One of The Big Four turns the Big 4-0 this year and is celebrating with a number of special activities and events to honor the landmark anniversary. Formed by guitarist Scott Ian and bassist Dan Lilker in Queens, NY on July 18, 1981, Anthrax was one of the first thrash metal bands to emerge from the East Coast and quickly became regarded as a leader in the genre alongside Metallica, Slayer, and Megadeth.

Active over the past five decades, Anthrax has released 11 studio albums, been awarded multiple Gold and Platinum certifications, received six Grammy nominations, toured the world since 1984 playing thousands of shows, including headlining Madison Square Garden and playing Yankee Stadium with The Big 4. The band has built a strong reputation with fans as well as the record industry. With the lineup including Ian, bassist Frank Bello, drummer Charlie Benante, singer Joey Belladonna, and guitarist Jon Donais, the band is being feted on their 40th anniversary by a wide range of friends and music contemporaries.

Each week, on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, and wrapping on the band's official founding anniversary of July 18, Anthrax's social media accounts will offer a series of video testimonials sent in by former band members, fellow musicians, colleagues, and industry veterans sharing behind-the-scenes stories of working with the band and what Anthrax's legacy has meant all these years on. These videos will honor each album in chronological order beginning with the original release, Fistful of Metal. Go here for the full schedule, and watch the first seven below.

The 11-week series will include video contributions from Chuck D, Corey Taylor, Dave Grohl, Dave Mustaine, Gary Holt, Gene Simmons, Henry Rollins, John Carpenter, Kerry King, Mike Patton, Nergal, Norman Reedus, Michael Poulsen, Rob Zombie, Robert Trujillo, Roger Miret, Darryl McDaniels (Run DMC), Slash, Tom Morello and more. There will also be video clips from former Anthrax band members Dan Lilker, Dan Spitz, John Bush, Neil Turbin, and Rob Caggiano.

The finale will come as a very special Livestream performance from Anthrax on Friday, July 16, featuring a deep cuts set that will pull from the band's entire career-spanning catalog. All details including ticketing information will be announced shortly.

Fans will also be able to get their hands on a special 40th anniversary-edition bottle of Anthrax bourbon to enjoy during the Livestream and keep as a commemorative keepsake. More details will be coming soon.

Episode #1:

Episode #2:

Episode #3:

Episode #4:

Episode #5:

Episode #6:

Episode #7:

Twenty-twenty-one marks Anthrax's 40th anniversary, during which time the band has released 11 studio albums, been awarded multiple Gold and Platinum certifications, six Grammy nominations, and a host of other accolades from the media, the music industry, and fans. In 1991, the band helped break down race and genre barriers when they collaborated with Public Enemy on the track "Bring The Noise," and was the first metal band to have its music heard on Mars when NASA played "Got The Time" to wake up the Mars Rover in 2012.

Along with Metallica, Slayer, and Megadeth, Anthrax is a card-carrying member of The Big Four, the four bands that defined the speed/thrash/metal genre. Anthrax has also introduced a series now sold-out signature whiskeys and bourbons and partnered with the Stockholm-based NEZUMI Studios for a high-end, limited-edition Baleine dive watch.

Twenty-twenty-one will see the release of Z2 Comics' "Among The Living" graphic novel with a track-by-track storyline inspired by Anthrax's iconic 1987 album, Among The Living. The book pulls together a "who's who" of names from the worlds of comics and music who created "bubble dialogue" and original artwork to express what the songs meant to them. Taking advantage of COVID-19's prohibition of concert touring, the band has been hard at work writing the next Anthrax album.

(Photo - Jimmy Hubbard)




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Nikki Sixx is working on new music.

The MÖTLEY CRÜE and SIXX:A.M. bassist, who has spent most of the last few months in his new home in Wyoming, took to his Twitter on Tuesday (May 18) to write: "Back in Los Angeles to record a few new tracks, drop something new this week and finish my book."

CRÜE hasn't released any new music since putting out four new songs on the soundtrack to the band's 2019 biopic "The Dirt". "The Dirt Soundtrack" included the single "The Dirt (Est. 1981) (feat. Machine Gun Kelly)" and CRÜE's unlikely cover of Madonna's "Like A Virgin".

Sixx's last book, "This Is Gonna Hurt: Photography And Life Through The Distorted Lens Of Nikki Sixx", came out in 2011 via William Morrow. A tribute to Sixx's institutionalized sister, the book explored what true beauty is and embraced our own power around that. Written entirely by Nikki with no ghostwriter, the book was part journal, part memoir, part social commentary and featured his original photography.

"This Is Gonna Hurt: Music, Photography And Life Through The Distorted Lens Of Nikki Sixx" was the follow-up to Sixx's 2007 New York Times bestseller "The Heroin Diaries: A Year In The Life Of A Shattered Rock Star".

"The Heroin Diaries" was supposedly taken from actual journals Sixx kept in the late 1980s while in the grip of a near-fatal heroin addiction, was originally released in September 2007 via MTV Pocketbooks/Simon & Schuster and debuted at No. 7 on the New York Times Book Review non-fiction best-seller list.

When "The Heroin Diaries: A Year In The Life Of A Shattered Rock Star" was published, it was accompanied by a soundtrack by Sixx's side-project SIXX:A.M. Titled "The Heroin Diaries Soundtrack", it featured collaborations with vocalist James Michael and former GUNS N' ROSES guitarist DJ Ashba.




Back in Los Angeles to record a few new tracks, drop something new this week and finish my book.

— ? (@NikkiSixx) May 18, 2021

Scott Rockenfield has posted a demo version of the QUEENSRŸCHE song "Toxic Remedy" on his recently launched Queensryche2021.com web site. The final version of the track was included on the band's 2015 album "Condition Hüman", which marked QUEENSRŸCHE's second studio release with Todd La Torre, who replaced original singer Geoff Tate in 2012.

When he first went public with his new web site earlier in the month, Scott — who hasn't performed with QUEENSRŸCHE in more than four years — took to his Facebook page to write: "R ya READY TO F***in' ROCK !!!?? ....I AM !!!!!!! -- bruhahahha... www.queensryche2021.com *Welcome to the New World * Join the Legion".

A posting on Scott's web site promises "brand new music," "exclusive new merchandise," "limited-edition collectibles" and "rare music from the [QUEENSRŸCHE] archives." It also lists the members of QUEENSRŸCHE as Rockenfield, guitarist Michael Wilton and bassist Eddie Jackson.

Rockenfield's latest social media activity came four months after he shot down suggestions that he quit QUEENSRŸCHE or retired from playing music. In January, the drummer shared an update on Facebook in which he said that fans "have not been given the facts by any means" and implied that he would offer more details at a later date.

Scott's January 2021 comments marked the first time he had publicly addressed his status with QUEENSRŸCHE, which has used former KAMELOT drummer Casey Grillo for touring purposes since April 2017.

This past February, La Torre was asked during an appearance on "The Eddie Trunk Podcast" if anybody in QUEENSRŸCHE has heard directly from Scott regarding his status with the group. He responded: "Not to my knowledge. All I can tell you is he took paternity leave, saying he would be gone for about six months, and that was four years ago. [Laughs] Casey shows up every day. He shows up to songwrite, he shows up to record, if needed, and he shows up for the live gigs. So that's all that I can tell you. I haven't communicated with [Scott] in years. So I have no idea what he's up to. I couldn't even tell you."

