Former ACCEPT guitarist Herman Frank has released an official music video for the song "Teutonic Order". The clip, which was created by Kai Swillus, can be viewed below.

"Teutonic Order" is taken from Frank's fifth solo album, "Two For A Lie", which is due on May 21 via AFM Records. The disc was once again mixed by Arne Neurand at Horus Sound Studio in Hannover, Germany, while mastering duties were handled by Robin Schmidt at 24-96 Mastering in Karlsruhe, Germany.

"Two For A Lie" track listing:

01. Teutonic Order

02. Venom

03. Hate

04. Eye Of The Storm

05. Liar

06. Hail The New Kings

07. Just A Second To Lose

08. Danger

09. Stand Up And Fight

10. Open Your Mind

Frank's band lineup is as follows:

Rick Altzi (MASTERPLAN, AT VANCE) - Vocals

Herman Frank (ex-ACCEPT, VICTORY) - Guitar

Mike Pesin (MAGISTARIUM, VICTORY) - Guitar

Michael Müller (JADED HEART) - Bass

Kevin Kott (AT VANCE, MASTERPLAN, HEAVEN'S TRAIL) - Drums

Herman joined ACCEPT in 1982 shortly before the release of the band's "Restless And Wild" album and exited the group for the first time after the arrival of 1983's "Balls To The Wall" LP.

When ACCEPT reunited for festival appearances in 2005, Herman handled second-guitar duties alongside founding axeman Wolf Hoffmann, with Stefan Schwarzmann sitting behind the kit.

Frank and Schwarzmann were involved in ACCEPT's comeback with Tornillo and appeared on the reunited group's first three studio albums: 2010's "Blood of the Nations", 2012's "Stalingrad" and 2014's "Blind Rage".

Frank's fourth solo album, "Fight The Fear", was released in February 2019 via AFM.

Two years ago, Herman told All That Shreds about his decision to exit ACCEPT in December 2014: "It was just time to leave the band. Let's put it this way: I wanted to do music the way I started to. I wanted to have my own band. I wanted my own music and just wanted to just play my own leads. Not to follow somebody's guitar. I was getting too old for it. It's fine to be a backup, but after a couple of years, it's time for a different thing."

Asked how it was different playing with current ACCEPT singer Mark Tornillo after performing with Udo Dirkschneider during the band's early years, Herman said: "Mark is a really nice guy and really promising. It's kind of a different voice and Mark really doubles Udo in his personal way. I prefer the style of Udo's singing. He is original ACCEPT. There is this voice sticking in your head. On the new songs, which Mark sings for the first time in ACCEPT, it's a different character, but it's very good. You can't compare them, really. They are a match for certain things, but they are quite different people. I do like them both. I couldn't have the decision which one I would prefer. It would have been great if they would put a couple of albums with Udo and Mark together. That would be awesome."

METALLICA frontman James Hetfield was a guest on episode 11 of "The Fierce Life" podcast in late March. During the half-hour chat, which can be heard below, James confirmed that he and his METALLICA bandmates have been working on music for the follow-up to 2016's "Hardwired… To Self-Destruct" album. He said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "It's either touring or writing, so COVID chose for us. There wasn't a lot of touring going on, so we get to write music."

Asked if METALLICA is planning to release a new full-length album or just a few songs, Hetfield said: "Well, hopefully a new album. Whatever you call it these days — I guess it's an album, a CD, a group of songs, a collection, whatever, a stream or however you get your music now. But, yeah, a bunch of songs. We wrote quite a few songs. So we'll see how many we like first, and then we'll put 'em out. We're pretty selfish that way; we like what we write as well."

James also talked about the METALLICA songwriting process during the coronavirus pandemic, saying: "This time was a little different, for sure. 'Cause of COVID, just sitting at home and getting a little bit antsy and just feeling creative at the same time and wanting to get together, I started doing a weekly Zoom with those guys just to check in. And then I just told them one time, 'Hey, I'm gonna write something. I'm just gonna play something and send it to you guys. You do whatever you want with it and see what happens and layer on to it.' So that's how we did a version of 'Blackened' 2020. I just basically played something. They hadn't heard it before. They played on it. Then it kind of got layered together. Then we started experimenting with writing on Zoom. Lars [Ulrich, drums] and I would get together, or Kirk [Hammett, guitar] and Lars, and we would get little bits of time here and there writing. It was difficult because of the delay in the sound, so we couldn't actually play together, but we would play to a click track and watch each other play. We had our producer, who was running my computer while I was playing. He was running my computer from L.A., and I'm in Vail [Colorado]. And then Lars had an assistant running his computer from L.A. — he's up here in San Francisco — and we were playing together, and it was pretty bizarre. We started writing. We got about — I don't know — over 10 songs going that way. And then we finally got together. There's only so much you can do on Zoom."

Asked if he thinks METALLICA will do any touring this year, Hetfield said: "I have no clue. It's not up to me. It really is up to the safety of everyone — not just the fans, but the crew and us. I'm not sure what that means in the future as far as vaccines. I'm a little skeptical of getting the vaccine, but it seems to be rolling out and people are getting it and I've got lots of friends that have done it. I'm not totally sure about it. But I hope it doesn't come to a point where you have to have that COVID stamp in your passport or something to go everywhere. But if it comes down to that, then I'll make a decision then. We got vaccinated to go to Africa, so it's not like I've never been vaccinated before. But as a kid, I never got vaccinations 'cause of our religion [Christian Science]. So that was the only time I got one — when we were going on safari in Africa."

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

This past January, Ulrich told Classic Rock that METALLICA was making "glacial" progress on the follow-up to "Hardwired… To Self-Destruct". He made the comments two months after telling Rolling Stone in an interview that METALLICA was nearly a month into "some pretty serious writing" sessions for its next studio album. That same month, Lars told Kara Swisher at the CNBC Evolve Summit that he and his METALLICA bandmates have been working on new music for "the last six [to] eight weeks virtually." But he admitted that they have encountered a myriad of technical issues which have slowed their progress.

Thanks: Nudge / WEBN

QUEEN's Brian May and Roger Taylor have confirmed to Spotify's "Rock This With Allison Hagendorf" that they tried to record a new song with singer Adam Lambert but they ultimately decided against releasing it. "Yeah, we did have a little playaround," Brian said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET). "We didn't actually finish anything to our satisfaction. It has to be perfect, it has to be great when we come out with something… But, yeah, it could happen."

Added Roger: "I'd like it to happen, but as Brian said, it's gotta be really great. It can't be ordinary, and I think we'd all feel very disappointed if it came out and everybody went, 'Hmmm…' It's gotta be good."

May and Taylor went on to praise the current QUEEN singer and former "American Idol" runner-up, with Roger saying: "Adam is an exceptional talent, and I just can't speak highly enough of him. His voice is second to none. He's been nothing but a pleasure since we've been working together, which is why we continue to do so."

Added Brian: "I call him the G.F.G — the gift from God — 'cause we weren't looking for that. And somehow he was there. And, of course, he doesn't imitate [late QUEEN singer] Freddie [Mercury] in any shape or form, but he's able to rise to the challenge of interpreting every one of those songs and making them something special, even in the light of history. He has big shoes to fill. And he's a phenomenon. There's no doubt. Nobody else could have stepped into that place. We love Adam, and hopefully we'll be back out there with him next May and June."

The recording sessions for aforementioned "abandoned" track reportedly took place in Nashville during a QUEEN + ADAM LAMBERT U.S. tour.

Lambert, May and Taylor first shared the stage during "American Idol" in May 2009 for a performance of "We Are The Champions". They teamed up again in 2011 at the MTV European Music Awards in Belfast, Ireland for an electrifying eight-minute finale of "The Show Must Go On", "We Will Rock You" and "We Are The Champions" and in the summer of 2012, Lambert performed a series of shows with QUEEN across Europe as well as dates in Russia, Ukraine and Poland. They have since completed a number of tours and performed at some of the biggest festivals in the world.

In May 2019, Lambert said that he wasn't convinced it was the right move for him to record new music with QUEEN. Speaking to Hunger, he said: "People always ask if we want to record together, and I'm not sure it makes total sense, because it wouldn't really be QUEEN, because, to me, QUEEN is Freddie. My favorite thing is collaborating and putting these concerts together and creating on stage — it's super fulfilling and exciting. To present these ideas to these two gentlemen — especially when they like the idea."

Lambert previously downplayed the Mercury comparisons, saying: "There's never going to be another, and I'm not replacing him. That's not what I'm doing. I'm trying to keep the memory alive, and remind people how amazing he was, without imitating him. I'm trying to share with the audience how much he inspired me."

In 2004, QUEEN recruited BAD COMPANY singer Paul Rodgers, with whom they completed two world tours and released an album, "The Cosmos Rocks", in 2008. They amicably parted ways a year later when Rodgers returned to BAD COMPANY. Since 2011, QUEEN has been fronted by Lambert.

In a recent interview with Full Metal Jackie's nationally syndicated radio show, drummer Mikkey Dee spoke about the musical chemistry between him and the other members of the final MOTÖRHEAD lineup, guitarist Phil Campbell and the late, great Ian "Lemmy" Kilmister.

"I think that's why we worked so well is because we were three different personalities and three different wills or ideas, but it clicked really well for us," he said (hear audio below). "We worked fantastic together. We had our discussions, but it all ended up in a great camaraderie and respect for each other, which was great. So it was very easy, in a way, to work together because we all wanted the same thing and we had almost the same vision all the time. So we pulled in the right direction and the same direction. It was great. Of course, every year, the years went on, and we got tighter and tighter."

