Black Country Communion are the rock supergroup comprised of vocalist/bassist Glenn Hughes (Deep Purple Black Sabbath, Trapeze), drummer Jason Bonham (Led Zeppelin, Foreigner), Derek Sherinian (Dream Theater, Billy Idol, Alice Cooper) and blues-rock guitarist Joe Bonamassa.

Three Black Country Communion albums will be reissued as part of the Black Country Communion Glow In The Dark Vinyl Series: On September 24, Black Country Communion and 2, and on October 22, their latest studio album, BCCIV.

Reissued albums available on limited edition Glow In The Dark double vinyl include Black Country Communion, 2, BCCIV or available as a bundle.

Pre-order here.

(Photo - Neil Zlozower)




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'
});

IRON MAIDEN singer Bruce Dickinson kicked off his first-ever U.K. spoken-word tour Sunday night (August 1) at Theatre Royal in Brighton. A one-minute video featuring Bruce's impressions of the evening, as well as commentary from several of the fans who attended the event, can be seen below.

Dickinson is considered one of the world's most storied musicians after decades spent delivering high-octane performances with his larger-than-life persona in IRON MAIDEN. A true polymath, his accomplishments include: pilot and airline captain, aviation entrepreneur, beer brewer, motivational speaker, film scriptwriter, twice-published novelist and Sunday Times best-selling author, radio presenter, TV actor, sports commentator and international fencer….to name but a few.

So there's plenty to be entertained by throughout the evening's cornucopia of fascinating tales and derring-do exploits, all delivered by Bruce with characteristically infectious enthusiasm and wry wit.

Split into two parts, the first section of the show sees Bruce taking a humorous and often satirical look at the world from his own very personal perspective, as told first-hand in his inimitable anarchic style, punctuated with photographs, videos and sometimes even erupting into song a capella, to illustrate a point.

The final section of the evening is devoted entirely to a question-and-answer session, with the opportunity to pose questions on any subject whatsoever. The more left-field and quirky the question, the more interesting and compelling the response is likely to be.

Speaking about what fans can expect from his spoken-word tour, Dickinson said: "Mainly it's a sideways look at my life, which in some ways is pleasantly ridiculous. The show that is now the show has moved on quite a long way from what is just in [my autobiography]. Yes, it's a bit autobiographical but there's an awful lot more stuff. Part two gets interesting because it's, dare I say, a bit improv. I give you cue cards upon which you can write whatever you want — insults, advice, questions perhaps. And I then rearrange those like some sort of bizarre crossword puzzle into what becomes the third third of the show. So, basically, that's it — the last third of the show is created by you, with a little bit of help from me."

Dickinson's autobiography, "What Does This Button Do?", landed at No. 10 on the New York Times "Hardcover Nonfiction" best sellers list. It was released in the U.S. in October 2017 via Dey Street Books (formerly It Books), an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers.

"What Does This Button Do?" is Dickinson's third book. He has previously published two satirical novels, "The Adventures Of Lord Iffy Boatrace" about the English upper classes and "The Missionary Position" about televangelism.

Dickinson, who will turn 63 later this week, joined IRON MAIDEN in 1981, replacing Paul Di'Anno, and made his recording debut with the band on the 1982 album "The Number Of The Beast". He quit the band in 1993, pursuing several solo projects, and rejoined in 1999.

Frontiers Music Srl has announced the upcoming release of Lords Of Black's new album, Alchemy Of Souls, Part II, on October 15. Today, fans can get their first taste of the new album with the release of the single and music video, "Before That Time Can Come". Watch the video below, and pre-order/save the new album here.

Prog/power metal masters Lords Of Black are set to return in 2021 with a new album, the follow-up to 2020's incredibly well received Alchemy Of Souls, Part I. The new album, Alchemy Of Souls, Part II, is a continuation of the themes started on the previous album. With the downtime created by the global pandemic, Lords Of Black worked incredibly hard to create music that pushed past the boundaries of anything the band had done in the past showing a newfound musical maturity from the band, incorporating new musical elements into their style. Vocalist Ronnie Romero (Rainbow, Sunstorm, The Ferrymen) delivers another vocal performance yet to be matched, guitarist Tony Hernando delivers some of the best melodic metal he has ever written, while bassist Dani Ciado and drummer Jo Nunez prove to be a powerful rhythm section so powerful who play with absolute finesse.

"You all know the old saying, "Second parts are never as good as the first parts"... but honestly, I think this record is an exception to that. This is a collection of very strong songs, sporting a variety of elements that, as a whole, make this second installment familiar yet different. The magic of every album lies in its own uniqueness, and that is ultimately our goal, to avoid repeating ourselves," says guitarist Tony Hernando.

"This album has obviously been influenced by the exceptional times we are living in, therefore the intent of every song is to try to be meaningful and powerful in their intention to make you experience wonder and enthusiasm, which is our ultimate goal," he continues.

Heavier and darker compared to the album that preceded it, Alchemy Of Souls, Part II enhances the perception that Lords Of Black are now ready to ascend to the upper tiers of European melodic metal. This is an album not to be missed by both melodic metal and progressive metal fans alike. An absolute delight for the ears and another classic in the making from these Spanish masters.

Upon their formation, Lords Of Black’s vision was to form a metal band with a modern approach blended with catchy, melodic, and progressive elements. After months of intense hard work on the songs, the band independently released their acclaimed self-titled debut in 2014, which was co-produced by Roland Grapow (Masterplan, Helloween).

The band supported the release with a series of successful live shows, including guest spots for a variety of high profile international acts. Later, legendary guitarist Ritchie Blackmore (Deep Purple, Blackmore's Night) became aware of Ronnie Romero's vocal talents and invited him to front his, at the time, newly reformed Rainbow. This brought the band to the attention of international music media and in particular, the words from Blackmore describing Romero’s voice like “a cross between Ronnie James Dio and Freddie Mercury” piqued the curiosity of journalists and fans alike. While enjoying this new found attention, Romero and Hernando continued work on Lords Of Black and signed a worldwide deal with the Frontiers label. The first global release from the partnership was "II", an album which did and continues to blow the minds of fans of modern melodic metal.

Once again, co-produced, mixed, and mastered by Roland Grapow, the album created a stir in the metal scene and is still regarded as a true underground classic. The band played several European shows in support of the release and then headed back to the studio to create the follow up album, "Icons of the New Days". Upon its release, the album once again set a new standard for melodic metal with outstanding epic tracks mixed with glorious power/progressive metal songs.

Like its predecessor, Alchemy Of Souls, Part II is setting a new gold standard for melodic metal in the new decade.

Tracklisting:

"Prelude (Alchimia Confessio 1458 A.D.)"
"Maker Of Nothingness"
"What's Become Of Us"
"Bound To You"
"Before That Time Can Come"
"Mind Killer"
"Death Dealer"
"Prayers Turned To Whispers"
"In A Different Light"
"How Long Do I Have Now"
"Fated To Be Destroyed"
"No Hero Is Homeless"
"Sympathy" (Uriah Heep cover)

"Before That Time Can Come" video:

Lineup:
Ronnie Romero - vocals
Tony Hernando - guitars
Dani Criado - bass
Jo Nunez - drums




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'
});

QUIET RIOT is set to welcome Rudy Sarzo back into the band after an 18-year absence. Rudy was one of the original founding members of the legendary "Metal Health" lineup. He played bass on the "Metal Health" album, which sold over ten million copies and spawned the hits "Cum On Feel The Noize" and "Metal Health" and on the follow-up record "Condition Critical".

Sarzo appeared in the most notable music videos in the MTV age and toured with the band until 1985 and again from 1997 to 2003. During his years out of the band, Sarzo was a member of OZZY OSBOURNE, WHITESNAKE, DIO, BLUE ÖYSTER CULT, QUEENSRŸCHE and THE GUESS WHO. Rudy is looking forward to recording and touring with QUIET RIOT beginning in 2022.

With the move, longtime QUIET RIOT bassist Chuck Wright is graciously stepping aside to continue his recent solo efforts while heightening his role with his award-winning residency show "Ultimate Jam Night" at the legendary Whisky A Go-Go which all the members of QUIET RIOT fully support.

QUIET RIOT and their management would like to formally thank Chuck Wright for his many years of dedication and perseverance and, most importantly, his distinguished talent. Wright has served off and on with QUIET RIOT for nearly 40 years, appears on nine albums, and is known as the bassist for QUIET RIOT's mega-hit "Metal Health" (Bang Your Head) and "Don't Wanna Let You Go". He was a contributing songwriter on 1986's "QRIII" and appeared in the band's video for "The Wild And The Young", among others. Wright has been one of the band's longest touring and recording members and will continue touring with the band through the end of 2021. Chuck is and will always be an invaluable member of the QUIET RIOT family.

Sarzo discussed his return to QUIET RIOT earlier today (Monday, August 2) during an appearance on SiriusXM's "Trunk Nation With Eddie Trunk". He said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "I am returning home, going home to QUIET RIOT in the beginning of 2022, next year." He also noted that "next year marks 50 years of my journey with QUIET RIOT, because that's when I met and I started playing with Frankie Banali, another founding member of the 'Metal Health' version of QUIET RIOT. To me, that was a turning point [for me] as a musician."

Regarding how his return to QUIET RIOT came about, Rudy said: "After Frankie told me in 2019 that he had pancreatic cancer, and then he started his fight, it was a daily fight. I mean, he would be taking multiple treatments to fight it, and he would be touring. And so it was really an exhausting thing. So we stopped kind of hanging out as much because, obviously, he was too tired. So we would text each other a lot, every day, and stay in touch.

