Florida’s new death/thrash band Inhuman Condition have released their new single, “Euphoriphobia” along with a music video, which can be viewed below.

The band, consisting of Terry Butler (Obituary, ex-Massacre/Death/Six Feet Under) on bass, Jeramie Kling (Venom Inc, The Absence, ex-Massacre) on vocals and drums, and Taylor Nordberg (The Absence, ex-Massacre) on guitar, will release their debut album entitled “Rat°God” on June 4 on Kling/Nordberg’s own Listenable Insanity Records. The trio has also signed licensing deals with Black Serpent Records (Germany/Europe), Spiritual Beast (Japan), Metalized Distro (Mexico), Rapture Records (Brazil), and Burdentombs (Malaysia).

Kling said “‘Euphoriphobia’ is a collection of thoughts that are channeled into one bullet.  This bullet is then loaded into a chamber of a large weapon.  That large weapon is then aimed and ready.  What comes next is up to you,"

The video for “Euphoriphobia” was filmed by Deidra Kling and cut by Jeramie Kling, and features footage from Inhuman Condition’s recent show with Deicide at the Verona in New Port Richey, Florida on April 17.

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).

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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MEGADETH has commented on speculation surrounding bassist David Ellefson's intimate involvement in communications with a woman other than his wife.

Over the weekend, sexually tinged messages and explicit video footage involving the 56-year-old musician were leaked on Twitter. Earlier today, Ellefson released a statement on Instagram denying all social media chatter that he "groomed" an underage fan.

On Monday evening, MEGADETH issued the following statement: "We are aware of the recent statements regarding David Ellefson, and are watching developments closely.

"As it relates to creativity and business, we are all familiar with one another. However, there are clearly aspects of David's private life that he has kept to himself.

"As this situation unfolds, it is important that all voices be heard clearly and respectfully. We look forward to the truth coming to light."

In his statement from earlier today, Ellefson wrote: "As you may or not know, some private and personal conversations and interactions have surfaced online, released with ill intention by a third party who was not authorized to have them or share them. While certainly embarrassing, I want to address it as openly and honestly as possible.

"As much as it's not something I'm proud of, these were private, adult interactions that were taken out of context and manipulated to inflict maximum damage to my reputation, my career and family," he continued. "The other party involved has made a statement which you can see below. I thank her for doing so and hope that this clarifies that the situation was not at all as presented."

Ellefson's statement was accompanied by a screenshot of a social media post from the woman involved, who denied any suggestions that she was underage at the time. The woman also revealed she recorded the intimate moments and shared them with a friend without Ellefson's permission, calling herself "naïve" for doing so and claiming that the contact between her and the musician was "all consensual and all online." She also called assumptions that she was "groomed" by Ellefson "misinformation".

"Yes, those video calls did happen, but I was the one to initiate it and never was I underage, I was always a consenting adult. Nothing inappropriate ever happened before that. It was all consensual, I'm not a victim and I have not been groomed in the slightest as I was the one to initiate it," the woman stated.

David, who became a Lutheran pastor nearly a decade ago, and his wife Julie Ellefson have been married for 27 years. They reportedly dated for six years after getting together in 1988. After two days of engagement, they married on April 2, 1994. They have two children, Roman Alexander (25) and Athena Grace (22).




pic.twitter.com/j4zKKdiqJY

— Megadeth (@Megadeth) May 11, 2021

Previously unreleased video footage of late MEGADETH drummer Nick Menza hosting his final masterclass drum clinics — on April 28, 2014 and April 29, 2014 at the Academia De Musica Fermatta campuses in Mexico City and Guadalajara — can be seen below. The one-minute clip features Menza playing along to the MEGADETH classic "Hangar 18" to intimate setting for students only.

The footage was supposed to be used for the late drummer's first-ever instructional DVD, "Intense Mega Drumming", that was to feature 10 re-recorded classic MEGADETH drum tracks with tons of tips and tricks from Menza's arsenal to help teach anybody out there become a better player. The DVD, which was produced and directed by Kari Pearson and Menza's manager, Robert Bolger, has since been shelved.

The unreleased video footage and audio from both classes will be a featured highlight in the recently announced official Menza documentary film "This Was My Life - The Story of Nick Menza". It is described in a press release as "an unflinching exploration into the life of one of the most successful thrash-metal drummers of all time, authorized by the Menza family. From his childhood all the way through to the end of his life including a true blow-by-blow account of the repeated failed attempts of the classic 'Rust In Peace' lineup."

"This Was My Life" will feature rare and never-before-seen photos and video footage from Nick's archived VHS tape collection, personally filmed by Menza himself from 1988 through 1991. Included will be exclusive content showcasing Nick working at the studio, personal home movies, casual time and party time with his fellow bandmembers, as well as other well-known artists of the era that Nick toured with.

Bolger said: "I am very excited to be working with Screaming Butterfly Entertainment on Nick's official documentary.

"There's a lot of published misinformation out there about Nick that isn't true and I am very happy to bring the truth forth.

"Nick loved his fans and always said without the fans none this would be possible. I really think Nick's fans will enjoy this journey through his life."

Executive producer Holly Mollohan from Screaming Butterfly Entertainment added: "As both a filmmaker, and fellow metalhead who deeply values the metal community, I am honored and excited to go on this journey alongside all of you."

Menza's official autobiography, "Megalife: The Autobiography Of Nick Menza" by J. Marshall Craig, was released in December 2018 via Post Hill Press.

Late in the evening on May 21, 2016, Nick collapsed after suffering a heart attack during a concert with Chris Poland and Robertino "Pag" Pagliari in their band OHM: at The Baked Potato in Studio City, California and was pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital. The Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner said Menza died of hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.

Nick rightfully earned his place as one of heavy metal's fiercest drummers during MEGADETH's 10-year commercial peak. The highlight of his career, Nick said, was playing Rock In Rio before more than 100,000 people. The lowest point was being fired by MEGADETH mainman Dave Mustaine while he was still in a hospital bed after surgery to remove what doctors feared was a cancerous growth.

PEARL JAM has once again made history, releasing a digital collection of music from a staggering 186 live shows that includes 5,404 individual tracks. Spanning two decades of shows, this gargantuan drop consists of the most sought-after bootlegs from fan favorite tours during 2000, 2003, 2008, and 2013. The release is sure to appeal to the band's diehard fan base while also giving access to a new generation of PEARL JAM fans in the streaming era.

Check out the release here.

Continuing to engage those diehard fans worldwide while also appealing to fans who may not be familiar with the band's tenured live history, PEARL JAM also launched the immersive live web hub, "Deep", on Deep.PearlJam.com. By accessing this hub, fans may search their favorite shows by category and listen to fan-curated playlists, including "Best Of" tours, "Covers", a politically charged playlist "Know Your Rights" and many more. "Deep" will enable easier discoverability across the catalog and allow newer audiences to experience the best of the band suited directly to their personal preferences. Each live bootleg on "Deep" has the added bonus of show descriptions written by Ten Club superfans adding a personal fan story to each and every record.