When DJ Eddie Trunk said that he heard from Rockenfield two years ago and that the drummer expressed an interest at the time in telling his story, La Torre replied: "I don't know what story there is to tell. People ask, but, honestly, it is literally like déjà vu. Go play the answer I gave you four years ago, because, literally, nothing has changed.

"As far as I understand, there really isn't communication [between Scott and the QUEENSRŸCHE camp]. And I couldn't tell you anything more than that. Some people think, 'They're not telling us more.' I don't have anything to say, 'cause I don't talk to him; he doesn't talk to me. Casey's been playing with us for four years — going on four years — and he shows up. The guy is doing an awesome job.

"I guess I'd revert back to you," Todd continued. "If you left your radio show saying that you needed six months paternity leave but you never communicated when you were coming back for four years, would the radio station stop running because you quit showing up to work? And keep in mind, you weren't fired, and you didn't give official written notice that you're never gonna come back; you just don't come back or communicate. Does your key still work? Is your name on the door? Or are they gonna find adequate talent replacement to keep things going?

"So I don't have anything bad to say," La Torre clarified. "I don't really have anything to say, other than he asked for paternity leave and just hasn't come back."

The drum tracks on QUEENSRŸCHE's latest album, 2019's "The Verdict", were laid down by La Torre.

Last year, former QUEENSRŸCHE singer Geoff Tate expressed his doubt that Rockenfield will ever play drums again, telling Metal Rules that Scott "has a lot of medical problems and things like that now." In 2019, Tate told 88.1FM WESU's weekly syndicated radio show "Noize In The Attic" that he was "pretty sure" Scott "didn't leave" QUEENSRŸCHE of his own accord. "I can tell you that there's lawsuits involved; I know that," he said. "He's in kind of a really dark place, and I hope he gets some help, 'cause he's really unraveled, you know? In my opinion. It's too bad — he's an incredibly talented drummer, and unfortunately, he never was happy with that. It wasn't good enough for him."

La Torre is currently selling one of four remaining pairs of drum sticks that were used by Rockenfield during the drum recordings of QUEENSRŸCHE's 2013 self-titled al

STÖNER will release its debut studio album, "Stoners Rule", on June 25 via Heavy Psych Sounds. The disc's first single, "Nothin'", can be streamed below.

STÖNER is the supergroup formed by desert rock godfathers and long-time compadres Brant Bjork (founding member of KYUSS, also former member of FU MANCHU), Nick Oliveri (MONDO GENERATOR, former member of KYUSS, QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE) and Ryan Güt. The outcome of this desert reunion is "Stoners Rule", a high-class, groovy and rousing seven-track effort driven by the spirit of these true legends.

The sound is mellow, yet these are the same guys who created the legend of KYUSS as well as the desert and stoner rock movement, which is alive now more than ever. "Stoners Rule" is a celebration of the sound of the Desert, the perfect soundtrack for a ride across the dusty roads of the Mojave Desert, where it has all begun.

Brant told Outlaws Of The Sun about how STÖNER came together: "Nick called me up and wanted to jam. So we got together and we were having a blast and this felt right. It was cool all of us playing together. It felt like we were kids starting out again just playing for the fun of it without any outside pressure.

"We all put our musical influences into this via original jam sessions," he added. "This feels like a mixture of punk rock, metal, blues rock and hard rock. Some stuff we're already known for and some stuff that will surprise and hopefully entertain people."

Brant went on to call STÖNER "a full-time thing. We've got long-term plans for STÖNER and the music that we create. We're booking tour dates for 2022 onwards in Europe and possibly in the United States. Those plans are in the hands of our booking agents but we've been told the pandemic should be under more control next year and more areas will be open up for live performances to happen."

According to Bjork, "it's been nothing but fun playing with Nick and my drummer Ryan Güt. I wanted to do something different and STÖNER allowed me the opportunity to do this," he said. "This project feels right for me especially during the pandemic. It feels good vibing new ideas off Nick, who is one of my closest friends and I can't wait to perform these new songs to a live audience. As I feel these songs deserve to be heard by a live audience."

"Stoners Rule" was recorded at The Rad Cabin in Joshua Tree, California in October 2020 by Yosef Sanborn. Cover art was designed by Branca Studio.

"Stoners Rule" track listing:

01. Rad Stays Rad

02. The Older Kids

03. Own Yer Blues

04. Nothin'

05. Evel Never Dies

06. Stand Down

07. Tribe / Fly Girl

KISS has announced the rescheduled dates for the European leg of its "End Of The Road" tour.

The trek will kick off on June 1, 2022 in Dortmund, Germany and conclude on July 21, 2022 in Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

Tickets that were previously purchased for the postponed 2020 and 2021 shows will be valid for the new dates.

KISS 2022 European tour dates:

Jun. 01 - Westfalenhalle - Dortmund, Germany

Jun. 03 - Atlas Arena - Lodz, Poland

Jun. 06 - Sportspalais - Antwerp, Belgium

Jun. 07 - Accor Arena - Paris, France

Jun. 10 - Download Festival - Castle Donington, UK

Jun. 13 - Barclaycard Arena - Hamburg, Germany

Jun. 16 - Copenhell Festival - Copenhagen, Denmark

Jun. 18 - Tele 2 Arena - Stockholm, Sweden

Jun. 20 - Hartwell Arena - Helsinki, Finland

Jun. 22 - Scandinavian - Gothenburg, Sweden

Jun. 24 - Festhalle - Frankfurt, Germany

Jun. 26 - Stadthalle - Vienna, Austria

Jun. 28 - Schleyerhalle - Stuttgart, Germany

Jun. 30 - Festival Du Printemps De Perouges - Saint-Vulbas, France

Jul. 02 - Rockfest - Barcelona, Spain

Jul. 03 - Wizink Arena - Madrid, Spain

Jul. 05 - Festival De Nîmes - Les Arènes De Nîmes - Nîmes, France

Jul. 07 - Hallenstadion - Zurich, Switzerland

Jul. 09 - Zagreb Arena - Zagreb, Croatia

Jul. 11 - Arena Di Verona - Verona, Italy

Jul. 13 - O2 Arena - Prague, Czech Republic

Jul. 14 - Budapest Arena - Budapest, Hungary

Jul. 16 - Romexpo - Bucharest, Romania

Jul. 21 - Ziggo Dome - Amsterdam, Holland

Paul Stanley recently told Rolling Stone magazine that KISS has every intention of resuming its "End Of The Road" tour once the pandemic has subsided. "Totally," he said. "We were 120 shows into it and having a ball [when the pandemic began]. I mean, most of the time when you lose somebody or the situation changes, you find yourself saying, 'Gee, if I had only known,' whereas here, you have a situation where we've come to the conclusion that we can't continue [as a touring band]. It's not feasible. If we were wearing jeans and T-shirts, we could do this into our eighties or nineties, but we're carrying around 40 and 50 pounds of gear for a couple of hours. There's an age factor, which makes it more real for people who may have doubted the idea of the 'end of the road.'But that in mind, it gives us a night with people where we really get to share what we built together. … So the 'End Of The Road', I don't see it as bittersweet. I see it as sweet. And will there be tears? Sure. But oh, my God, look what we've been given. And from what the fans say, look what we gave them. It's unlike other bands."

KISS's farewell trek was launched in January 2019 and was originally scheduled to conclude on July 17, 2021 in New York City but is now expected to last well into 2022.

Last December, bassist/vocalist Gene Simmons told the 95.5 KLOS radio station that KISS has "a hundred and fifty" shows left in its "End Of The Road" tour, including a stop at "the coldest place on earth."

