"Hate Cloak", a new song from black metal pioneers DARKTHRONE, can be streamed below. The track is taken from the band's upcoming album, "Eternal Hails……", which will be released on June 25 via Peaceville.

"Hate Cloak" is a nine-minute, 17-second Fenriz-penned hallowed epic which is steeped in the majestic thunder of vintage heavy doom metal.

Fenriz comments: "'Hate Cloak' is certainly the slowest song on the album. There are plenty of 'fast' parts on Ted's songs, middle tempos and slow as well. The whole point of us having long songs is variation in tempos/pace, hence the epicness."

Since forming in 1986 as BLACK DEATH in Kolboton, Norway, DARKTHRONE have been masters of their art. Dropping the death metal of 1991's "Soulside Journey" debut album in favor of a more primitive, black metal sound on the following year's "A Blaze In The Northern Sky", they helped define black metal in the '90s through albums like 1993's "Under A Funeral Moon" and its follow-up "Transilvanian Hunger". Truly, though, DARKTHRONE remain unique, even in their own canon.

On "Eternal Hails……", the longer, doomier songs reflect drummer Fenriz's love of doom, taking their time to make their point. For Fenriz, what he and co-conspirator Nocturno Culto have concocted stretches back even further than discovering black metal, to the sounds of the '70s and the more freewheeling sounds of bands playing with more expansive themes. This didn't just make the songs longer, it made them an entirely different beast from the ground up.

"When I was a kid growing up with metal I kept looking for bands with long songs. BLACK SABBATH had many, and CELTIC FROST's 'Dawn Of Meggido' had a long song, so I put that on in the record store and discovered another dimension of metal. CANDLEMASS's 'Epicus Doomicus Metallicus' had only long songs, so I think I bought that without even listening, and it was one of my best buys ever — an eternal inspiration for my entire career."

"For us, it has become a bit logical, hard to explain, but you get to build up for a different kind of listening," says Nocturno Culto. "A three-minute song is nothing we think of at the moment. We like it this way. For now."

Even a change of studio hasn't really changed anything in DARKTHRONE's DNA. Having recorded all albums since 2004 using their own Necrohell II studio — a portable 8-track recorder housed in an old bomb shelter, itself a replacement for the original Necrohell 4-track used for "Transilvanian Hunger" and "Panzerfaust", until it became "too necro" and broke — for "Eternal Hails……", the band went to Chaka Khan Studio in Oslo for the first time.

Though the material was almost all finished ahead of the session, something the new studio and new way of working did allow for on "Eternal Hails……", was the opportunity to experiment with ideas on the hoof.

In a world changing too fast for anything to stick, DARKTHRONE are both able to stay fresh, but also reassuringly reliable. And no matter where they record, what they do or what gear the use to do it — Fenriz actually ended up using a drum kit belonging to Carmine Appice when he was in Rod Stewart's band this time around — this, it seems, will never and can never change.

As Fenriz himself puts it: "No matter what happens we will still sound like us, it seems!"

The cover artwork features the piece "Pluto And Charon" (1972), from renowned science-fiction artist David A. Hardy; a hugely inspirational image for both Fenriz and Nocturno Culto spanning several decades, and this also stands as a symbolic link between the genre-bending styles apparent on DARKTHRONE's earliest works, to those same traits evident on "Eternal Hails……".

Track listing:

01. His Master's Voice [07:17]

02. Hate Cloak [09:16]

03. Wake Of The Awakened [08:24]

04. Voyage To A North Pole Adrift [09:24]

05. Lost Arcane City Of Uppakra [07:02]

Photo credit: Jørn Steen

Norwegian black metallers MAYHEM return this year with an EP called "Atavistic Black Disorder / Kommando" with additional material from the "Daemon" session, including a homage to bands that laid the foundation for what was to come. The EP will be released on July 9.

The official music video for the song "Voces Ab Alta", created by visual artist Costin Chioreanu (GHOST, OPETH, NAPALM DEATH), can be seen below. "Voces Ab Alta" was initially recorded during MAYHEM's "Daemon" sessions but has remained previously unreleased.

The seven-song EP features three original tracks ("Voces Ab Alta", "Black Glass Communion" and "Everlasting Dying Flame") as well as covers of classic punk tracks from DISCHARGE ("In Defense Of Our Future"), DEAD KENNEDYS ("Hellnation"), RUDIMENTARY PENI ("Only Death") and the RAMONES ("Commando"). The band also recruited Billy Messiah and Maniac, who took over vocal performances on two songs.

The visual concept was once again handled by Italian designer Daniele Valeriani (LUCIFER'S CHILD, DARK FUNERAL) who already took care of the artwork for their previous long player "Daemon".

"I always had some punk influences," says vocalist Attila. "I guess it comes from my childhood when we were constantly looking for more extreme music. That's how I discovered DEAD KENNEDYS, GBH, THE EXPLOITED, SEX PISTOLS, U.K. SUBS, DISCHARGE, RUDIMENTARY PENI and so on, in the early '80s, alongside heavy metal. But then I discovered VENOM. That was a game changer!"

Necrobutcher adds: "We got some extra time in the studio recording the 'Daemon' album two years ago, all band members were asked to punch in two cover tracks for some extra material. I chose songs by DEATHSTRIKE ('The Truth') and DEATH ('Evil Dead') which were both used as the bonus tracks on the album. My other contribution was to bring in two old members because of their obvious connection with punk: Maniac on the DEAD KENNEDYS track and Billy (Messiah) on the DISCHARGE track and some of the others."

Track listing:

Side A

01. Voces Ab Alta

02. Black Glass Communion

03. Everlasting Dying Flame

Side B

01. In Defense Of Our Future (DISCHARGE cover)

02. Hellnation (DEAD KENNEDYS cover)

03. Only Death (RUDIMENTARY PENI cover)

04. Commando (RAMONES cover)

MAYHEM is:

Necrobutcher - Bass

Hellhammer - Drums

Attila - Vocals

Teloch - Guitar

Ghul - Guitar

Florida death/thrash outfit Inhuman Condition have released their fourth and final single from their anticipated debut album Rat°God, before it comes out June 4 on Listenable Insanity Records. The video for “The Neck Step” can be viewed below.

The trio announced their formation earlier this year and have since won the hearts and ears of death metal and thrash metal fans around the globe. The band consists of former Massacre members Terry Butler (also of Obituary, former Death/Six Feet Under) on bass, Jeramie Kling (Venom Inc, The Absence, Goregäng, Fore) on vocals and drums, and Taylor Nordberg (The Absence, Goregäng, Fore) on guitar.

“‘The Neck Step’ is one of my favorite songs on Rat°God. It’s a rifftastic, neck-stepping hell-ride, chock-full of devilish hooks!” Butler says about the new song. The video for “The Neck Step” was filmed and edited by Frank McMahon at Revolt Entertainment.

Rat°God was mixed by Kling and mastered by Nordberg at their own Smoke & Mirrors Productions in Spring Hill, Florida, where the album was written and recorded. The artwork for the album was done by Dan Goldsworthy (Accept, Cradle Of Filth, Alestorm, Xentrix).

The album will be out on June 4 via Listenable Insanity Records, with a vinyl release set for August 6 via Black Serpent Records. Pre-orders are available here.

Tracklisting:

“Euphoriphobia”
“The Neck Step”
“Planetary Paroxysm”
“Killing Pace”
“Gravebound”
“Tyrantula”
“Rat God”
“Crown Of Mediocrity”
“Fait Accompli”

"The Next Step" video:

"Euphoriphobia" video:

“Tyrantula” video:

Inhuman Condition is:

Terry Butler - bass
Jeramie Kling - drums/vocals
Taylor Nordberg - guitar




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According to the Helsinki Times, the first of NIGHTWISH's two interactive experiences drew 150,000 viewers, setting the record for the largest paid virtual concert in Finland's history. Most of the viewers came from Europe and North America, but the performance was a truly global event, with fans in 108 countries purchasing tickets to the show and the box office gross exceeding one million euro.

NIGHTWISH performed in a tavern called "The Islanders Arms" built in a virtual world for two nights — Friday, May 28 and Saturday, May 29. On both nights, the fans experienced a one-and-a-half-hour performance, hearing songs live off "Human. :II: Nature." for the first time ever. Each of the two nights had its own slightly different setlist.

Program agency Fullsteam Agency, Zoan, which was responsible for the technical implementation, and the management company Till Dawn They Count produced "An Evening With Nightwish In A Virtual World", which took six months to prepare. Zoan's crew consisted of about 30 people from seven different countries, making it possible for the fans to interact with other fans as well as experience 3D imaginative worlds built based on the band's vision.

