyer-Halle Stuttgart, Germany / December 1st, 1992)


3" PockIt CD Single:
"Enter Sandman" (Remastered 2021)
"Sad But True" (Remastered 2021)
"Through The Never" (Live At Festhalle Frankfurt, Germany / November 26th, 1992)
"Damage, Inc." (Live at Hanns-Martin-Schleyer-Halle Stuttgart, Germany / December 1st, 1992)


Official release date was August 20th, 2021. Note that the singles are only shipping within Germany.





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Impericon.com recently caught up with SEPULTURA guitarist Andreas Kisser and asked him 25 either-or questions. Check out the clip below.

Asked which Brazilian politician he would choose, Brazil's first female president Dilma Rousseff or the country's far-right president Jair Bolsonaro, the 52-year-old musician, who lives in São Paulo, said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "Politics. It sucks. I hate politics. I hate the fucking concept of left and right, communism, capitalism — 'isms' all over the place. People are so stupid. They use misinformation and fake news, especially now.

"So, never Bolsonaro, of course," he continued. "He's the worst that could happen to any country. Unfortuntely, it happened to Brazil. [He's] very ignorant, stupid in a matter of talking to people — disrespectful, whatever you wanna call it.

"When we need a leader in the most needed time, we don't have one. There was no national plan to fight COVID. So we are paying now with delays and vaccines and all those crazy concepts of fake news and conspiracy theories. So he's the worst that could happen. But Dilma Rousseff as well was never great — far from it. So it's very hard — I cannot really choose one. I hope that we have a new… And we do — we have new people. We have new people here in Brazil that are trying to create something different.

"Brazil's much richer, it's much [more] powerful than this fucking stupid ideology," Kisser added. "I mean, there's a lot more going on in Brazil that we should be aware. The environment — that's what I would like to fight for. The environment. Protect the forest, protect the indigenous people. Learn with them. We have a lot to learn with them. Especially how they deal with roots and health and nature, how they can extract from nature without destroying nature, without the concept of profit and all that shit.

"So fuck politics. We should learn with ourselves, with our country itself. We have a lot to extract here that we could build something better for everyone."

Bolsonaro has reportedly seen a drop in popularity in recent weeks for his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. Brazil has the second-highest death toll after the United States. He has also been accused of corruption.

Like former U.S. president Donald Trump, Bolsonaro recently tried to sow election doubts to pave the way for him not to accept defeat in 2022.

After a rigorous audition process, the Tygers Of Pan Tang have announced that their new bass player is Huw Holding. Huw has been part of the NWOBHM scene for some time, having played and recorded with both Holosade and Blitzkrieg in the past.


Huw commented: "It is such a great honour to play for a band that I stood and worshipped as a kid, all those years back... But most importantly the Tygers aren't a band resting on their laurels and an incredibly strong back catalogue, but they are a band who are continuing to release great exciting music."


The first chance to see Huw with the Tygers will be when he makes his debut, along with new guitarist Francesco Marras at the following shows:


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October
14 - The 1865 - Southampton, UK
15 - The Thunderbolt - Bristol, UK
17 - Cornwall Rocks - Looe, UK


Tygers guitarist Robb Weir noted: "The standard of applicants was very high and it took us some time to make our decision. We would like to thank everyone who put themselves forward."


Majors & Minors, the latest album from Tygers Of Pan Tang, was released in May 2021.





Tracklisting:


"Only The Brave"
"Destiny"
"She"
"Never Give In"
"Worlds Apart"
"Glad Rags"
"Let It Burn"
"White Lines"
"The Devil You Know"
"Keeping Me Alive"
"Hot Blooded"
"Damn You!"
"Spoils Of War" (Orchestral Mix)
"What You Say"
"Plug Me In"











 





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Olympia WA’s doomed death metal unit Mortiferum push their penchant for dark, depraved, and disgusting dirges even further out into the periphery on their sophomore album Preserved In Torment. 


Picking up where they left off with their debut, Disgorged From Psychotic Depths, Mortiferum continue to mine the poisonous quagmire of classic American death metal, the warped visions of Finnish death metal, and the suffocating lurch of funeral doom for inspiration— but the resulting six tracks on Preserved In Torment operate on a larger scale, both in musical scope and in sheer crushing weight. 


From the moment the album opens with “Eternal Procession”, the listener is laid to waste with the band’s monolithic siege, with impossibly heavy riffs and relentless mid-tempo drum barrages creating the aural equivalent of being trampled beneath the hooves of some unstoppable army. Mortiferum don’t shy away from long-form songwriting on Preserved In Torment, yet the band doesn’t waste a note in crafting their epic assaults. 


