In a recent interview with 80's Glam Metalcast, former DEEP PURPLE and RAINBOW vocalist Joe Lynn Turner revealed that he nearly joined a couple of other legendary classic rock bands in the late 1980s prior to the recording of PURPLE's "Slaves And Masters" LP. "I had two other phone calls [before I joined DEEP PURPLE]," he said. "One was from FOREIGNER, and one was from BAD COMPANY, before they got Brian Howe. This was all in the same month. And I was on top of my game at that point. So, the thing with FOREIGNER didn't work out, because I went and rehearsed with those guys, and Lou [Gramm, original FOREIGNER singer] heard about it and he just went, 'I'm coming back.' So, they worked things out. They worked things out, which ended up [with] me singing on [FOREIGNER guitarist] Mick Jones's solo album, and also on the Billy Joel album that he produced.

"Make a long story shorter, or longer, BAD CO. — Rick Wills, the bass player from FOREIGNER, had said, 'Yeah, BAD CO.'s interested,'" he continued ."So, I talked to — I think it was just the road manager, somebody who was the [intermediary] between us, and and I told him, 'I just had an offer from DEEP PURPLE,' and they're, like, my favorite childhood band. And I had known Ritchie [Blackmore] and Roger [Glover] before, so it felt comfortable. But it still was DEEP PURPLE. And I was over the moon about it, really. It was terrific. And I'm very happy I made that choice, because I think Brian Howe did a great job with BAD CO., and I really enjoyed doing a record with [DEEP PURPLE]. And we were supposed to be doing a second [DEEP PURPLE] record [with me on vocals] when they patched up some things with [Ian] Gillan and got a big, big money offer from the record company to do so."

Joe was the frontman of RAINBOW between 1980 and 1984 and he sang on the album "Difficult To Cure", which featured the band's most successful U.K. single, "I Surrender".

During Turner's time with RAINBOW, the band had its first USA chart success and recorded songs that helped define the melodic rock genre.

Back in 2016, Blackmore said that Turner should have been inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame alongside other former and current members of DEEP PURPLE "for his singing and writing on 'Slaves And Masters'," an album Ritchie called "one of my favorites."

Shortly after Blackmore made his comments, Turner said that he was "proud and blessed to be a part of the DEEP PURPLE legacy. I am humbled and touched by the recent Blackmore post concerning my work with the band," he said. "His respectful and supportive comments of my efforts on the 'Slaves And Masters' album were better than any 'award' I could receive especially from an organization that has 'lost the point' many years ago."

Jason Newsted says that he no longer has the "physicality" to play with a band like METALLICA.

The 58-year-old musician, who left the San Francisco Bay Area metal giants two decades ago after a 15-year run with the group, discussed his exit from the band in a February 2020 interview with Florida Daily Post which has only recently been uploaded to YouTube.

Speaking about the series of shoulder surgeries on both arms that initially rendered him unable to play, Newsted said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "The surgeries kind of set me back. I kept playing music the best that I could, and I haven't ever been able to come all the way back; I'm, like, 90-something percent full. I can't play the full METALLICA stuff; I couldn't do the show anymore like that.

"As the times went by in the earlier years, [I kept asking myself] 'What if? What if? What it? What if? What it you had stayed? What if? What if? — that kind of thing," he admitted. "And everybody — except for maybe my sister, my wife and my dad and my brothers and my mom; they [told me], 'You do you.' They were in it close enough with me. They went to enough shows. They saw enough of the backstage stuff. They saw what took place. And they were, like, 'We get it. You do you. We'll be around for you.' But everybody else, whether they knew me, or they call me Jason anyway because they knew my name, but I didn't know them, there's millions of those people — millions of those people — and they all had something to say about it. 'How in the hell could you do that? You're throwing away tens of millions of dollars? Why would you do that? Why would you step out of the biggest and best band of all time? What are you thinking?'"

He continued: "You don't know where I've been. But it took me a while to convince them. So, as I think about that 'What if? What if? What if?', it worked out exactly like it was supposed to. I'm not saying I could have planned it or anything like that. So it took for the years to subside, which is really nice, and now I've got 19 years. I've had a whole other two or three lifetimes since I was in that big thing that provided all of this for me.

"I'll never talk a bad word about anything like that or the guys; they gave me my chance and my life, and I worked as hard as I could," Jason added. "I was always with the fans. Something back here [points to the back of his head] told me I have to spend every minute I can with the people 'cause it's not always gonna be like this. And so I did; that was my thing. They made fun of me for how much time I spent with the fans. Really — they ridiculed me for how much time I spent with the fans. And now I wouldn't change one thing. I had my doubts at a certain time, but now I know. The music I'm playing with THE CHOPHOUSE BAND [Newsted's mostly acoustic project] is what I'm able to play. And sometimes it gets vicious, and sometimes it gets nice and ugly, and all that stuff, but I know I can play this forever. This music and the Johnny Cash [stuff] I can play sitting right here or laying right there or dancing around over there, I can still play music. I know for a fact I cannot play the way that I would want to play in VOIVOD, METALLICA — any of those bands. I don't have the physicality to do that anymore. I only do six shows a year [with THE CHOPHOUSE BAND], and I do them right."

Newsted's exit from METALLICA was documented in the band's 2004 documentary, "Metallica: Some Kind Of Monster", which followed the members of the group through the three most turbulent years of their long career, during which they battled through addiction, lineup changes, fan backlash, personal turmoil and the near-disintegration of the group while making their "St. Anger" album.

In a 2004 interview with The Kansas City Star, METALLICA's "performance coach" Phil Towle, a former psychotherapist who was brought into the picture in January 2001 to help James Hetfield, Kirk Hammett and Lars Ulrich repair their relationship with Newsted, spoke about being present when Jason told the band he was leaving, though that scene isn't in "Some Kind of Monster". Asked how that went down, Towle said: "We'd been sitting around talking for about a half-hour when Jason says to me, 'I want to talk to the guys. Will you excuse me?' So I went into the other room in the suite. I could hear all this pain resonating from the room they were in, and after about 10 minutes, I went back in. Jason says, 'I don't want you in here.' I said, 'I was hired to be here, to work with you guys and your issues, and I can't in good faith stay in the other room.' There was silence. Then Lars says, 'Let him stay.'

"They were all jarred so much that a family member for 14 years was leaving for various reasons. They said, 'We gotta do something about this.' Here's what I offered: Rather than invest energy in being pissed at Jason, use this thing to explore the underlying issues of discomfort and conflict that led to his leaving.

"In a very dysfunctional family, Jason had the courage to stand up. He was the one who set in motion this process of calling everyone out. I'd read an old interview with METALLICA in Playboy in which the band members separately trashed each other. So now the conflict had come to a head."

Newsted was METALLICA's third bassist, following Ron McGovney and the late Cliff Burton. Robert Trujillo took over in 2003 after Newsted's exit.

Jason spoke in detail about the reason he left METALLICA in a 2013 interview with Scuzz TV. Newsted said that his eventual split with the group was over the way his then-side band, ECHOBRAIN, was handled. Newsted explained: "The management of METALLICA was very, very excited about ECHOBRAIN, wanted to take it out for me, wanted me to do ECHOBRAIN also, with METALLICA. They felt ECHOBRAIN was that good, the singer was that good, and it didn't affect METALLICA because it was a totally different kind of thing, and I was in METALLICA; that would give it its pedigree already."

Newsted continued: "They had told me, pretty convincingly, 'This is a great record, we've been playing it around the office, that's all I’ve been hearing, it's fantastic, this kid has a great voice. Let's do something with this.' That's what they told me, and then James heard about it and was not happy. He was, I think, pretty much out to put the kibosh on the whole thing because it would somehow affect METALLICA in his eyes, because now the managers were interested in something I was doing that had nothing to do with him."

Newsted told The Pulse Of Radio a while back that he never saw how ECHOBRAIN could have interfered with METALLICA. "I never felt that it was going to affect METALLICA in any way," he said. "There was no way that it could. The monster and the integrity and the legend that METALLICA's built, it would take a lot more than that to ever affect it."

Newsted added, "The people that I had counted on for 15 years to help me with my career, help METALLICA, take care of my money, do all of those things, told me, 'Your new project is fantastic, we'd like to help you with it.' James heard about it, the manager calls me back a couple of days later — 'Sorry we're not going to be able to help you with that ECHOBRAIN thing.'"

After 14 months in lockdown, hardcore shows have officially returned to Tompkins Square Park in New York City. MADBALL headlined a concert at the East Village outdoor venue on Saturday (April 24), with support from MURPHY'S LAW, BLOODCLOT (former CRO-MAGS frontman John Joseph) and THE CAPTURERS. Donations were being accepted at the all-ages, daytime event, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the New York Firefighters Burn Center Foundation.

