In a new interview with Shaggy of the 94.9 and 104.5 The Pick radio station in Idaho Falls, Idaho, Michael Sweet was asked whom he would like to induct STRYPER into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame if that day ever comes. He responded (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "Oh, man. I would love something really different and controversial, like, Lord willing, if he's here long enough, someone like Ozzy Osbourne. I mean, it would just be different. Or [JUDAS] PRIEST['s] Rob Halford. He's a big inspiration of mine. But never say never, I guess. And I'm not shooting myself in the foot, but I just can't see that ever happening. I mean, you see how hard it is for bands like FOREIGNER to get inducted. Can you imagine STRYPER? Well, it would be unreal. That would be a miracle and miracles do happen. But, yeah, it would take a lot to see that happen. But I will say this, and I say this as humbly as I possibly can, why not? We've earned our spot like any other band. Do we have to wait another 10 years? Maybe. Another 20 years? Maybe. But we've got gold and platinum albums and we've broken barriers and broken down walls and accomplished things that have never been accomplished. So why not?"

Even though STRYPER's third album, 1986's "To Hell With The Devil", made Sweet and his bandmates the first contemporary Christian act to score a platinum album, the group was never fully embraced by the heavy metal and hard rock communities, largely because of the band's Christian lyrics. They were mocked by the mainstream media, knocked by the religious press, and even picketed by church groups.

Michael previously discussed STRYPER's chances of getting into the Rock Hall in an October 2022 interview with Jeff Gaudiosi of MisplacedStraws.com. He said at the time: "Well, it does cross my mind, but whenever it does, it always feels a little self-centered and — I don't know; it makes me feel a little off, like, 'Man, maybe I shouldn't be thinking that.' Egotistical, big-headed, whatever catchphrase you wanna put to that. It makes me feel, like, 'Eh, who are we to think that way?' Because there's so many other great bands [who have yet to be inducted]. But at the same time, there is something to be said for the longevity, there is something to be said for how many albums we've put out, and the fact that I really think a lot of people would agree that we're putting out our best [music] lately in recent years. And beating the odds. We're the band that many people have laughed at and mocked and said, 'Haha. Those guys will never do that. 'And we've done it. So we've kind of beaten the odds and won many battles. And I think for that reason alone, maybe [we will get inducted into the Rock Hall], justifiably so, but I doubt it will ever happen, at least while I'm alive on earth… That'd be amazing to see. I tell you, if that day ever came, I think you'd have half of the world partying about it and half of the world probably protesting. [Laughs]"

Michael also talked about STRYPER's Rock Hall potential in a 2019 interview with MisplacedStraws.com. He said at the time: "Yeah, I think STRYPER deserves a place in there at some point in time just as much as any other band, as much as BON JOVI.

"See, I don't view the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame based on numbers," he explained. "That's not what, in my opinion, should get you into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame. What should get you into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame is longevity and legacy and quality. It has nothing to do with, 'Oh, yeah, they sold 50 million albums instead of 10, or they packed out arenas to a hundred thousand people instead of 10.' That's got nothing to do with it. At least that's my opinion.

"Do we deserve to be in there? No," he clarified. "Because we're no more special than any other band. But at the same time, flipping that coin, if this band makes it in, then STRYPER should make it in. You know what I'm saying? We've done just as much and put in just as much time and gone through the school of hard knocks just as long as any other band."

Formed 41 years ago, STRYPER's name comes from Isaiah 53:5, which states: "But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed."

STRYPER's albums include "To Hell With The Devil", "Second Coming", "No More Hell To Pay", "Fallen", "God Damn Evil", "The Final Battle" and the band's latest effort, "When We Were Kings", which came out in September.

CORROSION OF CONFORMITY has recruited onetime DOWN guitarist and current PANTERA bass tech Bobby Landgraf to play bass for the band on this year's edition of the Headbangers Boat cruise. Presented by Sixthman, Lamb Of God Presents Headbangers Boat 2024 sails October 28-November 1, 2024 from Miami, Florida to the brand new port of Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic aboard the Norwegian Gem.

On Saturday (October 26),CORROSION OF CONFORMITY released the following statement via social media: "Yo Yo Yo!! To all our CORROSION friends and Family ( the Free Thinkers and Beer drinkers) We are proud to announce that Austin's finest world class ripper, Bobby Rock will be throwing down on the Bass for the wild assed Headbangers Boat We are stoked to have him on the open Seas. Jason 'pickles' Paterson will be joining us again beating on the Skins. We've been woodshedding for the past 2 weeks. Gotta say it's a hella powerful Rock outfit. See you on the horizon….CORROSION Stay tuned Rockers!!"

Last month, CORROSION OF CONFORMITY's founding bassist Mike Dean announced his departure from the band.

Dean revealed his decision to leave CORROSION OF CONFORMITY in a statement posted on social media on September 20. He wrote: "Recently I made a decision to step away from CORROSION OF CONFORMITY, a band started 40-odd years ago by Reed Mullin, Woody Weatherman, and myself.

"I'm extremely proud of everything we've done together, and look forward to hearing more from the band going forward.

"When I rejoined COC for the finishing touches of the 'Deliverance' album, I moved back to Raleigh, NC for an all-in creative campaign, but time, distance and side projects and life in general has changed all of that.

"Ever since Reed drifted away from the band and then passed away, it's been difficult for me to collaborate on new material with bandmates who live hundreds of miles away.

"I look forward to putting together a new Raleigh-based outlet to create new music with more alacrity and with more of an emphasis on my own ideas than in recent times. Also, I look forward to continuing to record and produce other artists.

"All the best to Woodroe, Pepper, and COC crew, and most importantly, many big thanks to the fans of all iterations of the band, who have made this real for all of these years. Salute!"

The remaining members of CORROSION OF CONFORMITY — Pepper Keenan (vocals, guitar) and Woodroe "Woody" Weatherman (guitar) — added in a separate statement: "We, Woodroe and Pepper, are in full support of Dean's future endeavors and wish him all the best in the quest. Thankful for the music made and (R)evolutionary paths created. That being said, this book of CORROSION is not finished, nor will the train stop.

