Blues-rock hero Joe Bonamassa is partnering with Heritage Auction House to announce a game-changing NFT collection that stands to reshape the music industry forever by tokenizing the original master and publishing rights to a brand-new song titled "Broken Record". This lot is truly unprecedented as the chart-topping guitarist is the first artist in music to sell his publishing in an NFT as part of this digital an d physical collection, which also features his own "Holy Grail" 1959 Gibson Les Paul Sunburst guitar and 1963 Fender Vibroverb amp that was used to record the song.

The auction is set for July 31.

Bonamassa calls this lot "the one-song record company" because it totally transforms the way musicians can make a business from their intellectual property. Joe's business partner Roy Weisman elaborates: "That is what this NFT concept gives artists — the opportunity to raise capital on an independent basis that will allow them to overstep the so-called gatekeepers of the music industry."

"One of the things that I like about being an independent artist is that Roy and I came up with this idea," Bonamassa says. "We didn't have to run it up any sort of chain of command. It was like, let's do this because it feels right. And it's the next logical step in how independent artists are going to be on equal footing with major labels."

Weisman says: "We're now truly in a unique time in the music business where it is completely just supply and demand. People can find artists online anytime, people can buy their music, investors can invest in them with an artist having to go through that typical major label or even large independent label system that is heavily weighted against artists from the start."

This history-making auction from the music-business revolutionary is far from routine; then, nothing Bonamassa does is ever ordinary.

Joe is breaking new ground in the music industry and playing by his own rules with this lot featuring highly collectible items, including not only some of the most prized musical instruments on the planet, but pairing them with a series of certificates of authenticity as cutting-edge non-fungible tokens (NFTs). The type of guitar has been used by rock royalty such as Keith Richards, Jimmy Page, Eric Clapton, Mike Bloomfield. The instrument with the "unmatched deep, throaty sound," as David Schiller writes in his book "Guitar", was the ax that built rock and roll.

Non-fungible tokens are changing the business world and Bonamassa's clever use of the new technology is now allowing other artists to build what is their own business. Bonamassa's auction is unique and stands to reshape how musicians make and sell their art. This incredible lot includes 13 items individually tokenized on the Ethereum blockchain. Each physical item will have a digital NFT component. This lot is a dream come true for any serious collector of vintage gear or NFT investor looking to diversify their portfolio.

It should surprise no one who follows Bonamassa's career that he's leading this revolution. No guitarist has ever received as much coverage in the music and business media as the two-time Grammy Award nominee who has topped Billboard's Blues chart 24 times — at only the age of 44, no less. Only last year, in fact, Forbes heralded the guitarist for "taking control of his business, building a brand and investing in himself."

Bonamassa, a wunderkind who opened for B.B. King when he was just 12 years old, learned early on never to trust the industry: His 2000 debut "A New Day Yesterday", released on a Sony subsidiary, was a critical smash, with Billboard hailing the comer as "a bold talent who rises above narrow radio formatics." Problem was that major labels have no time for bold talents who don't get played on the radio. Bonamassa and Sony parted ways.

For many musicians, that would have been the end of the story. For Bonamassa, it was only the beginning of the beginning: In 2002, the guitarist and his longtime manager and business partner Roy Weisman created J&R Adventures — a self-contained label, management, marketing, and concert promotion company. Which has meant that for the last 20 years, they haven't had anyone looking over their shoulder, anyone telling them what to do or where to go, anyone telling them no.

"We go against the grain by nature, and that's how we've been successful," Weisman says. "I'm not really looking to get the input of the industry because quite frankly, I think the mainstream industry won't like independence. And with this auction, we're going to show the world how to merge their copyrights, their intellectual property and sell it directly to an investor without a middleman like a major record company taking a major piece of the money and leaving them without any core assets. Now with the NFT, artists have an opportunity to build capital for themselves to then build what is their own business. And that is a beautiful thing. It's a game changer."

The way both men tell it, the idea of selling the guitar and amp and the song in a single auction lot was an easy one, just another inevitable next step in the evolution of their revolution. It took Weisman and Bonamassa all of 20 minutes to settle on the concept and its eventual execution, which resulted in a full-blown studio session during which the guitarist recorded something of which he's extraordinarily proud … which no one, outside of the winner, might ever hear.

Joe explains: "If three people hear the song and that's it, I'm still proud of the work. If it's licensed for film or TV and everybody hears the song, even better. But the fact of the matter is, I'm proud of the song whether three people hear it or 30 million hear it. It doesn't matter. My approach would not have changed. And in the end, we came to the conclusion that if we're going to do this, let's make a splash. This is going to be really cool."

Orange Amplification has launched the limited-edition Glenn Hughes Signature Crush Bass 50 — and its color is deep purple, not orange.

Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame inductee Glenn Hughes has been an Orange ambassador for over a decade. For many years, he was the bass player and vocalist with DEEP PURPLE, which recently celebrated fifty years of definitive classic hard rock. Hughes is also known as the bassist and vocalist for TRAPEZE, BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION with Joe Bonamassa, CALIFORNIA BREED and more recently THE DEAD DAISIES.

The Crush Bass 50 compact combo, inspired by Orange's flagship AD200 and OB1 bass amplifiers, perfectly blends some of the most defining elements of each. It has the essentials of a recording amp and delivers warm, clean bass tones, vintage growl with fat low end and blendable overdrive. Plus, the limited edition is finished in a distinctive tough purple textured vinyl with a silver-colored plaque "Glenn Hughes Limited Edition."

Talking about the Crush Bass 50, Hughes said: "You can go in the studio, take that bass combo and make your album with something like that. It's truly outstanding. It's gritty, it's punchy: sustain is so important and its certainly got all that." He added: "Orange all the way……..it's the future, it's the way to go. You heard it from me."

Cliff Cooper, Orange Amplification CEO and founder, added: "We feel privileged to honour Glenn with this affordable limited-edition bass combo. He has played such a big part in British music history. To make a purple combo is a fitting way to pay a tribute to him."

To find out more about the Glenn Hughes Signature Crush Bass 50 and other Orange products, please go to orangeamps.com.

Formed in 2015, Votov is a three piece death metal band based out of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. Fans describe their music as old school death metal, with thrash undertones. Their first self-titled album was released independently in 2017 and was hailed by fans worldwide as a brutal dark symphony of primeval dark grooves, bursting with aggression. 

Votov’s writing style and execution is like a tank rolling through a battlefield. This is metal in its purest form, unwavering and unforgiving. Votov released their second album titled I.X.X.I. on CDN Records, March 20, 2020. The band promoted the album with music and lyric videos. The group has stayed busy on the recording front due to the absence of live shows in 2020. 

They have announced the worldwide release of a classic Twisted Sister song taken from the Stay Hungry record entitled “The Beast”. The official music video was filmed by Dylan Ballie, and Drue Langlois (The Priest). Drue and George Ellis (The Archbishop) did an incredible job as actors. The Beast was directed by Dylan Ballie as well as Chuck Labossiere (who came up with the storyline and edited all footage). Votov are poised to continue working on their follow up to I.X.X.I., pushing their sound even further into the fathomless depths.




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Exitivm, the ninth studio album from death metal legends Pestilence, has landed on several Billboard charts, including the top 200 bestselling albums. The album charted at number 188 on Billboard 200, number 23 on Current Hard Music Albums and number 37 on New Artist Albums, in its first week of release in the United States. Exitivm is out now on Agonia Records.

A new album, on a new label armed with a whole new lineup and a new dynamic: no matter what, Pestilence - or more specifically their maestro Patrizio Mameli - is like the phoenix, rising from the ashes, over and over again. An official website has been launched for Exitivm, providing access to all relevant information surrounding the new album, here.

Back in 1986, in the small town of Enschede in the Netherlands, nearby the German border, a true metal phenomenon was born. More than three decades later, not only is Pestilence alive and well, but about to once again reaffirm their place in the extreme metal pantheon, with their ninth studio album entitled Exitivm, which is Latin for "total destruction".

As controversial as he can be to some, nobody will ever deny the band’s undisputable driving force, Patrizio Mameli, and his constant ability to reinvent himself. Unlike most of the bands in the scene, Pestilence just keeps evolving. From the raging thrash leanings of their cult 1988 debut Malleus Maleficarum to the jazz-infused versatility of 1993’s Spheres or 2009’s Resurrection Macabre frontal assault, not to mention the fans’ favorite and Scott Burns-produced Testimony Of The Ancients from 1991, he never did the same record twice. No matter who playes with him on any Pestilence album, Mameli always gets the best out of the musicians he is working with. But first and foremost, the man has a one-of-a-kind vision, instantly recognizable style and yet always stretching musical boundaries. And it’s never more true than on Exitivm.  

After a vast reissue campaign in between 2015 and 2018 and an acclaimed new album Hadeon, the band got seemingly stopped in their mission to conquer the death metal scene in early 2020, like everybody else, by the global pandemic, going as far as forcing some of the band’s Hadeon line-up members to drop the towel. But what doesn’t kill you only makes you stronger and instead of letting that whole situation drag him down, Mameli chose to do the exact opposite and write the best and darkest album possible to date. And he just did that. With its ambitious lyrical concept about "global domination", "induced mental illness", "inner and outer demons" and  malicious external entities, Exitivm is propelling the band one again to the forefront of the death metal movement with yet another original and brilliant artistic overhaul.

Mind you, as soon as you’re past the very cinematic introduction "In Omnibvs", you’re instantly caught up by "Morbvs Propagationem" whose intense riffing will take back to the Testimony days. Except that their core sound has been revived, with now extra layers of ominous soundscapes ingeniously suggesting an atmosphere of suspence and horror, boosted by Mameli’s jazz-fusion impressive solo works and a renewed sense of urgency. This rejuvenation, with emphasis on "new musical landscapes but also sick and twisted riffs" as stated by Mameli himself, is no accident though. Not only has Mameli been extremely inspired by the turmoil humanity had to face since March 2020 but with a line-up once again, entirely based in the Netherlands and made up of only super-seasoned players – besides former Dew Scented and Creepmime Joost van der Graaf on bass and Bleeding Gods’ Rutger van Noordenburg on lead guitar, former God Dethroned Michiel van der Plicht joined on drums last year – Pestilence is more than ever a BAND where everybody feeds off of each other's musical talent. And it definitely shows.