"This is definitely one of the coolest things we've gotten to do with the band," NIGHTWISH drummer drummer Kai Hahto said. "When visuals, technology and music meet so well, it becomes a unique experience."

Friday's concert marked NIGHTWISH's live debut with session bassist Jukka Koskinen (WINTERSUN), who joined the band as the replacement for Marco Hietala. Marco announced his departure from NIGHTWISH in January, explaining in a statement that he hadn't "been able to feel validated by this life for a quite a few years now."

Earlier this month, NIGHTWISH keyboardist and main songwriter Tuomas Holopainen said that Hietala's decision to leave the band "came as a bit of a surprise." He told Finland's Kaaos TV: "Marco informed us in December last year [that he was leaving the band]. And even though he has been very open about his state and problems during the past years, it still came as a bit of a surprise for us. So it was a really tough pill to swallow. And for a few days, I was actually quite confident that there's no coming back, that this is it. I remember talking to Emppu [Vuorinen], the guitar player, and we were, like, 'You think this is it?' 'Yeah, I think this is it.' I mean, enough is enough. So much has happened in the past. Something that broke the camel's back, as they say. Then, after some time had passed — a few days — we started to think that it's been such a ride of 25 years, with so many ups also, that this is not the way to end it."

"Human. :II: Nature." was released in April 2020. The follow-up to 2015's "Endless Forms Most Beautiful", "Human. :II: Nature." is a double album containing nine tracks on the main CD and one long track, divided into eight chapters, on CD 2.




Lukuisia ennätyksiä jo aiemminkin urallaan rikkonut Nightwish järjesti faneilleen ainutlaatuisen kokemuksen perjantaina 28.5. 3D-virtuaalimaailmaan sijoittunut ”An Evening with Nightwish in a Virtual World” -konsertti keräsi ensimmäisen päivän aikana ennätyksellisen 150 000 katsojan yleisön. Lipunmyynti lauantain konserttiin on yhä käynnissä, ja molemmat konsertit ovat katsottavissa lipun ostaneille 48 tunnin ajan konserttien jälkeen. Liikevaihdoltaan Nightwishin virtuaalispektaakkelin lippukassa vastaa suurta stadionkonserttia ja on täten moninkertainen verrattuna yhdenkään suomalaisartistin stream- tai virtuaalikeikkaan aikaisemmin. Konsertit ovat keränneet katsojia yhteensä jo 108 eri maasta, valtaosa Euroopasta ja Pohjois-Amerikasta.

Posted by Fullsteam Agency on Friday, May 28, 2021

Немецкие электрокорщики WE BUTTER THE BREAD WITH BUTTER выпустят свой новый долгожданный альбом, названный просто "Das Album", 24 сентября этого года на AFM Records. Релиз выйдет в диджипак варианте, лимитированном бокс-сете и на розовом, голубом и золотом виниле, а также в цифровом варианте.

Das Album - это возвращение к корням коллектива, который был создан в 2007 году гитаристом Марселем Нойманом и вокалистом Тобиасом Шульткой, и носил шуточный характер – музыканты занялись прочтением детских стихов и сказок через призму экстремальных музыкальных стилей.

В 2010 году Шультка покинул группу, чтобы посвятить все свое время разработке софта для iOS, а вместо него к микрофону встал Пауль Барц. Несмотря на перемены WBTBWB становились все более и более популярны, приезжали с гастролями в Россию. На сегодняшний день музыканты выпустили четыре альбома, последний из них, «Wieder Geil!», увидел свет в 2015 году. Далее несколько лет группа держала своих поклонников в режиме ожидания, балуя редкими синглами. В 2019 году Тоби вернулся к проекту и музыканты выпустили сингл Dreh Auf!

Трек-лист:
01 Das Album Intro
02 Dreh Auf!
03 20 km/h
04 N!CE
05 Schreibwarenfachverkäufer
06 Läuft
07 Jump 'n' Run
08 Sprich Sie Einfach An
09 Meine Finger Sind Zu Klein
10 Piks Mich
11 Metal
12 Angriff Der Dönerteller
13 Letzter Song

Former METALLICA bassist Jason Newsted will not join MEGADETH as David Ellefson's replacement.

Ever since MEGADETH officially fired Ellefson last Monday (May 24), speculation has been rife that Newsted will step in to fill the bassist role on the band's upcoming summer tour with LAMB OF GOD.

Earlier today (Sunday, May 30), Jason's wife Nicole took to her Instagram to pour cold water on fans' hopes of seeing her husband share the stage with Dave Mustaine and company.

She wrote: "Hi guys! Two things

"1. Jason is not joining MEGADETH. peace to them. Listen to metal

"2. Jason does not have social media accounts; this includes but is not limited to TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Onlyfans and Tinder. "If you are receiving dm's from the Jason Newsted music account or any other account claiming to be Jason please know this is not Jason and proceed at your own risk".

Newsted performed the classic METALLICA song "Phantom Lord" with MEGADETH on August 11, 2013 at the final show of that summer's Gigantour in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Newsted, who quit METALLICA in February 2001, was the frontman of NEWSTED, which took part in the 2013 edition of Gigantour, the critically acclaimed package festival founded in 2005 by Mustaine.

Mustaine, who was one of the original members of METALLICA, was fired from the band by drummer Lars Ulrich in 1983. He was replaced by Kirk Hammett and went on to form MEGADETH and achieve worldwide success on his own.

Three years ago, Ellefson said that he was considered for the bassist position in METALLICA after Newsted left the band two decades ago.

Newsted exited METALLICA after he clashed with James Hetfield over the release of an album by ECHOBRAIN, Jason's side project. He was replaced by producer Bob Rock in the studio, for the recording of 2003's "St. Anger" album, and then permanently by former OZZY OSBOURNE bassist Robert Trujillo.

In an interview with The Metal Voice, Ellefson was asked if there was any talk about him playing with METALLICA once it was announced that Newsted had split with the group. "They didn't call me," David said. "I know that there was a conversation about considering me. I know Lars and Dave [Mustaine] had chatted, 'cause [METALLICA] were putting their short list together. And, to be honest with you… I mean, look, METALLICA are great, and I'm a fan of theirs and friends with them, and I would be there to be of service with them in whatever way, but they, I think, made their decision right around the time when MEGADETH had disbanded in 2002."

MEGADETH is currently scheduled to take part in "The Metal Tour Of The Year" with LAMB OF GOD, beginning on August 20 in Austin. MEGADETH is also slated to appear at the SLIPKNOT-curated Knotfest in September in Iowa.

MEGADETH has yet to announce a replacement for Ellefson, who was in the band from its inception in 1983 to 2002, and again from 2010 until his latest departure.
























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Former QUEENSRŸCHE singer Geoff Tate performed the band's classic albums "Rage For Order" and "Empire" in their entirety at this past Friday's (May 28) stop of the "Empire 30th Anniversary Tour" at the Historic Everett Theatre in Everett, Washington. Fan-filmed video footage of the concert can be seen below.

For this show, COVID-19 restrictions were still in effect. Therefore, seating was assigned by date the tickets were purchased and group size (maximum of six), utilizing social distancing requirements. Masks were required while moving about the theatre.

1986's "Rage For Order" introduced a much more polished look and sound for QUEENSRŸCHE. The album featured keyboards as prominently as guitars, and the group adopted an image more closely associated with glam rock or glam metal than with heavy metal (of which glam metal was a subgenre). A video was filmed for the song "Gonna Get Close to You", originally recorded in 1984 by DALBELLO.

Released in 1990, "Empire" included the hit ballad "Silent Lucidity", which reached No. 9 on the Billboard singles chart, helped propel "Empire" to No. 7 on the album chart and earned two Grammy Award nominations.

Prior to the launch of the trek in early 2020, Tate told MisplacedStraws.com that he would take the "Empire 30th Anniversary Tour" to "as many countries as I can and playing the album in its entirety, which I've never done before. So that'll be real fun. In fact, I think there's some songs on that album that I've never, ever played live before, so it'll be a treat — for me, as well, I think, for the audience too," the former QUEENSRŸCHE singer said. "I'm really looking forward to that."

Tate told Eonmusic that one song from "Empire" that was rarely performed live is "Anybody Listening?" "When QUEENSRŸCHE was together, we never really put that song in our set," he said. "We just had a hard time playing it, for some reason; it just never jelled or felt right. And I'd really like to play that song again, and play it right."