"The opportunity to play music and create is something that we don't take lightly, and we will not waver. New COC recording is well underway and will be released in 2025.

"Much love and respect to all the free thinkin' beer drinkin' friends and fans worldwide, looking to making more. Without you, we are just growing deaf in a garage."

A year and a half ago, CORROSION OF CONFORMITY confirmed the return of drummer Stanton Moore for its upcoming album. The "brutal-sounding" follow-up to 2018's "No Cross No Crown" is tentatively due in 2025.

Mullin died in January 2020 at the age of 53. The drummer, who co-founded CORROSION OF CONFORMITY in 1982 as a hardcore punk act alongside Weatherman and Dean, had missed a number of shows in the preceding four years due to a variety of health issues, including an alcohol-related seizure he suffered back in June 2016.

In 2014, after nearly a straight decade traversing the globe as a guitarist with New Orleans supergroup DOWN, Pepper reconnected with the core CORROSION OF CONFORMITY trio of Weatherman, Dean and Mullin to hit the road hard. "Reed called me and mentioned maybe playing a couple shows," Keenan recalled back in 2017. "I said, 'Let's just go to Europe and see if it works.' So we went to Europe and then ended up going back four times in one year... We toured for a year and then started tracking."

CORROSION OF CONFORMITY recorded "No Cross No Crown" in about forty days over the course of a year at a North Carolina studio with longtime producer John Custer.

Yo Yo Yo!! To all our Corrosion friends and Family ( the Free Thinkers and Beer drinkers) We are proud to announce that...

Posted by Corrosion Of Conformity on Saturday, October 26, 2024

CREED and ALTER BRIDGE guitarist/songwriter Mark Tremonti will release the sixth album from his solo band TREMONTI, "The End Will Show Us How", on January 10, 2025 via longtime partner Napalm Records. The official music video for the LP's third single, "One More Time", can be seen below.

"One More Time" is a driving track backed by Mark's dark and brooding lyrics as he sings about the madness in the world brought upon so many differing opinions. Backed by Eric Friedman (guitars),Tanner Keegan (bass) and Ryan Bennett (drums),Mark delivers one of the most-memorable songs in the TREMONTI catalog.

Mark says: "It started with the pre-chorus and chorus idea. When I came up with the opening riff, it really solidified the song. Now, it's one of the heaviest tracks on the record. It's going to be one of those songs that translates well live. Thematically, it's based on all of the madness in the world. There's so much hatred and violence going on as well as so many polarizing ideologies. That led me to those lyrics."

With a musical catalog that includes 18 previously released full-length albums from his work with CREED, ALTER BRIDGE and various solo endeavors, Tremonti is back with a collection of 12 original compositions that continues his musical evolution while showcasing his ability to write memorable songs — something he has done for nearly three decades. Mark is backed in TREMONTI by Eric Friedman (guitars),Tanner Keegan (bass) and Ryan Bennett (drums). Each song on "The End Will Show Us How" will take the listener on a journey as Mark set out to create an album of a dozen individual compositions each unique from the other. The debut single "Just Too Much" is a perfect example of this. The song opens with a driving guitar riff — the basis for the entire song — as Mark delivers the message to keep pushing forward no matter what adversity is in front of you. An official music video for the single directed by J.T. Ibanez can be seen below.

TREMONTI's musicianship and songwriting is on full display on each song on "The End Will Show Us How". Tracks like the opener "The Mother, The Earth And I" the thought-provoking "It's Not Over" and the epic closer "All The Wicked Things" show that Mark continues to create compositions that continue to engage audiences — both old and new fans alike. "Nails" is a musical idea that Mark has had for years and finally found the inspiration to complete. "Tomorrow We Will Fail" is an inspirational piece that talks about not putting off until tomorrow something you can conquer today. "Now That I've Made It" is a message for anyone who has ever had anyone doubt them and try to hold them back from following their dreams. "The End Will Show Us How" was produced by longtime friend and collaborator Michael "Elvis" Baskette — the producer Mark has worked with exclusively since 2007.

The track listing for "The End Will Show Us How" is:

01. The Mother, The Earth And I
02. One More Time
03. Just Too Much
04. Nails
05. It's Not Over
06. The End Will Show Us How
07. Tomorrow We Will Fail
08. I'll Take My Chances
09. The Bottom
10. Live In Fear
11. Now That I've Made It
12. All The Wicked Things

Mark Tremonti is currently on tour across the United States with the recently reunited CREED. TREMONTI will tour around the globe in support of "The End Will Show Us How" in 2025.

After three decades, 18 full-length albums, and thousands of shows, Tremonti continues to relentlessly push himself as a guitarist, a vocalist, and a songwriter, above all. This unstoppable drive has underscored his catalog earmarked by a Grammy Award, cumulative streams in the billions, and total sales of 60 million units worldwide across his inexhaustible output with CREED, ALTER BRIDGE and solo band TREMONTI. Distinguished as Guitar World's "Guitarist Of The Decade," selected as a flagship PRS endorsee, and celebrated on the covers of numerous publications worldwide, he approaches the guitar with an insatiable curiosity and innate need to create. At the same time, he constantly stretches his voice, reaching new heights with each subsequent project. His voice, writing, and playing have supercharged TREMONTI as a force in its own right. The band has delivered a string of celebrated releases, including "All I Was" (2012),"Cauterize" (2015),"Dust" (2016),"A Dying Machine" (2019) accompanied by an acclaimed novel of the same name co-written by Mark with John Shirley, and "Marching In Time" (2021). Earning acclaim, Kerrang! hailed the latter as "another worthy chapter in its creator's well-populated book," and American Songwriter praised how "'Marching In Time' is structured around denser melodies and reflective epistles prodding around chunkier riffs." Loudwire applauded the title track as "hypnotically epic," and Guitar World readers voted "Now And Forever" as "The Best Riff of 2021."