With the exception of the drums - tracked down by van der Plicht himself at his home studio - the album was recorded over a period of two months in between June and August 2020 at Pitchnote Productions. The album has been produced, like all Pestilence albums, by Mameli and is co produced, recorded, mixed and mastered by Jory Hogeveen (Shinigami and Ancient Rites). Last March, the band filmed their second ever official video – three decades after Land Of Tears – for the song "Morbvs Propagationem". Exitivm will be available in various formats, including supra-limited picture, pin-wheel, "firebreath" and clear vinyl versions. The cover artwork once again brought the band’s iconic sphere and was done by Michal "Xaay" Loranc, known for his various cover for Nile, God Detheroned or Evocation and who had already worked on "Hadeon".

Both a reinvention and a confirmation of everything the band has been standing for since 1986, thirty-five years later Pestilence are more than ever breaking new grounds and exploring the further outposts of the extreme metal sound on Exitivm.

Formats:

- Jewelcase CD
- Digi CD
- Box CD
- Black LP
- Ultra Clear LP
- Blood Vanilla LP*
- Picture LP**
- Pinwheel LP***
- Firebreath LP***
- Digital

* Bandcamp exclusive
** With antistatic all-print slipmat only at Agonia Webshop
*** Agonia Webshop exclusive

Pre-order here.

Tracklisting:

"In Omnibvs" (Intro)
"Morbvs Propagationem"
"Deificvs"
"Sempiternvs"
"Internicionem"
"Mortifervm"
"Dominatvi Svbmissa"
"Pericvlvm Externvm"
"Inficiat"
"Exitivm"
"Immortvos"
"Personatvs Mortem" (Outro)

Album stream:

"Sempiternvs" video:

"Deificvs" video:

"Morbvs Propagationem" video:

Lineup:

Patrizio Mameli - vocals, lead guitars
Rvtger van Noordenbvrg - lead guitars
Joost van den Berg - bass
Michiel van der Plicht - drums

(Photo - Marc van Peski)




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Melodic metal tribute band, Union Black, is the newest project from current Gruesome and former Malevolent Creation drummer Gus Rios. Yesterday, the band released their first single, covering the hit track from American new-wave icons Information Society, "What's On Your Mind". The music video for the song can be found below.

Speaking about the band's cover of "What's On Your Mind", Gus Rios shares: "I've had this idea floating around for over fifteen years. Insert a global pandemic, over a year off from practically any musical activity, almost dying from COVID...and I finally made it happen! For our cover of 'What's On Your Mind' by Information Society, I was simply humming the verse melody in my head one day and couldn't remember what song it was! Then it hit me and I thought 'man, this would make such a killer metal tune!'"

Rios goes on to add: "I went into my studio and tracked the whole thing myself. Hector (Rios) added synths and I sent it off to Matt Laplant (Skindred, Nonpoint, Sikth) to mix and master. We couldn't be happier with the end result! The video was shot and directed by Ileana Frey of Blind Beast Productions. My concept was to have a visual contrast which to me is similar to what we do musically. One part brutal metal and one part beautiful melody."

Union Black is the brainchild of current Gruesome and former Malevolent Creation drummer Gus Rios. Gus was a guitar player first before focusing on the drums so he's going back to his roots as the guitar player and singer for Union Black. The band is rounded out by his brother Hector Rios on lead guitar, Sondra Hemmerick on bass and Ruston Grosse from death metal legends Master on drums. Union Black takes songs from artists such as Depeche Mode, NIN, Information Society, and Type O Negative and reimagines them with all of their collective influences. Traces of thrash, Florida death metal, and goth metal are all melded with the darker melodies and creates new much heavier versions of these already amazing songs.

Union Black is:

Gus Rios - Guitar, Vocals
Hector Rios - Guitar
Sondra Hemmerick - Bass
Ruston Grosse - Drums




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Dead Man’s Whiskey have released their brand-new single and title track "Breakout", from their upcoming new EP. The EP by the same name will be released on Friday, October 1. The single is accompanied by a music video, which can be found below.

After a year of lockdowns, writing and recording, the 5-piece London hard rock band are back with a 5-track EP, expertly produced by John Mitchell, also known for his work with Alter Bridge, Architects, Enter Shikari and Inglorious.

With so much change and uncertainty in the world, creating this EP provided many unique challenges for the boys, as frontman Nico Rogers talks about the development of the single: "This one has been on a bit of a journey! We had this song mostly written before lockdown started, it was ironically about the drudgery of being stuck in the office, which we’ve all ended up so far away from it started to lose relevance. The feeling of being trapped somewhere though, and especially that longing for a night of live rock and roll, has intensified. This is where this track lives, it’s all about the hunger we have to get back up there and play, how much we want to see our friends out there playing, too. There’s some anger in there, but twinned with desperation and after the last year a little sadness, too."

Stream "Breakout" here, and watch the video below:




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IRON MAIDEN frontman Bruce Dickinson has admitted to U.K.'s Kerrang! magazine that he drew inspiration from German industrial metallers RAMMSTEIN for the animated video for MAIDEN's new single "The Writing On The Wall".

"I said to Rod [Smallwood, MAIDEN manager], 'Have you seen the video for 'Deutschland' by RAMMSTEIN?'" he explained. "That, to me, is a groundbreaking video. That's astonishing. Now, I'm not suggesting we do that, because we're not RAMMSTEIN. But think of what we could do that would have the equivalent impact for us. So, I wrote storyboard for the vid, tweaked it a little bit, and gave it a happy ending. Well, kind of a happy ending — Adam and Eve start again, but with Eddie going, 'I'll still get you in the end.'"

"The Writing On The Wall" will appear on MAIDEN's 17th studio album, "Senjutsu", which will arrive on September 3 via BMG. The band's first LP in six years was recorded in Paris with longstanding producer Kevin Shirley and co-produced by Steve Harris.

"The Writing On The Wall" video was made by BlinkInk based on a concept by Dickinson with two former Pixar executives. It followed a month-long teaser campaign and global "treasure hunt" for clues about the track title and concept.

For "Senjutsu" — loosely translated as "tactics and strategy" — the band once again enlisted the services of Mark Wilkinson to create the spectacular Samurai themed cover artwork, based on an idea by bassist Steve Harris. With a running time of a little under 82 minutes, "Senjutsu", like their previous record "The Book Of Souls", will be a double CD/Triple vinyl album.

Steve said: "We chose to record at Guillaume Tell Studio in France again as the place has such a relaxed vibe. The setup there is perfect for our needs; the building used to be a cinema and has a really high ceiling so there's a great acoustic sound. We recorded this album in the same way we did 'The Book Of Souls' in that we'd write a song, rehearse it and then put it down together straight away while it was all fresh in our minds. There's some very complex songs on this album which took a lot of hard work to get them exactly as we wanted them to sound, so the process was at times very challenging, but Kevin is great at capturing the essence of the band and I think it was worth the effort! I'm very proud of the result and can't wait for fans to hear it."

Dickinson added: "We're all really excited about this album. We recorded it back in early 2019 during a break in the 'Legacy' tour so we could maximize our touring yet still have a long set up period before release to prepare great album art and something special as a video. Of course, the pandemic delayed things more — so much for the best-laid plans — or should that be 'strategies'!? The songs are very varied, and some of them are quite long. There's also one or two songs which sound pretty different to our usual style, and I think MAIDEN fans will be surprised — in a good way, I hope!"

The full track listing is:

01. Senjutsu (8:20) (Smith/Harris)

02. Stratego (4:59) (Gers/Harris)

03. The Writing On The Wall (6:13) (Smith/Dickinson)

04. Lost In A Lost World (9:31) (Harris)

05. Days Of Future Past (4:03) (Smith/Dickinson)

06. The Time Machine (7:09) (Gers/Harris)

07. Darkest Hour (7:20) (Smith/Dickinson)

08. Death Of The Celts (10:20) (Harris)

09. The Parchment (12:39) (Harris)

10. Hell On Earth (11:19) (Harris)

"Senjutsu" will be released on the following formats and available to pre-order/pre-save from Wednesday, July 21 at www.ironmaiden.com:

* Standard 2CD Digipak

* Deluxe 2CD Book Format

* Deluxe heavyweight 180G Triple Black Vinyl

* Special Edition Triple Silver And Black Marble Vinyl (Details to follow)

* Special Edition Triple Red and Black Marble Vinyl (Details to follow)

* Super Deluxe Boxset featuring CD, Blu Ray and Exclusive Memorabilia

* Digital album [streaming and download]

"Senjutsu" marks MAIDEN's sixth album to be produced by Shirley, who has worked with MAIDEN for the past two decades.

In addition to MAIDEN, Shirley has collaborated with dozens of notable acts, including Joe Bonamassa, JOURNEY, DREAM THEATER and LED ZEPPELIN.

During the making of "The Book Of Souls", Dickinson was diagnosed with a cancerous tumor at the back of his tongue. He recorded all the vocals for the album with the tumor before undergoing treatment and making a full recovery in time for the LP's release in September 2015.

The dynamic and explorative California-based rock band THRICE will release its 11th studio album, "Horizons/East", on September 17 via Epitaph Records. The album exemplifies art as a work of recognition — the human task of perceiving oneself amid details, disasters, and blessings as a relentlessly relational phenomenon among others. In this, "Horizons/East" is the rare rock album on which interrelatedness is a theme, painting an adventurous and lush landscape mixed by Scott Evans that the band produced and recorded at its own New Grass Studio.

The powerful new single, "Scavengers" is out now. Over a dark and intricate braiding of guitar and drum grooves, the lyrics challenge us to discern the issues and information that bonds us versus what disintegrates and destroys. For vocalist Dustin Kensrue, the song is — but also kind of isn't — a thing of the past. Whether lost in a media diet that is essentially a disinformation pipeline or, relatedly, trapped in fear of a future of eternal conscious pain, Kensrue speaks of "toxic worldviews I once inhabited," and in truth, "a lot of people that I love are still in that place."

To emerge from a global pandemic with a renewed sense of situational awareness, hard won insight, and a new album is the kind of move we've come to expect from THRICE over the last twenty years. With "Horizons/East", Kensrue and his bandmates address, with candor and courage, the fragile and awkward arrangements that pass for civilization, while inviting us to dwell more knowingly within our own lives. Without surrendering any of the energy and hard edge of their previous albums, they've given us a profoundly meditative work, which serves as a musical summons to everyday attentiveness.

Some of the writing even began with open-ended challenges that the band laid on themselves like building a song using the quartal chords they found in much of the jazz they loved, or taking the Fibonacci sequence and turning it into a guitar riff.