Last month, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced that beginning April 2, live performance venues in the state would be able to open indoor spaces at 33 percent capacity or up to 100 people indoors and 200 people outdoors. If all attendees present proof of a negative coronavirus test prior to entry, capacity can increase to 150 people indoors and 500 people outdoors, according to the state.

Earlier today, Joseph took to his Facebook to push back against the criticism over the fact that the crowds at yesterday's concert did not appear to be adhering to social distancing guidelines and were not wearing face masks. He wrote: "Yesterday in Tompkins Square Park well over 2000 peeps came out. Free show for the People by the People. It was a blast! We raised $ for the FDNY Burn Unit, and fed people organic plant based eats.

"And let me say this - to all those talking shit. For the last year in NYC there were protests - tens and thousands of people in the streets - some rioting and looting engaging in bias attacks - on 4/20 weed day - thousands filled Washington Square Park - sharing blunts and weed pipes. Nobody said shit. This was our PROTEST - OUR RALLY. People who didn't want to come - stayed away. Good - nobody missed their ass.

"Wanna thank Cousin Joe and The Black-n-Blue crew for doing an amazing job. All the bands killed it THE CAPTURES, WISDOM AND CHAINS, MURPHY'S LAW, and the KINGS of NYHC MADBALL. PMA was had - smiling faces everywhere - we all needed this! I hope other cities do the same."

An hour later, Joseph also tweeted: "We had close to 3000 people at the show yesterday in Tompkins Square Park - Everyone had a great time - thank you to all the bands that played and thanks to all those who came out I live streamed it for those who couldn't make it".

MADBALL's latest album, "For The Cause", was released in June 2018 via Nuclear Blast. The follow-up to 2014's "Hardcore Lives" was co-produced by Tim Armstrong (RANCID), who also makes a guest appearance on the song "The Fog". It was mixed and mastered by renowned producer Tue Madsen (MESHUGGAH, THE HAUNTED, SICK OF IT ALL) at Antfarm Studios in Denmark.

This past February, BLOODCLOT released "Save The Robots", its first track to feature new members, guitarist Tom Capone (QUICKSAND, BOLD), bassist Manny Carrero (STILL SUIT, GLASSJAW, BURN) and drummer Darren Morgenthaler (MADBALL, MAXIMUM PENALTY).

After the release of the 2017 album "Up In Arms", BLOODCLOT went on hiatus while grieving the loss of its guitarist and dear friend Todd Youth.

A new BLOODCLOT full-length album is scheduled for release later this year.




We had close to 3000 people at the show yesterday in Tompkins Square Park - Everyone had a great time - thank you to all the bands that played and thanks to all those who came out I live streamed it for those who couldn’t make it - everybody have a great Sunday

— John Joseph (@jjcromag) April 25, 2021








Yes initially I was told 2000 peeps then someone counting bodies said 3000 in the park - amazing day https://t.co/5bQsv3p3v0

— John Joseph (@jjcromag) April 25, 2021






Yesterday in Tompkins Square Park well over 2000 peeps came out. Free show for the People by the People. It was a blast!...

Posted by John Joseph on Sunday, April 25, 2021



















Yesterday, in NYC, both Washington Square and Tompkins Square parks were packed with people for live music - and the photos have everyone pretty much shoulder to shoulder with very few masks in sight. So that should be good for a spike in the virus in about two weeks.

— Pixie Kruczynski is #Vaccinated. (@ANewAnimal) April 25, 2021








This screenshot is from one of several videos on youtube showing the all day concert in Tompkins Square Park TODAY @NYCHealthCommr @NY1 @nypost @DailyMail thousands of people screaming, dancing, moshpit chaos, stage diving almost all the people with no masks, any concerns? pic.twitter.com/KyTh2FDkTb

— Thiago Santiro (@thiagosantiro) April 25, 2021








Tompkins SQ Park NYC pic.twitter.com/PNqH5XH0v6

— BNB Productions (@BNBProductions) April 25, 2021






Here we go......Black N' Blue Productions presents: Sat. April 24 Madball / Murphy's Law / Bloodclot / The Capturers in...

Posted by The New York Hardcore Chronicles Page on Thursday, April 8, 2021

























View this post on Instagram









































A post shared by ??? (@gilguitarist)

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

“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. A third video for the track “Empty Eyes” is scheduled to coincide with the album’s release on May 7.

Pre-orders for Rebels Of The Sun are available 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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Brazilian/Dutch death metal unit, Crypta, have released a guitar playthrough video for their latest single, "From The Ashes". Watch below:

Just recently signed with Napalm Records, Crypta offer a raging sonic monster in a class of its own: the newly staffed Brazilian/Dutch death metal unit is set to drop jaws with their long-awaited debut offering, Echoes Of The Soul, to be released on June 11 via Napalm Records.

Formed in June 2019, the four-piece line up consists of vocalist and bassist Fernanda Lira and Luana Dametto on drums (both former members thrash metal frontrunners Nervosa), plus supremely talented guitarists Sonia Anubis (Cobra Spell, ex-Burning Witches) and Tainá Bergamaschi (ex-Hagbard). They enforce a heightened level of potency and experience from their successful past and current projects, enhancing influences from both classic and modern death metal genres, plus significant extreme and black metal elements, to create a sound of their own.

Echoes Of The Soul was recorded in January 2021 at the Family Mob Studio (Brazil), mixed by Arthur Rizk (Code Orange, Powertrip etc.) and mastered by the famed Jens Bogren (Opeth, Dimmu Borgir, Sepultura etc.). The cover artwork was created by Wes Benscoter, who is internationally famous for his stunning covers for bands such as Slayer, Kreator, Black Sabbath and many more.

Atmospherically dark and threatening, the 55-second intro “Awakening” prepares the listener for the oncoming ferocity of Echoes Of The Soul, dispensing murky, fiery fuel into the death metal machine. Their significant sonic texture derived from various death metal subgenres and traces of classic thrash becomes instantly evident as the album begins, reflective of the entirely vicious, infernal aura the 10-track debut is about to unleash. Crypta unbridle high-powered sonic demons and nourish cumulative, explosive energy with raging guitar riffs, Fernanda Lira’s unmistakable vocal color and Damettos's menacing drums. Tracks like “Starvation”, “Kali” and “Blood Stained Heritage” incite an uncontrollable storm of pure rage and belligerence, while offerings like “Under The Black Wings” and “Dark Night Of the Soul” deliver a message of pure hardness in perilous atmosphere. “Death Arcana” provides its listener further insight into Crypta’s sonic mastery and captivates with sprawling solos reminiscent of earlier times, yet spiced with a modern twist.

Echoes Of The Soul will be available in the following formats:

-CD Jewel Case
-1LP Vinyl Gatefold Black
-1LP Vinyl Gatefold Gold – limited to 200 copies worldwide
-1LP Vinyl Gatefold Marbled Orange Transparent Black + Patch – limited to 200 copies worldwide
-Music Cassette black – strictly limited
-Digital Album

Pre-order here.

Echoes Of The Soul tracklisting:

"Awakening"
"Starvation"
"Possessed"
"Death Arcana"
"Shadow Within"
"Under The Black Wings"
"Kali"
"Blood Stained Heritage"
"Dark Night Of The Soul"
"From The Ashes"

"From The Ashes" video:

Crypta are:

Fernanda Lira – Vocals, Bass
Sonia Anubis – Guitar
Tainá Bergamaschi – Guitar
Luana Dametto – Drums

(Photo - Renan Facciolo)




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DREAM THEATER guitarist John Petrucci is rocking the world with his first signature bourbon, Rock The Barrel, generated from an exclusive collaboration with Iron Smoke Distillery. The craft bourbon whiskey comes in at a full 120 proof, ready to blow the mind.

"As soon as I tasted Iron Smoke's Cask Strength, I knew I wanted to partner with this distillery," said Petrucci, widely considered to be one of the greatest guitar players of all time. "I take a craftsmanship approach with everything I do — whether it's my guitar playing or the people I surround myself with. I care about details and caring to the fullest is what makes something great. Iron Smoke takes the same approach and that is why we forged what we consider the perfect relationship."

Petrucci is a founding member of the two-time Grammy-nominated progressive metal band DREAM THEATER, and is also a bourbon whiskey aficionado. He personally drove five hours to the Finger Lakes region to taste-test Iron Smoke's Cask Strength. John then hand-picked each of the barrels which were combined for this kick-ass bourbon blend.

"The name, Rock The Barrel, is perfect because it gives you a sense of the experience you will have when this smoky goodness slides over your taste buds," noted Petrucci. "Being from New York myself, I love how they go to family farms to get ingredients and age their bourbon in barrels from our great state."

Rock The Barrel joins Iron Smoke's collection of award-winning bourbon whiskeys created by master distiller Drew Westcott. In 2018, Iron Smoke was rated a 95.5 in Jim Murray's Whiskey Bible and in 2019 was listed in Forbes magazine as one of the "10 Best Bourbons Beyond Kentucky."