Photo credit: Chuck Brueckmann

LINKIN PARK will play its new single "Heavy Is The Crown" at the 2024 League Of Legends World Championship opening ceremony on November 2 at 7 a.m. PDT (2 p.m. GMT) at the O2 Arena in London. Also scheduled to appear are Ashnikko, Mars Atlas Of Forts and Tiffany Aris.

"Heavy Is the Crown" is the 2024 League Of Legends World Championship Anthem, marking the band's first collaboration with Riot Games.

Since its September 24 release, "Heavy Is The Crown" has become the most-streamed Worlds anthem, with over 270 million audio streams and 57 million views on YouTube.

"Heavy Is The Crown" will appear on LINKIN PARK's upcoming album, "From Zero", due on November 15 via Warner. It will mark LINKIN PARK's first full-length effort since 2017's "One More Light", which was the last LINKIN PARK album before the death of lead vocalist Chester Bennington.

"From Zero" features LINKIN PARK's new singer Emily Armstrong and drummer Colin Brittain, who have joined returning members Mike Shinoda, Brad Delson, Dave "Phoenix" Farrell and Joe Hahn in the band's new lineup. Guitarist Alex Feder is filling in for Delson at all LINKIN PARK concerts for the foreseeable future.

Late last month, LINKIN PARK added three November dates to the "From Zero" tour, in Paris, Dallas, and São Paulo.

In an interview with Billboard about LINKIN PARK's comeback, Shinoda explained that drummer Rob Bourdon — who had founded the band with Mike and Brad — had decided to exit LP.

"Rob had said to us at a point, I guess it was a few years ago now, that he wanted to put some distance between himself and the band," Shinoda said. "And we understood that — it was already apparent. He was starting to just show up less, be in less contact, and I know the fans noticed it too. The 'Hybrid Theory' re-release [in 2020] and 'Papercuts' release [this past April], he didn't show up for anything. So for me, as a friend, that was sad, but at the same time, I want him to do whatever makes him happy, and obviously everybody wishes him the best."

According to a press release, Shinoda, Delson, Farrell and Hahn "quietly began meeting up again in recent years" and "rather than 'trying to restart the band,'" they worked with numerous musicians and "found a special kinship with Armstong and Brittain."

Regarding the band's new lineup and future plans, Shinoda said in a statement: "Before LINKIN PARK, our first band name was XERO. This album title refers to both this humble beginning and the journey we’re currently undertaking. Sonically and emotionally, it is about past, present, and future — embracing our signature sound, but new and full of life. It was made with a deep appreciation for our new and longtime bandmates, our friends, our family, and our fans. We are proud of what LINKIN PARK has become over the years, and excited about the journey ahead."

Photo credit: James Minchin III

In a new interview with Chuck Armstrong of Loudwire Nights, SLAYER guitarist Gary Holt reflected on the band's two reunion performances earlier this fall — on September 22 at the Riot Fest in Chicago, Illinois and on October 10 at the Aftershock festival in Sacramento, California. Asked how it felt to be back on stage with SLAYER again, Holt, who is also a longtime member of EXODUS, said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "Surreal. It was awesome. We rehearsed really hard for it, like full production rehearsal. In the past, when I did rehearse — SLAYER rehearsed in this tiny little music studio room with little half stacks. This was cool 'cause I got to play with the entire rig — three amps, six cabs all on. I got to redesign the rig based on my EXODUS rig. So it was the exact same identical thing tone-wise, just three times as large, which was awesome.

"We were nervous," Holt admitted. "Tom [Araya, SLAYER bassist/vocalist] was nervous, and he sounded amazing. Sometimes you've just gotta forget about the time and how long it's been and just let muscle memory kick in and just do it. I mean, I only played one song I'd never played, and that was '213'. And 'Reborn' I'd only played, I think, once, so that was almost a new song — once or twice. Everything else was just refreshers."

Gary added: "I started working on the songs a long, long time ago, when the shows were first announced: 'All right, I'd better make sure I know how to play this shit still.' And I literally had to like dive into Internet tab on songs I'd played a hundred times. But then I'd [go], 'Man, I'm playing it wrong.' Then I just forget about it and just play, and then all right, my hands remember where the notes are.

"But it was spectacular," Holt said. "Losing the second show [at the Louder Than Life festival] due to the weather, the tail end of the hurricane, was a real, real bummer, especially for all the fans who flew in. I met people at the airport who flew in from England for it. And they had the best attitude about it. Obviously, it wasn't our fault. We tried everything we could. You can't control 50-mile-an-hour gusts. The crew had to evacuate, like, three times that afternoon. We never left the hotel.

"But it was amazing. It was surreal. It was like this moment. The crowd was just very happy. And we were happy, and everything was good. And hopefully we'll do some more."

At Riot Fest and Aftershock, SLAYER ran through a 20-song set that included opener "South Of Heaven", "Seasons In The Abyss", "Angel Of Death", "Hell Awaits", "Raining Blood" and the title track of SLAYER's final album, "Repentless".

SLAYER was also scheduled to play at the aforementioned Louder Than Life festival in Louisville, Kentucky on September 27, but that performance was canceled due to severe weather.

In a recent interview with Nikki Blakk of the San Francisco Bay Area radio station 107.7 The Bone, SLAYER drummer Paul Bostaph also reflected on the band's two reunion performances. Asked how he feels now that the gigs are behind him, Bostaph said: "How do I feel? Um, wow. That's a really good question. I'm kind of a bit drained. Sacramento was a lot of guests there, a lot of friends, not to mention the show. So it was a lot of energy just put out. But each one of the shows kind of felt that way because it was kind of overwhelming because I never thought it would happen again. So, yeah, it was a lot of relearning songs that you really thought you did know, but you hadn't played them for five years. So, I don't know — it was great. I feel like it was probably one of the best live experiences I had because the fans were really into it. They were hungry for it, and that kind of made it special."