THRICE seems ever eager to step out into these spaces unknown to them, unsure of where their feet will land, and this new record is no exception. "Horizons/East" is a soundtrack for deeper dreaming.

All physical copies of "Horizons/East" will be available on October 8.

"Horizons/East" track listing:

01. The Color Of The Sky

02. Scavengers

03. Buried In The Sun

04. Northern Lights

05. Summer Set Fire To The Rain

06. Still Life

07. The Dreamer

08. Robot Soft Exorcism

09. Dandelion Wine

10. Unitive/East

THRICE features frontman Dustin Kensrue, guitarist Teppei Teranishi, bassist Eddie Breckenridge, and drummer Riley Breckenridge.

Photo credit: Matt Vogel

HAWTHORNE HEIGHTS have announced their eighth full-length album, "The Rain Just Follows Me", which will be released digitally on September 10, 2021 via Pure Noise Records. The LP will also be released in stores with limited edition vinyl variants on October 22, 2021.

"The most unbelievable part of this story is that this entire album was written and recorded before the pandemic," singer JT Woodruff shares. "All of this darkness and turmoil is basically a summation of the coldest and loneliest nights I've tried to reconcile for the past 17 years."

The 11-track record, produced by Grammy Award winner Cameron Webb (ALKALINE TRIO, NOFX, MEGADETH), stands as some of Woodruff's most resonant writing to date, as he unravels themes of both physical and emotional distance from his wife and daughter in Ohio as well as personal identity as the front man of as one of the most iconic emo acts of the new millennium.

Eager to hit the studio again as soon as possible after their 2018 release "Bad Frequencies" — and probably a bit naïve about how much they could physically take — the writing sessions for LP8 took place in unusual places: in sound checks and dressing rooms, in far-flung rehearsal studios after marathon overnight drives. HAWTHORNE HEIGHTS weren't just burning the candle at both ends; they were splitting it in two, then letting the flames engulf the smaller pieces completely.

Singing lyrics like "I can feel my body breaking down, California sun. I can see the colors spiral out, nowhere left to run," Woodruff tapped into the feeling of searching for something positive to cling to for lead single "Constant Dread" featuring labelmate Brendan Murphy of COUNTERPARTS.

"When writing, I tend to dig through memories, both good and bad. In, 'Constant Dread', I was searching through one of my favorite tour memories. Warped Tour 2017, in the tour bus village. One of our favorite hardcore bands, COUNTERPARTS, was hosting karaoke. As I was standing there, Brendan hit play on Niki FM, and then threw me the microphone, and as I was singing my own song to a jury of my peers, I realized that I need to loosen up. This should be fun, not agony. When I thought about that moment, while laying bed in the throes of the terror-filled gaze of the moonlight, I knew we needed to put Brendan in this song. And I'm so glad he said yes, because absolutely crushes it. "

"The Rain Just Follows Me" track listing:

01. Constant Dread

02. The Rain Just Follows Me

03. Holy Coast

04. Tired And Alone

05. Thunder In Our Hearts

06. Spray Paint It Black

07. Dull Headlights

08. Palm Canyon Drive

09. Seafoam

10. Words Can't Hurt

11. Bambarra Beach (The End)

Most of all, this upcoming release is quintessentially HAWTHORNE HEIGHTS. It's who they've always been – they just needed to push down the heartache and strife long enough to rediscover those intangible characteristics.

"We want to create the best songs that are accurate depictions of our lives and connect to other people through our songs," Woodruff says. "I hope this record helps people understand that others out there are thinking like them — and thinking about them. Everyone gets poured on in life; we just want to provide an umbrella."

HAWTHORNE HEIGHTS is composed of JT Woodruff (vocals, guitar), Mark McMillon (guitar, backing vocals), Matt Ridenour (bass, backing vocals), Chris Popadak (drums).

Throughout their long and storied career as one of the most iconic emo acts of the new millennium, the quartet have overcome obstacles at every turn — but these roadblocks always seemed to come from external forces, from unscrupulous record labels and the shifting whims of fickle audiences to unimaginable personal tragedy threatening to derail them.

Despite the odds, HAWTHORNE HEIGHTS have overcome it all: earning two gold albums (2004's "The Silence In Black And White" and 2006's "If Only You Were Lonely"), penning some of the genre's most well-known songs ("Ohio Is For Lovers", "Saying Sorry"), and remaining a hard-touring act nearly two decades after forming in Dayton, Ohio.

Photo credit: Courtney Kiara

On Tuesday night, THE BLACK CROWES kicked off their highly anticipated "Shake Your Money Maker" tour to a sold-out crowd at the Ascend Amphitheater in Nashville, Tennessee, marking one of the first major rock-tours to return since the start of the pandemic.

Celebrating the 30th anniversary of their debut, multiplatinum album ("Shake Your Money Maker", 1990), THE BLACK CROWES took to the stage as the sun set over Nashville and thrilled the crowd by playing their iconic record in full. The juke-joint inspired set, complete with a jukebox and full-bar, set the scene as the first cords of "Twice As Hard" rang throughout the southern, summer air as lead singer Chris Robinson and guitarist Rich Robinson took the stage with longtime bassist Sven Pipien. The band delivered a blistering two-hour set packed with hits, including "Jealous Again", "Sister Luck", "Hard To Handle" and "She Talks To Angels" before closing the show with a roaring encore of their chart-topping ballad "Remedy".

The setlist was as follows:

01. Twice As Hard

02. Jealous Again

03. Sister Luck

04. Could I've Been So Blind

05. Seeing Things

06. Hard To Handle

07. Thick N' Thin

08. She Talks To Angels

09. Struttin Blues

10. Stare It Cold

11. No Speak

12. Go Faster

13. Hotel Illness

14. Hi-Head Blues

15. Good Friday

16. Wiser Time

17. Thorn In My Pride

18. Sting Me

19. Soul Singing

Encore:

20. Remedy

Produced by Live Nation, THE BLACK CROWES' "Shake Your Money Maker" tour will be playing 37-dates across the country before ending the tour at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts in Bethel, New York on September 25. Most recently announced, the band is also set to perform at the legendary New Orleans Jazz Fest on Friday, October 8 and Stagecoach on May 1, 2022.

Joining Chris and Rich in the new BLACK CROWES lineup are Pipien, who played with the band live from 1997 up until the band's hiatus in 2015, along with Brian Griffin on drums, Joel Robinow on keyboards and Isaiah Mitchell on guitar, plus backup singers Mackenzie Adams and Leslie Grant.

Asked what was behind the decision to reform THE BLACK CROWES without founding member/drummer Steve Gorman, who penned 2019's memoir "Hard To Handle: The Life And Death Of The Black Crowes", Rich told to Long Island Weekly: "Steve was one of the incredibly negative and manipulative forces in the band that we really didn't want to deal with. In order to get back, we really had to do this very specific purge where we focus on the two of us and let this be something that will be positive. We can be in charge of our own triggers, but if you have other people around that have an agenda, which a lot of the older people around did, it’s just going to crash and burn. We didn’t look at this as a one-time thing. We want to focus and do it right for ourselves as human beings. For ourselves as brothers. For ourselves as writing and creative partners as well as the other reasons."

In a February 2020 interview with Meltdown of Detroit's WRIF radio station, Gorman said that he was not surprised to see Chris and Rich teaming up with new musicians for a tour. "To me, it's been an inevitability for years," Steve said."I think they both made serious efforts to establish themselves in solo careers that could sustain them, that could provide a living, and I guess that neither one of those really worked out. And so they were always gonna need to be THE BLACK CROWES again. And this tour is an indication of the fact that, to them, they always were THE BLACK CROWES. And to me, THE BLACK CROWES was a band. It wasn't about their band; it was our band. It was six people, or it was five people, or it was four people, depending on the year, but it was always a much greater thing than two brothers who wrote the songs. The success of that band had a lot to do with a lot more than just them, is my point. And the thing that was most special about that band, as I said before, was what six people were able to do when we were on the same page."

Gorman went on to say that he doesn't necessarily fault the Robinson brothers for wanting to keep THE BLACK CROWES brand alive.

"This tour has nothing to do with me — it never did; it never would have," he explained. "THE BLACK CROWES are my past. Now, the music is still around. And if anybody goes to see this tour and decides that they love THE BLACK CROWES now, I think that's fantastic. I'm all for preserving the legacy of the band I was in. I think this tour has nothing to do with that. I think this tour is the two of them needing money. And to that I say — and that's fine. I know what it's like to be concerned about my finances; everybody does. And if you're in your 50s and you can make a living playing music, then, by God, you should be playing music, if that's what you wanna do. So, they're fully within their rights to do it — legally and ethically and morally; whatever. It's fine. It's got nothing to do with me. So, live and let live."

"Shake Your Money Maker" was re-released in multi-formats sets in February through UMe/American Recordings. The album, fueled by singles "Jealous Again", "Twice As Hard", "She Talks To Angels" and a cover of fellow Georgian Otis Redding's "Hard To Handle", has sold over five million copies.

KK'S PRIEST, the new band featuring former JUDAS PRIEST members K.K. Downing (guitar) and Tim "Ripper" Owens (vocals), along with guitarist A.J. Mills (HOSTILE), bassist Tony Newton (VOODOO SIX) and drummer Sean Elg (DEATHRIDERS, CAGE), will release its debut album, "Sermons Of The Sinner", on August 20 via Explorer1 Music Group/EX1 Records. Original KK'S PRIEST drummer Les Binks (ex-JUDAS PRIEST), unfortunately, sustained a wrist injury, but will make special guest live appearances when the band tours.

The third single from "Sermons Of The Sinner", a song called "Brothers Of The Road", is available today and can be streamed below.

The album cover features a mysterious figure robed in a monk's habit, whom Downing slyly states may or may not be him, holding a book of sermons. He says the "sinner" in the title refers to his famous solo in that classic song of the same name and also reflects his sense of alienation from the groundbreaking group that he helped create. "The whole concept is the fact that I continue proudly to be who I am and what I am and do what I do," declares Downing. "It's been nearly 10 years. I'm back making music."

And his disciples are ready to receive his sermons. He's brought a former bandmate along for the ride, and they have unleashed an album with a modern sound that hearkens back to what fans have always loved about Downing and his music and which still sounds fresh. "All of my life, people always wanted an album that we've made in the past," muses Downing. "'What's the new album like? Will it be anything like 'British Steel'? Will it be anything like 'Sad Wings'?' People hoping you're going to make a record that you've already made. So in a way this record just sounds like something that has already been made or should have been be made. It does have a lot of things that are connected to the past. For example, 'Brothers Of The Road'. If you take all the lyrics off and just listen to the music, maybe you could be listening to 'You've Got Another Thing Comin''."