Due to popular request, PEARL JAM has also unveiled the ability to create your own personalized setlist, using the Custom Setlist Generator. Creating the setlist each night is usually reserved for Eddie Vedder and fans have long wanted the ability to create their own. By inputting your name and birthday, you can receive a custom streamable setlist playlist and setlist graphic generated in Eddie's instantly recognizable handwriting for sharing across your social media. The Setlist also transforms into a streamable, custom playlist that has the added bonus of various Ten Club superfans written personal descriptions for the bootlegs, adding a personal fan story to each and every record.

Just over a year ago, PEARL JAM unveiled their latest album, "Gigaton", to widespread critical and fan praise and a Top 5 debut on the Billboard Top 200. It graced year-end lists by Mojo, Consequence Of Sound, Insider, and more. They will embark on the "Gigaton" tour soon.

On May 4, five AVENGED SEVENFOLD singles and one full-length album were officially certified platinum by the RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America) for sales in excess of one million copies.

Latest AVENGED SEVENFOLD platinum certifications:

* "Nightmare" (single, taken from 2010 album "Nightmare")

* "Shepherd Of Fire" (single, taken from 2013 album "Hail To The King")

* "Hail To The King" (single, taken from 2013 album "Hail To The King")

* "Almost Easy" (single, taken from 2007 album "Avenged Sevenfold")

* "Bat Country" (single, taken from 2005 album "City Of Evil")

* "Avenged Sevenfold" (2007 album)

Last month, AVENGED SEVENFOLD's 2010 album, "Nightmare", and its 2013 follow-up, "Hail To The King", were both also certified platinum.

This past March, AVENGED SEVENFOLD's sophomore album, 2003's "Waking The Fallen", was certified platinum by the RIAA. On the same day, the LP's lead single "Unholy Confessions" was certified gold for accumulating 500,000 certified units.

The only other AVENGED SEVENFOLD album to achieve platinum status in the U.S. is the band's third LP, 2005's "City Of Evil".

The RIAA developed its gold and platinum awards program in 1958 to honor artists and create a standard by which to measure the commercial success of a sound recording. The program trademarked the gold record and formalized the industry practice of presenting awards to artists for music sales achievements.

Presently, the RIAA awards a gold honor for 500,000 units sold, a platinum honor for 1 million units sold and a diamond award for more than 10 million units sold.

In the streaming age, each permanent digital album or physical album sale count as 1 unit for certification purposes, 10 permanent track downloads from the album count as 1 unit for certification purposes, and 1,500 on-demand audio and/or video streams from the album count as 1 unit. For songs, 150 on-demand audio and/or video streams count as 1 unit for certification purposes.

In February, AVENGED SEVENFOLD singer M. Shadows told the Minneapolis, Minnesota radio station 93X that "70 percent" of the follow-up to 2016's "The Stage" album was "done." He said: "We're working on stuff. We have some things we can't finish right now 'cause of COVID — string players, et cetera. We know Andy [Wallace, AVENGED SEVENFOLD's longtime mixer] doesn't wanna travel, or his management doesn't want him to travel because of COVID. So there's just a lot of things going on."

As for when fans can expect to see the new AVENGED SEVENFOLD LP released, M. Shadows said: "It doesn't make sense for us right now to put out a record and not be able to tour it. The world has changed. Putting out a record on Spotify without touring for a rock band, it just doesn't make sense to us. So we're gonna wait till everything is back, then we'll come out with the record, finish it up, and all will be good."

Also in February, AVENGED SEVENFOLD guitarist Zacky Vengeance told Detroit's WRIF radio station that he and his bandmates have done "lots and lots of writing — at a lot slower pacer than usual" — during the coronavirus pandemic. "Now that we are a little bit older, we move around a little bit slower, but [we've done] tons of writing," he said. "We've gone to the studio. It was kind of a weird time to do anything in 2020, but that's when we felt like it was a good time to go out there and start tracking all the stuff that we had in us.

"But, like I said, we're doing it at a slow pace, so we're still in the process of recording," he explained. "We're taking it really, really slow, making sure everything is the way we like it. We're not in a big rush to get anything out, mainly 'cause we wanna get on the road, and we wanna be able to bring it to life. We wanna tour, we wanna travel, we wanna play songs that people wanna hear; we wanna expose them to some new stuff. 'Cause I just feel like rushing to put something out right now and letting it dissipate because of the void, while people are worried about where their next meal is coming from or the paycheck, the last thing in the world on people's minds is, 'AVENGED SEVENFOLD's gonna put out a new album, and that's gonna be the saving grace for us all.' And I feel like we'll take it slow, let the world get a little bit back to normal, and when people are ready, we'll know — we have a good sense of that. We'll slowly finish it up, and then unleash it when the world's ready."

Last December, M. Shadows told Kerrang! magazine about the musical direction of the new AVENGED material: "The [new] record sounds nothing like 'The Stage' — it's a completely new direction, and it sounds nothing like anything we've done. That's all I'll say about it: it's over the top, and it's very eclectic and wild."

AVENGED SEVENFOLD kept a low profile during 2019 and will likely not return to the road until the end of this year or early 2022. A blood blister on M. Shadows's vocal cords forced the band to cancel a summer 2018 tour with PROPHETS OF RAGE and THREE DAYS GRACE.

Asked if he is fully healed up now, M. Shadows told 93X: "I feel good, man. I'm just working on a new technique so that I can make sure I don't have any problems anymore. For the last year, that's what I've been doing — is switching up a lot of things, singing from a different place, and just making sure that when I hit the stage again, I don't resort back to old bad habits."

"The Stage" was surprise-released in October 2016. The release of the disc, which was announced the night it went on sale, earned the lowest sales of an AVENGED SEVENFOLD album in 11 years. It sold 76 thousand copies in its first week, 73 thousand of which were physical.

"The Stage", AVENGED's debut for Capitol, sold less than half as many copies in its first week as the group's two previous efforts, 2010's "Nightmare" and 2013's "Hail To The King"

Nikki Sixx is putting the finishing touches on his new book. The MÖTLEY CRÜE bassist took to his Instagram on Thursday (May 6) to share a photo from his new home in Wyoming, and he included the following message: "Outdoor office weather for sure today in Jackson.

"3rd time reading through the new book. This ain't a bad place to do it. I'd say 60 pages to go? Then starts the editing ( Open Heart Surgery With A Chainsaw )

"Book cover is done. Soon starts the design element of the book. Got a lot of photos to go through. I love this process.

"The question I always ask people who tell me they wanna write a book is 'Why?' Is it a vanity project or do you really have something you need to say? I take that to heart before I start a new book.

"I've learned a lot about myself during this book process but what I really hope is you learn and remember somethings about yourself."

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.


























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A post shared by —Nikki Sixx— (@nikkisixxpixx)

Metal Mind Productions has announced the release of the new solo album by Ian Parry (Elegy, Consortium Project), entitled Brute Force.

After the successful worldwide release of Ian Parry’s fifth solo album, In Flagrante Delicto, Ian now celebrates his 40th year as a professional singer songwriter with the release of his Rock Emporium 2, Brute Force album. This monumental second instalment from Rock Emporium in a melodic power rock / neo-classical metal style, was produced by Ian & mixed by Engineer/Producer/guitarist Fabio Calluori at Sonic Temple Studios Italy (Heimdall/Stamina/Sellitto).