On the topic of whether there will be more SLAYER shows in the future, Paul said: "We played our last one… If everybody's asking that question [about the possibility of more SLAYER gigs], I am too, but I don't have the answer to that question. So, yeah, Aftershock was the last one. And we all hope that there will be more."

He added: "It's fun to play SLAYER songs. So, hopefully that can happen in the future. But [as of right now], that was the last show."

Five years after SLAYER played the last concert of what was being billed as the band's farewell tour and just weeks after SLAYER guitarist Kerry King unveiled the details of his solo project, Kerry and his longtime bandmates announced that they would play at Aftershock, Riot Fest and Louder Than Life.

The lineup for SLAYER's comeback was the same as the one which last toured in 2019: King and Araya, along with Holt and Bostaph.

Last month, Bostaph told the Los Angeles Times that he was surprised when the reunion dates were lined up. "I'm, like, 'You're kidding, right?' I really put that to bed," the drummer said. "When something like that ends, I'm not going to do that to myself: Gee, someday it'd be great to get back together again. Life is life and this is how it is, and I'm moving on to whatever the next thing is. I put that to bed and then all of a sudden the call comes."

In July, King told Metal Injection that he doesn't rule out more SLAYER shows in the future beyond the festival appearances this summer and fall. "I'm trying to be real and definitely say, hey, we're not gonna tour again," he explained. "And we're certainly not gonna record again, 'cause I have a means of doing that now with my band. [We're doing] three shows for now. And I say 'for now' because I know Europe's gonna come knocking, 'Hey, man, you guys played America. Come see us.' So it wouldn't surprise me if something like that happened, but it's certainly not on my books right now."

Earlier in July, Kerry told Guitar World magazine that he "was very surprised" when Araya agreed to play three SLAYER shows this year. "I made my comments [about SLAYER being finished] based on [Tom] not wanting to play anymore. As far as I was concerned, we were done and never going to play again. To be honest, I don't know what switched.

"We've been turning down offers to play shows for at least three years. So, one came up that, I guess, enticed Tom to the point where he wanted to roll the dice and try a couple. I don't know, but that's all it is."

Kerry added that he would be open to more SLAYER gigs in the future.

"There could be an instance where there's another one-off,” he said. "It just has to be the right offer at the right time, maybe someplace everybody loves to go. But touring, no, I don't see touring. But, you know, who's to say a one-off can't happen again?"

King previously told Total Guitar magazine about SLAYER's reunion shows: "It caught me off guard too. Do I wish the timing was different? Absolutely, but that's completely out of my hands."

King went on to say that fans shouldn't get their hopes up about a full-scale SLAYER reunion.

"Everyone thinks SLAYER are getting back together, but that couldn't be further from the truth," he explained. "We've been turning down gigs ever since we stopped. This one came and I thought, 'If we're ever going to do one, this could be cool because it's the five-year anniversary of our final tour.'

"We're not going to record anymore," he added. "That final tour was definitely our final tour. This is just a reason to have some fun the guys, play a few shows and then jump back in the coffin…"

In June, King was asked by Jonathan Clarke, host of "Out Of The Box" on Q104.3, New York's classic rock station, about how SLAYER's reunion shows came about. He responded: "I'll put it in the perspective everybody can understand. We've been turning down offers since beginning of 2020, pandemic and all. And then it started getting near the five-year anniversary of us stopping playing, so I'm, like, 'You know what? This is a three-show package. I think it would be fun to do.' It's kind of a five-year anniversary of our last tour. We're never gonna tour again — it ain't gonna happen. We're never gonna record again; that's not gonna happen either. But to do commemorative shows, I think that's kind of fun. I don't have to be married to it for a long time. Kids don't have to worry about it coming around on tour because we said we wouldn't. There's not a whole lot of weird diabolical shit going on here. I think people have just gotta say, 'Hey, it's anniversary celebration shows.' That's gonna be the end of it."

Days after SLAYER's reunion was announced, Tom Araya's wife wrote on social media that she "harassed him for over a year" before he "agreed finally" to play more shows with the band. "We shared that news with SLAYER's awesome managers and they did the rest!" she explained. "So yes without Tom it wouldn't have happened.. without me BUGGING HIM it wouldn't have happened."

Kerry's debut solo album, "From Hell I Rise", arrived on May 17 via Reigning Phoenix Music. All material for the LP was written by King, who was accompanied during the recording sessions by Bostaph and the rest of Kerry's solo band, consisting of guitarist Phil Demmel, bassist Kyle Sanders and singer Mark Osegueda.

RUSH's first four albums with Atlantic Records will be reissued on vinyl in an upcoming boxed set that includes "Presto" (1989),"Roll The Bones" (1991),"Counterparts" (1993) and "Test For Echo" (1996).

"The Albums: 1989-1996" will be available from the band's store RushBackstage.com and Rhino.com on November 1 as a 6LP boxed set. Pre-order here.

The new collection covers the first four albums that Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson and Neil Peart recorded for Atlantic Records before their hiatus in 1997. Each album includes a print of reimagined cover artwork and is housed in a slipcase featuring new artwork by award-winning artist Hugh Syme, who has created all of RUSH's album cover art since 1975.

"Presto" is RUSH's thirteenth studio album and their first with Atlantic Records. The gold-certified record reached No. 16 on the Billboard, marking a more guitar-centric sound for the band. After a brief hiatus, the band emerged with the commercial and critical success "Roll The Bones". It peaked at No. 3 in the U.S., No. 10 in the U.K. and No. 11 in Canada, with the title track reaching No. 9 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart.

"Counterparts" followed with continued success, landing at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 — one of the band's highest-charting albums. The record was certified platinum and received a 1994 Grammy Award nomination for "Best Rock Instrumental Performance" for their track "Leave That Thing Alone". RUSH released their sixteenth album, "Test For Echo", in 1996, reaching No. 5 on the Billboard chart and the title track taking the No. 1 spot on the Mainstream Rock Track chart.