Alongside Petrucci, Iron Smoke CEO and founder Tommy Brunett conceptualized this special release to complement the legendary guitarist's unique taste profile.

"We take the craft of making whiskey just as seriously as John takes appreciating a truly good bourbon. This collaboration is proof of that — 120 proof!" exclaimed Brunett.

Tommy Brunett is an accomplished musician in his own right, having played guitar for MODERN ENGLISH in the 1980's. He has written and produced several albums, and regularly performs with the TOMMY BRUNETT BAND when he's not making whiskey. He feels it is destiny that brought John Petrucci and Iron Smoke together for this collaboration.

"To join an award-winning distillery with one of the world's greatest guitarists — it's an amazing combination. There's nothing like the age-old combo of bourbon and rock n' roll! They go together like Elvis on velvet and we are more excited than a pack of weasels in a hen house!" exclaimed Brunett.

Petrucci grew up on Long Island, and so connecting with a New York State farm distillery was important to him. Many ingredients are grown by farmers within a crow's flying distance. Locals get to savor the smell of apple wood when the Iron Smoke crew uses the handmade smokin' machine to cure the grains.

"For me, it's all about the experience — how the bourbon is made, where it is made, what it smells like, what it tastes like, and even how you talk about it when you are enjoying the moment," said Petrucci. "I can't wait for the world to enjoy a Rock The Barrel moment!"

Starting on May 3, 2021, Iron Smoke's small-batch edition of Rock The Barrel is available for online purchase at ironsmokedistillery.com. Each 750ml bottle, priced at $200, is personally autographed by John Petrucci himself, and the label features an iconic photo of Petrucci holding his signature Ernie Ball Music Man guitar. Customers also receive an all-access laminate which entitles them to join a live online tasting event with John Petrucci and Tommy Brunett.

All purchases come with a coupon for 20% off a Rock The Barrel t-shirt emblazoned with the stylish aesthetic of the bottle's artwork.

Rock The Barrel bourbon and t-shirts are also available for in-person purchase at Iron Smoke Distillery's World Famous Spirit Factory, Watering Room & Side Show in Fairport, New York.

Hailing from Sydney, Australia, Dreamers Crime has been on a crazy ride since they formed. By blending metal and rock sounds they create their own version of hard rock with explosive, anthem tracks. The band released their new single titled "Dreaming" to all digital outlets via The FUEL Music. BraveWords is hosting the premiere of their official video for “Dreaming”, watch below!

Dreamers Crime is a four piece outfit ready to leave their own mark on the music stage. Co-founders Peter Repousis (lead vocalist) and Simon Kapsis (guitarist), together with Adam Plimmer (bassist) and Felipe Martelo (drummer), are set to expose their heavy rock and metal sound consisting of crunching riffs, ambient leads and vocal hooks to the rest of the world.

The band wrote and released their first EP What Is Real in 2014, which was followed by tours within Australia and time spent writing new material over the next years to come.

Since 2018, resting has not been an option for Dreamers Crime as they completed two South East Asian tours including countries such as the Philippines, Indonesia and Vietnam. They have also completed shows around Australia and shared the stage with American rock band Trapt and Portugal’s very own Hybrid Theory.

The band has spent most of the last few years in the studio writing and recording their upcoming album Here We Are. Produced and recorded by Australian award winners Dave Petrovic and Stevie Knight from Electric Sun Studios the band released the single “Silence” in January of 2021 and is following it up with their new single “Dreaming” which is now available.




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According to Deadline, Netflix is close to securing a deal for the upcoming KISS biopic "Shout It Out Loud". The film will be directed by Joachim Rønning, the Norwegian filmmaker whose credits include "Kon-Tiki", "Maleficent: Mistress Of Evil" and "Pirates Of The Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales". The script is written by Ole Sanders.

"Shout It Out Loud", which will have close cooperation from bandleaders Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley, will be a co-production of Mark Canton's Atmosphere Entertainment and Universal Music Group. The film will be produced by Canton through his Atmosphere Entertainment, Leigh Ann Burton through Opus 7, Courtney Solomon, David Blackman and Jody Gerson through Universal Music Group, KISS's longtime manager Doc McGhee through his McGee Entertainment, Rønning, and Simmons and Stanley. Atmosphere's Dorothy Canton and David Hopwood are the executive producers.

More than a year ago,KISS guitarist Tommy Thayer said that the band was also working on a "definitive" documentary which will include "rare and compelling" KISS-related media submitted by the group's fans.

KISS launched its farewell trek in January 2019 but was forced to put it on hold last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

"End Of The Road" was originally scheduled to conclude on July 17, 2021 in New York City but is now expected to last well into 2022.

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

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

Netflix previously had rock-biopic success with MÖTLEY CRÜE's "The Dirt", which premiered in March 2019. An adaptation of the book of the same name about the iconic rock band, it had been in the works since 2003. It was previously set up at Paramount and Focus Features before Netflix picked it up in 2017.

"The Dirt", which reportedly cost more than $20 million to produce, currently has a 38% critic score from 72 reviews on Rotten Tomatoes, the online review aggregation service that allows both critics and the public to rate movies. The same site has an 94% audience score for "The Dirt" from more than 6,000 revi

Project Presents is a new luxury lifestyle and merchandise label pushing boundaries with designs and production techniques. The company brings a high-end, unique twist to band merchandise. Using luxury fabrics and one of the best print houses in the U.K., it creates pieces which transcend genres and captivate the imagination of both lifelong fans and fashion connoisseurs worldwide.

Established in 2020 in Sheffield, England, Project Presents, in its first offering, has collaborated with one of the biggest rock bands on the planet, DEF LEPPARD, to produce a bespoke collection. Key to the range is the "Leppard Lyrics" insignia, exclusively licenced to Project Presents and Black Light Project graphics screen-printed in UV ink, paying homage to the black light poster style of the 1980s.

Directors Craig Smith and James Holland brought Fraser Rowlin on board as creative director to impart his 20 years' fashion experience to bring together Project Presents. Having worked for labels such as CP Company and Stone Island in London, and owning an award-winning clothing store in Sheffield, which housed brands including Belstaff, Dior, McQ and Marc Jacobs, the knowledge he brings to the brand is invaluable.

DEF LEPPARD bassist Rick Savage says: "I've known James for a long time, and his attention to quality, taste and workmanship is second to none. I know this will be reflected in the 'Leppard Lyrics' clothing line. I'm also delighted that they have asked Scott to get on board with promoting this cool and exciting new brand."

The launch campaign is to be headed by Savage's son Scott, entering the fashion world for the first time. The campaign is shot within Project Presents's headquarters, housed within a World War I military barracks located in the heart of Sheffield.

Scott had already set his sight on a career in modeling when Projects Presents was still in its infancy. It was a serendipitous moment when it became obvious that he should launch his modelling career showcasing clothing that celebrates his father's band. It is a proud father moment for Rick.

The Project Presents collaboration with DEF LEPPARD is to be one of many. For the first few seasons, Project Presents will be selling on its own online platform at www.projectpresents.com while growing the brand by introducing other high-profile artists and concepts to move to selling within luxury department stores and independent retailers, as well as through other high-end online retailers.

KING'S X frontman Doug Pinnick spoke to Shawn Ratches of Laughingmonkeymusic about the progress of the recording sessions of the band's long-awaited follow-up to 2008's "XV" album. He said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "I brought 25 songs in. And Ty [Tabor, guitar] and Jerry [Gaskill, drums] brought a slew of songs in, too. We got 17 songs out of the whole record. We're not gonna put 'em all on the record, but we have a lot to choose from now. And Michael Parnin, who produced it and engineered it, he's mixing it right now."

According to Pinnick, "it's gonna take a good while" to complete the album "because of the pandemic and the uncertainty of touring and all that stuff. 'Cause who knows — at our age, this could be our last record," the 70-year-old bassist/vocalist explained. "And we wanna do it right. We don't wanna just put it out there in the middle of the pandemic and hope somebody buys it. We wanna put it out, go on tour and do videos. I mean, do it like we're supposed to do it. So we're telling our fans to just kind of be patient with us, because we really, really are hoping that this is as good as [1994's] 'Dogman' and [1989's] 'Gretchen [Goes To Nebraska]', which is what everybody wants. But it's not a rehash of it. In fact, this record doesn't sound like either one.

"I think that we worked really, really hard on this record, like we haven't since the early days — around 'Gretchen' and 'Dogman'," he continued. "I can tell it in the songs, how we're all singing and everybody's contributing to it. They're not just doing my songs, and I'm not just doing Ty's songs. We're really putting ourselves into it."