In April 2014, Tate and QUEENSRŸCHE announced that a settlement had been reached after a nearly two-year legal battle where the singer sued over the rights to the QUEENSRŸCHE name after being fired in 2012. Original QUEENSRŸCHE members Michael Wilton (guitar), Scott Rockenfield (drums) and Eddie Jackson (bass) responded with a countersuit. The settlement included an agreement that Wilton, Rockenfield and Jackson would continue as QUEENSRŸCHE, while Tate would have the sole right to perform the albums "Operation: Mindcrime" and "Operation: Mindcrime II" in their entirety live.

Tate has been replaced in QUEENSRŸCHE by former CRIMSON GLORY singer Todd La Torre.

Geoff recently celebrated the 30th anniversary of "Operation: Mindcrime" on European and U.S. tours.






Geoff Tate Silent Lucidity. Everett Theater 5/28/21

Posted by Greg Wilson on Saturday, May 29, 2021



Posted by Paul Davidson on Friday, May 28, 2021



Posted by Laura Melix on Saturday, May 29, 2021



Posted by Leandre Dexter Waller on Saturday, May 29, 2021



Back stage meet and greet last night with Geoff Tate (original singer of Queensryche) in the historic Everett theater in Washington. Wonderful man, incredible night!

Posted by Derek Schenck on Saturday, May 29, 2021

Former DELAIN singer and songwriter Charlotte Wessels will release her first solo endeavor, "Tales From Six Feet Under", on September 17, 2021 via Napalm Records.

Unable to perform live due to the pandemic, Wessels spent most of last year buried in her Six Feet Under home studio, writing, performing and producing an eclectic wealth of songs. "Tales From Six Feet Under" offers her favorites out of the bunch. All instruments and vocals on these ten intimate and honest songs were performed or programmed by Wessels herself — except for the exciting collaboration with Alissa White-Gluz (ARCH ENEMY) on the haunting track "Lizzie" — showcasing the multifaceted nature of Wessels, including her exceptional ability to express the most sincere feelings and emotions within her art.

Wessels states: "In May 2020, I started releasing a song every month on Patreon as an outlet for my surplus of music, and tracks I wrote that didn't fit my band. The year that followed was an absolute roller coaster, from living through a global pandemic to closing a chapter so dear to me. It shows through these songs, made right here in my Six Feet Under home studio. Producing these songs with the support of a wonderful community has been a lifesaver during such turbulent times, and I'm happy to bring them out of the basement and into the world with this release. Let me tell you the 'Tales From Six Feet Under'."

"Tales From Six Feet Under" is an electrifying collection with gems ranging from melancholic indie pop to synth-infused rock. The record features Wessels's rendition of goth classic "Cry Little Sister", as well as a beautiful synergy of the stunning voices of Wessels and White-Gluz on "Lizzie". It also debuts a song in Wessels's native language with the Dutch rocker "Afkicken". The mesmerizing and haunting "Victor" was released in April this year along with a visually palpable music video. "Soft Revolution" showcases the artist right where the magic happens; in her Six Feet Under studio. The song — part sweet sorrow, part soaring call to action — is quickly becoming a fan favorite.

Wessels stated about "Soft Revolution": "'Soft Revolution' was such a cathartic song to write, and it means so much to me to learn how it resonates with people. Working on the song, I hoped it would become a piece of music that made listeners less alone in their feelings, but I never expected it would end up doing that for me as well."

Vinyl track listing:

Side A

01. Superhuman

02. Afkicken

03. Masterpiece

04. Victor

05. New Mythology

06. Source Of The Flame

Side B

07. Cry Little Sister

08. Lizzie (a duet with Alissa White-Gluz)

09. FSU (2020)

10. Soft Revolution

Having confirmed their appearances atop the 2021 lineups of Lollapalooza, Bonnaroo and Bottlerock, FOO FIGHTERS are answering the burning question of "Are they doing any of their own shows?" with a resounding "fuck yes."

Tickets will go on sale June 4 at 10 a.m. local time for the first confirmed U.S. headline dates of FOO FIGHTERS' "26th Anniversary Tour", which will take place as follows:

July 28 - The Andrew J Brady ICON Music Center -Cincinnati, OH

July 30 - American Family Insurance Amphitheater -Milwaukee, WI

August 03 - Hollywood Casino Amphitheater -St. Louis, MO

August 05 - Azura Amphitheater -Bonner Springs, KS

August 07 - The Zoo Amphitheater -Oklahoma City, OK

August 09 - Isleta Amphitheater -Albuquerque, NM

* RADKEY supports on all dates

The six newly announced dates are the first FOO FIGHTERS headlining shows to be confirmed since the February release of "Medicine At Midnight" (Roswell/RCA). This means the FF faithful in six more cities will finally have the chance to sing along to "Shame Shame", "No Son of Mine", "Waiting On A War" and more from the album that's been hailed as "brighter and more optimistic than anything they’ve ever done" (Rolling Stone)" and "one of FOO FIGHTERS' best albums of this century" (The Wall Street Journal).

FOO FIGHTERS fans are advised to keep a watchful eye on foofighters.com and the band's socials for a crapload more shows to be announced.

Citi is the official presale credit card of the FOO FIGHTERS tour. As such, Citi cardmembers will have access to purchase presale tickets beginning Tuesday, June 1 at 12 p.m. ET until Thursday, June 3 at 10 p.m. local time through Citi Entertainment.

"Medicine At Midnight" landed at No. 1 on Billboard's Top Album Sales chart with first-week sales of 64,000 copies in the U.S.

FOO FIGHTERS previously topped the chart with 2017's "Concrete And Gold" and 2011's "Wasting Light".

23,000 of "Medicine At Midnight"'s first-week sales came from vinyl LP sales, with CDs and digital albums registering 20,000 each.

"Medicine At Midnight" came out on February 5 via Roswell Records/RCA Records. The LP is a nine-song, 37-minute effort which was produced by the FOO FIGHTERS and Greg Kurstin.

The first single from the disc, "Shame Shame", was released in November. An accompanying music video for the song was directed by Paola Kudacki and co-stars FOO FIGHTERS frontman Dave Grohl and Sofia Boutella. "Shame Shame" renders in stunning black and white an interpretation of a recurring dream that's haunted Grohl since his childhood days.

Photo credit: Danny Clinch

BUCKCHERRY singer Josh Todd spoke to Rodolfo Roman of "The Roman Show" about the band's new album, "Hellbound", which will be released on June 25 via Round Hill Records. The follow-up to 2019's "Warpaint" was recorded last fall in Nashville, Tennessee with producer and songwriter-for-hire Marti Frederiksen, who has previously collaborated with AEROSMITH, DEF LEPPARD, Jonny Lang and Sheryl Crow, among many others.

Asked how he and his bandmates stayed busy during the coronavirus pandemic, Josh said: "We really had to focus on something creative to get our minds off of it. Because, as you know, living in the United States, there was a lot more than just the pandemic going on. It was chaos. It was the election, COVID, racism, riots — the list goes on. The gun violence — all that kind of stuff.

"Whenever there's a lot of adversity, this band really writes its best records, I have to say," he continued. "'Hellbound', our new record that's gonna drop June 25th, it's gotta be the best BC record, and I'm not saying that just 'cause we're about to drop it. It's really amazing. We worked really hard on it. We just channeled all that energy into writing songs. Yeah, we wrote a lot of songs. We wrote about almost 30 songs for a 10-song record. So it just goes to show you how thorough we were, and it really paid off."

As for what will happen to the remaining 20 or so songs that didn't make the cut this time around, Todd said: "I think some of 'em are good enough to make a record — maybe two or three. Sometimes songs, they never get to that point where they're good enough to be on a record. That's why you've gotta write a lot of them. We don't wanna put out just filler. That's really important to us. So that's why we write a lot of songs."

Regarding how he and his bandmates go about deciding which songs to put on an album, Josh said: "You kind of know. The cream rises to the top. We create a little playlist — we'll have password-protected playlists while we're writing demos — and it only goes out to the band and our manager and our producer. And then we just continue to write and add songs and write and add songs. And before you know it, when it gets closer and we feel like we've exhausted the songwriting process, there's usually always eight songs that are undeniable, or seven, and then you've kind of gotta start really finetuning the last three or four. That's kind of how we do it. We know when we've got it.

"On BUCKCHERRY records, you wanna have a lot of dynamics — you don't wanna have just all rock songs; you don't wanna have all just super-fast-tempo songs; you don't wanna have all ballads; you don't wanna have all midtempo songs," he explained. "So when you're writing songs, sometimes you'll have five midtempo songs, and you only want one or two for the record. And then you'll have a few slow songs, and you only want one for the record. And then you'll have a bunch of rockers. Like I said, there'll be good ones and then there'll be mediocre songs; maybe it's a good chorus, but the rest of the song isn't good. Stuff like that. Sometimes you go back and rewrite stuff.