Parry has checked in with the following update:

"Here is the first official video from the Rock Emporium 2: Brute Force album for a track called ''Til The Day I Die', co-written by Luca Sellitto & Ian Parry. The video was filmed in Italy, Denmark and Netherlands during the Covid lockdown. 

It portrays a story about a lost love from the past. Hope you like it.

Stay safe."

In order of appearance:

Ian Parry - vocals
Luca Sellitto - guitars & keyboards
Allan Sorensen - drums

Alongside Ian Parry (Consortium Project/Elegy/Vengeance) are musicians/singers out the world of metal & members of well-known bands such as: Beth-Ami Heavenstone (Graham Bonnet Band); Timo Somers (Delain); Martin Helmantel (Elegy); Barend Courbois (Blind Guardian); Allan Sorensen (Royal Hunt/Pretty Maids); Patrick Rondat (Jean-Michel Jarre/Consortium Project); Patrick Johansson & Svante Henryson (Malmsteen); Kris Gildenlöw (Pain of Salvation/Dial); Luca Sellitto (Stamina); Walter Cianciusi, Enrico Cianciusi & Dario Parente (Geoff Tate Band/Headless); Ivar De Graaf (Within Temptation/Kingfisher Sky); Bob Wijtsma (Ex Libris/Ayreon); Jeroen van der Wiel (Odyssice); Kalin Jechev (Rock Emporium 1).

Special guest singers includes Wade Black (Crimson Glory/ Leatherwolf/ Seven Witches); Stefano Sbrignadello  (Stamina), and Ani Lozanavo (Ani Lo Band) & Antonio Giorgio.

Brute Force is scheduled for a worldwide release on June 4 (Metal Mind Productions, partners - Bickee Music in Japan & MVD in the US).

Tracklisting:

"In Isolation"
"Darkest Secrets"
"‘Til The Day I Die"
"My Confession"
"Brute Force"
"Fairytale"
"Lethal Injection"
"Rings Of Fire"
"Dreamworld"
"Where Do We Go From Here"

Bonus track for Japan & Sub-licensing:
"One Vision" (Tribute to Queen & Freddie Mercury)




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California based Through The Oculus - comprised of lead vocalist Sarah Gamblin, guitarist / vocalist Randy Blount, bassist Lauren Weatherford, and drummer Eric Freeman - explores the spaces between melodic death metal, hard rock and classic heavy metal with a unique creative imprint that is very much their own.

Their latest music video "Order Of The Eye" is a high octane preview of what you can expect from the band's live show, equal parts raw fury and controlled chaos. Vocalist Sarah Gamblin cuts through the tightly executed riffs with a guttural vocal presence that eschews obvious comparisons, while guitarist Randy Blount showcases his serpentine guitar style that manages to sound angular and menacing, without losing any of its technical elegance. Strong performances from bassist Lauren Weatherford and drummer Eric Freeman propel the song forward at breakneck speeds without ever feeling off the rails - lending a crushing sense of heaviness and firmly anchoring the tune. Fans of In Flames, Lamb Of God, Arch Enemy and At The Gates will all find something to love here. 

Through The Oculus recently signed with LA-based Metal Assault Records. The label will be releasing the band's self-titled full-length album, TTO, on CD and digital platforms on June 4th. Pre-orders for the CD and merch bundles are available now via Bandcamp.

Tracklisting:

"Lilith And Lazarus" 
"Order Of The Eye" 
"Harvester Of Souls" 
"Obses" 
"Revenge Of The Drake" 
"Amorphous" 
"Dystopian Love" 
"N-humane" 
"Defiled Kingdom" 

For further details, visit Through The Oculus on Facebook.

 




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"With the release of our debut album, Rebels Of The Sun, we are also debuting the official music video for 'Empty Eyes'," says Stone Whiskey.

North Carolina hard rockers, Stone Whiskey, just released their debut album, Rebels Of The Sun, a record chock full of hard-hitting rebellious rock ‘n’ roll, on May 7th.

“This album screams rock ‘n’ roll from start to finish,” says guitarist Bill Spears. “It's got all the key ingredients I want in a band... killer vocals, big guitars, catchy hooks and stories delivered with just the right amount of swagger and character.”

Stone Whiskey’s classic, time tested sound was bought to life by producer Anthony Focx, whose more than 500 releases include Buckcherry, Night Ranger, Vince Neil, Daughtry, Aerosmith and 17 gold and platinum awards.

“Quarantine really gave us the time to focus on writing songs and recording the album,” says vocalist Alan Rueda. “Being able to work with a producer like Anthony Focx was awesome. He took what we had and made it sound like a rock album should sound.”

There’s no filler on Rebels Of The Sun, with each of the record’s nine tracks delivering a hefty dose of high-energy rock. Drawing comparisons to Guns N’ Roses’ early recordings, Stone Whiskey has already garnered praise for their classic sound, with fans enthusing that the Raleigh-based quintet is carrying the old school rock ‘n’ roll torch for a new generation.

“This album is made to be played as loud as possible,” notes bassist Jim Hunter. “If you dig albums like Guns N’ Roses’ Appetite For Destruction and The Cult’s Electric, Rebels Of The Sun just might scratch that rock n roll itch.”

Check out the videos for the first two singles from the release, the title track “Rebels Of The Sun”, and “Into The Moonlight”, below. 

Get your copy of Rebels Of The Sun here.

Tracklisting:

"Into The Moonlight"
"Empty Eyes"
"Rebels Of The Sun"
"Out On The City"
"Troublemaker"
"Mirror"
"Feels Like Yesterday"
"Talkin' Dirty"
"Livin' Wild"

"Rebels Of The Sun" video:

"Into The Moonlight" video:

Lineup:

Alan Rueda - vocals
Bill Spears - guitar
Chris Clark - guitar
Mike Ropelewski - drums
Jim Hunter - bass

 




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In February, The Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Foundation announced the nominees for 2021 induction. The list of 16 nominees included: Iron Maiden, Foo Fighters, Rage Against The Machine, Todd Rundgren, New York Dolls, Mary J. Blige, Kate Bush, Devo, The Go-Go's, Jay-Z, Chaka Khan, Carole King, Fela Kuti, LL Cool J, Tina Turner, and Dionne Warwick.

The Fan Vote has come to a close, with legendary heavy metal band Iron Maiden finishing in fourth place. The top five artists, as selected by the public, will comprise a “fans’ ballot” that will be tallied along with the other ballots to choose the 2021 inductees. 

Tina Turner came in first place, with Fela Kuti landing in second. The Go-Go's ended up in third place, Iron Maiden in fourth, and rounding out the top five is the Foo Fighters.

Although eligible for inclusion since 2005, 2021 is the first year that Iron Maiden have been nominated. 