Regarding the musical direction of the new KING'S X material, Pinnick said: "I had some pretty crazy songs, time-change-wise, 'cause I've been listening to a lot of MESHUGGAH and shit like that. It's not KING'S X, but that flavor comes in. Imagine John Bonham playing with MESHUGGAH… But Ty and Jerry are singing a lot too. I tell people, it's like from [THE BEATLES' classic song] 'Penny Lane' to the heaviest MESHUGGAH — it's a blend of something in between there. And one song to another almost sounds different, almost to the point where they're individual pieces themselves, like PINK FLOYD used to do. We've got violins and other things in it. I've got some keyboards and all kinds of things to enhance things — piano. Nothing overboard, but just like [Jimi] Hendrix did and people like that — big things coming in and out that gives it that longevity, I would say. Things that you hear and go, 'Oh, wow. That's cool.' That little thing over there. So it's taken Michael a long time to mix it, 'cause he's got a lot of tracks."

KING'S X was sidelined by several health scares in recent years, including Pinnick's two hernia operations and two near-fatal heart attacks suffered by Gaskill.

In October 2019, KING'S X canceled all of its previously announced tour dates for the year so that Gaskill could undergo undisclosed heart "procedures."

"XV" was KING'S X's highest-charting album since 1996's "Ear Candy".

In 2005, VH1 included KING'S X in its list of "100 Greatest Artists In Hard Rock."

Last year when COVID-19 put the live touring industry on hold, guitar hero Joe Bonamassa did something unprecedented for his fans — he put together a one-night-only show at the iconic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Tennessee to be livestreamed for fans everywhere. That night he united people across 44 countries worldwide for a phenomenal live music presentation of his brand-new album "Royal Tea" before it was even released.

The concert was re-mixed and mastered for physical release as "Now Serving: Royal Tea Live From The Ryman" on June 11 and will be available to own on CD, DVD, Blu-ray and double LP. The DVD will include a film introduction narrated by actor Jeff Daniels.

The stellar performance includes 12 incredible live tracks, featuring the best from "Royal Tea", Joe's 24th #1 record on the Billboard Blues chart, which was recorded at Abbey Road Studios in London. It also includes three electrifying tracks from his 20th-anniversary album "A New Day Now". Get your serving and relive the excitement time and time again with this once-in-a-lifetime release from one of the most celebrated blues rock entertainers!

Recalling the magical night, Bonamassa shares: "I have always wanted to film a show at the legendary Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. Our band has had the honor of playing there now 8 1/2 times over the past 10 years. The audience is always alive and electric, hanging on every word and phrase. It feels like the greatest, most intimate gig you will ever do but there are 2,300 people sharing this joy and musical journey. I love the place as it is a national treasure and selfishly close to my house.

"Here's where I get to the 1/2 part. We missed you. As great as it is to be on that stage in any capacity, YOU the fans make it special. You are part of the show and a big part of it. As this show was being filmed live, almost 100,000 eyes were on us in various forms around the world in front of TVs and computers alike. But you were not in the room with us."

In normal times, the legendary venue typically seats 2,300, but for one night only, the real crowd was the size of a major stadium, and in-house nearly every seat was filled with a custom cardboard cutout of a fan. The event sold over 17,000 tickets, reaching a global audience and bringing people of all different cultures together during a time when it often felt like the world was falling apart. Considering the number of households watching concerts together from home, one ticket could actually account for an entire family, so the true number of viewers would likely skyrocket.

Joe continues: "We played as good as we could in front of those 1700 cardboard cutouts of your faces and tried to imagine you there. For split seconds, I would catch a glimpse of the room and it almost felt normal. Then the song would end and there would be dead silence. Only the footsteps of our crew could be heard. With all of that said, this DVD is a snapshot of a concert performance within the confines a vast sea change of the world. A world that had temporarily deemed us unnecessary. Nobody knows when I will ever get back to this stage in front of a full house again, but I sure do know that I do love it and miss you greatly. This show counts as a 1/2."

The night at the Ryman should also be celebrated as an event that brought the music industry together. Between ticket sales and donations during his After Party Showcase, the event raised $32,000 for Bonamassa's Fueling Musicians program, presented by his non-profit Keeping The Blues Alive Foundation (KTBA). Supporting artists for over a year amid the pandemic, to date the program has secured $460,000 in funding for qualifying touring musicians who are suffering financial hardship since their careers have been put on hold. The program provides immediate $1,500 cash payments for essential living expenses to help musicians stay afloat until they can get back out on the road. This past weekend, Joe hosted his second annual Stream-A-Thon event, featuring over 35 stunning performances and 3+ hours of music to continue raising money for the cause. The event featured a star-studded lineup including Bonamassa, TOTO, Dion, Ana Popovic, Warren Haynes, Bobby Rush, Jared James Nichols, Emily Wolfe and many more.

As for the amazing setlist for "Now Serving: Royal Tea Live From The Ryman", Bonamassa has made a career out of taking risks and venturing into uncharted territory throughout his wide-ranging career and outstanding live shows, and the delivery at Ryman Auditorium was nothing short of perfection. Bonamassa shines brighter than ever, always adding new genre-bending flavor in his guitar playing and his trademark spin on the vocals. It's no wonder he's often praised for bringing new audiences to the blues rock universe. Bonamassa already has an incredible catalogue of live and studio releases that continue to evolve over the years and catch the ears of music critics far and wide. "Now Serving: Royal Tea Live From The Ryman" provides much-needed invigoration for live music fans and will give them back the unbelievable feeling of being at a live concert event. With the audio/visual experience they'll get with this release, they'll get front row seats for one of the best touring acts around.

Track listing

01. When One Door Opens

02. Royal Tea

03. High Class Girl

04. Lookout Man!

05. Why Does It Take So Long To Say Goodbye

06. A Conversation With Alice

07. I Didn't Think She Would Do It

08. Beyond The Silence

09. Lonely Boy

10. Cradle Rock

11. Walk In My Shadow

12. A New Day Yesterday / Starship Trooper – Wurm

MR. BUNGLE, whose Halloween 2020 streaming special, "The Night They Came Home", captured the Northern California-born band performing songs from their freshly released album, "The Raging Wrath Of The Easter Bunny Demo", interspersed with behind-the-scenes footage, surprise cameos and a few surprise covers, release the nearly two-hour film on June 11 via Ipecac Recordings.

"The Night They Came Home", which was directed by Jack Bennett, is available as a CD, Blu-ray, CD + DVD, VHS and digitally. The CD portion features remastered audio, while the film features MR. BUNGLE's performance, Neil Hamburger's opening set, three official music videos ("Raping Your Mind", "Eracist", and "Sudden Death"), as well as extended behind-the-scenes footage. The VHS release, limited to 1000 collectible copies, is an edited, performance-only portion of the film.

"The Night They Came Home" track listing:

01. Won't You Be My Neighbor (Fred Rogers cover)

02. Anarchy Up Your Anus

03. Raping Your Mind

04. Bungle Grind

05. Methematics

06. Hell Awaits/Summer Breeze (SLAYER/SEALS & CROFT medley/cover)

07. Eracist

08. World Up My Ass (CIRCLE JERKS cover)

09. Glutton For Punishment

10. Hypocrites/Habla Español O Muere (S.O.D. cover)

11. Spreading The Thighs Of Death

12. Loss For Words

13. Sudden Death

14. Loss Of Control (VAN HALEN cover)

News of "The Raging Wrath Of The Easter Bunny Demo" arrival, the band's first new music in over 20 years, was received with great fanfare. The album news followed a spate of sold out 2020 live performances, which saw MR. BUNGLE playing to some of its biggest audiences ever. The album, which is a proper recording of MR. BUNGLE's much-traded-yet-unreleased 1986 demo cassette of the same name, was declared "one of the best thrash albums of the year" by Decibel, Rolling Stone said "their reboot is a feast of ingenious riffs, unexpected tempo shifts, and pure manic energy…," and Stereogum offered "MR. BUNGLE are reliving their very earliest days and kicking a whole lot of ass in the process." Revolver featured Mike Patton on its fall cover, saying "After 15 years of inactivity and 21 since their last album, avant-metal weirdos MR. BUNGLE reappeared from the mists of time to re-record their 1986 demo. Not content to merely rehash their high school days, core trio Mike Patton, Trey Spruance and Trevor Dunn enlisted help from ANTHRAX guitarist Scott Ian and former SLAYER drummer Dave Lombardo. The result is — in the words of super fan Eric Andre — pure, awesome 'carve 666 into your desk and get in detention' metal."

MR. BUNGLE was formed in an impoverished lumber and fishing town by a trio of curious, volatile teenagers. Trey Spruance, Mike Patton and Trevor Dunn beget the amorphous "band" in 1985 up in Humboldt County, California, sifting through a variety of members until around 1989 when they settled on a lineup that managed to get signed to Warner Bros. Records. No one really knows how this happened and it remains a complete mystery that even the algorithms of the Internet can't decode. Up until 2000, they released three albums ("Mr. Bungle" in 1991, "Disco Volante" in 1995 and "California" in 1999), toured a good portion of the Western hemisphere and avoided any sort of critical acclaim. Some argue that the band subsequently broke up but there is also no proof of this. What is true is that they took 20 years off from performing under said moniker while they pursued various other musics that, in contrast, paid the rent.

