SCORPIONS singer Klaus Meine says that "it was the right decision" for him and his bandmates to complete their new album without producer Greg Fidelman.

The German-Polish-Swedish hard rock legends spent the last few months recording the effort at Peppermint Park Studios in Hannover, Germany. Tentatively due later this year, the disc will mark SCORPIONS' first release since 2017's "Born To Touch Your Feelings - Best Of Rock Ballads", which was an anthology of new and classic material.

SCORPIONS originally intended to record the new album in Los Angeles with Fidelman, whose previous credits include SLIPKNOT and METALLICA. However, because of the pandemic, some of the initial work was done with Greg remotely, after which SCORPIONS opted to helm the recordings themselves with the help of their engineer Hans-Martin Buff.

During an April 2021 chat with Scorpions Brazil, Meine stated about the band's decision to proceed without Fidelman (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "When we played Los Angeles in 2019, we met with Greg Fidelman. And we came together there, and he liked the idea to produce our next record. And Greg came to Germany to see us, at Peppermint. Then the pandemic, the way it went over here [in Germany] and over there in the U.S., it changed all of our plans. Our plan was to go to Los Angeles last year in May and June, spend May and June in the studio, go to Las Vegas [and] play the [residency] shows. We even booked a studio in Las Vegas for the off days. And the album would have been pretty much done in August [or] September. So that was the plan. But then corona changed everything. And we started with Greg via Zoom. He joined us every other day in the studio — L.A. in the morning, and with SCORPIONS, it was dinner time over here in Germany. So we worked on the material together, to a certain extent. Then it was hard, at some point, to continue without him being with us in the studio or without us being in his studio in Los Angeles. So we had to make a decision to have a break that would have lasted way into this year — into spring this year — or to keep going. And we didn't want to lose the momentum of the songs for us working in the studio. And so we decided to keep going. Because with Hans-Martin Buff, we had an amazing engineer, and we had a great team around us, working with us. We had set up a super-great sound together with Greg, so it was all L.A. standard. But it was a plan B to record in Germany instead of Los Angeles. But there was no way out of this since we could not travel to Los Angeles and he could not come over to Germany. So it was difficult."

He continued: "We'd been working with Greg on all the songs; we went through all the material with him together. But at that point, we felt very strong that we should continue, that we should move on, and we had the feeling we trust our own people, we trust our own team. It's a team effort. If we would have had the feeling we can't pull this off ourselves, we probably would have stopped. But that means, at this point, in April '21, we would have never [gotten] there where we are right now, because of the decision [to keep] going. And for us, looking back, it was the right decision, because when you look what's happening right now, there's still no chance for us to go to Los Angeles, and there's still no chance for him to come here, because it's all so difficult with all those travel restrictions. So I think we made the right move. We all were very confident that we keep going, and it hopefully will be one of the best albums we ever did."

Klaus also spoke in more detail about SCORPIONS' approach on the new album, saying: "We tried to really reactivate the SCORPIONS DNA, and we tried to make an album where we feel this is what our fans around the world expect at this point. And, of course, having Mikkey Dee in the band, the guy who played 20 years with MOTÖRHEAD, you can imagine he's also like a powerhouse behind the band, pushing, 'Let's try this. Let's try that,' which is fantastic, which is great. So, the good thing is, looking back at the last couple of months, the way the band moved closely together to pull this off, to make this work, but not as a B option… I think this B option to record in Hannover turned way before this year started into an A option, because we had a great studio, great setup, great sounds and great people to work with. And Hans-Martin did an excellent job. And we can't wait that you guys will hear the new songs. It feels really good. But it was very complicated circumstances in this corona situation. It's not Greg's fault, but it's not our fault either. We had to make the best out of it in order to move forward."

Meine previously told Talking Metal that the goal with using Fidelman to produce the new LP was to bring "the old vibe from albums like 'Blackout', 'Love At First Sting' or even 'Lovedrive'. We try to focus on those albums and this attitude," he said. "If we get there, who knows — it's so many years later. But it's the spirit and it's the whole vibe around this album. This time, the focus is on the harder songs."

According to Meine, SCORPIONS' new LP features "no outside writers at all," unlike 2015's "Return To Forever", which was largely co-written by the album's producers, Mikael Nord Andersson and Martin Hansen.

Fidelman began his career as the guitarist and songwriter for RHINO BUCKET before launching his career as a producer, engineer and mixer, finding an early mentor in Rick Rubin.

SCORPIONS' last full-length collection of new recordings was the aforementioned "Return To Forever", partially comprising songs the band had in the vault from the '80s. It was the final recorded appearance of SCORPIONS' longtime drummer James Kottak, who was dismissed from the band in September 2016.

DEF LEPPARD singer Joe Elliott has confirmed to Download festival host Kylie Olsson that he and his bandmates have used the coronavirus downtime to work on new music. "We have written some songs — I can't deny that we have written some songs remotely as an exercise to see if we could, and I can announce it was very successful," he said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET). "What are we gonna do with those songs? That's to be seen. We've gotta wait and see, because, obviously, everybody's in different continents, in different cities and all that kind of stuff. So there's a lot of work to be done before we get to a finished product. But we have not let the year go to waste."

Addressing the fact that it's been nearly six years since DEF LEPPARD last released album, 2015's self-titled effort, Joe said: "The industry being what it is, we're all aware of the fact that there's an element of the media that can't let go of the fact that records aren't that important anymore. And I know that's a sad thing to say, but it's a fact of life. Touring is massively important — way more than it was when you went out promoting records when they were important. Especially for legacy bands or whatever you wanna call 'em. Listen, I went to see THE ROLLING STONES in 1989 in case one of them died. That's 1989. They haven't had a death since the 1960s.

"I'm aware of the fact that when you've got a history — whether it be THE EAGLES or FLEETWOOD MAC or any of the bands from the '80s, like us and [IRON] MAIDEN and whoever else, we've got this legacy audience as well that wanna see us continue the journey, if you like. And that's become way more important.

"When we finished that [2015] album, we never really thought about making another record until we just felt the timing was right," Elliott explained. "And we always just fall into place. We're constantly writing songs, so when it comes to piecing songs together, it's not like they're all absolutely brand spanking new, just written, hot-off-the-press stuff. Some of them are ideas that have been percolating for a year or two with a piece missing. And you wait and you wait and you wait, and then you have this epiphany, or one of the other guys goes, 'Why didn't you ask? I've got a bit that would fit in there perfect.' So there's been a lot of that going on. But that's a constant; that's nothing to do with coronavirus. We've been doing it since the 'Def Leppard' album came out, and we will continue to do it, whether we release an album or not. We've got songs in our heads."

DEF LEPPARD released a box set, "The Early Years 79-81", in March 2020 via UMC/Virgin. "The Early Years 79-81" box set represents the band's first two albums, "On Through The Night" (1980) and "High 'N' Dry" (1981), and was prepared in conjunction with Elliott who acted as executive producer on the set. The mastering was done by the band's long-serving sound engineer Ronan McHugh.

Eagle Rock Entertainment released DEF LEPPARD's "London To Vegas" in May 2020. This limited edition 2Blu-ray+4CD, 2DVD+4CD, DVD/Blu-ray+2CD and digital format release features two concert films: "Hysteria At The O2" and "Hits Vegas, Live At Planet Hollywood".

DEF LEPPARD's latest greatest-hits collection, titled "The Story So Far - The Best Of", was released in November 2018.

DEF LEPPARD's "The Stadium Tour" with MÖTLEY CRÜE, POISON and JOAN JETT & THE BLACKHEARTS was recently officially postponed until 2022.

Prior to the latest postponement, "The Stadium Tour" was slated to kick off on June 19, 2021 in Nashville, Tennessee and conclude on September 12, 2021 in San Diego, California. The trek will now launch on June 16, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia and run through September 7, 2022 in San Francisco, California.