After years of quietly enjoying life away from the rigors of the road and intense studio recording, Downing emerged again on stage in August 2019. From there, the conversation led to Downing performing a few songs with Ross The Boss at Bloodstock Open Air. The performance electrified the crowd and reinvigorated Downing. In November of that year, he put on a show in Wolverhampton, U.K. with Owens, Binks, MEGADETH bassist David Ellefson and HOSTILE guitarist A.J. Mills. Downing had produced two albums for the latter band. Spanning JUDAS PRIEST's catalog, this superb and successful show sent shockwaves throughout the metal world: K.K. was back and the fans were clearly hungry for more.

Rather than simply rely on his past successes and go on the road performing classic JUDAS PRIEST songs, the renowned guitarist did what he has always done — make new music. And songs that fans would want to hear and sing along to in concert. Downing assembled Owens, Mills, Newton and Elg to create "Sermons Of The Sinner", an album that celebrates his classic metal roots and encourages us to cherish those iconic pioneers whom we still have with us. He jokes that KK'S PRIEST is "like a new old band. Or an old new band."

"The ultimate message is we've moved away from this music that we loved for so long and we're so dedicated to, and now we're in a situation where lots of people are actually passing away," explains Downing. "We've lost a lot of great people — [Ronnie James] Dio, Lemmy, I could go on — and that's gonna be accelerated over the coming years. Basically, enjoy everything that's left of this brand of metal including from me. It's not going to last forever."

Downing spent four months writing and recording "Sermons Of The Sinner" and, along with new ideas, he even resurrected a few archived riffs from the '80s. (Can you pick them out?) After partnering with Explorer1 Music Group, the album was originally intended for release a year ago, but with the COVID-19 pandemic curtailing everyone's release and touring plans, Downing pulled back and spent two more months tweaking the album to how he wanted it. The extra time paid off.

High-speed album opener "Hellfire Thunderbolt" offers a fictitious take on how metal arrived before the masses were ready for it, so it gestated in the late '60s before exploding in the '70s and '80s. Rousing rockers like "Raise Your Fists" and "Wild And Free" revel in the passion and excess that metal fans embrace. The guitar interplay is intense and inspiring, and the band is firing on all cylinders.

"The Return Of The Sentinel" is a bold choice to close the album. Not only is it a sequel to the classic track from JUDAS PRIEST's 1984's platinum-selling "Defenders Of The Faith" album, it's a nine-minute epic that doesn't play by the rules. The first half is stirring metal, and the latter half is somber and subdued, which reflects the tale of a being who, once a dispenser of justice and death, now faces his own mortality.

Conversely, KK'S PRIEST is alive and vital. They have plans to tour later this year with some Ripper-era JUDAS PRIEST songs tossed into the mix, and Binks hopes to make appearances at shows.

"Les was able to do the short set at the Steel Mill," says Downing. "But he had a wrist injury after that and wasn't able to do the album. Les wants to jump on the stage and a play a couple of songs, although he is not going to be able to play a full set. He will be our special guest."

Downing is hoping to reach as many headbangers as he can worldwide — from Europe to North and South America. "Sermons Of The Sinner" is a love letter to the music he helped create and evolve and to the devoted followers who have supported it. "I'm talking about the diehard fans that are not going anywhere," says Downing. "They're not certainly going to jump on a different genre of music just because a lot of their heroes are unfortunately passing away. And that sentiment is in this album where we said in the title track, 'time is running out for us, things may never be the same, but the sermons of the sinner center can help us rise again.' Because you never know when the last gig is going to be the last gig, so to speak. I'm pretty optimistic. I'm working on material for the second album."

"Sermons Of The Sinner" track listing:

01. Incarnation

02. Hellfire Thunderbolt

03. Sermons Of The Sinner

04. Sacerdote Y Diablo

05. Raise Your Fists

06. Brothers Of The Road

07. Metal Through And Through

08. Wild And Free

09. Hail For The Priest

10. Return Of The Sentinel

KK'S PRIEST, which pays homage to Downing's past, will play select shows to mark the 50th anniversary of PRIEST and Downing's career as a founding member. KK'S PRIEST's setlist will consist of PRIEST classics and new songs.

Owens joined PRIEST in 1996 and recorded two studio albums with the band — 1997's "Jugulator" and 2001's "Demolition" — before PRIEST reunited with Rob Halford in 2003.

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.

Keyboard legend Tony Kaye will release his debut solo album, "End Of Innocence", on September 10 via Spirit Of Unicorn Music (distributed via Cherry Red Records) to mark the 20th anniversary of 9/11.

Having retired from music in 1996, Kaye was moved by the events of September 11, 2001 to commit his thoughts and feelings to a heartfelt personal musical interpretation.

"End Of Innocence" is a requiem for those who lost their lives and all those touched by the horrific events of 9/11. Primarily orchestral, "End Of Innocence" is a powerful and emotional suite that is both beautiful and sinister, reflecting the dark forces at work that day. It guides the listener through the day and touches on the response, to reach a hope that peace and calm may prevail.

As did many millions, Kaye watched the horrors of 9/11 unfold on his TV screen. "The next day I unpacked my keyboards for the first time in a long time," he recalls. "I didn't know what I was going to do. It was one of those things that happened, inspiration on a musical level."

The suite begins the night before 9/11 but, as Kaye's wife Dani Torchia sings an innocent lullaby, menacing storms are gathering. The beautiful "9/11 Overture" was the first piece Kaye composed, the following day. "I had no recording equipment, just an 8-track cassette recorder and some of those recordings became what you hear now."

Kaye continues to create vivid images of New York City life and a vibrancy around The World Trade Center ("285 Fulton Street") before the terror begins and captures the fears of those on the planes, "Flight 11" depicting the conversations stewardesses had with the tower. The track includes a powerful drum solo by Kaye's friend Jay Schellen (CIRCA, YES) reflecting the struggles onboard.

Following the collapse of the towers, Dani Torchia sings her lament "Sweetest Dreams" and the album looks at the "Aftermath" and the "Heroes" before focusing on the response. "I wanted it, musically, to be about that day," Kaye says, "but I felt compelled to extend it to deal with the repercussions of what happened. Musically, it was quite challenging to do the battle scene and then the 'Hope And Triumph', a patriotic anthem and the consequences of war. 'Ground Zero' is the hope for the future, the rebuilding."

The artwork for the album has been created by Roger Dean, known for his work with YES and ASIA, powerful imagery reflecting the journey the music takes.

"End Of Innocence" track listing:

01. Twinkle Twinkle Little Star/Twilight Time

02. 911 Overture

03. NYC Blues

04. Battle Cry

05. 285 Fulton Street

06. Let's Roll

07. Tug Of War

08. Flight 11

09. Towers Fall

10. Sweetest Dreams

11. Aftermath

12. Heroes

13. The Battle

14. Hope And Triumph

15. Homecoming

16. Ground Zero

Produced by Tony Kaye

All tracks composed by Tony Kaye except "Sweetest Dreams" by Dani Torchia.

Tony Kaye, Spirit Of Unicorn Music and Cherry Red Records are donating 10% of all profits from "End Of Innocence" to Gary Sinise Foundation. The charity supports veterans, defenders and first responders in times of hardship.

Kaye is best known as the original keyboard player with prog legends YES, his Hammond organ giving their groundbreaking "The Yes Album" it's most distinctive sound within the YES catalogue. Following his departure from YES in 1971, Kaye was involved with a number of other bands, including David Bowie, BADGER, FLASH and BADFINGER before returning to YES for their greatest commercial success, "90125", in 1983. Kaye remained with YES for several albums and tours before retiring from the music business in 1996.

Following the re-awakening of his musical inspiration in 2001, Kaye accepted an invitation from current YES bassist Billy Sherwood to work on projects which led to the formation of CIRCA, in 2007, and has yielded four albums to date.

In a new interview with Nikki of the FM99 WNOR radio station, THE PRETTY RECKLESS frontwoman Taylor Momsen was asked if she has given any thought to writing a book at some point. The 27-year-old singer, who was an actress before she became a musician, responded (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "Yeah, it's something that I've actually kind of been working on. Not working on working on, but I would certainly like to — at some point; not now, but later down the line… I just kind of write down stories and things that have happened, 'cause I would like to put out an autobiography at some point, because there's a lot you don't know. [Laughs] I keep a journal of things that I would maybe put in that at some point. But I haven't officially made that jump or whatever… I haven't had the full-on talks with people or anything. Because I don't think the story's complete yet. So, I've gotta wait a little longer… And then you put out one, and the story's still not complete, so you have to put out another one. As long as life's going, it's ongoing."

Momsen started acting at the age of two, though her breakout role came in 2000, at the age of seven, when she played Cindy Lou Who in the live action adaptation of "How The Grinch Stole Christmas", starring Jim Carrey. Seven years later, she rose to fame as Jenny Humphrey in the CW's hit teen drama "Gossip Girl". She ended up leaving the show for good after the fourth season, insisting she was taking a break from Hollywood. She later told various media outlets that she was "not pursuing" acting at all, saying that "it feels like a past life."

THE PRETTY RECKLESS's latest album, "Death By Rock And Roll", was made available in February via Fearless Records in the U.S. and Century Media Records in the rest of the world.

Upon release, "Death By Rock And Roll" topped multiple sales charts — including Billboard's Top Albums, Rock, Hard Music, and Digital Charts. The record also yielded two back-to-back No. 1 singles — "Death By Rock And Roll" and "And So It Went" (featuring Tom Morello). The band has tallied six No. 1 singles at the rock format throughout its career.

"Death By Rock And Roll" is THE PRETTY RECKLESS's first album to be made without longtime producer Kato Khandwala, who died in April 2018 from injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident.

Deeper Graves – the solo project of Jeff Wilson (Chrome Waves, ex-Nachtmystium, ex-Wolvhammer) – has completed its second LP and is finalizing the as-yet-unnamed record for release this fall. The album is being scheduled to coincide with the outfit’s newly confirmed set of tour dates which have just been announced.

Far removed from the metal output he is known for releasing over the past two decades or more, with Deeper Graves, Wilson creates lush soundscapes and slow-paced rock movements that venture further into the realms of his post-punk, shoegaze, and alternative influences, with elements tracing to foundational acts like Bauhaus and Joy Division.