On June 11, rock legends KISS will launch their new official live bootleg series, KISS - Off The Soundboard, with Tokyo 2001, recorded by the band at the Tokyo Dome in Tokyo, Japan on March 13, 2001. This marks the first in a series of upcoming live releases through UMe and will be available as a 3-LP standard black vinyl set, a 2-CD set, digital downloads and available to stream. Off The Soundboard: Tokyo 2001 will also be available as an exclusive 3-LP set pressed on crystal clear vinyl with bone swirl via the Official KISS online store. All configurations can be pre-ordered here. Watch a video trailer below.

Tokyo has always held a special place of importance throughout the KISStory of the band and Off The Soundboard: Tokyo 2001 captures KISS giving the packed 55,000 seat venue the quintessential KISS live experience, direct from the soundboard with such classic anthems as “I Was Made for Lovin’ You,” “Heaven’s On Fire,” “Rock & Roll All Night” and the #7 1976 Billboard hit “Detroit Rock City,” as well as rarities such as “I Still Love You” from 1982’s Creatures Of The Night. The 21-track concert is a celebration of the band’s musical legacy and features co-founders Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons, with Ace Frehley on guitar and Eric Singer on drums.

KISS are globally recognized as one of the greatest live bands of all time and are the creators of what is universally considered the best live album ever, 1975’s gold-certified and No. 9 Billboard charting Alive!. KISS - Off The Soundboard continues their storied legacy of groundbreaking live albums with a document of the spectacular, larger than life extravaganza that is a KISS concert.

Known for their trademark larger-than-life blistering performances, KISS has proven for decades why they are hands down the most iconic live show in rock n roll. The Rock & Roll Hall of Famers who have sold more than 100 million albums worldwide have said this tour is devoted to the millions of KISS Army fans.  

KISS - Off The Soundboard: Tokyo 2001 tracklisting

CD1
"Detroit Rock City"
"Deuce"
"Shout It Out Loud"
"Talk To Me"
"I Love It Loud"
"Firehouse"
"Do You Love Me"
"Calling Dr. Love"
"Heaven’s On Fire"
"Let Me Go Rock & Roll"
"Shock Me" / Guitar Solo
"Psycho Circus"

CD2
"Lick It Up" / Bass Solo
"God Of Thunder" / Drum Solo
"Cold Gin"
"100,000 Years"
"Love Gun"
"I Still Love You"
"Black Diamond"
"I Was Made For Lovin’ You"
"Rock And Roll All Nite"

LP1, Side A
"Detroit Rock City"
"Deuce"
"Shout It Out Loud"
"Talk To Me"

LP1, Side B
"I Love It Loud"
"Firehouse"
"Do You Love Me"
"Calling Dr. Love"
"Heaven’s On Fire"

LP2, Side A
"Let Me Go Rock & Roll"
"Shock Me" / Guitar Solo

LP2, Side B
"Psycho Circus"
"Lick It Up" / Bass Solo
"God Of Thunder" / Drum Solo

LP3, Side A
"Cold Gin"
"100,000 Years"
"Love Gun"

LP3, Side B
"I Still Love You"
"Black Diamond"
"I Was Made For Lovin’ You"
"Rock And Roll All Nite"

Digital
"Detroit Rock City"
"Deuce"
"Shout It Out Loud"
"Talk To Me"
"I Love It Loud"
"Firehouse"
"Do You Love Me"
"Calling Dr. Love"
"Heaven’s On Fire"
"Let Me Go Rock & Roll"
"Shock Me" / Guitar Solo
"Psycho Circus"
"Lick It Up" / Bass Solo
"God Of Thunder" / Drum Solo
"Cold Gin "
"100,000 Years"
"Love Gun"
"I Still Love You"
"Black Diamond"
"I Was Made For Lovin’ You"
"Rock And Roll All Nite"




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Seven Spires have released a brand new single, "The Cursed Muse". The song sees the band seamlessly blending their love of the heavy, symphonic, and black metal genres into a mesmerizing mix that is simultaneously furious and catchy. Listen here, and below.

"'The Cursed Muse' is the reintroduction of our exhausted hero from the previous two albums. Haunted by demons of the past, this sea-captain-turned-psychopomp contemplates their future: a lonesome eternity riddled with regret, resentment, and the crushing belief that they do not deserve happiness," says the band.

The single serves as an appetizer for the forthcoming epic new studio album from the band, due this fall on Frontiers Music Srl. More details on that forthcoming in the weeks ahead.

Seven Spires is an American metal quartet specializing in melancholic tales and tenebrous grandeur. Part bittersweet melodic metal anthems, part apocalyptic melodic death and black metal, and part Romantic Classical poets, they are storytellers who draw from across the traditional spectrum of metal and beyond to weave tragedies of demons, death, love, and the peculiarities of human condition. The band met while studying at the world renowned Berklee College of Music in Boston, so we need not spend much time going on about their musical capabilities, but needless to say, the band’s musicianship is in keeping with the metal tradition of tireless work to be the best at your craft.

The band’s sophomore album, Emerald Seas, released in February 2020, was a highly emotional, dark, and theatrical listening experience. The band, as with their debut, collaborated with Sascha Paeth (Avantasia, Kamelot, Epica, etc), who mixed and mastered the album.

Lineup:

Adrienne Cowan - Vocals + Orchestrations
Jack Kosto - Guitar
Peter de Reyna - Bass
Chris Dovas - Drums




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Swedish guitarist and producer Ola Englund, renowned for his work with Six Feet Under, The Haunted and Feared, has released his second solo album, Starzinger, on CD, vinyl and digital download.

Mixed and mastered by Clawfinger’s Jocke Skog, Starzinger follows-up Englund’s debut solo album, Master Of The Universe, released in early 2018 and features Delta Empire on drums along with a number of guest appearances, including guitar virtuoso Jeff Loomis (Arch Enemy, Nevermore).

Portraying the artwork of Costin Chioreanu (Paradise Lost, At The Gates, Emperor), Starzinger sees Englund merging influences of prog with '80s rock and metal.

"I’m extremely excited to see the release of my second solo album Starzinger, this album being a little bit more metal oriented than my first Master Of The Universe album. It’s a weird feeling because it’s basically just showing the current state of me and where I am in life. Hoping that the people that follow what I do can see the parallels. This one is for you," says Englund about this new effort.

Stream Starzinger in full below:

With over 300K subscribers on his tech/music Youtube channel, over the last few years, Ola Englund has also built a strong reputation in the music scene by playing in several bands, most prominently in Feared and The Haunted. Just recently Englund also founded his own guitar company called Solar Guitars, which was meet with great success and currently sponsors artists like Exhorder, The Haunted and At The Gates.




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Italian black/dark gothic metallers, Cadaveria, have released The Genesis Of Creation, a video documentary dedicated to the making of the recent singles, released from October 2020 on.

Cadaveria and Marçelo Santos, masterminds of the band, deepen the key concepts of the songs and comment the behind the scenes of the music videos (made by Marçelo himself) and the images from the recording studios.

Watch the video below:

The next single from Cadaveria will be released in early June.




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Portland-based rockers, Red Fang, return with their new album, Arrows, on June 4 via Relapse Records. The band have unveiled a second single from the 13-song album, debuting “Funeral Coach”.

“I was driving around and I saw a hearse that said, ‘funeral coach services’ on the back,” singer/bass player Aaron Beam says of the inspiration for the song. “So the first thing that popped into my head was a dude with a headset and a clipboard going, ‘Alright, dudes—more tears! Five minutes in is when the tears are critical, or no one’s gonna believe that anyone cares that this person died.’”

The band kicked off news of Arrows’ impending arrival with a new chapter in the band’s unparalleled canon of Whitey McConnaughy-directed music videos as the foursome debuted a clip for the title track, “Arrows” (watch below).

Pre-orders for the album are available now, with Arrows available in a variety of formats, including standard versions of the LP, CD, cassette and digitally, as well as, a limited-edition liquid filled LP, deluxe CD (exclusive to Europe and Relapse.com), and two collectible bundles: LP with a limited Arrows blacklight poster and a Red Fang x Psycho Las Vegas limited-edition Texas Hold’em themed box set.

Dubbed the Fortune Hunter Gamblers Pack, the poker-themed package includes branded casino-quality playing cards, dice, collector's coin, custom boxing, and a card of authenticity (all featuring custom artwork by Ian Colazzo), as well as the LP, and t-shirt.

Physical pre-orders are available via Relapse’s webstore here, while digital downloads and streaming links can be found here.

Arrows album cover, artwork by Orion Landau.

Tracklisting:

"Take It Back"
"Unreal Estate"
"Arrows"
"My Disaster"
"Two High"
"Anodyne"
"Interop-Mod"
"Fonzi Scheme"
"Days Collide"
"Rabbits In Hive"
"Why"
"Dr. Owl"
"Funeral Coach"

"Arrows" video:

Red Fang is:

Aaron Beam (bass/vocals/guitar/keyboards)
Bryan Giles (guitar/vocals),
John Sherman (drums)
David Sullivan (guitars)

(Photo - James Rexroad)




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A GoFundMe campaign has been launched for EXODUS drummer Tom Hunting, who recently started treatment for squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the stomach.

The campaign, titled "Help Tom Hunting with his cancer battle!," was organized by EXODUS guitarist Gary Holt and created on Tuesday, April 20. In less than 24 hours, the campaign has amassed nearly $4,500 and is now more than $15,000 from hitting the target goal of $20,000. At press time, the campaign has 89 donors, 25 shares and 87 followers.

In an introductory message on the GoFundMe page, Holt writes: "After decades dedicated to laying down the most pummeling drums in thrash, Tom Hunting has been diagnosed with cancer. While he fights and defeats this, he will need help with his bills, both medical and home.

"During this pandemic Tom, like many of us, works to keep himself going while we await the return of touring, but he is unable to do so while undergoing chemo and more to get past this and back behind his drums with his brothers in EXODUS. Whatever someone can afford to give will go miles to helping Tom continue his fight without the worry of the mounting medical bills and bills to maintain a roof over his head.

"Thanks for all your help and support."

The 56-year-old Hunting revealed his cancer diagnosis in a statement released on April 13. He said: "Today I will be starting treatment for a squamous cell carcinoma. It's a gastric tumor that was diagnosed in my upper stomach in February.

"I'm making this public to raise awareness for people to pay attention to symptoms of stomach and esophageal issues. If they persist, please go get it checked out.

"I'm not gonna be sheepish talking about it. I feel that if I can help someone with what I've learned, or someone out there has information to share with me, it's a win-win! When you can name the enemy, it's empowering, and you're 1 step closer to killing it!

"Ok, you've heard the bad news. The good news is he feels great physically! I'm gonna beat this like a fucking snare drum that owes me money!!! I've had great doctors and a great support system that is an army in itself. I'm ready for the fight!"

After Hunting went public with his diagnosis, Holt said that EXODUS will "delay" the release of its recently completed new album, "Persona Non Grata", "so that when Tom has defeated this, he will be back to full strength to hit the road and pummel his drums like only he can! When he has kicked cancer's ass like we know he will, we will resume kicking YOUR asses with the sickest record yet!" he said.

The squamous cell carcinoma of the stomach is a very uncommon entity, with worldwide incidence of 0.04% to 0.07% of all gastric cancers.

"Persona Non Grata" will be the follow-up to 2014's "Blood In Blood Out", which was the San Francisco Bay Area thrashers' first release since the departure of the group's lead singer of nine years, Rob Dukes, and the return of Steve "Zetro" Souza, who previously fronted EXODUS from 1986 to 1993 and from 2002 to 2004.

"Persona Non Grata" was recorded at a studio in Lake Almanor, California and was engineered by Steve Lagudi and EXODUS. It was produced by EXODUS and was mixed by Andy Sneap.
























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Arizona's Go Ahead And Die will release their self-titled debut album on June 11 via Nuclear Blast Records. Go Ahead And Die is a raw, urgent, unrelenting, thrillingly shocking, and vibrant new band.

Today the trio releases the third trailer where they discuss the themes of the second single. Watch as they detail how police brutality influenced the lyrical content of the track and the record as a whole, below:

Born from the mind of a creative writer and musician Igor Amadeus Cavalera of Healing Magic and extreme metal icon, and Soulfly leader Max Cavalera. Go Ahead And Die's tempos are wild, with contempt for modern social ills palpable, its riffs monstrous and captivating. They make angry, spiteful, utterly engaging, spirited extreme music for increasingly extreme times.

The self-titled debut sees Max and Igor splitting guitar and vocal duties, with utter madman style drumming from Zach Coleman of the blistering Black Curse and critically-acclaimed Khemmis. It sounds like a relic from the glory days of thrash, proto-death metal, and filthy rotten punk, the kind of band that would inspire a teenaged thrasher in 1987 to carve the G.A.A.D. logo into a school desk.

Pre-order the new album here. Pre-save here.

Tracklisting:

"Truckload Full Of Bodies"
"Toxic Freedom"
"I.C.E. Cage"
"Isolated/Desolated"
"Prophet's Prey"
"Punisher"
"El Cuco"
"G.A.A.D."
"Worth Less Than Piss"
"(In The) Slaughterline"
"Roadkill"

"Toxic Freedom" video:

"Truckload Full Of Bodies" video:




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Melancholic black metal symbiosis, Sojourner, paves the way for another undeniably impressive next chapter with their outstanding new offering, the mini-EP Perennial, to be released digitally and as a strictly limited ivory vinyl edition on June 4 via Napalm Records.

Today, the maestros of levitating bleakness have unveiled a captivating piece of art, the bewitching hymn “Perennial”, featuring new vocalist Lucia Amelia Emmanueli for the first time. A visually inspiring music video captures the undeniably breathtaking beauty of untouched nature while Sojourner interweave angelic vocals and brutal growls, carried by a sonic layer of atmospheric black metal spliced with romantic folk influences.

Vocalist Emilio Crespo says about “Perennial”: "With wanting to revisit the old style of Sojourner I decided to tap into our roots on a lyrical level. 'Perennial' very much follows the thread of nature and it’s loss at our very own hands. This theme was prevalent in several songs on our first album so it made sense to revisit that. The vocals were meticulously worked on with Lucia to make sure that every single word worked in its tone and placement. Later, with Tom joining in on backing vocals at the very end, we truly felt happy with the end result.We are super excited about our future with our two new awesome members!"

Dive into the beauty of nature and watch the dreamlike video for “Perennial” below.

Like no other, Sojourner captivates the listener by combining harsh black metal influences and instrumental folk interludes with atmospheric soundscapes, while painting a picture of unexplored nature alongside an endless journey towards the horizon.

Songwriter and musician Mike Lamb says: "When I approached the songwriting for this mini EP I wanted to do something special that encompassed both where we began and where we are today, because while we've grown and changed over the last 6 years we still have the same passion and vision for the band that brought us together initially. I approached both the songwriting and recording for this EP in the same way that I did on Empires of Ash and The Shadowed Road, even down to recording all of the instruments back in New Zealand again for the first time since we began, in the same room where I wrote 'Heritage of the Natural Realm' in 2015.

"It also seemed like a fitting time to do something that sat somewhere between a reinterpretation of 'Heritage...' and a sequel of sorts for the second EP track, 'Relics of the Natural Realm', bringing our 2015 beginnings full circle back to where we are now and the band that we've evolved into in 2021. This is reflected in the cover art, again by our good friend Jordan Grimmer who did the original Empires of Ash cover, showing the meeting of Sojourner both past and present. We couldn't be happier with our incredibly talented new members, both of who turned in absolutely beautiful vocal performances, and we're so excited about the bright future ahead for the band."

Perennial comes along with the stunning hymn “Relics Of The Natural Realm”, a sequel to the band’s very first song "Heritage Of The Natural Realm", capturing the identity of wilderness transferred into beautiful melodies and enchanting vocals.

Throughout their meaningful lyricism, erupting with Emilio Crespo’s intense growls while being carried on via the ethereal vocals of new vocalist Lucia Amelia Emmanueli, Sojourner reaches the innermost soul, leaving a long lasting impact. With color of their own and unique musical identity, and every note of this exceptional progression created by songwriting genius Mike Lamb, the six-piece is ready to write another chapter in their marvelous book of atmospheric black metal tales.

Perennial will be available in the following formats:

-1 LP Ivory Vinyl (strictly limited to 300 copies worldwide)
- Digital Single

Pre-order here.

Perennial tracklisting:

“Perennial“
“Relics Of The Natural Realm“

“Perennial” video:

In addition to this atmospheric daydream, Napalm Records is proud to announce that the international six-piece has joined forces with in-house booking agency Napalm Events!

Emilio on signing with Napalm Events: “When Thorsten and I had our first meeting, it was apparent that we shared the same goal for Sojourner; to bring the band to the next level and all over the globe! We are certain that this new partnership will bring fantastic opportunities for us. See you all out on the road!”

Sojourner is:

Emilio Crespo - Vocals
Lucia Amelia Emmanueli - Vocals
Mike Lamb - Guitars, Piano, Synth/Keyboards
Tom O'Dell - Guitar, Backing Vocals
Riccardo Floridia - Drums
Scotty Lodge - Bass

(Photo - Heike Langhans)




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During an April 18 appearance on Planet Rock's "My Planet Rocks", British heavy metal vocalist Blaze Bayley, who fronted IRON MAIDEN more than 20 years ago, reflected on being asked to join the band in 1994 as the replacement for Bruce Dickinson. He said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "[My previous band WOLFSBANE was] still limping along. I had the offer to go for an audition for IRON MAIDEN. Then, I don't know why, they offered me the job. I'm so different to Bruce — I mean, just so different — in my presentation, voice, everything. But I think they wanted a change, and they offered me the job. So I left WOLFSBANE at that point and went on to the greatest job in the world for a heavy metal singer. So it was fantastic — an incredible time. I don't know why they chose me, but they did. And the things that I learned then, and already being a fan of MAIDEN, it stayed with me. And that confidence that I'd got as a songwriter, that was unshakeable."

The 57-year-old Bayley, who was born in Birmingham, recorded two studio albums with IRON MAIDEN — 1995's "The X Factor" 1998's and "Virtual XI" — before Dickinson returned to the group. The MAIDEN albums he appeared on sold considerably less than the band's prior releases and were their lowest-charting titles in the group's home country since 1981's "Killers".

Last year, Blaze told Eonmusic that it is "fantastic" to see IRON MAIDEN performing songs from his era of the band on the "Legacy Of The Beast" tour. "I absolutely love Bruce Dickinson's voice," he said. "He's been a great supporter of me before, during and after IRON MAIDEN. His voice is one of the hallmark voices of metal; that's the epitome of what heavy metal singing is. Bruce always said that he had no problems whatsoever in singing anything from my era, and for me, what is very cool is that those two albums are obviously considered as important as other albums in the IRON MAIDEN catalog. And the fact that these two huge, beautiful songs ['Sign Of The Cross' and 'The Clansman'] feature in the IRON MAIDEN setlist now is just fantastic, and I'm so lucky to be a part of that."

Since leaving IRON MAIDEN in 1999, Bayley has released a number of albums, including several under the moniker BLAZE and more than a handful under his own name. He also appeared on 2012's "Wolfsbane Saves The World", the first album of new material by WOLFSBANE since the group's self-titled 1994 effort.

Blaze released a new studio album, "War Within Me", on April 9. All songs were written and produced by Blaze and guitarist Christopher Appleton

WEEZER's long-awaited homage to metal to the world, "Van Weezer", will be released on May 7 via Crush Music/Atlantic Records. A new song from the album, "I Need Some Of That", can be heard below.

"I Need Some Of That" follows the release of last year's "Hero" and "Beginning Of The End", as well as 2019's "The End Of The Game", all of which appear on "Van Weezer". The band also gave fans a sneak peek of "Van Weezer" song "Blue Dream" in last year's "Simpsons" episode, in addition to performing the show's iconic theme song at the episode's end.

"Van Weezer", WEEZER's fifteenth studio album, is produced by Suzy Shinn (PANIC! AT THE DISCO, FALL OUT BOY). The inspiration for this album derives from the deepest roots of WEEZER — metal! What has metal got to do with WEEZER, you ask? In his earliest years, guitarist/vocalist Rivers Cuomo was a huge KISS fan; guitarist Brian Bell was a big BLACK SABBATH fan; drummer Patrick Wilson worshipped at the altar of VAN HALEN and RUSH; bassist Scott Shriner loved SLAYER and METALLICA. The last time this vein of harder rock was mined by WEEZER was on their much-loved 2002 album "Maladroit"; "Van Weezer" is primed to take that album's sonics many steps further courtesy of Shinn.

"Van Weezer" follows the release of the band's first-ever orchestral album, "OK Human", earlier this year. "OK Human"'s lead single, "All My Favorite Songs", hit #1 at Triple A radio, and is currently top 5 and growing at Alternative.

WEEZER has sold over 10 million albums in the U.S., and over 35 million records worldwide since its debut album's release in 1994. The catalogue has included such megahits as "Buddy Holly", "Undone (The Sweater Song)", "Say It Ain't So", "El Scorcho", "Hash Pipe", "Island In The Sun", "Beverly Hills", "Pork And Beans" and more.

"Van Weezer" track listing:

01. Hero

02. All The Good Ones

03. The End Of The Game

04. I Need Some Of That

05. Beginning Of The End

06. Blue Dream

07. 1 More Hit

08. Sheila Can Do It

09. She Needs Me

10. Precious Metal Girl

Rufus Publications has set an early September release date for "Sabbath: The Dio Years".

In 1980, BLACK SABBATH recruited powerhouse vocalist Ronnie James Dio at the start of a new era for the band. "Heaven And Hell", the first studio album they released, is now regarded as one of the most iconic rock albums of the 1980s. Rolling Stone magazine voted the album No. 37 in the greatest heavy metal albums of all time.

This huge coffee-table book from Rufus Publications celebrates this era of the band right through to the HEAVEN & HELL project with a wealth of unseen pictures and memorabilia and with a linking text from rock journalist Howard Johnson, who interviewed Tony Iommi and Geezer Butler to discuss this era. With more than 440 pages, this is an epic illustrated record of one of metal's greatest bands.

"I first met Ronnie at our rehearsal house in Beverly Hills," Geezer recalled. "He arrived in this massive brown Cadillac that looked too big for him to drive. He seemed pleasant enough, but when he started singing, I was blown away — so much power in such a diminutive stature. He quickly got to work on some of the ideas we had and turned them into songs for what would become the 'Heaven And Hell' album."

The book has been put together with the full co-operation of the band and features pictures from Wendy Dio's own personal archive.

Three different versions will be published, including two personally signed by Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, Bill Ward, Vinny Appice and Wendy Dio.

Ronnie passed away of stomach cancer on May 16, 2010 at the age of 67.

Dio was renowned throughout the world as one of the greatest and most influential vocalists in heavy metal history. The singer was diagnosed with cancer in late 2009. He underwent chemotherapy and made what is now his final public appearance in April 2010 at the Revolver Golden Gods Awards in Los Angeles.

Ronnie's long-awaited autobiography, titled "Rainbow In The Dark: The Autobiography", will be released on July 27 via Permuted Press.

In 1982, Metal Blade Records put out its first release: Metal Massacre, a compilation album that included Metallica, Ratt, and many other influential artists. Now, Metal Blade will be releasing Metal Massacre XV on May 21 - and continuing the legacy of the first album - the collection will once again contain a sampling of contemporary heavy metal, curated by Decibel Magazine's Albert Mudrian.

Ryan Williams (Metal Blade Records A&R), who coordinated this instalment of Metal Massacre, comments: "The legend of the 'Metal Massacre' series is the first thing many people think of when they hear 'Metal Blade Records'. Famously, it's how Brian Slagel introduced the world to Metallica - not to mention many up-and-coming bands throughout the 80s, 90s and 2000s. When Metal Blade's President Tracy Vera suggested I organize the next volume, I was honored to pick up the baton and run with it. While brainstorming about the direction to take, Nikki Law (our Head of Publicity) suggested partnering with Albert at Decibel Magazine, who is legendary in his own right for having a perpetual ear-to-the-ground of the deepest corners of the underground metal scene. Luckily it didn't take any arm twisting for Albert to be a part of the team on this the 15th edition, so we went to work looking for awesome bands to work with, and I think we have put together a distinct collection of bands and songs. We tried to stay true to the old school mentality of making a compilation tape for your friends, featuring bands you really just want other people to check out. This edition includes a diverse collection of metal acts, heavy hitters, modern, and old school tunes - so hopefully there is something for everyone here! Turn it up and enjoy!"

Albert Mudrian (Decibel Magazine Editor in Chief) adds: "It was an extreme honor to be called upon to help curate an installment of the truly transformative 'Metal Massacre' series. Rather than concentrate on one particular era or style, I dutifully attempted to bring the best sub-genres metal has produced over the past 40 years into a cohesive portrait of what today's underground metal scene faithfully represents. May it and 'Metal Massacre' forever reign."

Pre-order Metal Massacre XV here, where the record is available in the following formats:

- 180g black vinyl (EU exclusive)
- night blue marbled vinyl (EU exclusive - limited to 200 copies)
- deep purple / black melt vinyl (EU exclusive - limited to 100 copies)
- cool gray marbled vinyl (US exclusive)

Metal Massacre XV tracklisting:

Midnight - "Masked And Deadly" (Metal Massacre XV exclusive)
Poison Ruïn - "Demon Wind"
Fuming Mouth - "Master Of Extremity"
Many Suffer - "The Trees Die Standing" (Metal Massacre XV exclusive)
Temple Of Void - "Leave The Light Behind"
Ripped To Shreds - "撿骨 (Bone Ritual)" (Metal Massacre XV exclusive)
Rude - "Omega"
Midnight Dice - "Starblind"
Smoulder - "Warrior Witch Of Hel"
Mother Of Graves - "In Somber Dreams"

Preview clips of each song can be heard below:




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Cryptosis released their debut album, Bionic Swarm, on March 26th. The album is available in the following formats and can be ordered here. Guitar World has released a video of Cryptosis frontman Laurens Houvast playing the guitar track of “Conjuring The Egoist”.