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Recorded over the span of twelve days at Soundhouse in Seattle, WA with Andrew Oswald at the engineering / mixing helm, Preserved In Torment finds Mortiferum expanding on the ominous atmospherics of their past work while simultaneously pushing and refining their work into even more vile and oppressive sonic territories.


With guitarist / vocalist Max Bowman and guitarist Chase Slaker having cut their teeth in the death/grind outfit Bone Sickness and drummer Alex Mody having played in funeral doom group Ēōs, it only follows that Mortiferum would find a way to fuse their musical roots into a cohesive hybrid of grotesque savagery and glacial mass. While some credit must be paid to pioneers like Rippikoulu and Disembowelment, Mortiferum sees their sound as less indebted to past attempts at cross-pollinating these disparate approaches and more as a result of organic gut-level intuition and a natural inclination towards musical experimentation. In a nod to the Pacific Northwest’s esteemed history of low-tuned slow-hand sludge, bassist Tony Wolfe further expands the group’s sound with thick slabs of gut-churning distorted bass. Paired with the continued cover art painting by Chase Slaker, Mortiferum create an all-encompassing sense of dread and morbidity that is distinctly their own. 


Profound Lore will release Mortiferum’s Preserved In Torment on November 5th. Pre-order the album here.





Tracklisting:


"Eternal Procession"
"Incubus Of Bloodstained Visions"
"Seraphic Extinction"
"Exhumed From Mortal Spheres"
"Caudex Of Flesh"
"Mephitis Of Disease"


 





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Grinder Blues has revealed their new video for "Gotta Get Me Some Of That". The track is the first single from the band's second album, El Dos, set for international release on September 24th via Metalville Records. 





The hard rock blues trio - featuring  dUg Pinnick (King's X) on bass and vocals, guitarist and vocalist Jabo Bihlman, and Scot "Little" Bihlman on drums, percussion, and vocals - offers a high-energy, bone-crushing sound and from-the-gut songwriting, putting a fresh, contemporary spin on the blues tradition.


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"The idea for the music was to stay away from the clichés and rock out," dUg explains. "If we felt like we were heading into any songs that seemed like standard blues lyrically or musically, we made it a point to veer in the opposite direction."


Grinder Blues’ new album is like a shot of adrenaline to the heart of the genre. It's ten original, high-voltage songs sizzle with daredevil virtuosity and rock with unrestrained energy.


"We’re trying to push the boundaries of a genre that can be stale if you’re not careful," Jabo explains. "But we’ve got the right blend of chops, energy, and love for the blues to really breathe some fire into it."





Tracklisting:


"Another Way Round"
"Everybody"
"Gotta Get Me Some Of That"
"Who Wants A Spankin"
"When The Storm Comes"
"Somebody"
"Keep Away"
"Hold Me Close"
"Hand Of God"
"King Without A Throne"


 





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Finnish doom outfit, Hooded Menace, will release their new album, The Tritonus Bell, on Friday, August 27, via Season Of Mist. Listen to the full album below, and pre-order the album here.





Tracklisting:


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"Chthonic Exordium"
"Chime Diabolicus"
"Blood Ornaments"
"Those Who Absorb The Night"
"Corpus Asunder"
"Scattered Into Dark"
"Instruments Of Somber Finality"
"The Torture Never Stops" (W.A.S.P. cover) (Bonus Track)


Album stream:





"Those Who Absorb The Night" video:





"Chime Diabolicus":





Lineup:


Harri Kuokkanen - Vocals
Lasse Pyykkö - Lead and rhythm guitar, bass
Teemu Hannonen - Rhythm guitar
Pekka Koskelo – Drums





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Legendary guitarist, Steve Hackett, releases his new studio rock album, Surrender Of Silence, on September 10 via InsideOut Music. The album features 11 new songs as Steve Hackett has been working hard through lockdown and, the first time, has completed two studio albums for release within the same year.


Today sees the release of the third single taken from the album, "Natalia". Watch the animated video below.


Steve comments: “The weight of the Russian nation - my music at its most Slavic, inspired by all those stunning Russian classical composers and telling the story of that emergent nation with its struggles for power. Natalia is a Russian Everywoman, constantly thwarted by a series of oppressive regimes.”


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Hot on the heels of his classical-acoustic travelogue Under A Mediterranean Sky, which was released in January and hit #2 in the UK Classical Album Chart, Surrender Of Silence is a further exploration of Hackett’s love of world music, discovering different sounds, moods and textures to deliver a rock album of extraordinary variety, power and beauty.