The debut Deeper Graves album, Open Roads, was recorded at Wilson’s Disorder Recordings label headquarters during last year’s Covid lockdowns and released in July 2020. The record saw Wilson handling all writing, instrumentation, production, and more, with guest contributions from Bruce Lamont (Yakuza, Corrections House, Brain Tentacles), actress/musician Darja Vaarsi (California Widow), and composer/musician Chris Brown (Kakophonix).

While the follow-up to the debut is being finalized, Deeper Graves announces the outfit’s first tour dates. The Open Roads tour will originate in Indianapolis on November 5 and will slither across the country in a winding path, ending in Cleveland on December 18. Additional info on the Deeper Graves set, additional acts on the shows, and more will be issued over the weeks ahead alongside details for the act’s new album.

Deeper Graves Open Roads Tour 2021:

November
5 - Black Circle Brewing - Indianapolis, IN
6 - Sanctuary - Detroit, MI
7 - Subterranean - Chicago, IL

December
3 - Black Forge Coffee - Pittsburgh, PA
4 - Mag Bar - Louisville, KY
6 - Lost Lake - Denver, CO
7 - Aces High Saloon - Salt Lake City, UT
8 - Funhouse - Seattle, WA
9 - Hawthorne Lounge - Portland, OR
10 - Elbo Room - Oakland, CA
11 - TBA - San Diego, CA
12 - Supply And Demand - Long Beach, CA
13 - Club Congress - Tucson - AZ
14 - Rebel Lounge - Phoenix, AZ
16 - Whittier Bar - Tulsa, OK
18  - The Foundry - Cleveland, OH

(Photo - Jeff Wilson)




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COHEED AND CAMBRIA has released the official visualizer for its first new single in three years, "Shoulders". Check it out below.

For the last 20 years, COHEED AND CAMBRIA have continuously broken the mould of what a rock band can be, forging their own path and building a universe around their music unlike any other. Whether it is in the way their genre-spanning approach to songwriting has allowed them to bridge worlds without being contained to one, or the multifaceted story arc of their albums and comic book series which mark the longest running concept story in music, COHEED AND CAMBRIA have consistently shaped new standards, never conformed.

"Shoulders" touches on the highs and lows of this journey, and how at times it can be frustrating to be an outsider to trendy circles, but in the end, doing it your own way has the biggest rewards.

COHEED AND CAMBRIA vocalist/guitarist Claudio Sanchez commented on "Shoulders" noting: "In art, in your career, in relationships... no matter how much you give of yourself or try, you have to accept that not everything in life can be a perfect fit."

Earlier this week, Sanchez confirmed to Consequence Of Sound that he and his bandmates have been working on new music during the coronavirus downtime. Regarding what fans can expect, he said: "I'll be honest. A lot of times, with bands who've been around and built a strong fanbase like we have, I think there might be a tendency, intentionally or unintentionally, to try to give the fans what they want and not take too many risks. But after making music for so long and entering a pandemic, we didn't want limitations to the creative process. The [next] record is going to be what I hope people perceive this band to be in 2021/2022."

He added: "It's a modern record. It's a COHEED AND CAMBRIA record, but it's looking forward, not backwards."

As for what is influencing COHEED AND CAMBRIA's new music, Claudio said: "I think the biggest influence of the record is my son and navigating parenthood within this strange new world we all found ourselves in."

It's been over two years since COHEED AND CAMBRIA's 2018 album, "Vaxis I: The Unheavenly Creatures", was released as the band's "return to concept" album. After stepping away with a more introspective album in 2015, Sanchez and the band returned to the sci-fi universe of "The Amory Wars" in what was said to be the first of a five-part series of albums. With 2021 upon us, and a major summer tour now announced, the volume of fans' chatter for "Vaxis 2" and what and when that will entail are loading up the band's social media pages.

COHEED AND CAMBRIA is a rare band whose music can transcend "scenes" and effortlessly cross genres of rock — from indie to progressive, to metal and pop-punk to classic rock. The band is frequently compared to progressive, operatic rock bands of the '70s, ala QUEEN, SUPERTRAMP or RUSH, due to their thrilling concept albums that take you on a grand journey of sounds and often clock-in around 110 mins, but still somehow include sugary pop-laden hooks.

COHEED AND CAMBRIA will embark on a co-headlining tour with THE USED in August. Support one the trek will come from MEET ME @ THE ALTAR.

KORN guitarist Brian "Head" Welch spoke to Tommy Carroll from 97.9 GRD about the curent status of the band's bassist, Reginald "Fieldy" Arvizu. Fieldy announced last month that he would sit out KORN's current tour in order to "heal" after "falling back" on some of his "bad habits."

Speaking last Friday (July 16) at the Upheaval festival in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Welch said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "Fieldy is good, man. He's at home, and he's with his kids. I wanna say that Fieldy's a good dad. He's a good dude, and he has his life structured. The bad habits he talked about in the press — everyone has their issues in life. But those he'll work on in his own way. But that dude is — I look up to him as a dad, actually. He's had five kids. He always says, 'I've got two thousand kids,' 'cause it feels like it some days. But he's a good dad. He's gone through a lot, man, personally, and he just needs some time off to reflect on himself and his family. That's it."

Welch went on to say that everybody in the KORN camp is still on good terms with Fieldy and they are all looking forward to him returning to the band in the not-too-distant future.

"Dude, no judgment at all to anyone," he said. "I was the worst with addiction. So, it's nothing like that. It's all good vibes. There's no negative vibes as far as no hard feelings on either side. So it's all good, man.

"I think [Fieldy] and Jonathan [Davis, vocals] and Munky [James Shaffer, guitar] have gone 26 years with hardly any breaks, man — with a record cycle and a tour. I got eight years off, so I'm rested. And I come back. I'm hopefully looking at Fieldy like he's just gonna take a break, man, and get recharged. So we'll see."

Regarding how KORN ended up recruiting Roberto "Ra" Díaz (SUICIDAL TENDENCIES) to fill in for Fieldy, Welch said: "Well, there's COVID and everything, so when we started talking about it, it was a thing where we wanted to be careful still and whatnot. 'Cause it was a couple, a few months ago or whatever. So we just started brainstorming and hitting up friends and whatnot. We need the slap — we need the slap bass, we need the finger playing, we need someone, 'cause Fieldy is unique — very unique. So it just kind of happened that way, man, where Ra, he was open because SUICIDAL is not going out until next year. I think Mike Muir has a back surgery or something this year. So it just worked out, man. He came down, we jammed. He's a really humble guy, and just very talented. He can play anything — from jazz to slap to anything. He played all the songs with, like, three mistakes out of 10 songs or something — little mistakes. I mean, not even mistakes — it was just, like, 'I thought I heard it that way.' They weren't even mistakes. So we were, like, 'Okay. You got it down.'"

On June 21, Fieldy broke the news of his absence from the trek, writing in a social media update: "To all KORN fans worldwide. The past 6 years I've been dealing with some personal issues that at times have caused me to fall back on some of my bad habits and has caused some tension with the people around me. It's been suggested to me to take some time off to heal. I'm going to respect what was asked of me and take that time. Unfortunately you will not see me on stage with my band. I will be working towards getting the bad habits out of my system. In the meantime I will be staying creative to keep my mind & soul in a good place.

"I'm thankful for all of your support, patience & understanding as we all have something that we deal with.

"Jonathan, Munky, Ray and Head, I love you and I don't want to bring any tension or bad vibes to the circle."

A short time later, KORN's official social media shared Fieldy's statement, along with the following message: "We love and support our brother, Fieldy. Health and family always comes first."

In May, KORN announced a U.S. summer tour featuring special guests STAIND on all dates. Produced by Live Nation, the coast-to-coast 28-city outing will kick off August 5 in West Palm Beach, Florida and make stops in Long Island, Detroit, Irvine, Phoenix, Austin and more, before wrapping up with a performance at Dallas' Dos Equis Pavilion on September 21. Furthermore, both bands will perform at Louisville, Kentucky's Louder Than Life festival on September 23.

Back in 2017, METALLICA bassist Robert Trujillo's then-12-year-old son Tye Trujillo filled in on bass for KORN's South American tour after Fieldy was unable to make the shows due to "unforeseen circumstances."

Fieldy's 2009 memoir, "Got The Life: My Journey Of Addiction, Faith, Recovery And Korn", detailed his struggles with drug and alcohol addiction during KORN's early years and how he became a born-again Christian to help get his life together and get sober.

Fieldy's STILLWELL side project released its third album, "Supernatural Miracle", last September.

KORN's latest LP, "The Nothing", arrived in September 2019 via Roadrunner/Elektra. The follow-up to 2016's "The Serenity Of Suffering" was once again produced by Nick Raskulinecz.

During an appearance on the latest episode of the "In The Trenches with Ryan Roxie" video podcast, SKID ROW bassist Rachel Bolan discussed the recent passing of CINDERELLA guitarist Jeff LaBar. Jeff was found dead by his wife, Debinique Salazar-LaBar, on July 14 inside his apartment in Nashville. He was 58 years old.

"The first few times I saw CINDERELLA was at a club called the Galaxy, a little bar in New Jersey, and he wasn't even in the band yet," Rachel said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET. "And then eventually there was changes [in the lineup] made, and then Jeff was in the band. And the whole makeup and the energy on stage. Eric [Brittingham, bass] and Tom [Keifer, guitar/vocals] were there from the beginning, and they had their thing. But, man, when Jeff joined the band, it just took on a whole new energy. And the playing was, obviously, different; he had a different style. And just his stage presence, man — it was really cool. And then eventually getting to know him, just from the few shows we did together."

He continued: "I think both of [SKID ROW and CINDERELLA] were in Japan at the same time for our first tours [there], and we were kind of crisscrossing, and they came out to a show. He was always just a really genuine guy and, obviously, a very good player. He actually filled in for Snake [SKID ROW guitarist Dave Sabo]. Snake had an issue with his arm. It wasn't carpal tunnel, but it was kind of like carpal tunnel; I'm not sure exactly what it was called. But he was, like, 'Dude, I can't even pick. I can't even hold on to a pick.' So we called Jeff and he came in and filled in for two shows. And it was fun — road dog stories. It was great."

Bolan added: "Yeah, he's gonna be missed, man. Everybody was sad to hear about that."