Dee, who has been a member of SCORPIONS since 2016, also talked about MOTÖRHEAD's recent live set, "Louder Than Noise… Live In Berlin", containing a recording of the band's December 5, 2012 concert at the Berlin Velodrom. Asked posthumous MOTÖRHEAD releases, such as "Louder Than Noise… Live In Berlin", bring him joy, sadness or perhaps both, Mikkey said: "Not sadness, because we had great years together. You just get proud and you have your memories from all this. I miss Lemmy tremendously, of course, but we all did so much good stuff. When we release a new thing like this, it's just, 'Wow,' it's great. I listen to the record and I go, 'Wow. We played that song and this song.' Of course, we kind of forgot exactly how the setlist was. You get surprised yourself how good the show is, and you can actually almost smell [laughs] the arena, how it was. It's all good, I have to say. But, of course, you get reminded of Lemmy and how good we had it. But it doesn't give me sadness. I just miss him, basically. I like to think about Lemmy in a total positive way. I don't try — that's what I actually do — because we had so much fun and [we did] so much together that I really cherish the memory and the history that we created. If I walk around super sad every time I hear Lemmy's name or we do anything about the old MOTÖRHEAD, it will be terrible. So, I put a smile on when I listen to this. I go, 'Wow. We did something great.' And I can actually see and hear Lemmy right in front of me, and that brings me happiness instead of sadness."

Lemmy died in December 2015 at the age of 70 shortly after learning he had been diagnosed with cancer.

He had dealt with several health issues over the last few years of his life, including heart trouble, forcing him to cut back on his famous smoking habits.

MOTÖRHEAD had to cancel a number of shows in 2015 because of Lemmy's poor health, although the band did manage to complete one final European tour a couple of weeks before his death.

Last June, it was announced that Lemmy will get the biopic treatment. The upcoming film, "Lemmy", will be directed by Greg Olliver, who previously helmed the 2010 documentary of the same name, "Lemmy".

"Lemmy" will go into production later this year, with VMI introducing the film at the Cannes virtual market. It will follow Kilmister's life growing up in Stoke-on-Trent, becoming a roadie for Jimi Hendrix and a member of seminal psychedelic rock band HAWKWIND before forming MOTÖRHEAD.

A custom-made urn containing Lemmy's ashes is on permanent display in a columbarium at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Hollywood, California.

Six strands of Kurt Cobain's hair are being auctioned as part of Iconic Auctions' "The Amazing Music Auction", which also includes personally owned, staged-used or signed musical memorabilia from Cobain and NIRVANA, as well as THE BEATLES, Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton, LED ZEPPELIN and more. Bidding opens today, May 6, at 8 p.m. EDT / 5:00 p.m. PDT.

Regarding how Cobain's hair ended up in its possession, Iconic Auctions says: "This one-of-a-kind artifact is entirely fresh-to-market and is accompanied by an impeccable lineage of provenance including photos of Kurt posing with the woman who cut this hair, scissors in hand, and a fantastic shot of the hair actually being cut! The lucky friend who trimmed the NIRVANA front man's iconic blond locks was an early confidant, Tessa Osbourne, who cut his hair in 1989 — well prior to his 'Nevermind' breakthrough — while on the 'Bleach' tour. Tessa presented the original lock to Seattle artist Nicole DePolo as a heartfelt gift after Kurt's passing, and she provided the original bag with handwritten provenance note, '29/10/89: Tess cut Kurt's hair in Birmingham, England, 27 Holy Rd., Handsworth, Birmingham B202BU.'"

A two-page provenance affidavit signed by DePolo about Cobain's hair reads in part: "Tessa had known Kurt back in England, and they had hung out during the 'Bleach' Tour. NIRVANA had broken in England first, and she must have had a sense that Kurt would become a musical force. When it came to Kurt, Tessa was kind of what like Astrid Kirchherr had been to THE BEATLES — the woman who had given him his iconic haircut. She even had a series of pictures to prove it: a snapshot of her and Kurt with long straggly hair while she held a pair of scissors high, then a shot of the scissors going through about 7" of hair. The rest was history. Kurt was known for his bleached blond pageboy, and she'd given him his first one back in October of 1989, just before his image began to circulate throughout the world."

A portion of proceeds from the auction will benefit Live Nation's Crew Nation, a global relief fund for helping live music crew workers negatively impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.

After launching Crew Nation more than a year ago, Live Nation contributed an initial $5 million donation to help support concert crews around the world. It would then match the next $5 million given by artists, fans and employees dollar for dollar. It has since far exceeded that initial goal by raising $18 million in a global effort that has aided approximately 15,000 crew members in over 40 countries and across all 50 states.

Paying respects to the Soviet Union forces in WWII and in time for the Russian Victory Day on May 9, Swedish heavy metal heroes SABATON have released their new single, "Defence Of Moscow". The song is a cover from Russian superstar Radio Tapok who has a huge following in Russian-speaking countries and who gained popularity by covering rock and metal songs in the Russian language.

"Defence Of Moscow" follows last year’s successful collaboration between SABATON and Radio Tapok on the live version of "The Attack Of The Dead Men". Covering the song in English and giving the song their unique SABATON style, the band is about to release another epic masterpiece that once again highlights an important turning point in European war history.

In order to give "Defence Of Moscow" the salute it deserves, SABATON created an extraordinary and strictly limited seven-inch vinyl single in red with a beautifully etched B-side. This rarity is only available for pre-order between May 7 and May 9, so make sure you place your order before it is too late.

SABATON bassist Pär Sundström states: "May 9 is celebrated as V-Day in Russia, the day to commemorate the victory over the Nazis in WW2. This year we participate in the memory of this event by releasing a song dedicated to the brave men who fought in the battle of Moscow.

"This track was originally written in Russian by our friend Radio Tapok. It's a very strong song and we thought it made sense that SABATON should give it a try to make a honorable cover of this song.

"We love to surprise everyone, and this is a great surprise."

Last month, SABATON released the English-language version of its latest single, "Livgardet" ("The Royal Guard").

SABATON's first new music since 2019's "The Great War", "The Royal Guard" honors the Swedish Royal Guards first established in the year 1521.

SABATON is arguably one of the most important bands to emerge from the modern metal scene, journeying forth with confidence on a steady ascendence that's rewarded them with five Metal Hammer Golden Gods Awards (including "Best Live Band" three different years) and multiple nominations for the Swedish equivalent of the Grammy Awards, the Grammis. In 2016, "The Last Stand" debuted at No. 1 in three different European countries and cracked the Top 3 in four others. Joakim Brodén, Sundström, Chris Rörland (guitars), Hannes Van Dahl (drums) and Tommy Johansson (guitars) curate a festival of their own, Sabaton Open Air, that started back in 2008, as well as their own forward-thinking Sabaton Cruise, that is being held since 2009.

SABATON's ninth album centered on World War I, often referred to as "The Great War." "The Last Stand" delved into various "last stands" throughout history. "Livgardet" strengthens the band's well-known reputation as experts, aficionados, and storytellers regarding the triumph and tragedy of battle.

SABATON headlined London's Wembley Arena in February 2020. JUDAS PRIEST chose them as main support on their "50 Heavy Metal Years" tour of North America, scheduled for September and October 2021. The group will kick off 2022 with an unprecedented 29-city tour of their home country.

THE DEAD DAISIES have released a music video for their latest single, "Like No Other". The animated clip was created by Creative Works London using Epic Games' Unreal Engine, the software that provides tools for game developers

"Like No Other" features a ground-breaking multi-platform interconnecting narrative based around a gunslinging heroine named Daisy, who who was first introduced in THE DEAD DAISIES' clip for "Bustle And Flow". She now dominates in the Daisys Revenge mobile game, setting player challenges in Daisyland as her journey continues with THE DEAD DAISIES' latest single release as the soundtrack. The story picks up as Daisy travels to the future to face a new enemy.

"Like No Other 2021" is a radio edit featuring the monstrous beats of drummer Tommy Clufetos, who recently returned to the DAISIES lineup.

Influenced by 1970s rock, THE DEAD DAISIES have gone from strength to strength since their debut album in 2013, releasing five studio LPs and playing live to a growing army of fans worldwide. The band's current lineup includes Glenn Hughes (DEEP PURPLE, BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION) on bass/vocals, Doug Aldrich (DIO, WHITESNAKE) on guitar, Tommy Clufetos (BLACK SABBATH, OZZY OSBOURNE) on drums and David Lowy (RED PHOENIX, MINK) on guitar.

THE DEAD DAISIES' latest album, "Holy Ground", was released in January. Recorded at La Fabrique Studios in the south of France with producer Ben Grosse, the LP is the band's first to feature Hughes, who joined the group in 2019 as its new bassist and vocalist, replacing John Corabi (MÖTLEY CRÜE) and Marco Mendoza (THIN LIZZY).

Drummer Deen Castronovo announced his exit from THE DEAD DAISIES in January, two days after the band's publicist revealed that Clufetos will rejoin THE DEAD DAISIES when they hit the road in support of "Holy Ground". Clufetos previously toured with THE DEAD DAISIES in 2015.

Canadian progressive power metal act Borealis have checked in with the following update:

"We're super excited to announce that we've teamed up with Vikram Shankar for our upcoming album release on AFM Records! After hearing everything Vik has done over the past few years (Silent Skies, Redemption) we felt he was the perfect fit to bring into this project to add his unique style and emotion. As you can hear, everything is coming together nicely. We hope everyone is excited as we are!"

Vikram Shankar: "Really happy to be handling keyboards, orchestration and sound design for the new record from the amazing Borealis! This is some really fantastic melodic/cinematic metal that definitely deserves to make some heads turn. Check out this keyboards-only teaser, and stay tuned for more release news via AFM Records to come soon!"

Borealis release their album The Offering in March 2018 via AFM Records. It marked the return of the five Canadians with an album full of new material. But it was also a premiere for the band in a different way. As vocalist Matt Marinelli explains, The Offering describes a story concept resulting from an interest in cults sparked by his fascination for horror movies. “The album follows the creation, rise and ultimate demise of a cult who practices human, more specifically child sacrifice. They believe this method of belief, sacrifice and devotion will bring an end to the suffering of humanity, as well as bring back the innocence of mankind that was lost to greed and industrialism. However, due to their lack of respect to powers greater than themselves, they unwittingly create a deity out of the sacrificed kid, whom ultimately delivers punishment due to their injustice. The men in the cult are too self-consumed with their righteous quest, they've completely overlooked the fact that children are the true key to restoring and preserving lost innocence.”

Underlined by this story concept the album again delivers forceful, sometimes progressive metal riffs which are accompanied by epic melodies and Matt Marinelli’s expressive voice which elegantly guides through the twelve songs. The dense atmosphere Borealis are creating with this mixture adds a depth to “The Offering” which only few others can achieve and which will amaze fans of bands like Evergrey, Kamelot or Nocturnal Rites.

The Offering was produced and mixed again by drummer Sean Dowell, who was also responsible for mastering this time.

Tracklisting:

“The Fire Between Us”
“Sign Of No Return”
“The Offering”
“River”
“The Second Son”
“The Devil’s Hand”
“Into The Light”
“Scarlet Angel”
“The Awakening”
“The Path”
“Forever Lost”
“The Ghosts Of Innocence”

"River" lyric video:

“Sign Of No Return” lyric video:




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Blackened avant-gardists Enslaved have revealed the next passage in their 30th anniversary voyage. To celebrate the launch of their Cinematic Tour 2020 live album digital pre-orders, the band has premiered a live video for their single 'The Crossing', which captures an otherworldly performance of their classic song through a new modern lens.

Recorded on a dark day in summer 2020 at USF Verftet in Bergen, Norway, the performance is taken from their upcoming live release Below The Lights (Cinematic Tour 2020), which sees Enslaved play their acclaimed opus Below the Lights in its entirety. It is one part of their four new live album/DVD Cinematic Tour 2020 collection due to be released on June 25th.

Enslaved's Grutle Kjellson comments: "The online performance of Below The Lights was indeed a trip. There has been a huge demand for us to perform that album for some years now. Ironically, because there was very little buzz around it in the days of its initial release back in 2003. I guess we fell into the good ol’ pit in-between the chairs back then, and we got pretty puzzled when people started to shout out for those songs 10 years later!

Anyway, we are psyched and proud to present to you a special performance of the whole album, also including a sixth member, Inge Rypdal! Rypdal is a long time friend of the band and has been collaborating with Enslaved on several occasions over the years, including a stunning performance on the recordings of Below The Lights, adding a beautiful contribution on 'A Darker Place'.

Here’s a little sneak peak! Enjoy 'The Crossing' and have a heavy weekend."

The Cinematic Tour 2020 release features four new live albums/DVDs with audio and visuals taken from their digital performances in 2020.

- The Rise Of Ymir (Verftet Online Festival 2020)
- Chronicles of the Northbound (Cinematic Tour 2020)
- Below The Lights (Cinematic Tour 2020)
- Utgard - The Journey Within (Cinematic Tour 2020)

The releases will be available via the following formats:

- Wooden Boxset (limited edition 300 copies - handcrafted, personally named & numbered)
- Splatter Vinyl (limited edition 300 copies)
- 4x CD/DVD boxset (limited edition 1000 copies)
- 4x DVD (limited edition 1000 copies)
- digital albums

All formats include a 4 movies download card.

Says the band: "Our will to keep moving regardless of weather and surroundings could be our Norwegian West-coast heritage (you know, from when there was only potatoes and no oil and certainly no reality-TV; Norwegians were once quite tough people), and is perhaps our greatest forte. That; and being surrounded by professionals that genuinely care about this old ship of a band. Put that together and you get the unlikely success of the Cinematic Tour of 2020. To see it materialize further into these wonderfully sounding and magically packaged releases is the Multiverse’s way of telling us to keep moving, creating and performing. No matter what idiotic state the world might be in. So be it.

"We are so stoked about how these Cinematic Tour 2020 releases turned out. The crown jewel for old vinyl collectors like ourselves has got to be the wooden box - handmade, numbered and named individually. That is simply... metal!"

Collectors Wooden Boxset - Handcrafted, Handnumbered, Personalized

Limited to 300 copies worldwide. Sold exclusively in the band's online store.

Featuring:

- Download card for all 4 movies
- All albums on black vinyl
-  Each vinyl includes the show poster and the movies download card
- Original illustration by Tor Ola Svennevig on the inner-sleeve
- The 4 streams on DVD (PAL)
- Woven patch, enamel pin, poster flag and printed A2 poster
- Handcrafted and Autenticity Certificate

Splatter Vinyl Editions

1st pressing of each album on Clear with Splatter vinyl, limited to 300 copies each.

Featuring:

- Download card for all 4 movies
- Original illustration by Tor Ola Svennevig on the inner-sleeve
- All songs lyrics

4x CDs + 4x DVDs Boxset

Limited 1st press of 1000 copies, featuring:

- Download card for all 4 movies
- 4x dual layer DVDs in digipack (PAL for EU, NTSC for US)
- 4x CDs in digipack
- Slipcase with matt finish and Gold Foil
- 16 pages booklet

4x DVD

Limited 1st press of 1000 copies, featuring:

- Download card for all 4 movies
- 4x dual layer DVDs (PAL for EU, NTSC for US)
- Slipcase with matt finish and Gold Foil
- 16 pages booklet

(Photo - Roy Bjørg)




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On June 18th, D.R.I. will release vinyl re-issues of their classic albums 4 Of A Kind (1988) and Thrash Zone (1989) via Metal Blade Records. Pre-orders are available now; European fans should click here, while North American fans are directed to this location.

See below for available versions: 

D.R.I. - Four Of A Kind vinyl versions:
- 180g black vinyl (EU exclusive)
- white / black marbled vinyl (EU exclusive - limited to 300 copies)
- tanned skin marbled vinyl (EU exclusive - limited to 200 copies)
- clear azure blue marbled vinyl (EU exclusive - limited to 200 copies)
- greed w/ red splatter vinyl (EU exclusive - limited to 200 copies)
- clear poker table green marbled vinyl (US exclusive)
- bright red marbled vinyl (US exclusive)

D.R.I. - Thrash Zone vinyl versions:
- 180g black vinyl (EU exclusive)
- traffic sign yellow marbled vinyl (EU exclusive - limited to 300 copies)
- blue jeans marbled vinyl (EU exclusive - limited to 200 copies)
- bright green marbled vinyl (EU exclusive - limited to 200 copies)
- orange w/ dark olive blob & red / white splatter vinyl (EU exclusive - limited to 200 copies)
- tangerine marbled vinyl (US exclusive)
- maroon marbled vinyl (US exclusive)

4 Of A Kind tracklisting:

Side A
"All For Nothing"
"Manifest Destiny"
"Gone Too Long"
"Do The Dream"
"Shut-Up!" 
"Modern World"

Side B
"Think For Yourself"
"Slumlord"
"Dead In A Ditch"
"Suit And Tie Guy"
"Man Unkind"

Thrash Zone tracklisting:

Side A
"Thrashard"
"Beneath The Wheel"
"Enemy Within"
"Strategy"
"Labeled Uncurable"
"Gun Control"

Side B
"Kill The Words"
"Drown You Out"
"The Trade"
"Standing In Line"
"Give A Hoot"
"Worker Bee"
"Abduction"

 




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Kitchener metal band Invicta has teamed up with some friends to cover "The Hellion/Electric Eye" by Judas Priest. The song is from the upcoming Kitchener-Waterloo Metal Cover Compilation which will be released on streaming platforms tomorrow, May 7th

Invicta guitarist Jonah Kay commented: "We are definitely excited to be releasing this cover. Not only is it a great classic metal song, but the lyrics hit home more now then when the song was released! I'm really happy with how it turned out, considering it was the most ambitious recording I've ever done; including five vocalists and five lead guitar parts. Be sure to check out the video so you can see who is performing each part."

Invicta vocalist / guitarist Kyle Edissi says: “We decided to do the covers because we are all friends and wanted to collaborate on a fun project that is also sick. We all rehearse in the same building and a lot of us have played in each other's bands. We thought it would be a good showcase of the local talent we have in the area. We wanted to pick old school metal songs we all liked that were also suitable in style for each band. It's our best effort to pay tribute to the '80s and early '90s metal that influenced each of our bands."

Tracklisting:

Invicta - "Hellion/Electric Eye" (Judas Priest) Compilation song featuring Raider, Cathartic Demise, Aepoch, Rippr'd
Cathartic Demise - "Good Mourning/Black Friday" (Megadeth)
Rippr'd - "Toxic Waltz" (Exodus)
Invicta - "Killers" (Iron Maiden)
Raider - "Carnivorous Obsession" (Demolition Hammer)  
Aepoch - "Trapped In A Corner" (Death)
Stolos - "Leave Me In Hell (Venom) Live off the floor

 




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Malacoda has released a lyric video for "The Harsh Law", a song from their new EP, Crawling Chaos.

"'The Harsh Law' is the last track off of Crawling Chaos," says the band. "It’s got a lot of groove to it and while it doesn’t have any solos, it’s one of the cooler guitar based songs because of the riffs. Drums were played by Elie Bertrand, who was a real pleasure to work with. We had found footage of her playing a Pantera cover online somewhere and were sold on trying to get her to collaborate with us."

Crawling Chaos artwork and tracklisting:

“Crawling Chaos”
“Deadlights”
“From The Depths” (feat. James Delbridge)
“The Harsh Law”

“Deadlights” visualizer:

"Crawling Chaos" lyric video:

"After this, keep an eye out for another Malacoda release... this time a bit more sinister," teases the band.

 

 




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

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

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

Tracklisting:

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

"Mr. Danger":

"Sucker Punch":

"Oh Sugar":

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

 

 




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"Hope you enjoy our acoustic cover of 'Wishing Well' by Free," says The Georgia Thunderbolts. "Take a listen and give it a share!"

Free originally released "Wishing Well" as the opening track to their sixth and final studio album, Heartbreaker, in 1973.  It was their last hit single before the group disbanded.

Whether it be on the banks of the Mississippi River or deep in the heart of the English countryside, rock ‘n’ roll lives, breathes, and burns on the outskirts. Hailing from Rome, GA at the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, The Georgia Thunderbolts’ self-titled debut EP, released in August 2020, features their scorching signature style steeped in soulful southern swagger, blistering blues, and raw rock. With a wide swath of inspirations, ranging from southern gospel and Hank Williams to Merle Haggard, Neil Young, Little Feat, Ozzy Osbourne, and Lynyrd Skynyrd, the band cut their teeth performing with everyone from The Kentucky Headhunters to Blackberry Smoke. Shortly after, they hit the iconic Barrick Recording Studio in Glasgow, KY to record with producer Richard Young. 

The resulting EP comprises undeniable anthems steeped in anthemic riffs, wild harmonica, and pulse-pounding drums. From the bluesy blend of “So You Wanna Change The World”, to “the first song we ever wrote,” the dynamic “Looking For An Old Friend”, The Georgia Thunderbolts rustle up a new era of rock ‘n’ roll on their dynamic five song EP. The seven minute-plus “Set Me Free” rolls from a hummable riff towards evocative soloing and an epic final crescendo, while “Lend A Hand” stomps along on a wild lick before a sweeping and soaring refrain.

“We’re going for that timeless and classic sound with a modern twist and newer attitude,” exclaims TJ Lyle, the lead vocalist for the group that also features Riley Couzzourt (guitar), Logan Tolbert (guitar), Zach Everett (bass, harmony vocals, keys), and Bristol Perry (drums). “We all grew up on rock music,” Riley adds. “If I could think of three words to describe us, they would be ‘Hardworking, Determined, and Humble’.” Bristol grins, “If I could think of three words, they would be ‘Rock And Roll’.”

“In Georgia, you hear Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Allman Brothers, and all of the greats everywhere,” Riley and Logan conclude. “Rock and roll is something that comes naturally for us. We love it and are in it for the long haul. We feel like we can bring it back.” 

Order your copy of The Georgia Thunderbolts EP now at this location.

Tracklisting:

"Looking For An Old Friend"
"So You Wanna Change The World"
"Lend A Hand"
"Spirit Of A Workin' Man"
"Set Me Free"

For further details, visit The Georgia Thunderbolts on Facebook.

 

 




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Portuguese prog metallers, Sullen, have unveiled "The Mounder”, the final clip in a series of studio videos shot last summer. While the track appears on the band’s Post Human debut, released in 2015, it was captured live at Stone Sound Studio on August 9, 2020 after the Nodus Tollens - Act 1: Oblivion recording sessions and displays the band’s growth as performers.

Comments drummer Marcelo Aires of the track, "‘The Mounder’ tells the tale of a lost soul that has been consumed by darkness and toxicity, and its journey to be reborn again as a godlike figure, demolishing the old world in all its frailties and conventions, rebuilding it anew, becoming higher and stronger than all with a new sense of purpose.”

View the band’s previously released videos for “Memento”, “The Prodigal Sun”, and "Acheronta Movebo", below:

Sullen is a collective force of multiple personalities driven by a common search for new musical possibilities. Nodus Tollens – Act 1: Oblivion establishes a sonic evolution from the band’s 2015 Post-Human debut, while retaining the somber nature that characterizes their music. Layered textures of fierce vocals, guitars, drums, synths, and sound effects are intertwined with meditative passages, all permeated by the turmoil of changing time signatures and elusive chord progressions that make for an enticing listening experience, shaking listeners to their very core and inspiring meditation into the depths of the human soul. Embrace this journey with an open mind and heart and you’ll be taken to higher realms of existence and consciousness.

Nodus Tollens – Act 1: Oblivion is available digitally via Nuclear Blast’s digital subsidiary, Blood Blast Distribution, and on limited edition CD independently by the band.

Find digital orders here, where the record can be streamed in full. For physical orders, visit the Sullen Bandcamp page here.

Sullen lineup:

David Pais – vocals
André Ribeiro – guitars
Ricardo Pinto – bass
Marcelo Aires – drums, percussion, keys

Pedro Ricardo - guest guitarist

(Photo - André Moreira -Eventos Criativos)




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Portland dark power metal group, Silver Talon, has unveiled the music video for “Kill All Kings”, the latest single from their forthcoming full-length debut album Decadence And Decay. The song showcases the guitar wizardry of Bryce VanHoosen (ex-Spellcaster) and soaring vocals of Wyatt Howell. The lyric video – which was produced by Ecliptic Visions and Sound, can be viewed below:

Decadence And Decay will be released on May 28. Pre-orders for digital, CD, cassette and limited-edition haze and smoke vinyl copies of the album are available here.

Decadence And Decay – the follow-up to the band’s 2018 debut EP, Becoming A Demon – builds upon the thrilling combination of heavy metal hooks and guitar-driven virtuosity displayed by the band on their earlier effort. Highlights include “Resistance 2029” – which features a guest appearance by guitarist Andy La Rocque (King Diamond, Death) – and the blistering leadoff track, “Deceiver, I Am”.

The complete tracklisting for Decadence And Decay – which features striking cover artwork from noted fantasy artist Gerald Brom (Doom, Diablo, Magic: The Gathering, World Of Warcraft) can be found below.

"Deceiver, I Am"
"Resistance 2029" (feat. Andy La Rocque)
"As The World Burns"
"Next To The Sun"
"Divine Fury"
"Kill All Kings"
"What Will Be"
"Touch The Void"

"As The World Burns" video:

"Deceiver, I Am" video:

With a virtuosic triple-guitar attack, a rumbling rhythm section and powerful vocals, Silver Talon was birthed in 2017 after rising from the ashes of the acclaimed Pacific Northwest metal group Spellcaster. Guitarist Bryce VanHoosen joined forces with fellow ex-Spellcaster member Sebastian Silva – who also plays in goth-rockers Unto Others (formerly Idle Hands) – in a shared mission to keep the heavy metal flame burning brightly. Bolstered by the soaring vocal attack of Wyatt Howell (Sanctifyre), Silver Talon began 2018 by unveiling two demo tracks, “Devil Machine” and “Warrior's End”, which showcased the group's ability to create fist-clenching, head-banging heavy metal through a combination of masterful hooks, lush melody and technical dexterity.

Silver Talon subsequently built on this foundation with their self-released debut EP, Becoming A Demon. The EP saw the band return to the studio to re-record their original demos with Zach Ohren (Exmortus, Fallujah, Machine Head) alongside three new originals and a cover of Sanctuary's “Battle Angels” featuring that group's former guitarist (and future Nevermore/Arch Enemy guitar hero) Jeff Loomis.  

The group would further their reputation as masters of triumphant heavy metal with live performances alongside acts such as Exmortus, Unleash The Archers, Striker, The Absence, Powerglove and Hatchet, as well as a nationwide tour at the end of 2019 supporting Savage Master. VanHoosen's guitar prowess is also displayed through his YouTube channel, which is updated regularly with play-through videos, guitar covers and product reviews.




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Dvne have released a guitar playthrough video for "Sì-XIV", from their sophomore album, Etemen Ænka, out now via Metal Blade Records. Watch below:

Etemen Ænka can be ordered here.

Etemen Ænka tracklisting:

"Enûma Eliš"
"Towers"
"Court Of The Matriarch"
"Weighing Of The Heart"
"Omega Severer"
"Adræden"
"Sì-XIV"
"Mleccha"
"Asphodel"
"Satuya"

"Towers" video:

"Sì-XIV" video:

(Photo - Calum McMillan)




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Frontiers Music Srl recently announced the signing of Big City, a melodic metal band from Norway, to a multi-album deal. Fans of bands such as Firewind, Queensryche, Magnus Karlsson's Free Fall, Europe, Fair Warning, and the like should look forward to being introduced to this exciting band.

The band's new album, Testify X, will be released on July 16. Fans can get their first taste of the new record via the single and video for the track "Testify", which can be found below. Pre-order/save Testify X here.

Of first single "Testify", guitarist Daniel Olaisen says it "is about confessing to things to get weight off of your conscience in order to have a better life...or keep them a secret and live a lie. This is the very first song I/we wrote for the album and it has it all. Melodic and acoustic intro, a real catchy hook line on the guitar, great vocal lines and a modulation at the end!"  

"We have pretty different influences in the band. From jazz/fusion to extreme metal. The foundation however is our passion for melodic and nostalgic 80's metal/hard rock!" adds Olaisen.  

Big City was originally put together by guitarist and songwriter Daniel Olaisen. His plan was to use a vast amount of song ideas and 80's metal influenced guitar riffs that he had stockpiled over the years for a batch of songs with the right players. Frank Ørland, who also played with Daniel in Scariot (prog/thrash/heavy band featuring Communic and Spiral Architect members), was an obvious choice to bring to Big City as the second guitarist. Frank Nordeng Røe (Withem, Maraton, session drummer for Circus Maximus and Leprous) was brought in on drums after being discovered by Daniel via some internet research. The band was then completed with Jan Le Brandt on vocals and Geir Inge Olsen, who was brought in as a session bass player.

The band's debut album, Wintersleep, was initially released in 2014 and later on re-released by the Greek label Rock of Angels in 2018 as part of a deluxe edition of their second album, Big City Life. Big City played their very first live shows the same month of the international release, including Norway Rock Festival and Rock the Boat with Miguel Pereira (Withem) joining the band as their new permanent bass player.

In 2019, the band started working on a new album and brought in a new singer, Jørgen Bergersen from Rock The Night (Europe cover band) and the new demos caught the interest of Frontiers who moved swiftly to sign the band.

"The new album will introduce our new singer. He's done an incredible job and there's more punch and heaviness in his voice. The songs are still varied, from super chill ballad to heavy and light-progressive tunes. Melodies are still in focus and there's plenty of that, as expected. It's simply the best Big City album so far!" says Daniel Olaisen.

Tracklisting:

"The Rush"
"Dark Rider"
"Testify"
"I Will Fall"
"Running Away"
"Conception"
"Winds Of The Road"
"Heart's Like A Lion"
"Graveyard Love"
"How Dark Does It Get"

"Testify" video:

Lineup:

Daniel Olaisen - Rhythm, lead and acoustic guitars
Frank Ørland - Lead, rhythm and acoustic guitars
Frank Nordeng Røe - Drums and percussion
Jørgen Bergersen- Vocals
Miguel Pereira - Bass guitar




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Silver Lining Music has set a July 23 release date for "Red Brick City", the debut album from HEAVY WATER, the new project featuring SAXON's Biff Byford and son Seb Byford of NAKED SIX.

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. Produced by Seb Byford and Biff Byford, with Jacky Lehmann mastering, "Red Brick City" is a rich, lustrous ride through profoundly rewarding rock waters.

The "Red Brick City" single and video will be released this Friday, May 7.

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.

Ted Nugent says that he is being treated for COVID-19 by a group of doctors who made a video last July calling for the use of hydroxychloroquine to battle the novel coronavirus, despite warnings from public health experts.

In the video, a group of people wearing white lab coats calling themselves "America's Frontline Doctors" staged a press conference in front of the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington, D.C. and made a number of dubious claims, including that "you don't need masks" to prevent spread of the coronavirus, and that studies showing hydroxychloroquine is ineffective for the treatment of COVID-19 are "fake science" sponsored by "fake pharma companies." According to Politifact, many of the doctors' claims contradicted recommendations from public health organizations and experts like Dr. Anthony Fauci, the head of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. The video quickly went viral on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube before it was taken down for promoting misinformation.

Earlier today (Friday, April 23), Nugent took to his social media to give his fans an update on his health, four days after he announced he was diagnosed with COVID-19.

"I have an army of the greatest doctors," Ted said in a Facebook Live stream (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET). "Remember those frontline doctors on the steps of the Capitol that were defying Fauci with facts and evidence and that the big techs Marxist punks banned from social media? Remember those doctors? Those are my doctors. They are the best doctors. They are the most experienced, knowledgable, caring, loving, Hippocratic Oath doctors. Thank you, Dennis. Thank you, Brian. Thank you, Paul. Thank you, Simone… Thank you, everybody at the University Of Texas Tyler Health Center. Boy, people are so wonderful."

Nugent went on to detail his clinical management of COVID-19, saying: "Do I look okay? I feel okay. Because I started taking hydroxychloroquine — a proven drug for 65 years, Fauci ass — and ivermectin, another proven drug. And the vitamin IV. And, of course, I always take zinc and vitamin D and vitamin C and magnesium and B12 — I've always done that. So I'm cocked, locked and ready to rock around the clock, doc. I'm feeling mighty good, okay?"

Hydroxychloroquine is the malaria drug pushed by then-president Donald Trump that proved ineffective against COVID-19. In April 2020, the Food and Drug Administration issued a safety warning, saying the drugs could cause heart-rhythm problems and warning they should be used only in the hospital setting or in clinical trials.

Ivermectin, an antiparasitic drug used to treat several neglected tropical diseases in humans is also used in veterinary medicine. According to The Washington Post, the Food and Drug Administration said at least three people were hospitalized in February after taking the veterinary formulation. It warned that high doses can cause allergic reactions, seizures, liver injury and even death.

In today's Facebook Live stream, Nugent once again perpetuated anti-COVID-19-vaccine conspiracy theories, saying: "The people that took the vaccine — you know, the unknown vaccine; the guinea pigs who took the unknown vaccine — that's good. That's your choice — your body, your choice. There's a fascinating concept — my body, my choice. But you know, those people that took the vaccine, they still got it. And then Fauci on Monday says if you get the vaccine, you don't have to wear a mask, but on Tuesday, if you get the vaccine, you do have to wear a mask. Now you don't have to wear a mask, now you should wear two masks, now you don't have to wear underpants.

"Fauci, what a prick," he continued. "What a lying scum, deceitful scam artist. Making all that money off of big pharma scamming. That's the scam. Big pharm, scam. Fauci, scam. CDC, scam. FDA, scam. USDA, scam. FBI, scam. ATF, scam. WHO, the enemy."

The 72-year-old pro-gun activist revealed his COVID-19 diagnosis in a video on Monday (April 19), saying that he had never felt so sick in his entire life. He also said many people had warned him against announcing his diagnosis.

The outspoken conservative rocker, a staunch Trump supporter, previously referred to the virus as a "leftist scam to destroy" America's 45th president. "It's not a real pandemic and that's not a real vaccine, I'm sorry," he argued in a video posted on Christmas.

In the past, Nugent had repeated a narrative pushed by conservative media and disputed by health experts that suggests the official death count from the coronavirus is inflated. He had also mocked people who wear face masks, despite that both the CDC and World Health Organization have urged their universal use.

When Nugent first revealed his COVID-19 diagnosis, he described having a "stuffed up head," body aches and that he "literally could hardly crawl out of bed the last few days." "I thought I was dying," he said. He also used racist language to refer to the virus, calling it the "Chinese shit," and reiterated his previous stance that he wouldn't be getting the vaccine because he claimed — falsely — that "nobody knows what's in it."




Posted by Ted Nugent on Friday, April 23, 2021

Last Friday (April 16), FEAR FACTORY released its first new song in over five years, "Disruptor". The track will appear on the band's upcoming album, "Aggression Continuum", due on June 18 via Nuclear Blast Records.

"Aggression Continuum" features guitarist, songwriter and co-founder Dino Cazares; drummer Mike Heller; and former vocalist, lyricist, and co-founder Burton C. Bell, who laid down his vocal tracks for the LP in 2017. It was produced and engineered by Damien Rainaud (DRAGONFORCE, ONCE HUMAN), with keyboards by Igor Khoroshev (ex-YES), and programming on two songs from longtime collaborator Rhys Fulber (FRONT LINE ASSEMBLY). "Aggression Continuum" was mixed by Andy Sneap (MEGADETH, KILLSWITCH ENGAGE, TRIVIUM), who also worked on FEAR FACTORY's previous album, 2015's "Genexus".

In a new interview with "The Jasta Show", the video podcast hosted by HATEBREED frontman Jamey Jasta, Cazares was asked if FEAR FACTORY will eventually make a new album with Bell's replacement. He said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "Well, we're gonna definitely do a new record with a new singer. We're gonna continue with somebody else. Obviously, everybody knows that Burton quit the band, for whatever reasons.

"A lot of people are saying, 'Oh, [the new FEAR FACTORY singer is] gonna be Howard Jones [formerly of KILLSWITCH ENGAGE].' 'Jamey Jasta is gonna do it.' 'Mark Hunter from CHIMAIRA…' A bunch of different people that people are suggesting. As much as I love all those singers, I kind of wanna give an unknown guy a shot. Obviously, a lot of the guys that I mentioned, like you and Howard, you guys have a lot of stuff on your plate; you guys can make your own band and be successful. I kind of wanna get somebody — just a raw talent, and just bring that guy in, and he can just hit those beautiful, soaring melodic vocals every night. 'Resurrection', 'Linchpin' — all those big melodic songs, I want somebody who's gonna be able to handle all of that flawlessly."

Dino went on to say that he has "a few people" under consideration to be the new FEAR FACTORY singer, but that he hasn't made his decision yet. He also elaborated on the challenge of finding a vocalist that can handle everything from a death metal-like growl to a harmonious sound.

"The thing is what I just said — the melodic soaring vocals," he said. "There's a lot of guys who can't do heavy and those type of vocals like that. I mean, you hear a lot of screamo bands that scream, but then when they go heavy, they sound like BLINK-182 doing these vocals. Or some guys can do some sort of melodic vocals, but they can't really do the beautiful soaring vocals. I mean, Burt couldn't do 'em after a while; it's difficult.

"I've talked to a lot of guys that are really good, and I would be, like, 'Are you sure you can handle this every night?" he added. "We're gonna be on tour for at least a year and a half. Are you gonna be able to do this?' And some guys chicken out. I tell 'em straight up — remember, you're gonna be away from your family. If you've got kids, you've gotta be a lifer; you've gotta be able to handle this stuff. You've gotta be able to be on the road for X amount of time."

Last September, Bell issued a statement officially announcing his departure from FEAR FACTORY, saying that he "cannot align" himself with someone whom he does not trust or respect. He also ruled out a possible reconciliation with Cazares down the line, saying: "I'm done. I haven't spoken to Dino in three years. I haven't spoken to Raymond [Herrera, former drummer] and Christian [Olde Wolbers, former bassist] in longer than that, and I have no intention to. I'm just moving forward with my life."

In October, Dino issued a statement in which he said that the door for Burton to come back to FEAR FACTORY wouldn't "stay open forever." The guitarist also revealed that Burton "lost his legal rights" to the FEAR FACTORY name "after a long court battle" with Herrera and Olde Wolbers. "I had the opportunity to do something right, and I felt that obtaining the name in full was the right thing to do for the both of us, so after nearly four years we can continue as FEAR FACTORY, to make more records and to tour," he said. "That is why it is sad to hear that he decided to quit and, in my opinion, for whatever issues he has it seems like it could've been worked out."

FEAR FACTORY has been out of the public eye since it completed a 2016 U.S. headlining tour on which it performed its classic second album, "Demanufacture", in its entirety.

Photo credit: Stephanie Cabral

Former GREAT WHITE singer Jack Rusell says that he has "no interest" in playing with the band's founding guitarist Mark Kendall ever again.

Russell exited GREAT WHITE in December 2011 after he was unable to tour with the group due a series of injuries, including a perforated bowel and a shattered pelvis. Jack largely blamed these injuries on his alcohol and painkiller addictions as well as the prednisone drug he was prescribed.

In a new chat with The Rock Experience With Mike Brunn, Russell was asked if he can envision a day when he would perform with Kendall again. He responded (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "No. Not at all. Every time Mark gets a chance, he goes out there and says horrible things about me, and then he closes it with, 'But I love the guy, man, and I wish him all the best.' I'm just, like, really, dude? You're gonna sit there and burn on me for an hour and talk about what a big drug addict and alcoholic I was. You forget how bad you were, and I put up with it.

"People that become born again, sometimes I find that they become the most judgmental people there are," he continued. "And I'm not saying everybody — that's not true for everyone — but him in particular.

"Don't get me wrong — if Mark called me right now, I'd love to have a wonderful chat with him and talk about the old days. I have no interest in playing with him. And he doesn't think I can handle it anyway. But it's funny — I can go out and play with my own band.

"They just take potshots at me whenever they can," Jack added. "I think it's for the press. Any interview he does, you'll see it on Blabbermouth: 'Mark Kendall says he will never play with Jack Russell again.' It's, like, you've said that 38 times. Can you come up with something different? 'Jack Russell's head falls off' or something. You know what I mean? It upsets me in a way, but then it's also a laugh.

"I'm not gonna go out there and beat him up and pull the covers off him. That's personal stuff. I'll leave it in the closet where it belongs."

Earlier this month, Kendall told The Rock Experience With Mike Brunn about Russell: "We were really good friends, and it was really the addiction that took him out of the game. He could no longer perform, I don't think, close to even his standards, much less ours.

"I've dealt with so many different level of addicts," he continued. "Like, one guy can get a DUI and not ever drink again; he's so upset by his DUI. Then you've got a guy that loses his house, job, wife, family, money — he [has] nothing. He [lives] in his car, he's on Skid Row, and he still doesn't stop. So there's two different levels of addicts. I wouldn't put Jack all the way to the end, but he definitely had his struggles, he had his demons.

"I've never taken anybody's addiction personally," Mark added. "It's just a very tough road. I don't have any answers. I know that it took me a while to get comfortable in my own skin sober, because it was always a vehicle for me to escape fear and not feel uncomfortable in a certain situation; a couple of beers and I'm fine. So it was a vehicle for confidence almost. To just stop that, it's very difficult — you feel naked and you don't know what to do with yourself, and it's very difficult. So I had to work through all my fears and do a lot of work on my character defects. It was a lot more than just removing alcohol. It was a lot of self-work, working with other people and trying to get comfortable in my own skin. And I don't know that Jack has reached that or what he's up to.

"Just because we're not working together don't mean I don't have love for the guy. I want him to do good," he clarified.

Asked if he would be open to working with Russell again if the singer got himself cleaned up, Mark said: "I just can't envision that presenting itself. I'm not sure he's ready, from what I've seen [online of his] performances and stuff. It sounds like his voice is kind of there. But I don't know, man. There's a lot of damage. I'd rather just remember us together, with him flying around on the stage and just blowing minds. That's the picture I want. It's almost like when you lose a family member — you don't wanna think about that; you wanna think about all the great times and the wonderful times you had [together]. You celebrate their life, in other words. I'd rather celebrate Jack in our heyday — keep that picture."

Russell sued his onetime bandmates in 2012 over their continued use of the GREAT WHITE name after Jack had taken a leave of absence from the band for medical reasons. A short time later, Russell was countersued by Kendall, rhythm guitarist/keyboardist Michael Lardie and drummer Audie Desbrow, claiming the vocalist's self-destructive behavior was damaging the GREAT WHITE name (they also alleged he was charging promoters less for his own touring version of GREAT WHITE). The parties settled in July 2013 without going to trial, with Russell now performing as JACK RUSSELL'S GREAT WHITE while the others are continuing as GREAT WHITE.

Nearly three years ago, GREAT WHITE announced the addition of new singer Mitch Malloy to the group's ranks. He replaced Terry Ilous, who was fired from the band in July 2018.

This past January, Russell told "Rocking With Jam Man" that his split with GREAT WHITE "was very emotional. It still hurts a lot," he said. "Maybe it's like a divorce, 'cause you get to be brothers when you're playing in a band together, especially for many, many years. And then when that ends, it can be very traumatic on your spirit. That's what it was like when I split up with my old guys. That was really, really difficult. But what are you gonna do? You've gotta kind of go with the flow and just move on."

German genrefluid visionaries, Lord Of The Lost, return with their seventh studio album, Judas, out July 2 via Napalm Records. A drum playthrough video for the single, "Priest", can be viewed below:

With this new offering, the five-piece cement their position as exceptional artists that can’t be pigeonholed once more, which their brand new harbinger and single “Priest” is already proof of. The very first song immediately unveils a leitmotif that runs through the whole record and serves as a uniting symbiosis for the double album, divided in two conceptual parts, Damnation and Salvation, with 24 songs in total.

Along with a highly sophisticated official video, the song draws the listener into a conflict that has lasted for thousands of centuries and is as old as mankind itself: The conflict between good and evil. On Judas, Lord Of The Lost tell of this conflict from the perception of the character of Judas Iscariot, known as highly diverse, and the so-called Gospel of Judas, a paper that's said to consist of conversations between Jesus Christ and Judas Iscariot and casts a different light on religious history as it's told in the Bible's New Testament.

Lord Of The Lost on the new single and video: “With ‘Priest’, we dive deep into a visual world that is meant to convey the very core emotion of the upcoming album, Judas, to the viewer. This comes along with a story that leaves room for many means of interpretation while keeping the purpose of the album concept. The artist XELANAH shines as the protagonist here, symbolically representing the emotional tension of the figure of Judas Iscariot. That role will also appear and continue in further videos, just like you know it from, for example, AEROSMITH. The song itself manages to unite all the emotion and soundscape that makes up the album - a cinematic trailer for the ears. And even a deliberately placed GENESIS quote from the mouth of Judas himself is suddenly seen in a completely new light.”

Watch the official video for “Priest” , directed & edited by Matteo Vdiva Fabbiani & Chiara Cerami for VDPictures, below.

Part of the video for “Priest” was shot in the so-called Einhornhöhle (engl. unicorn cave) in Germany back in August 2020. Lord Of The Lost continue introducing their female protagonist and artwork model, a process that was already set free with the teaser video for “The Death Of All Colours”, and weaves the common thread of Judas visually as well. She represents the inner conflict of good and evil that can be interpreted in several ways.

Lord Of The Lost on Judas: “Don’t judge a book by its cover. This sentence could hardly apply any better to someone in theological history than to the figure of Judas Iscariot, who represents only one thing at first glance: Betrayal. If you take a closer look, almost endless possibilities of interpretation open up here: from "Judas the murderer" to "Judas the redeemer" and "Judas the actual martyr", who, if you believe in it, could only find room in hell for his salvific betrayal after dying for what he did, in complete contrast to Jesus Christ. This field of tension and the apocryphal writings of the "Gospel of Judas" are the basis for a double album that not only illuminates the dark and light side of history, but above all the grey areas in between, in which we move emotionally and ideologically throughout our lives and try to find our place.”

Judas sets off with atmospheric “Priest”, followed by “For They Know Not What They Do”, making clear right from the beginning that all the songs can be experienced the most organic and vivid way: A genuine, unique choir accompanies singer Chris Harms, whose multi-dimensional voice delivers the haunting lyrics straight into the listener’s mind more strongly than ever. Songs like “Your Star Has Led You Astray” or “Born With a Broken Heart” easily manage to keep the balance between harsh vocals, the distorted sound of fuzz guitars and an overall dark atmosphere that Lord Of The Lost is known for, whilst “Death Is Just a Kiss Away”, “My Constellation” and closing “Work of Salvation”, for example, put grand piano tunes, authentic strings and the sound of a massive organ recorded in a church in the most suitable focus.

Judas marks the successor of chart-breaking Thornstar (2018, #6 GER), and again breathes the innovative spirit of five musicians who are far away from setting boundaries into their very own unique art. Lord Of The Lost has never been that type of creative force that’s pinned to any specific genre and has succeeded in surprising fans and critics with their nonconformism repeatedly over the years. With their new album Judas, Lord Of The Lost manage to thematically blur the lines between good and evil and put the so called “salvific treason” into a harmonious soundscape unlike ever heard before - truly an magnum opus!

Judas will be available in the following formats:

- Deluxe Box (incl. 2-CD Mediabook, 1 CD The Sorrows Of The Young, 2 CD LOTL+, DVD Becoming Judas, Cover Alu Print) - strictly limited to 1500 copies worldwide
- 4 CD Earbook - strictly limited to 500 copies worldwide
- Double Music Cassette - strictly limited to 100 copies worldwide
- 2-CD Mediabook
- 2-CD Sleevepack
- Vinyl Box incl. 2x 2LP Recycled Black Vinyl Gatefold
- Digital Album

Pre-order here.

Judas tracklisting:

CD1: Damnation
"Priest"
"For They Know Not What They Do"
"Your Star Has Led You Astray"
"Born with a Broken Heart"
"The 13th"
"In the Field of Blood"
"2000 Years a Pyre"
"Death Is Just a Kiss Away"
"The Heart Is a Traitor"
"Euphoria"
"Be Still and Know"
"The Death of All Colours"

CD2: Salvation
"The Gospel of Judas"
"Viva Vendetta"
"Argent"
"The Heartbeat of the Devil"
"And it Was Night"
"My Constellation"
"The Ashes of Flowers"
"Iskarioth"
"A War Within"
"A World where We Belong"
"Apokatastasis"
"Work of Salvation"

"Priest" video:

Next to the 2-CD Judas Mediabook and a cover alu print, the strictly limited deluxe box includes the special CD, The Sorrows Of The Young, double extra CD LOTL+, as well as the six part behind the scenes documentary bonus DVD, Becoming Judas. The Sorrows Of The Young features ten unreleased songs, written by Chris Harms at the age of 18, that have now been re-recorded, whereas LOTL+ showcases 32 completely different interpretations in terms of vocals and lyrics on the original song “Viva Vendetta”, written and performed by artists like Megaherz, Equilibrium, Lacrimosa, Subway To Sally, Nachtblut, Unzucht and many more.

The Sorrows Of The Young tracklisting:
"Catharsis"
"Syringes in the Sand"
"Deus Absconditus"
"Die Without Your Love"
"This Piece of Art"
"The Last Saviour"
"All I Am Is The Void"
"Obscularum Infame"
"Infinity"
"Supernova"

LOTL+ tracklisting:

CD1:
"Living a Lie" feat. A Life Divided
"Consume Hate" feat. Aesthetic Perfection
"Vergissmeinnicht" feat. AnnA Lux
"Still Life to Die For" feat. Ben Christo (The Sisters Of Mercy / Diamond Black)
"The Darkest Hour" feat. Chemical Sweet Kid
"Into the Dawn" feat. Simon Moskon (Cryptex)
"The Warrior" feat. Daria Trusova
"Old-School Pagan Spirit" feat. Robse (Equilibrium)
"Entität" feat. Erdling
"Doomed Love" feat. Erk Aicrag (Hocico / Rabia Sorda)
"Crimson Masque" feat. Face Time Police
"Your Skeleton Grin" feat. Faderhead
"A Pain That I Know" feat. Florian Grey
"Ohne Zweifel" feat. Heldmaschine
"Sadly Ever After" feat. Hell Boulevard
"Stolen" feat. Jaani Peuhu (Mercury Circly, Swallow The Sun, Iconcrash)

CD2:
"Alles wird gut, aber…" feat. Lacrimosa
"Dein Blick" feat. Letzte Instanz
"Pale Rider" feat. Lolita KompleX
"Revenge" feat. MajorVoice
"Aus und Vorbei" feat. Megaherz
"Bloody Flower" feat. Nachtblut
"Abandon Ship" feat. Night Laser
"The Shadow and the Sun" feat. OH FYO!
"Digging Deeper" feat. Scarlet Dorn
"It Starts with a Crack" feat. Solar Fake
"Fake Gods" feat. Soulbound
"Träume zu Tränen" feat. Subway To Sally
"Die Flamme" feat. Sündenrausch
"Feuerrot" feat. Tanzwut
"Während die Welt in Flammen Steht" feat. Unzucht
"Today" feat. Saku Solin (Turmion Kätilöt / Fear Of Domination)

Lord Of The Lost are:

Chris Harms - vocals, guitar, cello
Pi Stoffers - guitar
Class Grenayde - bass
Gared Dirge - piano, synthesizer, percussion, guitar
Niklas Kahl - drums

(Photo - VDPictures / Jan Season)




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Wett Cherry have released their new single, "Get Me High". Get the song here, and listen below.

With the lineup of Andy Jaggs (vocals), Dennis D (lead guitar), Bobby Hahm (bass), and Kevin Grisso (drums), they are more of a straight up street glam band in the style of Mötley Crüe, Poison and Hanoi Rocks.

Their first gig was played at a local festival in New York City, taking inspiration from such acts as early KISS, Sweet and Alice Cooper. After the release of their self-financed single "Voodoo Queen", they signed to an independent label. Their debut record was released soon after named Virgin which then was followed by more shows and an ever increasing fan-base notably in Japan.  

Get Me High by Dragon City Demo




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On May 7, Artillery will release their tenth full-length, X, via Metal Blade Records. Watch an unboxing video below.

In the mid-1980s, Denmark's Artillery established themselves as being at the cutting edge of the thrash movement, and nearly forty years later, they continue to destroy. Returning with their tenth - and aptly titled - full-length X, they prove once again that they have not missed a step, delivering a record that's ruthlessly heavy, catchy and pure molten metal.

"We wanted to have the typical Artillery trademarks, like the riffs and hook lines in the usual combination together with aggression and melody. We always try to combine melodic thrash metal with elements from the heavy sounds of the 70s and the 80s, and this time with new elements in some of the songs," says guitarist Michael Stützer. "We don't have to push ourselves hard when we're writing a record because we love what we're doing."

Sadly, guitarist - and Stützer's brother - Morten Stützer passed in 2019, which understandably affected the band. Having played a big part in shaping Artillery's songs and appearing on every album up to 2018's riveting The Face Of Fear, his loss is a real blow. "It was tough, even if he did not play live with us since 2016, he was always supporting us. Morten was a unique musician and writer and a very humorous guy, and following his death was the first time ever I thought about stopping playing music. But, he always said that I had to go on with Artillery and continue playing if he was not there anymore. He will be missed so much." Admitting it was very strange entering into the writing process without him, the brothers typically playing off each other a lot, they still managed to pull things together, helped by the contributions of new guitarist Kræn Meier, who has been playing live with the band since 2017.

X was tracked in Medley Studio in Copenhagen, Denmark with producer Søren Andersen, who the band have worked with on every record since 2009's When Death Comes. As well as his production work, Andersen contributed some keyboards to "The Ghost Of Me", also adding some effects to a few other songs, and the band recruited their drivers/merch men to contribute some backing vocals on four tracks. With the record in the can, the band are able to start to look toward what is next, hoping the Coronavirus pandemic passes soon so that they can get back on the road, but now is also a good time for reflecting on what they have achieved at this point in their lengthy career. "It feels great and awesome to have been going for nearly forty years. I'm so glad, and I am so lucky that I can do what I love the most, making albums and touring for our awesome fans. If anyone had told me forty years ago that I would have made ten albums and played in over sixty different countries, I wouldn't have believed it."

The album can be pre-ordered here in the following formats:

- ltd. digipak-CD (incl. 2 bonus tracks)
- 180g black vinyl (EU exclusive)
- blood red / blue marbled vinyl (EU exclusive - limited to 300 copies)
- viole(n)t blue marbled vinyl (EU exclusive - limited to 200 copies)
- blue / red / white melt splatter vinyl (limited to 200 copies)

X tracklisting:

"The Devils Symphony"
"In Thrash We Trust"
"Turn Up The Rage"
"Silver Cross"
"In Your Mind"
"The Ghost Of Me"
"Force Of Indifference"
"Varg I Veum"
"Mors Ontologica"
"Eternal Night"
"Beggars In Black Suits"

"Turn Up The Rage" video:

"In Thrash We Trust":

Unboxing video:

Artillery lineup:

Michael Bastholm Dahl - vocals
Michael Stützer - guitars
Kræn Meier - guitars
Peter Thorslund - bass
Josua Madsen - drums




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NorCal band J.T. Loux - featuring vocalist / guitarist J.T. Loux, bassist Ethan Pecha, and drummer Zach Cook - have unleashed their debut album, Taken By Moonlight. Teaming up with Producer Frank Hannon of Tesla, this album contains eight brand new songs that the band has written and recorded throughout this past year.

In 2019, J.T. took notice of Zach and Ethan playing in local clubs and loved the way they grooved together as a rhythm section. Reconnecting in January of 2020, at the NAMM show, J.T. Loux asked if Zach would be interested in recording some music together. A couple weeks later, they added bass player Ethan to start their song writing journey.

The group has set out to create their own style of modern rock music. Combining J.T.’s  songwriting, melodic singing and aggressive guitar playing, Zach’s solid hard hitting drums, and Ethan’s thunderous bass tone, these three musicians create a massive sound for a trio.

On working with producer and guitarist Frank Hannon from the multi-platinum selling band Tesla, J.T. says, “Working with Frank Hannon on this record really brought it to the next level, he helped craft and evolve these songs throughout the entire process.”

On the writing process: “The song ‘Taken By Moonlight’ went through a lot of phases over the course of making this record. Starting off as just an acoustic guitar riff, it turned into much more of a rock ballad when collaborating with the whole band.”