 

 

 




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UK alt-metal upstarts, Vexed, will release their debut full-length, Culling Culture, on May 21 via Napalm Records. The band have released a guitar playthrough video for their new single, "Misery", which can be seen below:

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"

 




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Below is a clip from Neal Morse's first Virtual Masterclass where he plays electric sitar, mellotron flute and French horn parts for the track being created and lets the attenders choose which one works best. He is running a second Virtual Masterclass in June / July 2021, this time focusing on creating a prog rock piece. There are three sessions, each of which run for 2 hours, and are available for download after the sessions. For more details go to Neal's official website here.

Transatlantic - the prog supergroup featuring Neal Morse, Mike Portnoy, Roine Stolt and Pete Trewavas - released their fifth studio album, The Absolute Universe, in February 2021.

This month's Inner Circle release is a fascinating insight into Neal's involvement in Transatlantic's The Absolute Universe - Breath Of Life version. Go behind the scenes and see the process that took place after the initial session in Sweden and how, over the course of a year, this version of the album came together.

Representing the band’s first new music since 2014’s Kaleidoscope, with The Absolute Universe the band have done something unique and created two versions of the record: The Absolute Universe: The Breath Of Life (Abridged Version) & The Absolute Universe: Forevermore (Extended Version).

Each album is available on CD, LP & digitally. But there is also what has been called The Absolute Universe: The Ultimate Edition, which collects both versions together in one lavish package that includes 5LPs, 3CDs & a Blu-ray that contains a 5.1 surround sound mix with visuals & a behind the scenes documentary. All editions have unique artwork created by Thomas Ewerhard featuring the airship by Pavel Zhovba.

As Portnoy explains: “We've got two versions of this album. There is a two CD presentation, which is 90 minutes long, and a single one - that's 60 minutes. However, the single CD is NOT merely an edited version of the double CD. They each contain alternate versions and even in some cases, new recordings. We wrote fresh lyrics and have different people singing on the single CD version tracks as compared to those on the double CD. Some of the song titles have also been changed, while others might remain the same, but compositionally what you'll hear has been altered. You must appreciate that what we have done is unique. We revamped the songs to make the two versions different.” Pete Trewavas adds: “We did write some new music for the single CD, what's more, there are also differences in the instruments used on some of the tracks across the two records.”

The Absolute Universe: The Breath Of Life (Abridged Version):
- Special Edition CD Digipak
- Gatefold 2LP+CD
- Digital Album

Tracklisting:

"Overture"
"Reaching For The Sky"
"Higher Than The Morning"
"The Darkness In The Light"
"Take Now My Soul"
"Looking For The Light"
"Love Made  A Way" (Prelude)
"Owl Howl"
"Solitude"
"Belong"
"Can You Feel It"
"Looking For The Light" (Reprise)
"The Greatest Story Never Ends"
"Love Made A Way"

The Absolute Universe: Forevermore (Extended Version):
- Special Edition 2CD Digipak
- 3LP+2CD Boxset
- Digital Album

Tracklisting:

Disc 1:
"Overture"
"Heart Like A Whirlwind"
"Higher Than The Morning"
"The Darkness In The Light"
"Swing High, Swing Low"
"Bully"
"Rainbow Sky"
"Looking For The Light"
"The World We Used To Know"

Disc 2:
"The Sun Comes Up Today"
"Love Made A Way" (Prelude)
"Owl Howl"
"Solitude"
"Belong"
"Lonesome Rebel"
"Looking For The Light" (Reprise)
"The Greatest Story Never Ends"
"Love Made A Way"

The Absolute Universe: The Ultimate Edition:
- Limited Deluxe Clear 5LP+3CD+Blu-Ray Box-set – contained within a foil-finished lift-off box with extended 16-page LP booklet & 60x60cm poster

Blu-Ray tracklisting:

"Overture" (5.1 Surround Mix)
"Reaching For The Sky" (5.1 Surround Mix)
"Higher Than The Morning" (5.1 Surround Mix)
"The Darkness In The Light" (5.1 Surround Mix)
"Take Now My Soul" (5.1 Surround Mix)
"Bully" (5.1 Surround Mix)
"Rainbow Sky" (5.1 Surround Mix)
"Looking For The Light" (5.1 Surround Mix)
"The World We Used To Know" (5.1 Surround Mix)
"The Sun Comes Up Today" (5.1 Surround Mix)
"Love Made A Way" (Prelude) (5.1 Surround Mix)
"Owl Howl" (5.1 Surround Mix)
"Solitude" (5.1 Surround Mix)
"Belong" (5.1 Surround Mix)
"Lonesome Rebel" (5.1 Surround Mix)
"Can You Feel It" (5.1 Surround Mix)
"Looking For The Light" (Reprise) (5.1 Surround Mix)
"The Greatest Story Never Ends "(5.1 Surround Mix)
"Love Made A Way" (5.1 Surround Mix)
The Making of The Absolute Universe (Documentary)

"Looking For The Light" video:

"The World We Used To Know" video:

"Overture / Reaching For The Sky" video:

Trailer:




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Playing blackened death metal, Saille built a firm reputation for their impressive live performances on festivals all over Europe in the past years. Saille is a five-piece, with members residing in The Netherlands, Spain and Belgium.

Saille have released a video for "Fetid Flesh", taken from their fifth album, V, out now on CD/digital formats via Black Lion Records. Watch the video below.

The fifth full-length album from Saille, entitled V, is another landmark in the band’s existence. After a rough period of time, Saille felt the need for a dramatic make-over, seeking a deeper darkness, both live and in the studio. Visually and sound wise Saille improved immensely and a new frontman from the Netherlands was announced. Jesse Peetoom is two metres of charisma, musical talent and vocal power.

The artwork for V, which can be seen below, was drawn by French artist Vincent Fouquet of Above Chaos (Inquisition, Tsjuder, Kataklysm).

Lyrically, Saille deals with "The fearful, the uncanny and the weird. Therefore, the album contains eight creepy tales, sarcastic stories with somewhat funny twists. It will make the listener quiver and shiver, with a grin on their face."

Tracklisting:

"Suffering Sanctuary" (Parts 1, 2, 3)
"Fetid Flesh"
"Charnel Chamber"
"Loathsome Legacy"
"Empty Expanse"
"Baleful Beauty"
"Terror Tapestry"
"Mirror Motions"

"Suffering Sanctuary" video:

"Empty Expanse" video:

Video teaser:




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With the release of his sophomore solo album, The Ides Of March, just days away, Myles Kennedy performed his song "In Stride" as part of a recent Planet Rock acoustic session. Check it out below.

Kennedy showcased the musical diversity of The Ides Of March (out May 14 via Napalm Records) with the unveiling of the pensive ballad, “Love Rain Down”. The song displays the softer side of the upcoming album.

The genesis of the track has been around for years and is reminiscent of what fans and critics were drawn to on his debut solo album Year Of The Tiger. The acoustic introduction builds until the band - drummer Zia Uddin and bassist/manager Tim Tournier - joins in on the second verse and rides out the rest of the track. Lyrically, Myles delivers a plea born out of the longing for answers and solace from all of the dark possibilities of the day as he sings “Let your love rain down. Let it wash away the sorrows I’ve found.”