As with Under A Mediterranean Sky, Surrender Of Silence was also recorded during Lockdown and, again, Hackett has called upon some of his musical friends from across the world to contribute. Hackett’s regular touring band of Roger King (keyboards, programming and orchestral arrangements), Rob Townsend (sax, clarinet), Jonas Reingold (bass), Nad Sylvan (vocals) and Craig Blundell (drums) are supplemented by Phil Ehart and Nick D’Virgilio (drums), the vocal talents of Amanda Lehmann, Durga and Lorelei McBroom, Christine Townsend (violin, viola), Malik Mansurov (tar) and Sodirkhon Ubaidulloev (dutar).


This new album is full-on electric…


“Lockdown cobwebs are blown away in one fell-swoop here!” says Steve Hackett. “With the monster rhythm section of Jonas, Craig, Nick and Phil along with Rob’s soaring sax and bass clarinet, Nad, Amanda and myself on vocals, Roger’s darkly powerful organ and my guitar, we plunge full-pelt into that wild release of energy.”


Our journey takes us from the classical orchestrations of Russia (Natalia) to the plains of Africa (Wingbeats) to mysterious Eastern shores (Shanghai To Samarkand), all via the ocean’s depths (Relaxation Music for Sharks (featuring feeding frenzy)). The Devil’s Cathedral pools the talents of Hackett’s entire touring band and features King’s atmospheric Gothic organ and a powerhouse rhythm display from Blundell and Reingold.


Hackett’s vocals have never been bettered and his duet with Amanda Lehmann adds emotion to Scorched Earth a lament for the environmental horrors facing our planet. Throughout Hackett’s guitars add a rich tapestry of colour with soaring solos and intricate weaving melodies.


“It’s a ‘no holds barred’ album,” adds Hackett, “riding that wave, unleashing those demons, dreams and nightmares, all crashing together over the shore.


“I enjoyed the power of this album allowing my guitar to scream in joy and rage… and once again flying across those oceans to distant lands. It’s terrific to connect creatively with musicians from far flung places, particularly when we’ve all been unable to meet. We all have a voice in our cacophony of sound and we cry out together in the Surrender Of Silence!”


Surrender of Silence is released on September 10 as a Limited Edition CD+Blu-ray Mediabook in hardcover slipcase, Standard CD Jewel case, Gatefold 2LP+CD & LP-Booklet and Digital Album via Inside Out Music. Pre-order here.





Surrender Of Silence tracklisting:


"The Obliterati"
"Natalia"
"Relaxation Music For Sharks" (Featuring Feeding Frenzy)
"Wingbeats"
"The Devil's Cathedral"
"Held In The Shadows"
"Shanghai To Samarkand"
"Fox's Tango"
"Day Of The Dead"
"Scorched Earth"
"Esperanza"


"Fox’s Tango" video:





"Wingbeats" video:





Steve Hackett shares writing credits with both Jo Hackett and Roger King on several tracks. All tracks were recorded by Roger King and produced by Steve Hackett with Roger King at Siren.





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Philadelphia's Nothing return with The Great Dismal B-Sides, set to release on October 8 via Relapse Records.


A collection of tracks recorded during the band's The Great Dismal sessions, the B-Sides unearth three new Nothing tracks, "The Great Dismal," "Amber Gambler" and Delfonics cover, "La La Means I Love You."


Coupled with the B-Sides release, Nothing shares the video for "Amber Gambler". The visual, directed by Ben Rayner, depicts the imploding relationship of a couple while they are on the run from the law. The song is the first to receive a visual from the deluxe album, and is the fifth accompanying video of the original tracks following, "April Ha Ha," "Famine Asylum," "Say Less" and "Bernie Sanders."


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In support of the new extended release, the band also reveals a run of fall North American tour dates that will kick off in Dallas on August 29 and will include pit stops in Brooklyn, Austin, Los Angeles, Toronto, and others, before wrapping with a single UK show at the Boston Music Room in London on April 22, 2022. Buy tickets here.


In reference to the B-Sides, vocalist Domenic Palermo stated: "The world disparity and surreal circumstances that occupied all corners of life while attempting to write and record this album were so overly animated that the songs couldn't help but be contaminated. Trimming away at the layers to negotiate with time felt akin to ripping out whole chapters out of a novel. The reasoning behind having this be physically released in the first place, and a big part we left the title track off was to make that eventual and necessary connection."


"Amber Gambler" video:





Pre-save here here. Pre-order the vinyl here








(Photo - Ben Rayner)





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Beyond The Storm Productions announce the signing of the Italian power metal band Draconicon to the label. The band's debut album, Dark Side Of Magic, will be released on October 22 on CD and digital.