KISS last performed this past New Year's Eve in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The concert broke Guinness world records for highest flame projection in a music concert and for most flame projections launched simultaneously in a music concert.

KISS's current lineup consists of original members Stanley and Simmons, alongside later band additions, guitarist Tommy Thayer (since 2002) and drummer Eric Singer (on and off since 1991).

Formed in 1973 by Stanley, Simmons, Peter Criss (drums) and Ace Frehley (guitar), KISS staged its first "farewell" tour in 2000, the last to feature the group's original lineup.

In its 48-year career, KISS has accumulated 23 gold and platinum albums — more than any other U.S. band.

METALLICA, NINE INCH NAILS and DISTURBED will headline this year's Welcome To Rockville festival, set to take place November 11 - November 14 at the world-renowned Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida. Over 60 other acts — including DEFTONES, ROB ZOMBIE, LAMB OF GOD, MUDVAYNE, ARCHITECTS and MASTODON — will also appear at the tenth annual event, which was canceled last year due to the coronavirus pandemic.

METALLICA will headline both Friday and Sunday night, while NINE INCH NAILS will close out the festival on Thursday and DISTURBED tops the bill on Saturday.

Says DISTURBED's David Draiman: "We cannot wait to share the Rockville stage with the likes of METALLICA, NINE INCH NAILS, LYNYRD SKYNYRD and so many other great DISTURBED friends. What a massive lineup. C'ya in November, Daytona Beach."

Danny Wimmer, founder of Danny Wimmer Presents, adds: "I always take special pride in bringing shows to my home state of Florida, and I've never been more excited than I am this year. We're celebrating our 10th Welcome To Rockville by building on the big plans that we had for 2020: Bringing METALLICA for two nights, along with DISTURBED, Florida heroes LYNYRD SKYNYRD (with their last Northern Florida show), and so many of the bands that were going to make last year the biggest Rockville yet — and then doing one better, adding a fourth day of music led by NINE INCH NAILS. Welcome To Rockville is an incredible rock and roll vacation destination, and our new home, Daytona International Speedway, located just a few miles from the beach, allows us to have more space for a bigger, better festival and camping experience."

"What an incredible lineup of some of the world's most notorious, legendary rock bands that we will have at Daytona international Speedway for Welcome To Rockville," said Speedway president Frank Kelleher. "These groups are some of the most iconic in the music industry, and we can't wait for fans to be here to experience four days of this one-of-a-kind festival at the World Center of Racing."

The current Welcome To Rockville lineup is as follows (subject to change):

Thursday, November 11:

NINE INCH NAILS

DEFTONES

CYPRESS HILL

STONE TEMPLE PILOTS

ARCHITECTS

GRANDSON

DOROTHY

DEAD SARA

SPIRITBOX

JERIS JOHNSON

BRASS AGAINST

TEENAGE WRIST

NASCAR ALOE

SIIICKBRAIN

DANA DENTATA

AVOID

BLAME MY YOUTH

CONTRACULT COLLECTIVE

Friday, November 12:

METALLICA

ROB ZOMBIE

SOCIAL DISTORTION

CHEVELLE

PENNYWISE

BEARTOOTH

STARSET

WAGE WAR

ICE NINE KILLS

CROWN THE EMPIRE

AYRON JONES

AMIGO THE DEVIL

ZERO 9:36

HYRO THE HERO

TALLAH

AUSTIN MEADE

EGO KILL TALENT

REACH NYC

Saturday, November 13:

DISTURBED

THE OFFSPRING

STAIND

LAMB OF GOD

ASKING ALEXANDRIA

GWAR

BADFLOWER

FEVER 333

ATREYU

NEW YEARS DAY

BAD OMENS

SICK PUPPIES

3TEETH

ALL GOOD THINGS

JOYOUS WOLF

FAME ON FIRE

BRKN LOVE

Sunday, November 14:

METALLICA

LYNYRD SKYNYRD

MUDVAYNE

MASTODON

ANTHRAX

FALLING IN REVERSE

SLEEPING WITH SIRENS

CODE ORANGE

DANCE GAVIN DANCE

OF MICE & MEN

JELLY ROLL

FIRE FROM THE GODS

GOODBYE JUNE

ALIEN WEAPONRY

HIGHER POWER

HERO THE BAND

SURVIVE THE SUN

After welcoming sold-out crowds the previous three years, the move to Daytona International Speedway will allow Welcome To Rockville to increase its audience capacity while at the same time providing more enhanced audience experiences. A recent $400 million renovation of the Speedway and additional $200 million invested in the surrounding area in recent years has transformed the destination into a world-class facility, including numerous hotels within walking distance, many dining options and expanded space for camping, allowing Rockville attendees a convenient and well-rounded experience.

Welcome To Rockville is produced by Los Angeles-based Danny Wimmer Presents, one of the largest independent producers of destination festivals in America. Additional DWP events include Aftershock, Bourbon & Beyond, Epicenter, Hometown Rising, Louder Than Life, Sonic Temple Art + Music Festival and more. They're also the co-creators of Rock On The Range, America's largest and most acclaimed rock festival, which celebrated its 12th and final year in 2018.

Maria Brink (IN THIS MOMENT) has released her epic new collaboration with acclaimed artist/producer Tyler Bates, featuring vocals by Andy Biersack (BLACK VEIL BRIDES), from the forthcoming "Dark Nights: Death Metal Soundtrack", out digitally on June 18 via Loma Vista Recordings (physical LPs out July 16). Listen to "Meet Me In The Fire (feat. Andy Biersack)" below.

"It's such an honor to be a part of this soundtrack," says Brink. "I love collaborating with talented people and getting the chance to be creative. Tyler Bates is such an amazing talent and I have loved doing a track with him and Andy Biersack. I think our fans will love this and I hope everyone likes what we created."

"Meet Me In The Fire (Feat. Andy Biersack)" follows last week's announcement of the "Dark Nights: Death Metal Soundtrack" alongside its lead single, MASTODON's "Forged By Neron". The soundtrack, executive produced by Bates ("Guardians Of The Galaxy", "Watchmen", "John Wick"), is available for pre-order on digital download, CD, and 2xLP-with exclusive Superman, Wonder Woman and Batman vinyl variant covers, 11 limited-edition character trading cards, and more.

Just as the lauded DC "Dark Nights: Death Metal" series isn't the typical superhero storyline, this musical counterpart isn't the typical superhero soundtrack. Acclaimed composer Bates here unites an array of artists across various genres — including MASTODON, Denzel Curry, MANCHESTER ORCHESTRA, Chelsea Wolfe, IDLES and SOCCER MOMMY — forming his own musical super crew to create a first-of-its kind companion piece of original music, which adds further dimension to the acclaimed series through a multimedia experience including custom limited-edition comics, videos, and more.

All artists involved took a hands-on approach with "Dark Nights: Death Metal Soundtrack", contributing songs — and in the case of a few, collaborating together for the first time — inspired by the text that depicts a hellish Earth twisted beyond recognition, wherein the Justice League is at the mercy of the Dark Multiverse and a diabolical Batman Who Laughs.

Additionally, DC and Loma Vista Recordings will announce special edition soundtrack variants of "Dark Nights: Death Metal" issues 1-3, featuring RISE AGAINST, Denzel Curry and GREY DAZE (the late Chester Bennington's pre-LINKIN PARK band) on custom comic covers, and released alongside each artist's respective flexi singles.

"This soundtrack and motion-comic series was made by fans of comics, for fans of comics and music," enthuses Bates, who is beloved for his previous soundtrack work on several of the most influential superhero/graphic novel films of modern times. "'Dark Nights: Death Metal' is next-level storytelling by two incredibly talented artists in Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo. The visual aspect of this comic is entirely compelling, and resonates throughout each song on the soundtrack."

"Dark Nights: Death Metal Soundtrack" track listing:

01. MASTODON - "Forged by Neron"

02. CHELSEA WOLFE - "Diana"

03. HEALTH, Tyler Bates - "ANTI-LIFE (feat. Chino Moreno)"

04. MARIA BRINK, TYLER BATES - "Meet Me In The Fire (feat. Andy Biersack)"

05. GREY DAZE - "Anything, Anything"

06. RISE AGAINST - "Broken Dreams, Inc."

07. MANCHESTER ORCHESTRA - "Never Ending"

08. DENZEL CURRY, PLAYTHATBOIZAY - "Bad Luck"

09. CARACH ANGREN - "Skull With a Forked Tongue"

10. STARCRAWLER - "Good Time Girl"

11. GUNSHIP, TYLER BATES - "Berserker (feat. Dave Lombardo)"

12. GREG PUCIATO, TYLER BATES, GIL SHARONE - "Now You've Really Done It"

13. SHOW ME THE BODY - "Stone Cold Earth"

14. IDLES - "Sodium"

15. SOCCER MOMMY - "Kissing in the Rain"

Punk rock collective THE CREW has released "One Voice", a rousing punk rock anthem about unity. THE CREW features legendary punk rockers Fletcher Dragge and Byron McMackin of PENNYWISE, Mike Muir of SUICIDAL TENDENCIES, and Tim Armstrong and Matt Freeman of RANCID.

"One Voice" is available on all streaming platforms via Epitaph Records. Stay Free Recordings will release the track on a seven-inch vinyl to benefit Musack, whose mission is to give kids and teens a voice through music by providing musical instruments and support for teachers. The vinyl will feature THE CREW's "Once Voice" on Side A, while Side B will feature an original song by some of Musack's youth rockers; RIPPY AND THE SILLYETTES. RIPPY AND THE SILLYETTES are two young girls from the Navajo reservation who wrote "One in A Million" about their friend who was murdered.

"Collaborating with Tim Armstrong, Mike Muir and Matt Freeman has been an awesome experience," explains Dragge. "Obviously, Byron Mcmackin and I go way back.

"Byron and I had a demo of 'One Voice' laying around for couple years, and I thought it would be cool to bring a couple old friends on board to breath some new life into it. Watching these guys lay down their own personal trademark styles on this song was nothing short of amazing! I think it's safe to safe we're all pretty fucking stoked on the final product, and being able to donate proceeds to Musack feels pretty awesome as well. Find it, crank it up, and enjoy!"

The cover for the track features original art by Armstrong and the pressing will be limited to 500 copies sold in five unique colorways. Pre-orders are available at this location.

This Friday, May 21, Vulture will release their new album, Dealin' Death, via Metal Blade Records. Check out this unboxing video:

When it comes to contemporary thrash, there are few bands that can stand toe-to-toe with Germany's Vulture. Establishing their status with 2016's Victim To The Blade EP and 2017's The Guillotine, then cementing their reputation with 2019's Ghastly Waves And Battered Graves, they now return with the mighty Dealin' Death, one of the most ruthless records the genre has seen.

"Take all our key elements - fierce riffing, halftone-shifts, aggressive vocals, huge toms, changing dynamics, horror-synths and classical twin guitar harmonies and cast it in a mould, then you have 'Dealin' Death'," says guitarist Stefan Castevet. "The result sounds a little 'back to the EP-ish' to my ears, yet it contains new approaches that we've never included in our sound so far, like choirs with harmonies."

When it was time for the band to head into the studio, the recording process was handled by two separate collaborators: the album recorded at Monkey Moon Studios in Dortmund by Alexander Stöcker, the guitarist of Stallion, while the production was once more handled by Marco Brinkmann at Hellforge Studio.

"This cooperation turned out great!" enthuses vocalist Leo Steeler. "Alex's way of recording and the whole studio atmosphere was pretty motivating and inspiring for all of us. Marco, on the other hand, knows exactly how we should sound and already became literally the sixth member of the band."

Working twelve-hour days for ten days straight was pretty grueling, their daily schedule "get up, track, sleep", but the effort paid off. "I think 'Dealin' Death' is the best we've ever sounded. The mix itself is absolutely flawless to my ears," says Castevet. "It's way more direct and less reverb-soaked than its predecessor. It was very important for us this time, to take advice from Marco and make all key elements audible for the listener. The vocals sound piercing, the bass is present, delivering warmth throughout the whole mix, and the guitars have the best sound we've ever had, and the same goes for drums. It's very natural and dynamic, but straight to the point."

And now with everything done, the band are eager to get it out there. "We can't wait to get feedback for it, hopefully people will admire it as much as we do! Once the pandemic is over, we also can't wait to play shows and even tour again."

Dealin' Death can be pre-ordered here in the following formats:

- jewelcase-CD
- ltd. digipak-CD (incl. sticker)
- 180g black vinyl (EU exclusive)
- slate grey marbled vinyl (EU exclusive - limited to 500 copies)
- blood red / black marbled deluxe edition vinyl w/ flag, tape, and sticker (EU exclusive - limited to 300 copies)
- leaf green marbled vinyl (EU exclusive - limited to 200 copies)
- black w/ red splash vinyl (EU exclusive - limited to 200 copies)
- dark teal marbled vinyl (US exclusive)

Dealin' Death tracklisting:

"Danger Is Imminent"
"Malicious Souls"
"Count Your Blessings"
"Gorgon"
"Star-Crossed City"
"Flee The Phantom"
"Below The Mausoleum"
"Dealin' Death"
"Multitudes Of Terror"
"The Court Of Caligula"

"Star-Crossed City" video:

"Malicious Souls" video:

Vulture lineup:

L. Steeler - Vocals
S. Castevet - Guitars
M. Outlaw - Guitars
A. Axetinctör - Bass
G. Deceiver - Drums

(Photo - Lea Heindl)




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Greek album cover artist Ioannis (Deep Purple, Fates Warning, Uriah Heep, Dream Theater) took to social media to pay tribute to William "Bill" Tsamis, guitarist and mainstay of the ‘80s band Warlord, who recently passed away at 60 years of age.

Says Ioannis: "To all my friends, I just found out today the sad news of the passing of William (Vasilis) Tsamis, founder, gifted lead guitarist and composer of early pioneers of power metal band, Warlord. Around the time I did the art for Fates Warning in 1986, Brian Slagel asked me if I would like to do the art for their album Thy Kingdom Come. I really liked what I had heard and happily agreed. My heart bleeds for my fallen Greek brother, R.I.P."




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UK alt-metal upstarts, Vexed, will release their debut full-length, Culling Culture, on Friday, May 21 via Napalm Records. Combining both visually cinematic and oppressively honest material with a refined symbiosis of technically adept hardness and droning heavy instrumentality, Vexed convince with their new single "Fake", released today aside a disturbingly intense official music video.  

Facing very personal experiences, Culling Culture is a tribute to hate, betrayal and anger, whilst also reflecting post-modern society with strikingly honest songwriting and heavy groove. Moreover, for as confident as they are musically, Vexed is as poignant lyrically. The title of the album, Culling Culture, and portions of its contents deliver the band’s unfiltered response to the world’s latest social phenomena of public ostracism, “cancel culture”.

Unrelenting lead vocalist Megan Targett’s vicious vocal assault blending venomously low growls, soaring cleans and razor-sharp rap-like deliveries (see “Fake” and “Weaponise”) is backed by the pure technical proficiency of bandmates Willem Mason-Geraghty (drums), Jay Bacon (guitar) and Al Harper (bass). The warning instrumental “Ignorant” prefaces the record’s menacing atmosphere and provides a flawless basis for smashing wake up call “Hideous” and fiery, threatening tracks “Fake” and “Narcissist”. Ghostly “Aurora” and disrespectfully heavy album-closer “Lazarus” showcase Targett’s multi-faceted clean vocal delivery while clashing otherworldly auras with resonating, melodic rhythms. “Epiphany” blends both, offering a bold message of moving past self-loathing, while superciliously weighty offering “Weaponise” seethes between violent hatred and ambient darkness.

Pre-order Vexed’s debut album Culling Culture here.

Culling Culture will be available in the following formats:

- 1-CD Digipak
- 1-LP Gatefold Vinyl (Black)
- 1-LP Gatefold Vinyl (Orange transparent, strictly limited to 100 copies)
- 1-CD Digipak + T-Shirt Bundle
- Digital Album

Tracklisting:

"Ignorant"
"Hideous"
"Fake"
"Epiphany"
"Misery"
"Narcissist"
"Weaponise"
"Purity"
"Drift"
"Aurora"
"Lazarus"

“Epiphany” video:

"Hideous" video:

"Misery"

(Photo - Andy Ford)




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Old school death metal band Nefariym is set to release their debut album Morbid Delusions on September 24th via Inverse Records. The band was formed in Melbourne, Australia in 2019 by Mark Kelson and Richie Poate, both of the melodic doom band The Eternal. What started as an idea to pay homage to the golden era of early 90’s death metal formed in a fully fledged band and the crushing album Morbid Delusions was forged.

First single "A Morbid Delusion" is released today and Mark Kelson comments: "Mankind’s demise is nearing completion. As the fabric of society disintegrates society approaches is impending doom. A festering depravity of sickness and filth will be all your children ever know."
 
Pre-order Morbid Delusions here.

Tracklist:
 
"Veiled In Death" (Intro)
"Succubus"
"A Morbid Delusion"
"Tearing The Flesh From The Bone"
"Wallow In The Filth"
"Monolithic Dread"
"Humanity Falls"
"Endless Decay"
"The Seeds Of Hate"
"Into The Blackened Abyss"
"Circle Of The Tyrants" (Celtic Frost cover)




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Swiss hard rock band, King Zebra, have released their brand new single and music video for ‘Wall Of Confusion‘, featuring Thundermother singer Guernica Mancini. The track is taken from their new album, which will be released later in 2021.

The song was produced and mixed by Oscar Nilsson (Hank Von Hell, Engel, We Sell The Dead) at Crehate Studios. Mastered by Thomas "Plec" Johansson (Thundermother, Soilwork, Firewind) at Panic Room Studio.

King Zebra is Eric St. Michaels (China), Roman Lauer, Jerry Napitupulu, Manu Judge and Ben Grimm. In early 2017, the band released their first song called "Bad Idea", followed by three Singles and an EP in 2019.

During the last three years, King Zebra played Rock The Ring and Rock Of Ages feativals and opened up for Lynyrd Skynyrd, Uriah Heep, and Rose Tattoo just to name a few. They toured through Eastern Europe and played sold out shows abroad and in their home country Switzerland.

In the pandemic year 2020, the band spent three weeks in Gothenburg, Sweden working on their upcoming album.

 




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Dutch death metal legends, Pestilence, have released a bass playthrough video for their single, "Morbvs Propagationem". It's the first song taken off the band's new album, Exitivm, which is set to be released on June 25 via Agonia Records. Watch below:

Check out guitar and drum playthrough videos for "Morbvs Propagationem":

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)

"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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Argentinian melodic death metal artist Plaguestorm has announced the release of his brand new full-length album. Purifying Fire will be out on June 4 via Noble Demon. An animated lyric video for the title track is available below. Find pre-order options here.

"The title track of the album is a song with many changes of rhythm and full of melodies," comments songwriter Sebastián Pastor. "It begins with quite an epic introduction, but soon everything gets out of control and the speed and blast beats arrive. It is a fast and aggressive song, but at the same time quite emotional, since it's packed with melancholic melodies and many clean, but also fierce vocals. The lyrics are about the fires that have occurred in recent years in many parts of the world. Sometimes I do think that those who cause these great fires will make everything burn, burning ourselves, some people do not understand that their own actions are counterproductive for ourselves. Beyond all the damage, nature always prevails."  

Founded by Sebastián Pastor in early 2014, Plaguestorm delivers a wide range of furious and raging melodic death metal. Sweeping melodies, heavy, dark and melancholic arrangements, mixing the old and new Scandinavian sound of death metal, as if it were based on a Swedish manufacturing standard. With nine brand new tracks full of anger and rage, desolation and sadness, Purifying Fire is in fact Pastor's most mature release to date.

As on his previous releases, Sebastián Pastor was in charge of composing and writing all the lyrics and music (as well as recording the acoustic and electric guitars, bass, drum prog, and keyboards / synthesizers / strings), while the vocals do come from Mikael Sehlin (Engel). For the guitar solos Plaguestorm got the support of Diego Martinez, as well as Pablo Roman, and a wonderful orchestral arrangement for the song "Purifying Fire" was made by Sebastián Nuñez Szymanski.

Tracklisting:

“Evolution Towards The Edge”
“Back To Zero”
“Purifying Fire”
“Never Learn”
“You Against The World”
“Close To Nowhere”
“No Farewell”
“Blind And Weak”
“Burning Paradise”

“Evolution Towards The Edge”:

 




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As cult Polish grindcore act Schismopathic prepares for the May 28th release of The Human Legacy – the band’s first full-length album since its inception in 1988 – through Selfmadegod Records, they have debuted the “Vote For Me” lyric video.

The band comments on "Vote For Me": "Generally, the lyrics are about the naivety of people and unfulfilled promises of politicians. The text was inspired by observations of the election processes in Poland and the rest of the world and irritation of the stupidity of societies that behave like a crowd of fools. People believe in election promises of the candidates, which are often unrealistic. In fact, most politicians can promise anything, just to be elected and have a career. After the elections, politicians mostly argue among themselves, and that focuses the attention of stupid society."

Founded in 1987 under the name Schismopathic Torment, in 1988 the band changed its name to Schismopathic under the lineup of bassist Jacek B., guitarist Robert F., and vocalist/drummer Robert G. A year later, they released their debut demo, Kharkharamapathic Regurgitator, resulting in a plethora of shows throughout Poland with bands from the top tier of their country’s underground. In 1991, Schismopathic recorded their debut album, D.E.M.O.C.R.A.C.Y., which, due to the band's suspension, was released with the first demo and live recordings in 2013 on CD, and then a few years later on LP via Selfmadegod Records.

The band’s reactivation in 2020 was preceded by a split 7” EP with Antigama, also released through Selfmadegod. The band reactivated in the original lineup but without Robert G., who was replaced on drums by Janek (ex-Psychoneurosis, ex-Bottom) and new vocalist Adrian. With this lineup, Schismopathic composed and recorded material for the full album, The Human Legacy, which will now see release through Selfmadegod Records in May of 2021.