Former METALLICA bassist Jason Newsted's official YouTube channel has just shared a video of him and his THE CHOPHOUSE BAND performing a cover version of the Jason Isbell song "White Man's World" in March 2019 at the Lighthouse ArtCenter in Tequesta, Florida. Check it out below. Also available are previously released performances of the Johnny Cash classic "Folsom Prison Blues", the Jason Isbell song "Cover Me Up", Johnny Cash's "Big River", the blues classic "Cocaine Blues", Tom Waits's "Jockey Full Of Bourbon", Neil Young's "Rockin' In The Free World", "I've Been Everywhere" (originally written by Australian country singer Geoff Mack and later recorded by Johnny Cash) and the John Anderson song "Seminole Wind".

Named after Jason's four recording studio facilities around the U.S. and featuring a fluid roster of players, THE CHOPHOUSE BAND began in 1992 when Newsted founded The Chophouse Records Studio in San Francisco.

THE CHOPHOUSE BAND is led by Newsted, playing acoustic guitars and performing lead vocal, accompanied by 
close friends/musicians of all walks and styles, sharing some great American songs from familiar and unfamiliar heroes.

Jason told the Palm Beach Florida Weekly about THE CHOPHOUSE BAND: "We all get along great because there's not money involved. They've got their own bands, their own families, their own gigs. We do benefit gigs, six a year, and that's it. I record and write and play songs the whole rest of the time. They could all run circles around me musical theory-wise. They could tell you everything they're playing, and all the relating chords. I surround myself with the bad-asses, and they make me look really good. I'm playing cowboy chords the whole time, and they're doing their fancy shit to make me look good. I just concentrate on singing, and getting across the things I want people to hear."

Asked by Boca magazine how deep his song archive is with THE CHOPHOUSE BAND, Newsted said: "I keep two bibles — heroes, and my songs. I try to stay at about 100 in the bible of heroes — everything from [LED] ZEPPELIN to John Prine to Dolly Parton. My [personal] song bible is probably between 24 and 32, most of them in the last 10 months. The band's favorite band collectively is JASON ISBELL AND THE 400 UNIT. I've become friends with [Isbell] over the past couple of years, and taken time to learn 20 of his songs. We always perform at least one in the set, trying to make it my own — kind of the idea with all of them."

Jason left METALLICA back in 2001, but was inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame, along with Lars Ulrich, James Hetfield, Kirk Hammett and the man who replaced him, bassist Robert Trujillo, in 2009.

Seven years ago, Jason shelved NEWSTED, the heavy metal project he operated between 2012 and 2014, saying that it cost him "an awful lot of money — hundreds of thousands of dollars." He added: "I couldn't continue because the business is such a harsh thing now and so different than what I had known."

"Redemption", the new music video from Georgia hard rockers THE CEO, who feature SEVENDUST's Vince Hornsby on bass, can be seen below. The song is the title track of THE CEO's debut album, "Redemption", which will be released on June 25 via Rat Pak Records.

"Redemption" is an up-tempo rocker that features an intense and inspiring vocal performance from Mack Mullins, with sludgy guitars and a piercing rhythm section rounding out the track. The clip showcases the group doing what it does best and delivering a heartfelt and rocking performance, while Mack sings about taking control of one's legacy and destiny.

"'Redemption' is an intense, call-to-action track," explains Mullins. "It is our response to all of the divisiveness dominating the headlines these days. It's angry and loud, yet relevant and hopeful. I love this song."

From the driving guitar riff of album opener "Twin Flame" to the final vocal melody of album closer "Alone And Dead", THE CEO has created a sound that fits right in with Active Rock radio today. Songs like "Behind These Eyes", "The Storm" and "Casting Shadows" showcase the band's harder side. THE CEO explores its softer side on "Black Hearts" — the longest track on the album and a song that is sure to be a fan favorite.

"Redemption" was produced by Michael "Elvis" Baskette (ALTER BRIDGE, SEVENDUST, MYLES KENNEDY, TREMONTI, MAMMOTH WVH).

"Redemption" track listing:

01. Twin Flame

02. Behind These Eyes

03. Redemption

04. Black Hearts

05. Dirty Tragic

06. The Storm

07. Alive

08. Beginning & The End

09. Bourbon Straight

10. Work Of Heart

11. Casting Shadows

12. Alone and Dead

THE CEO was formed in 2018 by two real-life CEO entrepreneurs, Mack Mullins (vocals) and Mike Dunn (guitar). Mullins and Dunn enlisted Gary Stone (producer, songwriter and musician) to write the group's self-titled independent debut, "The CEO" (June 2019). The overwhelming positive response to this release led to an invite to record with Baskette. This time joined by Chase Brown (guitar) and Joseph Herman (drums), the band entered Studio Barbarosa in Gotha, Florida to record "Redemption", whose musical direction was previously described as "an aggressive blend of '70s-inspired groove hard rock and modern metal" and "a balance of raw energy and aggression inspired by bands as varied as METALLICA, SEVENDUST, BLACK SABBATH to IRON MAIDEN, THREE DAYS GRACE and KISS." Dunn has since been replaced by Beau Anderson.

METALLICA is apparently teasing a deluxe version of the band's self-titled album.

Earlier today, METALLICA shared a video of the band performing the song "Wherever I May Roam" during a San Diego concert in 1992. It was accompanied by the caption "'And the road becomes my bride…' — San Diego 1992" along with the hashtags "#fbf", "#BlackAlbum2021" and "#ComingThisFall". The Facebook and Instagram posts have since been edited to remove the "#ComingThisFall" hashtag, but the hashtag can still be found in the Facebook post's edit history.

Back in 2017, METALLICA announced that it was preparing deluxe remastered versions of its "…And Justice For All" (1988) and "Metallica" (1991) albums and reached out to its hardcore fans for help to get content for the new editions. "…And Justice For All" has since been reissued for its 30th anniversary in 2018, and now the the self-titled LP, more commonly called "The Black Album," is expected to get the same treatment.

METALLICA's self-titled LP in 2014 became the first album to sell 16 million copies since Nielsen SoundScan started tracking sales in 1991.

"Metallica" was already certified 16 times platinum on December 13, 2012 by the RIAA (Recording Industry Association Of America) for shipments in excess of 16 million copies in the U.S.

The album in 2009 surpassed SHANIA TWAIN's 1997 record, "Come On Over", as the best-selling CD of the SoundScan era.

The album was the first of four collaborations with producer Bob Rock, with whom the band clashed throughout the recording of the disc.

METALLICA performed "the black album" in its entirety at a number of European festivals in 2012.




“And the road becomes my bride…” — San Diego 1992

#fbf

#BlackAlbum2021?

Posted by Metallica on Tuesday, March 23, 2021

Legendary guitarist and composer Jason Becker, who has been living with ALS for over 30 years, says that he thought he was on his "way out" following several "scary health issues."

Last month, Becker underwent treatment for a bacterial infection. He spent several days at a hospital in Northern California after experiencing "shortness of breath and a rapid heart rate," according to his mother.

Earlier today, Jason released the following statement via his social media:

"Hey everyone,

"I am finally starting to feel like myself again, after many months of scary health issues, and thinking I was on my way out.

"Once again, thank you all for your prayers and well-wishes; I honestly feel that energy and I'm very grateful. It feels so good to know you are out there and your kindness and support brings tears to my eyes.

"How can I possibly thank Herman Li, Nayla, Colleen, Stephen, Amy, and all the musicians who got together and donated their time and guitars and put their hearts into their music, all for my benefit? Your loving words and gestures are humbling & I am honored. Thank you all. I am blessed beyond belief for each and every one of you.

"I am hoping to be able to check in on the computer and try to keep up with everything as much as my energy will allow me, and I hope to get back to music, in some form, as much as I can.

"I thank you all from the bottom of my heart. My family and I could not have gotten this far without you all."