Watch the lyric visualizer for "Love Rain Down":

The Ides Of March will be available in the following formats:

- Digital Album
- 1 CD Jewel Case
- 1 CD Digipack (Napalm mailorder, limited to 500 worldwide)
- 2 LP Gatefold Black Vinyl
- 2 LP Gatefold Grey Vinyl (RoW only)
- 2 LP Gatefold Bottle Green Transparent Vinyl (Napalm mailorder, limited to 400 worldwide)
- Die Hard Limited Edition: 2 LP Gatefold Clear Splatter Mint/Violet/White Vinyl + Aluminium Print (Napalm mailorder, limited to 300 worldwide)
- Limited Deluxe Box: Glow In The Dark Vinyl + Cover Artprint + 7” Glow In The Dark "A Thousand Words” Vinyl Demo Single + Pendant + Slipmat (Napalm mailorder, limited to 700 worldwide)

Pre-order here.

The Ides Of March tracklisting:

"Get Along"
"A Thousand Words"
"In Stride"
"The Ides Of March"
"Wake Me When It’s Over"
"Love Rain Down"
"Tell It Like It Is"
"Moonshot"
"Wanderlust Begins"
"Sifting Through The Fire"
"Worried Mind"

"Get Along" video:

“The Ides Of March” video:

"In Stride" video:

Myles will be hitting the road to promote his new album on a socially distanced tour. Dates below.

June
23 - Kansas City, MO - Uptown Theater (Headline Show)
24 - Lincoln, Ne - Bourbon Theatre (Headline Show)
26 - Hoffman Estates, IL - Now Arena *
27 - Oshkosh, WI - Ford Festival Park *

* with Halestorm, Blackstone Cherry, Ayron Jones, From Ashes To New, Eva Under Fire

Tickets for the shows are on sale at MylesKennedy.com.

A message states: "These shows are the first of many we hope to roll out in the upcoming weeks so please be stay tuned!"




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Apocalyptica is streaming a clip of their performance of "Riot Lights" at Pol'and'Rock Festival 2016. Check it out below.

Apocalyptica have released an official video for their recently released new single "White Room" featuring Jacoby Shaddix (Papa Roach). The song is available on all platforms. Listen to it here, and watch the new video below.

Apocalyptical recently stated: "We were really looking forward to this release. Doing a cover of such a legendary song, originally by Cream, was great fun and having Jacoby Shaddix as featuring artist is a big pleasure for us! We hope you like the song just as much as we do! Produced by Howard Benson at West Valley Recording Studios in Woodland Hills, California and mixed by Chris Lorde-Alge, we tried to give this all-time classic a new interpretation together with our friend Jacoby Shaddix."




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Frontiers Music Srl will release the label debut from Italy's False Memories, entitled The Last Night Of Fall, on May 7. The band traffics in a gothic, doom metal style with elements of prog and joins the label's expanding, diverse roster of metal bands. Pe-order/save The Last Night Of Fall here, and check out new single and lyric video, "The Illusionist" below. 

False Memories signed to Frontiers via the label's new A&R initiative, Frontiers & Beyond. The band is one of four bands, out of countless submissions, that were signed via the F&B portal.

"We like to insert prog elements into a "dark/goth" context, while keeping the songwriting in the surroundings of more traditional structures. The album we have always wanted to make is here thanks to a line-up that has achieved a great balance. We have always been inspired by science and psychology. This time, we wrote The Last Night Of Fall thinking of translating the human soul into music in all its emotions, disturbances, and sensations. The listener can take an intense journey towards their own conscience, a journey full of strong and sometimes conflicting emotions, but which together coexist in the 11 tracks," says frontwoman Rossella Moscatello.

Shortly after being signed, Rossella said about the album, "We worked hard on the production of this record and it has been very exciting to get positive feedback from people who have heard it. Fate has decided that we had to work with an Italian record company, Frontiers! It is an immense honor for us to join the roster of a label of this prestige and it is a source of great pride to have been chosen. 11 tracks of intense gothic/doom metal! Get ready and see you on the road, hopefully soon!”

False Memories was originally formed in 2015 by guitarist Francesco Savino and soon started working on original material. In 2016, the band released a self-titled EP which included four original tracks and one cover. As time progressed, the band’s soundscapes got more mature and headed towards a more goth rock/metal sound. Invigorated by their new sound, the band started to work on its first full-length release, Chimerical. Originally released independently in January 2018, the album featured eight previously unreleased tracks and three of the original songs from the debut EP, for a total of 11 original songs.

In October 2018, singer Rossella Moscatello joined the band and the band eventually released a new edition of the Chimerical album, including three bonus tracks sung by Rossella.

For this new album, The Last Night Of Fall, the composers are both Francesco Savino and Rossella Moscatello, with a lineup featuring new drummer Emanuele Cossu, second guitarist Moreno Palmisano, and bassist Gianluca Zaffino.

Tracklisting:

"Black Shades"
"Rain Of Souls"
"Voices"
"Hysteria"
"The Illusionist"
"Erased"
"White Crows"
"Unfaithful Dream"
"Sea Of Nothingness"
"Deep Breath"
"Don't Forget"

"The Illusionist":

"Rain Of Souls" video:

"Voices" video:

Lineup:

Rossella Moscatello - Vocals
Francesco Savino - Guitars
Moreno Palmisano - Guitars
Gianluca Zaffino - Bass
Emanuele Cossu - Drums




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July 30, 2021 sees the release of Common Ground, the self-produced new album from Big Big Train on their own label, English Electric Recordings. The new album, recorded during the worldwide pandemic, sees the band continue their tradition of dramatic narratives but also tackles issues much closer to home, such as the Covid lockdowns, the separation of loved ones, the passage of time, deaths of people close to the band and the hope that springs from a new love. New video for the title track, created by Christian Rios, is streaming below.

"This is unashamedly a love song. It is about finding things that we share and have in common with other people. When my partner and I first came together as a couple, we lived not far from Avebury in Wiltshire, a very Big Big Train kind of place. The chalk hills and standing stones were part of the imagery of our ‘Folklore’ album, and once again I was writing what was literally happening in the location in which we found ourselves. I remember seeing my white chalk dust footprints upon the black of the car mats after we'd been walking around Avebury.  I'm pleased that we both get to have this time with each other and ‘Common Ground’ is about finding out the things that we have in common with each other and deciding what we want to do in life together." - David Longdon

Common Ground sees the band taking in wider musical and lyrical inspiration from artists such as Elbow, Pete Townshend, Tears For Fears, Elton John and XTC, as well as acknowledging their more progressive roots. As ever, Big Big Train will take listeners on a journey, be it waiting for the UK 5 PM pandemic press conferences (“The Strangest Times”) to the library of Alexandria (“Black With Ink”) to the bottom of the ocean (“Atlantic Cable”).

For the Common Ground tour, which will be their most extensive to date and which will culminate in the UK with a show at the prestigious London Palladium, Greg Spawton (bass), David Longdon (lead vocals, flute), Nick D’Virgilio (drums, vocals) and Rikard Sjöblom (guitars, keyboards, vocals) will be joined by Carly Bryant (keyboards, guitars, vocals), who contributes vocals to ‘Common Ground’, Dave Foster (guitars), who plays on two tracks on the new album, Clare Lindley (violin, vocals) and by a five piece brass ensemble. The band expect to announce North American tour dates shortly.