"We just were in a zone on this record," he added. "We co-wrote a lot of songs with Marti Frederkisen as well, the guy who produced the record. We'd written songs with him in the past. He's a really talented guy. And five of those songs made the record. So it just goes to show you how good that was. We wrote with him for a week. We wrote six songs in five days, and five of 'em made the record. And then we took five of the remaining 22 that [guitarist] Stevie [Dacanay, a.k.a. Stevie D.] and I had written prior to getting in a room with Marti. And there you have 'Hellbound', the record. And it's amazing."

Last summer, BUCKCHERRY recruited JETBOY's Billy Rowe as its new guitarist. He joined the group as the replacement for Kevin Roentgen, who left BUCKCHERRY in July 2020.

Roentgen, who joined the California-based band in 2017, made his exit official in a social media post. He wrote: "Bottom line, I made this decision to come off the road and spend more time with my family. The guys understood this, and for that I'm thankful. Though my wife and daughter always one hundred percent supported me in this gig, they are quite happy now to have me home."

Roentgen joined BUCKCHERRY as the replacement for original guitarist Keith Nelson. Roentgen can be heard on "Warpaint", which was released in March 2019 via Century Media/RED Music. The 12-song record was produced by Mike Plotnikoff, whose previous collaboration with the band was BUCKCHERRY's multi-platinum third album, 2005's "15".

In 2019, BUCKCHERRY recruited Francis Ruiz as its new drummer. He joined the group as the replacement for Sean Winchester, who exited BUCKCHERRY after laying down the drum tracks on "Warpaint".

Imonolith features drummer Ryan Van Poederooyen (Devin Townsend Project), guitarist Brian ‘Beav’ Wadell (Devin Townsend Project), Jon Howard (Threat Signal), guitarist Kai Huppunen (Methods of Mayhem, Noise Therapy) and Scott Whalen (Econoline Crush). They released the new single "Angevil" from their forthcoming Progressions EP on May 28th. Check out the official lyric video below.

The band recently issued the folllowing update:

"We’ll confirm now that Imonolith will be releasing a 5 song EP called Progressions in 2021. All newly recorded music with some surprises. The first single will be released soon (date announcement coming up), along with a special plan to keep you guys entertained! Thanks for the support, stay posted. We’re excited to release our evolved sound to you all!"

Imonolith's 2021 European tour schedule is curently as follows:

November
3 - Stoke, UK - Underground
4 - Glasgow, UK - Broadcast
5 - Edinburgh, UK - Bannerman
6 - Newcastle, UK - Underground
7 - Bristol, UK - Exchange
8 - Sheffield, UK - Corporation
9 - Leeds, UK - The Key Club
10 - Bournemouth, UK - The Anvil
11 - London, UK - The Black Heart
12 - Bilzen, Belgium - South of Heaven
13 - Lyon, France - Rock n Eat
15 - Madrid, Spain - Rockville
16 - Portugalete, Spain - Groove
17 - Montpellier, France - Secret Place
18 - Martigny, Switzerland - Sunset Bar
19 - Mainz, Germany - Schon Schon
20 - Cham, Germany - L.A. Live Club Cafe
21 - Modena, Italy - MK Live
23 - Brasov, Romania - Rockstadt
24 - Budapest, Hungary - ROBOT
25 - Salzburg, Austria - Rockhouse Bar
26 - Geislingen, Germany - MieV
27 - Dobeln, Germany - KL17
28 - Prague, Czech Republic - Rock Cafe
29 - Munich, Germany - Backstage
30 - Bochum, Germany - Die Trompete

December
1 - Hamburg, Germany - Goldener Salon
3 - Stockholm, Sweden - Hus 7
5 - Helsinki, Finland - On The Rocks
6 - Tallin, Estonia - Rockclub Tapper
8 - Riga, Latvia - Melna Piektdiena
9 - Vilnius Lithuania - Club Narauti




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3 DOORS DOWN will celebrate the 20th anniversary of its debut album, "The Better Life", this summer by hitting major markets in amphitheaters across the U.S. for "The Better Life 20th Anniversary Tour". "Kryptonite", which launched 3 DOORS DOWN's career, has become a juggernaut hit across the globe that generations now sing. 2020 marked the 20th anniversary of the band's debut, and for the first time ever, the group will play "The Better Life" in its entirety, front to back, along with the rest of their hits on "The Better Life 20th Anniversary Tour". Produced by Live Nation, the tour will feature support on select dates from special guests SEETHER, who currently have the No. 1 record at rock radio.

"Especially after the last year everyone has had, I am really looking forward to rocking out and celebrating with our fans this summer. It's hard to believe it's been 20 years since we released 'The Better Life'," 3 DOORS DOWN's Brad Arnold says. "That album drastically changed our lives, and we are incredibly excited to celebrate the 20th anniversary with our fans by playing 'The Better Life' front to back this summer. It's going to be a blast, and we can't wait to get on the road and see everyone out there."

Earlier this year, 3 DOORS DOWN released a re-mastered 20th-anniversary edition of "The Better Life" album along with the nine-song "Escatawpa Sessions" as a box set on high-quality 3LP vinyl. The "Escatawpa Sessions", recorded in the band's Mississippi hometown in 1996, features seven demo versions from "The Better Life", as well as three previously unreleased tracks. The 3LP box set features a custom lithograph, a six-page booklet with never-before-seen photos and extensive liner notes, and interviews with the band and executives from their label and talent agency. A 2CD and an expanded digital album of "The Better Life" are also available now, and each feature four new bonus tracks including, "The Better Life (XX Mix)", a new mix by Grammy Award-winning Chris Lord-Alge, "Kryptonite (2000 Acoustic)", "Be Like That (2000 Acoustic)" and "Wasted Me (With Harp Version)" .

Tickets for "The Better Life 20th Anniversary Tour" dates go on sale Friday, June 4 at 10 a.m. local time. On select shows, 3 DOORS DOWN will be offering special 20th anniversary VIP packages. All VIP packages will be available starting Wednesday, June 2 at 10 a.m. local time. Citi is the official presale credit card of "The Better Life 20th Anniversary Tour". As such, Citi cardmembers will have access to purchase presale tickets beginning Wednesday, June 2 at 10 a.m. local time until Thursday, June 3 at 10 p.m. local time through Citi Entertainment.

Formed in 1995, Grammy Award-nominated multi-platinum Mississippi rock band 3 DOORS DOWN consistently captivates audiences worldwide. The quintet's many accolades include selling 20 million albums globally, receiving a Grammy nomination, two American Music Awards, and five BMI Pop Awards for songwriting, including "Songwriter Of The Year." Their debut, "The Better Life", became certified seven-times RIAA platinum and was fueled by the success of juggernaut hit "Kryptonite".

SLIPKNOT has announced a return to the road for its incendiary 2021 incarnation of the "Knotfest Roadshow". Support will come from three Grammy-nominated heavy music luminaries, KILLSWITCH ENGAGE, FEVER 333 and CODE ORANGE.

The 28-date run, produced by Live Nation, kicks off following the band's previously announced Knotfest Iowa hometown show in Des Moines on September 25. The "Knotfest Roadshow"'s first official date happens at Tinley Park, Illinois on September 28, with the tour then snaking its way across the U.S., wrapping up in Arizona in early November.

SLIPKNOT frontman Corey Taylor states: "With the world opening up, it's time to get excited about LIFE again. To get back to LIFE again. This tour is a long time coming and we hope you're as excited to see it as we are to play it. Stay safe, stay (sic) and we'll see you soon."

Tickets will be available on pre-sale to Knotfest subscribers from 10 a.m. local time on June 2, with a general on-sale from 10 a.m. local on June 4, over at KnotfestRoadshow.com.