Becker's story is one of brilliance, talent, determination, adversity, and, ultimately, triumph. A child prodigy on guitar, Jason rose to prominence as a teenager when he was one half of the technical guitar duo CACOPHONY, with his great friend Marty Friedman. In 1989, at only 19 years old and after wowing audiences all over the world, the young virtuoso became the guitarist for David Lee Roth, following in the huge footsteps of Eddie Van Halen and Steve Vai. He wrote and recorded on Roth's third solo album, "A Little Ain't Enough", and was poised for superstardom when a nagging pain in his leg was diagnosed as Motor Neurone Disease (MND), also known as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), or Lou Gehrig's Disease, the same condition Stephen Hawking lived with for over five decades. It is a fatal condition with a life expectancy of maybe five years. Maybe.

That was more than 30 years ago. He lost the ability to play guitar, walk, talk, and breathe on his own. But never lost his will to live or his desire to create music. Communicating through a series of eye movements with a system developed by his father, Jason spells out words as well as musical notes and chords. He imparts his musical vision to his team who then can input the notes into a computer, edit the parts to his exacting standards, and then generate charts for session musicians. His inspiring music and life story have been the subject of countless news articles and magazine cover stories.

Becker's latest album, "Triumphant Hearts", was released in December 2018 via Music Theories Recordings/Mascot Label Group. The disc features guest appearances by a who's who of six-string gods, including Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, Neal Schon, Steve Morse, Paul Gilbert and Joe Bonamassa.

Beginning in March, some of the world's greatest guitarists came together to raise money and celebrate Jason's music via a virtual event hosted in part by DRAGONFORCE guitarist Herman Li at twitch.tv/hermanli.




Hey everyone,

I am finally starting to feel like myself again, after many months of scary health issues, and thinking I was on my way out. Once again, thank you all for your prayers and well-wishes; I honestly feel that energy and I'm very grateful.

-1- pic.twitter.com/b2QTrCoxxU

— Jason Becker (@jasonelibecker) May 21, 2021

Celebrating one of the most iconic bands of all time, A&E has announced the new definitive documentary film telling the stories behind the phenomenon of KISS. Directed by D.J. Viola, "Biography: KISStory" chronicles the band's five decades in the business as founders Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons reflect on their historic career. The four-hour, two-night event airs Sunday, June 27 and Monday, June 28 from 9:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. ET/PT. Check out a trailer below.

After 50 years of rocking and rolling all night and partying every day, the No. 1 gold-record-selling band of all time, KISS, shares their story of success before finally smashing their last guitar and extinguishing the fire-breathing demon. Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons, along with current members Tommy Thayer and Eric Singer as well as guests Dave Grohl (NIRVANA, FOO FIGHTERS), Tom Morello (RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE), manager Doc McGhee, music producer Bob Ezrin (ALICE COOPER, PINK FLOYD) and more tell the wild story of the most successful and influential band in the world.

Selling more than 100 million albums worldwide and over 40 years of record-breaking global tours, the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame band is giving viewers a behind-the-scenes look at their rise to fame. Featuring original recording sessions, home movies, behind-the-scenes stories and rare footage, the film grants fans an all-access pass to the band's legendary journey. Fans will hear a first-hand account of the emotional story behind the band's start in New York City's gritty rock scene of the 1970s, their meteoric rise to fame, almost losing it all to drugs and alcohol in the 1980s and how they ultimately fought their way back to the top of the charts in the 1990s to become a household name synonymous with rock and roll.

"Through the 'Biography' lens, we are able to give fans a backstage pass to a two-night event that honors the legacy of the rock icons behind KISS," said Elaine Frontain Bryant, EVP and head of programming for A&E. "This documentary event is a special tribute to a one-of-a-kind band and the incredible Kiss Army fanbase that has idolized them for generations."

"Biography: KISStory" is a Leslie Greif production, produced for A&E Network by Critical Content and Big Dreams Entertainment with Leslie Greif and Jenny Daly serving as executive producers and D.J. Viola serving as director. Elaine Frontain Bryant and Brad Abramson serve as executive producers for A&E Network. A+E Networks holds worldwide distribution rights for "Biography: KISStory".

The celebrated "Biography" brand continues to highlight newsworthy personalities and events with compelling and surprising points-of-view and remains the defining source for true stories from some of the most accomplished non-fiction storytellers of our time. Extensive on-air and branded digital content, including short form, will roll-out on all platforms, including Biography.com, the home to hundreds of profiles of notable cultural figures and influencers.

Sullivan King, the one-half metal, one-half bass music artistic creation of Keaton Prescott, has officially unleashed his new video and single “Loud” featuring Jason Aalon of Fever 333. The newest single is high-energy paired with an explosively dynamic video, which can be seen below.

On the release of “Loud”, Keaton shares, “I am literally one of the biggest god damn Jason Aalon fans ever, to the point where I’ve crowd surfed on stage at Letlive. shows and traded picks with the guitar player which is easily one of my fave memories of when I used to be a psychopath at metalcore and punk shows n whatever ya know. So to have Jason on this song is beyond a humbling honor.”

“Loud” follows up March’s release “Venomous”, featuring Spencer Charnas of Ice Nine Kills.

(Photo credit: Ashley Osborn)

 




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Since April 2020, VAN HALEN singer David Lee Roth has spent much of his time creating COVID-themed drawings — he calls them comics — and then sharing the finished works on his social media channels. Some of his latest work can be found below.

According to a New York Times profile from last summer, Roth picked up the pen and ink during his coronavirus lockdown, but he had long been interested in art.

"My approach is the best of both worlds: vintage and hyper-atomic digital," he said. "Sort of like watching 'Dragnet' on your iPad.

"You know, I moved to Japan for two-plus years to study Sumi-e and calligraphy, and four nights a week I trained and then I did homework. Jesus, I've spent thousands of hours learning to operate a horsehair brush with a block of ink that I grind myself. Hasn't changed its recipe in 700 years.

"So everything in the comics is hand-drawn — all the typeface, all the colors, the line work, the lighting," he explained. "And once I'm done, I work with Colin Smith, the Led Zeppelin of Adobe Photoshop. Together we scan everything, and then I'm able to move into areas that otherwise weren't graphically available without decades of effort."

This is not the first time Roth has shared some of his visual art with the public. Back in 2009, Roth released dozens of his own drawings and artwork, which he called at the time "authentic originals and incompetent imitations." He offered them up as "an official answer to the question 'what do you do in your spare time?'"

According to the Van Halen News Desk, the VAN HALEN frontman always been into art. Throughout his whole life, while touring the world, you could find him doodling on just about anything — setlists, tour riders, female body parts, etc. He was always a major part of the visual side of VAN HALEN, and always tried to make the stage show "look like the music sounds." He designed stage clothes, orchestrated photo shoots, came up with the stage choreography, etc. He also had a hand in designing VAN HALEN's early tourbooks and a few of their t-shirts.

In March 2020, Roth postponed the final six shows of his Las Vegas residency due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Roth performed as the opening act for the February/March 2020 North American leg of KISS's "End Of The Road" farewell tour.

VAN HALEN guitarist Eddie Van Halen died of cancer in October at age 65.

Roth, who performed with VAN HALEN for the last time in 2015, tweeted shortly after Eddie's death: "What a long great trip it's been."




pic.twitter.com/2GMwzmsmh7

— David Lee Roth (@DavidLeeRoth) May 21, 2021








pic.twitter.com/cjb5A2KCS3

— David Lee Roth (@DavidLeeRoth) May 18, 2021








pic.twitter.com/HpPqDamdlL

— David Lee Roth (@DavidLeeRoth) May 14, 2021








pic.twitter.com/BLWtOLcOEE

— David Lee Roth (@DavidLeeRoth) May 12, 2021








pic.twitter.com/oYw7kCHK95

— David Lee Roth (@DavidLeeRoth) May 7, 2021








pic.twitter.com/puYovKfRv4

— David Lee Roth (@DavidLeeRoth) April 30, 2021








pic.twitter.com/SHZSSZKDle

— David Lee Roth (@DavidLeeRoth) April 28, 2021

Toronto rocker Danko Jones has checked in with the following update:

"We are pleased to announce that we're #1 in Germany! Our song, 'I Want Out',  is #1 on the German rock charts and #102 on mainstream charts. We have never had a number one song in Germany before and this is a BIG deal to us. Thank you to everyone in Germany who has dug the song. Our full-length album, Power Trio, comes out August 27th. I can’t wait until we can rock together."

 

 

 

 



Sieh dir diesen Beitrag auf Instagram an

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ein Beitrag geteilt von Danko Jones (@danko_jones)

Heralded by the raucous lead single "I Want Out", Power Trio - the 10th studio album from Toronto rock juggernauts Danko Jones is set to arrive on August 27. The full-throttle album sees the band reunited with Canadian independent label Sonic Unyon Records, who issued the trio's first recordings and who will release the band's latest masterpiece in North America. Pre-orders are available here. Watch the video for "I Want Out" below.

Power Trio sees Danko Jones delivering each engine-revving riff, soul-shaking stomp, and shout-it-loud hook with a sniper’s precision. It's such a simple, self-evident title, but one loaded with significance, as it speaks to the special triangular alchemy Danko shares with his trusty bass-slinging accomplice JC and drummer Rich Knox. It also stakes out the band’s place on a storied lineage of three-piece titans Jimi Hendrix Experience, ZZ Top, Rush, Motörhead, Venom, Dinosaur Jr., and the Jon Spencer Blues Explosion, to name a few.

When you choose to start a power trio, you’re not simply forming a band, you’re entering a blood pact - a tacit acknowledgement that all three members need to carry their equal share of the weight lest the whole enterprise collapse. There’s nowhere to hide in a power trio - no second guitarist to cover your mistakes, no keyboard player to smooth things over, no horn section to distract the crowd. If you fuck up, the whole band fucks up. Everybody needs to be on their A-game at all times.

Power Trio follows the band's electrifying, world charting album, A Rock Supreme released in 2019. It also sees the band once again tapping into the production prowess of Eric Ratz, who previously amped up the bone-breaking boogie of 2017's full-throttle rocker Wild Cat and 2015's bloodlusty Fire Music.

Tracklist:

"I Want Out"
"Good Lookin'"
"Saturday"
"Ship Of Lies"
"Raise Some Hell"
"Blue Jean Denim Jumpsuit"
"Get To You"
"Dangerous Kiss"
"Let’s Rock Together"
"Flaunt It"
"Start The Show" (feat. Phil Campbell)

"Flaunt It" lyric video:




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SLIPKNOT and STONE SOUR frontman Corey Taylor performed at the Vibes Event Center in San Antonio, Texas on Friday night (May 21) as part of his solo tour, "CMFTour 2021". Taylor and his band ran through anthems from his critically acclaimed solo debut "CMFT", choice cuts from his SLIPKNOT and STONE SOUR catalogs, and various covers and surprises. Fan-filmed video footage of the performance can be seen below.

Support on all "CMFTour 2021" dates comes from girl gang dance squad CHERRY BOMBS, led by Taylor's wife Alicia Taylor.

Taylor decided to launch this tour for a few significant and personal reasons. As always, he endeavors to deliver an unforgettable show for fans, but just as importantly, he recognizes the massive impact that the ongoing global pandemic has had on live music venues and touring crews alike. It upholds his staunch commitment to supporting live music and the industry surrounding it as illustrated last year through his popular eBay guitar auction, which raised $150,000 for COVID-19 relief, and his COVID-19 safe secret L.A. show benefiting Sweet Relief Musicians Fund — a 501(c)(3) non-profit healing musicians and music industry workers in need.

"It's the full shebang," Taylor told Rolling Stone about the tour. "The CHERRY BOMBS are gonna do their show, with fire and aerial and rock and all the good stuff, then me and the boys will get up and play for, like, two hours."

Regarding how the idea for the tour came about, Taylor said: "We'd been looking for opportunities to play here and there constantly, but it wasn't until a promoter friend of ours asked us how we would approach a tour with the kinds of safeguards we were interested in that we realized we could put a tour together. We'll be taking as many precautions as we can: the usual social distancing, pod seating (sectioned off area with an allotted number of people who came together allowed inside), temperature checks, waivers signed at the door, masks in place everywhere but your pod, etc. We're encouraging everyone to get vaccinated as well before the tour."

Taylor recently made history as he reached No. 1 at Active Rock Radio with his powerful single "Black Eyes Blue". The achievement put Taylor in a class all his own, making him the first artist in the history of the format to reach No. 1 with three separate projects, following chart-topping efforts from SLIPKNOT and STONE SOUR.

"CMFT" made impressive debuts on charts around the world in October, entering at No. 1 on Billboard's Current Hard Rock Albums chart, while claiming No. 2 on Current Rock Albums, No. 6 on Vinyl Albums, and No. 9 on the Top Albums charts. Furthermore, "CMFT" landed Top 10 on the official album charts in Australia, Germany, Switzerland and Austria, with Top 20 debuts in the United Kingdom, Finland and Japan (international chart).

Featured in Rolling Stone's "Fall Album Preview 2020," "CMFT" has been garnering widespread critical applause, with Forbes affirming, "Corey Taylor's singing is undeniably the best it's ever been. From SLIPKNOT's last album to his new solo material, Taylor is easily among the best sounding rock singers alive." Kerrang! raved, "Corey Taylor certainly couldn't have predicted how important a sense of uninhibited joy would be on his debut solo effort, it's just what 2020 needs — and, even more importantly, exactly what he delivers." The Daily Beast attested, "'CMFT' finds the singer broadening his horizons and showing off his considerable versatility," while Stereogum noted, "Corey Taylor's lived several lives in the span that it takes most of us to push through just one, and it's clear that he cherishes every experience he's had so far." New York magazine added that "CMFT" "bridges his vast tastes and influences, dabbling in punk rock, metal, reflective acoustic tunes, plaintive piano ballads, and hip-hop, with Taylor's power-house vocals and introspective lyrics acting as a guide."

"CMFT" is highlighted by the singles "Culture Head", "HWY 666", "CMFT Must Be Stopped" (featuring Tech N9ne and Kid Bookie), and the Active Rock radio hit "Black Eyes Blue". Taylor also hit No. 1 on Billboard's Hard Rock Songwriters chart following the unprecedented debut of "Black Eyes Blue" and "CMFT Must Be Stopped", the latter of which has racked up more than four million YouTube views for its star-studded music video. Furthermore, Taylor debuted the pummeling "Culture Head" during WWE's NXT broadcast on the USA network, illuminating yet another facet of "CMFT" and showcasing the broad spectrum of this fiery and fearless rock 'n' roll opus, as Taylor touches on lifelong influences ranging from hard rock to classic rock, punk rock to hip-hop. 14-time world champion and EVP of global talent strategy and development at WWE, Triple H, also shared a WWE exclusive performance of Taylor and his band tearing through the MOTÖRHEAD classic "Ace Of Spades".

"CMFT" has been a long time coming for Taylor, with newly written tracks alongside some dating back to his teens. Recorded at The Hideout Recording Studio in Las Vegas with producer Jay Ruston and his band — Christian Martucci (guitar), Zach Throne (guitar), Jason Christopher (bass), and Dustin Schoenhofer (drums) — the album traces a wild and exhilarating roadmap through Taylor's musical psyche.

EXODUS drummer Tom Hunting has vowed to perform with his bandmates at this summer's Psycho Las Vegas festival in Las Vegas, Nevada. The event will take place in late August, more than four months after Tom started treatment for squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the stomach.

Hunting's participation in the concert was announced on Friday (May 21) by his EXODUS bandmate Gary Holt. The guitarist took to his Instagram to share a poster for the event, and he wrote in an accompanying message: "YEEEERAAAAAHHHH BAAABY!!! Back on a fucking stage!!!! When asked about doing this show, Tom said 'if I'm walking I'm drumming!' So we said BOOK THAT MOTHERFUCKER!!! I may shed a tear or two in my many beers while on a metal vacation with [my wife Lisa]! See, we already booked rooms before being added! We were going ANYWAY!! So know, I get to go back to work for an hour then RAGE!!!!"

A GoFundMe campaign to help Hunting with medical expenses has already raised nearly more than $92,000 — including $5,000 from Tom's former EXODUS bandmate, current METALLICA guitarist Kirk Hammett, and $1,500 from FOZZY singer and wrestling superstar Chris Jericho.

The 56-year-old Hunting revealed the diagnosis in a statement released on April 13. He said at the time: "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 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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Earlier today (Sunday, May 23), FAITH NO MORE bassist Bill Gould spoke with Darren Paltrowitz — host of the "Paltrocast With Darren Paltrowitz" — about the success of his Yebiga rakija brand, the motivation beyond launching rakija in the States, how spirit distribution and music distribution compare, future plans for FAITH NO MORE and his label, and more. You can now watch the chat below.

Speaking about FAITH NO MORE's comeback album, 2015's "Sol Invictus", Gould said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "We were very ambitious on this one. We recorded the album in our rehearsal room without telling anybody. So there were some limitations with that, obviously; it wasn't a real studio. So to make it sound good took a lot of effort. And I was pretty exhausted by the end of it; I don't know if I'd do it that way again. But I'm very happy with what we did and how we did it. It was a really ambitious goal, and I think we made it work. I think if we do something in the future, it'll be different, like they all are; all the albums are different. But I'm cool with this one. If we put it out, I'm cool with it."

Gould also talked about FAITH NO MORE's upcoming shows with SYSTEM OF A DOWN and KORN at the Banc Of California Stadium in Los Angeles in October. The dates were initially scheduled to take place in May 2020, and were moved back to May 21 and 22, 2021. The dates were recently once more postponed due to COVID-19.

Asked if it's fulfilling to play stadiums and arenas more than four decades after FAITH NO MORE's inception, Gould said: "It's great. It's really great. And it's also great that we still are who we are; we didn't really change our own way of doing things. We've always been kind of the black sheep in the music world, and I've always been a little frustrated that we never seemed to get it over the net — this thing that we thought was so great. And now we're being accepted for who we are, and I think that is absolutely amazing. That's a great feeling."

FAITH NO MORE initially reunited for touring purposes in 2009, twelve years after issuing its previous studio set, "Album Of The Year", and followed that up with the aforementioned "Sol Invictus".

Earlier this month, FAITH NO MORE pushed its scheduled summer 2021 European shows back to the summer of 2022.

Chuck Mosley, who sang on FAITH NO MORE's first two albums, died in November 2017 "due to the disease of addiction," according to a statement from his family. He was 57.

ANTHRAX singer Joey Belladonna spoke to Syracuse, New York's classic rock radio station TK99 about the time he and his bandmates were asked to co-star on an episode of the groundbreaking TV sitcom "Married With Children", a show that happened to be a favorite of all the ANTHRAX members. The episode was titled "My Dinner With Anthrax", and the band spent a week with the Bundy family at the iconic Sunset-Gower Studios in the heart of Hollywood, learning their lines, rehearsing and shooting the episode — and getting into a little hot water with the show's producers when they took "Bud Bundy" (David Faustino) to see METALLICA.

You can watch video of Belladonna's interview with TK99 below.

This past February, ANTHRAX drummer Charlie Benante said that the band's appearance on "Married With Children" was "one of the highlights" of his career. "On the last day we filmed the show, we actually did two," he said. "We thought the first one went great, the audience laughed a lot and we all hit our marks. The writers and producers came down and decided to change some of our linesThere was a different rhythm now, but the new lines were funnier."

A synopsis of the "My Dinner With Anthrax" episode, which originally aired March 1992, reads as follows: "It's Al and Peg's 20th anniversary, and Peggy wants only one thing from Al... Meanwhile Kelly and Bud win the 'My Dinner With Anthrax' contest, which means a house party with the thrash-metal band, but there will be no party unless they get rid of mom and dad first. The answer: tricking them into taking a Florida 'vacation' that turns out to be a time-share sales scam where the salesman won't leave them alone." Each member of ANTHRAX had a couple of lines to say in the show and the band performed "In My World".


























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Heavy metal coven, Burning Witches, have announced that they will stream a release show for their new album, The Witch Of The North, on Friday, May 28 at 8 PM, CET. The stream will be free of charge and accessible for fans all over the world. However, if you want to show the band your support, you will be given the opportunity to buy different kinds of 'support tickets'. So, mark the date in your calendars and prepare to get blown away once more by one of the most exciting new bands in heavy metal today.

Release Show Live Stream
Friday, May 28, 2021
8 PM, CET - 7 PM, GMT - 2 PM, US Eastern - 11 AM, US Pacific

You can access the stream here.

Burning Witches comment: "We want to give the release of our new album The Witch Of The North a special kick, by uniting all our fans worldwide for a free stream on this special day! Let’s make it a day to remember! Tune in on the 28th of May for this online concert, it will be a magical night on release day! Thanks for the great support - we hope to meet you all on tour very soon! Your favorite Witches!"

The Witch Of The North can be pre-ordered in various formats here.

Tracklisting:

"Winter's Wrath"
"The Witch Of the North"
"Tainted Ritual"
"We Stand As One"
"Flight Of The Valkyries"
"The Circle Of Five"
"Lady Of The Woods"
"Thrall"
"Omen"
"Nine Worlds"
"For Eternity"
"Dragon's Dream"
"Eternal Frost"

"The Witch Of The North" video:

"Flight Of The Valkyries" visualizer:

(Photo - Kevin Grab)




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

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

Lindemann and Tägtgren say goodbye with the release of Live In Moscow on CD and Blu-Ray, availble now, which showcases their March 15th, 2020 performance at the VTB Arena in Moscow, Russia. Check out the official video for "Steh Auf" from the show below.

The tracklist is as follows:

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

"Allesfresser"

"Home Sweet Home"

"Praise Abort"

"Steh Auf"

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




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With their recent comeback to metal after temporarily transforming into a pop boyband, Nanowar Of Steel are back with their beloved brand of comedy infused heavy metal, taking their fans on a journey through the roots of their beautiful homeland of Italy on their new album, Italian Folk Metal, out July 2 via Napalm Records.

Nanowar Of Steel have proven themselves to be on the frontlines of comedic heavy metal, gathering millions of cross-platform views and streams and releasing legendarily hilarious music videos. The new single, “Gabonzo Robot”, is a joyful power metal anthem dedicated to Gabonzo, the popular Japanese cartoon series. A catchy chorus and razorsharp guitar solos display Nanowar Of Steel’s sense of humor and immaculate musical talent in top form.
 
The music video was made by Dr. Pira, who also conceived Gabonzo Robot as one of the characters of his surreal comic collection "I fumetti della gleba". Along with the song, Dr. Pira has released a limited edition comic book entitled "Gabonzo l’invincible Robot".

Bassist Gatto Panceri 666 on “Gabonzo Robot” and collaborating with Dr. Pira: “As Nanowar Of Steel, we are proud of singing the amazing deeds of Gabon The Invincible Robot, the only superhero that always wins because he fights against the weak and the children. But above everything, we were proud of finally being able to work with the great Dr. Pira, whom we have been following and worshipping for two decades!”

Nanowar Of Steel turns to the musical roots of their homeland, bringing heavy new life to traditional Italian music on their new album, Italian Folk Metal, out July 2 on Napalm Records. Filled with references to Italian folklore, Nanowar Of Steel puts its own comedic metal twist on the various traditional sounds of their beautiful country.

Each song on Italian Folk Metal is performed in a distinct style of Italian folk music: Napoli-based sounds of musica neomelodica clash with melodic guitar sweeps on “Scugnizzi of the Land of Fires" and speedy accordions (prominently known from northern Italy‘s mazurka) are layered with dizzying guitar solos on “La Mazurka del Vecchio che Guarda i Cantieri".

Mixed with the band‘s eclectic, comprehensive brand of catchy, comedy-infused metal, Italian Folk Metal is a truly multi-faceted listening experience and a deep dive into the roots of Italy’s folklore! In the process of recording the new album in Rome and Milan during the summer of 2020, Nanowar Of Steel took the Italian-focused theme as an opportunity to gather Italy’s crème de la creme of musicianship: the album features Francesco Paoli from Fleshgod Apocalypse on “L’assedio di Porto Cervo”, Alessandro Conti of Luca Turilli's Rhapsody and Trick Or Treat fame on “La Mazurka del Vecchio che Guarda i Cantieri” and Frozen Crown’s Jade on “Rosario", among others. Italian Folk Metal showcases Nanowar Of Steel’s musical versatility at its best!

Pre-Order Italian Folk Metal here.

Italian Folk Metal tracklisting:

"Requiem per Gigi Sabani in Re minore"
"L'Assedio di Porto Cervo"
"La Maledizione di Capitan Findus"
"La Marcia su Piazza Grande"
"La Mazurka del Vecchio che Guarda i Cantieri"
"La Polenta Taragnarock"
"Scugnizzi of the Land of Fires"
"Rosario"
"Il Signore degli Anelli dello Stadio"
"Gabonzo Robot"
"Sulle Aliquote Della Libertà"
"Der Fluch des Kapt’n Iglo"
"El Baile del Viejo que Mira las obras"

"Der Fluch des Käptn Iglo" video:

Nanowar Of Steel are:

Gatto Panceri 666 - Bass
Potowotominimak - Vocals
Mr. Baffo - Vocals
Abdul - Guitar
Uinona Raider - Drums

(Photo - Marco Dazzi)




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International heavy metal group, Beast In Black, have released the new video below, along with the following message:

"Mate Molnar's birthday surprise for you, in the form of a bass playthrough for 'Sweet True Lies', the first single from Beast In Black's second album, From Hell With Love."

The band previously released a bass playthrough video for "Blind And Frozen". Check out how Mate Molnar plays his bassline in their first hit song, from their debut album, Berserker.

Watch Mate Molnar chugging through the title track from the band's sophomore album, below:

Having released two sensational records through Nuclear Blast Records, Beast In Black have played numerous thrilling shows, including mostly sold out international headline tours in Europe, Russia and Japan, supporting Gloryhammer in the UK and festival appearances around the world (Sweden Rock, Graspop, Summer Breeze, Heavy Montréal etc.)

Now, the five-piece Helsinki based band announce their upcoming European Tour for November / December 2021, which will take them through 13 countries, ready to spew its unrivaled heavy metal fury all over them!

Beast In Black have issued the following statement: "Not easy to say any wise words in these dark times so just let us smoothly announce our upcoming European Tour for November / December 2021! Although it's still far away we hope that everybody who reads these lines now will be able to attend the shows in his / her best health! That's our wish for 2021."

The tour schedule is below.




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Finnish modern melodic death metal band Dimman is set to release their debut album, Songs And Tales Of Grievance on July 30th, 2021 via Inverse Records. The band’s modern melodeath combines beautiful melodies, heavy compositions and technical musicality into a unique ensemble. In addition to the diverse instrumentation, Dimman’s two vocalists create a distinctive and balanced soundscape.

The second single, "Obscenity", is released today and the lyric video can be viewed below.

 

Valtteri Halkola (vocals): "'Obscenity' is the fastest song on the album, highlighting the work of the band’s new drummer, Arto Pieksämäki. The intensive and technical song culminates in an orchestral ending accompanied with some rapid riffing and haunting singing. Obscenity’s theme comprehends a leader whose morbid and violent decisions cause iniquities among the nation."

Songs And Tales Of Grievance addresses all the grievances and insecurities that cause misery to both individuals and communities. The incapability to be able to affect the injustices results in frustration, which can be heard from every song on the album.

Tracklist:

"Ambuscade"
"Paroxysm"
"Obscenity"
"Contretemps"
"Morbus"
"Progradation"
"Imprudence"
"Memoria"
"Umbra"
"The Mist"

"Paroxysm"

Photo by Jenna Kohtala




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Slovenian heavy metal prodigy, SkyEye, will release their second studio album, Soldiers Of Light, on June 25 via Reaper Entertainment. A third album trailer has been issued for the record; watch below:

Unique and powerful vocals combined with raw and melodic guitar riffs give the band its signature heavy metal sound, reminiscent of other major representatives of the genre, like Iron Maiden, Saxon or Judas Priest.

The album was produced in summer 2020 by producer Grega Smola Crnkovič and was mastered by Boban Milunović who is known in the hard & heavy scene for his work with Graveworm, Belphegor, Jack Frost and many more.

Album artwork by Aleksandar Živanov:

Tracklisting:

“The Arrival”
“King Of The Skies”
“Soldiers Of Light”
“Constellation”
“Brothers Under The Same Sun”
“In Saecula Saeculorum”
“Son Of God”
“Detonate”
“Eternal Starlight”
“Chernobyl”

"Constellation":

Trailer #1

Trailer #2

 




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Xael (ft. members of Nile, The Reticent, Rapheumets Well) are conjuring the resurrection of “Srai - The Demon Of Erring” with their new music video in support of their latest album sci-fi escapade Bloodtide Rising, released this past February via Pavement Entertainment. 

The video, which can be seen below, is the next visual exploration into the fictional sci-fi world created by band founder and drummer Joshua “Nassaru” Ward, who explains the album in further detail:

“In Xael, we are trying to not only create some brutal and primal metal, but cultivate the fusion of storytelling and epic adventures. We are building a multiverse with diverse planets and odd-powerful creatures, taking listeners on a journey. This specific album follows the ‘watchers’ as we are assimilated into the vile and mysterious world of Vuul Athmar. It is a tragic love story turned horror. Musically, we incorporate tribal elements, Asian and traditional folk instruments, and an array of vocals to capture the variety of emotions. Though there was a global pandemic, we worked hard to bring this musical odyssey alive and we are excited to finally share it.” 

Hailing from the American Carolinas, Xael brings forth with them epic symphonic death metal like no other. Their new album entitled Bloodtide Rising is a concept record rooted in a science fiction universe that Xael revolves all their music around. The extreme symphonic release chronicles the journey of a character named Darmak, an immortal who is trying to find purpose in a chaotic and complex multiverse. 

Xael was initially meant to be a personal project by drummer Joshua “Nassaru” Ward, however, when other musicians showed interest it evolved into a full-fledged project with each member contributing equally towards this current full length and the band's first album “The Last Arbiter” (2018).

Fans of progressive and brutal metal along with sci-fi enthusiasts will take interest in what Xael is doing. It’s different, and listeners can get lost in the complex multiverse that they have conceived. Epic and extreme, it is recommended for fans of Septicflesh, Fleshgod Apocalypse, and Nile.

Tracklisting:

"Suun Rai Aru (Passion Begets Ruin)"
"As Decreed: The Law Of Vuul Athmar"  
"The Waste Of Dreadrift"
"Srai - The Demon Of Erring"
"Dark World Mirrors"
"Bloodtide Rising" (ft. Mathieu Marcotte of Augury)
"The Red Odyssey"
"The Red Odyssey Part 2: The Temple Of The Sky Eater"
"The Odium And The Contrition"

"Bloodtide Rising" video:

"The Waste Of Dreadrift" video:

In live news, Xael will be hitting the road in 2022 to support Sweden's Bloodbath as they tour North America. Confirmed shows are as listed:

May 2022
22 - Brooklyn, NY - Warsaw
23 - Boston, MA - Paradise Rock Club
24 - Montreal, QC - L'Astral
25 - Toronto, ON - Opera House





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The Menza family, in conjunction with Screaming Butterfly Entertainment, has released a video tribute to the late Megadeth drummer who passed away five years ago today.

The two minute and 27 second clip features Nick Menza's sister, Donia Menza Ontiveros and Nick's oldest son, Nicholas Menza in a brief video message thanking the late drummer's Mega fans and friends for their continued support.

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

Recently announced, authorized family documentary film about the late drummer's life and musical career is currently in the works and expected to be released in the fist half of 2022.

This Was My Life will be the first-ever film to memorialize Menza's legacy and celebrate his life exactly how it was, described in a press release as "an unflinching exploration into the life of one of the most successful thrash-metal drummer's of all time, from his childhood all the way through to the end of his life including a true blow-by-blow account of the repeated failed attempts of the classic Rust In Peace lineup."

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

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

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

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

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

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

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




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King Crimson founder Robert Fripp and his singer wife Toyah Willcox - joined by the mysterious stranger Sidney Jake - are back with another episode in their "Toyah & Robert’s Sunday Lunch" series covering the Scopions classic “with a twist of the feline variety”. Check out “Rock You Like A Hurricane” below:

A selection of Robert & Toyah's previous Sunday Lunch videos can be seen below:

 




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In honor of Month Of Giving, METALLICA brought back its concert series, "#MetallicaMondays", where the band is streaming a complete live show for fans on the group's YouTube channel and on Facebook every week.

The special, one-night-only event on Monday, May 24 featured METALLICA's September 6, 2018 concert in Lincoln, Nebraska shot on the North American leg of the "WorldWired" tour, including a very rare performance of "The Unforgiven III".

The show premiered on YouTube and Facebook and can be viewed below.

And just like all of METALLICA's #MetallicaMondays shows last year, this one featured simultaneous fundraisers on both platforms for the All Within My Hands Month Of Giving benefitting Feeding America and Direct Relief.

Last August, METALLICA announced that it had raised more than $100,000 from its #MetallicaMondays streaming concert series for its All Within My Hands foundation.

METALLICA launched the free weekly series at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic as a way to provide "live" entertainment to their fans as the concert industry shut down. After more than five months of sharing full performances spanning the band's entire career — from 1983 through 2019 — METALLICA closed out the series in August with a 2017 show from Mexico City.

If you missed any of the shows or you would simply like to relive them, you can watch them on demand on METALLICA's YouTube channel.

METALLICA frontman James Hetfield revealed this past March that the band had written "over 10 songs" for the follow-up to 2016's "Hardwired… To Self-Destruct" album.

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

Knotfest, the music and counterculture experience created by the multi-platinum sonic phenomenon and nine-piece force of nature SLIPKNOT has today confirmed the return of Knotfest Iowa for 2021. The event will be the biggest heavy music festival to ever hit the mid-western state and will be held at National Balloon Classic Field in Indianola, Iowa on Saturday, September 25, with SLIPKNOT headlining. The full lineup features FAITH NO MORE, MEGADETH, LAMB OF GOD, $UICIDE BOY$, GOJIRA, TRIVIUM, TECH N9NE, FEVER 333, KNOCKED LOOSE, TURNSTILE, GATECREEPER and VENDED.

Tickets will be available on pre-sale to Knotfest.com subscribers from 10 a.m. Central time on today (Tuesday, May 25), with a general on-sale from 10 a.m Central on June 4, over at KnotfestIowa.com.

The Iowan icons have also confirmed the exciting news that they returned to the studio last month to work on new music. The band will deliver updates soon.

With SLIPKNOT bringing their incendiary live experience home once more to their native Iowa, SLIPKNOT percussionist M. Shawn "Clown" Crahan says: "A home show is always insane, but a home Knotfest show will be on a whole other level. Prepare. See you soon for the new reality. Stay (sic)."

In related developments, SLIPKNOT's news and content web site, Knotfest.com is absorbing the band's Outside The 9 fan club and will now offer fans of both SLIPKNOT and heavy culture in general, the opportunity to gain access to a wealth of exclusive content and opportunities first. The behind-the-scenes footage showcasing the making of the band's next album will be accessible exclusively for fans who join the Knotfest community. Digital memberships for Knotfest.com start at $6 a month or $50 annually, with a free tier also available. Subscribers will get an array of exclusive access and bonuses including:

* Priority access to SLIPKNOT headline shows, Knotfest festivals, Knotfest Roadshow, Knotfest Presents shows, VIP experiences and additional major tours and festivals.

* Expanded exclusive content drops from SLIPKNOT and the biggest artists in the culture including performances, interviews, AMAs, meet-and-greets and more.

* Access to enhanced visual, audio, and editorial content from the Knotfest web site

* One-of-a-kind contests and giveaways involving your favorite artist

* Exclusive Knotfest forum

* Knotfest members-only private Discord channel

* Access to exclusive merchandise

* 10% off discount in the Knotfest online store

* First-drop access for merch collabs

Speaking to Rolling Stone, Crahan described Knotfest as "a dark carnival experience. It's not just the shows, but the environment created around it. It's all about having fun. A day dedicated to our mentality, our ideas, to the people we want to be with. I'm talking about smells, sights, hearing, your body, everything will be overloaded with stimulation."

Twenty-two years ago, nine inspired musicians from Des Moines, Iowa, shattered the scope of what was possible in rock music. From the moment SLIPKNOT emerged in 1999 with their self-titled debut, it was clear they were like nothing the world had seen before. Where a similarly creative act may have burned out or lost their relevance chasing mainstream acceptance, SLIPKNOT has only proven that an enduring commitment to constant evolution, their craft, and their fans can allow a rock band to not only continue — but flourish and push the envelope on what defines heavy metal and rock music in general. With "We Are Not Your Kind", SLIPKNOT's first new album in five years, the band delivered when they were needed most. Meanwhile, SLIPKNOT's annual Knotfest festival has evolved into the biggest hard rock and metal festival in the world, expanding to four continents. Over 550,000 fans have attended these massive festivals, which are as cultural as they are music-based, mixing heavy rock with hip hop, world music, visual art, experiential installations, and much more. Recorded music and live performances aside, SLIPKNOT has always permeated mainstream culture in ways that defy expectations. Recently, SLIPKNOT partnered with Amazon Studios' advertising campaign for their smash hit series "The Boys", and have launched SLIPKNOT No. 9 Whiskey in a partnership with Cedar Ridge Distillery (American Distilling Institute's "2017 Distiller Of The Year").

"We Are Not Your Kind" came out in August 2019. The disc sold 118,000 equivalent album units in the U.S. in its first week of release to land at position No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart. Furthermore, the album made an impact worldwide with No. 1 debuts in the United Kingdom, Mexico, Australia, Canada, Japan, Ireland, Belgium, Portugal and Finland, as well as Top 5 debuts in Germany, France, Norway, Italy, Austria, Sweden, Switzerland, The Netherlands, Poland, Spain and New Zealand.

"We Are Not Your Kind"'s sales in the U.S. were boosted by a concert ticket/album sale redemption offer with SLIPKNOT's summer 2019 tour.

MACHINE HEAD will release a new three-song single, "Arrows In Words From The Sky", on June 11. More information about the effort will be made available soon.

Two videos featuring behind-the-scenes footage from the making of one of the songs that are expected to appear on the EP, "Become The Firestorm", can be seen below. The track was recorded this past January at Sharkbite Studios in Oakland, California. Joining MACHINE HEAD frontman Robb Flynn and bassist Jared MacEachern during the sessions were drummer Navene Koperweiss (ENTHEOS, WHITECHAPEL, ANIMALS AS LEADERS) and producer Zack Ohren.

In November, MACHINE HEAD released a new single, "My Hands Are Empty", via Nuclear Blast. The song marked the first musical collaboration between Flynn and original "Burn My Eyes" guitarist Logan Mader in 24 years.

"My Hands Are Empty" was the latest in a line of singles to be released by MACHINE HEAD, which issued "Do Or Die" in October 2019, "Circle The Drain" in February, and the two-song digital single "Civil Unrest", consisting of "Stop The Bleeding" and "Bulletproof", in June. "Stop The Bleeding" featured guest vocals from KILLSWITCH ENGAGE frontman Jesse Leach, and was written and recorded just days after the murders of George Floyd and Ahmaud Arbery.

In July, MACHINE HEAD canceled its previously announced rescheduled 2020 tour dates for Europe and Australia due to the coronavirus pandemic which is sweeping the globe.

Each show on MACHINE HEAD's "Burn My Eyes" 25th-anniversary tour consisted of two parts: part one saw Flynn and MacEachern performing alongside new recruits, guitarist Wacław "Vogg" Kiełtyka (DECAPITATED) and British drummer Matt Alston (DEVILMENT, EASTERN FRONT); while part two featured "Burn My Eyes" played in its entirety for the first time ever, with original "Burn My Eyes"-era drummer Chris Kontos and Mader joining in.

Veteran Arizona thrashers FLOTSAM AND JETSAM will release their 14th album, "Blood In The Water", on June 4 via AFM Records. The official music video for the disc's third single, "Brace For Impact", can be seen below.

It's been 35 years since FLOTSAM AND JETSAM, formed in Phoenix, Arizona, released its landmark debut, "Doomsday For The Deceiver", the only album to ever receive a 6K rating from the influential British magazine Kerrang! Bassist Jason Newsted would jump ship to METALLICA while the band released "No Place for Disgrace" in 1988. "Cuatro" (1992), "Drift" (1995), "High" (1997) and "My God" (2001) all still rank extremely high in heavy metal circles. But it was the first part of this unofficial trilogy in 2016's self-titled "Flotsam And Jetsam", followed by the the crushing 2019 successor "The End Of Chaos" that a certain rejuvenation and reset was clearly felt. Fast forward to a planet that was forced to its knees: While spending most of the past year in a holding pattern like the rest of the world, FLOTSAM AND JETSAM made the best of a struggling situation and just let those creative juices and angst flow. What emerged was 12 brand new blistering tracks under the moniker "Blood In The Water".

"We really had a hell of a time figuring out which songs to actually include in this album, because we don't feel we had any fillers," says guitarist Steve Conley about the new songs, which clock in at nearly 55 minutes of thrashing glory.

Vocalist Eric "A.K." Knutson adds: "We've seen our fan base increasing, and we've seen the response to the last two albums getting louder and louder. We have some of the most committed and crazy fans in the world. We charted higher on our last album than at any point in our career. Maybe our career path will run similar to MOTÖRHEAD's, who, although was always considered iconic, didn't really break through in a big way until later in their career. We feel our time is now... We're like that dog that's been kicked...we're ready to break the door down and take what's ours."

And the FLOTSAM lineup has never been stronger. A.K. keeps bringing the magic every album and tour, and oddly seems to be getting better and better as time goes on. He's backed by the incredibly talented, exceptionally brilliant guitar duo of co-founder Michael Gilbert and Steve Conley, the powerful, precise and lightning-fast engine of drummer Ken Mary (whose Hall Of Fame resume includes over five million albums sold with artists such as ALICE COOPER, HOUSE OF LORDS and ACCEPT), and the "fresh blood" and extraordinary technical skills and prowess of bassist Bill Bodily.

"Blood In The Water" was once again mixed and mastered by Jacob Hansen (U.D.O., VOLBEAT, AMARANTHE, POWERWOLF) and sees FLOTSAM AND JETSAM exploding with creativity, moving forward but nodding to their past.

"Following up 'The End of Chaos' was no easy task," Gilbert said. "We weren't really sure what we had left in the tank, as we put so much work, sweat, and blood into that album. As it turns out, we had plenty left to say. With everything that's happened in the world, the friends we lost this last year, and not being able to perform or tour… you hear all of that in our music. It's angry, it's aggressive, and our emotions pour out all over this album."

The track listing for the effort is as follows:

01. Blood In The Water

02. Burn The Sky

03. Brace For Impact

04. A Place To Die

05. The Walls

06. Cry For The Dead

07. The Wicked Hour

08. Too Many Lives

09. Grey Dragon

10. Reaggression

11. Undone

12. Seven Seconds 'Til The End Of The World

FLOTSAM AND JETSAM is:

Eric "A.K." Knutson - Vocals

Steve Conley - Guitar

Michael Gilbert - Guitar

Bill Bodily - Bass

Ken K Mary - Drums

Red Fang have shared the tragic tale of Arnie Von Party, a pizza parlor mascot whose predilection for the company goods puts the fuzzy fiend in a world of hurt, via their new video for “Why”.

“Whoa!!! This video is JAM-PACKED with thrills, chills and spills. Our buddy Ansel Wallenfang, director of the music video/video game for our track, ‘Antidote,’ is back with a wild and hilarious, but also touching story about a special group of friends who play together as the in-house band for a casual pizza restaurant,” explains vocalist and bass player Aaron Beam. “Things get a lot darker than you might imagine. We hope it’s not too cheesy!”

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"

"Why":

"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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According to Music-News.com, Ozzy Osbourne, Led Zeppelin members Robert Plant and Jimmy Page, and Queen guitarist Brian May are among those landing on The Sunday Times Rich List.

Paul McCartney tops the list with £820m, with Brian May landing at #13 with £210m. May's Queen bandmates also appear on the list, with Roger Taylor at #18 with £190m, and John Deacon at #22 with £155m.

Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne take the #23 spot with £150m, while Led Zeppelin's Jimmy Page sits at #25 with £142m, and Robert Plant at #30 Robert Plant with £117m.

Read more and view the full list at Music-News.com.




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Following yet more official appreciation, as acknowledged by the presentation of the German Record Critics’ Award, for their current album Genesis XIX (having garnered the prize once before with its predecessor Decision Day in 2016) and prior to their upcoming 40th band anniversary next year, Sodom have rarely been as energetic as in spring 2021.

Despite cancelled shows, despite the Covid-19 lockdown, despite the many imponderability's that these strange times bring about. In a phase when other bands appear to remain stuck in anguish, August 20 will see Tom Angelripper and band members Frank Blackfire (guitar), Yorck Segatz (guitar) and Toni Merkel (drums) release their brand-new Bombenhagel EP via Steamhammer/SPV, available on CD, 12” vinyl and for digital download.

“Originally we had planned to bring out the record in time for this year’s summer festival season, including a sticker with all confirmed tour dates. Of course, the way it looks at the moment, all festivals will be postponed until 2022. But the EP will be released anyway, as a sign of life. As a signal to our fans: We’re still around! The story continues,” explains Tom Angelripper.

Bombenhagel will be released on August 20 via SPV/Steamhammer in the following configurations:

- CD DigiPak
- 12" LP, 140 g, red vinyl, printed inner sleeve
- Download / Streaming
Pre-order here.

- 12" LP exclusive coloured editions only at the Napalm shop
Pre-order here.

- Exclusive CD/LP Bundle with a T-shirt only at the Steamhammer shop
Pre-order here.

Tracklisting:

"Bombenhagel"
"Coup De Grace"
"Pestiferous Posse"

(Photo - Monsterpics - Fotografien)




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