A new project, Draconicon, was born from the minds of five musicians located throughout the Italian territory. Their intent was to make Draconicon a fully-fledged power metal project, a mix of dark and gothic atmosphere, the result of the awakening of an Ancient Evil, left forgotten for so long.


In this era, where evil, sickness, ignorance and violence have become proud leaders in the hearts of people and the human race is signing its own death sentence, they are prospering, as our true happiness lies in shadow and sorrow. Draconicon will be the silent blade that gives you the fatal blow in the Dark. An innovative concept in which chaos and madness overcome order and reason.


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The sound of the Draconicon is European style power metal, inspired by the great masters of the genre with influences ranging from extreme metal to classical music, resulting in an unique timbre that will bring the listener into the dark world of Draconicon. Perfect for fans of Kamelot, Powerwolf, Sabaton, Gloryhammer, Orden Ogan and Arion!


The album features guest vocals by Damna (Elvenking) on the track "A Song Of Darkness And Light" and the artwork was created by Dan Godsworthy (Alestorm, Gloryhammer).





Dark Side Of Magic tracklisting:


"Principium Tenebris"
"Fiery Rage"
"Dark Side Of Magic"
"Blackfire"
"Draconis Theocracy"
"Edge Of Power"
"Monsters' Breakaway"
"Dusk Of A Hero"
"Darkspell"
"Necropotence"
"A Song Of Darkness And Light" (feat. Damna)
"Symphony Of Madness"


"Edge of Power" video:





"Dark Side Of Magic" video:





"Fiery Rage" lyric video:





Draconicon lineup:


Alex Moth - Guitar, vocals
Grym Hünter - Guitar, vocals
Simon Borgen - Violin, vocals
Manuel D. Ascendent - Drums
Arkanfel – Vocals





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Ron Holzner, formerly of doom metal legends TROUBLE and currently in THE SKULL, spoke to the Chicago Reader about the recent passing of his longtime bandmate Eric Wagner. Eric, who was TROUBLE's original singer, died last weekend after a battle with COVID pneumonia. He was 62 years old.

According to the bassist, Wagner was generally opposed to institutionalized medicine but he wouldn't make an exception for the COVID vaccine.

"We argued about it, and he stood his ground on the matter," Holzner said. "I always joked, 'The World According To Eric Wagner — you should write a book.' He lived his life his way."

Holzner also confirmed that Wagner recently completed work on a solo album. "It will be released in 2022," he said. "I played on three songs, as well as members of his bands BLACKFINGER and LID and TROUBLE alumni Sean McAllister, Dave Snyder, and Chuck Robinson — as well as former PENTAGRAM guitarist Victor Griffin."

Less than a week before Wagner's death, his bandmates in THE SKULL went public with the fact that he was infected by the novel coronavirus.

Unvaccinated people, like Wagner was, are far more likely to be hospitalized or die from COVID-19 than people who are fully vaccinated.

According to a study released this past Tuesday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, unvaccinated people are also nearly five times more likely to be infected with COVID-19 than people who got the shots.

Infectious disease experts have said that large-scale outbreaks among unvaccinated people are being fueled by the highly contagious delta variant.

TROUBLE formed in 1979 and released several classic albums like "Trouble", "Manic Frustration" and "Plastic Green Head".

Wagner left TROUBLE in April 2008, citing his disdain for the touring life as the main reason for his departure.

Eric was one of the guest singers on Dave Grohl's (NIRVANA, FOO FIGHTERS) heavy metal side project PROBOT, whose 2004 album featured heavy metal vocalists from the '80s and '90s.

Last year, TROUBLE partnered with Hammerheart Records to re-release the legendary doom legends' entire musical catalog, in addition to their upcoming album. This partnership that will see the distribution of the band's entire library of music that spans over three deca

KnuckleBonz has announced its plans to create a series of MISFITS limited-edition collectible statues. The series will kick off with Earth A.D. 3D Vinyl by KnuckleBonz. Misfits Earth A.D. 3D Vinyl collectible statue is crafted by hand using a fine-arts process where each is hand-painted, numbered, and comes with a certificate of authenticity on the base. The statue stands at 10 inches tall and only 1983 will be cast in this limited edition, making these highly collectible.