"Knotfest Roadshow" 2021 tour dates:

Sep. 25 - Des Moines, IA - National Balloon Classic Field*

Sep. 28 - Tinley Park, IL - Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre

Sep. 29 - Milwaukee, WI - American Family Insurance Amphitheater

Oct. 01 - Noblesville, IN - Ruoff Home Mortgage Music Center

Oct. 02 - Clarkston, MI - DTE Energy Music Theatre

Oct. 03 - Darien Center, NY - Darien Lake Amphitheater

Oct. 05 - Syracuse, NY - Lakeview Amphitheater - Syracuse

Oct. 08 - Mansfield, MA - Xfinity Center

Oct. 09 - Hartford, CT - XFINITY Theatre

Oct. 10 - Holmdel, NJ - PNC Bank Arts Center

Oct. 12 - Camden, NJ - BB&T Pavilion

Oct. 13 - Bristow, VA - Jiffy Lube Live

Oct. 15 - Burgettstown, PA - S&T Bank Music Park

Oct. 17 - Charlotte, NC - PNC Music Pavilion

Oct. 19 - Tampa, FL - MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre

Oct. 20 - West Palm Beach, FL - iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre

Oct. 22 - Raleigh, NC - Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek

Oct. 23 - Alpharetta, GA - Ameris Bank Amphitheatre

Oct. 24 - Pelham, AL - Oak Mountain Amphitheatre

Oct. 26 - Rogers, AR - Walmart AMP

Oct. 28 - Del Valle, TX - Germania Insurance Amphitheater

Oct. 29 - The Woodlands, TX - Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion**

Oct. 30 - Dallas, TX - Dos Equis Pavilion

Nov. 01 - Albuquerque, NM - Isleta Amphitheater

Nov. 02 - Phoenix, AZ - Ak-Chin Pavilion

* Knotfest festival

** No CODE ORANGE

Twenty-two years ago, nine inspired musicians from Des Moines, Iowa, shattered the scope of what was possible in rock music. From the moment SLIPKNOT emerged in 1999 with their self-titled debut, it was clear they were like nothing the world had seen before. Where a similarly creative act may have burned out or lost their relevance chasing mainstream acceptance, SLIPKNOT has only proven that an enduring commitment to constant evolution, their craft, and their fans can allow a rock band to not only continue — but flourish and push the envelope on what defines heavy metal and rock music in general. With "We Are Not Your Kind", SLIPKNOT's first new album in five years, the band delivered when they were needed most. Meanwhile, SLIPKNOT's annual Knotfest festival has evolved into the biggest hard rock and metal festival in the world, expanding to four continents. Over 550,000 fans have attended these massive festivals, which are as cultural as they are music-based, mixing heavy rock with hip hop, world music, visual art, experiential installations, and much more. Recorded music and live performances aside, SLIPKNOT has always permeated mainstream culture in ways that defy expectations. Recently, SLIPKNOT partnered with Amazon Studios' advertising campaign for their smash hit series "The Boys", and have launched SLIPKNOT No. 9 Whiskey in a partnership with Cedar Ridge Distillery (American Distilling Institute's "2017 Distiller Of The Year").

"We Are Not Your Kind" came out in August 2019. The disc sold 118,000 equivalent album units in the U.S. in its first week of release to land at position No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart. Furthermore, the album made an impact worldwide with No. 1 debuts in the United Kingdom, Mexico, Australia, Canada, Japan, Ireland, Belgium, Portugal and Finland, as well as Top 5 debuts in Germany, France, Norway, Italy, Austria, Sweden, Switzerland, The Netherlands, Poland, Spain and New Zealand.

"We Are Not Your Kind"'s sales in the U.S. were boosted by a concert ticket/album sale redemption offer with SLIPKNOT's summer 2019 tour.

Former ILL NIÑO members Cristian Machado (vocals), Ahrue "Luster" Ilustre (guitar) and Diego Verduzco (guitar) have launched a new band called LIONS AT THE GATE. The group's lineup is completed by bassist Stephen Brewer (WESTFIELD MASSACRE) and drummer Fern Lemus.

LIONS AT THE GATE's debut single, "Not Even Human", will be released on Friday, June 4. A teaser for the track is available below.

Ilustre discussed his renewed collaboration with Machado and Verduzco in a recent interview with Pierre Gutierrez of Rock Talks. He said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "I can't even explain how happy I am with how this came out. It sounds, in my opinion, better than anything that Cristian and I have ever done together, and that includes all the ILL NIÑO records that we've done together."

Asked about the musical direction of LIONS AT THE GATE, Ahrue said: "It's a very polished sound, similar to… I don't wanna say it sounds like [ILL NIÑO's 2003 album] 'Confession', but there's a lot of singing on it, there's a lot of production. But at the same time, there's heaviness to it. But the songs are better than anything we've written. And the crazy thing was the process of writing 'em was way easier than it has ever been for us. Usually an ILL NIÑO record would take us three to six months to finish. We finished this record in 20 days, and we believe it sounds better than anything we've ever done in the past."

According to Ahrue, the debut album from LIONS AT THE GATE was produced by Kyle Odell. "He's worked with BAD WOLVES," he said. "I think he may have co-wrote with them. But he has a huge resume, and he's had, like, five Number One hits last year. And he was amazing to work with. I've worked with Ross Robinson, I've worked with Johnny K, I've worked with Terry Date, as a mixer, and I've worked with some other big names in the industry that have all had platinum records, and I'll say, hands down, Kyle Odell is amazing. I would say, second to [MACHINE HEAD's] 'The Burning Red', it was an amazing experience. It was a different way. As far as Ross Robinson was really into the emotion and getting the emotion out of the players and the music, Odell is very musical and he's really able to help with the songs, and he has a great ear and a great vision."

In March 2020, Machado, Ilustre, Verduzco, drummer Dave Chavarri and bassist Laz Pina announced that they had "reached a mutual, amicable and binding agreement" that will allow Chavarri and Pina to continue with ILL NIÑO while Machado, Verduzco and Ilustre will move on with new projects. According to a joint statement release by the five musicians, "No party has admitted fault and there has been no court judgment on the merits. The parties entered into a confidential settlement agreement."

Back in January 2019, Chavarri and Pina said that they had recruited vocalist Marcos Leal (SHATTERED SUN), lead guitarist Jes DeHoyos (SONS OF TEXAS) and rhythm guitarist Sal Dominguez (UPON A BURNING BODY) to be in their new incarnation of ILL NIÑO. The Chavarri-led ILL NIÑO also issued a new single, "Sangre". A day later, Machado, Ilustre and Verduzco dismissed reports that they had left ILL NIÑO and vowed to continue with their own version of the band. Two months later, the trio filed a lawsuit against Chavarri and Pina, accusing the drummer and bassist of failing to pay the band's tour rental company and engineers, slandering Machado by spreading rumors that he has a drug problem, collecting and spending the band's money without consulting in all of the members and refusing the members access to the group's financial records.

In a statement announcing the launch of his new version of ILL NIÑO, Chavarri said about the split with his former bandmates: "Being in a band is much like being married, and sometimes people grow apart, and no longer see eye to eye, and a separation becomes inevitable."

In a new interview with the "Ouch, You're On My Hair" podcast, Canadian rock icon Lee Aaron, who is known primarily as a solo artist and songwriter, was asked if she was ever presented with an opportunity to front a major band during her four-decade career. She responded (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "Yeah. I can't remember when the singer from VIXEN left — I think it was the early '90s. VIXEN pursued me for a singer at one point in time. But my own career was going great. So I was, like, 'I love you guys. I love you girls, but I don't see how…' I just didn't feel that that was what I wanted to do at that time."

VIXEN has gone through a number of lineup changes and periods of inactivity since the 1990s. The band now features FEMME FATALE's Lorraine Lewis on vocals, along with classic-lineup members Roxy Petrucci (drums) and Share Ross (bass). Singer Janet Gardner's most recent departure took place in early 2019.

Aaron was one of the first women in Canada to navigate the male-dominated waters of rock 'n' roll, pioneering the way for a significant number of artists. Her 1989 album, "BodyRock", which was certified double platinum in Canada, was proclaimed by Chart magazine as "one of the 20 most influential Canadian albums of the '80s, with artists like Avril Lavigne, Alanis Morissette and Shania Twain under Aaron's influence."

Lee's 1984 album "Metal Queen" was the first of six albums to appear on leading independent label Attic Records. Aaron's CV also includes ten Juno Award nominations and three Toronto Music Awards for "Best Female Vocalist."

Lee's new studio album "Radio On!", will be released on July 23 via Metalville Records.

CHEAP TRICK bassist Tom Petersson has opened up about his recent operation.

The 71-year-old musician underwent open-heart surgery three months ago, forcing him to sit down during the band's early April appearance on "The Late Show With Stephen Colbert".

Petersson offered an update on his health while speaking to Meltdown of Detroit's WRIF radio station. He said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "I'm doing a lot better, which is not saying much. I came out of the operation — I had open-heart surgery on March 1st, so I've been convalescing here at home, and I'm feeling much better and just following my doctor's orders. What can I do? Has anything come loose yet? That’s your biggest fear. I do not wanna have to go through that again — now that I know what happens."