Big Big Train has taken lyrical and musical inspiration from periods of history that are recognised as great leaps forward. Now with Common Ground, they are making such a surge themselves. Preorders available on Bandcamp.

Tracklisting:

“The Strangest Times”
“All The Love We Can Give”
“Black With Ink”
“Dandelion Clock”
“Headwaters”
“Apollo”
“Common Ground”
“Atlantic Cable”
“Endnotes”

“Common Ground” video:

UK Tour 2022:

March
15 – York – Barbican
16 – Cambridge – Corn Exchange
18 – Birmingham – Symphony Hall
19 – Bath – Forum
21 – Glasgow – Royal Concert Hall
22 – Manchester – Bridgewater Hall
23 – London – Palladium 




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MOTIONLESS IN WHITE has announced "Deadstream #2", set to take place on June 9 from the infamous Pennhurst Asylum in the band's native Pennsylvania. Tickets and merch bundles are on sale now at miwmerch.com. Ticket holders can either watch the stream at the broadcast time or during the 48-hour video-on-demand window on June 10-11.

The band states: "We're kicking off the summer of 2021 with a 'Deadstream' sequel! We will be performing from the Pennhurst Asylum in Pennsylvania on June 9th. We are so excited to play for all of you across the world again, and to do it in such a special and unique location."

MOTIONLESS IN WHITE's first "Deadstream" happened just prior to Halloween 2020, to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the band's acclaimed debut album, "Creatures". A month earlier, the band surprised fans with a cover of THE KILLERS' "Somebody Told Me", which is available now on all streaming platforms. The cover followed the arrival of MOTIONLESS IN WHITE's "Another Life / Eternally Yours: Motion Picture Collection" EP, which was produced by Justin Deblieck and mixed by Steve Sopchak. For the EP, the acclaimed Scranton, Pennsylvania band reconstructed, reimagined, and reinvigorated two fan-favorite singles: "Another Life" and "Eternally Yours". Additionally, they included brand new cinematic instrumental tracks for both. For this big screen-worthy interpretation of "Another Life", they recruited dark pop Estonian artist Kerli to contribute an emotionally charged vocal. Over a bed of orchestral strings and sparse piano, frontman Chris Motionless locks into a haunting and hypnotic duet with her. The official music video offers a ghostly counterpoint and alternate view of the original as well.

In October, MOTIONLESS IN WHITE released a brand-new standalone single, "Creatures X: To The Grave".

The Swedish melodic metal project 7days have released a lyric video for "You Hold The Key", the first single from their upcoming remixed and remastered album Into Forever.

Their debut album Weight Of The World was originally released in 2006, and the second album Into Forever in 2010. Remixed and remastered versions of both albums will be released on CD and digital on May 28 via Ulterium Records.

7days was founded by guitar player Markus Sigfridsson (Darkwater, Harmony, All Things Fallen) and also features Thomas Vikström (Therion, ex- Candlemass) on vocals, Andreas Passmark (Royal Hunt, ex-Narnia, Harmony) on bass and Daniel Flores (The Murder Of My Sweet, Mind's Eye) on drums.

Both new versions features updated artwork by Markus Sigfridsson. The Weight Of The World features the bonus track "Equinox" originally included on the Japanese version of the album and "Into Forever" features the bonus track "Frontier".

Kaspar Dahlqvist (ShadowQuest, Dionysus) performs keyboard solos on both releases, and guests on "Into Forever" also includes Christian Liljegren (Narnia, DivineFire, Audiovision), Erik Tordsson (All Things Fallen, End of September) and Caroline Sigfridsson.

"Redeemer" lyric video:




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"Red Brick City", the first music video from HEAVY WATER, the new project featuring SAXON's Biff Byford and son Seb Byford of NAKED SIX, can be seen below. The song is the title track of HEAVY WATER's debut album, which will be released on July 23 via Silver Lining Music.

Soaked in gritty, riff-baked blues, yet rich with the sound and metre of classic hard rock, "Red Brick City"'s ten songs refuses to let you go. From the taut, elastic swing of the "Solution" riff to the rich, layered balladic strains of "Tree In The Wind", the LP moves with the class and cadence of a cracking journey uniting vintage rock 'n' roll sensibilities with the crackle and excitement of a fresh, youthful perspective.

With Seb on guitar and Biff on bass duties and both providing their vocal talents, the foundations for HEAVY WATER's sound are set in both that incredible father-and-son chemistry and a lifetime of know-how and experiences. Take the title track — and first single — "Red Brick City", all steam and smoulder wrapped around a riff SOUNDGARDEN would've been proud of, and then there's the sun-soaked smile of "Follow This Moment" with harmonies evoking the BEACH BOYS relayed through LED ZEPPELIN, a gorgeous 1970s trip right down to the fadeout.

"We decided to do something together in these dark times and the family came together to help get this album off the ground," explained Seb and Biff.

Seb Byford recorded and engineered "Red Brick City" at the Big Silver Barn in York, U.K., while the drums were recorded by Ben Hammond at Reel Recording Studio in York. Seb produced the album with Biff, and Jacky Lehmann mastered. "Red Brick City" sees Seb take the reins on guitar and vocals, with Biff taking up the bass and vocal mantle. Tom Witts plays the drums, while Dave Kemp rounds out the HEAVY WATER lineup on keyboards and saxophone. To cap off this family affair, the packaging photos were taken by Steph Byford.

"We had great fun doing this album, working together on the songs and recording during lockdown," concluded Biff and Seb. "It's all recorded without samples or profiles... just loud and proud!"

This past March, Biff told Sweden's RockSverige that HEAVY WATER is musically similar to that of Byford's first solo album, "School Of Hard Knocks", which came out in February 2020. "The songs are also, stylistically, very similar to the [SACXON's] 'Inspirations' album," he explained. "There's some laid-back stuff and there's some heavy stuff. I wouldn't say there's any prog rock on there, but there are definitely two or three metal tracks on there. Seb's a great songwriter, and he likes to play heavy guitar riffs, so I'm sure people will be interested."

Asked what it's like working with his son, Biff said: "It's pretty cool. We're both pretty set in our ways, so it's working really well. It's great for me and for him, really. I'm getting off on his excitement and his first time doing things, and he gets off on my that wisdom that I've learned over the years."

"Inspirations" was released in March via Silver Lining Music. The 11-track effort contains some of the classic rock songs that influenced Biff and the rest of SAXON.

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 lords of darkness have dug deep and reflected their influences to create a musical odyssey that shows them multifaceted in several ways.

For this goal, cover versions of bands like DISCHARGE, DEAD KENNEDYS, RUDIMENTARY PENI and RAMONES were chosen, which in typical MAYHEM manner impressively fit into their bursting and darkened sound. The band also recruited Billy Messiah and Maniac, who took over vocal performances on two songs!