"He let me know in April of 2019 [that he was diagnosed with cancer], and COVID happened in 2020," Rudy continued. "That really made it impossible for me to be in his presence. It wasn't until a couple of days before he passed away that I was able to go to his house. Regina [his wife] requested it, and I spent time with him. And then, the following day, when he was taken to the hospital, Regina made it possible for me to be with Frankie for his last hours. So, after Frankie passed away, I went over to Regina's house, and we talked, and she expressed to me that Frankie wanted me to come back to the band, that he wanted to have a founding member there in the band. So, we talked about that.

"I was already traumatized by Frankie's passing, so it was a decision that I had to take a lot of time to think about it — let the mourning period [pass]," Rudy added. "I had to do that. So, the time came when I was ready to accept the reality, that it's our responsibility, of us left behind, to carry on with the legacy and celebrate it. So that's when I decided. I said, 'Okay, it's time for me to come home.'"

Gooding & Company, the official auction house of the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, recentl announced its offering of the world-renowned rock drummer and lyricist Neil Peart's collection of classic cars at its 17th annual Pebble Beach Auctions. The opportunity to bid on these extraordinary classic cars, dubbed the "Silver Surfers" by the legendary musician, will take place at the company's two-day sale on August 13 and 14, 2021.

In a newly released video report from KABC, Gooding & Company president and founder David Gooding stated about the collection: "Neil clearly was an intelligent man, very bright, and he thought very carefully about every car that he wanted to have in his collection." Check out the report below.

Considered one of the greatest rock drummers of all time, Peart had a highly distinguished career as the percussionist and lyricist for the groundbreaking band RUSH, hailing from Toronto, Canada. Since its early days, RUSH achieved immense global success and established a legacy as pioneers of sound, a feat no doubt made possible due to Peart's musical genius. Throughout his legendary career spanning nearly five decades, Peart inspired countless numbers of fellow rock stars and aspiring young musicians alike. He and his bandmates were inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in 2013, and received numerous other honors, including the Order of Canada, the country's highest civilian honor.

Neil also had a formidable intellect which was conveyed in his lyrics, books and numerous articles for a variety of publications. He was a prolific writer who constantly worked on his craft during his down time from the band. His profound lyrics based on literature, science, philosophy and his own life experiences dubbed him the name "The Professor" by the fans. He was revered as much for his lyrics as he was for his drumming, as certain recurring themes such as alienation, the angst of growing up, and the loneliness of being an outsider deeply resonated with a generation of young fans.

Peart's love of cars was a lifelong passion, and his hunger for knowledge included learning everything there is to know about automobiles, inside and out. Classic cars were what he dreamed of owning for many years, and upon purchasing his first, the 1964 Aston Martin DB5, he exclaimed that he had dreamed of owning this car since he was a boy. Finally in a position to purchase classic cars of this quality, he slowly and carefully acquired each car until his dream collection, the "Silver Surfers," was complete. Sadly enough, after bravely battling brain cancer for three and a half years, Peart passed away on January 7, 2020.

On the naming of his collection, Peart wrote: "The title 'Silver Surfers' for my collection of cars occurred to me while driving the DB5 up and down the Pacific Ocean. Because it felt right to me, I guess — the idea that I was just one of the wave riders.

"I had moved from Toronto to Los Angeles in 2000 (cherchez la femme), and in search of natural peace I often drove out that way and up into the Santa Monica Mountains. Out past Malibu to Ventura County, I'd weave along barren ridges of rock and vegetation, the ocean always on one big side. Some days would be misted by the marine layer, while other days the sun blared through a clear sky. The waves were slow and gentle, or churned out a powerful, rolling rhythm… It was during one of these drives when out of nowhere, it just occurred to me that the color of the ocean had influenced the silver palette of the collection. What other color looks as good in a blue photo? Not black, not white — silver. And a fortunate risk for the framers' art, too: silver frames."

"We are beyond honored and humbled to be entrusted with the sale of Mr. Peart's beloved collection of classic cars," states Gooding & Company president and founder David Gooding. "Neil Peart touched the lives of so many through his groundbreaking career in music, including my own, and we are confident that his personal curation of classic cars will resonate with passionate collectors, finding them new homes with the same appreciation for them as the icon himself held."

For more information and photos, visit goodingco.com.

Guitar Techniques has shared a new video clip featuring ex-Megadeth guitarist Marty Friedman. Check it out below.

Guitar Techniques: "This is Marty Friedman's solo from 'Majestical', a bespoke piece written for him by Jason Sidwell (their second piece together following 2019's 'Komorebi'). The full video, audio, backing track, transcription, chord chart and interview are featured in Guitar Techniques issue GT325, available as of July 28th."

Friedman: "Hey friends! I very rarely talk in this much depth about my thought process while soloing, but since the fine folks at Guitar Techniques created this nice little track for me to solo over, I got into some details. I hope you get something from this." 

The clip below, shot during Friedman's recent Tokyo Jukebox Tour 2021 through Japan, features Friedman performing the Crowded Houe classic "Don't Dream It's Over" with special remote guest Mateus Asato on guitar. The footage was shot on April 6th in Osaka at Bigcat and shared by AMSA Records.

Los Angeles-based Asato is a guitarist from Campo Grande, Brazil and rose to fame through by posting videos of himself playing guitar on Instagram, and amassed over one million followers before shutting the page down in February 2021. He has toured with several pop artists has his own signature model guitar through Suhr Guitars. In 2019, Guitar Magazine named him one of the 50 most exciting young guitarists in the world




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'
});

Arch Enemy vocalist Alissa White-Gluz appears on the new Powerwolf album, Call Of The Wild, as one of the guest singers on the bonus / companion album Missa Cantorem. She delivers her own rendition of the band's song "Demons Are A Girl's Best Friend", the official video for which can be viewed below.

Alissa recently shared an acoustic version of the song, issuing the following statement:

"Thank you to everyone who checked out the early release of my acoustic version of Powerwolf's song, 'Demons Are A Girl’s Best Friend'! The counterpart to the heavy version that has well surpassed a million views on YouTube now. It is now available publicly. You can watch the lyric video here. Listen wherever you listen to music.

Many thanks to Oliver Palotai (Kamelot) for collaborating with me on this and arranging and playing all the instruments on this song, as well as mixing and mastering it. Thanks to Sascha Gerstner (Pace Arts) for taking this interesting portrait of me. Thanks to Powerwolf for inviting me to cover your music - have you checked out their new album yet??

And last but definitely not least, thank YOU for taking an interest in what I do!"

Alissa issued the following statement with regards to her participation on Missa Cantorem, expanding on her intial comments that appeared in the press release.

Alissa: "When Powerwolf invited me to cover one of their tunes, I had to first check out the song and familiarize myself with the overall vibe. I knew the play on words in the title was genius so I watched their music video dozens of times. I really liked the song but I felt the only way I could truthfully cover it would be if I were to interpret the song to praise and empower women rather than demonize or objectify them.

I agreed to cover the song but I took the liberty of reversing the gender roles in the lyrics with just a few subtle tweaks. I also suggested a role reversal video, in jest, when I presented my version to the band. I think my exact words were something like 'Here is the song but I expect a pile of naked monks at my feet in return!'  - to poke fun. I did not expect that they would not only appreciate my modifications but that we would actually make the video happen, too!

I have to give TONS of respect to Powerwolf for being so open to having another artist step in and completely re-interpret their music. Now I feel the original video has something to balance it out and they both work super well in conjunction! It’s actually quite exciting to watch one right after the other! It’s all in good fun, in the end."

Powerwolf keyboardist Falk Maria Schlegel on the video and the collaboration with Alissa White-Gluz: “It was a pleasure to work and perform together with Alissa for the very first time on our joint video shoot for 'Demons Are A Girl’s Best Friend'. Immediately, there was a great energetic atmosphere on set! Alissa is such a wonderful artist and interacting with her during this shoot as well as re-interpreting this video together was an amazing experience.”




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'
});

Reunited thrashers Mantic Ritual have signed with M-Theory Audio. New music from the reunited group – featuring original members Dan Wetmore (vocals/guitars), Jeff Potts (guitars), and Ben Mottsman (bass) alongside new drummer Carlos Cruz (Warbringer, Exmortus, Hexen) – will be released later this year, but the first taste of the new riffs to come will be unveiled with a live performance on August 26th at Supply & Demand in Long Beach, California.

"This is Dan Wetmore with the first Mantic Ritual news in over ten years! We have reunited and are working on a new EP for later this year via our recent signing with M-Theory Audio. With over twelve original songs already written, this will set the path for an imminent full-length album next year. Reviving Mantic Ritual isn’t something we’re taking lightly, we intend to best our debut album, Executioner, in every way. The new material is true to our roots in heavy metal, thrash, speed and punk. This is in our blood and it’s time to share with everyone. Mantic Ritual is ecstatic to work with M-Theory Audio and thankful for the opportunity furnished by Founder/President, Marco Barbieri. Cheers!"

The early beginnings of Mantic Ritual were birthed in the band's hometown of Pittsburgh in 2005. Performing initially under the name Meltdown, the group began building a buzz with Northeast heavy metal fans over the next two years with their combination of boundless thrash enthusiasm and superb songsmanship. The band moved across the country to Los Angeles in 2007, where performances alongside leaders of the budding Southern California thrash revival such as Warbringer, Fueled By Fire, and Merciless Death earned them attention from discerning metal audiences and a record deal with Nuclear Blast Records.

