In the clip below, Rob Zombie guitarist John 5 performs a medley of songs that includes hits by Rush, Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, Van Halen, ZZ Top, and several others. The footage was shot at Piere's Entertainment Center in Fort Wayne, IN on August 18th.





Speaking with Ultimate Classic Rock, guitarist John 5 - who got his first major break playing on David Lee Roth Roth’s 1998 solo album, DLR Band - revealed that Roth is sitting on a collaborative track that would blow fans’ minds.


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



"There’s a song, called 'Nothing Could Have Stopped Us'," the guitarist tells UCR. "This song is so great, and I just literally will beg Dave and Dave's team to release this song. 'Cause it's about Van Halen, and it's so good. I mean, it's so fucking good. And I just wish he would release it."


The guitarist estimates that he and Roth cut "Nothing Could Have Stopped Us" 'probably like five years ago.' Based on his description, it sounds like the song is musically similar to Roth's last two singles, both of which were primarily acoustic, good-humored romps.


"The music is really sophisticated, if you will," John 5 says. "It's not just strumming, it's sophisticated. And it (took only) a couple takes, and Dave just nails it. I mean, you would have heard this and (gone), 'Oh, this could have been on Women and Children First.'"


Read more at Ultimate Classic Rock here.





propertag.cmd.push(function() { proper_display('bravewords_content_2'); });



window._taboola = window._taboola || [];
_taboola.push({
mode: 'thumbnails-rr',
container: 'taboola-below-article-thumbnails',
placement: 'Below Article Thumbnails',
target_type: 'mix'
});

Helter Skelter Productions (distributed & marketed by Regain Records) has announced March 25, 2022 as the international release date for the third album from Sweden's Eucharist, entitled I Am The Void, on CD, double-LP vinyl, and cassette tape formats.


Pre-order via Regain Records' Bandcamp page, or webshop, and find a lyric video for the track "Shadows" below.


The history of Eucharist is long and tangled, but what the band managed to do during the '90s has remained justifiably legendary. Originally forming in 1989 and then undergoing various stops and starts during the next decade before their amicable dissolution in 1998, the Swedish Eucharist first made their name in the underground in 1992 with their self-titled demo before the pivotal Greeting Immortality EP on the cult Obscure Plasma label, which would become the influential Avantgarde Music.


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



However, even that enviable accomplishment was handily eclipsed by the band's debut album, A Velvet Creation, in 1993. A stone-cold classic, A Velvet Creation largely helped usher in the melodic death metal era; while by no means the first "melodic" death metal record, it was arguably the best for that era, maintain a heart-on-sleeve sincerity and melancholy fully befitting its title.


With those stops & starts playing havoc within the band, Eucharist would emerge four long years later with an equally monolithic album and yet one decidedly different than the first: Mirrorworlds. As suggested by its title as well as cover art, Mirrorworlds was a mesmerizing experience, taking the band into more modern territory (which they helped pioneer in the first place) and evincing a dizzying & dazzling prog-death approach thankfully still ripe with their characteristic melancholy.


In the years following their original dissolution, the cult of Eucharist continued to grow more feverish with each ensuing generation of metallers, with Regain Records' reissues of both in the early 2000s helping that cause. Still, the name was effectively dead... until 2016, and the roots for their reunion album, I Am The Void, were planted.


Founding vocalist/guitarist Markus Johnsson picks up the story: "A reunion gig in Varberg, Sweden led to me and Daniel [Erlandsson, original drummer] deciding to do another album. We wanted to change the style to a darker atmosphere, both lyric-wise and music-wise – something that I always wanted. Daniel eventually found out that his interest lied elsewhere and wanted to get out of the project, and by that time, the album was more or less recorded. I had written all the lyrics this time and also made all the music except for a couple of riffs that were Daniels', but Daniel had helped out with the some of the song structures."


Truly spoken, I Am The Void is a decidedly darker version of Eucharist - and one blackened to a crisp. While the death metal muscle of yore remains, the leather-winged specter of black metal looms large across I Am The Void, giving a familiar-yet-foreign aspect to Eucharist's characteristic sound. Taken a different way, this literally-massive new record (12 songs in 77 minutes!) is nearly a complete makeover of Eucharist, but one just as engrossing and dynamic as their beloved '90s works.


And one not without further strife, as Markus continues: "The album was buried under dust and anxiety for a few years - from the beginning of 2016 until December 2020. But I pulled myself together and sent the entire album to Per Gyllenbäck of Regain Records at the end of 2019. A year of silence passed, and in December 2020, Per contacted me and said 'Let's do this album!' We were both ready, and that day, I decided that I wanted to run this race on my own from now on. I figured that I had always been the main creative force in Eucharist along with Daniel, so I couldn't see any problems with continuing the race alone. Daniel also said that if I wanted, I could always use the band name and release the album myself. So, I went on with it."


Johnsson is joined on the new album by Marduk drummer Simon "Bloodhammer" Schilling, hereby considered an official member of Eucharist. "I will do it all on my own from now on and in my own style. I want to make music and record albums, and that I will do as long as someone will release the stuff because I am on a creative streak now."


Again, truly spoken, and the next (hopefully epic) chapter of Eucharist is about to be revealed. The abyss can take many forms, and so it does for I Am The Void.





I Am The Void tracklisting:


"Shadows"
"A Vast Land Of Eternal Night"
"Goddess Of Filth (Tlazolteotl)"
"In The Blaze Of The Blood Red Moon"
"Mistress Of Nightmares"
"Queen Of Hades"
"Nexion"
"Where The Sinister Dwell"
"In The Heart Of Infinity"
"Lilith"
"Darkness Divine"
"I Am The Void"


"Shadows" lyric video:








propertag.cmd.push(function() { proper_display('bravewords_content_2'); });



window._taboola = window._taboola || [];
_taboola.push({
mode: 'thumbnails-rr',
container: 'taboola-below-article-thumbnails',
placement: 'Below Article Thumbnails',
target_type: 'mix'
});

Inglorious will release their first ever covers album, Heroine, on September 10 via Frontiers Music Srl. The album sees the band tackling covers by a varied selection of female artists whom they respect and admire. Their take on Avril Lavigne's "I'm With You" can be heard below:





Pre-order/save Heroine on CD/Color Vinyl/Digital here. The band has two different color LPs available exclusively on their webstore and is donating £1 from every copy sold on their webstore to the fantastic charity Women's Aid, who do amazing work supporting women and young girls.


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 following LP colors are available:


- Blue (everywhere)
- Red (Band exclusive)
- Gold (Band exclusive)


Hot on the heels of the successful February 2021 release of Inglorious' fourth studio album, We Will Ride, their first with the new line-up of Nathan James, Phil Beaver, Danny De La Cruz, Dan Stevens, and Vinnie Colla, the band headed right back into the studio to record a very special new album. The up-and-coming British hard rockers' new release, titled Heroine, is a tribute to the various outstanding female musicians who have influenced the band either musically and/or vocally. From putting their own hard rock imprint on pop hits from Whitney Houston, Miley Cyrus, Avril Lavigne, and Christina Aguilera to taking on timeless classic rock songs by Tina Turner, Heart, and Joan Jett, and contemporary rock by the likes of Evanescence, Alanis Morissette, and Halestorm, Inglorious showcase their versatility with the song selections for this covers album.


"First things first, we know it is impossible to make these songs better, the originals are perfect and the performances legendary, so acknowledging that we weren't even gonna come close to the magic of the originals took the pressure off and we could just enjoy making this super fun album. It's about bowing to these incredible artists and, for me personally, saying thank you for sharing their gifts with the world. People assume that the singers I idolise are bluesy rock men, but they couldn't be more wrong. Everyone of these artists has inspired me as a performer, writer, singer, or person. Whether it be the unbeatable voice of Whitney, the charisma of Tina, the honesty of Alanis, the intensity of Lzzy, or the control of Amy Lee. I love the fire all these women bring to their music and that's what we wanted to say thanks for. Not only to these artists, but the awesome women in all of our lives who have loved us and continue to support us. With this in mind we are donating a pound from every copy sold on our webstore to the fantastic charity Women's Aid (https://www.womensaid.org.uk/), who do amazing work supporting women and young girls," says vocalist Nathan James.


The band's new lineup is now more gelled and cohesive after having toured the band's third album, writing and recording together for the fourth album, and now the recording of this fifth album. The guitar duo of Danny Dela Cruz and Dan Stevens interplay and feel shines and the rhythm section of Phil Beaver and Vinnie Colla is tighter than ever. Vocalist Nathan James takes on the daunting task of performing songs originally done by such amazing singers with respect and confidence. The overall results are astounding and a pleasant surprise for the band's fans, who likely weren't expecting a new batch of recorded music this quickly.


Inglorious are five young men with a mutual love and respect for two long-running tentpoles of hard rock music: big guitar riffs and soulful vocals. Formed in February 2014, the band is fronted by Nathan James, who made a name for himself having sung for the multi-platinum selling Trans-Siberian Orchestra and legendary Scorpions guitarist Uli Jon Roth. Nathan was looking for like-minded musicians that desired to make incredible rock music in a very honest fashion. The band’s self-titled debut album received critical and fan acclaim. The follow up album, II, was another well received affair and was followed by the band’s third album, Ride To Nowhere. Their fourth studio album, We Will Ride was released in February 2021 and charted in the UK, US, and several European countries.