On shooting the video for 'Taken By Moonlight': “The making of the music video  for ‘Taken By Moonlight’ was a really fun process. In order to achieve the moonlit setting we set up white sheets on all sides of the band, which included hanging a queen sized sheet 15 feet into the oak tree above us. Shining lights through the sheets, it diffused the lights and allowed for a more soft moonlight vibe.”

J.T. Loux has been working non-stop on the development of harmonies. The mixture of both Zach and Ethan’s vocals have opened up endless opportunities for unique sounding melodies. Pulling inspiration from modern bands such as Jack White, Royal Blood, Foo Fighters, Queens Of The Stone Age, Dirty Honey and Rival Sons, as well as being influenced by classic bands such as The Beatles, Jeff Buckley, Led Zeppelin, and The Doors.

At 18 years old, J.T. began to work on Frank’s ranch to help pay for studio time. When J.T. left his previous band, in late 2019, he began to sing and write his own songs at the age of 19. Through the guidance of Frank and writing/recording his demos, he discovered his own sense of style and singing voice.

J.T. was just 13 years old when he met Frank Hannon for the first time. “Growing up a huge Tesla fan, I've always had a huge amount of respect for Frank and his music, so to be able to work with such a talented musician/producer, I couldn't ask for a better mentor.”

“Throughout the process of making this record, we decided to not use a click track when recording the music,” explains J.T. “We felt that it gave the songs more life as well as feeling less stiff from track to track. The song ‘Love Is a Drug’ will always hold a special place in my heart because we had spent a lot of time writing and arranging the song. When it finally came time to record, we ended up getting the whole song in the first take. Working with Frank Hannon on this record really brought it to the next level, he helped craft and evolve these songs throughout the entire process.”

Head here for more information on the new release and where to download, stream and purchase music.




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Catoctin Creek Distilling Co., The Virginia Rye Whisky, WAS excited to partner with GWAR to release their infamous Ragnarök Rye this past February... but then the monster metal rock band drank it... all of it.

“We knew working on this whisky with the legendary shock rock band GWAR would be troublesome, but we didn’t realize it would be this troublesome," said Catoctin Creek founder and general manager, Scott Harris. "Usually, we have the production process under control, but this time the band members drank everything we distilled, and then demanded we create bottle toppers using rare metal ore sourced from the fillings of trolls. (Who knew trolls have such great dental plans?)”

Mr. Harris continues, “I knew our original schedule was shot. I mean, it's really cool to have rare metal in our bottle design, but it was hard rounding up all those trolls."

Aged in charred new white oak, then sugar maple and cherrywood, each bottle of Catoctin Creek’s 92-proof intergalactic rye whisky comes with a cast-metal collectable bottle topper featuring each of the five members of GWAR: Blóthar the Berserker; Balsac the Jaws of Death; Jizmak da Gusha; Beefcake the Mighty; and Pustulus Maximus.

Thrilled with the release, lead singer Blóthar the Berserker offered this enthusiastic endorsement, “If whisky is liquid sunshine, this rye is a scorching alien sun.”

Recently GWAR linked up with whiskey and spirits connoisseur Fred Minnick for an exclusive virtual tasting and review of the Ragnarök Rye. From the review, Fred Minnick states, “Well done. This is a great edition to the rye whiskey scene. I think that this is one of the best tastes I’ve had from Catoctin Creek. ... This is very good.” Check out his full review below.

Up to 200 cases of Ragnarök Rye (92 proof/46% ABV) $99/750mL will be available throughout Catoctin Creek’s national distribution footprint beginning Friday, May 28, with more on the way soon. It will also be on sale in the distillery’s online store for curbside pickup or direct shipping in Virginia only. Pre-sale orders can be purchased through Seelbachs.com. Catoctin Creek Rye Society members may contact the distillery to obtain a bottle any time before the release date. For more information, video content, or merchandise, visit GWAR.net and catoctincreek.com/ragnarok.




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Canadian alt-metal / hard rock crossover stars, Sumo Cyco, will release their new full-length album, Initiation, on May 7 via Napalm Records. The band's final pre-album single - the eclectic, infectious "Bad News" - is another total winner, showing off their perfected multi-genre attack more potently than ever.

Frontwoman Skye “Sever” Sweetnam says about “Bad News”: "I'm sure many people can relate to feeling like everyday is 'Bad News' over and over again. There was a point in 2020 when I was so glued to the news and current events it felt like my personal identity was fading away into an abyss and replaced with a scrolling, media consuming robot. It made me miserable, but I felt like I had a responsibility to know what was going on. It took me a while to peel myself away from the constant barrage of negativity and find a balance."

Sweetnam adds about the video: "The music video was really fun to film. I'm so lucky to have band members who are willing to get pretty weird with me. Once the make-up and prosthetics were on, the guys and I came to life as our Cyco Terrornaut family. I included some obnoxious color combos that almost make you question your sanity when you watch the video."

Initiation invites a mass of new followers into their warped, dystopian-like world of “Cyco City”! As with its predecessors Lost In Cyco City (2014), Opus Mar (2017) and countless singles, Initiation is based in the imaginative conceptual location of “Cyco City.” But unlike most concept albums, the lyrical content is inspired by the band’s real-time environment – featuring timely, personal themes of love, sacrifice, anxiety, empowerment and more that all listeners can relate to.

Sweetnam adds about the album: "The album’s title, Initiation, stems from wanting to invite the audience to be 'initiated' into our world. There are usually two congruent themes to each of our albums – one is real-world inspiration, and the other is 'Cyco City', a comic book-esque alternate universe where all our music videos take place. With Initiation, we introduce four gangs or clubs. Our music videos for Initiation all include a theme of these clubs – whether it’s gang vs. gang, a forbidden love between opposing sides, or the idea of having to choose where you belong."

"Outside of the story, the lyrics relate to the polarization of the world we live in now. We all have a longing to belong, but what makes one feel accepted or ostracized from a group? To be INITIATED, would you be willing to try to understand another point of view? I have always written lyrics about internal struggle, the war within oneself. Throughout the album, we bounce back and forth between struggle and overcoming. It reflects the times, and there are moments that seem a bit dark."

At the album’s start, Sumo Cyco lights a spark with the seductively hooked track “Love You Wrong”, connecting like a punch and setting the stage for the vigor to come. The blitz continues with standouts like lethal room-mover “Bystander” and electronic-infused, in-your-face rock anthem “Vertigo” – the latter standing tall with its airtight, gritty pop sensibility and featuring the production mastery of Juno Award-winning producer Kane Churko (Ozzy Osbourne, In This Moment, Papa Roach). Swiftly followed by erratic, addictive nod-to-the-times “Bad News” and heavy, creeping success “No Surrender”, Initiation proves not even halfway through that the band’s songwriting ability and the commanding performance prowess frontwoman Skye “Sever” Sweetnam, guitarist Matt “MD13” Drake, bassist Oscar Anesetti and drummer Matt "Trozzi" blend a recipe for greatness. The album continues winding through a mastery of heavy-meets-pop execution before ending with the full-throttle, sugar n’ salt packed album closer “This Dance Is Doomed” (while various editions cap off with sultry, confident “Awakened”).

By the end of Initiation, listeners will wonder just what exactly Sumo Cyco can’t do, proving them as a band on the rise, and that unconventionality always stands out from the pack.

Initiation will be available in North America in the following formats:

- Digital Album
- CD Digipak
- LP Gatefold Orange Vinyl
- Die Hard Limited Edition: LP Gatefold Purple/Yellow/Pink Inkspot Vinyl + 7” Orange Transparent Vinyl Single w/ Two Bonus Tracks + Signed Photo (Napalm Mailorder only – limited to 300 worldwide)

Initiation tracklisting:

"Love You Wrong"
"Bystander"
"Vertigo"
"Bad News"
"No Surrender"
"M.I.A."
"Cyclone"
"Run With The Giants"
"Overdrive"
"Power & Control"
"This Dance Is Doomed"
"Awakened" (not available on standard digital version)

Various new tracks, such as “New Jive” and “We Are The Nation” are available in different groupings on various formats of Initiation (i.e. Die Hard Limited Edition).

“Vertigo” video:

"No Surrender" video:

"Bystander" video:

(Photo - Francesca Ludikar)




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Zakk Wylde and Black Label Society have released a video for "House Of Doom", featured in the None More Black Box Set, available at NoneMoreBlackBoxSet.com. Watch the clip below:

The box set that the world has been waiting for. All twelve original Black Label Society studio recordings on gorgeous color vinyl. Remastered. Refurbished. Reupholstered. Recarpeted. Reassured. Remarried. Restored. Reissued. Relaunched. Reassembled. RE-EVERYTHING.

The None More Black Box Set comes with a hardcover 32-page photo book, chronicling Black Label Society's legendary career. Demolish all of life's menial tasks with the official Odin's Demolition Squad patch. Impress your friends and help open bottles for your loved ones that lack opposable thumbs with the None More Black Box Set bottle opener.

Arrives in an indestructible black on black embossed collection box. Includes The Song Remains Not The Same II: featuring reworked versions of the original songs.

All original studio albums:

Sonic Brew - black/white marble x2 LP
Stronger Than Death - black/apple marble x2 LP
1919 Eternal - black/brown marble x2 LP
The Blessed Hellride - black/silver marble LP
Hangover Music Vol. VI - black/canary marble x2LP
Mafia - black/neon coral marble x2LP
Shot To Hell - black/tangerine marble LP
Order Of The Black - black/grey marble LP
Catacombs Of The Black Vatican - black/tan marble LP
Grimmest Hits - black/olive marble LP

Two bonus albums:

The Song Remains Not The Same II - grey LP
Nuns and Roaches: Tasty Little Bastards - black/magenta LP




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