Tom said that he felt "all these different things" after going under the knife. "It's a lot of psychological stuff that you don't hear about or think about — post-traumatic stress," he said. "And it's scary. It's kind of like being in an auto accident — you're not thinking of it that much at the time, and later you look back on it and you think, 'Holy shit. That was close.'"

According to Petersson, he "didn't have any problems in addition to" his heart issue, which was good. I was in good shape, and it was something they discovered unexpectedly," he said. "I didn't have any symptoms. But it was the kind of thing where without knowing about it, you would just all a sudden suddenly drop dead. I was, like, 'Okay. I'm in. Open-heart surgery? Sounds good to me.'"

Petersson is one of the three founding members of CHEAP TRICK — alongside singer Robin Zander and guitarist Rick Nielsen — who are still in the band. Drummer Bun E. Carlos stopped touring with the band in 2010 and was replaced by Nielsen's son Daxx.

CHEAP TRICK recently released its 20th studio album, "In Another World", via BMG.

Founded in 1974, CHEAP TRICK are an indisputable American institution, beloved around the globe for their instantly identifiable, hugely influential, brand of pop rock 'n' roll. The band are true pioneers with an unparalleled streak of certifiably classic tunes, from "He's A Whore", "California Man" and "Dream Police" to "Surrender", "I Want You To Want Me" and the worldwide #1 hit single "The Flame".

CHEAP TRICK's nearly five-decade career has earned them more than 40 international gold and platinum certifications, myriad awards and industry honors, featured appearances on over 20 movie soundtracks, and total record sales well in excess of 20 million.

During a recent appearance on "The Itch" rock podcast, NONPOINT drummer Robb Rivera and guitarist Jason Zeilstra revealed that the first of the band's three planned upcoming EPs is complete.

"This particular EP is done," Zeilstra said. "We have songs written and started and we know where we're going with them [for the next EP]. We just have to put all the pieces in the stew and stir it up a little bit."

Last month, NONPOINT debuted the EP's lead single, "Ruthless", the first original track to feature Zeilstra, who joined the band in late 2019.

"I was always asked to be a full participant from the moment I was asked to be a part of the band," Zeilstra told "The Itch". "I've known Rasheed [Thomas, guitarist] for 20 years, 10 years before [he joined] NONPOINT. Our bands played together. And then I met Adam [Woloszyn, bassist]. And even our manager Frank, he booked clubs in the area. Frank had sent my profile to Robb when they were looking for someone, and Rasheed vouched for me, and it was just a cake walk from there."

During the conversation, Rivera also discussed the origin of arguably NONPOINT's most well-known song, a cover of Phil Collins's "In The Air Tonight".

"We were on tour on the 'Development' album, and our old drum tech Scott just blurted that out: 'You guys should do 'In The Air Tonight' by Phil Collins.' And we didn't really think much of it. When we went to the studio to do 'Recoil', that came up, and we gave it a stab. And the first version we did, we played it exactly like it is, and it was, like, 'This is not working.' So what you hear is the fifth version of that song. It's an iconic track, man. And the only thing that we used in the song was the actual melody and that drum fill. Ken [MacMillan, former NONPOINT bassist], the next day he came with the [imitates bass intro] and I started playing the djembe and we built it from there. That song has been a complete blessing to us… Thank you, Phil, by the way. [Laughs] Thank you for the song."

"Ruthless" was made available through NONPOINT's own label 361 Degrees Records LLC and was this year's featured track on AEW's "Blood And Guts" on TNT.

NONPOINT launched its independent record label 361 Degrees Records LLC in January of this year. They filmed the process of starting the label and making new music in a docu-series titled "A Path To Independence" that can be seen on the band's YouTube and official web site.

"The Itch" is a St. Louis rock radio show and podcast. It was founded in 2004, and is produced and hosted by Dan Cardosi, KC Adams and Aaron Brummet.

Photo credit: Francesca Ludikar

Sebastian Bach has thanked U.S. president Joe Biden for "giving us back rock and roll".

The former SKID ROW singer made the comment in the wake of news reports that concerts and events are returning to much of the country as capacity limits are eased and face-covering restrictions are lifted.

Earlier today, Bach took to his Twitter to share an NBC News article about a Florida concert promoter who is charging $18 for tickets to people who are vaccinated and $1,000 to those who are not. Paul Williams of Leadfoot Promotions in Tampa Bay came up with the idea as an incentive for people to get vaccinated. Bach wrote in an accompanying message: "18 + life you got it. Thank you beyond words to @POTUS @JoeBiden for giving us back ROCK N' ROLL. Never has a #vote for #science meant more".

When one fan asked Bach if this is the longest he has been off the road in his adult life, Sebastian responded: "Believe it or not I have actually been on the road for the last couple of weeks now! Just can't tell you where or why".

As of today, the Biden administration said more than half of the country's adults are now fully vaccinated against the coronavirus.

"Now 51% of America adults have been fully vaccinated, 75% of seniors are fully vaccinated, leaving nobody behind," Biden said on Friday afternoon. "Black, white, Hispanic — across the board, they've been getting their vaccinations."

The Biden administration's goal is to vaccinate 70 percent of adults against COVID-19 by July 4 with at least one dose. Ten states have already met his target.

"We still have five weeks left to hit our goal and I know we can do it," Biden said. "Just look at what we've done so far. There's not a single thing… nothing we cannot accomplish if we do it together."

Although the COVID-19 vaccine was produced quickly because of the urgency of the health crisis and the number of clinical trial volunteers, scientists say the vaccine was not rushed, and it relies on years of research.

The nation's top infectious disease expert, Dr. Anthony Fauci, has estimated that about 70-85% of Americans would need to be vaccinated to reach herd immunity.

America's two main vaccines have shown 95% efficacy against the coronavirus.




18 + life you got it

Thank you beyond words to @POTUS @JoeBiden for giving us back ROCK N' ROLL ?

Never has a #vote for #science meant more ?? https://t.co/AzKhtAx4SU

— Sebastian Bach (@sebastianbach) May 28, 2021








Right on that is great news the world is coming back thanks to vaccines horrible to think about what life would be like without them but we don't have to think about that because #scienceknows thanks to those in charge who made it happen and we will see you at the show ??? https://t.co/XMQ1sZyPLv

— Sebastian Bach (@sebastianbach) May 27, 2021

The Finnish theatrical metal band Lost in Grey has announced the release of their third studio album, Under The Surface, on July 2nd via Reaper Entertainment. The band has released the new single, "Waves". An official viedo for the track directed, filmed and edited by drummer Teppo Ristola, can be viewed nelow.

The band states: "Greetings all thee! Whilst sailing the stormy seas of life we face some ups and downs. At times we may lose faith that we’ll ever find a shore, and all we can do is scream out our fear and anger. At times we may simply enjoy the sunshine and adventure. Thus we invite you to hop on board and come sailing with us on the 'Waves'. Yours sincerely, Lost in Grey."

Teppo Ristola states: "I wanted to make the music video emphasizing the rock part of Lost in Grey without losing the theatrical side of the band. It felt logical to start off following the rougher base of the song; bass, rhythm guitars and drums. The song itself practically wrote the video, so in that sense making it was a rather fast and effortless process. I think this track summarises what the renewed Lost in Grey is all about."

In recent years these theatrical metal pioneers have proven to be one of the most promising and inspiring acts coming from the Finnish metal scene, electrifying their audiences through their versatile musical storytelling and tremendous sound. Now, Lost in Grey invites you to dive with them "Under the Surface" where music and stories dance hand in hand, and everything is possible. Get prepared for a twisted rollercoaster ride through storms and tides - spiced up with some sparkles of stardust.

Under The Surface tracklist
 
"I"
"Disobedience"
"Waves"
"Shine"
"Varjo"
"Souffrir"
"Stardust - I. The Race"
"Stardust - II. Sand Castles"
"Stardust - III. The Abyss"

The album was produced and recorded by Harri Koskela / Grey Realm Studio, mixed by Juhis Kauppinen / Shedstudios and mastered by Daniel Hagström / Finnvox.

Lost in Grey is:

Harri Koskela (vocals, keyboards and composer)
Anne Lill Rajala (vocals and lyrics)
Emily Leone (vocals and violin)
Miika Haavisto (guitars)
Jarno Suodenjoki (guitars)
Aapo Lindberg (bass)
Teppo Ristola (drums)




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Slovenian heavy metal prodigy, SkyEye, will release their second studio album, Soldiers Of Light, on June 25 via Reaper Entertainment. The official video for their latest single "Soldiers Of Light", can be viewed below. The song is available now on all digital platforms.