Tracklisting:


"Queen Of The Night (Whitney Houston cover)
"Barracuda" (Heart cover)
"Midnight Sky" (Miley Cyrus cover)
"Nutbush City Limits" (Tina Turner cover)
"Bring Me To Life" (Evanescence cover)
"Fighter" (Christina Aguilera cover)
"I'm With You" (Avril Lavigne cover)
"I Hate Myself For Loving You" (Joan Jett cover)
"I Am The Fire" (Halestorm cover)
"Time After Time" (Cyndi Lauper cover)
"Uninvited" (Alanis Morissette cover)


"Barracuda" video:





"Midnight Sky" video:





Lineup:


Nathan James - Lead Vocals
Danny De La Cruz - Guitar
Dan Stevens - Guitar
Vinnie Colla - Bass Guitar
Phil Beaver - Drums/Percussion





propertag.cmd.push(function() { proper_display('bravewords_content_2'); });



window._taboola = window._taboola || [];
_taboola.push({
mode: 'thumbnails-rr',
container: 'taboola-below-article-thumbnails',
placement: 'Below Article Thumbnails',
target_type: 'mix'
});

Accept have released the new video below, with Martin Motnik stating: "I'm showing you how I played the bass on our album Too Mean To Die. This is song no. 11, 'Samson And Delilah'."





Accept have been flying the flag of classic metal for decades, and with their latest album, Too Mean To Die, they have once again proven themselves to be international chart stormers with top 10 placings worldwide. Now, after a long absence due to Corona, they are proud to announce they will finally be returning to European stages in 2022, with their usual driving energy full of irrepressible power. They will be playing the new album Too Mean To Die and the Accept classics.


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



For decades, Accept have stood for pure metal, great melodies and unforgettable live moments. Their three exceptional guitarists will undoubtedly transform audiences into a surging mass and blow the virus into oblivion. Because, according to Wolf Hoffmann: "We are too mean to die! Weeds do not die! Accept won't let it get them down!"


Guitarist Philip Shouse adds: "The best thing that will happen for us is to go to the airport, get on a plane, fly to you and play a big, fantastic gig."


Accept will be supported in Europe by none other than Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons, who unforgettably brought venues around the world to boiling point with Motörhead and stands for pure Rock N Roll. The US speed/thrash wrecking ball veterans Flotsam And Jetsam complete the billing.





Tour dates:


December 2021
10 - Tokyo, Japan - Club Citta
11 - Tokyo, Japan - Club Citta


January
15 - Oberhausen, Germany - Turbinenhalle
16 - Brussels, Belgium - La Madeleine
18- Frankfurt, Germany - Batschkapp
19 - Paris, France - Bataclan
21 - Pamplona, Pain - Burlada
22 - Madrid, Spain - La Riviera
23 - Barcelona, Spain - Razzmatazz 1
25 - Ramonville, France - Bikini
26 - Villeurbanne, France - Transbordeur
28 - Zürich, Switzerland - Komplex
29 - Telfs, Austria - Rathaussaal
30 - Budapest, Hungary - Barba Negra


February
1 - Zlin, Czech Republic - Hala Euronics
2 - Warsaw, Poland - Progresia
4 - Tallinn, Estonia - Helitehas **
5 - Helsinki, Finland - House Of Culture **
6 - Tampere, Finland - Pakkahuone **
8 - Stockholm, Sweden - Fryshuset **
9 - Oslo, Norway - Rockefeller **
11 - Gothenburg, Sweden - Tradgarn **
12 - Copenhagen, Denmark - Vega **
13 - Bremen, Germany - Aladin
15 - Berlin, Germany - Huxley´s
17 - Ulm, Germany - Ratiopharm Arena
18 - München, Germany - Tonhalle
19 - Filderstadt, Germany - FILharmonie
20 - Geiselwind, Germany - Eventzentrum
22 - Leipzig, Germany - Haus Auensee
23 - Saarbrücken, Germany - Garage
25 - Moscow, Russia - Glavclub **
26 - St. Petersburg, Russia - Cosmonaut
28 - Kiev, Ukraine - Stereoplaza **


Shows marked (**) are without Phil Campbell And The Bastard Sons.








propertag.cmd.push(function() { proper_display('bravewords_content_2'); });



window._taboola = window._taboola || [];
_taboola.push({
mode: 'thumbnails-rr',
container: 'taboola-below-article-thumbnails',
placement: 'Below Article Thumbnails',
target_type: 'mix'
});

When you combine former members of bands such as KISS, Rainbow, Quiet Riot, and Alcatrazz you get the hard rock supergroup, Blackthorne.


In 1993, Bob Kulick (fuitar), Graham Bonnet (vocals), Frankie Banali (drums), Jimmy Waldo (keyboards), and Chuck Wright (bass) released
their legendary debut and sole Blackthorne album, Afterlife.


The album includes bonus live unplugged performances of "Afterlife" and "We Won’t Be Forgotten".  Also included are demo cuts of songs, "Wild Inside", "Get My Heart Out Of Here", "Afterlife", and "Baby You’re The Blood".


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 notable title track, "Afterlife" is a big powerhouse rock song that sets  the stage for the entire album of heavyweight talent and shredding vocal screams by Bonnet.  


After twenty-seven years of the initial release of Afterlife, music label Renaissance Records has announced that they will be reissuing this hard rock album on deluxe vinyl. This deluxe 180-gram vinyl will include a gatefold, lost photos, lyric sheet, and trading cards of each band member.


Afterlife by Blackthorne is available now for pre-order here.





Tracklisting:


"Cradle To The Grave"
"Afterlife"
"We Won’t Be Forgotten"
"Breaking The Chains"
"Over And Over"  
"Hard Feelings"
"Baby You’re The Blood"
"Sex Crime"
"Love From The Ashes"
"All Night Long"
"Wild Inside" [demo]
"Get My Heart Out Of Here" [demo]
"Since You Been Gone"
"Afterlife" [demo]
"Baby You’re The Blood" [demo]
"Afterlife" [live]
"We Won’t Be Forgotten" [live]





propertag.cmd.push(function() { proper_display('bravewords_content_2'); });



window._taboola = window._taboola || [];
_taboola.push({
mode: 'thumbnails-rr',
container: 'taboola-below-article-thumbnails',
placement: 'Below Article Thumbnails',
target_type: 'mix'
});

Toronto's Henderson Brewing Company will release the new Rush Canadian Golden Ale on August 30 in Ontario, Canada to start. A new teaser video can be found below.





It started during the R40 tour when, after a gig, someone handed frontman Geddy Lee a bottle of Robinson’s “Iron Maiden -Trooper” beer. Geddy took one look at it and jokingly asked where the Rush beer was. That quip stayed in the mind of the band, and recognizing the growing craft beer movement, particularly in their hometown of Toronto, the band decided to look into it seriously.


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



Beer has always been an import part of the touring experience for the band. That first after-show beer helping to draw a line between the focus of performing and the wind-down that follows. After hundreds of shows in so many countries around the world, the band really began to see how different beer could be.





“When I get off stage, I really, really enjoy an ice-cold beer, it’s like a little reward,” commented Geddy Lee on a recent visit to Henderson Brewery.


The band chose Henderson as they are one of the fastest growing micro-breweries in Canada and have won many gold medals for their beer. As is true with all of Rush ethos, quality is key. It didn’t hurt that the hometown brewery also had a love for the band given Henderson had previously released a “Put Your Scarf On Geddy” limited edition Canadian Imperial Stout in 2016.


In the summer of 2020 Rush and Henderson began taste testing many prototype brews and early in 2021 the band and the brewery both felt they had come up with a brew they could stand behind.  Subtlety complex, refreshing and satisfying and uniquely Canadian, as the beer gets its taste from Canadian ingredients, including Rye.


“Rush Canadian Golden Ale is golden in colour with a dense ivory head. It has an earthy aroma with hints of orange-peel, pine and spicy rye. While the emphasis is on refreshment, there are elements of pine, rye spice and a citric hop flavour that add to the subtle complexity of the beer,” remarked Alex Lifeson, the band-proclaimed Beer Scientist.








(Photo - Julia Dowel)





propertag.cmd.push(function() { proper_display('bravewords_content_2'); });



window._taboola = window._taboola || [];
_taboola.push({
mode: 'thumbnails-rr',
container: 'taboola-below-article-thumbnails',
placement: 'Below Article Thumbnails',
target_type: 'mix'
});

North Carolina's Aether Realm recently announced their upcoming US tour dates with headliners Unleash The Archers and fellow special guests Seven Kingdoms. In anticipation of the dates kicking off next week, the band not only unveiled their latest music video for "Cycle" last month, but have now revealed another new video, this time in the form of a one take vocal and piano playthrough of their single, "Guardian".        


Frontman Vincent "Jake" Jones says:  “Well, we’d gone to LGTBZ studio with the video team for a completely different project that you’ll be hearing about very soon, and Kris Hilbert had this nice Kawai piano just beckoning to me. We had some time to kill, and I’d been practicing a lot of piano lately. I thought 'hey, let’s knock out a quick piano/vocal video'... Hell, one of these days we may start lugging a piano around with us.”





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



As mentioned above, Aether Realm will join headliners Unleash The Archers and fellow special guests Seven Kingdoms on a US tour this fall, kicking off in Minneapolis, MN on September 1 at Cabooze. The tour will visit several major cities before coming to an end in Seattle, WA on September 26 at El Corazon.


Dates:


September
1 - Minneapolis, MN - Cabooze
2 - Chicago, IL - Reggies (Sold Out)
3 - Detroit, MI - The Shelter
4 - Pittsburgh, PA - Preserving Underground
5 - Rochester, NY - Montage Music Hall
7 - Providence, RI - Alchemy
8 - New York, NY - Le Poisson Rouge
9 - Baltimore, MD - Baltimore Soundstage
10 - Greensboro, NC - The Blind Tiger
11 - Atlanta, GA - The Masquerade (Heaven)
12 - Orlando, FL - The Haven
14 - Austin, TX - Come and Take it Live
15 - Dallas, TX - Gas Monkey Bar & Grill
16 - Oklahoma City, OK - 89th Street Collective
17 - Kansas City, MO - The Riot Room
18 - Denver, CO - Marquis Theatre (Sold Out)
19 - Albuquerque, NM - Launchpad
21 - Mesa, AZ - Nile Theater
22 - Los Angeles, CA - 1720
23 - San Diego, CA - Brick by Brick
24 - Petaluma, CA - The Phoenix Theater
25 - Portland, OR - Dante's
26 - Seattle, WA - El Corazon








Aether Realm is:


Vincent "Jake" Jones - bass, vocals               
Heinrich Arnold - guitar, vocals                    
Tyler Gresham - drums                     
Donny Burbage - guitar





(Photo - Bryce Chapman)





propertag.cmd.push(function() { proper_display('bravewords_content_2'); });



window._taboola = window._taboola || [];
_taboola.push({
mode: 'thumbnails-rr',
container: 'taboola-below-article-thumbnails',
placement: 'Below Article Thumbnails',
target_type: 'mix'
});

THE ROLLING STONES drummer Charlie Watts has died at the age of 80. No cause of death has been revealed.