The group soon changed their name to Mantic Ritual, and released their first – and so far only – full-length record Executioner, produced by Andy Classen (Asphyx, Tankard, Krisiun) in 2009. Mantic Ritual followed up the release of Executioner with live touring alongside heavy metal titans such as Rotting Christ and Destruction, before dissolving in 2010. Potts and Mottsman later went on to join Warbringer for their 2013 release, IV: Empires Collapse, with Potts himself also performing on Gygax's 2018 release, 2nd Edition. Potts, Mottsman, and Wetmore began writing and recording new music together - with Cruz (still a member of Warbringer) now joining them on drums – in the beginning of 2021.

The group's upcoming live performance on August 26th at Supply & Demand in Long Beach, CA – their first since a one-off reunion at Thrasho De Mayo 2013 in Los Angeles - is only the beginning of this exciting new chapter in the story of Mantic Ritual. More information on new music from Mantic Ritual will be unveiled in the weeks to come by M-Theory Audio.

 




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'
});

Fresh off of releasing their debut album Field Trip on California's Nomad Eel Records, Cassius King have just released their first full length video for the song "Cleopatra's Needle". The video was produced by Jason C. Stewart who also produced the "Last Ride" and "Torture King" videos off the last Vessel Of Light album. 

"Jason has become my go-to-guy the last year and a half." said guitarist Dan Lorenzo. "His enthusiasm is off the charts and at this point I let him do whatever he wanted for 'Cleopatra's Needle' and I think it's just as much fun to watch as it is to listen to".

Overkill's Bobby Blitz said, "It's really great, I even commented, which I never do... 'epic' got such an old school doom vibe, but never bores... love the journey!"

Former Hades founding member Dan Lorenzo has been using the Cassius King moniker for years. From his debut solo album to his endless cover song CDs with various lead vocalists. But it wasn't until 2021 when Lorenzo decided to make an all original album with vocalist Jason McMaster (Watchtower / Dangerous Toys / Broken Teeth). Lorenzo released four albums in three years with his doom band Vessel Of Light when Coronavirus prevented any more live shows.

"I had music to probably eight or nine more songs after VOL released Last Ride," Lorenzo said. "I didn't think the world was ready for a fifth Vessel Of Light album when we couldn't even play shows to support Last Ride. Jason sang multiple Cassius King cover songs with me and I had some music that was maybe a bit more like Hades, plus a bluesy song I sent off to Jason. I was shocked how quickly Jason wrote and sang the first few songs, so I recorded a few more brand new tunes. I asked Jason if he needed any help with melodies and he told me he did not. Jason said he could use some lyrical ideas though. I told that to Jimmy Schulman (Hades / Vessel Of Light) and he and Jason ended up collaborating lyrically on three songs."

Schulman commented, "When Dan mentioned Jason needed some lyrical ideas, I was excited to be part of that process. Jason and I came at it a few different ways. Sometimes it was just texting back-and-forth with a line or two at a time until it took on shape. Another time, a long poem was crafted into a song. However it went though, it proved to be a cool and interesting collaboration."

McMaster stated, "It was the kind of material I had been wanting to do for a long time. It feels a bit like Ozzy and Dio playing poker over some leftover Sabbath material. The melodies came to me quickly, as well as some of the lyrics. Things I already had fit the visions I had upon first listen and it all flowed immediately. I would not call it a full 'doom' application of terms, but, its heavy, it reminds me of what I love about Sabbath and Dio songs."

Drummer Ron Lipnicki (Overkill /Vessel Of Light) said, "I think this new album's got something for everyone; it's like the fruits all line up on the slot machine." That includes fans of Hades' seminal release Resisting Success, as Scott LePage plays leads on the songs "I Move With The Moon" and "King Of Lies".

Tracklisting:

"King Of Lies"
"Cleopatra's Needle"
"Below The Stones"
"Join The Exodus"
"Traveler (The Long Road)"
"Apocalyptic Nations"
"I Move With The Moon" 
"Six"
"Leave Of Absence"
"This Side Of Forever" 

"Traveler (The Long Road)":

 




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'
});

Featuring a blend of technique, aggressiveness, melody, and intensity without sticking to labels, Invisible Control has become a solid project that will continue the career beyond the pandemic era. It is one of the revelations of national death metal, which features a woman in front of the vocals, Daniela Serafim, Her vocal style is insane includes both growling and clean vocals. With lyrics that address political-religious issues, phobias and torments that afflict human beings, Invisible Control is one of the great bets of extreme metal.

The band is currently in the studio for the production of their debut album, which will feature eight copyrighted tracks, and is preparing for the release of the track "Behind The Wall of Sleep", a tribute to Black Sabbath, which is expected to be released to the end of 2021.Formed during the quarantine of the COVID-19 pandemic, Invisible Control is a death metal group that brings together artists from the Brazilian heavy music scene. The band made their debut during the sixth edition of the Roadie Crew Online Festival, where they presented the single “Killing Other Of Us”. Now they are releasing the song "Cold Blood", the first single from the new album.

Invisible Control chose this song to be the first release because it has a very strong relationship with the band's current experiences and how their attitudes or lack of them can cause very serious and even irreparable damage. “'Cold Blood' is a song that talks about cryogenics”, explains vocalist Daniela Serafim. “It has a double meaning, in addition to talking about all the processes a person goes through when going through cryogenics, until their body thaws and can go back to life. In the lyrics, we make an analogy with the uncertain or perhaps non-existent future that awaits us. As if we are living under the power of alienation and at some point we are going to ask ourselves 'who was I and who am I really?' 'Could I have done more to change anything?' Where humanity is further accused of having made the wrong choices of our rulers.”

The name of the song "Cold Blood" in addition to referring to the cold blood (in the literal sense) of cryogenics, refers to the cold blood of rulers, who promise a better future and for that they use hate speeches, preach prejudice and death. And the result is a hopeless future, a dead future. “Cold Blood” is available now on all digital platforms.

Featuring a blend of technique, aggressiveness, melody, and intensity without sticking to labels, Invisible Control has become a solid project that will continue their career beyond the pandemic era. It features a woman vocalist, Daniela Serafim. Her style includes both growling and clean vocals. With lyrics that address political-religious issues, phobias and torments that afflict human beings, Invisible Control is one of the great bets of extreme metal.

The band is currently in the studio for the production of their debut album, which will feature eight tracks, and is preparing for the release of the track "Behind The Wall Of Sleep", a tribute to Black Sabbath, which is expected to be released to the end of 2021.

 




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'
});

Jeffrey Nothing, former vocalist of industrial metal band Mushroomhead, has released the official music video for his newest single, "The Outage". Directed by Ian D. Sniesak and edited and shot by Jon Conner of A Hole in the Head Productions, with assisted videography by Thomas Church and Aj Taranto, the dark music saga features former members of Motograter and Skin alongside the frontman as well as former Mushroomhead guitarist, Thomas Church.

"We all come with an expiration date," begins Jeffrey Nothing. "From our first breath, til our last, we are a miracle in motion; full of emotion, fears, and an air of invincibility. How we treat our fellow man and our life matters. Other than love, you sincerely can’t take it with you. Above is a place I pray to one day be, not a circle I put myself in as I traverse this lifetime. Freedom means everything. All complexes aside, we have no owners. Dream big and share your soul… I, for one, will be listening."

"So many trash their bodies and minds and feel they just get to wake up from whatever mistake they just made no matter what. It is so heartbreaking to watch a generation be wiped out because they truly believe they are invincible. We are not. Risking oneself for that ever-elusive first high destroys far more than the singular self. Parents never want to outlive their children. You are not that invincible person who will beat any challenge, just because. Stop for one second and be that miracle baby again. Not the almost adult who crushed everyone’s dreams, all because you wanted to escape a temporary nightmare. Death is the end, not a new beginning. Ever." 

“Life is full of hardships, challenges, tribulations... It can be difficult in the moments of pain to see through to the other side, that there's a way to come out victorious," says vocalist Ian D Sniesak. "It can be easy to compromise or give in to something that offers a moment of relief; a temporary solution to a problem that might turn into a permanent consequence. It can be easy to think that you will remain in control but more often than not what we think we control ends up controlling us."

"Pain and trauma are the real gateway drugs and until we learn to face the pain and overcome we will continue the cycle of abuse, be it substance or other. If we don't, addiction ends up being in control. It destroys what's beautiful, and then dances and parades what remains around for all the world to see. It can be easy to become ensnared in the prisons of our mind. If we take a close look at ourselves in the midst of our addiction, it can seem as if we are suffocating, wrapped in the fake plastic of the lies we believe that have now led us to the predicament we are in. Acknowledging there is a problem is the first step. Then we must fight, for our freedom and for our lives, one day at a time.” 