MISFITS' Jerry Only says: "Knucklebonz 3D Vinyl nailed our classic 'Earth A.D.' cover in such incredible, gory detail it might even surpass the original art! Limited run of 1983 to immortalize the year the MISFITS set the bar faster, harder, and higher, changing the face of hardcore and metal forever. Death came ripping, and it hasn't been the same ever since. Now you can hold that moment in time in your hands with this ferociously accurate rendering of the MISFITS 'Earth A.D.' illustration by the late Mad Marc Rude."

The Misfits Earth A.D. 3D Vinyl collectible is $199 USD now available at KnuckleBonz.com for pre-order to reserve one of these limited-edition collectibles; only 1983 are created. The anticipated ship date is spring 2022; however, KnuckleBonz will announce a more precise shipping timeframe later this year.

"Here at our KnuckleBonz studio, I think we have the greatest jobs in the world," says Tony Simerman, CEO/creative director of KnuckleBonz, Inc. "Now, added to our daily duties is imagining what to create with the MISFITS amazing catalog and 'The Fiend'. We have such sights to show you!"

All work created by the company is officially licensed and approved by the artists and their management. KnuckleBonz, the creator of the 3D Vinyl and Rock Iconz music collectible series, has been developing iconic, high-quality statues of the legend of rock music since 2003.

California metallers ATREYU have dropped the remix for their current single "Warrior", featuring BLINK-182 drummer Travis Barker and Zero 9:36. Check it out below.

The song, which was described as "inspiring" by Loudwire and "explosive" by Alternative Press, appears on their John Feldmann-produced album "Baptize", out now via Spinefarm. The track has been wholly embraced by fans and beyond, as it's rapidly approaching the Top 10 at rock radio and has already accumulated a whopping 15 million streams.

"'Warrior' has been a beast of a track since its release," the band says. "It's been such an amazing thing watching it grow and connect with the people. The time has come for a fresh take. Enter Zero 9:36. Same great 'Warrior' taste. New and improved 'Warrior' flavor."

Regarding how the Barker collaboration came about, ATREYU frontman Brandon Saller told Detroit's WRIF radio station: "That came really organically. John Feldmann, who produced the album — we've been making records with him for over a decade, and this is the third record we've done with him. He works really closely with Travis on a lot of [things] — he's done many of the BLINK records, and does a lot of projects with Travis. So [Travis] is kind of in and out of the house pretty often, like a couple of times a week. Just, like, 'What up, Trav?' He'll walk by and he's talking to John, and then he leaves.

"When 'Warrior' came up, I had the concept of wanting to do a really big bridge that I wanted to feel like you were mid-bleachers at a high school football game — that energy of the drums and that kind of power," Saller continued. "And I'm not a technically trained marching [band player]. I was never in a marching band; I never was a rudiment guy. I never did that. I just wanted to be like Animal from The Muppets and beat up drums. So I was, like, 'I don't wanna try and fake this, 'cause it's not gonna sound how it's supposed to. I wanna get someone that's real.' And, obviously, Travis is so good at that; he kills that whole realm. So he was stoked to do it. He came in and just laid down a bunch of layers on layers on layers, and it sounds like I wanted it to — like you're in the middle of a football game… A song like 'Warrior', with the subject matter too, sonically, it needed to match the power of the lyric."

"Baptize" marks ATREYU's first album since the departure of vocalist Alex Varkatzas in September 2020. The LP showcases ATREYU's current lineup consisting of Saller focusing completely on singing after previously sharing lead vocals with Varkatzas for most of the band's two-decade-plus existence. Sitting behind the kit is Saller's HELL OR HIGHWATER bandmate Kyle Rosa, who had filled in for Saller on drums in 2019 after Varkatzas bowed out of the band's European tour while dealing with serious back and hernia issues.

ATREYU previously stated about "Warrior": "'Warrior' is song about persistence and never giving up. We hope this song can be the puzzle piece that helps people realize that we ALL have the capacity for greatness. Sometimes, greatness can exist in the shadows and lives buried under negativity, trauma, or anxiety. 'Warrior' is about searching through all of that endless darkness to finally find the sunrise."

ATREYU will embark on the headline "Baptize" tour this fall. The U.S. trek kicks off on November 9 in Dallas and runs through December 16 in Santa Ana in ATREYU's native Orange County, California. The trek will feature special guests CROWN THE EMPIRE, TETRARCH, SAUL and DEFYING DECAY.

DRAGONFORCE has launched a new video for "Troopers Of The Stars", a song from 2019's "Extreme Power Metal" album. Inspired by the movie "Starship Troopers", "Troopers Of The Stars" was filmed before the pandemic with a large-scale production, directed by Roboshobo (a.k.a. Robert Schober), in Los Angeles, California.