The band states: "Soldiers of Light are we the people, who bring joy and positive energy to the world and who treat the people and other living creatures with respect. Yes, we the band members are Soldiers of Light or at least we aspire to become one. There is so much bullshit in the world right now and actually shocking, distorted and negative 'breaking' news are more profitable and are spreading faster than the truth and common sense. Sadly we can see nowadays, that the truth is dying, the world is falling apart and we the people are more divided than ever. That's why we need to let the light back into our lives. SkyEye's torch is glowing in the dark to cast out the shadows from people's lives with music. Because music is the healer and 'We are the soldiers of light with no weapons to fight, just shining, just shining. Knowledge is God, God in us all. Wisdom is heaven on Earth.'  So yeah, the song carries the positive message, the triumph over negativity, the victory of light over dark.

With our music video we want to visualize this battle with the band members being soldiers of light and the five actors, all dressed in black with no visible faces, that are each band member's demonic alter ego. The fight was immense. There were some bruises and broken equipment left after the video shooting, but it was all worth it because the end product is realy great and we are really proud of it because we managed to make the video all by ourselves with the precious help from our friends. Onward Soldiers of Light! ONWARD!"

Unique and powerful vocals combined with raw and melodic guitar riffs give the band its signature heavy metal sound, reminiscent of other major representatives of the genre, like Iron Maiden, Saxon or Judas Priest.

The album was produced in summer 2020 by producer Grega Smola Crnkovič and was mastered by Boban Milunović who is known in the hard & heavy scene for his work with Graveworm, Belphegor, Jack Frost and many more.

Album artwork by Aleksandar Živanov:

Tracklisting:

“The Arrival”
“King Of The Skies”
“Soldiers Of Light”
“Constellation”
“Brothers Under The Same Sun”
“In Saecula Saeculorum”
“Son Of God”
“Detonate”
“Eternal Starlight”
“Chernobyl”

"Constellation":




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Savatage / Trans-Siberian Orchestra guitarist Chris Caffery has uploaded a new video clip along with the following message:

"It’s never too late to do things too late at night! If that makes any sense!

Recorded a quick cover version of the song 'I Saw Red' from Warrant. This is a quick spin off of Jani Lane’s acoustic version of this beautiful song. I explained the story as to why I did this recording and video in the video. Besides it being a great song.
 
Jani was without a doubt one of the most talented musicians and singers from that late '80s metal bunch. Tragic loss. Not a perfect recording by any means. This wasn’t rehearsed or worked out. I literally listened to it a few times and learned it and played and sang it 10 minutes later! I probably could do it better but it’s late and I’m tired and I’m too busy to spend time perfecting cover versions of songs I like. So remember I didn’t even listen to this take until after this video was made. Live karaoke!" 

"I Saw Red" is taken from Warrant's 1990 album, Cherry Pie. The album is the band's best-known and highest-selling release and peaked at #7 on the Billboard 200. The album also featured the hits "Cherry Pie", "Uncle Tom's Cabin" and "Blind Faith".




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Music as catharsis. Songs as the equivalent of suffering, pain and torment. How else should Praise The Plague sound and act? Exactly! It is no coincidence that the somber musicality and design of the band's previous releases - Antagonist, Antagonist II, and Live At Fall Of Man - are conceptually related and leave this harsh, frightening impression both visually and in terms of the overall impression. 

Active since 2017, Praise The Plague (featuring former members of Earth Ship) continue their path between black, doom and sludge metal on The Obsidian Gate. The group's debut on Lifeforce Records reveals a distinct awareness for the musical setting of depression and nihilism. The Berlin-based quintet's third album is characterized by a profound density and urgency. The emerging wall-of-sound casts a spell. There is no escape, because the (negative) emotions set to music are transferred to the listener immediately.

The Obsidian Gate, out July 30th on Limited Vinyl LP, CD Digipak and Digital, can be pre-ordered here.

Tracklisting:

"The Descent"
"Blackening Swarm II"
"Great Collapse"
"The Obsidian Gate"
"Beyond"
"The Ascent"

"Blackening Swarm II":

 




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Hotly-tipped Welsh rock trio Florence Black have shared their brand new single, "Can You Feel It?", the first taste of material from their forthcoming debut album. Purchase the track here.

For the uninitiated, Merthyr Tydfil's Florence Black are a young band of self-taught, childhood friends: lead vocalist / guitarist Tristan Thomas, bassist / backing vocalist Jordan Evans, and drummer / backing vocalist Perry Davies. The group have released three EPs to date, with previous single "Bird On A Chain" clinching #1 in the UK iTunes rock chart and their belting cover of Budgie's "Breadfan" landing on Classic Rock's Track Of The Week. The band have honed their touring chops out on the road with the likes of Stone Sour and Those Damn Crows and are one of the latest recipients of the PRS Momentum Fund, set up to assist development of new bands at pivotal career moments. 

Discussing the creation of the song, frontman Tristan Thomas explains, "'Can You Feel It?' was written when I was having a rough time in a few personal relationships. It’s written about the feeling you get when you have to sacrifice something you love to get what you want. A lot of the lyrics are very personal to me. Like most of my songs, I like to let the listener find their own meaning to the song. It was written when I was in a dark place, with a lot of anger generated from the voice inside my head. But now when I hear the song back, it feels like catharsis."

The official video for the single was directed by Aaran McKenzie (While She Sleeps), however making it felt anything but straightforward! Tristan elaborates, "We approached Aaran McKenzie from While She Sleeps to shoot the video for ‘Can You Feel It?’ as we loved his work and style. He came back with a vision for the song we were all excited about. It’s just the three of us playing balls-out in a derelict building, which had been shut down for growing far too much marijuana in!"

"There was a funny story to filming too, which wasn’t funny at the time. We were meant to shoot it outside. Just after we set all the gear up in Sheffield with the sun shining, it started hammering down with rain. Hail-stoning, thunder, lightning, the lot. So we packed all our stuff away after taking an age to set it all up. Headed to our backup location (this derelict building in Doncaster) and then when we set it all back up inside, the generator wouldn’t start. Nightmare! But we rescheduled the shoot for the next day and thanks to the lords above... we hired a new generator, it went smoothly and we came out with a retro, straight to the point, performance video. Just what we wanted for the first single!"

For further details, visit FlorenceBlack.uk.

 




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Arising Empire welcomes Eyes Wide Open to the roster. The band has shared the new song and video, "Devastation". Purchase / stream the track at this location.

Eyes Wide Open are a four-piece modern metal band based in Karlstad, Sweden. With their fourth album, 2019's The Upside Down, they hit like a juggernaut. Their music carries the torch from the Swedish melodic death metal scene — mixing it with modern sounds and new influences inspired from metalcore. Catchy melodies, heavy drumming, pumping rhythms, and versatile vocals merge into their own style.

 




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Black Sabbath was embroiled in a protracted legal battle with its former manager in 1975 when the band started recording its sixth studio album, Sabotage. The group felt Sabotaged at every turn - hence the album’s title - but that feeling helped fuel the intensity of the new music they were making. In spite of the distractions, the band created one of the most dynamic - and under appreciated - albums of its legendary career.

BMG pays tribute to the patron saints of heavy metal with a collection that includes a newly remastered version of the original album along with a complete live show recorded during the band’s 1975 tour. Sabotage: Super Deluxe Edition will be available on June 11 as a 4CD set and a 4LP set that includes the same music on 180-gram vinyl plus a bonus 7-inch with the single edit for “Am I Going Insane (Radio)" and “Hole In The Sky” on the flipside, with artwork replicating the very rare Japanese release of the single. Both the 4CD and 4LP versions are available for pre-order here.

The newly remastered version of the original album will be available via digital download and streaming services on the same day. Listen to the newly remastered version of "Hole In The Sky" now. 

Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward recorded Sabotage in London and Brussels and co-produced the album with Mike Butcher. The eight songs were released first in the U.S. in July 1975, and then in the UK that September. Certified gold in America and Silver in the UK, Sabotage earned positive reviews for hard-hitting tracks like “Hole In The Sky” and “Symptom Of The Universe,” as well as more experimental music like “Supertzar,” which featured harp, Mellotron, and the English Chamber Choir.

Sabotage: Super Deluxe Edition introduces 16 live tracks (13 of which are previously unreleased) that were recorded in 1975 during the quartet’s US tour for the album. The performances include songs that span the group’s career, from the title track to its 1970 debut Black Sabbath to “Spiral Architect” and “Sabbra Cadabra” from its previous album, Sabbath Bloody Sabbath (1973). Sabotage is represented as well with live takes of “Hole In The Sky” and “Megalomania.”