LaBar joined CINDERELLA in time to record the band's debut album, 1986's "Night Songs", which peaked at position No. 3 on the Billboard 200 chart and was eventually certified triple platinum. It included CINDERELLA's biggest hit, "Nobody's Fool", which reached No. 13 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. CINDERELLA's second album, 1988's "Long Cold Winter", was also certified triple platinum. The band's third LP, 1990's "Heartbreak Station", went platinum before the rise of the grunge movement effectively killed glam and hair metal, resulting in drastically lower sales for the band's final release, 1994's "Still Climbing".

LaBar released a solo album, "One For The Road", in 2014.

Cruzh are back with a new vocalist, Alex Waghorn, and a new album, Tropical Thunder, out on August. Waghorn was first introduced to Cruzh fans in 2019 with the release of an acoustic version of the song “Aim For The Head”. Now, Waghorn, along with Dennis Butabi Borg, Anton Joensson, and Matt Silver, are at long last ready to unleash the band’s long-awaited second album.

Melodic rock fans will not be disappointed with the cavalcade of melodies, hooks, and catchy songs on display on Tropical Thunder. Watch a lyric video for the title track below, and pre-order/pre-save the album here.

Cruzh was put together after the demise of Swedish glam rockers TrashQueen, in which both Anton Joensson and Dennis Butabi Borg played. They shared a love for melodic rock and AOR and joined forces with Tony Andersson, who previously worked as a studio musician on the never released TrashQueen record.

In March 2013, Cruzh was officially announced. An image of the silhouette of the three band members, the debut song "In A Blink Of An Eye," information that the band was Swedish, and the text "Get ready for the Cruzh" was all that was revealed. The song quickly spread and in May of that year came the sequel, "Stay". Meanwhile, the band, still ‘incognito’, shared various clues on social media regarding their identity and location. In the fall of 2013, Cruzh “unmasked” and released the Hard To Get EP, the first of two very well-received self-produced demos.

Hard To Get and its successor, the darker Aim For The Head got great reviews and by late spring of 2015, just when Cruzh was about to release a new EP, they were approached by Frontiers Music Srl who wanted to sign the band to a deal. Cruzh started the album recording process by the end of summer 2015 and their self-titled debut was released in 2016 to rave reviews from the melodic rock community.

After introducing new vocalist Alex Waghorn to the public via an acoustic version of their track “Aim For The Head” in 2019, the band spent 2020 working on their second album, Tropical Thunder. Now, in 2021, the long wait for a follow-up album from Cruzh is over.

Tracklisting:

“Tropical Thunder”
“We Go Together”
“Turn Back Time”
“Are You Ready?”
“Cady”
“New York Nights”
“All You Need”
“Line In The Sand”
“Moonshine Bayou”
“Paralyzed”
“R.J.C.”

“Tropical Thunder” lyric video:

“Turn Back Time”:




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Robert Plant played his first pandemic-era concert, appearing with his band SAVING GRACE on Monday (July 19) in Worthington, England. Joining the former LED ZEPPELIN lead singer on stage were vocalist Suzy Dian, mandolinist and guitar player Tony Kelsey, banjo and guitar player Matt Worley, and percussionist Oli Jefferson. Fan-filmed video footage of the show can be seen below.

SAVING GRACE made its debut in early 2019 with a series of surprise gigs in small venues across England, Wales, and Ireland and later, a trio of U.K. dates supporting FAIRPORT CONVENTION. The intimate performances saw the band drawing from a repertoire of "music inspired by the dreamscape of the Welsh Marches," songs that span Plant's diverse tastes and influences, notably his lifelong passion for British and American folk, spirituals, and traditional blues, including a number of beloved standards and longtime favorites by Doc Watson, Donovan, Moby Grape and Low, among others.

Two months ago, Plant launched the fourth season of his hugely popular podcast, "Digging Deep: The Robert Plant Podcast".

Last October, Plant released "Digging Deep: Subterranea", a journey through his solo recordings, from "Pictures At Eleven" in 1982 through to three previously unreleased, exclusive tracks.

Plant has spent the last two decades exploring different sounds, from "Raising Sand" to 2017's world music-influenced "Carry Fire".

In a new interview with "The Chuck Shute Podcast", TWISTED SISTER frontman Dee Snider, who was famously called to testify before the U.S. Senate against the proposition to have warning labels be placed on albums deemed "offensive" to listeners, once again spoke about the rise of political correctness in the social media era. Asked for his opinion of the current state of "censorship," including the cancel culture, which is the idea that someone, usually a celebrity or a public figure, whose ideas or comments are considered offensive should be boycotted, Dee said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "Censorship has always existed. People have gotta understand that. It's never gone away. The first time somebody said or did something, somebody else said, 'You can't do that.' Trust me. Throughout time, creatives, artists — people that push back on censorship and try to push the boundaries — and the people who were behind censorship used to be very puritanical; they would give an inch and they'd go, 'You can't go here,' and then the creatives kept pushing, kept pushing, kept pushing. That's our job, as creatives, is to push, and the censors, their job, apparently, is to push back. And they keep drawing lines and we keep stepping over the line. It goes on and on and on and on. The odd thing is the censorship never went away. The pendulum has swung, and it's gone from being a right wing conservative, puritanical thing to a liberal, hypersensitive social consciousness. And not that I'm not. And you can't say that because that hurts a feeling. This makes people feel put upon, and this is insulting. It's coming very much from the left now, which is very odd… In an effort to be kinder and gentler, we've become just [makes puking sound]. So, it never went away. The odd change is that it's coming more from the left than it is from the right now."

Last year, Dee told Canada's The Metal Voice that a movie like "Blazing Saddles", the 1974 American satirical Western black comedy film directed by Mel Brooks "could not be made today — it literally could not be made, because it would offend too many people.

"I remember seeing that movie the first time in a theater full of African-Americans in a black neighborhood in a black theater; me and my brother were the only two white people," he continued. "And I was laughing my ass off. And my friend said, 'Stop laughing. We're gonna get our asses kicked.' And I looked around the theater, and everybody was laughing. I said, 'Everybody's laughing.' It's funny. Funny is funny.

"It's odd, because conservatism was ultra-right back in the '80s. Now it's shifted toward the left, where you've got the liberals saying, 'Oh, you can't say that, and you can't say that, and you can't say that.'

"So, yeah, [censorship] still around, it's still an issue. But we've just gotta continue to push back and fight."

In 1985, the Parents' Music Resource Center (PMRC), led by Tipper Gore, was trying to introduce a parental warning system that would label all albums containing "offensive material." The system was to include letters identifying the type of objectionable content to be found in each album (e.g. O for occult themes, S for sex, D for drugs, V for violence, etc.), which resulted in the "Parental Advisory" sticker now found on new album releases with "questionable content." The incongruous trio of Snider, Frank Zappa and John Denver were called before Congress to testify in defense of music.

In 2015, Snider wrote an Op-Ed story for HuffingtonPost.com about his experience, saying: "Thirty years later, everything and nothing has changed. The ultra-conservatives still want to dictate to the masses what they deem acceptable for the general public to see and hear. The record industry is a mere shadow of its former self (apt punishment for its cowardice), and CDs and vinyl albums have almost become 'novelties’ in a world driven by downloads. Yet, the warning labels still adorn individual track listings and albums online.

"While initially my appearance at those Senate hearings was damaging to my career and reputation, long term it was beneficial, showing people for the first time that I was much more than a screaming 'Raggedy Ann on acid' and a fairly intelligent, sentient human being. Fortunately, I have gone on to better things."

TWISTED SISTER called it quits in 2016 after completing a farewell 40th-anniversary tour.

"Metallica: The $24.95 Book" will be released on August 15 via Backbeat Books, an imprint of Rowman & Littlefield.

With more than 125 million records sold worldwide, METALLICA is the biggest metal band of all time. Four decades into their unparalleled career, METALLICA is a massive cultural force which drastically changed the sound of popular music by creating its own rules. Yet for all their popularity, METALLICA can seem impenetrable, raising more questions and inspiring more discourse as their mythos grows. They're rarely given the kind of literary appreciation and analysis usually saved for the biggest rock artists, until now.

"Metallica: The $24.95 Book" looks at METALLICA's cultural significance, with chapters devoted to each member, each album, touring, fashion, books, film, influences, fandom, history, and more, exploring the band's ideologies along the way. "

I wanted it to it to be more than a fact book, and not just something people could just look up on the Internet," says author Ben Apatoff, a writing teacher and music journalist. The result is the most complete METALLICA book to date, covering their career through 2021 and the first METALLICA book written with access to the band's box set materials. Compiled from years of exhaustive research and decades of fandom, and including previously unpublished photos, a foreword by Laina Dawes, the author of acclaimed 2013 memoir "What Are You Doing Here?: A Black Woman's Life And Liberation In Heavy Metal", new transcriptions of video interviews and magazine quotes previously unavailable on the Internet, "Metallica: The $24.95 Book" finally gives METALLICA the thorough biography and analysis the band deserves, providing an in-depth look at the band and their music that both die-hard fans and newcomers can enjoy.

Apatoff is a New York writer and educator whose work has appeared in Metal Injection, MetalSucks and the Morbid Anatomy Museum. He was born the summer METALLICA released "Kill 'Em All".

Chester Bennington's widow has paid tribute to the late LINKIN PARK singer on the fourth anniversary of his death.

Earlier today, Talinda Bennington took to her Twitter to share a photo of Chester with a "lettuce cup" on his head, and she included the following message: "You always had a way to make us all laugh. You always made everything better. And when you put this lettuce cup on your head to make us laugh because our food was taking forever, you made everything better once again.

"I'm so glad that the kids and I have vast amounts of pictures and videos to remember you by. We miss you every second of every day. You were the best person I have ever known. I see you in our babies every day. Lily is your mini me, with her looks and beautiful voice. Tyler has your wit, intellect, looks, and the same obsession for trying to figure out space and time. And Lila, she has your heart of gold.

"When they were newborns, you wrote your hopes and dreams for them. God must have seen what you wrote because they are truly everything you wished for them to be.

"I know you can see them. I would give anything to have you back so they could see you. But that's why we have our entire life together on home videos. I'm glad I never stopped recording. Today we will watch some of them and remember how fucking amazing you were.

"I love you. R.I.P."

Chester was found dead on July 20, 2017 — on what would have been the 53rd birthday of his late friend and fellow rocker, SOUNDGARDEN frontman Chris Cornell.

After Cornell died in May 2017 as a result of suicide by hanging himself inside his Detroit hotel room, Chester wrote a letter thanking him for inspiring him and hoping he would find peace in "the next life."

Chester married Talinda shortly after his divorce from his first wife, Samantha Marie Olit.