Watts's passing was confirmed by his publicist Bernard Doherty, who said in a statement: "It is with immense sadness that we announce the death of our beloved Charlie Watts. He passed away peacefully in a London hospital earlier today surrounded by his family.

"Charlie was a cherished husband, father and grandfather and also as a member of THE ROLLING STONES one of the greatest drummers of his generation. We kindly request that the privacy of his family, band members and close friends is respected at this difficult time."

Earlier this month, it was announced that Watts wouldn't join THE ROLLING STONES on their fall USA tour in order to recover from an undisclosed medical procedure. Filling in for him on the trek, which is scheduled to kick off on September 26 in St. Louis, will be his "great friend" Steve Jordan.

"For once my timing has been a little off," Watts said in a statement announcing his absence from the trek. "I am working hard to get fully fit but I have today accepted on the advice of the experts that this will take a while. After all the fans' suffering caused by COVID I really do not want the many fans who have been holding tickets for this tour to be disappointed by another postponement or cancellation. I have therefore asked my great friend Steve Jordan to stand in for me."

Jordan, who has previously played with THE ROLLING STONES guitarist Keith Richards, said: "It is an absolute honor and a privilege to be Charlie's understudy and I am looking forward to rehearsing with Mick [Jagger], Keith and Ronnie [Wood]. No one will be happier than me to give up my seat on the drum riser as soon as Charlie tells me he is good to go."

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.

The "No Filter" tour, which was originally supposed to happen last year, will hit 15 cities from September through November.




pic.twitter.com/wi6333F6QF

— The Rolling Stones (@RollingStones) August 24, 2021

Original Trouble and The Skull drummer, Jeff "Oly" Olson, took to social media to pay tribute to original Trouble singer / The Skull frontman, Eric Wagner, who has passed away at 62 following a battle with COVID pneumonia.


Says Jeff: "I love you Eric. Ups and downs were normal, but we always loved each other. RIP."

Leigh Rush Olson, wife and manager of original Jeff "Oly" Olson, has also paid tribute, stating: "I've done PR for both Trouble and The Skull, but now I don't know what to say. My heart is heavy. This is my favorite photo of the guys. Happy times. Memory eternal, Eric. I love you. Rock in peace my brother."





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



Trouble guitarist, Rick Wartell, previously issued the following statement in regards to his former bandmate:


"I am very saddened by the passing of Eric. He lived his life his way. As a poet, daring to push the boundaries in search of more and deeper philosophies. Looking for answers to life's deepest questions and mysteries. May he now find these answers. May he find peace.


"I would like to extend my sympathy to Eric's family for their loss."





propertag.cmd.push(function() { proper_display('bravewords_content_2'); });



window._taboola = window._taboola || [];
_taboola.push({
mode: 'thumbnails-rr',
container: 'taboola-below-article-thumbnails',
placement: 'Below Article Thumbnails',
target_type: 'mix'
});

The sad news has come down that original Trouble singer / The Skull frontman, Eric Wagner, has passed away at 62 following a battle with COVID pneumonia. The news was confirmed by Eric's son, Luke Wagner, via a comment left on a post at The Skull's Facebook page.


Trouble guitarist, Rick Wartell, has issued the following statement in regards to his former bandmate:


"R.I.P. Eric


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



"I am very saddened by the passing of Eric. He lived his life his way. As a poet, daring to push the boundaries in search of more and deeper philosophies. Looking for answers to life's deepest questions and mysteries. May he now find these answers. May he find peace.


"I would like to extend my sympathy to Eric's family for their loss."


Meanwhile, Cathedral frontman, Lee Dorrian, took to social media to pay his respects, stating: "I had heard that Eric Wagner was ill in hospital but doing well and receiving good care. The news that he has died is nothing less than a tragic shock.


"There’s no denying that Trouble were a massive influence on me since first hearing them in the mid 80s and they changed the very notion of what true heaviness was to me. Their first two albums in particular are stunning examples of how soulful and punishingly heavy the art of Doom Metal can actually be. They completely reinvented the genre and transcended the basic formula into something truly unique. Their influence on early Cathedral was unquestionable, even more-so than Sabbath, particularly with regard to the the twin guitar aspect.


"To me, The Skull is the heaviest Doom Metal album ever recorded. I still remember the day it came in to Revolver record shop in Coventry and asking the guy behind the counter to play it. It literally felt like the building was about to collapse when 'Pray For the Dead' kicked in.


"The first time Trouble came to the UK in 1990, I went to every show bar Scottish dates. We (Cathedral) toured with them on several occasions and some crazy, crazy times were had.


"My condolences go to Eric’s friends, family and former bandmates. RIP Eric."

The initial post from The Skull, dated August 17, stated: "Hey all. More bad news... We will not be able to play Psycho Vegas this Thursday. While 3 out of 4 of us who tested positive for Covid are recovering nicely... Eric Wagner’s bout with Covid has gotten worse and he was admitted to the hospital yesterday with COVID pneumonia. Positive thoughts and words will be helpful."


Late Sunday (August 22), Luke Wagner commented on the post, revealing: "Hey all this is Luke Wagner his oldest son. Eric Wagner has passed away."






propertag.cmd.push(function() { proper_display('bravewords_content_2'); });



window._taboola = window._taboola || [];
_taboola.push({
mode: 'thumbnails-rr',
container: 'taboola-below-article-thumbnails',
placement: 'Below Article Thumbnails',
target_type: 'mix'
});

Napalm Records has announced the signing of progressive/melodic death metal band Persefone. Hailing out of Andorra, the five-piece outfit is known for the creation of rich soundscapes and technically precise work that sets new standards in modern extreme progressive metal.


Founded in 2001, Persefone has released five studio albums, each one showcasing the band’s myriad of musical principles: high technicality, distinct melodies, plenty of head-turning riffs and musical acrobatics. The band has toured worldwide with notable acts like Obituary and Leprous, and has hit the stages of important festivals such as Wacken Open Air, Metal Days, Brutal Assault, ProgPower and 70,000 Tons of Metal.


For their previous albums, the band collaborated with producers such as Jens Bogren (At The Gates, Haken, The Ocean), Logan Mader (Gojira, Periphery, Once Human) and Jacob Hansen (Volbeat, Amaranthe, Epica). Recently, Persefone finished recording their sixth studio album, which will be released in early 2022. The album is mixed by David Castillo, who has worked with genre greats like Leprous, Soen and Opeth, and mastered by Tony Lindgren (Enslaved, Ihsahn, Sepultura).


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



Persefone comment the signing: "We are excited to announce that we have signed a worldwide deal with the renowned label Napalm Records. Since we started working on the new album, we knew we wanted to bring this whole experience that is Persefone to a new level. Teaming up with Napalm Records will allow us to reach a new stage we couldn’t get to otherwise and we can't wait to show you all what we’ve been working on these last few years. Stay tuned for more announcements about our new album and tours coming up!


"The amount of hours and resources we have put into this release is way beyond any other album we have ever conceived. We have put the question mark on every little detail - from the writing process to the very last production element. Also, the commitment David has shown during this whole process definitely shows in the final sound of the album as it sounds huge, powerful and very organic. For us, every new album means a new challenge to surpass and this particular one has been no exception. For the first time ever we couldn’t be happier with the result. Much love.”


Sebastian Muench, A&R at Napalm Records adds: "Persefones album ‘Aathma’ is unquestionably one of most creative and inspiring progressive metal albums of the last decade! Having eagerly listened to some of the new songs, fans can expect another masterpiece! I am looking forward to working with Persefone and the Welkin Entertainment Management around Tim and Rahul. Welcome to the Napalm family!"


The album’s release is planned for early 2022. Stay tuned for more news.


Persefone is:


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


(Photo - Eric Rossell)





propertag.cmd.push(function() { proper_display('bravewords_content_2'); });



window._taboola = window._taboola || [];
_taboola.push({
mode: 'thumbnails-rr',
container: 'taboola-below-article-thumbnails',
placement: 'Below Article Thumbnails',
target_type: 'mix'
});

Italian symphonic death metal band Fleshgod Apocalypse has issued the following statement:


"Last Saturday, August 21st, our singer Francesco Paoli suffered severe injuries while rock climbing the Gran Sasso mountains in Abruzzo, Italy. Despite suffering several fractures, Francesco is currently stable at a local hospital while receiving treatment for his injuries.


In light of this, Fleshgod Apocalypse is forced to cancel their Cremona, Italy show at Road To Luppolo scheduled this Sunday the 29th. More details will be shared as soon as we have more info available."


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



Road To Luppolo festival organizers have issued their own press release:


"Dear Luppolians, we have a double news for you: the first is that unfortunately Fleshgod Apocalypse won't be able to be there due to a bad fall during a hike by frontman Francesco Paoli who is not in such a condition that we can face a show, at least for the next few weeks. We're very sorry but we understand the situation and wish Francesco a quick and optimal recovery.


We haven't lost a second to be able to offer you a show that honors such as the Fleshgod Apocalypse, and thanks to our collaboration with Bagana we can officially announce the presence of Genus Ordinis Dei.


Recently sold out at the Legend Club of Milan, with three studio records active and impressive credibility on the live front, Genus Ordinis Dei will literally set the dust on the evening of Sunday, August 29. Following as planned, the Nervosa concert and closing Jinjer.