In addition to the named cover versions, a previously unreleased track called "Voces Ab Alta" is featured on the EP, which continues the musical journey alongside "Black Glass Communion" and "Everlasting Dying Flame", which were used as bonus tracks for the 2019 album "Daemon".

The EP thus closes the capital, which was opened with the release of "Daemon" back in 2019 and illuminates the band once again in typical unusual and surprising-sounding way.

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

Icelandic tech death battalion Ophidian I will be releasing their new album, Desolate, on July 16, making it their debut to Season Of Mist. The band is now sharing the explosive first single, "Diamonds," along with a music video, which was created by Guilherme Henriques.

Ophidian I comments, "With Desolate, we set out to create a very technical album but with a strong emphasis on harmony and songwriting. With ‘Diamonds’ being written late in the process and at a point where we had become comfortable with the direction and sound of the band; it came together very quickly and truly embodied the spirit of what we’d been going for. We spoke to Guilherme about making a video for this song and he was quick to get on board with the concepts we brought to him. The end result came out fantastic and we are ecstatic to bring you ‘Diamonds.’"

Preorder at the Season Of Mist webshop.

Artwork by Eliran Kantor:

Tracklisting:

“Diamonds”
“Spiral To Oblivion”
“Storm Aglow”
“Unfurling The Crescent Moon”
“Sequential Descent”
“Captive Infinity”
“Enslaved In A Desolate Swarm”
“Dominion Eyes”
“Jupiter”
“Wither On The Vine”

“Diamonds” video:




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Styx drummer Todd Sucherman and Overkill skinsman Jason Bittner teamed up for a drum duet.

Sucherman says: “My pal Jason Bittner asked me about doing a duet with him during this quarantine time in 2020, so I wrote this little samba based piece for us to play. We both had some fun, and hope you all out there enjoy some drumming brotherhood camaraderie!  Thanks for asking me, Jason— and thanks to Eric Dorris for the editing too.”

Sucherman released his debut solo album, Last Flight Home, via Aqua Pulse Records back in May. Below is the official video for the song "Ad Lib Everything":

Paying homage to Todd’s deep well of musical influences, Last Flight Home is a melodic and deeply personal expression of the human experience. Each of the 10 compositions features Todd’s vocals and deep pocket drumming.

Says Todd: "This record was something I didn’t know I could do on many levels and I’m thrilled to be able to put this out, even at this difficult time. Voluminous thanks to you all for the support, kind words, and the inspiration to move full steam ahead!"

"The Damage" video:

"Last Flight Home" video:

"Sacred Book Of Favorite Days":




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TWISTED SISTER singer Dee Snider will perform at Stereo Garden in Patchogue, New York to a limited-capacity crowd on June 11. According to Dee, the capacity for the concert, which will be filmed for a future release, will be limited to 200 vaccinated or tested people due to COVID-19 restrictions. However, those unable to attend will get a chance to watch it in the near future.

Tickets ($40-$75) for the show are available via Eventbrite. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Melissa's Wish, a not-for-profit organization founded with the purpose of providing short term, non-medical financial aid, in the form of a grant, to the caregivers assisting those afflicted with a serious illness, injury or end of life event.

As previously reported, Napalm Records has set a July 30 release date for Snider's upcoming solo album, "Leave A Scar". The follow-up to "For The Love Of Metal" was once again produced by HATEBREED vocalist Jamey Jasta and will include a duet with CANNIBAL CORPSE frontman George "Corpsegrinder" Fisher.

This past March, Snider told New York's Q104.3 radio station that his new LP will be "very heavy," but added that "there are some surprises on there that I think people are gonna really be excited about."

Released in July 2018, "For The Love Of Metal" featured contributions from Howard Jones (ex-KILLSWITCH ENGAGE), Mark Morton (LAMB OF GOD), Alissa White-Gluz (ARCH ENEMY), Joel Grind and Nick Bellmore (TOXIC HOLOCAUST), and Charlie Bellmore (KINGDOM OF SORROW).

Snider previously spoke about his upcoming solo LP during an October 2020 interview with Full Metal Jackie's nationally syndicated radio show. At the time, he said: "[I'm] working with the same amazing team — the Bellmore brothers, Charlie [on guitar] and Nickey. Nickey plays drums, but also is the engineer and mixer — an amazing, talented guy. And Jamey Jasta is the producer and curator. He is the gatekeeper, the master. As all ideas are brought in, they're filtered through Jamey, his ears, and have to get a thumbs-up from him before it makes it to the record. But now we no longer have to do that 'Is this gonna work?' thing. And for me, it's, 'Do I trust these guys?' I mean, I trusted them in the sense that they were friends, but when Jamey challenged me to do the metal record, I had my doubts. I don't wanna say it's doubts, but [I thought], 'How is this gonna work?' So there was an initial thing where we were all feeling each other out. Now, after two years of working together, touring with the Bellmore brothers, locking in a band with Nick 'Taz' Petrino on guitar and Russ Pizzuto on bass guitar, we come in and we don't have to waste any time with that. There is trust, we do know our direction, we do know what works for Dee Snider and for this project, and we just go full steam ahead."

Snider's latest release was "For The Love Of Metal Live!", which came out in July 2020 via Napalm Records. The DVD/Blu-ray and accompanying live album (available in various formats) features audio captured from several Snider festival performances worldwide — from the United States to Europe, Australia and beyond. In addition to tracks from Snider's solo catalog, like "I Am The Hurricane" and "For The Love Of Metal", TWISTED SISTER favorites such as "I Wanna Rock" and "We're Not Gonna Take It", and even a cover of AC/DC's "Highway To Hell", the audio portion of "For The Love Of Metal Live!" also features a brand new original studio track, "Prove Me Wrong".

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




Don't wait to get your tickets. As of now they are limited to 200 vaccinated or tested people. With any luck they will release more tickets as the date gets closer. https://t.co/yqHBRSghOt

— Dee Snider?? (@deesnider) May 9, 2021

MEGADETH bassist David Ellefson has pushed back against allegations of impropriety involving "private" and "adult interactions" he had with a female other than his wife.

David apparently decided to address the allegations after a series of intimate conversations and explicit videos were leaked online over the weekend.

Earlier this morning, Ellefson's verified Instagram account, as well as his personal Facebook account, were updated with the following statement from the 56-year-old musician:

"Dear Fans & Friends,

"As you may or not know, some private and personal conversations and interactions have surfaced online, released with ill intention by a third party who was not authorized to have them or share them. While certainly embarrassing, I want to address it as openly and honestly as possible.

"As much as it's not something I'm proud of, these were private, adult interactions that were taken out of context and manipulated to inflict maximum damage to my reputation my career and family.

"The other party involved has made a statement which you can see below. I thank her for doing so and hope that this clarifies that the situation was not at all as presented.

"Humbly Yours,

"David Ellefson"

In the statement Ellefson shared that was apparently made by the other involved party, the woman in question wrote: "I'm the girl people are talking about in the posts about David Ellefson right now and I just want to tell my side of the story because people are sharing misinformation and the situation is getting out of hand without the truth being out there.