"The Albums: 1989-1996" celebrates RUSH's enduring legacy as one of the most inventive, compelling, and popular groups in rock history, receiving a Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame induction in 2013. The RIAA has certified RUSH for having the third-highest number of consecutive gold and platinum studio albums by a rock band, topped only by THE BEATLES and THE ROLLING STONES.

Peart died on January 7, 2020, after quietly battling brain cancer for three and a half years. RUSH waited three days to announce Peart's passing, setting off shockwaves and an outpouring of grief from fans and musicians all over the world.

In 2022, Geddy revealed that Neil wanted to keep his cancer diagnosis a secret prior to his death.

Lee went on to say that he and Lifeson had to be "dishonest" to fans in order to protect Peart's privacy.

As one of the most successful Canadian music group in history, RUSH has performed before millions of fans around the world.

On the heels of their successful cover of the Elvis Presley classic “Suspicious Minds,” Las Vegas rockers Velvet Chains announce another original single from their debut album scheduled for March 2025. 


“Dead Inside” is the driving new rock track from the quintet comprised of Ro Viper (vocals), Lahi Cassiano (guitars/backing vocals), Von Boldt (guitars/backing vocals), Nils Goldschmidt (bass/backing vocals) and Jason Hope (drums). 


The song’s verses and chorus are delivered with power by Viper as he delivers the haunting message of “My heart’s still beating but I’m dead inside.” The bridge turns the melody into something unforgettable as Goldschmidt, Boldt, Viper and Cassiano all trade lead vocal lines before returning to the final chorus. “Dead Inside” was produced by Mitchell Marlow (In This Moment, New Years Day, Cassadee Pope). The song is now available via all Digital Service Providers here.

In an electrifying and unexpected new collaboration, Grammy-nominated heavy music trailblazers SPIRITBOX have joined forces once again with global hip-hop powerhouse Megan Thee Stallion for her latest project, "Megan: Act II". Produced by Bankroll Got It, Dan Braunstein, Mike Stringer (SPIRITBOX) and Shawn "Source" Jarrett, "TYG" showcases Megan's hard-hitting verses fused with SPIRITBOX's signature dynamic production and explosive riffs.

This marks the band's second team-up with the Houston icon, following the successful rock remix of Megan's hit single "Cobra", which made waves earlier this year. The collaboration was hailed as adding a "booming, reverb-drenched cascade of arena rock attitude" by Billboard, and "an extra layer of edge to the vulnerable track" by BET.

Joining Megan's highly anticipated project are other exciting features, including Flo Milli, RM of BTS and TWICE, further solidifying "Megan: Act II" as a groundbreaking moment in music. Fans of both SPIRITBOX and Megan can look forward to an unforgettable mix of heavy and hip-hop sounds on "TYG", which pushes boundaries and proves that the most unexpected partnerships can yield the most exhilarating results.

Most recently, SPIRITBOX released their newest single "Soft Spine", a standout track showcasing their evolving sound. The band is currently thrilling fans nationwide as part of KORN's 30th-anniversary tour, further cementing their reputation as one of metal's most dynamic and innovative forces.

For many artists, a meteoric rise can often mean a sudden plateau. However, for Grammy-nominated progressive heavy metal mainstays SPIRITBOX, there appears to be no end in sight on their near-constant ascent to the top. Formed in 2017 in the picturesque yet isolated region of Victoria, British Columbia, Canada by vocalist Courtney Laplante and guitarist Mike Stringer, SPIRITBOX would fully cement themselves as a household name in the summer of 2020 with the release of their blistering breakout single "Holy Roller", along with a host of other captivating singles shortly after, resulting in a media firestorm of hype.

With new and existing fans eagerly watching their next move, SPIRITBOX exceeded every expectation imaginable in 2021 with the release of their genre-defining debut studio album "Eternal Blue" via Pale Chord/Rise Records. "Eternal Blue", which debuted at #13 on the Billboard 200, kicked open the doors of the heavy metal scene and rewrote the genre's playbook with 12 stunning tracks that incorporated everything from djent and post-metal to infectious synth-laden pop sensibilities and cinematic arrangements, brought fully to life by the inimitable Laplante's ethereal and commanding vocal performances.

The album cycle for "Eternal Blue" saw SPIRITBOX not only grace the covers of esteemed music publications such as Revolver, Alternative Press, Rock Sound and Kerrang!, among many others but would also solidify the band as one of the most in-demand groups in live music today with their one-hundred percent sold out, first-ever headlining tour in support of the album which saw ticket sales over 40,000. The band would also share the stage with seasoned metal veterans such as LIMP BIZKIT and GHOST and win "Best International Breakthrough Band" at the 2021 Heavy Music Awards.

In 2022, SPIRITBOX secured highly-coveted spots at numerous major U.S. rock and metal festivals and were nominated for two JUNO Awards, respectively. SPIRITBOX would also round out their current lineup with the inclusion of drummer Zev Rose and bassist Josh Gilbert in addition to releasing their sonically experimental EP "Rotoscope" in June of that year as well as a cross-genre collaboration with dubstep artist Illenium for the track "Shivering".

During another whirlwind year for the band, including a U.S. tour with SHINEDOWN and PAPA ROACH, SPIRITBOX wrote and recorded their critically acclaimed EP, "The Fear Of Fear", released in November 2023. The EP features the single "Jaded", which was nominated for "Best Metal Performance" at the 66th annual Grammy Awards. In the same month, the band would make another genre-bending splash with a high-profile collaboration with rapper Megan Thee Stallion for a remix of her song "Cobra".

Photo credit: Jonathan Weiner

In a new interview with "Coffee With Ola", the YouTube program hosted by Ola Englund, the Swedish guitarist, record producer and owner of Solar guitars, SYMPHONY X guitarist Michael Romeo spoke about the progress of the songwriting sessions for the band's long-awaited follow-up to 2015's "Underworld" album. He said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "With us, it's not like, 'Oh, yeah, we're just gonna write one — how do you say? — single, and then just have a bunch of filler. It's, like, everything's gotta be as good as it can be. So, yeah, it gets harder and it takes longer. Then you throw in COVID and a bunch of other things, and then it's just, like, 'Oh, shit.' Now it's, like, I don't know — eight years or something. I lost track.