The Human Legacy was recorded and mixed at 125 Studio between May 2020 and March 2021, produced by Michal “Maly” Kwiecień. The record’s intro features Kwiecień and Artur “Janek” Jasiński, and the outro features Sebastian “Stecyk” Steć. The cover art and layout were handled by Jasiński and DIY Zrup Leprzy Prod. The track “Proof Of Ignorance” is a new version of the 1989 track “Construction Of Ignorance,” here re-recorded in a new arrangement with new lyrics.

Selfmadegod Records will release The Human Legacy on CD and digital formats on May 28th. Find pre-orders at the Selfmadegod webshop.

Tracklisting:

“Intro – The Beginning Of The End”
“Faithful Slaves Of The System”
“Vote For Me”
“What Can You Say Then?”
“Technological Addiction”
“Deviated And Devoted”
“Proof Of Ignorance”
“Single-Use Existence”
“Landfill Site For Human Trash”
“Cut Their Ropes”
“Time Of History”
“Outro – The Human Legacy”

“Time Of History”:

 




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Tysondog has signed a deal with the newborn Danish record label From The Vaults, a traditional record company specializing in heavy metal including the NWOBHM.

"Part of Target Group Denmark, the label will help us take Tysondog further than before," says the band. From The Vaults will release our upcoming, fourth studio album and we can't wait for you to hear it."

"It's been a long time in the making and we are ready to return with even more bite! We are now part of the label's roster and we are looking forward to a great relationship for years to come! Thanks for your support as always."

 




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British death metal titans Ingested have announced the release of The Surreption II -  a reimagined recording of their vital second album, The Surreption, to celebrate its 10 year anniversary - out July 30th via Unique Leader.

Ingested have also unveiled a music video for "Manifesting Obscenity" from The Surreption II:

Quote from vocalist Jason Evans: "As some of you may know, the tenth anniversary of our second album The Surreption is fast approaching, and what better way to celebrate than to unleash this beast upon the world once more? That's right, we have been holed up in the Ingested lockdown bunker hard at work to bring to you our second album the way we always wanted it to be. This isn't a remix, or a remaster, this is a complete re-recording, a reimagining of an important, but often forgotten step in the path of Ingested. We never got to do a music video for the original release of The Surreption and we think that's a shame, so feast your eyes and ears on our video for 'Manifesting Obscenity', and fire up the pre-orders for The Surreption II, because this bad motherf**ker is available July 30th on Unique Leader Records."

Tracklisting:

"Crowning The Abomination"
"Decline" 
"The Consequence" 
"A Coming Unperceived" 
"This Disgusting Revelation" 
"Castigation And Rebirth" 
"Manifesting Obscenity" 
"22"
"Kingmaker" 
"The Alpha And Omega" 

The news follows Ingested being announced as support for Bleed From Within's 'The Fracture Tour', commencing November 2nd 2021 in Cologne, Germany. Kill The Lights have been announced as openers. Confirmed venues can be found in the official poster below.






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Heaven & Earth, a band who released their debut album in 2000, will return on July 16 with their fifth studio album, the aptly titled V. Today, fans can get their first taste of the album (and the band's new lineup) via the video for the single "Drive". Watch the clip below, and pre-order/save V here.

Heaven & Earth's lineup now includes Gianluca Petralia (vocals), Stuart Smith (guitars), Lynn Sorensen (bass), George Barabas (Hammond organ and keyboard), and Simon Wright (drums, percussion). They have become an international band with an Italian singer, a Hungary-based keyboardist, and two British transplants living in the US amongst their ranks. These five incredible rock musicians have banded together to record this magnificent new album, V.

"Personally, I feel that this is our best album yet. It has a much harder edge than the previous albums. The chemistry between the new musicians was amazing," says guitarist Stuart Smith.

"It’s been an incredible five-month ride made of impulsive writing and recording with outstanding musicians I’m now honored to call friends. From the very beginning, it felt like this album was already there. It just needed to be delivered…it was like a scream to exorcise the bleak reality we’re living right now,” says vocalist Gianluca Petralia.

"I've been a big fan of Heaven & Earth since their first album so when Stuart asked me to join the band it was like something any fan or musician could dream of. I enjoyed the whole recording process and we had lay down some serious hard rock songs for this new record," adds keyboardist George Barabas.

"Heaven & Earth V is rock before it became polished like jewelry. It's attitude with dirt on its face. As two of our members were in different countries it was logistically challenging to record, but everyone rallied together like a great band should," says bassist Lynn Sorensen.

"I'm glad I had the opportunity to play on this Heaven and Earth album. Incredible musicians and some classy songwriting," says drummer Simon Wright.

V is an absolute must hear for all lovers of Rainbow, early Whitesnake, and Bad Company and that general era of amazing hard rock.

Tracklisting:

"Drive"
"Beautiful"
"Never Dream Of Dying"
"Ship Of Fools"
"Poverty"
"Flim Flam Man"
"One In A Million Men"
"Little Black Dress"
"Big Money Little Man"
"Running From The Shadows"
"Nothing To Me"
"At The End Of The Day"

"Drive" video:

Lineup:

Vocals: Gianluca Petralia
Guitar: Stuart Smith
Bass & Vocals: Lynn Sorensen
Drums: Simon Wright
Keyboards: George Barabas
Additional Keyboards: Mike Mangan




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Funko, the world’s leading pop culture consumer products brand and creators of the wildly popular Pop! Vinyl collection, have partnered with legendary pop culture and music superstar Bret Michaels to create his first-ever, limited edition Pop! Vinyl figure. The Bret Michaels collectible Pop! reflects Michaels’ iconic likeness and style.

Michaels shows off his figure below:

With consumer demand for Michaels’ products always at a high, there will also be a coveted “Chase Pop!” figure, in addition to the planned primary Funko Pop!. This unique collectible, sought after by both hardcore Funko collectors and pop culture fans alike, will see an adaptation and inclusion of Bret’s signature cowboy hat look.

As Michaels has done with previous brand partners, he remained hands-on throughout the creation and design process with Funko, who collaborated with Epic Rights, the licensing agent.

Michaels’ Pop! Vinyl will be available in June. The limited-edition figures, and the Chase Pops, will be available directly on ShopBretMichaels.com. Michaels’ online store is the only place to find gift bundles, including Bret’s bestselling book Auto-Scrap-Ography, as well as personally signed figurines which are sure to create a collecting frenzy for an even more limited version of the highly desired Pop! Vinyl.

Speaking with Bionic Buzz, Michaels commented on the collaboration: "I feel like I'm a human Addams Family, a Munster. I'm, like, I look like that every day. You know the Munsters thought they were totally normal? The Addams Family? I'm like a Halloween costume that actually looks like this every day. Honest to God, it's an honour."




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Season Of Mist announces the signing of Obsidious. The extreme metal outfit will be releasing their debut album via the label early 2022. In celebration, Obsidious release a first new track, "Iconic", for which a music video can be viewed below. Pre-save the single on digital platforms here.

Obsidious comments: "We are beyond excited to finally share our first song 'Iconic', with the world! This release is the true beginning of our journey as Obsidious that started 14 months ago. As the first-ever song we wrote with Obsidious, 'Iconic' is all about our mission to push the boundaries of metal music while showcasing all the different aspects and nuances representing us as a group. We pour our hearts and minds into this band to leave our mark with the wonderful global modern metal community."

Season Of Mist CEO Michael Berberian comments on the signing: "As a long life long obscura fan, it was obsious that I had to sign Obsidious, a band that is fresh and not obsolete, and I will observe how things will progress, without any of the 2020 touring obstruction and fingers crossed no new obscene new disease."

In April 2020 guitarist Rafael Trujillo, bassist Linus Klausenitzer and drummer Sebastian Lanser decided to move on from their former band Obscura to continue their musical path with the completely new band Obsidious. Free from former boundaries, Obsidious merge extreme metal with other genres of music into a unique style that people will somehow find familiar, but haven‘t heard yet. Together with their singer Javi Perera they set out to create a musical evolution: With a fresh name, reaching for new fan groups utilizing modern marketing ideas. Obsidious’ band members have many facets and influences to build upon, using virtuosity & technique to write great songs.

Rafael Trujillo, Linus Klausenitzer and Sebastian Lanser built a strong bond after years of worldwide touring and recording together with Obscura. With their last record Diluvium, that was primarily composed by the trio, the band celebrated their biggest success to date. Formerly unseen chart positions alongside massive praise by prominent media outlets & magazines document the success of this team. Obsidious aims to expand the existing fan base that they’ve gained: All (ex-)formations of the Obsidious members were defined through their musical characters.

The four band members that are based in Europe are known for their high musicianship and virtuosity. Their advanced technical level is an essential and unique part of their compositions. Guitarist Rafael Trujillo has a multicultural background and studied music in different countries all around the globe. Linus Klausenitzer is one of the busiest session bassists in the scene and renowned for his 7-string fretless bass sound. Strong drum independence skills and stylistic diversity make Sebastian Lanser one of the most influential drummers of the new generation. The web community shares the Ex-Obscura members’ excitement about singer Javi Perera being celebrated for his diverse and charismatic vocal skills.

Obsidious' music consists of modern riffs, strong decisive energetic melodies, virtuosity and epic unison lines. They love music that’s heavy, catchy, fast, and wild. The brand new album is currently being recorded and will be released via Season Of Mist early 2022.

Lineup:

Linus Klausenitzer - Bass
Rafael Tujillo - Guitar
Javi Perera - Vocals
Sebastian Lanser - Drums




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Metal Blade Records welcomes Entheos to its worldwide roster.

Originally formed in 2015, since 2020, the lineup has been stripped down to core founding members drummer Navene Koperweis - who has now also taken on guitar duties - and vocalist Chaney Crabb, and they have never been more vital. Armed with a sound that amalgamates death metal, groove, grunge, electronica, slam, gothic rock, jazz, prog and more, they are a wholly unpredictable beast that has evolved over the course of their career.

Navene Koperweis and Chaney Crabb comment: "We are incredibly excited to announce that we have signed with Metal Blade Records. Metal Blade is a pillar in the metal community and consistently releases music from many of the world's greatest bands. We are proud to be associated with such a label and look forward to our future working together."

The progressive death metal genre is a diverse movement, but even within this, Entheos stand out as a unique entity. Taking their name from a Greek word that translates to "the god within", the band's philosophy can be drawn from its meaning.

"The English word 'enthusiasm' is derived from this word. We chose this name originally because of both the enthusiasm that we felt for embarking on this new journey as a band and our collective belief in 'the god within' - the idea that reality manifests itself from within us."

Their debut EP Primal was dropped in 2015, first full-length The Infinite Nothing following in 2016, with their most recent release - 2017's more progressive-oriented Dark Future - being their deepest and darkest record, lyrically influenced by the suicide of a close friend of Crabb's. In support of these records, the band have toured with the likes of The Black Dahlia Murder, The Dillinger Escape Plan, Veil of Maya, Revocation, The Contortionist, Intronaut, Goatwhore, Between The Buried And Me, Born Of Osiris, Rivers of Nihil, Beyond Creation, Conjurer, Iron Reagan and many more, building a steady following and carving out a niche for themselves, but it is only now that they are truly coming into their own.

Hard at work on a new album that explores a broad musical spectrum, they plan to drop their currently untitled full-length in early 2022. The bond between Crabb and Koperweis - which extends into their personal life, having been a couple since before Entheos was even formed - contributes to the uniqueness of the band.

"We respect each other greatly - not only as artists, but as people. Our relationship and the mutual passion that we have for Entheos has consistently been the backbone of this band. We share a vision that we are unwilling to compromise - in music, art, live shows and beyond. Having been together romantically for ten years, we are very aware of how to play to each other's strengths. In the creative process, we don't just write for the sake of our own voice being heard, but what would complement both of our musical voices and vision. We don't want anything about this project to be an afterthought, so in the creative and planning stages, it is crucial for us to see it together as a whole and understand how we both fit in."

They dropped the track "Remember You Are Dust" in 2020 to introduce fans to the new era of the band, with Koperweis taking on guitar duty for the first time, and after its release, dove back into writing the next Entheos full-length.

"We took the pandemic as an opportunity to reimagine every aspect of the band and plan on re-emerging stronger and more focused than ever with a new release. With this record, we are pushing beyond the boundaries of what we believe this band is. It is by far the heaviest and fastest record we've made, while simultaneously being the most dynamic and diverse showcase of genre-bending musicianship, melody and progressive themes. We are also more focused than ever on vocal performance, and Chaney will be incorporating pitched screaming and singing along with a more diverse metal vocal range."

Confident as they are, at this stage in the game, they feel that they have something to prove.

"Six years, two albums and many tours later, it is just the two of us, and we want to prove that the heart and soul of Entheos is not only far from gone, but that in this iteration, we can still deliver the best and most passionate release that we have created."

Stay tuned for Entheos' upcoming album - and Metal Blade Records debut - coming in 2022. In the meantime, fans can watch a new teaser video from Navene Koperweis and Chaney Crabb:




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Nashville underground trio, Yautja, will make their Relapse Records debut with their new album, The Lurch, set for release this Friday, May 21. The band has released a video for the song, "The Weight", which can be found below.

Yautja's The Lurch amalgamates metal, punk, and noise rock into a ferocious hybrid that has propelled them from the obscurity of the American South onto the international stage. The Lurch was recorded by Scott Evans at Steve Albini's legendary Electrical Audio studio in Chicago and marks another step forward for the innovative band.

Yautja comments, “We’ve spent a lot of time working on these songs and after sitting on this recording for a clusterfuck pandemic of a year, we couldn’t be more ready to share this with the world.”

The Lurch, which features artwork by Brandon Guerts (Pig Destroyer, Melt Banana), will be released on CD, LP, and digital formats. Physical pre-orders are available via Relapse.com. Digital downloads/streaming services are available here.

From the opening roar of “A Killing Joke” and the ominous noise waves of “Undesirables” to the churning cannonade of “Before The Foal,” The Lurch conveys the personal frustrations and sociopolitical observations of its creators. “We’ve got our bubble of friends and artists and businesses, but you drive 30 minutes out of town, and you see confederate flags or people wearing t-shirts that say, ‘Redneck Lives Matter,’” bassist/vocalist Kayhan Vaziri explains, “so there’s a lot of frustration there, and some the lyrics pertain to that.”

Elsewhere on the album, tracks such as "Tethered" and "Wired Depths" discuss the various technologies and systems in place befalling the great populace. Rampant displacement of local communities fuel Vaziri's opening screams in the track aptly titled “Catastrophic” - “Forced under society!”

Featuring members of several other musical projects including Thou, Coliseum, Mutilation Rites, and more, Yautja's collective experiences across the underground and experimental subgenres drive their unique sound. The band's palpable malaise, malcontent, and sharpened edges are matched by the album's production - the attack of noisy, whirring guitars constantly veering on dissonance are met with a destructive, mangled low end, as they march on to some of the most creative drumming in the genre. The Lurch showcases a band that is daring, experimental, and unrelenting.