"Yes, those video calls did happen, but I was the one to initate them and never was I underage, I was always a consenting adult. Nothing inappropriate ever happened before that. It was all consensual, I'm not a victim and I have not been groomed in the slightest as I was the one to initiate it. I was just naive enough to record him and share it with a friend without his permission. In the end, it was all consensual and all online.

"I don't know how it got to this point, but a lot of information is being left out by the people purposely trying to harm him.

"I would ask that anyone sharing these personal private videos or any misinformation about them to please stop."

David, who became a Lutheran pastor nearly a decade ago, and his wife Julie Ellefson have been married for 27 years. They were reportedly dated for six years after getting together in 1988. After two days of engagement, they married on April 2, 1994. They have two children, Roman Alexander (25) and Athena Grace (22).
























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A post shared by David Ellefson (@davidellefsonbass)

In November 2020, Lindemann - the duo of Rammstein frontman Till Lindemann and Pain / Hypocrisy mastermind Peter Tägtgren - announced they have decided to go their separate ways:

"As Till Lindemann and Peter Tägtgren confirm today, the two artists have ended their collaboration on the project Lindemann. Both will be pursuing their own plans in the future. Till Lindemann will be active under the name Lindemann within a new set-up in the future.

Lindemann and Tägtgren will say goodbye with the release of Live In Moscow on CD and Blu-Ray on May 21st, showcasing their March 15th, 2020 performance at the VTB Arena in Moscow, Russia. Check out the official video for "Home Sweet Home" from the show below.

The tracklist is as follows:

"Skills In Pills" 
"Lady Boy" 
"Fat" 
"Frau & Mann" 
"Ich Weiss Es Nicht" 
"Allesfresser" 
"Knebel" 
"Home Sweet Home" 
"Cowboy" 
"Golden Shower" 
"Blut" 
"Platz Eins" 
"Praise Abort" 
"Fish On" 
"Ach So Gern" 
"Gummi" 
"Steh Auf"

"Home Sweet Home"

"Praise Abort"

"Allesfresser"

Till Lindemann and Peter Tägtgren released two album under the Lindemann moniker; Skills In Pills (2015) and F & M (2019). They released a total of seven singles and eight videos.




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Scott Rockenfield has launched a cryptic new QUEENSRŸCHE-centric web site that implies he is plotting his return to the music scene.

The drummer, who hasn't performed with QUEENSRŸCHE in more than four years, took to his Facebook page earlier today to write: "R ya READY TO F***in' ROCK !!!?? ....I AM !!!!!!! -- bruhahahha... www.queensryche2021.com *Welcome to the New World * Join the Legion".

Rockenfield's latest social media activity comes 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, QUEENSRŸCHE singer Todd 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."


R ya READY TO F***in' ROCK !!!?? ....I AM !!!!!!! -- bruhahahha...

www.queensryche2021.com

*Welcome to the New World *

Join the Legion

Posted by Scott Rockenfield on Sunday, May 9, 2021

Helsinki-based Oceanhoarse have released their new single, "Reaching Skywards". With its in-your-face metal riffing, '90s style psychedelia and astral beauty of the chorus, this is quite possibly the most versatile Oceanhoarse song to date.

"'Reaching Skywards' is my favorite track from our upcoming album” drummer Oskari Niemi says. “It kicks off with some eardrum-slapping metal before the verse brings a dose of funk to your afternoon, and finally the chorus lifts you up into the skies. This has to be the most twisted combination of grooves so far in our catalog! I rarely get emotional, but Joonas' (Kosonen, vocals) screams in the second half of the song always give me chills."

"It's a never-ending source of amazement to me how some people have no issues exploiting others and watch the world burn around them while they keep getting wealthier and more powerful. There's nothing scarier than inhumanity and lack of compassion. I find myself leaning towards these topics time and again when writing lyrics” guitarist Ben Varon continues.

Watch the lyric video for "Reaching Skywards" below

The band's as-yet-untitled debut studio album is scheduled to be released in August 2021 via Noble Demon.

"One With The Gun"




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German powerhouse Brainstorm will release their new opus, Wall Of Skulls, on August 20th via AFM Records. The band has revealed the cover art and tracklisting for Wall Of Skulls (both can be found below), while also launching a pre-sale at this location.

Two special guests appear on Wall Of Skulls - Rage frontman Peavy Wagner, and Orden Ogan mastermind Seeb Levermann, who is also responsible for the top-notch and vital sound of the new album.

Wall Of Skulls will be available as CD, Digibook-CD (incl. Live BluRay), Ltd. Vinyl (different colours), Ltd. Boxset (contains: headscarf, sticker, patch, autograph, digibook + live bluray), and Digital.

"Chamber Thirteen"
"Where Ravens Fly"
"Solitude"
"Escape The Silence" (feat. Peavy Wagner)
"Turn Off The Light" (feat. Seeb Levermann)
"Glory Disappears"
"My Dystopia"
"End Of My Innocence"
"Stigmatized (Shadows Fall)"
"Holding On"
"I, The Deceiver"

With the upcoming No Walls, Just Skulls Tour, Brianstorm will extensively present the new songs and hopefully ring in the end of the pandemic. The first confirmed dates are as listed.

September
22 - Regensburg, Germany
23 - Augsburg , Germany
24 - Budapest, Hungary
25 - Bratislava, Slovakia
26 - Praha, Czech Republic
28 - Hamburg, Germany
29 - Berlin, Germany
30 - Cologne, Germany

October
1 - Essen, Germany
2 - Übach Palenberg, Germany
3 - London, England
4 - Osnabrück, Germany
5 - Siegburg, Germany
6 - Trier, Germany
7 - Pratteln CH
9 - Weiher, Germany
10 - Stuttgart, Germany

November
3 - Lisbon, Portugal
4 - Sevilla, Spain
5 - Valladolid, Spain
6 - Donosti, Spain
7 - Oviedo, Spain

 




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KK'S PRIEST has set "Sermons Of The Sinner" as the title of its debut album, due later in the year via via Explorer1 Music Group. Pre-orders for the LP will begin on Wednesday, May 12.

A snippet of the official music video for what is apparently the "Sermons Of The Sinner" title track is available below.

KK'S PRIEST consists of former JUDAS PRIEST members K.K. Downing (guitar), Tim "Ripper" Owens (vocals) and Les Binks (drums), along with guitarist A.J. Mills (HOSTILE) and bassist Tony Newton (VOODOO SIX).

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

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

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

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

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

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

Downing, Binks and Owens performed a full-length set of PRIEST classics with MEGADETH bassist David Ellefson in November 2019 in Wolverhampton, United Kingdom. Joining them on second guitar was Mills of HOSTILE, the British metal band whose two albums, "Eve Of Destruction" and "The New World Disorder", were both produced by Downing.

Binks played drums on PRIEST's "Stained Class", "Hell Bent For Leather" (released as "Killing Machine" in the United Kingdom) and "Unleashed In The East" albums.




Announcing ‘Sermons of the Sinner’ - the new album from @judaspriest founder KK Downing.

Pre-order May 12th to get your sermons!?? ? #kkspriest #metaldefenders pic.twitter.com/90T3bA9GVk

— KKs Priest (@KKsPriest) May 10, 2021