The music is accompanied by in-depth liner notes that tell the story of the album through quotes from band members and the music media along with rare photos and press clippings from the era. Also included in the package is a 1975 Madison Square Garden replica concert book and Sabotage 1975 Tour colour poster.

Sabotage: Super Deluxe Edition CD tracklisting:

Disc One: Original Album Remastered

“Hole In The Sky”
“Don’t Start (Too Late)”
“Symptom Of The Universe”
“Megalomania”
“Thrill Of It All”
“Supertzar”
“Am I Going Insane (Radio)”
“The Writ”

Disc Two: North American Tour Live ’75

“Supertzar”/“Killing Yourself To Live” *
“Hole In The Sky”
“Snowblind” *
“Symptom Of The Universe”
“War Pigs” *
“Megalomania”
“Sabbra Cadabra” *
Jam 1 including guitar solo *
Jam 2 including drum solo *
“Supernaut” *
“Iron Man” *

Disc Three: North American Tour Live ’75

Guitar Solo including excerpts of “Orchid” and “Rock ’n’ Roll Doctor” *
“Black Sabbath” *
“Spiral Architect” *
“Embryo”/“Children Of The Grave” *
“Paranoid” *

Disc Four

“Am I Going Insane (Radio)” - Single Edit
“Hole In The Sky”

LP One: Original Album Remastered

Side One
“Hole In The Sky”
“Don’t Start (Too Late)”
“Symptom Of The Universe”
“Megalomania”

Side Two
“Thrill Of It All”
“Supertzar”
“Am I Going Insane (Radio)”
“The Writ”

LP Two: North American Tour Live ’75

Side Three
“Supertzar”/“Killing Yourself To Live” *
“Hole In The Sky”
“Snowblind” *

Side Four
“Symptom Of The Universe”
“War Pigs” *

LP Three: North American Tour Live ’75

Side Five
“Megalomania” *
“Sabbra Cadabra” *

Side Six
Jam 1 including guitar solo *
Jam 2 including drum solo *
“Supernaut”

LP Four: North American Tour Live ’75

Side Seven

“Iron Man” *
Guitar Solo including excerpts of “Orchid” and “Rock ’n’ Roll Doctor” *
“Black Sabbath” *

Side Eight
“Spiral Architect” *
“Embryo”/“Children Of The Grave” *
“Paranoid” *

7” Single
“Am I Going Insane (Radio)” - Single Edit
“Hole In The Sky”

* previously unreleased

"Am I Going Insane (Radio)":

(Photo - Sam Emerson)

 




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Alvi Robinson, lead singer for The L.A. Maybe recently joined Steel Panther on stage at The Blind Tiger in Greensboro, North Carolina for a rousing rendition of the Guns N' Roses classic, "Sweet Child O' Mine". Fan-filmed footage has since surfaced:

Carolinas based heavy rock band The L.A. Maybe - fronted by lead singer Alvi Robinson, made famous when he was nearly selected to front AC/DC in 2016 - have released the official lyric video for their uplifting, anthemic new single, "Peace Of Mind". Designed by guitarist Dallas Dwight, the band chose a lyric video for "Peace Of Mind" to focus on the lyrics and message of the song.

“'Peace Of Mind' is a song about struggling with addiction. Battling your inner demons can be hard, but we all just want to come out the other side with a little peace of mind. More than anything, this song is a message of hope. We hope you’ll enjoy it as much as we enjoyed making it!" - Dallas Dwight

"Peace Of Mind" can be found on Dirty Damn Tricks, the debut album from The L.A. Maybe, available now at this location.

Tracklisting:

"Mr. Danger"
"Sucker Punch"
"Oh Sugar"
"She's Reckless"
"Peace Of Mind"
"When I'm Gone"
"Take Me Away"
"Sweet"
"Fake"
"Up Next To You"

"Mr. Danger":

"Sucker Punch":

"Oh Sugar":

To read BraveWords scribe Aaron Small's new interview with The L.A. Maybe vocalist Alvi Robinson, click here.

 




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Evol Walks has released a cover of "Man In The Box", originally done by Alice In Chains on their 1990 debut album, Facelift.

According to Evol Walks vocalist Leah Martin-Brown, "'Man In The Box' is a track that hooked me from the moment I first heard it - whenever that may have been all those years ago! It had swagger, it was dark and gritty and the vocals sounded like they had real pain behind them. I loved it! 

The older the get, the more I really feel this track. While working on the new Evol Walks record in Sweden, I was messing around in the studio with Chris Wetterstrom (producer / engineer and guitarist on the track) and floated the idea of doing a version. He was super down and we kind of just built it from there.

The other members of Evol Walks aren't here with me sadly, but I was able to enlist the help of Chris for the main guitars, as well as another Swedish player Johan Lund. I gave my friend Alex Windsor a call in Los Angeles and she jumped on bass for us. We also filmed a socially distanced video and Jimmy Lee (Evol Walks drummer) jumped in for that!"

That video will be released shortly. Currently, only the audio, which can be heard below, is available.

 

 

 




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The clip below is Canadian rockers Honeymoon Suite's Much Music Big Ticket show from 1988, which was shot in July '88 at the Kingswood Music Theater at Canada's Wonderland in Toronto, Ontario. It was uploaded to YouTube on May 24th, 2021 by former keyboardist Rob Preuss, who was with the band from 1986 - 1989.

Setlist:

"The Other Side Of Midnight"
"New Girl Now"
"Stay In The Light"
"Long Way Back"
"What Does It Take"
"Fast Company"
"Love Change Everything"
"Looking Out For Number One"
"Funny Business"
"It’s Over Now"
"Bad Attitude"
"Burning In Love"

Back in September 2020, Honeymoon Suite released a new single, "Find What You're Looking For". The band has now released an official video for the track.




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Trailight mastermind Omer Cordell has checked in with a new update:

"There aren't too many guitar players in the metal world that embody the full spectrum of the word 'metal'.  And I mean the full spectrum. Starting early on with Armoros, Caustic Thought, Strapping Young Lad, Tenet, Zimmers Hole, Scar The Martyr, Vimic and numerous guest appearances from Sacrifice to Krisiun.  Not only an exceptionally accomplished guitarist, but an exceptional human being.

Ladies and Gentlemen, performing lead guitar on the track 'Vacuous', I give you the mighty Jed Simon!

Jed will pour some of his awesome metal sauce on this track which is over 8 minutes long and has a very particular spot where Jed will do his magic! I am VERY excited for this!"

Cordell previously announced that Simon's former Strapping Young Lad bandmate Devin Townsend will also make an appearance on the new Trailight record:

"Back in 1993, Steve Vai released his album Sex & Religion. I remember being in the Netherlands at the time of its release and I listened to it all day, every day. What stood out for me in that album was this unheard of vocalist, no one really knew where he came from but there he was!

Fast forward to early 2000, I met Devin at Hipposonic Studios in Vancouver, a few short months after that I was photographing his bands and we stayed friends throughout the years.

Another fast forward to today, I am thrilled and excited to announce that my good friend and one of the most prolific musicians in the world today, Devin Townsend, will be doing the lead guitar on the title track on the new Trailight album, Chasing Daylight.

More guests to be announced!"

Cordell released a new Trailight album, Sophia, in late 2020. Check it out below.

Sophia by Trailight

Tracklist:

"Eon"
"Aftershock"
"Truth"
"The Three Waves"
"Sleepwalkers"
"Island"
"Up In The Air"
"Dance"
"Birth"




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German modern melodic metallers Oversense have released their new single “Be” (feat. Herma Sick), from the upcoming album Egomania, set for release on September 17 via Dr. Music Records,

In the accompanying music video, director Mirko Witzki (Caliban, Any Given Day, Emil Bulls) has succeeded in skillfully dissecting the duality of our society and imposingly staging it. Oversense, with the support of Herma Sick, now invite you to their reckoning with the artificial and superficial social media fake world with all its wannabe influencers.

The artwork for Egomania was masterfully designed by Björn Gooßes of Killustrations (Mob Rules, The Crown, Motorjesus), garnished with brilliant band photos by Stephanie Grass (BlackSally).

Tracklisting:

“Toast To The Devil”
“The Longing”
“Be”
“My Eden”
“Tear Me Down”
“Love”
“Faith”
“Rave In Hell”
“Antisocial”
“Memories”
“Extinction”

Stream / download “Be” now at this location.

 

 




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