Secure your tickets here."


 





propertag.cmd.push(function() { proper_display('bravewords_content_2'); });



window._taboola = window._taboola || [];
_taboola.push({
mode: 'thumbnails-rr',
container: 'taboola-below-article-thumbnails',
placement: 'Below Article Thumbnails',
target_type: 'mix'
});

BEHEMOTH mastermind Adam "Nergal" Darski has signed a menacing pact with the devil once again, returning with dark folk/blues/Americana influenced solo project ME AND THAT MAN's third full-length studio album, "New Man, New Songs, Same Shit, Vol. 2", on November 19, 2021 via Napalm Records.

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), Myrkur, 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.

To mark the album announcement, the devil himself opens a gloomy rift to the most sinister mass and unveils its first track and the official music video. "Got Your Tongue" featuring Chris Georgiadis (TURBOWOLF) 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

Multi-platinum Grammy Award-nominated rock band SKILLET has announced its long-awaited, first single in over a year, "Surviving The Game" (Atlantic). The track will be sent to active rock radio and available on all DSPs as well as the Skillet.com webstore on September 15.

Produced by Kevin Churko (OZZY OSBOURNE, PAPA ROACH, DISTURBED) and written by John Cooper, Korey Cooper, Kevin Churko and Kane Churko, the track is one frontman John Cooper describes as a rally cry for the future and getting through the tough times the world is and has been experiencing.

"Our new song, 'Surviving The Game', makes me feel like a bull about to come out of the gate," he says. "Within the first 30 seconds of the song, you're taken on a journey that begins with uncertainty and trepidation and leads to an explosion of energy and life. That sums up how I see the future.

"This has been a tough season, and we are not yet through the storm. We need hope, we need grit, and we will survive. I hope that when people hear 'Surviving The Game', it will be the song they've been waiting for."

"Surviving The Game" is the first single from a to-be-announced full-length studio project coming this fall, which will follow SKILLET's track record of two RIAA-certified multi-platinum albums, two gold albums, five RIAA-certified multi-platinum singles, and four gold singles.

This fall, SKILLET will headline 24 shows with ADELITAS WAY as main support as well as EVA UNDER FIRE. The trek, dubbed "The Aftermath Tour", kicks off September 12 in Chicago and runs through October 22 in St. Louis. A limited quantity of VIP packages is available as well, which include a ticket, preshow question-and-answer session and trivia contest hosted by SKILLET, and exclusive merchandise.

SKILLET is one of the best-selling rock bands of the 21st century. The two-time Grammy Award-nominated Pandora Billionaires Club members have an undying spirit that has humbly asserted and affirmed them as one of this generation's most successful rock acts.

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

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

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

Photo by Jimmy Fontaine

METALLICA has shared "Of Wolf and Man (Nuremberg, Germany - November 29, 1992)" , taken from the "Live At Frankenhalle" DVD included in the remastered deluxe box set of its self-titled fifth album — also known as "The Black Album" — due on September 10 via the band's own Blackened Recordings. The track was recorded live at Frankenhalle in Nuremberg, Germany on November 29, 1992. Check it out below.

The Black Album is one of the most commercially successful and critically acclaimed records of all time. Its 1991 release not only gave METALLICA its first No. 1 album in no fewer than 10 countries, including a four-week run at No. 1 in the U.S., its unrelenting series of singles — "Enter Sandman", "The Unforgiven", "Nothing Else Matters", "Wherever I May Roam" and "Sad But True" — fueled the band's rise to stadium headlining, radio and MTV dominating household name status. The album's reception from the press was similarly charged, building over the years from the top 10 of the 1991 Village Voice Pazz & Jop national critics poll to becoming a constant presence in the likes of Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Albums Of All Time. The album's impact and relevance continue to grow — as proven by one indisputable fact: The Black Album remains unchallenged as the best-selling album in the history of Nielsen SoundScan, outselling every release in every genre over the past 30 years.

To commemorate its 30th anniversary, the Grammy-winning, 16-times-platinum-certified Black Album is receiving its definitive re-release. Remastered for ultimate sound quality, The Black Album remaster will be available in multiple configurations including 180-gram double vinyl LP, standard CD and 3 CD expanded edition, digital, and limited-edition deluxe box set (containing the album remastered on 180-gram 2LP, a picture disc, three live LPs, 14 CDs (containing rough mixes, demos, interviews, live shows), 6 DVDs (containing outtakes, behind the scenes, official videos, live shows), a 120-page hardcover book, four tour laminates, three lithos, three guitar picks, a METALLICA lanyard, a folder with lyric sheets, and a download card).

Much more than a mere tribute album, "The Metallica Blacklist" celebrates the enduring influence of this musical milestone with one of the most ambitious projects ever conceived by the METALLICA team: An unprecedented 50+ artists spanning an unbelievably vast range of genres, generations, cultures, continents and more, each contributing a unique interpretation of their favorite Black Album cut.

"The Metallica Blacklist" offers up new dimensions of the record whose gravitational pull first drew the mainstream to METALLICA — and provides new insights into the universal and timeless appeal that kept it there: the boundary-smashing influence these 12 songs have had on fans and musicians of all stripes. "The Metallica Blacklist"'s 53 tracks find singer songwriters, country artists, electronic and hip hop artists sharing their love of these songs alongside punk rockers, indie darlings, icons of rock, metal, world music and many, many more… and for 50+ good causes: Profits will be divided evenly between charities of the artist's choice and METALLICA's All Within My Hands foundation.

"The Metallica Blacklist" is a fitting and limitless homage, one that features bands who've shared stages with METALLICA alongside artists who are younger than the original album. It's a truly staggering, at times mystifying assemblage of musicians, dozens of whom have little to nothing in common other than the shared passion for the music that's united them for this album: 1 Album. 12 Songs. 53 Artists. Unlimited Possibilities.

"The Metallica Blacklist" will be available in formats including digital, four-CD and a limited-edition seven-LP vinyl pressing.

All profits from "The Metallica Blacklist" will be split evenly between the All Within My Hands foundation and 50+ charities chosen by the artists who play on the album. All Within My Hands was founded by the band in 2017 as a way for the entire METALLICA family to give back to communities that have supported the band by supporting workforce education, the fight against hunger, and other critical local services.

"The Metallica Blacklist" features the following tracks:

* ALESSIA CARA & THE WARNING - Enter Sandman

* MAC DEMARCO - Enter Sandman

* GHOST - Enter Sandman

* JUANES - Enter Sandman

* RINA SAWAYAMA - Enter Sandman

* WEEZER - Enter Sandman

* SAM FENDER - Sad But True (Live)

* JASON ISBELL - Sad But True

* MEXICAN INSTITUTE OF SOUND FEAT. LA PERLA & GERA MX - Sad But True

* ROYAL BLOOD - Sad But True

* ST. VINCENT - Sad But True

* WHITE REAPER - Sad But True

* YB - Sad But True

* BIFFY CLYRO - Holier Than Thou

* THE CHATS - Holier Than Thou

* OFF! - Holier Than Thou

* PUP - Holier Than Thou

* COREY TAYLOR - Holier Than Thou

* CAGE THE ELEPHANT - The Unforgiven

* VISHAL DADLANI, DIVINE, SHOR POLICE - The Unforgiven

* DIET CIG - The Unforgiven

* FLATBUSH ZOMBIES FEAT. DJ SCRATCH - The Unforgiven

* HA*ASH - The Unforgiven

* JOSÉ MADERO - The Unforgiven

* MOSES SUMNEY - The Unforgiven

* J BALVIN - Wherever I May Roam

* CHASE & STATUS FEAT. BACKROAD GEE - Wherever I May Roam

* THE NEPTUNES - Wherever I May Roam

* JON PARDI - Wherever I May Roam

* SEBASTIAN - Don't Tread On Else Matters

* PORTUGAL. THE MAN FEAT. AARON BEAM - Don't Tread On Me

* VOLBEAT - Don't Tread On Me

* THE HU - Through The Never

* TOMI OWÓ - Through The Never

* PHOEBE BRIDGERS - Nothing Else Matters

* MILEY CYRUS FEAT. WATT, ELTON JOHN, YO-YO MA, ROBERT TRUJILLO, CHAD SMITH - Nothing Else Matters

* DAVE GAHAN - Nothing Else Matters

* MICKEY GUYTON - Nothing Else Matters

* DERMOT KENNEDY - Nothing Else Matters

* MON LAFERTE - Nothing Else Matters

* IGOR LEVIT - Nothing Else Matters

* MY MORNING JACKET - Nothing Else Matters

* PG ROXETTE - Nothing Else Matters

* DARIUS RUCKER - Nothing Else Matters

* CHRIS STAPLETON - Nothing Else Matters

* TRESOR - Nothing Else Matters

* GOODNIGHT, TEXAS - Of Wolf And Man

* IDLES - The God That Failed

* IMELDA MAY - the god that failed

* CHERRY GLAZERR - My Friend Of Misery

* IZÏA - My Friend Of Misery

* KAMASI WASHINGTON - My Friend Of Misery

* RODRIGO Y GABRIELA - The Struggle Within

Back in 2017, METALLICA announced that it was preparing deluxe remastered versions of its "…And Justice For All" (1988) and "Metallica" (1991) albums and reached out to its hardcore fans for help to get content for the new editions. "…And Justice For All" has since been reissued for its 30th anniversary in 2018.

METALLICA's self-titled LP in 2014 became the first album to sell 16 million copies since Nielsen SoundScan started tracking sales in 1991.

"Metallica" was already certified 16 times platinum on December 13, 2012 by the RIAA (Recording Industry Association Of America) for shipments in excess of 16 million copies in the U.S.

The album in 2009 surpassed SHANIA TWAIN's 1997 record, "Come On Over", as the best-selling CD of the SoundScan era.