Album formats:

-CD Digipak – all outlets
-Gatefold black LP+CD – all outlets
-Gatefold dark green LP+CD – CM EU Onlineshop (200 LPs)
-Gatefold red LP+CD – Band Shop (200 LPs)
-Gatefold neon yellow LP+CD – District 19 Shop (200 LPs)
-Gatefold golden LP+CD – EMP & Nuclear Blast (100/100 LPs)
-Digital Album

Cover art by Eliran Kantor / Cryptosis logo by Christophe Szpajdel:

Tracklisting:

“Overture 2149”
“Decypher”
“Death Technology”
“Prospect Of Immortality”
“Transcendence”
“Perpetual Motion”
“Conjuring The Egoist”
“Game Of Souls”
“Mindscape”
“Flux Divergence”

“Transcendence” video:

“Death Technology”

"Death Technology” - Behind The Scenes

To celebrate Bionic Swarm, Cryptosis play a live stream show at Metropool on April 24, starting at 8:30 PM, CET. The stream will take place here.




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Argentinian melodic death metal artist Plaguestorm has announced the release of his brand new full-length album. Purifying Fire will be out on June 4 via Noble Demon. First single, “Evolution Towards The Edge”, is streaming below. Find preorder options here.

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

"The new album is a very varied one compared to Mother Of Plagues. I have added some elements or compositions that I had not used before and you may notice a sadder atmosphere in some songs“ Sebastián Pastor says and continues: "I suppose that my mood and some situations that I had to go through last year influenced my way of composing and writing."

But not only musically, also thematically, Pastor offers a work full of depth. Just like the stunning artwork (by Artmorfate), several songs on the album share a conceptual connection about how the evolution of humanity negatively interferes with nature, as he explains:

"We have all witnessed how hundreds of forests and jungles in many parts of the world have been devastated by fire. These fires are intentionally started, for commercial gain, whether for real estate, to install nuclear plants, for mining, for the sowing of soybeans or for the installation of hydroelectric plants. I think some people are unaware that all the damage they are causing will soon affect themselves. But nature always prevails."

Tracklisting:

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

“Evolution Towards The Edge”:




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My Beautiful Suicide from Grand Rapids, MI has a new music video out for the single “The Reckoning”. Dark and gritty, the band pays homage to ‘90s era industrial and Goth with this electronic rock song that boasts a danceable beat and lyrical themes about rising up and overcoming the things that beat you down. The man behind the project, Ian D., shares his thoughts on this pick:

“I chose ‘The Reckoning’ to be the first single, because it’s catchy, dark, heavy, and has some cool vocals on it. Originally, I was thinking of a different track, but Tommy Church sent over the latest mix, which was different than the one I originally had worked on. I knew the moment I listened to it that I wanted it to be the first song to be released for the planned album. It will be track 5 on the record, I believe, so it’s almost in the middle of the concept/story being told, but as a stand-alone track I think it’s a good introductory track into the sound that is My Beautiful Suicide.”

The video for “The Reckoning'' was shot completely in Ian D.’s house during the pandemic. Taking advantage of free time, he wrote and put together the ideas for it in one night, and Jon Conner of A Hole in the Head Productions helped bring it to life.

Digital download and stream available on Bandcamp.

Going forward, there are plenty more singles coming from My Beautiful Suicide, each one taking a place in a bigger picture. Ultimately, they will all be combined to tell an overall story with a positive message that will only be reachable through darker moments that haunt you through anger and fear. 

My Beautiful Suicide is recommended for fans of spooky Goth stomping music especially those with an interest in Marilyn Manson, Nine Inch Nails, and 3 Teeth.




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VOIVOD's "Hypercube Sessions" began last August with a blazing live set from RadicArt studios, the studio where the Canadian metal innovators recorded their Juno award-winning album "The Wake", and continues with "Hypercube Session 2", where the band will perform "Nothingface" for the first time ever on May 30. The date also coincides with Michel "Away" Langevin's 58th birthday. "Hypercube Session 3" will feature the classic "Dimension Hatröss" album and will stream on June 27.

Both shows will be available for 48 hours after the initial broadcast. Don’t miss these unique performances by one of metal's most acclaimed and innovative bands. The exclusive event will include an afterparty live chat with the band hosted by "Vox&Hops".

Ticket options for each session are available for purchase below:

* Purchase "Hypercube Session 2" featuring "Nothingface" here.

* Purchase "Hypercube Session 3" featuring "Dimension Hatröss" here.

* Purchase "Hypercube Session 2" and "Hypercube Session 3" bundle here.

VOIVOD released a new live album, "Lost Machine - Live", in November via Century Media Records. The disc was recorded in Québec City during the worldwide touring cycle for "The Wake".

Last summer, VOIVOD released a new three-track 12-inch vinyl and digital EP titled "The End Of Dormancy" via Century Media Records. The EP is centered around a special "Metal Section" version of the title track (off VOIVOD's latest album, "The Wake") with added trumpets, saxophone and trombones. The complementary songs on this release are exclusive live versions of "The End Of Dormancy (Metal Section)" and the group's classic "The Unknown Knows", recorded at Montreal Jazz Fest 2019.

"The End Of Dormancy" EP came with artwork by Langevin and is available on 180-fram 12-inch vinyl.

"The Wake" was released in September 2018 via Century Media Records. The disc was recorded and mixed by Francis Perron. The album's artwork was once again created by Away.

On May 21, Vulture will release their new album, Dealin' Death, via Metal Blade Records. The band have released a drum playthrough video for the single, "Malicious Souls", which can be viewed below:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dealin' Death tracklisting:

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

"Malicious Souls" video:

Vulture lineup:

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

(Photo - Lea Heindl)




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Electric Boys have released a music video for "Tumblin' Dominoes", featured on the upcoming Ups!de Down album. Watch the video below.

The Electric Boys are much loved for their idiosyncratic combination of hard rock and other forms of music such as funk beginning with their first album, Funk-O-Metal Carpet Ride, in 1989. On April 30, the band will release worldwide their seventh album, Ups!de Down, which continues and advances this fusion of music styles to make something of their very, very own.

Recorded at Ghost Ward studios like their successful previous album, The Ghost Ward Diaries, and co-produced with David Castillo the album showcases the songwriting and performing talents of founder members Conny Bloom on guitar and vocals and Andy Christell on bass, while also introducing "Slim" Martin Thomander on guitar. Jolle Atlagic plays all the drums on the album, as the band’s original drummer Niclas Sigevall - still very much part of the band - could not leave LA due to the pandemic.

The album reflects the turbulent times of this year and spontaneously and organically formed into a concept album tackling adversity and fear mongering and championing the human fighting spirit and ability to transcend even the most difficult situations to find hope and victory over life’s circumstances. As such, the album taps into the collective consciousness of 2020, being contemporary while also drawing on a wide variety of influences such as Jimi Hendrix, Deep Purple, Bowie, '50s Rock and Roll, late Beatles and even the Sisters of Mercy. Probably less funky than some of the band’s earlier material it is no less eclectic and provides a potent cocktail reflecting the history of rock and roll and the light and darkness of existence.

Conny Bloom: “You can see the light at the end of the tunnel rather than simply the runaway train in songs like 'This Is Not The End'. When things are this big and seem out of control you can reverse it and gain control by letting it go.”

The freethinking and rebellious spirit of the band is alive and well in this latest album and the belief in the power of the message of music and its ability to change the world.

People commonly mention to the band that Electric Boys songs have changed their lives, inspiring them to take up instruments and how much the band’s songs have meant to their fans. Known for his fine guitar work and languidly cool persona Conny Bloom is also recognized for his work with Hanoi Rocks and Ginger in the Wildhearts. Andy Christell also joined Hanoi Rocks with Conny and with his distinctive top knot is the epitome of steady, bellbottom-fluttering rock bass.

The band has a tour planned in Sweden and is hoping to widen and include more dates worldwide as circumstances permit.

Ups!de Down will be released in digital, LP (four different formats) and CD formats by Mighty Music on April 30. Pre-order here.

Tracklist:

"Upside Down Theme"
"Super God"
"Tumblin' Dominoes"
"Never Again Your Slave"
"She Never Turns Around"
"Globestrutter"
"The Dudes & The Dancers"
"Twang 'Em & Kerrang 'Em"
"It's Not The End"
"Interstellafella"

"Tumblin' Dominoes" video:

"Super God" video:

(Photo - Sven Isaksson)




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