In the first few months since her husband's death, Talinda had used the hashtags #FuckDepression and #MakeChesterProud to grow an online community that is there to support people with depression, and people who have been impacted by a loved one's depression or suicide.




You always had a way to make us all laugh. You always made everything better. And when you put this lettuce cup on your head to make us laugh because our food was taking forever, you made everything better once again. I’m so glad that the kids and I have vast amounts of pictures pic.twitter.com/GPeCW8fOmx

— Talinda Bennington (@TalindaB) July 20, 2021








and videos to remember you by. We miss you every second of every day. You were the best person I have ever known. I see you in our babies every day. Lily is your mini me, with her looks and beautiful voice. Tyler has your wit, intellect, looks, and the same obsession for trying

— Talinda Bennington (@TalindaB) July 20, 2021








to figure out space and time. And Lila, she has your heart of gold. When they were newborns, you wrote your hopes and dreams for them. God must have seen what you wrote because they are truly everything you wished for them to be. I know you can see them. I would give anything to

— Talinda Bennington (@TalindaB) July 20, 2021








have you back so they could see you. But that’s why we have our entire life together on home videos. I’m glad I never stopped recording. Today we will watch some of them and remember how fucking amazing you were. I love you.

R.I.P.

— Talinda Bennington (@TalindaB) July 20, 2021

Fan-filmed video footage of PHILIP H. ANSELMO AND THE ILLEGALS performing their "A Vulgar Display Of Pantera" set at this year's Rock Fest on July 16 in Cadott, Wisconsin can be seen below (courtesy of Concert Mania).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Former FOREIGNER singer Lou Gramm claims that he was unfairly "aced out" of songwriting credits for the band's smash hit song "I Want To Know What Love Is". The power ballad, which is credited solely to FOREIGNER's founding guitarist Mick Jones was, released in November 1984 as the lead single from the group's fifth album, "Agent Provocateur".

Gramm discussed his supposed lack of contribution to the track during a brand new interview with "The Jeremy White Podcast". He said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "As much as I worked my tail off on 'I Want To Know What Love Is', and I think I had a strong presence on that album and was contributing ideas to the arrangement too, I got zero credit on that song. The song was No. 1 around the world, and the reality is [Mick] made a hundred percent of the song royalties. I was aced out of that completely."

Gramm went on to say that "Mick was very fair" with regard to splitting songwriting credits in the early years of FOREIGNER. "No matter who contributed what, between him and I, it was 50-50 or 60-40, but it was always 50-50 or close to 50-50," he said. "When 'Waiting For A Girl [Like You]' came out [in 1981], it was 75-25. And then when 'I Want To Know What Love Is' came out, he offered me 95-5, and I said, 'I don't want five.' So he kept a hundred."

"After 'I Want To Know What Love Is', then he came out with 'I Don't Want To Live Without You' [on 1987's 'Inside Information' album]," he continued. "That was completely done by him. I didn't wanna even partake in that. Then he started writing songs completely and showing them to me; he just wanted me to sing 'em. No input on lyrics or melody or anything — he came to me with complete songs that he had written and just wanted me to sing 'em."

Asked by White if Jones's "ego" was to blame for the shift in the songwriting approach, Gramm said: "You can call it that… I always wanted it [to be a] collaborative [effort], but after a certain point, he got caught up with what he was doing and didn't want input."

Gramm was the voice on FOREIGNER's biggest hits, including "Feels Like The First Time" and "Cold As Ice" from the band's eponymous debut in 1977, and later songs like "Hot Blooded" and "I Want to Know What Love Is".

The 71-year-old Gramm left FOREIGNER for good in 2002 and has battled health issues in recent years, including the removal of a non-cancerous tumor. He told the Democrat & Chronicle in 2018 that he was planning to retire, but still reunited with FOREIGNER for several shows that year to celebrate the band's 40th anniversary.

FOREIGNER replaced Gramm with Kelly Hansen in 2005. Jones, the only remaining original member of FOREIGNER, suffered from some health issues beginning in 2011, eventually resulting in heart surgery in 2012.

Gramm and Jones's June 2013 performance of "I Want To Know What Love Is" and "Juke Box Hero" at the Songwriters Hall Of Fame in New York City marked the first time the pair performed together in a decade after Gramm left FOREIGNER for a second time. Hansen has fronted the group for the past 16 years.

RUSH guitarist Alex Lifeson spoke to Andertons Music Co about the music he has been working on since the completion of the band's final tour nearly six years ago. He said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "I have two tracks on my web site that were in the video [to promote the release of the new Alex Lifeson Epiphone Les Paul Standard Axcess guitar] — 'Kabul Blues' and 'Spy House', they're called. So that's a little indication of some of the stuff I've been doing in the last four or five years. Currently, I've been working with Andy Curran [of CONEY HATCH] on some material. He sent me some stuff that he was working on — boy, it's gotta be four years [ago] now — and he just asked if I would put some guitars on it for him, which I did do. And then another track came. And then he changed singers. And Maiah Wynne is the current singer in this project. She's from Portland, Oregon — a fantastic voice; a great singer with great sensibilities. And the project just started growing and growing. And then I found that I was replacing parts that I did earlier because they were just sort of casual little guitar bits into something more substantial. And now we have about 10 or 11 songs that we have in album format that we're mixing right now. And hopefully we'll have something to listen to in the late summer [or] early fall of this year. I'm really excited about it. 'Cause her voice is very fragile and delicate in a lot of ways, and that contrasting with the heavy, dark music that we put together, it's a really, really cool combination and I really love the stuff."

Asked if the project, which is tentatively dubbed ENVY OF NONE, will do any touring once the album is released, Alex said: "[It's] too early to say, especially after the pandemic. We're just starting to get back into that whole thing. Right now we're focused on doing the mixes and getting it sounding the way we want it to and see what we can do in terms of distribution. And then we'll see."

Lifeson previously collaborated with Wynne on her 2019 solo single called "Fearless Girl", which featured Alex and the Portland Cello Project. Wynne also laid down vocals on a May 2019 collaboration between multi-instrumentalist Marco Minnemann and Lifeson titled "Lovers Calling".

RUSH drummer Neil Peart died in January 2020 in Santa Monica, California after a three-year battle with glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer. He was 67 years old.

RUSH's final show took place at the Forum in Los Angeles on August 1, 2015. Peart indicated at the time that he wanted to retire while he was still able to play well, along with a desire to spend more time at home with his young daughter.

Lifeson and bassist/vocalist Geddy Lee have repeatedly said that RUSH will never do a show unless all three musicians agree to take part. They haven't performed as RUSH without Peart since he joined the band in 1974.

Reunited San Francisco Bay Area thrashers VIO-LENCE will release a new EP, "Let The World Burn", in early 2022 via Metal Blade Records. The effort was recorded at Trident Studios in Pacheco, California with producer Juan Urteaga, who has previously worked with TESTAMENT, MACHINE HEAD and EXODUS, among many others. Mixing duties were handled by Tue Madsen.

Singer Sean Killian told Ireland's Overdrive about the decision to make the EP: "It was after [a] show [we played with SACRED REICH] in Arizona when Phil [Demmel, guitar] and I really started to talk about it because we're the guys that wrote 'Eternal Nightmare'. We talked about who would be involved and made the decision that if we do this, we've gotta be sharp, you know? We have to be tight, on it, spending time in the studio and really putting in 100%. It took some time — about eight months or so — to get things up and running with regards to schedules, but when it began to take shape, and we were vibing off each other in the studio, writing new songs, and lyrics, etc., everything felt really natural from start to finish. The album is currently in the mixing stages, and we're really happy with the way it all came out."

Regarding the recording process, Killian said: "[Urteaga] was really digging deep with all of us in order to get the best out of us. Like I'd be doing my vocal lines and he's in the booth saying, 'Come on, man. I know you can do better than that. You've gotta get more aggro. I want to you sound like you're about to kill somebody!' [Laughs] Also when we were doing the drums, we were all saying to Perry [Strickland, drums], 'That sounds great.' He [Juan] was, like, 'No, it doesn't. You can do better. C'mon. Dig deep.' He really pushed Perry a lot. [Laughs]"

In August 2020, VIO-LENCE released a new digital single, "California Über Alles", a cover version of the DEAD KENNEDYS classic. The band also filmed a music video for the song with director Scott Kirkeeng.

In January 2020, VIO-LENCE parted ways with guitarist Ray Vegas and replaced him with Bobby Gustafson (ex-OVERKILL). The band's current lineup also includes bassist Christian Olde Wolbers (ex-FEAR FACTORY).

VIO-LENCE released three studio albums between 1988 and 1993. The group reunited soon after Demmel left MACHINE HEAD in late 2018.

The band performed its first comeback concert in April 2019 at the Oakland Metro in Oakland, California and spent most of the ensuing months playing select shows in the U.S. and Europe.

Although MACHINE HEAD frontman Robb Flynn was part of VIO-LENCE's classic incarnation and played on the band's debut album, "Eternal Nightmare", he wasn't approached about taking part in any of the comeback shows.

Killian underwent a successful liver transplant surgery in March 2018. The year before, Killian was diagnosed with stage four liver cirrhosis, which was caused in part by a genetic condition called hemochromatosis.

VIO-LENCE's last album, "Nothing To Gain", was recorded in August 1990, but wasn't released until 1993.

VIO-LENCE 2021 is:

Sean Killian - vocals

Perry Strickland - drums

Christian Olde Wolbers - bass

Bobby Gustafson - guitar

Phil Demmel - guitar

Photo credit: Harold O.

THE OFFSPRING has uploaded video of the band's short performance at SIR Studios in Los Angeles. The three-song includes the title track of THE OFFSPRING's latest album, "Let The Bad Times Roll", along with "Self-Esteem" and "You're Gonna Go Far, Kid". Check it out below.

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

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

Speaking about the long gap between "Let The Bad Times Roll" and the previous OFFSPRING album, Noodles told the 100.3 The X Rocks radio station: "We've been working on it for a while. Really, about two or three years ago, everything started really kind of clicking, and we had a really creative period — then and since, actually. We were hoping to have the record done probably five years ago, ultimately, and it just took longer to make something that we really felt was strong and representative of the band in the best light."

Added Dexter: "I think that's it. It had to feel right before we wanted to put it out. We're not really under a deadline. We didn't even have a label, actually — we were sort of floating out there. So it was a good time to just take our time and make the right record."