"Metallica" was the first of four collaborations with producer Bob Rock, with whom the band clashed throughout the recording of the disc.

METALLICA performed "the black album" in its entirety at a number of European festivals in 2012.

JIZZY PEARL'S LOVE/HATE has released a new single, "Wanna Be Somebody", via all digital platforms. The track is described in a press release as "the story of a girl that seeks fame and fortune in the bright lights of Hollywood and ends up dancing on the dark side."

"Wanna Be Somebody" is taken from JIZZY PEARL'S LOVE/HATE upcoming album, "Hell, CA", due for release in February 2022 via Golden Robot Records.

Pearl has been a fixture on the world-famous Hollywood Sunset Strip since his edgy street rock band LOVE/HATE released its debut album, "Blackout In The Red Room", in 1990. "Blackout In The Red Room" received "Album Of The Year" honors from Kerrang! and Metal Hammer in addition to being a fan and critics favorite. It Their second LP, "Wasted In America", followed in 1992, and the band hit the road with the likes of SKID ROW, DIO, AC/DC and OZZY OSBOURNE.

Since then, Jizzy has played, recorded and toured with platinum artists like RATT and L.A. GUNS, including a stint with GUNS N' ROSES drummer Steven Adler in ADLER'S APPETITE, while currently fronting the legendary QUIET RIOT. Jizzy has also released several critically acclaimed solo albums, the most recent being 2018's "All You Need Is Soul" on Frontiers Music Srl.

Last year, JIZZY PEARL'S LOVE/HATE celebrated the 30th anniversary of "Blackout In The Red Room" by playing the album in full.

The official trailer for SHINEDOWN's film "Attention Attention", a cinematic experience of the band's 2018 studio album of the same name, is available below.

The worldwide distribution rights to "Attention Attention" were recently acquired by Gravitas Ventures, a Red Arrow Studios company. Directed by Bill Yukich and featuring band members Brent Smith (vocals), Zach Myers (guitar), Eric Bass (bass, production), and Barry Kerch (drums) along with actresses Francesca Eastwood and Melora Walters, Gravitas Ventures will release "Attention Attention" on digital and cable VOD on September 3, 2021.

SHINEDOWN invites viewers into the world of "Attention Attention" in their new film, bringing to life the story of the acclaimed chart-topping album, which simultaneously hit No. 1 on Billboard's Alternative, Top Rock, and Hard Rock Albums charts, debuted Top 5 on the Billboard 200, and has racked up more than 355 million global streams. A stunning sonic and visual work of art, the film weaves the 14 songs from the album into a provocative, visceral and thought-provoking journey that brings viewers along on a psychological, emotional and physical ride from life's lowest lows to the highest highs. As anxieties dissipate and demons disappear, what emerges is a powerful and enduring statement about humanity, overcoming struggles, the importance of mental health, not being afraid to fail and the resolve of the human spirit.

"When we created 'Attention Attention', our vision was always to present the message as a sonic and visual experience. We're really proud of what we created and are beyond excited to partner with Gravitas Ventures to finally bring the film in its entirety to the world," said SHINEDOWN.

"'Attention Attention' the film is where the songs of the album come together with people this music has had a profound impact on. What begins as many stories, many voices, steadily becomes one message, one voice from many. Years in the making, I am beyond pleased to be able to share this vision, which was inspired by this amazing band," said director Bill Yukich.

"SHINEDOWN found the ideal director in Bill Yukich to turn their acclaimed album into a dynamic cinematic experience. It's a testament to their continued innovation as artists, and we look forward to unveiling the film to audiences worldwide," said Tony Piantedosi, vice president of acquisitions at Gravitas Ventures.

Gravitas Ventures vice president of acquisitions Tony Piantedosi negotiated the deal with Billy Offer and Nick Shumaker of United Talent Agency.

San Francisco Bay Area thrashers EXODUS were rejoined by drummer John Tempesta for their appearance yesterday (Sunday, August 22) at Psycho Las Vegas on August 22 at the Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. Tempesta was filling in for EXODUS's regular drummer Tom Hunting who recently underwent a successful total gastrectomy in his battle with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the stomach. Also making a special guest appearance for a couple of songs was former EXODUS guitarist Rick Hunolt.

EXODUS's setlist was as follows:

01. Bonded By Blood

02. Exodus

03. And Then There Were None

04. Fabulous Disaster

05. Brain Dead

06. Metal Command

07. Blacklist

08. 'Til Death Do Us Part

09. Chemi-Kill

10. Piranha

11. The Toxic Waltz

Tempesta was a member of EXODUS from 1989 until 1993 and played on the band's albums "Impact Is Imminent" (1990) and "Force Of Habit" (1992).

When EXODUS first announced on August 16 that Tempesta was temporarily returning to the band, they said in a statement: "Due to Tom's continued recovery from his surgery, we are announcing that for our show in Vegas and Full Terror Assault, we will be joined by @johntempesta on drums! John was Tom's ( and our) number one choice to jump behind the kit in his absence, and John will kill it while Tom continues his recovery, which is going very well! Looking forward to seeing everyone who is coming to Vegas for the show. And looking forward to getting Tom healthy and back behind his kit as soon as possible! But let's welcome John back for two shows where he started!"

Hunting added at the time: "Hey Y'all. I'm 5 weeks out from the surgery and on the mend. I'm feeling stronger all the time and I'm beyond excited to get back to working out on the drums. Unfortunately I won't be ready for the upcoming Vegas and Full Terror Assault shows. Originally I thought if I could walk, I could play. I need to manage my own expectations, and then work my very core back into shape to be fully ready for action. I have no doubt I'll bounce back and get there. I wanna express my undying love and gratitude to our brother Johnny Tempesta for agreeing to play in my absence. I'm 100% sure he will crush playing this music! I'll check in again very soon. Thanks Soooo Much And CHEERS EVERYONE!!!!"

Said Tempesta: "I'm very excited and honored to fill in for my brother Tom as [he] heals from surgery. Looking forward to these shows and being back with the EXODUS family!"

A GoFundMe campaign to help Hunting with medical expenses had previously raised more than $108,000 — including $5,000 from Tom's former EXODUS bandmate, current METALLICA guitarist Kirk Hammett, and $1,500 from FOZZY singer and wrestling superstar Chris Jericho.

After Hunting went public with his diagnosis, guitarist Gary Holt said that EXODUS will "delay" the release of its recently completed new album, "Persona Non Grata", "so that when Tom has defeated this, he will be back to full strength to hit the road and pummel his drums like only he can! When he has kicked cancer's ass like we know he will, we will resume kicking YOUR asses with the sickest record yet!" he said.

Due on November 19 via Nuclear Blast Records, "Persona Non Grata" will be the follow-up to 2014's "Blood In Blood Out", which was the San Francisco Bay Area thrashers' first release since the departure of the group's lead singer of nine years, Rob Dukes, and the return of Steve "Zetro" Souza, who previously fronted EXODUS from 1986 to 1993 and from 2002 to 2004.

"Persona Non Grata" was recorded at a studio in Lake Almanor, California and was engineered by Steve Lagudi and EXODUS. It was produced by EXODUS and was mixed by Andy Sneap.




Exodus /psycho Las Vegas ???????? pic.twitter.com/ImmaMLYXzP

— Christian Moreno (@Chris112183) August 23, 2021








Exodus ????? pic.twitter.com/D86DDM0vuh

— Christian Moreno (@Chris112183) August 23, 2021








Exodus /psycho Las Vegas ???? pic.twitter.com/n9oAhOiR89

— Christian Moreno (@Chris112183) August 23, 2021








Exodus /psycho Las Vegas ???? pic.twitter.com/1AVyNNnlNG

— Christian Moreno (@Chris112183) August 23, 2021








Exodus /psycho Las Vegas ???? pic.twitter.com/QRWOC8bEwd

— Christian Moreno (@Chris112183) August 23, 2021

NIGHTWISH leader Tuomas Holopainen says that the band would split up if singer Floor Jansen ever chose to leave.

Holopainen, who formed NIGHTWISH in 1996 with guitarist Emppu Vuorinen and original singer Tarja Turunen, made the comment while discussing the recent departure of longtime bassist/vocalist Marko "Marco" Hietala.

Pressed by U.K.'s Metal Hammer magazine about his 2019 statement that NIGHTWISH would disband if another member opted to depart, Tuomas said: "That's how I felt back in 2019, and that's also how I felt when Marko left. I take my words back when it comes to that. But if it would be Floor leaving, that's it, it's the end of NIGHTWISH. Absolutely, 100%."

Asked how he would feel about the end of NIGHTWISH if the band called it quits tomorrow, he said: "If NIGHTWISH ends, it was a great run, a wonderful adventure of 25 years. Then I'd just have to come up with something else."

Jansen made her live debut as the frontwoman of NIGHTWISH on October 1, 2012 at Showbox Sodo in Seattle, Washington following the abrupt departure of the band's lead singer of five years, Anette Olzon.

Jansen officially joined NIGHTWISH in 2013 and made her recording debut with the group on 2015's "Endless Forms Most Beautiful" album.

Turunen was fired from NIGHTWISH at the end of the band's 2005 tour by being presented with an open letter which was published on the NIGHTWISH web site at the same time. In the letter, the other members of NIGHTWISH wrote: "To you, unfortunately, business, money, and things that have nothing to do with emotions have become much more important."

Holopainen later called the decision to part ways with Turunen "the most difficult thing I ever had to do." For her part, Tarja said the way she was kicked out of the group proved that her former bandmates were not her friends. "Maybe one day I'll forgive, but I will never forget," she said.

In 2019, Turunen dismissed Internet chatter about her possible return to NIGHTWISH after her December 2017 onstage reunion with Hietala during a "Raskasta Joulua" concert in Hämeenlinna, Finland.

"I know a lot of fans would love to see something happen, but it's a very long distance away," she told Kerrang! magazine. "Personally, I don't see anything happening with me and them, to be perfectly honest. Marko came a little later into the band; he wasn't there since the beginning. He was always a guy I was close to. Me and Tuomas Holopainen, however, haven't seen each other in a long time… but we have been in touch. It's not bad. The past is what it is; we can't change that. We can only change the futu

Dean Guitars CEO Evan Rubinson has accused Rita Haney of making "slanderous" comments about him in an attempt to "incite riots and death threats" against him personally.

On Monday (August 16), Haney, the longtime girlfriend and trustee of the estate of the late PANTERA guitarist "Dimebag" Darrell Abbott, announced that she was cutting ties with Dean Guitars after 17 years with the company. She also revealed that she had filed a lawsuit against Dean, alleging fraud, breach of written agreement and false endorsement, among other claims.

In a statement posted on Dimebag's web site and social media, Haney wrote: "It became clear to me that Dimebag's relationship with Dean Guiars had come to an end when the CEO of Dean Guitars told me that Dime has been dead for 16 years, and then could not make the money they once did...and then continued on to tell me I should go somewhere else… Well...we will!" Haney went on to accuse Dean of continuing to promote and sell Dimebag-related guitars and merchandise even after the expiration of their endorsement deal. She also blasted Evan Rubinson as "incredibly disrespectful and often times belligerent to the legacy" of Dimebag.

"Moving forward, our goal will be to ensure the rightful and respectful celebration of Dime's legacy and the indelible mark he and his music made on this world," Haney added. "It is with absolute conviction that we say that this can no longer happen whilst continuing to partner with Dean Guitars."

When a regular BLABBERMOUTH.NET commenter tweeted out an article from this site about the lawsuit and included the message "if the [Dean] CEO actually told Rita: 'Dime has been dead for 16 years,' he might want to walk that back, bad comment in a dialogue to the girlfriend of the guy being discussed and his legacy, @Pantera were A leaguers", Evan responded: "Total slanderous comment & devoid of reality. This is Rita's desperate attempt to incite riots & death threats against me personally. I challenge her to release voice recordings of me ever disparaging or degrading Dime or Vinnie (the latter of which was a very close friend)."

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

Dimebag's affiliation with Dean goes back to when he was 14. He played Dean guitars throughout PANTERA's heyday in the mid-1990s. He switched to Washburn Guitars late in the decade, a time when Dean Guitars had practically disappeared from the American market. But when Dimebag's contract with Washburn ended, he inked an endorsement deal with Dean, which Elliot Rubinson had revived. Dimebag died three weeks later at the age of 38.

Evan Rubinson initially responded to Haney's lawsuit in a statement on Tuesday (August 17). In the statement, he wrote: "We have always treated Dime and his brother Vinnie with the utmost respect and loyalty. We have enjoyed a long-standing, 17-year relationship with Dime and Vinnie, and continue that relationship with Vinnie's estate on the ddrum side.

"We are shocked and saddened to see the actions that Ms. Haney has taken after both the Abbott brothers have tragically passed away, and we wish her the best in her future endeavors. However, it is unfortunate that Ms. Haney has allowed her unrealistic demands and accusations to dictate the future of the Dimebag Darrell legacy in the absence of Dime's immediate family.

"Dean Guitars is proud to have played a role in ensuring Dime's legacy not only survived, but thrived over the past 17 years. We have stood by the estate through good and bad. Ms. Haney's claims — across the board — are baseless, without any merit, and not grounded in reality. We will allow the full truth to come out as the legal process takes its course."




Total slanderous comment & devoid of reality. This is Rita’s desperate attempt to incite riots & death threats against me personally. I challenge her to release voice recordings of me ever disparaging or degrading Dime or Vinnie (the latter of which was a very close friend).

— Evan Rubinson (@EvanRubinson) August 18, 2021








https://t.co/KuvI2n8I6Q Check out my statement in response to @DimebagzHag suing us. Also, check out the comments, as they provide good perspective from both angles. @Pantera @dimebagdarrell @DeanGuitars

— Evan Rubinson (@EvanRubinson) August 18, 2021

Buddy "Blaze" Webster, the instrument designer who alleged that he hadn't been paid for sales of the late PANTERA guitarist "Dimebag" Darrell Abbott's classic "Dean From Hell" guitar, which he said he helped create, died over the weekend. No cause for his death has been revealed.

In April 2017, Webster filed a lawsuit against Armadillo Enterprises, the parent company of Dean Guitars, and Dimebag's estate, claiming that "Dean From Hell" was designed in the 1980s after Webster met and developed a friendship with Dimebag. In November 2018, a judgment was entered in favor of the defendants in the Middle District of Florida, where the suit was transferred in July 2017. There is a three-year statute of limitations on copyright actions, and because Webster's dispute was about copyright ownership, the window in which he could file his lawsuit had long passed, the judge said while dismissing the case. In January 2020, Webster's attorney told a three-judge 11th Circuit panel that the designer was entitled to a trial and asked the judges to reverse the lower court's decision. But three months later, an 11th Circuit appeals court rejected Webster's challenge, agreeing with the federal court that the period in which Webster could have sued expired "years before" he filed his 2017 federal lawsuit.

Earlier today (Wednesday, August 18), Webster's attorney, Eric Bjorgum of Karish & Bjorgum paid tribute to his former client, writing on Facebook: "I was lucky to represent Buddy in a dispute over the design of 'Dimebag' Darrell Abbott's 'Dean From Hell' guitar design. Buddy had helped discover the young Darrell, and when Darrell sold a guitar he won in a contest, Buddy secretly bought it back, had it repainted and hot-rodded it into what would become Darrell's favorite guitar. Things got weird after Darrell's passing, money was made, the lawyers were called in and blah blah blah.

"But despite the rancorous circumstances of our meeting, Buddy and his wife Joyce (together since they were 16) quickly became my friends first and clients second. He had endless stories of famous musicians and giant jars of guitar picks he let me wade through. (I got a full set of Spinal Tap picks out of it.) Buddy's enthusiasm for making guitars and supporting young musicians was unparalleled. After making a name in Dallas, he was whisked away to Kramer Guitars in New Jersey in the heyday of hard rock/metal to do artist relations and guitar set up guitars for too many acts to mention. He designed the 'Nightswan' with Vivian Campbell when Vivian was between DIO and WHITESNAKE. With the Dean From Hell and Nightswan, Buddy was the rare independent luthier who designed two classics.

"In our case, when his reputation was questioned, I had to drag out of him that he had teched for or made guitars for a jaw dropping list of guitarists/bands including Chris Isaak, Stevie Nicks, Trent Reznor, Waddy Wachtel, Ronnie Montrose, Steve Vai, Tom Scholz, Slash, Mark Kendall/GREAT WHITE, Larry Carlton, Geezer Butler, Kinley Wolfe, Dave Meniketti and many more.

"When I asked him why he had given up the lucrative job of being a traveling tech for top artists, he said that most of all he wanted to make guitars that would musicians would play for decades. He hated it when his guitars were bought up for the Hard Rock to be on a wall somewhere. "Before moving back to Dallas, he revamped his guitar shop in Hawaii, where the locals quickly accepted him and recognized his character.

"Most of all, Buddy loved finding new talent and supporting bands. No matter what happened in Court, it was all a precursor to the adventure that Buddy and Joyce had in store for me later.

"When I first met Buddy in person, we had a series of emotional depositions in Dallas, and at night he and Joyce would ferry me around to different clubs to meet musicians and see bands. I was almost passed out from exhaustion when they insisted on driving 20 miles to a bar in a strip mall where we saw incredible soul artists on a random weeknight. Of course the bartender knew Buddy and all drinks were on the house.

"The day we argued in the 11th Circuit in Atlanta, one of Buddy's clients paid for us to Uber 50 miles to see him play a Blaze bass at a BBQ, and Buddy was once again treated like royalty.

"Buddy was so proud that he had been a mentor for Dimebag Darrell and discovered other talent like Sam Bam Koltun (whom he encouraged to leave home for LA and now plays with FASTER PUSSYCAT, making them sound better than they have in years). Last time we talked, he had a new kid, from Dallas, who he swore was going to be the next big thing.

"There's little doubt that with his passing Buddy's reputation as a guitar maker will only grow. I was always blown away that he was not more famous, and he gave our firm a great lawyer compliment once, stating that if, earlier in his career, he had met like us who would really fight for him, things might have been different. That felt good to us, but it is small recompense for the loss that music and the world has suffered with the loss of Buddy 'Blaze' Webster. I cannot imagine what Joyce is feeling. Buddy Blaze – RIP."

In his original lawsuit against Armadillo Enterprises, Webster said that he was living in Arlington, Texas in the 1980s when he "befriended a young local guitarist named Darrell Abbott. Abbott was incredibly talented and was a member the band 'Pantera'," the lawsuit added. "One of Darrell Abbott's guitars is a model made by the Dean Guitar company, known as a Dean ML, which he won in a local contest.

"Abbott used the guitar but eventually decided to sell it… Webster secretly bought it back… then modified the neck the guitar, changed some the hardware and stripped the paint. Webster designed a new visual look for the guitar…featuring] a unique blue background with lightning emanating from the center the guitar body."

Webster claimed that he gave Darrell the classic guitar which soon "became his signature guitar.

"Abbott played the guitar from Webster wherever possible," the lawsuit added. "It became known as the 'Dean From Hell.'"

After Dimebag was tragically murdered in December 2004, Webster collaborated with Dean to produce a similar guitar to sell, marketed as the Buddy Blaze Signature Model. However, according to Webster, Dean Guitars eventually copied "engaged in multiple reissue campaigns of the 'Dean From Hell'" without giving Webster credit or any payment. After Webster failed to reach an agreement with Dean and the Abbott estate, he filed the suit.

Photo courtesy of Eric Bjorgum's Facebook


It brings me great sorry to tell you all that one of Great White's former guitar techs passed away yesterday. His name...

Posted by Jack Russell's Great White on Tuesday, August 17, 2021



Great White Statement on the Passing of Buddy Blaze:

Buddy was a guitar making legend in the industry but more...

Posted by Great White [Band] on Wednesday, August 18, 2021



Just learned of the passing yesterday of a personal influence and role model in metal guitardom ... not me as a player...

Posted by The Fret Shack on Wednesday, August 18, 2021



We are a Family first and a Live Concert Venue second. We have created incredible memories with our family and friends,...

Posted by The Rail Club Live on Tuesday, August 17, 2021



This one hits really hard… it doesn't feel real but I'm going to try my best to write something.

Buddy Blaze was like...

Posted by Sam Bam Koltun on Tuesday, August 17, 2021



On Sunday, I was shocked to learn that master luthier and master human being Buddy “Blaze” Webster passed away. I was...

Posted by Eric Bjorgum on Wednesday, August 18, 2021

British heavy metal legends SAXON have officially completed work on their new LP for a February 4, 2022 release. Speaking to Neil Jones from TotalRock at this year's Bloodstock Open Air festival, singer Biff Byford said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "The SAXON album is finished. Andy Sneap finished mixing it a couple of weeks ago. I signed it off. So that's finished. While we were rehearsing for this show, we shot a video for the title track. So that should be out in October, on the pre-release day."

Regarding the musical direction of the new SAXON material, Biff said: "It's heavy and melodic, which is what SAXON are all about. I think people are gonna like it. I like it. Some albums we've done I didn't like, actually, but this album's great. The last 10 albums have been great. But this one, I like it. I was listening to it the other day, again, for the video — shooting the video. It's a good album."

This past April, Biff told SiriusXM's "Trunk Nation With Eddie Trunk" about a possible title for the new SAXON LP: "I've got a couple of working titles. I'm not supposed to tell anybody, but seeing as it's America, I'll let you know, okay? We might call it 'Carpe Diem', which is Latin for 'Seize The Day'. Which I quite like. It looks good — SAXON 'Seize The Day'. Or we might call it 'The Pilgrimage', which is another song that we have on the album. So there you go."

Byford went on to say that SAXON wanted to hold off on releasing the new LP so he and his bandmates can hit the road in the support of the effort. "Then we have all year to tour on the album," he said.

In March 2020, Biff told The Metal Voice about the musical direction of the new SAXON material: "It's heavy. I would say the direction is the same as 'Thunderbolt' [2018] and 'Battering Ram' [2015] [and] 'Sacrifice' [2013]. It's heavy and it's quite British[-sounding]; we like to retain that. Me and [bassist] Nibbs [Carter] wrote most of the songs again."

He continued: "What I do, I have a start time when I want the boys to start writing, and that's how we do albums. And Nibbs is just a fiend with it — he just writes so many ideas down; it's crazy. I'm getting ideas from all the boys, but predominantly most of them are from Nibbs.

"So, yeah, it's heavy," he added. "There's some great guitar playing on it from the boys. And Nigel's [Glockler] drumming is up there with much younger drummers, if you know what I mean — he's pushing himself very hard with it."

SAXON released a covers album, "Inspirations", in March via Silver Lining Music. The 11-track effort contains some of the classic rock songs that influenced Byford and the rest of the band.

Byford and guitarist Paul Quinn are the sole remaining original members in SAXON's current lineup.

Originally from South Yorkshire, England, SAXON has gone on to sell about 23 million albums and has produced such classic songs as "Denim And Leather", "Princess Of The Night", "Wheels Of Steel" and "Power And Glory".

Biff recently collaborated with his son Seb (NAKED SIX) on a new album, "Red Brick City", which was released last month under the band name HEAVY WATER.

A Texas federal magistrate judge has told a federal district court that NICKELBACK must face a copyright lawsuit claiming the rock band ripped off its 2005 hit song "Rockstar" from an earlier track called "Rock Star".

Kirk Johnston filed a lawsuit against NICKELBACK members Chad Kroeger, Michael Kroeger, Ryan Peake and Daniel Adair, as well as the band's former record label Roadrunner Records and Warner Chappell Music, Inc. and Live Nation Entertainment, Inc. alleging that the NICKELBACK copied his original musical composition, "Rock Star", which he wrote in 2001 while a member of the band SNOWBLIND REVIVAL.

In August 2001, SNOWBLIND REVIVAL created a master recording of "Rock Star", along with three other original songs. The band made 15 copies of the master recording and sent them to several record labels, including Universal Music Group and Warner Music Group, of which Roadrunner Records, Inc. and Warner Chappell Music, Inc. are wholly owned indirect subsidiaries. Johnston alleges that NICKELBACK had direct access to Johnston's musical composition "Rock Star" as a result of SNOWBLIND REVIVAL's marketing efforts.

In January 2005, NICKELBACK released the song "Rockstar" on its album "All The Right Reasons". Johnston alleges that "a substantial amount of the music in 'Rockstar' is copied from [his] original composition 'Rock Star'," including "the tempo, song form, melodic structure, harmonic structures, and lyrical themes."

Johnston seeks damages for copyright infringement and an injunction against further infringement.

On Wednesday (August 11), Magistrate Judge Susan Hightower said in her report and recommendation to Judge Robert Pitman of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas that Johnston's complaint sufficiently alleged NICKELBACK's members had access to his song "Rock Star".

"Johnston has alleged facts sufficient to raise his right to relief above the speculative level, which is all that is required at the pleading stage," Hightower said.

NICKELBACK had asserted that Johnston cannot state a claim for copyright infringement because "fundamentally, the works at issue are not substantially similar to an ordinary observer." They argued that the works are so dissimilar as to defeat Johnston's claim for copyright infringement as a matter of law.

Having listened to both songs, Hightower found that it is possible for a reasonable juror to determine that the works share protectable elements. Whether Johnston will be able to produce evidence that these similarities rise to the level of "substantial" or "striking" in view of NICKELBACK's level of access is yet to be determined, she said.

LYNYRD SKYNYRD guitarist Rickey Medlocke will rejoin his bandmates on stage later today (Sunday, August 22) the Barefoot Country Music Festival in Wildwood, New Jersey. It will mark the 71-year-old's first appearance with the band since he announced earlier in the month that he had tested positive for COVID-19.

In a video message posted on Thursday, Medlocke said that he had recovered from the illness and vowed to perform with the rest of LYNYRD SKYNYRD this weekend.

"Here I am, rounded the corner," he said. "I'm back, feeling good. And you know what? I feel very blessed and very fortunate to be sitting here today."

Rickey went on to thank his fans and the medical team who helped him recover.

"I'm going to kick out the footlights this weekend in New Jersey," he said. "Really be safe and take care of yourself 'cause it's not fun."

LYNYRD SKYNYRD canceled four of its shows after Rickey tested positive for COVID-19.

News of Medlocke's COVID-19 diagnosis came just two weeks after fellow LYNYRD SKYNYRD guitarist Gary Rossington underwent an emergency heart procedure.

Medlocke was the original drummer in LYNYRD SKYNYRD and rejoined the band in 1996 as a lead guitarist and primary songwriter.
























View this post on Instagram









































A post shared by Lynyrd Skynyrd (@skynyrd)

According to Aftonbladet, a SCORPIONS album advertisement classified as child pornography ran for 24 hours on Tradera, popular online marketplace and classifieds site from Sweden, before being removed.

Back in 2015, a Swedish court ruled that an image of a naked girl on the SCORPIONS' 1976 album "Virgin Killer" found at the home of a 53-year-old pedophile's home could be considered pornographic material.

On Friday, an ad appeared for a copy of the album on Tradera. In the announcement, the seller pointed out that it was an uncensored copy of the original album cover.

Ten offers were made to purchase the LP, including one for 352 Swedish kronor (approximately $40), before the ad was pulled. Now the advertiser is at risk of being reported to the police.

"We will take a closer look at the specific case," Tradera's head of security, Niclas Hjelm, told Aftonbladet. "This is an album that shows up [on Tradera] from time to time and that we shut down as soon as ads for it are noticed."

Asked if Tradera will contact the police over the incident, Hjelm said: "If it is a question of suspected violations of the law and not just violations of our policy, we make our reports to the police."

SCORPIONS guitarist Rudolf Schenker told Blasting Zone in a 2007 interview that the original "Virgin Killer" cover was the record company's idea. "The record company guys were like, 'Even if we have to go to jail, there's no question that we'll release that,'" he said. Explaining the original idea behind the album title, Rudolf said: "On the song 'Virgin Killer', time is the virgin killer. But then, when we had to do the interviews about it, we said 'Look, listen to the lyrics and then you'll know what we're talking about. We're using this only to get attention. That's what we do.' Even the girl, when we met her fifteen years later, had no problem with the cover.'

He added: "Growing up in Europe, sexuality — of course not with children — was very normal. The lyrics really say it all. Time is the virgin killer. A kid comes into the world very naïve, they lose that naiveness and then go into this life losing all of this getting into trouble. That was the basic idea about all of it."

A year earlier, former SCORPIONS guitarist Uli Jon Roth also blamed the band's record label for the original "Virgin Killer" cover, telling Classic Rock Revisited: "Looking at that picture today makes me cringe. It was done in the worst possible taste. Back then I was too immature to see that. Shame on me — I should have done everything in my power to stop

Corey Taylor says that contracting a breakthrough case of COVID-19 was "the worst" he has ever been sick in his life.

The 47-year-old SLIPKNOT and STONE SOUR singer was forced to call off his appearance at a Michigan pop culture convention this past weekend after testing positive for the coronavirus. Taylor first shared the news in a video posted Friday on the Facebook page for Astronomicon, the event where he was scheduled to appear Saturday and Sunday.

Earlier today, Taylor — who completed the latest leg of his solo tour in support of his 2020 album "CMFT" Thursday night (August 19) in Denver — took to his social media to offer an update on this condition. He said in a video message (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "Hey everybody. I just wanted to give you an update. First of all, I hope everybody's well out there. Second, I am out of the woods. I'm still positive. But the fever's gone, aches are gone. I'm sweating everything out. I'm still congested. But I'm slowly but surely making my way. It shouldn't be too much longer before I test negative. So, I mean, that's great.

"I wanted to say thank you very much to everyone who sent their best wishes and to all my family and friends who reached out," he continued. "You have no idea how much that means to me.

"I also wanna say that because I was vaccinated, I truly believe that is what helped me get over the break. I mean, this is the worst I've ever been sick in my life. Had I not been vaccinated, I shudder to think how bad it would have been. But because I had that extra little bit of protection, man, it definitely helped me get through it. So — go, go, go. If you're still on the fence [about getting the vaccine], I'm telling you right now it's the best thing you can do for yourself.

"Count the days down, and hopefully I will see you guys soon," Corey added. "All right? Take care of yourselves. Stay safe."

In his video message on Friday, Corey said that he woke up earlier that day and tested positive for COVID-19. "I'm very, very sick," he added and assured fans he "should be okay" and said that because he was vaccinated, he was "not worried" about his illness. "But I certainly wouldn't want to spread it to anyone else," he said.

Taylor and the rest of SLIPKNOT are scheduled to perform at the Rocklahoma festival on September 3, to be followed by appearances at Ohio's Inkcarceration Fest and Chicago's Riot Fest as well as a U.S. headlining tour this fall.




Just a little update on how I’m recovering. Thanks so much to everyone who sent their best wishes and to friends and family who reached out. pic.twitter.com/haWwWZbdN3

— SHRED DJENT REDEMPTION (@CoreyTaylorRock) August 23, 2021

BMG has set an October 29 release date for a new career-spanning MOTÖRHEAD set, titled "Everything Louder Forever - The Very Best Of". The definitive collection will be available on 2CD, 2LP and 4LP. The 2CD digipak and 4LP fold out sets will feature 42 tracks, including "Ace Of Spades", "Killed By Death", "Overkill", "I'm So Bad (Baby I Don't Care)", "The Game" and many more. The 2LP set will include 22 tracks in a gatefold package.

MOTÖRHEAD are the true embodiment of rock 'n' roll excess. A hybrid of rock, punk and heavy metal played with relentless, ear-curdling power, they were a force of nature and nothing short of life-changing for millions. As for their approach to life and music, there was no "off" switch, and they became legends as a result.

Fronted for the entirety of their career by Ian "Lemmy" Kilmister, they released 22 studio albums over their 40 years together, amassing chart-topping records, a Grammy Award and racking up 15 million worldwide sales. Their signature song "Ace Of Spades" perfectly captured everything great about hard rock, heavy metal, and punk, amped it all up to 11, and came racing out of the gates at what felt like a million miles an hour, pushing at every musical boundary. Nothing was harder, nothing was faster and certainly nothing was louder. Anyone disputing this fact need look no further than any heavy metal gig and play "spot the MOTÖRHEAD T-shirt and jacket." MOTÖRHEAD fans still outnumber anyone else, hands down.

MOTÖRHEAD has truly become a lifestyle for several generations of rockers, metalheads, punks, bikers, athletes, rebels, outcasts, and freethinkers all around the world. Few bands in modern history can instantly ignite the adrenaline of music fans the way they can. They changed the course of hard rock...forever.

CD1

01. Overkill

02. We Are Motörhead

03. Snaggletooth

04. Rock It

05. Orgasmatron

06. Brotherhood Of Man

07. In The Name Of Tragedy

08. Bomber

09. Sacrifice

10. The Thousand Names Of God

11. Love For Sale

12. Killed By Death

13. I'm So Bad (Baby I Don't Care)

14. Smiling Like A Killer

15. Sharpshooter

16. Queen Of The Damned

17. Keys To The Kingdom

18. Cradle To The Grave

19. Lost Johnny

20. The Game

CD2

21. Ace Of Spades (40th Anniversary Master)

22. Burner

23. Stone Dead Forever

24. Bad Woman

25. Just Cos You Got The Power

26. Stay Out Of Jail

27. No Class

28. I Am The Sword

29. The Chase Is Better Than The Catch

30. God Save The Queen

31. R.A.M.O.N.E.S. (2006 Version)

32. Iron Fist

33. Rock Out

34. Dirty Love

35. Shine

36. Overnight Sensation

37. On Your Feet Or On Your Knees

38. I Ain't No Nice Guy

39. Sucker

40. 1916

41. Choking On Your Screams

42. Motörhead

Wendy Dio, widow and longtime manager of Ronnie James Dio, spoke to Canada's The Metal Voice about the upcoming career-spanning documentary on the life and times of the legendary rock icon. It is the first documentary about Dio to be fully authorized by the artist's estate. BMG is both financier and executive producer of the film.

"I [just saw the first cut of it]," Wendy said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET. "Last week they were in town from New York, and we were going over a lot of stuff. It was amazing. They did a great job. I cried my eyes out. And the girl from BMG and my publicist, we were all crying. It was very emotional. They did a very, very good job on it. We moved a few things around, edited a few things. But I think it's gonna be really good… It's done really well. Mick Wall [author of Dio's recently released autobiography] is excellent in it — him and [SiriusXM radio personality] Eddie Trunk are excellent. They both kind of go back and forth as kind of the moderators in it, and they did an excellent, excellent job. Lita Ford does a great job. Rob Halford does an amazing job. Glenn Hughes... It's different to the book — totally different to the book. But it's so interesting and so touching."

Earlier in the month, Wendy told SiriusXM's "Trunk Nation With Eddie Trunk" about what fans can expect to see in the documentary: "There's a bunch of stuff from [old] Super 8 [tapes] and some other stuff. There's fantastic interviews with all kinds of different people about when they were working with Ronnie or what they were doing at the time, maybe supporting Ronnie. It's totally different to the [recently released Dio] book. And I'm very interested to see this cut. I'm excited, actually, to see it. And I think it's gonna be great."

In October 2019, Wendy told the WSOU radio station that the documentary "will go from Ronnie's childhood all the way through [to the end of his life]. I think they interviewed Jack Black, and I think they interviewed all of Ronnie's bandmembers and Doug Aldrich and, I think, Jeff Pilson. They were getting ready to go to Arizona to interview Rob Halford and Lita Ford. And then they were going into England to interview Tony Iommi. They already did Geezer [Butler]. So there will be very interesting stories from different people. I think it'll be a great thing, and it'll show people a lot of things that people have never seen before."

Ronnie James Dio passed away of stomach cancer on May 16, 2010 at the age of 67.

Dio was renowned throughout the world as one of the greatest and most influential vocalists in heavy metal history. The singer, who was recording and touring with BLACK SABBATH offshoot HEAVEN & HELL prior to his illness, was diagnosed with stomach cancer in late 2009. He underwent chemotherapy and made what is now his final public appearance in April 2010 at the Revolver Golden Gods Awards in Los Angeles.

Dio's autobiography, titled "Rainbow In The Dark: The Autobiography", was released on July 27 via Permuted Press.

"Time to play 'Renegade'!" The smash hit by legendary and multi-platinum rockers STYX has become the adopted theme song of the Pittsburgh Steelers that's heard during the third quarter at every home game as part of a video compilation of defensive plays. It helps to boost the energy of both players and fans. As soon as those renowned opening words are sung, "Oh Mama…," the crowd knows what's coming and is instantly exhilarated.

Now, that connection between STYX and Steeler Nation gets even more solidified, as they team up with Voodoo Brewing Co. to bring fans their latest creation, Oh Mama, a traditional golden American lager especially brewed for their fans in the Steel City.

Sold as a four-pack of 16 oz. cans or as 50-liter kegs, Oh Mama is currently available at Voodoo's corporate pubs and franchised locations, online for Pennsylvania and Washington, D.C home delivery, Tavour via their app (using the code "renegade") for other states throughout the U.S., and in the greater Erie, Pennsylvania (Allegheny Beverage) and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (Vecenie's) areas. Folks can be on the lookout for it at their favorite watering hole or grocery store (including Giant Eagle where it's already available) and they can request it at a bar near them.

STYX's Tommy Shaw said: "Hello Friends! We are excited to announce that STYX, in partnership with Voodoo Brewing Co., is bringing our Oh Mama beer to a frosty mug near you. We think you're gonna love it as much as we do. Cheers!!!"

Added STYX's James "JY" Young: "As we have our tradition with 'Renegade' and the Steelers, we are excited to announce our Oh Mama beer. We look forward to bringing a part of Steeler tradition to our fans that they can enjoy from home."

Inspiration for the beer's name and artwork comes from one of the band's signature hits, "Renegade", which is regularly played at Heinz Field as an adopted theme song for the Pittsburgh Steelers defense. The band has also sung the national anthem and performed "Renegade" at many Steelers games in recent years.

The love for "Renegade" at all Steelers games started at a playoff game against the Cleveland Browns on January 5, 2002. The Steelers were down 24-7 well into the third quarter. During a commercial break, a crew member at Heinz Field (home of the Steelers) decided to play "Renegade" in an effort to get the fans riled up and boost the momentum of the team. It was a moment that helped the team come back to win the game 36-33 and subsequently change Steelers history.

"Voodoo Brewing Co. has always had a strong connection to music, not only playing it for our beers as they ferment, but also in most of the beer brands we've created and our good vibes Beer Festival," says Voodoo CEO Matteo Rachocki. "When approached by Tommy and his team about a beer, we jumped at the opportunity to collaborate on something authentic to Pittsburgh, while also paying homage to a legendary rock band! We couldn't be happier with the result, and we're stoked to share this amazing product, not only on a national scale, but specifically through our local Pittsburgh market and our mutual connection with the city and its sports teams."

"This beer was long overdue," continues Joshua Rothstein from Primary Wave, Tommy Shaw's music publisher. "We're thrilled to make it happen."

STYX released its 17th album, "Crash Of The Crown", was released in June via Alpha Dog 2T/Ume.