DRAGONFORCE comments: "The long-awaited 'Troopers Of The Stars' video is finally here. Be sure to watch it again and again to see if you can spot all the easter eggs in there!"

Fans can purchase exclusive, limited "Troopers Of The Stars" merchandise now at this location.

DRAGONFORCE has also announced a European with POWERWOLF and WARKINGS, set to take place in the fall of 2022.

"We are extremely excited to be going on tour with POWERWOLF and WARKINGS!" adds DRAGONFORCE. "They are awesome bands, this is going to be one EPIC power metal tour!"

To get your DRAGONFORCE fix before then, join guitarist Herman Li for songwriting, live reactions, guitar playthroughs, video gaming, guitar reviews, special guest events and more on Tuesdays through Fridays at 9 p.m. PT / 12 a.m. ET / 5 a.m. U.K. on Twitch.

DRAGONFORCE 2022 tour dates with POWERWOLF, WARKINGS:

Nov. 11 - Berlin, Germany - Velodrom

Nov. 12 - Munich, Germany - Zenith

Nov. 13 - Prague, Czech Republic - Tipsport Arena

Nov. 14 - Katowice, Poland - MCK

Nov. 16 - Budapest, Hungary - Barba Negra

Nov. 17 - Vienna, Austria - Gasometer

Nov. 18 - Stuttgart, Germany - Schleyerhalle

Nov. 19 - Zurich, Switzerland - Samsung Hall

Nov. 21 - Barcelona, Spain - Razzmatazz

Nov. 22 - Madrid, Spain - Riviera

Nov. 24 - Milano, Italy - Alcatraz

Nov. 25 - Frankfurt, Germany - Jahrhunderthalle

Nov. 26 - Oberhausen, Germany - Konig Pilsener Arena

Nov. 27 - Paris, France - Zenith

Nov. 29 - London, UK - Roundhouse *

Dec. 01 - Amsterdam, Netherlands - Afas Live

Dec. 02 - Hamburg, Germany - Sporthalle

Dec. 03 - Saarbrucken, Germany - Saarlandhalle

Dec. 04 - Antwerp, Belgium - Lotto Arena

* without DRAGONFORCE

Known as the fastest band in the world, Grammy-nominated extreme power metal band DRAGONFORCE is based in London, England. Their platinum-selling record "Through The Fire And Flames" brought them international acclaim and was featured as the most-challenging song on "Guitar Hero III". Their energetic and humorous live performances have won them fans on every continent.

The group is known for their long, complex and fast guitar solos performed by Herman Li and Sam Totman, who founded the band after meeting through a classified ad in 1999. Since then, the band has released eight studio albums, including "Valley Of The Damned" (2003), "Sonic Firestorm" (2004), "Inhuman Rampage" (2006), "Ultra Beatdown" (2008), "The Power Within" (2012), "Maximum Overload" (2014) and "Reaching into Infinity" (2017). 2019 brought the next chapter in DRAGONFORCE history: "Extreme Power Metal".

Drawing from a wide range of influences, the band's sound combines the sing-a-long choruses of classic '80s rock with triumphant, uplifting melodies and fantasy-themed power-metal-inspired lyrics. As a nod to their passion for all things video-game related, the band frequently incorporates retro game sounds and melodies into their recordings and live shows.

Twinkle Twinkle Little Rock Star, the company which creates "beautiful lullaby versions of your favorite artists," has just released "Lullaby Versions Of Dio" via Roma Music Group.

"Lullaby Versions Of Dio" track listing:

01. Holy Diver

02. Rainbow In The Dark

03. The Last In Line

04. We Rock

05. Don't Talk To Strangers

06. Stand Up And Shout

07. Heaven And Hell

08. Neon Knights

09. The Mob Rules

10. Man On The Silver Mountain

11. The Temple Of The King

12. Stargazer

13. Stars

The song "Holy Diver" can be streamed in the YouTube clip below.

Twinkle Twinkle Little Rock Star was born for the parent that wants to pass along their biggest passion to their child, music. Twinkle Twinkle Little Rock Star transforms popular music into instrumental lullabies perfect for babies, yoga or just relaxation. Now, parents can enjoy the music from LADY GAGA to METALLICA in soothing lullaby style. With over 135 titles to choose from, Twinkle Twinkle Little Rock Star is the largest line of pop, rock, metal and jamband music lullabies in the world.

These aren't novelty recordings. They are cute, they are soft but these are serious recordings. Roma Music Group, which releases Twinkle Twinkle Little Rock Star, is run by two music industry veterans who put the fidelity of these recording at the top of the priority list. Let's face it, much like the brand name clothes you buy for your infant, this music is really for you. Whether you are raising a metal baby, rocker or hippie baby, Twinkle Twinkle Little Rock Star has your music transformed from arena anthems into nursery classics.