Asked how hard it was for them to sit on those songs for so long without being able to share them with their fans, Dexter said: "There really is this feeling, when you have something that you're really happy with… 'Cause sometimes you go through a bunch of stuff that, 'Oh, this song needs work. This needs work.' When you have something that's clicking, you're, like, 'Oh, man. I can't wait to get this out.' But you just kind of have to sit on it for a while. I mean, we basically sat on this since the pandemic started, 'cause we kind of thought, 'This is probably not the best time to release a record, 'cause we can't go out and tour, we can't promote it, can't be there to play it for the people,' so we've kind of been sitting on it for the better part of a year. Although we kept on going back and tweaking it, and it actually got better over that year. But we decided, well, we can't wait forever if we're gonna put this out."

Regarding the inspiration for the "Let The Bad Times Roll" album title, Dexter told HardDrive Radio: "We had a song two albums ago [on 2008's 'Rise And Fall, Rage And Grace'] called 'Shit Is Fucked Up'. We wrote that 'cause we thought how terrible things were in the world back then. But it actually got worse. So we had to come up with a new title, 'Let The Bad Times Roll'.

"You can apply it to a lot of things," he explained. "I mean, we're not a political band. Some people would apply it to the last administration. Some people would apply it to things that are going on today, or just how messed up everything is, trying to fix our pandemic and all that kind of stuff."

Added Noodles: "But really, it's not just an American-centric thing either, cause you're seeing stuff happening around the world. There's unrest happening literally everywhere — on all continents. You're seeing unrest, and then you're also seeing anti-democratic forces kind of taking power in some places, in which case causes more unrest. So, yeah, the whole world is a little bit of a scary place right now."

Dexter continued: "That's right. Climate change, climate deniers, vaccine, anti-vaxxers — whatever you want, it's out there."

METALLICA's Kirk Hammett and Robert Trujillo joined Los Angeles jazz master Kamasi Washington on stage last night (Sunday, July 18) at the Hollywood Bowl in Hollywood, California to perform the band's song "My Friend Of Misery". Fan-filmed video footage of their appearance can be seen below.

Washington's cover version of "My Friend Of Misery" is one of more than 50 songs which are included on METALLICA's massive new covers compilation called "The Metallica Blacklist", which features artists' takes on "Black Album" songs.

To commemorate the 30th anniversary of METALLICA's self-titled album, the Grammy-winning, 16-times-platinum-certified LP is receiving its definitive re-release on September 10 via the band's own Blackened Recordings. Remastered for ultimate sound quality, The Black Album remaster will be available in multiple configurations including 180-gram double vinyl LP, standard CD and 3 CD expanded edition, digital, and limited-edition deluxe box set (containing the album remastered on 180-gram 2LP, a picture disc, three live LPs, 14 CDs (containing rough mixes, demos, interviews, live shows), 6 DVDs (containing outtakes, behind the scenes, official videos, live shows), a 120-page hardcover book, four tour laminates, three lithos, three guitar picks, a METALLICA lanyard, a folder with lyric sheets, and a download card).

Much more than a mere tribute album, "The Metallica Blacklist" celebrates the enduring influence of this musical milestone with one of the most ambitious projects ever conceived by the METALLICA team: An unprecedented 53 artists spanning an unbelievably vast range of genres, generations, cultures, continents and more, each contributing a unique interpretation of their favorite Black Album cut.

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

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

"The Metallica Blacklist" will be available in formats including digital, four-CD and a limited-edition seven-LP vinyl pressing. Pre-orders will instantly receive multi-platinum selling recording artist, songwriter, philanthropist and trailblazer Miley Cyrus's version of "Nothing Else Matters" featuring Andrew Watt, Elton John, Yo-Yo Ma, Robert Trujillo and Chad Smith, and Colombian-born rock/pop superstar, and winner of 20+ Grammy and Latin Music Grammy Awards Juanes's interpretation of "Enter Sandman".

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

BLACK VEIL BRIDES and Incendium have announced the launch of "The Phantom Tomorrow", a six-issue comic book series expanding upon their upcoming album of the same name. Published under Incendium's music-focused OPUS imprint, the story was conceptualized by BLACK VEIL BRIDES founder Andy Biersack, written by Michael Moreci ("Stranger Things", "Batman: Detective Comics"), with illustrations by Augustin Padilla ("Dungeons & Dragons", "Borderlands") and cover artwork by Ryan Christensen.

"The Phantom Tomorrow" is a series that follows Dennis Kane, a scientist with an intellect matched only by his massive ego. When his hubris causes the world falls apart around him, a dark avenger is born of his agonizing shame. Resurrected as "Blackbird" — a mysterious figure caught between life and death — he desperately seeks redemption, willing to fight through hell and back to get it. The Blackbird's quest becomes is a beacon of hope to the downtrodden, and their uprising is coming.

Said Biersack: "We are so excited to release this series and build on the world that we have developed for Blackbird, 9, Scarlet, and the entire 'Phantom Tomorrow' universe that BVB fans have come to know over the past year via our music videos and other visual mediums. Growing up, I was heavily influenced by the works of Alan Moore, Todd McFarlane, and many other iconic writers and artists in the comics field and to have the chance to create and develop an original character that both pulls from those influences as well as creates new and compelling story arcs is a dream come true. I believe that in Michael Moreci we have found the perfect writer and collaborator and the partnership with Incendium is an ideal match to deliver rock and comics fans a memorable character-driven experience. We believe this book will serve as an excellent companion to our upcoming album and helps us to fully tell the story of 'The Phantom Tomorrow'."

Added Llexi Leon, CEO of Incendium: "BLACK VEIL BRIDES' 'Phantom Tomorrow' was destined for comics, with it's distinctive noir feel and a thrilling homage to the great comic book anti-heroes, we're thrilled to be developing the world Andy has envisaged and exploring themes of obsession, religion, and hero worship through this compelling original saga."

"Black Veil Brides: The Phantom Tomorrow" as a six-issue series. The first print edition of each issue will be released as a prestige format limited-edition collectible comic book, featuring cardstock covers, specialty foil treatments, glossy pages, and individual numbering.

Due to ship in October, the first print edition features:

- Limited to 2000 copies

- Individually numbered

- Exclusive bonus content

- Specialty foil treatment

- Cardstock cover

- Glossy pages

- 48 pages

Credits:

Cover artwork by Ryan Christensen

Interior artwork by Agustin Padilla

Story by Andy Biersack

Written by Michael Moreci

Letters by Jacob Bascle

Edited by Llexi Leon and Denton Tipton

Committed to uncompromising expression, with a foundation in hard rock tradition and rule-breaking iconoclasm, BLACK VEIL BRIDES is a transcendent celebration of life-affirming power and anthemic catharsis. A gothic vision first summoned in a smalltown by an isolated kid fascinated with death, rock, theatricality, and monsters (both real and imagined), BLACK VEIL BRIDES is now a postmodern heavy metal institution with a legion of like-minded fans and supporters worldwide. A new chapter in the band's ever-evolving story arrives with "The Phantom Tomorrow", an ambitious sixth album pushing the music of BLACK VEIL BRIDES forward without sacrificing their beloved signature sound. Built around a thematically rich story, written by singer Andy Biersack, "The Phantom Tomorrow" combines imaginative worldbuilding with unrelentingly catchy and melodic bombast.

"Death By A Thousand Licks", the first single from George Lynch's upcoming solo album, "Seamless", can be streamed below. Due on August 20 via Rat Pak Records, the LP features nine brand new tracks and three bonus tracks from Lynch, who is backed by drummer Jimmy D'Anda and bassist Eric Loiselle on the album. "Seamless" is produced by Lynch and is now available for pre-order in various configurations here.

George opens "Death By A Thousand Licks" with firecracker guitar licks that seem to emanate from another galaxy. With drum and bass then quickly entering the fold, George takes the listener speeding down a sonic highway full of guitar tricks and acrobatics, arguably packing more licks than the song title suggests.

"'Death By A Thousand Licks' was the last piece I wrote for 'Seamless'," George says. "I decided to do something that was maniacal and shooting from the hip, completely improvised. It isn't really intended to be a fully developed composition but more of a vehicle for solo insanity. I think at least half of what I played is in the right key."

From the driving guitar riff of album opener "Quiver" to the haunting outro of album closer "Falling Apart", it is clear George Lynch was looking to explore his writing and love for the guitar. Songs like "Cola", "Sharks With Laser Beams" and "Supersonic Hypnotic Groove Thing" explore the various musical styles George likes to play while giving him room to experiment with new sounds alongside his signature tone. The album on all formats includes three bonus tracks that were added to the album after the extra tracks were presented to the label. "Blue Light Effect", "House Of Eternal Return" and "The Weight" also show the musical diversity that only George Lynch as a trio can create.

Lynch previously said: "'Seamless' is my attempt at creating a guitar-driven instrumental record that delivers something outside the realm of what most people would expect from a guitar instrumental record coming from a semi-redeemed '80s hair shredder . I wanted the record to be challenging but not exhausting; personal without being belligerently self-indulgent and include a fair amount of guitar histrionics and pay tribute to the masters without making it sound like I'm competing to be the end all summation of all guitar legacies that preceded me. I also wanted the underlying music to be more than vehicles for solos; I wanted the compositions to be able to stand on their own."

"Seamless" track listing:

01. Quiver

02. Cola

03. TJ69

04. Death By A Thousand Licks

05. iThink

06. Sharks With Laser Beams

07. Octavia

08. Supersonic Hypnotic Groove Thing

09. Falling Apart

Bonus tracks

10. Blue Light Effect

11. House Of Eternal Return

12. The Weight

Starting in music in 1977, Lynch has long since been considered one of the most-notable guitar players of all time. His work with DOKKEN and LYNCH MOB has garnered him a legion of devoted fans around the globe. His creativity and musicianship has been showcased on over 50 albums since 1982 and 2022 will mark his 45th anniversary as a professional musician. Lynch continues to redefine guitar playing and songwriting while showing no signs of slowing down.

In recent years, Lynch has recorded albums with a number of different projects, including LYNCH MOB, KXM, SWEET & LYNCH, THE END MACHINE and DIRTY SHIRLEY. His most recent release was "Heavy Hitters", a collaboration with his former DOKKEN bandmate Jeff Pilson on a collection of studio recordings that turn pop music classics into metal anthems.

Last year, Lynch told Guitar World magazine that staying "diversified" was key to making a living in rock music today. "Do everything," he said. "Be an engineer, be a composer, play every instrument you can, get endorsements, learn how to make a web site, be social-media savvy and keep your eye on everything."

Photo credit: Cat Parker