"What's different now than in the past is that we could take a bunch of time off. There would be some royalties from CDs back in the day coming in and kind of float on the downtime and really get the record done and then come back out [with a] new record, tour. So now it's, like, well, that money's gone. So we have to tour a little bit, keep things going, work on the record, go back out. So it's been like that for a while. And for me — I do most of the writing, so for me it's hard because you're sitting in the studio for whatever month, 'I got this idea,' and you're trying to put these things together, and it's, like, 'Oh, we've gotta go on tour now.' All right, cool. We do our thing. And then you come back, and it's, like, 'What the fuck was I working on again? Was this riff here?' And so you're trying to arrange all this stuff. And then you're, like, 'Oh, I've got all these new ideas.' So then you keep adding. And then after a long period of time, it's, like, 'Oh my god, there's so much stuff I can't even manage it now.' Plenty of material — like three hours of stuff — but now it's actually making sense."

Elaborating on when SYMPHONY X might be done composing the material for the next album, Michael said: "It's gonna take some time to organize everything. It's not like there's nothing there. It's [not], like, 'Oh, man, we have to start from scratch.' There's quite a bit. It's actually overwhelming. I never remember being this overwhelmed by the amount of stuff, 'cause over the last year and a half or whatever, every time there was a break, it's, like, 'Okay, I'll write something.' I didn't stop and [go], like, 'Well, let me finish this.' It was, like, boom, 'I got all these ideas,' and I just kept going. So now it's, like, all right, no more writing. Now more arranging."

SYMPHONY X completed an extensive tour behind "Underworld" in 2016, including a U.S. run of shows with OVERKILL and a pair of headlining performances in Australia.

In July 2017, SYMPHONY X singer Russell Allen and his ADRENALINE MOB bandmates were involved in a crash that killed the latter group's bassist, David Zablidowsky.

In 2019, Allen — who has toured with TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA since 2013 — was injured during the rehearsals for TSO's annual winter trek and was unable to make the tour.

Romeo released his latest solo album, "War Of The Worlds Pt. 2", in March 2022 via InsideOut Music. The record featured guest vocals by Dino Jelusick (WHITESNAKE, TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA).

Austrian power metallers, Dragony, have shared a new single, "Dreamchasers", from their recently released studio album Hic Svnt Dracones, out on Steamhammer / SPV. The song features Ambre Vourvahis from Xandria and is accompanied by a new music video, available below.


Singer Siegfried Samer on the track: "We are happy that Ambre Vourvahis from Xandria agreed to a guest performance on our new song 'Dreamchasers'. Xandria has been an important part of the symphonic metal scene for many years, and they have found a fantastic new singer in Ambre, who also added an amazing performance on our song 'Dreamchasers', that enhances the song considerably. We therefore absolutely wanted to release another video which would also feature Ambre."


The first tour dates for early 2025 are also already set for Dragon. On February 23, the band will visit their Greek friends at the "Ghostlands & Ravenlands" festival in Athens, followed by a European tour as a special guest for Serious Black from March 18 to March 30.




Watch the video for "Dreamchasers":





What started in the summer of 2007 as a studio project conceived by a handful of enthusiastic power metal fans from Vienna, Austria known as “The Dragonslayer Project,” Dragony has long since become an established name in the international metal world.


After completing their first headlining tour across Mexico in October 2023 and later touring as a support act for Warkings, the group has now begun a new chapter. For 2024, Dragony refreshed their lineup, welcoming Matt on guitars and Chris on drums. Having signed with the renowned metal label Steamhammer/SPV this rejuvenated ensemble is ready to write the next part of its story, combining new members' talents with the support of its esteemed new label.


Hic Svnt Dracones can be ordered here.





Tracklisting:


"From The New World (1584)"
"Dreamchasers"
"Silver & Blood"
"Dragon Of The Sea (Sic Parvis Magna)"
"Ill Met By Moonlight"
"Perfect Storm"
"Hic Svnt Dracones (Here Be Dragons)"
"The World Serpent"
"The Einherjar (What Dreams May Come)"
"Twilight Of The Gods"
"Beyond The Rainbow Bridge"
"The Untold Story (Albion Online)" (Bonus Track)


"Twilight Of The Gods" video:

Kings Of Mercia have released their sophomore album, Battle Scars, via Metal Blade Records. To celebrate, they are sharing the title track along with a new video, available below.


Now and again, art offers up the perfect storm. When creative worlds collide with a furious cacophony of power, licks, and lyrics, magic happens. Such is the case with Kings Of Mercia, whose second album, Battle Scars, is the continuation of a story as unlikely as it is glorious. The band is helmed by guitarist Jim Matheos (Fates Warning) and singer Steve Overland (FM) who are joined by drummer Simon Phillips (The Who, Toto) and bassist Joey Vera (Armored Saint, Fates Warning).


About "Battle Scars", Steve Overland shared the following: "That's about post-war distress syndrome. It's about a guy who comes back from fighting and can't really deal with real life. He realizes that he can never be what he was before he went away and did this. But he really, really wants to, but he's trying to get that across to everybody that loves him. But the problem isn’t him–it's what he's been through. I came up with the title ‘Battle Scars,’ and I think that suggested the subject matter.”







Kings Of Mercia's 2022 approachable, world-class self-titled debut was termed "truly a hybrid: it's heavy, but not metal. It's got tones of melodic AOR hard rock but with an edge." Now, 2024 brings the band's sophomore album written and recorded throughout 2023, Battle Scars sees the core writing team of Matheos and Overland expanding on their obvious chemistry.


"I think it was a bit easier this time around because we've established a good working rhythm," states Matheos, "I'll send Steve at least a few songs every couple of months, and I try to keep them varied. This allows him to work on whichever ones he feels strongly about."