SIXX:A.M., the long-running project featuring MÖTLEY CRÜE bassist Nikki Sixx alongside former GUNS N' ROSES guitarist DJ Ashba and vocalist James Michael — will release the "Hits" album on October 22 via Better Noise Music. The project is a retrospective celebration of the band's biggest hits and fan-favorite songs. And, most notably, it includes six previously unheard songs, marking the band's first official album with new material since 2016.

"Hits" will arrive three days after the highly anticipated release of Sixx's new memoir "The First 21: How I Became Nikki Sixx" (Hachette Books). One of the new songs included on the album is also titled "The First 21", with its lyrics being inspired by the captivating content of the book.

Now in his 21st year of sobriety, Sixx is incredibly passionate about his craft and wonderfully open about his life in rock and roll. He is globally recognized for his work with people in recovery and has been passionately vocal about the disastrous social effects of the opioid crisis in the USA and worldwide. In the memoir, Sixx, already a three-time New York Times best-selling author, tells the inspirational story of his first 21 years, how Frank Feranna became Nikki Sixx. The book fills in the earlier parts of Sixx's fascinating true-life story, which fans have partly come to know through MÖTLEY CRÜE's widely celebrated collaborative autobiography "The Dirt" which was most recently adapted into a hit biopic by Netflix in 2019. "The First 21" also continues Sixx's tradition of setting the soundtrack to his own life, combining his work as a writer and a musician to offer multi-layered pieces of art.

In 2007, SIXX:A.M. released "The Heroin Diaries Soundtrack", which acts as a companion piece to Sixx's best-selling memoir "The Heroin Diaries: A Year In The Life Of A Shattered Rock Star", released the same year, introducing the concept of a book soundtrack into popular culture. Both the book and the album were successes upon release, with the book instantly becoming a New York Times best seller in its first week, selling out in bookstores around the U.S. The album spawned the No. 1 single "Life Is Beautiful", while simultaneously receiving critical acclaim and eventually achieving gold certification in the U.S. Expanding this artistic signature move by Sixx, "The First 21" will now get its own soundtrack with the forthcoming "Hits" album.

To celebrate today's announcement, SIXX:A.M. released another new track from the album, "Skin (Rock Mix)", accompanied by a striking lyric video. The track originally appeared on the band's second studio album "This Is Gonna Hurt", and quickly became a fan favorite. The new mix, which makes for a heavier, more anthemic sonic experience, is now available to stream and download across platforms.

"Hits" track listing

01. Life Is Beautiful (3:35)

02. This Is Gonna Hurt (3:56)

03. Lies Of The Beautiful People (3:58)

04. Pray For Me (4:13)

05. Rise (3:53)

06. Stars (3:50)

07. Maybe It's Time (4:21)

08. Skin (3:25)

09. Belly Of The Beast (3:47)

10. Are You With Me Now (4:02)

11. Girl With Golden Eyes (4:20)

12. Accidents Can Happen (4:07)

13. Gotta Get It Right (3:12)

14. We Will Not Go Quietly (4:20)

New bonus tracks:

15. The First 21 (3:20)

16. Talk To Me - Radio Mix (3:39)

17. Penetrate (4:38)

18. Waiting All My Life (3:17)

19. Skin - Rock Mix (3:50)

20. Life Is Beautiful - Piano Vocal (3:06)

SIXX:A.M.'s latest release was a reworked version of its song "Maybe It's Time", which came out in August 2020 as part of the Artists For Recovery project.

The original version of "Maybe It's Time" appeared on SIXX:A.M.'s latest album, "Vol. 2, Prayers For The Blessed", which was released in November 2016 via Eleven Seven Music. The disc was written and recorded at the same time as "Vol. 1, Prayers For The Damned", released earlier that same year, and it acted as a companion piece to the first chapter.

In January 2020, SIXX:A.M. released the official music video for "Talk To Me". The track, originally released in September 2019, invited each of us to take the first step toward mutual understanding and healing using the power of conversation.

Sixx recently teamed up with Rob Zombie, John 5 (ROB ZOMBIE, MARILYN MANSON) and Tommy Clufetos (OZZY OSBOURNE, BLACK SABBATH, ROB ZOMBIE) in a new project called L.A. RATS. The quartet came together expressly to record a cover of "I've Been Everywhere" for the soundtrack to the movie "The Ice Road". "I've Been Everywhere" is a song written by Australian country singer Geoff Mack in 1959, and made popular by Lucky Starr in 1962.