Tracklisting:

“A Killing Joke”
“The Spectacle”
“Wired Depths”
“Undesirables”
“Tethered”
“Clock Cleaner”
“Catastrophic”
“The Weight”
“Before The Foal”

“The Weight” video:

“Tethered” video:

(Photo - Chappy Hull)




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Toby Hitchcock (Pride Of Lions) will release his new solo album, Changes, on July 9. Listen to the song "Before I Met You (Xano Esena)" below, and pre-order/save the new album here.

Powerhouse American vocalist Toby Hitchcock is one of the most recognizable, powerful, and charismatic voices in the current melodic rock/AOR scene. As frontman of Pride Of Lions, he has been the voice behind some of the best new classics of the genre, always delivering passionate and outstanding performances. Vocally, he has often been compared to legendary figures like Bobby Kimball (Toto), Jimi Jamison (Survivor), or Lou Gramm (Foreigner), which is astounding company to be in. Hitchcock's voice has the depth, feeling, and extension of each of them, while still maintaining his own identity and trademark style. In short, he is an absolute star in the current melodic rock scene.

While Jim Peterik is preparing a new Jim Peterik's World Stage album, Toby took the time to commence work on another solo record. Following the excellent results that Mercury's Down and The Reckoning received, this will be another welcome entry in Hitchcock's growing discography. This time, Toby hooked up with Frontiers in-house producer Alessandro Del Vecchio, who has created an outstanding collection of songs highlighting the skills of Toby’s tenor voice. Greek music fans may also recognize an outstanding and rocking international version of Despina Vandi’s hit “Xano Esena,” here entitled “Before I Met You".

Tracklisting:

"Forward"
"Before I Met You (Xano Esena)"
"Changes"
"Tonight Again"
"Garden Of Eden"
"Don't Say Goodbye"
"Say No More"
"Run Away Again (From Love)"
"Two Hearts On The Run"
"On The Edge Of Falling"
"Losing You"

"Before I Met You (Xano Esena)":

"Forward" video:

Lineup:

Toby Hitchcock - Vocals
Martin Jepsen Andersen - Guitars
Alessandro Del Vecchio - Bass, keyboards, backing vocals
Nicholas Papapicco – Drums




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Earlier this year, Inhuman Condition announced their arrival on the scene. The group, comprised of former Massacre members as well as current members of Obituary, The Absence, Goregäng, and Fore, have since released two singles from their upcoming album, Rat°God, and now debut their third, entitled "Killing Pace".

The lyrics for "Killing Pace" were written by Cannibal Corpse drummer/lyricist Paul Mazurkiewicz. The video was filmed and edited by drummer Jeramie Kling, with additional footage being supplied with permission by "The Abomination" directed by Max Raven.

"This song turned out to be such a ripper! Once we got Paul to write some gnarly lyrics and catchy vocal patterns, it really developed into a bit of an anthemic song, and it's very mosh-able. It was also so cool that Jeramie was able to talk to director Max Raven and get permission to use the footage from "The Abomination", it's just a classic slasher video!," Nordberg said.

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”

"Euphoriphobia" video:

“Tyrantula” video:

Inhuman Condition is:

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




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Portuguese dark metal giants, Moonspell, who recently released their13th studio album Hermitage via Napalm Records, have released a bass playthrough video for the song "Common Prayers". Watch below:

Moonspell will join Paradise Lost on their 2022 UK tour. While the world is waiting to see the return of live shows, there is no better way to celebrate a 30th band anniversary as Moonspell will when back on the road next year. Following both of their latest releases, Paradise Lost’s magnum opus Obsidian in May 2020 and Moonspell’s exceptional epos Hermitage, the world will finally see this high class band package bring their masterpieces live on stage in February 2022.

Tour dates:

February
5 - Leeds, England - The Warehouse (Obsidian Album Show)
6 - Colchester, England - Arts Centre
7 - Norwich, England - Waterfront
8 - Brighton, England - Concorde 2
9 - Stoke, England - Sugarmill
11 - Glasgow, Scotland - The Garage *
12 - Newcastle, England - Riverside *
13 - Wolverhampton, England - KK's Steel Mill *
14 - Nottingham, England - Rescue Rooms *
16 - Manchester, England - Club Academy *
17 - Bristol, England - SWX *
18 - London, England - Electric Ballroom *

* with Moonspell




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Featuring members of Alestorm, Gloryhammer, Aether Realm, Forlorn Citadel, Nekrogoblikon and more, international supergroup Wizardthrone recently announced their debut album, Hypercube Necrodimensions, out July 16 via Napalm Records. Today, the blistering group have launched their new, second single, “Forbidden Equations Deep Within The Epimethean Wasteland”, along with a lyric video.

On “Forbidden Equations Deep Within The Epimethean Wasteland”, rich horn compositions meet power metal arrangements, topped with multi-layered synths. Wizardthrone truly mirror the sonic soundscape of their album, Hypercube Necrodimensions - a spacey, otherworldly dimension light-years away from Earth in the depths of the Epimethean wasteland. This is an intergalactic journey you’d better buckle up for.

Keyboard wizard extraordinaire C. Hyperiax Bowes declares: "With this track, we voyage deep within the crystalline mists of Epimetheus to unlock the horrific transcendental elucidation of the cosmos. However, such arcane knowledge comes at a terrible price. Keen students of the necrosophic arts will recognize the influence of visionary masters Bal-Sagoth, alongside enigmatic proto-wizard metal pioneers Emperor, upon this particular piece. Eternal supplications to Xhul and his immortal heralds!"

Featuring guest appearances from Aleksi Munter (Swallow The Sun, Insomnium), Florian Magnus Maier (Dark Fortress, Aldaloid ) and Evan Berry (Wilderun), Hypercube Microdimensions is a spectacular display of Wizardthrone’s musical finesse, constantly pushing the boundaries of heavy metal and thus offering a one-of-a-kind extreme wizard metal listening experience.

Hypercube Necrodimensions will be available on digipack CD bundled with an exclusive shirt and as a black gatefold LP, as well as marbled curacao/green vinyl (limited to 300) and as a digital album. Pre-order here.

Tracklisting:

"Black Hole Quantum Thermodynamics"
"Frozen Winds Of Thyraxia"
"Incantation Of The Red Order"
"Forbidden Equations Deep Within The Epimethean Wasteland"
"The Coalescence Of Nine Stars In The System Once Known As Markarian-231"
"Of Tesseractual Gateways And The Grand Duplicity Of Xhul"
"Hypercube Necrodimensions"
"Beyond The Wizardthrone (Cryptopharmalogical Revelations Of The Riemann Zeta Function)"

"Frozen Winds Of Thyraxia" video:

Wizardthrone is:

V. Morbistopheles Jones // Vincent "Jake" Jones (Aether Realm) - Bass/Lead Vocals
M. Archistrategos Barber // Mike Barber (Gloryhammer, Deathcode Society) - Guitar/Vocals
M. Xaviculus Bell // Matthew Bell (Forlorn Citadel) - Guitar
C. Hyperiax Bowes // Chris Bowes (Alestorm) - Keys/Narration
E. Wizardthrone Brown // Eric Brown (Nekrogoblikon, Vale Of Pnath) - Drums

(Photo Credit: Triumph 3 Obliterator-XXT, Tina Korhonen, Randy Edwards, Ann-Marie Bell, Bryce Chapman)




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