"What Jim sends me is the first draft of that song," says Overland. "So once he's heard all the melodies and the harmonies I sing, he can chop it about and make it how he thinks it should be. He always sends me three or four different versions. He'll say, 'What do you think? Which do you like?' Then we work it out between us and come up with the one we're both happy with."


"Steve and I started working together in 2021," says Matheos. "I was aware of FM-they came up around the same time as Fates Warning - but I'd lost touch with them and wasn't familiar with their more recent work. When Steve was recommended to me, I checked out some of the newer releases and felt Steve was exactly what I was looking for."


"It's a different genre of music that I'm normally involved in," says Overland, whose voice has been likened to other British greats Paul Rodgers and Glenn Hughes. "Obviously, I'd heard of Fates Warning - they're a very big cult band in their field. Jim and I touched base, and I told him to send me one backing track. If it sounds great, then it's a win-win. If it doesn't, we'll just call it a day, knock it on the head, not take it any further. That song became 'Humankind' from the first album. I wrote the melodies and the title and put it all together. Jim got it and he was blown away. So we made a couple more. I loved doing it. It was just such a different challenge for me."


Those songs would become the self-titled debut album, which was released in 2022. Written during lockdown, bouncing tracks across the Atlantic, Kings Of Mercia found its mojo. Fans of Fates Warning, FM, and Armored Saint all rejoiced at the common ground on Kings Of Mercia, the sweet spot in the middle of the Venn diagram.


It's a true collaboration that has led to KOM's Battle Scars. However, despite the unfolding sound and clear chemistry between the four Kings, Overland has never met his bandmates i

SAVATAGE mastermind Jon Oliva has explained his absence from the band's upcoming appearance at the 2025 edition of Brazil's Monsters Of Rock festival, set to take place on April 19 in São Paulo. Joining SAVATAGE on the bill will be SCORPIONS, JUDAS PRIEST, EUROPE, QUEENSRŸCHE, OPETH and STRATOVARIUS.

According to the festival's official web site, SAVATAGE's lineup for the 2025 performance will consist of Johnny Lee Middleton on bass, Chris Caffery on guitar, Al Pitrelli on guitar, Jeff Plate on drums and Zak Stevens on lead vocals.

Earlier today (Tuesday, October 29),Olivareleased the following statement via social media: "Hello SAVATAGE fans, this is Jon Oliva. I want to set a few things straight for everyone. First of all, I am very excited for Johnny, Chris, Zak, Jeff & Al to play again. I feel it's important for the fans to enjoy our music live, and believe me these guys will kick ass.

"As far as I go, I was going to do these shows but unfortunately, I've run into more health issues. I want you all to know that if there was any way I could do these shows I would, but my health issues are more serious than I originally thought.

"As most of you know I fractured my spine in 3 places and have recently been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis as well as Ménière's disease. My doctors are working with me to get healthy again.

"I am working closely with the guys and will be involved in every other aspect of the show. I am 100 percent behind the guys doing this and I promise I will return [as soon as possible]. In the meantime, I am working in the studio on new material.

"I love you all and thank you for understanding my situation, I know my brothers will deliver the goods.

"Enjoy Sava Legions.

"Much love to you all. Jon Oliva".

According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, Ménière’s disease is a disorder of the inner ear that causes severe dizziness (vertigo),ringing in the ears (tinnitus),hearing loss, and a feeling of fullness or congestion in the ear. Ménière’s disease usually affects only one ear, but in 15% to 25% of people with the disorder, both ears may be affected.

Zak joined SAVATAGE in 1992 as the replacement for Jon Oliva. Zak sang on four albums with the band — "Edge Of Thorns" (1993),"Handful Of Rain" (1994),"Dead Winter Dead" (1995) and "The Wake Of Magellan" (1997) — before departing in 2000, allowing Jon to return. Both Jon and Zak took part in SAVATAGE's 2015 performance at Wacken Open Air, which marked the band's first, and only so far, appearance on stage since they went on hiatus back in 2002.

SAVATAGE's last album release, "Poets And Madmen", in 2001 was highlighted by Jon's return as lead vocalist, replacing Zak, who left the band citing family reasons, and the departure of guitarist Al Pitrelli, who accepted an offer to join MEGADETH in 2000. Pitrelli did record solos for some songs prior to his departure. Another very limited U.S. tour followed, supported by FATES WARNING in the early shows, and then NEVERMORE for the remainder. Around this time, Jon chose Zak's replacement in the form of Damond Jiniya (DIET OF WORMS). Damond performed Zak's parts on tour, with Jon having an increased vocal role in proceedings.

In September 2021, Jon Oliva was arrested on the west central coast of Florida for driving under the influence as well as possession of a controlled substance. Police charged Oliva with possession of cocaine, which is a felony, and DUI, which is a misdemeanor. Oliva was reportedly arrested again in July 2023 on another cocaine possession charge.

Back in 2016, Jon announced on social media that he suffered a stroke in April of that year. At the time, he said: "It was not as serious as it could have been, but it did leave me with some physical recovery challenges often associated with strokes."

Despite his health issues, Jon said that he didn't regret the way he had lived his life. He wrote: "I lived the rock 'n' roll lifestyle since I was 18. It's all I knew and I enjoyed the ride very much. But there comes a time in everyone's life where you have to step back and make some life-changing decisions... which I have."

Shortly after SAVATAGE's reunion performance at the 2015 Wacken Open Air festival in Wacken, Germany, Oliva claimed that he felt better than he had in 20 years because he had "stopped drinking and eating" in preparation for the concert. He explained: "It's my voice that's freaking me out, because, even when I was in my late 20s, early 30s, doing songs like '24 Hours Ago' were always really hard to do. And, of course, I didn't realize that it was all the drugs and alcohol I was doing. But, after doing that, getting my act together and stuff, singing '24 Hours Ago', it's actually easy now. [Laughs]"

In addition to his work with SAVATAGE, Oliva is well known for co-creating the classical music-meets-prog rock and pyro act TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA alongside the project's founder Paul O'Neill. Oliva has reportedly remained involved in TSO's activities even after O'Neill's April 2017 death of an accidental drug overdose.