MÖTLEY CRÜE's "The Stadium Tour" with DEF LEPPARD, POISON and JOAN JETT & THE BLACKHEARTS was originally scheduled to take place last summer but ended up being pushed back to 2021, and then to 2022, due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Veteran Northern California rockers TESLA have released the official music video for their brand new single, "Cold Blue Steel". The clip was directed by Brandon Gullion and produced by TESLA guitarist Frank Hannon.

In a recent interview with Rob Rush Radio, Hannon described the track, which he co-wrote with singer Jeff Keith, as "a very real-sounding rock and roll new song. It's influenced by [late LYNYRD SKYNYRD singer] Ronnie Van Zant. It just turned out that when I was in the garage playing my guitar, writing the riff for the music, JK [Jeff Keith] had called up and he was listening to 'Saturday Night Special' by LYNYRD SKYNYRD. And so we decided to kind of touch on that subject. And we wrote that song. And we're really happy with the way it sounds. It's really raw and edgy. And we kept all the recordings of the demo is what we made for the single. We didn't overproduce it. And that's where we got the idea, 'Let's get real. Just keep it real.' The lyrics even say 'Let's get real' in there. And that's what our whole motto is."

Asked if "Cold Blue Steel" will appear on the next TESLA studio LP, Hannon said: "We're gonna put all our new songs together on an album and approach it that way after the songs are done. So rather than putting the pressure up, 'Okay, we've gotta write an album,' and commit to 10 or 12 songs before they even got written, we're gonna do it the other way — we're gonna do it the other way. We're gonna write the songs and release 'em as singles, and then at the end of it, we'll put 'em all together on a collection. And that, creatively, just makes much more of a free-flowing creative thing. You're not fabricating anything for the sake of making an album."

He added: "The world is different now. People listen to their iPhones and they listen to a song or an album, and it's over as quick as you came out of it, because of [people's] attention span. I like [the idea of the releasing singles first] because each song comes out in its own time, and you're not putting that idea in your mind that you have to create this bulk of material. You can just make each song as good as it can be."

Earlier this month, TESLA postponed several shows due to members of the touring party — including Hannon — contracting COVID-19. Hannon later issued a statement saying that he had "not been able to move all week in paim."

In June 2020, the members of TESLA got together — virtually — to jam out a quarantined version of "Breakin' Free" as part of their online series "Home To Home".

The original recording of "Breakin' Free" appeared on TESLA's 2008 album "Forever More".

TESLA spent most of 2019 touring in support of its latest album, "Shock", which was released in March 2019 via UMe. The follow-up to 2014's "Simplicity" was produced by DEF LEPPARD guitarist Phil Collen.

Former GUNS N' ROSES drummer Matt Sorum has told Desert Sun that he is "thankful" for the time he spent in the band, even though he wasn't invited to rejoin the group when it launched its "Not In This Lifetime" reunion tour five years ago.

"When I get upgraded to a better suite at a hotel because the guy behind the register says, 'Hey, aren't you the guy from GUNS N' ROSES? I'm gonna upgrade you,' I say, 'Thank you, Axl Rose.' That's the blessing of my life and I thank God for that and and he put me there. I know it's hard for rock 'n' rollers to divulge that kind of information, but I'm at the age now where I don't care."

The 60-year-old Sorum, who replaced Steven Adler in GUNS N' ROSES, recorded the highly successful albums "Use Your Illusion I" and "Use Your Illusion II" (both 1991) and "The Spaghetti Incident" (1994). He also supported the group on the "Use Your Illusion" tour and can be heard on GUNS N' ROSES' "Live Era: '87-'93" (1999) and "Greatest Hits" (2004).

Matt was among the GUNS N' ROSES members who were inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in April 2012. He, Adler, Slash and bassist Duff McKagan attended the ceremony, while singer Axl Rose and founding guitarist Izzy Stradlin stayed home.

Sorum told The Pulse Of Radio in a 2009 interview that if the classic GUNS N' ROSES band reunited, they should perform with both him and Adler. "If it's me on drums or Steven or whatever, if it happened, it'd be great, you know," he said. "I would actually say to them, 'Hey, bring both of us back,' you know. Let me play the other stuff. We'll have two drum kits. I don't care. If 'Appetite [For Destruction]' [the band's debut] sounds better with Steven playing it, have both guys up there. They can afford it."

Matt is set to release his new book, "Double Talkin' Jive: True Rock 'N' Roll Stories", on September 7 via Rare Bird Books