 




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'
});

In a new interview with Cesar Gueikian, brand president of Gibson Brands, Kirk Hammett spoke about how METALLICA has spent its coronavirus downtime and its plans for the coming months. He said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "Because of the unusual situation of the last couple of years, we were able to continue to communicate and be a band. We were able to get together on a somewhat regular basis, create a bubble that we could work in, get tested regularly every two or three days, and go in and function as a band. And in the last year or so, we've been doing that pretty consistently. And it's difficult and it's demanding to have to work under those situations, because when you're in a bubble, you can't really see anyone else. And when we're in the band bubble, it's just the band and 12 people allowed in the building at any given time. So it was a little weird, a little difficult, but we were able to really put all the events and all the feelings and emotions and experiences of the last year and a half into our music. And we're jamming, we're coming up with stuff, and we're really enjoying each other's company. And at this point in time, it's looking like it's gonna be more possible to play live shows, so we're getting to that. We're all very, very excited because we're craving that — we have a real hunger for that. And we're well aware of the fact that we're probably not the only ones in the world who really are craving something like that too. I know that I miss seeing bands live, and I miss playing live. And it's probably the sentiment of a lot of music lovers out there as well."

Last summer, Hammett told Metal Hammer magazine that there was "a lot of material" written for a possible follow-up to 2016's "Hardwired… To Self-Destruct" album, which marked METALLICA's first full-length collection of new music in eight years. "I know I have tons, because I totally overcompensated," he said. "You know, last time around, it was a real shock to my system losing all those musical ideas. [Editor's note: Kirk lost a phone with more than 300 pieces of music on it during the creative process for 'Hardwired…'] So, I was very determined to try and make up for lost time. I also felt that, creatively, I have so much more to offer this time around."

Bassist Robert Trujillo added that the songwriting process for the next album could be a decidedly more collective effort compared to "Hardwired…", which was largely composed by guitarist/vocalist James Hetfield and drummer Lars Ulrich.

"I'm not gonna speak on behalf of the other guys, but to me, it feels like this could be a very collaborative [writing process]," Robert said. "And for me personally, I love that. I love that we are in that head space to be more collaborative, and I think that's very exciting for where we're at now, the journey we're about to take, the fact that those doors are opening like that."

"It's taking a couple of months, literally, for me to go through all [my ideas]," added Kirk, who is is not credited on any of the songs on "Hardwired…To Self-Destruct". "I've got a wealth of material, and so, at any given point when we all decide, 'Okay, let's start formulating a schedule to start writing songs and recording it.' I'm ready. I'm there, from day one."

"Kirk has so many ideas," continued Trujillo. "It's funny because sometimes it's literally him in the kitchen and he's cooking, and at the same time he's playing you a riff, or you're sitting on the toilet and he's playing you some ideas. But when we started to understand that [the lockdown] was gonna happen, it was like, 'Hey, let's be creative', you know? Let's just get on it. A lot of times, when there's a band that's been around as long as METALLICA has, you find that one of the biggest problems is, 'Man I can't come up with a riff, I can't come up with any good lyrics, it's just harder to write songs', but that just doesn't seem to be the problem with us. Not taking anything away from any other bands, but sometimes our worst riff might be another band's A-list riff."

"Hardwired… To Self-Destruct" debuted at No. 1 on The Billboard 200 album chart, selling 291,000 copies in its first week of release.

In a brand new interview with Knotfest.com's "Talk Toomey" podcast, SEPULTURA's Andreas Kisser reflected on the recent passing of former SLIPKNOT drummer Joey Jordison. He said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "I had the privilege to work very closely with Joey and [late SLIPKNOT bassist] Paul Gray on the 'Roadrunner United' album and party that was done in 2005 in New York, the special show. We spent two weeks in Los Angeles working. It was myself, Joey Jordison, Paul Gray, Dino Cazares [FEAR FACTORY] and Roy Mayorga [STONE SOUR, SOULFLY]. And we kind of organized the whole concert. I played, basically, the whole concert together with Dino. And Joey and Paul were big SEPULTURA fans; they knew everything about the band. We even changed the ending of 'Roots' by Joey's suggestion. [He said], 'I love that part at the end which is very slow. But it's too short. Let's make it longer.' And we did it. So it's a very special version of 'Roots', of course, that we have everybody together. It was the last song of the show and representing the whole historical meaning of SEPULTURA and Roadrunner. And a very special version because of him — because he wanted to do that change. And it happened that way.

"With Paul as well, we even were talking to do something together, a special project," he continued. "He was in my band HAIL!, with me and Tim 'Ripper' Owens [JUDAS PRIEST] and Paul Bostaph [SLAYER]. But it was the week he died. He was rehearsing for us to get together and go on tour in Europe and stuff. So we kind of were working togethers something. And HAIL! was the first thing that we started. And, unfortunately, it didn't happen.

"They were too young [to die]," Andreas added. "It's very shocking. They were so creative, so nice people, so sweet, so easy to work [with] — great ideas, and et cetera. Like I said, we spent two weeks together in Los Angeles, then we went to New York and we then we jammed on that fantastic show together. And we met each other on the road a few times.

"Yeah, my condolences to all the Knotfest people and the SLIPKNOT fans and everybody involved. It's a great loss for all of us. But I'll have great memories forever with them. And it's a fantastic duo."

SLIPKNOT announced its split with Jordison in December 2013 but did not disclose the reasons for his exit. The drummer subsequently issued a statement saying that he did not quit the group.

The same year that he exited SLIPKNOT, Jordison launched the band SCAR THE MARTYR and later, VIMIC. He also collaborated with former DRAGONFORCE and current KREATOR bassist Frédéric Leclercq in SINSAENUM.

Jordison's family released a statement last Tuesday in which they wrote "To those that knew Joey, understood his quick wit, his gentle personality, giant heart and his love for all things family and music."

The family will have a private funeral service.

Alicia Taylor, the wife of SLIPKNOT frontman Corey Taylor, says that she has been focusing on supporting her husband in the days since his former bandmate Joey Jordison was found dead.

The founding SLIPKNOT drummer's family confirmed that Jordinson passed away "peacefully in his sleep" on Monday (July 26) of an unspecified cause. He was 46 years old.

On Thursday, Alicia, who is a professional dancer and a member of the all-girl dance group CHERRY BOMBS, took to her Twitter to write: "As a fan, the news of of Joey has been heartbreaking, but I haven't had much time to process it yet. My focus has been supporting my husband, and pouring into our family.

"Things are tough, but they will get better in time- one day at a time.

"Rest easy, Joey."

Corey has yet to publicly comment on Joey's death, but he and his SLIPKNOT bandmates posted a black box on their social media sites in an apparent show of mourning.

According to TMZ, Joey's family said they will hold a private funeral service for him, but it's unclear when that will happen.

SLIPKNOT announced its split with Jordison in December 2013 but did not disclose the reasons for his exit. The drummer subsequently issued a statement saying that he did not quit the group.

Back in 2014, Corey Taylor told Metal Hammer that firing Jordison after 18 years was "one of the hardest decisions" the group ever made, adding that Joey is "in a place in his life" which is "not where we are."

Taylor said he could not get into specifics for legal reasons, but admitted, "It's when a relationship hits that T-section and one person's going one way and you're going the other. And try as you might to either get them to go your way or try and go their way, at some point you've got to go in the direction that works for you. This is me speaking in the broadest terms, with respect to Joey. I guess to sum it up, it was one of the hardest decisions we ever made."

Taylor said that the band is "happy right now and we hope that he is . . . he's just in a place in his life, right now, that's not where we are."

The singer would not answer whether drug use played a role in Jordison's dismissal, and confessed that he had not been in touch with his former bandmate. Taylor said, "I haven't talked to Joey in a while, to be honest. That's how different we are. It's not because I don't love him and I don't miss him. And it is painful; we talk about him all the time, but at the same time, do we miss him or do we miss the old him? That's what it really comes down to."

POP EVIL performed a cover version of the METALLICA classic "For Whom The Bell Tolls" on July 29 at Warehouse Live in Houston, Texas. Joining POP EVIL on stage to handle lead vocals on the track was Justin Benlolo from support act BRKN LOVE. Fan-filmed video footage is available below.

For the first couple of weeks of its current tour, POP EVIL's lineup includes two session musicians: drummer Jason Hartless (TED NUGENT) and bassist Joey "Chicago" Walser of EGYPT CENTRAL and DEVOUR THE DAY.

Last month, POP EVIL's longtime bassist Matt DiRito announced his exit from the band, saying in a statement that "the details surrounding my departure are only known by a few people, and respectfully it will remain that way."

"Walking away from something I've helped build is not easy — but it is the best thing for the band, myself and our respective futures," he said. "POP EVIL will continue on and so will I, just not together."

POP EVIL drummer Hayley Cramer was forced to miss the first couple of weeks of the band's U.S. tour because of COVID-19 travel restrictions. She has since flown to the U.S. and joined her bandmates on the road.

POP EVIL's "Versatile" tour kicked off on July 14 with an outdoor show in Lake County, Illinois and will run across the U.S. until September 23 including stops at several of the major rock festivals — Rocklahoma, Aftershock and Inkcarceration — as well as supporting SHINEDOWN. Support on the trek comes from special guests ZERO 9:36, BRKN LOVE and LIKE MACHINES (on select dates).

POP EVIL's latest album, "Versatile", features the No. 1 mainstream rock hit single "Breathe Again" — the band's sixth No. 1 single to date — alongside heavyweight tracks "Set Me Free", "Let The Chaos Reign" and Top 10 single "Work".

In a new interview with Shawn Ratches of Laughingmonkeymusic, RATT singer Stephen Pearcy opened up about his private three-year battle with liver cancer. He said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "Everything's kind of copacetic now. I'm on a ritual and monitoring things. And do I really wanna put myself through all this stuff, with taking care of your health and the broken bones and knees, staph infection.

"I don't know why I'm still here," he continued. "But, look, I'm appreciating every day and minute above ground here, because all of our peers are seemingly disappearing. And it's such a drag. But it's under control. And I never wanted to bring it up until I really started feeling guilty about it."

Pearcy revealed that he found out about his cancer "through a blood test. I had hepatitis," he said. "Well, then, getting another checkup, I found out, 'By the way, you've got a bit of cancer thing going there. We've gotta get in there.' Then your whole world changes. Still, I didn't feel like it needed to be out there until I started feeling guilty. Like, 'Wow, man, I can help some people.' Get blood tests. Take care of yourself. Find out if you have hepatitis. If you have hepatitis, hopefully it doesn't turn into a cancerous thing, because it easily can. And now I'm the advocate of, hey, take care of yourself. It's a little personal to me, but I felt it was time to share it."

According to Stephen, he "went on the road nine days after surgery, not even knowing the outcome of my surgery, removing the cancer and stuff. So that was pretty interesting," he said. "So if I'm devoted and into something, I'm into it. But then again, I have to start thinking about how long I want to be out here doing this. And you start thinking about other things — life things."

Pearcy admitted that he "should have monitored" himself better and "took it easy. "The knees are one thing. I mean, yeah, that was enough," he said, referencing his January 2019 knee replacement surgery. "But then the double whammy with finding out about the C. But now I feel like I need to say something just because, hey, take care of yourselves. I wanna see our fans and friends, I wanna see them around. I mean, we've gotten to know a lot of these people 36, 37 years later. And if it can help one or two or however many people, then great. I know some really good friends of mine that are in worse shape, and it's just a terrible thing. I've lost family through it, and it was time to step up and say, 'Well, unfortunately, you got smacked, Stephen, so do something positive about it.' You know, without being poster child, which I really don't wanna be."

Stephen added: "I've lost a lot of friends — I mean, a lot of friends — from this. And look, we're getting older. It's okay. I still feel like I'm 20-something, but I just don't act it. And you've just gotta really take care of yourselves. 'Cause I talk to some of my friends out there, and, they let me in and I talk to 'em. And it doesn't need to be public. I'll talk to somebody if they're having a life trip. And why not? I mean, hey, if you can help somebody, you can help somebody."

Pearcy's knee surgery came three months after two disastrous RATT shows that saw the now-65-year-old singer incapacitated to the point where he had trouble remembering the words to some of the band's biggest hits. "My one knee was totally blown out and I couldn't deal with it," he later told The Morning Call. "That got all better, and then my left knee blew out, which happens. And I was in so much pain out there, and I just got a little too tweaked one night or two nights. And then I went, 'I’m going in to get this done. I can't be out here beating myself up and having shitty shows.' And what all I had to do, I'm gonna need knee surgery. But it's so difficult. People don't understand."

Pearcy's fifth solo LP, "View To A Thrill", came out in November 2018 via Frontiers Music Srl. The follow-up to 2017's "Smash" was produced by Matt Thorne and Pearcy and was mixed and mastered by Thorne and guitarist Erik Ferentinos.

Pearcy and bassist Juan Croucier are the sole remaining original members in RATT's current lineup, which made its live debut in July 2018 in Mulvane, Kansas. Joining them in the band are drummer Pete Holmes (BLACK 'N BLUE, RATT'S JUAN CROUCIER) and guitarists Jordan Ziff (RAZER) and Frankie Lindia.

In January, Pearcy told SiriusXM's "Trunk Nation With Eddie Trunk" that he was open to the idea of making a new RATT album with all the surviving members of the band's classic lineup.

Former JUDAS PRIEST guitarist K.K. Downing, who is currently promoting the debut album from his new band KK'S PRIEST, discussed his five-decade relationship with the heavy metal genre during a brand new interview with El Cuartel Del Metal. He said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "I owe everything — my whole life and my whole being — to metal. Because I was there at the very beginning when it didn't exist, and heavy rock didn't exist. Even rock didn't exist, really. We had rock and roll in the early '60s, but that was different; that was kind of Bill Haley and Elvis [Presley] and Chuck Berry. But we didn't have rock. We had blues, which turned into progressive blues, and that was great. There were so many great progressive blues bands. But we didn't seem to have the music that I really wanted more and more of. And so I set on the journey to try to be a part and create and assist as much as I could."

He continued: "But, yes, certainly I owe everything [to metal]. And now I'm happy that I'm doing this again in the way that I've always done it, to give as much as I can back to this wonderful music. At the same time, with 'Sermons Of The Sinner', it just kind of put up the red flags and points out, really, that there is a potential fragility to this music. 'Cause we are losing so many friends far too often. We just a couple of good friends in the last couple of days — [from] METAL CHURCH and ZZ TOP. And I'm 70 years old this year. I don't want this beloved music to be a page in the history book in fifty years' time; I want it to continue. Hence the 'Sermons Of The Sinner'," he said, referencing the first KK'S PRIEST LP. "Maybe they can help us to keep going and rise again in numbers and in strength to keep creating this music, not just listen to the people that enjoy being critical of something, just 'cause it's been around for 40 or 50 years and it's time to move on. Nuh-uh. We don't want that, because when you look at all of the great classical musicians from the 16th and 17th and 18th centuries, we want that now. There's lots of people that want it and want more of it and cherish it. And at some point, people let that go and neglected it. Hopefully that never happens to our music."

KK'S PRIEST also features former JUDAS PRIEST singer Tim "Ripper" Owens, along with guitarist A.J. Mills (HOSTILE), bassist Tony Newton (VOODOO SIX) and drummer Sean Elg (DEATHRIDERS, CAGE).

"Sermons Of The Sinner" will be released on October 1 (postponed from the previously announced August 20) via Explorer1 Music Group/EX1 Records.

Downing left PRIEST in 2011 amid claims of band conflict, shoddy management and declining quality of performance. He was replaced by Richie Faulkner, nearly three decades his junior.

In 2019, Downing said that he reached out to JUDAS PRIEST about taking part in the band's upcoming 50th-anniversary tour but that their response was that they were not interested in including him in the celebrations.

In 2018, Downing revealed that he sent two resignation letters to his bandmates when he decided to quit JUDAS PRIEST. The first was described as "a graceful exit note, implying a smooth retirement from music," while the second was "angrier, laying out all of his frustrations with specific parties."

Downing later said that he believed the second letter was "a key reason" he wasn't invited to rejoin PRIEST after Glenn Tipton's decision to retire from touring.

MINISTRY's Al Jourgensen has blasted people who are hesitant to roll up their sleeves and receive the COVID-19 vaccine, saying that their refusal to get the shot is putting all of our health at risk.

The 62-year-old Jourgensen addressed the hot-button issue in a new interview with the "RRBG Podcast". He said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "I went and saw Jim Jefferies last night, the comedian. And I've got a feeling that might be the last show that we might be seeing for a while.

"I mean, it's just, like, 'People. Really?' Look, even if the government is microchipping us and we're all gonna have alien DNA and all that, at least we're all gonna go down together. But in the meanwhile, let's not make each other sick. Just go get your damn vax. I've had mine for months. I'm even gonna get a booster before I go on tour. I wanna make sure that I don't infect people and people don't infect me. [It's] not a hundred percent accurate, as nothing in this world or universe is, but just do it, please, so we can have our lives back, our entertainment back."

Jourgensen went on to say that quarantine "worked out quite well" for him despite the fact that he was unable to tour. "I got to do three albums during quarantine here in my studio," he said. "I've got a MINISTRY album coming out, I have another MINISTRY album that's done except for the vocals, and I have a LARD record coming out. All through quarantine, because what else are you gonna do? So it actually worked out pretty well for me, and I never got [COVID-19]. I followed all the rules and did all the masks and all that. But people would just rather… It's like a six-year-old tantrum. Like, 'I'm gonna spite myself just to prove a point,' or something. C'mon, man. We all live on this planet. Just go get vaccinated. Just do it. It's no big deal. We're all gonna fucking die. So, just do it. Let us go back to work."

According to Jourgensen, one of the biggest problems is the fact that disinformation has been amplified on social media platforms during the coronavirus pandemic.

"What pisses me off is that mainstream media and social media give voice to these children having tantrums and put it on an equal scale with people who actually do science and know what they're talking about," he said. "Yet they have equal coverage, because it sells commercials for media and all that. So they give it equal weight. And there is no equal weight. You people are stupid; these people are not. Cover the people that aren't stupid. Bingo.

"The angrier you get, the more headlines you get, but that doesn't mean the more logic you have," he added. "It's just dumb. Society has just spiraled down into this dumb magic kingdom where up is down and green is blue. Whatever."

MINISTRY will release its 15th studio album, "Moral Hygiene", on October 1 via Nuclear Blast Records.

"Moral Hygiene" includes the previously released "Alert Level" that sounded the alarms about our collective dissonance towards the pandemic, climate change and the man formerly in the White House, bolstered by the song's overarching question posed to listeners: "How concerned are you?" The new album also adds perspective to the countless lives that were tragically lost to the COVID-19 pandemic on the haunting track "Death Toll" while "Disinformation" describes the too frequent willingness to accept everything — even mistruths — as fact.

"Moral Hygiene" was recorded with engineer Michael Rozon (also behind the boards on "AmeriKKKant") at Scheisse Dog Studio, Jourgensen's self-built home studio and creative lab. As with all MINISTRY albums, all songs are written and performed by Jourgensen. Additional contributions come from Morrison, Cesar Soto (MAN THE MUTE), John Bechdel (KILLING JOKE, FEAR FACTORY), Roy Mayorga (STONE SOUR, SOULFLY, NAUSEA), Paul D'Amour (TOOL, FEERSUM ENNJIN), Arabian Prince (N.W.A.), Jello Biafra (DEAD KENNEDYS) and sitar player Flash.

TRIVIUM frontman Matt Heafy has advocated for COVID-19 vaccinations, saying that public health is not a political issue.

The 35-year-old musician, who revealed last month that he tested positive for the novel coronavirus after being fully vaccinated, addressed the hot-button topic of vaccines, masks and other COVID-19 protocols in a social media post on Friday (July 30).

He wrote: "Comments are off where possible, and will not be read where they can't be turned off. Simply because — I know where this will unfortunately likely go with 33.3% of the people who will see this. I'm seeing a lot of panic (in media and social media and society) on 'people still getting Covid despite being vaccinated.'

"Think of my family as a mini case study.

"My dad and I have the same genetics- we're the same family," he continued. "He is a marine as well. So tough as nails. My dad was 1/2 shots in (purely due to not being able to get the second in time) when he contracted COVID. 2 hospitalizations, almost dying, and now 15/16 weeks out — still has potential liver / heart / lung damage. He still feels lung tightness 17/18 weeks out.

"I was 2/2 shots in when my wife (2/2 shots in) contracted Covid (likely delta variant) from a non-vaccinated person. It went from non vax person to vax person, to our kids (non vaccinated due to being 2.5 years old), to a vaccinated person (me). While it was an annoying 'cold-like-sickness' I still was able to do Muay Thai on a heavy bag, do my mace workouts, do yoga, sing/scream on stream and perform. It was 4-5 annoying days, 1 slightly worse day (still streamed, still performed), then I was 80% for a couple days, then 100%. Same with my wife. Thankfully same with my kids (Mia had a fever at 103/104, Akira got to 102/103; both were good in 5ish days).

"We need to look at 'getting Covid' as a vaccinated person — the same we look at catching a cold, catching the flu," he added. "The vaccines % of efficacy was % of you not being hospitalized. Just like the flu shot (at its 40-50% efficacy of that).

"I want tours back, I wanna eat at restaurants and share food with my hands, and take bites of my friends food, share drinks with friends, train jiu jitsu and freely have my partner's sweat drop into my mouth/ nose/ eyes and not care.

"Anyone who says this is a political thing — is wrong and is likely scared. I had the vaccine, I have not fallen in my output in anything I do. I'm still training, making music, and ready as hell to get back to playing shows, getting in the crowd, hugging all of you, and eating everywhere.

"If you see someone choosing to wear a mask — remember there are far many more health issues than just what's happening right now. I have many high risk family and friends who cannot risk even getting this weakened (vaccinated) Covid. It could kill them or a loved one. Respect one another. Don't make this about something it isn't.

"Let's get back to having shows! Can't wait to see you all on the upcoming MEGADETH, LAMB OF GOD, HATEBREED run!"

Heafy, who lives in Orlando, Florida with his wife and their two-year-old twin children, is showing that while vaccines are exceptionally effective in preventing death and severe illness from the coronavirus and its known variants, some are far from foolproof in preventing infection altogether.

Most of the people with so-called "breakthrough" infections are asymptomatic.

According to Centers For Disease Control And Prevention (CDC), large-scale clinical studies found that COVID-19 vaccination prevented most people from getting COVID-19. Research also provides growing evidence that mRNA COVID-19 vaccines (Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna) offer similar protection in real-world conditions. While these vaccines are effective, no vaccine prevents illness 100% of the time. For any vaccine, there are breakthrough cases.

New variants of the virus that causes COVID-19 illness are spreading in the United States and other countries. Current data suggest that COVID-19 vaccines authorized for use in the United States offer protection against most variants. However, some variants might cause illness in some people after they are fully vaccinated.

FIRSTBORNE, the band featuring Grammy Award-winning artist Chris Adler and fellow MEGADETH alum James LoMenzo, has just released its latest single, "The Bidding". The official visualizer for the track, which was mixed by producer Gene "Machine" Freeman, can be seen below.

"Every time we finish a FIRSTBORNE song, it's like a little miracle occurs where we manage to get both sides of planet Earth rocking in harmony," says guitarist Myrone of the alliance between the USA-based band and vocalist Girish Pradhan, who currently resides in India. "I would venture to say 'The Bidding' is the most miraculous one yet."

FIRSTBORNE's self-titled debut EP came out last year and marked the acclaimed drummer's first dedicated band release since his departure from MEGADETH and LAMB OF GOD.

FIRSTBORNE features Girish Pradhan on vocals and guitar, Myrone on guitar, LoMenzo on bass, and Adler on drums.

The FIRSTBORNE self-titled EP included five songs and two lyric videos. The EP represented several years of dedicated introspection and refined effort to the idea of a heavy and positive message.

As might be expected, Adler chose his bandmates in this endeavor meticulously.

Not too long ago, Adler shared the stage across the Middle East with LoMenzo in HAIL! Prior to that, LoMenzo and Adler orbited each other for years traveling together on tours crossing the globe. The connect was inevitable.

Adler and Myrone began collaborating in early 2019 after Myrone noticed Adler's e-mail address attached to a Bandcamp sales notification email. Adler had been a fan of Myrone's talent for years prior and as soon as they connected, it was game on.

A chance meeting in India, almost a second home to Chris after eight visits, was the spark needed to form the international group FIRSTBORNE and for Chris to return to the studio. Adler met and shared the stage with Pradhan during a six-week clinic tour of India in the fall of 2019. After the first show of the clinic tour, Adler immediately called Myrone, noting he'd "struck gold" in their search for a singer for the then-unnamed project.

Girish Pradhan is the glue that united FIRSTBORNE. Pradhan on vocals represents an almost unprecedented international collaboration.

Pradhan is an established and well-known recording and touring artist in India and resides in Bengaluru. His band GIRISH AND THE CHRONICLES made international headlines earlier this year with their new album "Rock The Highway" and music videos "Rock 'N Roll Is Here to Stay", "Identity Crisis" and "Rock The Highway".

Speaking on his experience creating with FIRSTBORNE, Myrone explains: "Every single part of this experience has been extremely surreal for me. Girish is one of the best metal vocalists on the planet, Chris is one of the most influential drummers of the last 25 years, and JLO can play anything from MEGADETH to John Fogerty to Motown and everything in between. I can't believe I get to share space on a .wav with them."

Myrone is a Los Angeles-based producer/guitarist who pioneered the "soft shred" genre. In the last six years, he has released seven albums and two EPs of instrumental guitar music and racked up millions of Spotify streams. In addition to his own recordings, he has collaborated with Rivers Cuomo (WEEZER), SZA, Little Boots, Michael Christmas and Deaton Chris Anthony. Most recently, Myrone was Guitar #1 in the L.A. production of "Rock Of Ages", the 29th-longest running show in Broadway history.

LoMenzo is a veteran touring/recording musician since his multi-platinum band WHITE LION in the 1980s. Lomenzo is one of the most in-demand rock bass players in the world. His list of credits includes WHITE LION, Zakk Wylde's BLACK LABEL SOCIETY/PRIDE & GLORY, MEGADETH, Jerry Cantrell, David Lee Roth, SLASH'S SNAKEPIT, LYNCH MOB, FREHEY'S COMET and more. Recently he's been the touring/recording bassist for the legendary John Fogerty and can be seen in the live concert film "John Fogerty : My Fifty Year Trip" recorded live at Red Rocks.

LoMenzo had this to say about his collaboration within his new band, FIRSTBORNE: "I first met Chris in 2006 on MEGADETH's 'Gigantour'. I was playing bass with MEGADETH at the time. Watching Chris on that tour, I recall being struck by the creativity, speed and power of his drumming with LAMB OF GOD. In contrast, I found him to be a gentle, thoughtful soul. Years later, I had the opportunity to finally play with Chris, performing in the Middle East with the all-star metal band HAIL! We had a great time. At this time, Chris mentioned he was looking forward to exploring making all kinds of music. I suggested he keep me in mind. Next thing I know I'm being introduced to Myrone through a demo that Chris forwarded to me. I was immediately drawn to the music. Myrone's guitar is uniquely untethered to any one style. He's a brilliant and capable amalgam of classic rock, new and classic metal. Girish on top of all this had me stunned! A soaring, powerful voice that while uniquely his own, conjures images of the greatest singers of metal, blues and classic rock. His voice is a powerful, emotive vehicle to inform through his heartfelt and socially conscious lyrics. To my ear, the combination of all this musical talent is wonderfully unique and perfectly familiar. I'm very proud and excited for music fans to hear this new musical collaboration."

Adler added: "I've been incredibly fortunate in my creative endeavors. From the start, I sought out the best players I could find to work alongside. It's been an incredible journey that is clearly not over. Some things have changed. This may not be exactly what people expect from me right now, and I'm aware and embrace that. It's time for something new. I'm have a platform to present something important, true and collaborative. Creating FIRSTBORNE beckons cohesiveness as a mission statement. This is not about being mad all the time, egos or fabricating polarizing drama. 'This is right' is now my alarm clock. Girish, Myrone and James have the exact locker room mentality of 'kill 'em all! but let's make sure everyone is okay and having a kick-ass time' that I try and bring to everything I do. FIRSTBONE is the result of all of my experiences, both positive and negative, and I'm proud of what we are doing together."

Adler is a Grammy-winning American metal drummer from Richmond, Virginia. Chris founded LAMB OF GOD in 1994 and helped usher in what critics have dubbed the "New Wave Of American Heavy Metal." LAMB OF GOD's discography with Chris includes multiple gold records and platinum DVDs as well as five Grammy nominations.

Chris received a Grammy for playing drums on legendary thrash metal band MEGADETH's 2016 record "Dystopia". Chris also toured with MEGADETH in support of the record while juggling and occasionally combining tour dates with LAMB OF GOD.

Chris has collaborated and contributed to records with PROTEST THE HERO, TESTAMENT, THAIKKUDAM BRIDGE, Michael Angelo Batio and Ron Jarzombek.

In 2018, Chris created an artist management firm Kintsugi Management.

FIRSTBORNE is:

Vocals: Girish Pradhan
Guitar: Myrone
Bass: James LoMenzo
Drums: Chris Adler

STRYPER guitarist Oz Fox is recovering "very well" five months after undergoing the first of his brain surgeries to treat one of the tumors that were found in his head three years ago.

The 60-year-old musician offered an update on his condition in a social media post earlier today. He wrote: "Hey there folks! I wanted to make a quick announcement letting you all know that my recovery is going very well from my first surgery.

"Thankfully, after about 3 months of recovery I was able to record with the band in June. The circumstances for that project were well conditioned for my limited abilities at the time and I'm happy to say it was a successful mission but not without it's challenges for me. With that in mind, after my next surgery to remove my acoustic neuroma behind the left ear my wife Annie and I feel it would be best for me to take the rest of the year off for some solid recovery time. Another big project is coming for STRYPER in January and I really would like to be in my best shape for the task. With all of that in mind, I have strongly encouraged my brothers in the band to continue with booked shows coming up in the next few months with our dear friend Howie Simon [JEFF SCOTT SOTO, GRAHAM BONNET] covering my duties. Howie is an amazing guitar player and vocalist and I trust him to fully 'out-shred' me for those up and coming dates! So I am trusting you all to welcome him with open arms so the band can continue to work in my absence.

"I will be updating everyone on my health status as things come up. And I thank you for your prayers and encouragement as I face another risky procedure. I know God will be with me like he was for the last one. I am thankful for everything he has pulled me through! Of course I will continue to be a part of our social media platforms including our patreon page where we all have our weekly hour Q& A sessions. So I hope to see you all there! Take care and we'll see you soon!"

Fox's tumors — one by his ear and the other in the back of his brain — were discovered when he suffered his first seizure in August 2018 while performing with SIN CITY SINNERS at Harrah's in Las Vegas. Over the past two and a half years, both tumors had grown and were posing a serious health risk to the guitarist, who turned 60 in June. Specifically, the tumor behind the ear, if it continued to grow, could have caused hearing loss, balance, vision and spinal problems, while the tumor in the back of Oz's brain was in the area where left side of his arms, hands and body operate. Removing it could have affected the upper left motor function and potential ability to recognize faces and objects.

Fox discussed his health during a January 2021 interview with SIN CITY SINNERS manager Jason Green. Speaking about his procedure, Oz said: "I've got a great team of people, great team of doctors that are very specialized. They do hundreds of these procedures a year. They're gonna open up the skull. The good thing is the [first] tumor [they will operate on] is towards the outside of the head, towards the outside of the brain, which it's easy access — they don't have to go too deep to get to it. And they did all testing on me to make sure that wherever they go in there, they won't damage any of my functions. They did some really extensive testing — something called an fMRI, Functional [Magnetic Resonance Imaging], and they had me think about things, they had me actually act like I was playing guitar, and I had to hum backgrounds while I was playing, 'cause I couldn't move my head or my jaw. I had 'em play a STRYPER song, and I just kind of played to it and acted like I was playing guitar and tried to imagine what I was playing. And then they would see where the brain functions were while I was doing all that. And after they checked everything and went through it, they figured out that all of my activity for playing and singing and all that was nowhere near the tumor. So there's a good chance I'll retain all of that. But there's still always a risk. You never know with the brain. They seem to think I'm gonna be okay after the procedure, but it'll take time to recover, 'cause you may have some bleeding, some brain swelling — all that kind of stuff."

Asked if the surgeons would only work on one of his tumors during the initial procedure, Fox said: "They have to work on the right-brain low-grade tumor — they're gonna work on that first — and if all goes well with that, [there will be a] six-week recovery time, and then I can start working on the left one [behind the ear]. For the other side, it will be a bit different. They have to go into a different part of my skull here. They'll have to cut a portion of my skull out to get into that area, and then, of course, replace it again. I'll have steel titanium plates in my head and all that crazy stuff. The only thing about this one is it's so close to the audio nerves that I could lose my hearing. They say it affects nerves on the side of my face here, so that could be a problem. I'm already feeling numbness around my mouth."

Oz went on to say that his medical team initially tried "doing some other things that were non-invasive" without the desired results. "We were trying to get the tumors to shrink by using different methods that they say are proven to help do that," he explained. "But that didn't work — they still grew. And so now we're, like, we'd better go in and take some action — get working on cutting them out. Otherwise, if [the tumors] get too big, they won't be able to help me. Again, the left ear, when they work on this tumor, there's a good chance I could lose my hearing, or the nerves going to my balance part of the ear, the cochlea. If that happens, then I will have to really recuperate in a way where my right ear would take over for my balance, which it's amazing that the brain can do that."

Fox said that he is realistic about the risks involved with the operation and the likelihood of any complication, including death.

"The worst thing that could happen is something could go wrong and I could pass," he said. "Well, if that ever happened, in whatever situation — I could die driving a car, getting in a wreck somewhere or somebody running into me. But because of my [Christian] faith, I know where I'm going, and I have a belief in eternity with my soul. And because I've followed Christ for so long now, and I have a full-on relationship — I've surrendered my entire life to him — the promises that he gives in his words are that I have a better place to go to after this. I'll basically be changing addresses with my soul. That's the mindset I have.

"Nobody wants to ever leave their family or things that they invested in years, but when it's your time, it's your time," he reasoned. "So that doesn't scare me. I mean, we could go down in a plane. [Laughs] So, you never know. And I'm certainly not afraid of that — I'm not afraid of death. The only thing I think I'd be… Well, I don't even wanna say it… There's not fun ways to die, let's put it that way. [Laughs] If it's quick, it's better. [Laughs]"

Last October, Fox was briefly hospitalized after suffering another massive seizure.

Within weeks of Fox's original August 2018 seizure, STRYPER toured Australia and Japan as a three-piece, and later recruited Simon to fill in while Fox was unable to go on the road.

“Catch Me If You Can” is the explosive new single from Sweden’s finest export of street metal, Hardcore Superstar, and is scheduled to be released on all digital platforms on August 20. Preorder/presave here .

“Catch Me If You Can” picks up the pace and builds on the momentum created by the band's highly successful 2018 release You Can’t Kill My Rock N’ Roll. This saw the band travel across the globe from America to Australia, playing to some of the largest audiences of their career and including an unforgettable night, where they broke attendance record for a headline act on the opening night of the world famous Sweden Rock Festival.

Loud, aggressive and totally unrelenting, “Catch Me If You Can” bursts out the speakers with an onslaught of attitude, combined with a pounding backbeat and a chorus that hits like a freight train. This single sets the tone perfectly for the band's upcoming album Abrakadabra, which is scheduled for release in March 2022.

Recorded at both Osterlycken and Bombastik in Musikhens Hus in Gothenburg, the band returned to their roots to work with acclaimed producer Johan Reiven, who they previously collaborated with on their 2005 Black Album. The result is an intense and hard-hitting collection of songs that drummer Adde Moon describes as a “natural follow up to the Black album” and definitely “an album for the fans that is best shared with good friends, cold beer and very loud speakers."




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 TeamHappy Benefit show will take place in Rockwoods, MN on August 22 and will feature all day music, a silent auction, and food and drinks. Slave Raider will be making their return to the stage for the first time in 20 years at the show. The four remaining members will jam classic Slave Raider.

Michael Schneider, known by most as Happy, the stunt guitarist for the rock institution, Hairball, was diagnosed in 2018 with Stage 3 Esophageal Cancer. Happy hit the ground running to fight for his life. He underwent six chemo therapy treatments and 28 radiation treatments. This was followed up by an esophagostomy surgery and another six rounds of chemo. Happy was considered in remission for almost 2 years before the cancer returned. In October 2020, scans revealed the cancer returned in the same spot and in another area near the diaphragm. 

At this time, surgery is not an option and doctors feel there is no cure. However, with the daily advancements in medicine, along with Happy's unwavering will to fight for his life, his family; wife Mandy, sons Chace and Hunter, his cherished friends and for rock & roll, everyone involved is as optimistic as ever!




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 Outfit has announced singer/songwriter Mike Leslie to the band as the new lead singer/guitar player. Leslie previously played guitar and toured with the multi-platinum band Candlebox.

The Outfit states, “We had a great four years with lead singer Andy Mitchell, but due to personal reasons Andy has decided to leave the band. We wish him the best. We are excited to welcome Mike Leslie to The Outfit. Mike is extremely talented, and we look forward to adding his dynamic vocal ability and guitar playing to the band.”

Leslie says, “It’s an honor to join such a talented group, and I’m looking forward to creating and bringing some great music to the stage!”

Former lead singer Mitchell says, “It wasn’t an easy decision. It’s been a great run over the last four years, and I love these guys dearly. I know they will continue to kick ass and do what they do, and I look forward to watching their success.”  

The Outfit formed in 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. The band is made up of veteran musicians with a forward-thinking attitude. With their experience, they will make an impact with a fresh new sound in today's music scene. The band's 2018 single "Soldier Boy" secured the #34 spot on Billboard‘s Mainstream Rock chart. Their sophomore album Viking also has created a buzz in the rock world. The single “Come Alive” has over 174,000 plays on Spotify. The Outfit has done several shows spanning the Midwest to the West Coast and has the following shows scheduled this year.

The Outfit live:

August
26 - Griffith, IN – Avenue 912

September
1 – West Chicago, IL – WC Social Club
19 – Chicago, IL – House Of Blues

October
8 – St. Charles, IL – Arcada Theater

November
20 – Green Bay, WI – Epic Events Center 




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'
});

King Kobra has released a deluxe edition of their first ever live album, Sweden Rock Live, through Deko Entertainment. Now you can get the show in its entirety fully remastered for digital, including “Iron Eagle (Never Say Die)”. Download here .

King Kobra was founded by drummer Carmine Appice, the band consisted of four relatively unknown musicians: vocalist Mark Free, guitarist David Michael-Philips, guitarist Mick Sweda, and bassist Johnny Rod. After two albums on Capitol Records, Ready to Strike (1985), Thrill of a Lifetime (1986), and the independent release King Kobra III in 1988 they disbanded until returning in 2010 with Paul Shortino (Rough Cut) taking over vocal duties.

Recorded in 2016 at the Sweden Rock Festival this album features original members Appice, Johnny Rod, David Michael Phillips (David Henzerling) and vocalist Paul Shortino filling in for Mick Sweda was Jordan Ziff (Ratt) on lead guitar. This new “deluxe edition” digital release has been fully re-mastered and now captures the bands entire electrifying set including the new bonus tracks “Monsters and Heroes”, Iron Eagle (Never Say Die)” and “Runnin Wild”.

Carmine Appice had this to say about the new re-mastered and expanded release, “Playing Sweden Rock Festival with King Kobra was a great experience. The band was excellent that night. Jordon our new member was extraordinary that night. Audience reaction was magic. Paul Shortino killed it. It’s great to hear the show in its entirety, it was a great night of KK rock!!”

Also coming up from this new partnership will be the “deluxe edition” of the 2010 self-titled King Kobra release due out digitally on August 13.  This will include two bonus tracks, the original studio version of “Monster And Heroes” and the Japanese only bonus track “Red Flags”.

Tracklisting:

“Ready To Strike”
“Tear Down The Walls”
“Knock ‘Em Dead”
“Shadow Rider”
“Live Forever”
“Ballad Of Johnny Rod”
“Wild Child”
“Hunger”
“Highway Star”
“Heaven And Hell”
“Monsters And Heroes” (Bonus)
“Iron Eagle (Never Say Die)” (Bonus)
“Drum Solo”
“Raise Your Hands”
“Turn Up The Good Time”
“Runnin Wild” (Bonus)

“Hunger”:




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'
});

According to Variety, Director Bernard MacMahon has revealed the title of his long-awaited and recently completed Led Zeppelin feature documentary: Becoming Led Zeppelin.

The project, which was first announced in 2019, has unprecedented access to Robert Plant, Jimmy Page and John Paul Jones, marking the first and only time the group has participated in a documentary in 50 years. 

“Becoming Led Zeppelin is a film that no one thought could be made,” said MacMahon. “The band’s meteoric rise to stardom was swift and virtually undocumented. Through an intense search across the globe and years of restoration of the visual and audio archive found, this story is finally able to be told.”

Altitude Film Sales and Submarine Entertainment will be announcing a release date soon. 

Read more at Variety.




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'
});

Frontiers Music Srl has announced the upcoming release of The Grandmaster's debut album, Skywards on October 15, 2021. The Grandmaster sees the pairing of legendary metal guitarist Jens Ludwig (Edguy) together with renowned metal vocalist Nando Fernandes (Sinistra, Brother Against Brother) for the creation of a stunning melodic metal masterpiece. Today, fans can get their first listen to the band with the release of the debut single and music video, “Someday Somehow”. Preorder/save Skywards here .

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

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

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

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

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

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

With superb production courtesy of the multi-talented Alessandro Del Vecchio, The Grandmaster's debut album, Skywards is sure to be one of the most talked about melodic metal releases of the year.

Tracklisting:

“Lunar Water”
“The Tempest”
“Someday Somehow”
“Dead Bond”
“Cannot Find The Way”
“Song Of Hope”
“Skywards – Earthwards”
“True North”
“Surrender”
“Turn The Page”
“The Source”

“Someday Somehow” 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'
});

MikeLadano.com is reporting that Don Simmons, the original founding keyboard player for Helix, had passed away. He was 64.

Simmons played in the original Helix band featuring singer Brian Vollmer, drummer Bruce Arnold, guitarist Ron Watson, and bassist Keith “Burt” Zurbrigg. Simmons gigged with Helix from 1974 - 1976 and was still in the group for a short time when Brent “The Doctor” Doerner joined, beginning the transformation into the modern band.

In 2004, Helix staged a massive reunion that included many of their former surviving members. The original band, including Simmons on keyboards, got up on stage for the first time in 30 years and played "Buff’s Bar Blues", a mainstay of their early sets. The show was released as the 30th Anniversary Concert.

Don never stopped loving music and continued to play keyboard and guitar. 

Helix frontman Brian Vollmer paid tribute to Simmons via a Facebook post, which can be read below.

Vollmer: "Yesterday I found out through my cousin Elaine Schiestel that original Helix keyboardist Don Simmons had passed away suddenly. That makes two of the original Helix members who have died over the past couple of years; the other being guitarist Ron Watson.

Don was from Listowel and we both went to school at L.D.S.S. We had both been in a high school band called Homegrown. The drummer was Kevin Webster on drums, Larry Schneider on guitar, and Bill Bailey on bass guitar. We weren’t very good but it was a start, and  it got us playing a couple of high school dances.  Kevin decided to enter us in a contest in Kitchener, which was about 30 miles away.  The contest in question was The Battle of the Bands at the Central Ontario Exhibition. We went the night before to check out the competition, and after seeing what we were up against we wanted to crawl away and hide under a rock. These bands from Kitchener made us look & sound like rank beginners.  We were now frightened. But we played the next night anyway.  Needless to say we weren’t the high light of the competition, but we did catch the eye of some Kitchener musicians, Bruce Arnold & Rob Watson. 

The first incarnation of Helix was Don Simmons/keyboards, Bruce Arnold/drums, Rick Trembly/guitar, Ron Watson/guitar, Keith Zurbrigg/bass, and myself. Rick was quickly ousted from the band by Bruce & Ron. We practiced the same 5 songs or so every night at the practice hall on Margaret Street in Kitchener above an old garage.  The main house, which was once owned by J.M. Schneider ironically enough, was rented by a band called Cerebrum. Eventually we stretched that into a couple of sets and started to get gigs through DRAM Agency. We bombed all of them, but in retrospect, we were just out of the basement. Rock and roll babies…

When William Seip entered the scene things suddenly got very serious. Our first 'road' gig was in Deep River, Ontario by Petawawa. We also played The Kap Inn in Kapuskasing, the Travelhost in Timmins, and a few other bars I’d rather forget.  Life on the road was especially tough and decidedly unglamourous.
    
One of our top places to play was The Sebringvilla in Sebringville. The main attraction that drew the people in for us was Donny on his keyboards playing 'Frankenstein' by Edgar Winter, 'Roundabout' by Yes, and 'Funeral For A Friend' by Elton John. Don was all in his glory and was a chick magnet. Add to that he had a hot car in his Chevy Nova, and  voila!—'rock n’ roll lifestyle!'

However, as I said, life on the road was a lot less glamorous than everyone made it out to be. Pay was shit, the rooms up north were third world, and the life itself lonely. Bruce was the first to leave the band to marry his wife Bonnie. They are still together today. Unlike Bruce, who I kept in constant contact with however, Donny went his way and I went mine. This wasn’t a conscious effort; I just didn’t know where he was or what he was doing.  Occasionally he’d surface or I’d accidentally run into him when I was visiting my parents in Listowel.

All that changed when we celebrated the 30th Anniversary concert at The Sanderson Center and the original band kicked off the show with 'The Buff’s Bar Blues'. The practices rolling up to the actual playing date were full of fuzzy warm feelings, cool vibes, and re-connecting. I could tell all the old line-up loved being in the spotlight again, even if it was only for one song on one night. I enjoyed being there with them for it. It was a special moment in my life-one I’ll never forget.

After that I seldom ran into Don. The exception was one day at a restaurant in Listowel. Don was sitting at the next table and I went over and we had a nice conversation for about 20 minutes.  I was with my mother, so I couldn’t talk any longer. That was the last time I saw him, although I tried to reach out through Bruce Arnold a couple of times, but even Bruce didn’t really know where he was or how to contact him.

I talked with Bruce yesterday and he told me that he and Donny had made many jam tapes that he hopes to do something with. He last saw Don a couple of weeks ago when he unexpectedly showed up at his house. The two of them had a nice conversation; Don looked to be in good health, and then he left.  

So raise a glass to Don Simmons! He was there at the beginning, and part of the Helix story and my life. Thank you for those memories, Don. 

Much love and peace on the other side."




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'
});