Jon's brother Criss, who was one of the founding members of SAVATAGE, was killed in October 1993 by a drunk driver when he and his wife Dawn were en route to the Livestock festival in Zephyrhills, Florida. The driver of the other car was found to have a drunk driving record of seven prior DUIs and having a blood alcohol content of .294 percent.

EVANESCENCE's Amy Lee has endorsed Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris over Republican Donald Trump for president.

Earlier today (Tuesday, October 29),Amy shared a video message on Instagram in which she said: "I'm Amy Lee, and I will proudly be voting for Kamala Harris for president of the United States.

"There's so much at stake this year, from reproductive rights to responsible gun legislation we desperately need, to democracy itself. Our right to have a voice in this place. We need an advocate, someone who will listen to us and represent us with honor and integrity.

"I believe Kamala Harris and Tim Walz will help take our country forward.

"Vote. Voting is a privilege we can't take for granted. Use your voice. Use it for something good."

Last month, EVANESCENCE was among the musicians who performed at the "Musicians For Kamala" national livestream musical event produced by top music and entertainment industry professionals in partnership with the Harris-Walz campaign and the Harris Victory Fund.

Back in 2020, Lee opened up about her political views for the first time, explaining that she couldn't "stand by" and keep her mouth shut while her "country's freedom is taken away." He decision to speak out was apparently prompted by the GOP-controlled Senate's vote to acquit then-U.S. president Donald Trump on both articles of impeachment without calling witnesses.

She wrote at the time: "I do not accept lying, cheating or bullying from my government… Accepting this abuse says it's okay for our leaders to lie to us, cheat on us, make decisions without our input, and silence us when we try to speak up. This isn't about your policies or beliefs, it's about our freedom."

Lee added: "I will never bow down to a dictator."

Dozens of other A-list musicians have voiced support for Harris, including Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, Bruce Springsteen, Billie Eilish, Charli XCX, Eminem and John Legend. Trump has garnered several musician co-signs for his presidential campaign, with Kid Rock, Ted Nugent, STAIND's Aaron Lewis and former KISS guitarist Ace Frehley being outspoken supporters of his candidacy.

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Today, legendary German hard rockers, Bonfire, unveil their new single, “I Died Tonight”, via Frontiers Music Srl. The track is accompanied by a blazing new video, available below. Stream/download the track here.





Bassist Ronnie Parks says about the new track: “We are excited for the release of 'I Died Tonight.' The chemistry is really flowing, and we feel there will be some great things to come with these new songs. 'I Died Tonight' is a classic melodic AOR style track. We hope people enjoy it as much as we did making it."







Bonfire is one of the most seminal German hard rock bands of the past fifty years. Originally founded as Cacumen in 1972 by guitarist Hans Ziller in Ingolstadt, Germany, the group initially played local venues, steadily building a fan base before releasing their first album under the name Cacumen.


In 1986, the band rebranded as Bonfire, and their debut album as Bonfire, Don't Touch the Light, marked their international breakthrough. They followed it up with Fireworks in 1987, which further cemented their status in the rock and metal scene. Despite their success, Bonfire experienced several lineup changes, including the departure of key members. However, Ziller, the band’s driving force, kept Bonfire alive, continuously adapting to the challenges faced by the group.


In the 1990s, Bonfire briefly disbanded but returned in 1996, with Ziller reclaiming the rights to the band’s name. Since then, Bonfire has released numerous albums and maintained a strong presence on the international rock scene. Bonfire has remained a resilient force in hard rock, continuing to tour and release new material well into the 21st century.

Bloodstock Festival recently announced "Megadeth Week" with the following message:


"Metal fans, get ready for a treat! We’re showcasing THREE killer live tracks from Megadeth's unforgettable headlining show at Bloodstock Open Air 2023! From October 21st through 27th, don’t miss these legendary performances."


Having previously released the live videos for "Sweating Bullets" and "Symphony Of Destruction", Bloodstock continues "Megadeth Week" with professionally-filmed footage of the band performing "Conquer Or Die".




A message states: "Prepare for an all-out thrash assault as Megadeth storms the stage at Bloodstock Open Air 2023! On August 13th, these metal titans delivered a monumental headlining performance that fans had been eagerly awaiting for years. This video features their powerful live rendition of "Conquer or Die," showcasing the band’s mastery of heavy riffs and instrumental preci

Dutch blackened death metal juggernaut Misanthropia is back with their new lyric video for "Prosperity By Cocaïne", a sinister glimpse into their album, Envy The Dead, out via WormHoleDeath.


The video pulls viewers into a bleak Victorian world, where the horrors of exploitation, violence, and addiction taint wealth and progress.


Misanthropia paints a vivid picture of moral decay. Through dark, evocative lyrics, the song unveils the grim realities of the Victorian era, capturing a twisted fantasy driven by cocaine-fueled corruption. 







Misanthropia is no stranger to sonic devastation. For over 20 years, they’ve carved a path through the metal scene with their unique blend of blackened fury and death metal aggression. Their longstanding partnership with legendary producer / engineer Mike Wead (Mercyful Fate, King Diamond) continues on Envy The Dead, ensuring a potent and punishing listening experience.


Envy The Dead is a concept album that conjures a dark, gritty atmosphere inspired by historical horrors like Jack The Ripper and necromancy. Moving away from symphonic elements, it embraces a progressive death / thrash vibe with influences from Dimmu Borgir, Cradle Of Filth, Necrophobic, Mayhem, and Death. 


Envy The Dead artwork and tracklisting:





"Envy The Dead" (intro) 
"Malediction And Laughter" 
"Organs, For A Fair Price" 
"Prosperity By Cocaïne"
"Maze Of Madness" 
"River Dumplings" 
"Coughing In The Coffin House" 
"Fade Into The Abyss" 
"A Deadly Embrace, A Sinister Grace" 


"River Dumplings" Music Video: