Tallah have released a video for "Cottonmouth", a track from their latest album, Matriphagy, released last October via Earache Records. Order the album here, and watch the video below.

Tracklisting:

"[Redacted]
"No One Should Read This"
"Kungan"
"Overconfidence"
"Placenta"
"L.E.D."
"The Silo"
"We, The Sad"
"Too Quick To Grieve"
"Cottonmouth"
"Murder Seed"
"The Borderline Of Pain"
"Red Light"

“Cottonmouth” video:

"No One Should Read This" video:

"Overconfidence" video:

"We, The Sad" video:

"The Silo" video:

Lineup:

Justin Bonitz - Vocals
Max Portnoy - Drums
Derrick Schneider - Guitar
Andrew Cooper - Bass

A short video of Charlie Benante putting down drums on a demo version of a new ANTHRAX song can be seen below.

Charlie shared the clip on his Instagram, writing in a caption: "Beating the beat down for a new demo #anthrax 2021'ish".

Last November, ANTHRAX guitarist Scott Ian told "Whiplash", the KLOS radio show hosted by Full Metal Jackie, that he and his bandmates likely won't release any music until the coronavirus pandemic has subsided and they are able to tour in support of the effort. "That's where I am personally right at this moment," he said. "Six months from now, who knows where the world is gonna be? We don't know. Maybe things will be closer to being back to normal; maybe they'll be further away from back to normal. Nobody has an answer to this, so anytime someone asks me about that, I really don't have an answer.

"In my brain, I don't wanna put a record out until I can play shows," he continued. "That's what I wanna do, but, of course, I don't control the world and I don't control what's gonna happen with COVID. I think I can safely say we will certainly be ready to make a record [in 2021]. So I think we will probably go do that once we're ready to go do it. There would be no reason to have a record [written] and then just sit around and not record it. So, I think once we actually feel like we're ready to go into the studio, we'll do that, regardless of where things are at on the planet, and then just take it from there. At least it'll be in the can, and then we'll be able to make a decision on what the best course is for us to take at that point.

"[Everybody is] in the same boat. There's no rules anymore. It's a completely different playbook, and everybody's gotta figure out what's gonna work."

Asked to describe the musical direction of the new ANTHRAX material, Scott said: "It's always hard for me to answer that, because it's more ANTHRAX songs, 'cause it always just sounds like ANTHRAX to me. And I don't really go much deeper than that. If I had to describe it, let's say comparing it to the last record, it's definitely riffier. There's more riffs; the songs have more riffs, I feel like, than the last record. There's already definitely more uptempo and fast stuff, but then again, we also aren't finished writing. That doesn't mean the fast stuff we've written is gonna go away. We're gonna probably write more songs, and then we'll see what the album's gonna be. But it's definitely riffier, and I think it's definitely faster, if I had to come up with two ways to describe it compared to 'For All Kings'."

At the 2019 Download festival in the United Kingdom, Benante said fans can expect to hear some surprises on ANTHRAX's next disc. "There's some extreme stuff on this record that we touched on," he said. "There's different things that we're gonna try and do that's gonna make it next level."

Also in 2019, Benante told Australia's "Everblack" podcast that ANTHRAX's new music is shaping up to be "a little more in the aggressive style."

"For All Kings" was called by some critics ANTHRAX's strongest album to date. Its arrival followed a five-year period during which the band experienced a rebirth of sorts, beginning with ANTHRAX's inclusion on the "Big Four" tour, and continuing with the 2011 release of comeback LP "Worship Music".
























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Internationally recognized solo artist and songwriter Mike Tramp has released the official music video for his brand new single "Everything Is Alright". An honest number written directly from the heart, it will be performed by Tramp in the competition to find the Danish entry for the Eurovision Song Contest.

"Everything Is Alright" will battle seven other songs in Denmark's national final "Dansk Melodi Grand Prix" on March 6, with the winner going forward to represent Denmark in the Eurovision finals, due to be held in Rotterdam this May.

The winner of "Dansk Melodi Grand Prix" will be decided solely by televote this year. Due to the pandemic, the contest will be performed without a live audience as it was in 2020, although an orchestra will be present. It will be the first time since 1999 that "Dansk Melodi Grand Prix" will be held in a TV studio.

Having won the Danish song contest in 1978 with MABEL and represented Denmark in the Eurovision Song Contest later that same year, Mike will return just over four decades later on the same stage and in the context that kick-started his career with his message for Denmark and all countries of Europe in these dark times. After all the years and a lifetime of experience, it feels right to be back.

Tramp said: "Most of you on the other side of the ocean might not be familiar with the Eurovision Song Contest. But Will Ferrell might have changed that with the Netflix movie 'The Story Of Fire Saga'. Long ago, it started out as test of songwriting, but as TV and visual took over, at times it looked more like 'Vikings' or 'Game Of Thrones'. Still, at the end of the day, the quality and strength of the song is what will decide if it survives once the Dragonfire has burned out.

"I hadn't planned to be part of this song contest, but knowing that for the past 25 years, since I stepped out as a solo artist and stood my ground and been true and loyal to my songs and who I am.

"I have written 'Everything Is Alright' like I write my other songs, for me and for you. And when I step out on stage in front of lights, camera and a TV audience, I will approach it like I have every time I've taken the stage the past 10 years. Except I won't be selling my T-shirts and albums after the show.

"Enjoy the song, everyone. It's only rock 'n' roll, but rock 'n' roll is my life."

Songs and lyrics continue to pour out of Mike under lockdown and the release of this brand new previously unreleased track continues the tradition of two decades of heartfelt and personal work which also reaches out and connects on a human level with others. These troubled times have caused everyone to look both at the world and inwards to assess where we have come to and who we are.

"As far back as I remember, my focus have always been to be the best me, and not a bad copy of someone else," Mike says. "With each song I write, each album I record and the many shows I play. I come closer and closer to that goal, and today I feel I can honestly say, I have arrived. 'Everything Is Alright' confirms that in every way."

Following in the footsteps of artists like Bob Dylan, THE BEATLES and Tom Petty, Mike deeply cares about the message of his songs and allowing his true voice to be heard. An acoustic folk rock troubadour, Mike is unafraid to tackle the difficult subjects in life including loss, betrayal, death, family difficulties and responsibilities and relationship problems. Recognizing the importance of the human condition and, that he has, himself, learned more through suffering that joy, Mike creates albums and songs that explore human emotions and life situations and seeks to make sense of man’s existence with old-fashioned values refusing to be seduced or suffocated by superficial considerations. With the recent troubles caused by the pandemic which has affected so many on a global scale causing humans to look both at the world and at themselves with a critical eye and to appreciate the real things that matter, no time more like the present has been more suited to appreciate Mike's work which has always questioned the world and personal existence and sought to make the world a better place.

Tramp shot to worldwide fame in the 1980s as the singer of WHITE LION, one of the only bands to tackle important issues in songs like "When The Children Cry" and "Little Fighter" (about the Greenpeace ship the Rainbow Warrior).

The "Everything Is Alright" single has been released via Target. It heralds the issue of a new best-of compilation album of the same name, which will follow on May 21.

In 1978, Tramp's then-group MABEL placed 16th in a field of 20 at the Eurovision Song Contest final in Paris.

British heavy metal vocalist Blaze Bayley, who fronted IRON MAIDEN more than 20 years ago, says that he is not interested in having a documentary made about his life. "Somebody asked me that a while ago, and it was… No," he told Todd D. Goldfinger in a new interview (see video below). "If you want me to [give] a comment in a documentary about IRON MAIDEN or MANOWAR or MOTÖRHEAD, I'm perfectly willing to be a part of that. But I don't wanna make a documentary about myself. I'm trying to escape my past and live in this moment and look into the future. I don't wanna go over the past all over again. Forget it, man. It's not great."

Bayley fronted IRON MAIDEN from 1994 until 1999. The two MAIDEN albums he appeared on, "The X Factor" and "Virtual XI", sold considerably less than the band's prior releases and were their lowest-charting titles in the group's home country since 1981's "Killers".

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

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

"War Within Me" finds Blaze moving forward from the success of his "Infinite Entanglement" trilogy released in consecutive years 2016-2018. The 10 brand new songs draw influences from Blaze's experience with IRON MAIDEN (1994-1999), plus his extensive solo career which started with his "Silicon Messiah" album in year 2000.

"War Within Me" is not a concept album but does include a positive thread throughout. The LP was recorded during 2020 with work split between Blaze's studio at home in the West Midlands and Christopher Appleton's studio in Greater Manchester. The now-very-consistent lineup, chosen from British metal band ABSOLVA, played on the album — Christopher Appleton (guitar, backing vocals), Martin McNee (drums), Karl Schramm (bass). Blaze and Appleton shared the work mixing and producing, while Ade Emsley (IRON MAIDEN, TANK, BRITISH LION, VOODOO SIX) handled the mastering. The striking and detailed artwork is provided by Akirant Illustration (IRON MAIDEN, "Star Wars").

Four years after their Bloodwinter epic, German pagan metallers Wolfchant return with new energy and nine hotly forged irons. Their seventh studio album, Omega : Bestia, is to be released on April 9 via Reaper Entertainment.

Today, the band presents the first album trailer for the album. Check it out below. English subtitles can be activated in Settings,

On the new album the popular mixture of extreme metal mixed with timeless melodies, driving riffs and epic parts as well as the aggressive screams and the choral vocals were retained and expanded with a lot of flair by several nuances.

Album art by Peter Salai:

Tracklisting:

“Omega : Bestia”
“Komet”
“Into Eternal Darkness”
“Im Zeichen des Tiers”
“Der Geist und die Dunkelheit”
“Bestie”
“Jäger der Nacht”
“Out In The Dark”
“The Flame”

"Komet" video:

The album will be available on 2CD Digibook, CD Jewelcase, Vinyl and as a limited deluxe boxset. The pre-order starts today, February 5, with the release of the first digital single, "Komet". You can pre-save the single here.

Wolfchant are:

Lokhi - Vocals
Nortwin - Vocals
Skaahl - Guitar
Seehb - Guitar
Ghust - Drums

Italian metallers Frozen Crown, who recently underwent a major personnel shuffle, have checked in with an update:

"You heard them playing in our new album video sneak peek; now they finally have a face! 

It’s been so hard to find suitable members to replace the missing pieces of the Crown – especially during these hard, hard times. These guys put their heart and soul in the new album, providing with some technical and dynamic drums, some tight and aggressive bass lines and, of course, some flashy and awesome guitar solos. Hope you’ll love these three new fellas like you loved us, so far, as they really gave their absolute best, definitely making Winterbane a close-knit team effort.

We're very happy to introduce you to Fabiola 'Sheena' Bellomo on lead guitar, Francesco Zof on bass, and young prodigy Niso Tomasini on drums. Winterbane will be out April 23, but you'll be very soon able to listen to some new tunes off it!"

Tracklist:

"Embrace The Night"
"Towards The Sun"
"Far Beyond"
"The Lone Stranger"
"Crown Eternal"
"The Water Dancer"
"Angels In Disguise" (feat Federica Lanna)
"Night Crawler" (Judas Priest cover)
"Tales Of The Forest"
"Blood On The Snow"

Winterbane will be released on April 23 on Scarlet Records and Marquee/Avalon (Japan).

The one-man act of Toronto’s Malice Divine (also seen as a contestant on Banger TV’s Shredders Of Metal Seasons 1 & 2.) will be dropping a debut self-titled album on Friday, February 19, and before it officially unleashes, BraveWords is premiering the full-length's entire stream!

Malice Divine by Malice Divine

Ric Galvez, creator of Malice Divine comments on the album's release: “I am incredibly proud to present the self-titled debut of my solo project Malice Divine. There were many different influences poured into the composing of this album, from black metal to death metal, some thrash metal, and even classical music in the form of classical guitar. This was also a multi-year endeavour for me, which makes its release ever more satisfying.”

The lyrics explored on the self-titled album are actually quite personal and deal with Ric Galvez’s thoughts and feelings regarding his life experiences. They are an outlet for self-expression, while also exploring topics such as spirituality and psychology with an underlying theme of personal empowerment.

The self-titled debut album was recorded at Monolithic Productions in Oshawa, Ontario by Tyler Williams beginning in January 2020. After the recording process had concluded, the album was re-amped and mixed by Tyler Williams and then Mastered by Lasse Lammert of LSD-Studio in Germany. This album is an excellent example of time during the Covid-19 pandemic being put to good use. 

Melodic and captivating with a good blend of heavy styles, Malice Divine is recommended for fans of Death, Dissection, and Immortal.

Pre-save on digital platforms here.

Tracklisting:

“Somnium Lucidus”
“Quantum Manifestation”
“Malicious Divinity”
“Triumphant Return”
“Into Subconscious Depths”
“Ancient Visions”
“In Time”
“Intuitive Realization”
“The Transcendence Of Isolation”

"Triumphant Return":

“In Time”:

(Photo by: Deborah Lawrence) 

Spain’s leading thrash metal band Angelus Apatrida have released their 7th, self-titled album worldwide via Century Media Records and it has conquered the top of the official album charts in Spain and it also marks the band’s first ever chart entries in Germany and Switzerland. Here is an overview of the chart results for Angelus Apatrida:

Spain: #1
Germany: #49
Switzerland: #41

Angelus Apatrida checked in with a comment about the amazing #1 chart entry in Spain as follows: “We made it to #1 in Spanish charts! We can't believe it, this is not only a giant step for us, but for the whole metal scene in this country. We don't get any radio, we don't get any TV, we are not featured in the more relevant media, but still we can make it to the top thanks to the hard work of a great team and those who are passionate about heavy metal music; thousands of you helped us making it this far by buying or listening Angelus Apatrida, you are the best! Thanks for helping us put metal back to where it belongs!”

Angelus Apatrida ("/ˈan-je-lus - a-ˈpa-tri-da/") was produced by the band, recorded with Juanan López in September and October at Baboon Records, in Albacete, Spain and then mixed and mastered by Christopher "Zeuss" Harris (Rob Zombie, Overkill, Hatebreed, Municipal Waste, Shadows Fall) at Planet-Z in Wilbraham, MA, US. The album features 10 songs, sounding more determined, versatile and ferocious than ever before and on the verge of the group's 20th Anniversary.

Angelus Apatrida's artwork was created by Gyula Havancsák (Annihilator, Destruction, Stratovarius) and is available as limited CD Jewelcase in O-Card or as a 180g. vinyl LP with the album on CD as a bonus on either black vinyl or in limited edition colored runs (Creamy White vinyl: 100x copies from CM Webshop, Yellow vinyl: 200x copies from CM Distro and Red vinyl: 300x copies for Spain).

Order the album here.

"We Stand Alone":

"Age Of Disinformation" lyric video:

“Indoctrinate” video:

"Bleed The Crown" video:

Angelus Apatrida is:

David G. Álvarez (lead and rhythm guitars)
José J. Izquierdo (bass guitar)
Víctor Valera (drums)
Guillermo Izquierdo (vocals and lead/rhythm guitars)

(Photo - Fernando Morales)

After completing its acclaimed folk-rock trilogy in 1979, Jethro Tull returned a year later with A, an album that introduced a different sound and a new line-up. Originally intended as a solo record by the band’s founder Ian Anderson, the album’s single-letter title refers to the studio tapes, which were marked “A” for Anderson. When the album was finished, the group’s label Chrysalis insisted that it be credited to Jethro Tull, even though only two members from the band’s previous incarnation were featured: Anderson and guitarist Martin Barre. Despite that, the album and subsequent tour were well-received by fans around the world.

To mark the album’s anniversary, Jethro Tull ‘A’ (A La Mode) (The 40th Anniversary Edition). A new 3CD/3DVD set will be released on 16th April, 2021.

Highlights include:

-Original album and associated recordings newly remixed by Steven Wilson
-Original album and five associated recordings mixed in DTS and Dolby AC 3, 5.1 Surround, and stereo 96/24 LPCM
-Full concert from the LA Sports Arena recorded in August 1980
-Full LA Sports Arena concert mixed by Steven Wilson in DTS and Dolby AC 3, 5.1 Surround, and stereo 96/24 LPCM
-Flat transfer of the original LP master at 96/24 LPCM stereo
-DVD of Slipstream video remixed by Steven Wilson in DTS and Dolby AC 3, 5.1 Surround, and stereo 96/24 LPCM

Presented in a case-bound DVD book filled with an extensive history of the album, track-by-track annotations by Anderson, rare photographs and much more

Produced by Anderson and Robin Black, A was recorded in London during the summer of 1980 at Maison Rouge Mobile and Maison Rouge Studios. Along with Anderson and Barre, the band also featured Dave Pegg (bass, mandolin) and Mark Craney (drums), along with guest performer Eddie Jobson – a Roxy Music alumnus – on keyboard, synthesizer and electric violin.

For this new collection, the album has been expanded with five unreleased tracks from the recording sessions, including a different take of the single “Working John, Working Joe,” an extended version of “Crossfire” and the outtake “Coruisk.” 

‘A’ (A La Mode) (The 40th Anniversary Edition) also includes a live recording from November 1980 of the band’s full concert at the LA Sports Arena. The performance mixed new A tracks (“Black Sunday,” “Batteries Not Included” and “Uniform”) with older hits, like “Aqualung,” “Heavy Horses” and “Songs From The Wood.” A few of these live tracks first appeared in 1981 on Slipstream, a video collection originally released on VHS and Laserdisc. The full Slipstream video, which made its DVD debut in 2004, is also included in this anniversary edition. Here, the content has been newly remixed by Steven Wilson.

Tracklisting:

CD1: Original Album and Associated Tracks
“Crossfire”
“Fylingdale Flyer”
“Working John, Working Joe”
“Black Sunday”
“Protect And Survive”
“Batteries Not Included”
“Uniform”
“4.W.D. (Low Ratio)”
“The Pine Marten’s Jig”
“And Further On”

Associated Tracks:
“Crossfire” (Extended Version)
“Working John, Working Joe” (Take 4)
“Cheerio” (Early Version)
“Coruisk”
“Slipstream Intro”

CD2: Live At The LA Sports Arena 1980 (Part 1) (Steven Wilson Stereo Remix)
“Slipstream Intro”
“Black Sunday”
“Crossfire”
“Songs From The Wood”
“Hunting Girl”
“The Pine Marten’s Jig”
“Working John, Working Joe”
“Heavy Horses”
“Band Instrumental Intro”
“Skating Away On The Thin Ice Of The New Day”
“Instrumental” (Including flute solo)

CD3: Live At The LA Sports Arena 1980 (Part 2) (Steven Wilson Stereo Remix)
“Trio Instrumental”
“Keyboard Solo”
“Batteries Not Included”
“Uniform” (including drum solo)
“Protect And Survive” (including violin solo)
“Bungle In The Jungle”
“Guitar Solo/Bass Solo/Intro To Encore”
“Aqualung”
“Locomotive Breath” / “Instrumental” / “Black Sunday” 

DVD One: Original Album and Associated Tracks (Audio Only)
Contains Steven Wilson’s 2020 remix of the album and 5 associated tracks in DTS and Dolby AC 3, 5.1 surround, and stereo 96/24 LPCM. Flat transfers of the original LP master in 96/24 LPCM

DVD Two: Live At The LA Sports Arena November 1980 (Audio Only)
Contains Steven Wilson’s 2020 mix of the concert in DTS and Dolby AC 3, 5.1 surround and stereo 96/24 LPCM

DVD Three: Slipstream Video (Video)
With audio tracks remixed by Steven Wilson in DTS and Dolby AC 3, 5.1 surround and stereo 96/24 LPCM

Italian power metallers Trick Or Treat have announced a new compilation album entitled The Unlocked Songs. 

The band says in a statement: “The Unlocked Songs falls in between an album of unreleased music and a collection of assorted ‘goodies’ scattered over almost 20 years! We had this idea during last year’s lockdown that forced the recordings of the new record to be delayed. We will return to the studio very soon to begin recording the new ‘official’ album, but in the meantime we are very excited about sharing this material with our fans."

More details about the springtime release of The Unlocked Songs will be announced soon.

Lineup:
Leone Villani Conti – bass
Guido Benedetti – guitars
Alessandro Conti – vocals
Luca Setti – drums
Luca Venturelli – guitars 

WITHIN TEMPTATION's Sharon Den Adel spoke to Brazil's Wikimetal about the band's plans to release more new music as a follow-up to the songs "The Purge" and "Entertain You", both of which came out last year.

"'The Purge' has just been released, and we're just looking for the right time for maybe releasing another single or something else to do," she said (see video below). "We're working on that now. It's still a bit undecided on dates and everything. So I can't tell you when the next thing is coming up, but we're working on it. So that's good news."

According to Sharon, she and the rest of WITHIN TEMPTATION have been trying to use the coronavirus downtime to stay creative. "We had just released, of course, the 'Resist' album only in 2019, so that's not that long ago," she said. "For us, normally, we take a few years between albums, but this time we had already the plan to release every time a single that we wanted to write in the moment and feel, like, okay, this is a song that matters now or that inspires us — the topic, and also the sounds that we like at the moment. And that's really working for us. So there's not a complete album yet. We're writing while we speak. Like, today we have been working again on new stuff. So now we go along without an album planned yet, or recorded."

Asked if she has had a chance to get together with the rest of WITHIN TEMPTATION in person to work on new music, Sharon said: "We had some moments during this whole pandemic that we were able to travel a little bit. And so we went to Sweden to record some stuff. And our producer also came here to be with us. So we could continue working. That's how 'The Purge' came together — it was written during the pandemic, where 'Entertain You' was actually written just before everything started. We were even able to do a video. But it was very strange because I hadn't seen the guys for such a long time — everybody did the recordings at home or in the studio with no one else around, because we were not allowed there, of course; we could only work one-on-one and with a lot of distance. So we didn't really actually work together in one room while writing stuff or recording stuff. And then the video was the same. And I was helping also with the styling, together with the artist I work with, the stylist — together we did styling for the band. So we had bandmembers coming in separately. It was strange. I got to see everyone, but they didn't get to see each other. So that was a bit strange."

In December, WITHIN TEMPTATION released the official music video for "The Purge". "Entertain You" kicked off of a series of digital single releases and exceeded all expectations. "Entertain You" was No. 1 most added on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Indicator chart, with airplay on at least 40 radio stations, including Music Choice, SiriusXM Octane, WZOR and KQXR, No. 5 in the Contraband Metal chart, and at No. 18 in the Billboard Mainstream Rock Indicator chart in USA.

WITHIN TEMPTATION released the official music video for "Entertain You" last May. The song was a surprisingly quick follow-up to WITHIN TEMPTATION's seventh studio album, "Resist", which came out in February 2019.

"Resist" debuted in several Top 10 charts worldwide and was the first WITHIN TEMPTATION album to ever reach a No. 1 position on the official German chart.

"Entertain You" arrived one week after the last show of the "Worlds Collide" tour was supposed to happen. The co-headline trek with American rock band EVANESCENCE was originally planned for April 2020, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it has now been postponed to September 2021. The trek, for which an impressive 150,000 tickets were sold in eight countries, is slated to take place across venues such as the O2 Arena in London, AccorHotels Arena in Paris, Velodrom in Berlin, and Palais 12 in Brussels.

In a new interview with SiriusXM's "Trunk Nation With Eddie Trunk", Myles Kennedy confirmed that SLASH FEATURING MYLES KENNEDY AND THE CONSPIRATORS are putting together ideas for a new album. The effort will be the follow-up to "Living The Dream", which came out in September 2018 via Slash's own label Snakepit Records, in partnership with Roadrunner Records. The disc was Slash's fourth solo album, and third with Slash and his CONSPIRATORS bandmates Kennedy, Todd Kerns (bass, vocals), Brent Fitz (drums) and Frank Sidoris (guitar and vocals).

"We've been in the process of writing for months, and demoing, and things are coming together really nicely, so fingers crossed that something can come out sooner than later," Myles said.

Last December, Slash told Cleveland.com that SLASH FEATURING MYLES KENNEDY AND THE CONSPIRATORS had written 20 songs during "a week of initial pre-production" for the band's next LP.

In November 2019, Slash told "The Marshall Podcast" that the road was "the only place" he and THE CONSPIRATORS "really do get a chance to work" on new music. "If we're doing theaters and arenas and all that kind of stuff, we have our soundchecks, so I work on that stuff during that time," he said. "Because that's when I do all the writing — during the road trip. So when the tour is over, at some point, we all get together and we revisit all that material that we worked on while we were on the road. Which is actually what all the records we've done so far are a culmination of."

Complicating the creative process is the fact that Myles Kennedy and THE CONSPIRATORS don't live in the same town as Slash. "Myles is in Washington state, and I'm in L.A. and the rest of the guys are in [Las] Vegas," Slash explained. "So I fly everybody to L.A. and we'll stay there and we'll do pre-production and go in and do a record. But now that GUNS N' ROSES has become a thing, I have to do that. But I will have accumulated enough material out [out on the road] that when the time comes to work on CONSPIRATORS stuff, I already have the material."

Speaking in more detail about how songs come together with THE CONSPIRATORS, Slash said: "We write the whole time. I write the music ideas, and then I'll bring it into a soundcheck situation. For me, the most important thing is the drums. So I'll start working on an idea with Brent, as well as Todd, and even Frank — we'll all stand there together and do it. And then just see if it catches, if it's a cool idea with all the other instruments involved. That's the thing about guitar players — you write bitchin' guitar stuff all day long, but is it a song? So we start working it up. And then Myles will be there and he'll catch it and maybe start recording something into his phone. And we'll just sort of get the nucleus of an idea, and in some cases work on it for a few days until we have an arrangement. And then there's some stuff that we didn't ever get to play in soundcheck that I recorded on my phone in my room and I'll bring that up later."

In September 2019, SLASH FEATURING MYLES KENNEDY AND THE CONSPIRATORS released "Living The Dream Tour" on DVD+2CD, Blu-ray+2 CD, 3LP black vinyl, limited-edition 3LP red vinyl, digital video and digital audio via Eagle Vision. The set was shot on location on February 20, 2019 at London, England's Eventim Apo

Andy Biersack has confirmed that BLACK VEIL BRIDES' upcoming album, "The Phantom Tomorrow", is "almost complete."

The singer offered an update on the follow-up to 2018's "Vale" in an Instagram post on Wednesday (February 17). He wrote: "Just wanted to say thank you for all of your support and excitement regarding my most recent projects! The response to the book has been incredible and I can't wait for you guys to see 'Paradise City' coming to Amazon Prime Video next month!

"I also wanted to update you that the upcoming BLACK VEIL BRIDES record The Phantom Tomorrow is almost complete so be on the look out for release info and a lot more coming soon!"

Last fall, Biersack spoke to Kerrang! magazine about what fans can expect from "The Phantom Tomorrow". He said: "Over the years, we got away from the heavy-riff-big-chorus dynamic, which is what makes BLACK VEIL BRIDES. Our previous full-length record was very soft, with a lot of shine to it, so the goal [this time] was to find a way to make it grand, with a lot of string elements and everything, but still feel like there’s an edge built from the riff."

Regarding the lyrical themes covered on "The Phantom Tomorrow", Andy said: "I don't love the term 'concept record,' but ['The Phantom Tomorrow'] is a concept record. There are themes and ideas and moments that are hugely different from one moment to the next, but the goal at the end of the day, the heart of everything, is to write a heavy rock record and build out everything from there, as opposed to writing a pop record and putting riffs over it."

"The Phantom Tomorrow" tells the story of the antihero character "The Blackbird" and a group of societal outcasts known as simply as "The Phantom Tomorrow".

In November, BLACK VEIL BRIDES released a music video for the single "Scarlet Cross", which will appear on "The Phantom Tomorrow". The track was produced by Erik Ron (GODSMACK, DANCE GAVIN DANCE, BUSH) and guitarist Jake Pitts and was accompanied by a music video directed by longtime collaborator Patrick Fogarty and based on a concept written by Biersack.

BLACK VEIL BRIDES celebrated the 10th anniversary of their debut, "We Stitch These Wounds", with a brand new, reimagined, re-recorded 2020 edition of the album titled "Re-Stitch These Wounds", released last July via Sumerian Records.

In November 2019, BLACK VEIL BRIDES announced the addition of bassist Lonny Eagleton to the group's ranks. He joined the band as the replacement for Ashley Purdy, who exited the group earlier that month.

Eagleton previously played with Biersack (a.k.a. Andy Black) on his solo tour.

Biersack's memoir, "They Don't Need To Understand: Stories Of Hope, Fear, Family, Life, And Never Giving In", arrived in December via Rare Bird Books.
























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Angus Young has once again said that the possibility of AC/DC continuing with singer Axl Rose after the completion of the band's "Rock Or Bust" tour never really came up.

AC/DC postponed the last 10 dates of its spring 2016 North American trek after singer Brian Johnson was advised to stop playing live or "risk total hearing loss." The band went on to complete the European and North American legs of its "Rock Or Bust" tour with the GUNS N' ROSES frontman as a "guest vocalist."

In a new interview with Germany's Rock Antenne, Young said that the prospect of a new studio album with Rose on vocals "never really came as a point in question. Axl helped us out," he explained (see video below). "He had actually volunteered, because — I'll be honest — at the time, we didn't really know what we would do in that situation. And he, very early, had volunteered. He said if he can help out — he had his own commitments to do — and he said if it didn't interfere with what he was doing, he would gladly, if he can help, he would be involved. So it was a case of that. We didn't know if it would come together, so we did a little bit of rehearsing with him. And it worked out. He broke his foot when he had been working with his own project, but he certainly gave it his all to get through. So that was very good of him. I've got a lot of respect. And how he did it — he was very pro. And he was very hungry. He's very much a fan of especially a lot of our earlier stuff with Bon [Scott]. So he was excited to be doing it. As a band, I'll always be grateful to him for that."

AC/DC's North American tour ended in Philadelphia in September 2016, and despite initial fan trepidation, Axl got generally good reviews for his performances. Angus said at the time: "I mean, under the situation that we had, it was very good that he volunteered and said, 'Hey, if I can help, let me try.' So he's been very good. And he had to learn a lot of songs very quickly, and he's done a great job."

Duff McKagan, who is one-third of the reunited partial classic lineup of GUNS N' ROSES, got a chance to watch Rose and AC/DC play in June 2016 in London, England and in September 2016 in Cleveland, Ohio.

Duff spoke about Axl's collaboration with AC/DC during a 2019 appearance on "The Church Of What's Happening Now" podcast. He said: "The way [Axl] did that was amazing. He was, like, 'If you guys don't mind, I'm gonna go try out. They need a hand here.' [Late AC/DC frontman] Bon Scott's his all-time [hero]. [We said], 'Dude, you know you don't really have to try out for AC/DC.' But he was really nervous. 'I'm gonna go try out. It fits in with our touring perfect.' And Slash and I were, like, 'You've got the gig.' But he went to Atlanta and tried out, quote-unquote, and got the gig. I saw him twice on that tour. I flew to London to see him, and I flew to Cleveland to see that. It was great."

McKagan added: "I think what it did for [Axl]… We got to know Angus through that. Angus has now come out and played with us a bunch of times. That was that thing when he was 14 or 15, 'Man, one day, if I ever got to be in AC/DC…' He was singing with a broom, and he finally got to do it. Amazing."

AC/DC released its long-awaited comeback album, "Power Up", last November. The follow-up to 2014's "Rock Or Bust" was recorded over a six-week period in August and September 2018 at Warehouse Studios in Vancouver with producer Brendan O'Brien, who also worked 2008's "Black Ice" and 2014's "Rock Or Bust".

Although AC/DC originally planned on releasing "Power Up" in early 2020, the pandemic forced the band to reconsider.

Tony Iommi has received the COVID-19 vaccine. The 72-year-old BLACK SABBATH guitarist, who was diagnosed with the early stages of lymphoma more than nine years ago, shared that he got the shot in a new interview with Greg Prato of Consequence Of Sound.

Asked how he is doing health-wise at the moment, Iommi said: "Hopefully okay. Funny enough, I had a blood test yesterday, and I also had my [COVID] virus vaccine jab yesterday, as well. I always have myself checked over regularly and try to keep on top of anything that might pop up. Of course, at my age, things pop up. But I feel fine and everything seems to be — touch wood — going all right at the moment."

Iommi, who is promoting the upcoming deluxe editions of BLACK SABBATH's "Heaven And Hell" and "Mob Rules" albums, also talked about his current musical projects, saying: "I'd like to be working on things more than what I am at the moment. All I'm down to at the minute is just sort of playing riffs at home, basically — and jotting them down. I'm waiting for the time … because in England now, we're on a complete lockdown. Once they lift the lockdown, I can get my engineer here — because it's set up in his way that he works everything, and I just play — which I like. I don't like getting involved with the other side of it now. When it was the old tapes … but now, it's gone to computers and I can't keep up with the gadgetry these days. And my engineer can. So, when the lockdown lifts and he can come over here and can work in my house, I'm going to start putting things down again and then decide what I'm going to do — if I'm going to have a singer on it or if it's going to be for a movie track. I don't know. But it's great now — I'm in a position where I don't have to do anything. I don't have to tour. I can do it at my own leisure — which I really enjoy. I love playing and I've got so much stuff to put out — I just want to get it done."

Tony is the third member of BLACK SABBATH to get a COVID-19 vaccine, after singer Ozzy Osbourne and bassist Geezer Butler.

Iommi revealed his cancer diagnosis in early 2012, shortly after SABBATH announced a reunion tour and album. He underwent treatment throughout the recording of the disc, titled "13", and the subsequent tour to promote it.

Iommi said in 2016 interview that "the lowest moment" for him was being diagnosed. He explained: "You automatically wind yourself up saying, 'That's it then,' but that is not always the case. When they tell you, you think, 'Oh God.' That was a low time. I have had a few low times in my life like everybody has, but that was one that stuck in the head."

Osbourne told The Pulse Of Radio in 2014 that Iommi never let his condition slow him down. "My hat goes off to him 'cause he really is Iron Man," he said. "I mean, that chemotherapy knocks you sideways, you know. I mean, when my wife had cancer a few years back, she was having three chemo things a month and it would knock the life out of — literally every time she'd have a treatment, she'd have a seizure. It's scary stuff. But he came down, plugged in and carried on. He's my hero, I swear to God he is."

The BLACK SABBATH guitarist successfully underwent an operation in January 2017 to remove a noncancerous lump from his throat.

"13" was the first album in 35 years to feature Osbourne, Iommi and Butler all playing together.

In February 2017, SABBATH finished "The End" tour in Birmingham, closing out the quartet's groundbreaking 49-year career.

"The End" was SABBATH's last tour because Iommi can no longer travel for extended amounts of t

BLACK SABBATH drumming legend, poet and artist Bill Ward recently unveiled his first art piece in nearly five years, "Lays The Burden, Dead".

A gripping and multi-faceted work crafted during an unprecedented year, "Lays The Burden, Dead" is more than a massive offering of visual art. It is a unique and highly limited package that features a complementary poem printed on an archival paper stock complete with the SceneFour chop. All canvases are numbered and individually signed by Ward. Each ships with a certificate of authenticity. Only 50 are available worldwide.

In the video below, Ward breaks down the mean behind the work, and reviews the poem line by line in an informative way.

2015's "The Absence Of Corners" art collection was a career first for Bill. Ward was one of the pioneers in bringing the new medium of rhythm-on-canvas to the world. Three years later, he offered a comprehensive look at the collection and expanding on each of the pieces with poetry, both in writing and spoken word.

Following the creation, release, and various exhibitions of the collection, Ward began crafting poetry to bring readers into the work in a much more personal way. The result was 19 works, each associated with his entire fine art debut collection. To add a new dimension to the experience of reading and viewing the art within the book, Ward recorded an album of spoken-word poetry to round out this experience.

Working with SceneFour, Ward utilized a sophisticated formula to create the collection's visuals, using an array of drumsticks and rhythmic accessories that produce light, much like a painter utilizing brushes and oils. The movements featured within the captured rhythms are then studied and developed into abstract artwork that showcases a dimension not normally seen by the human eye.

Based in Los Angeles, SceneFour specializes in working with music visionaries on the creation of fine artwork. SceneFour's previous art collaborations have included releases with including Dave Lombardo (SLAYER), Rick Allen (DEF LEPPARD), Mike Mangini (DREAM THEATER), Chad Smith (RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS), Mikkey Dee (MOTÖRHEAD, SCORPIONS, Nick Menza (MEGADETH) and Gene Hoglan (TESTAMENT)..

Ward stated about the project: "When I'm working on new ideas, musically much of what's played is guided by a visual appearance or shape. Since my early childhood, I've played drums in visuals as well as sound. When I write, there's always an image, sometimes a color attached to what's being created... I am delighted with the captured expressions — from my head and my heart. Their arrival onto canvas is beautiful."

According to TMZ, detectives from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department are expected to meet with one of Marilyn Manson's alleged victims "in the coming days." The authorities want to determine if a crime was committed, if it falls under their jurisdiction and if it warrants further investigation.

Earlier this month, several women came forward accusing the rocker of abuse and assault, including "Westworld" actress Evan Rachel Wood, who claimed in a social media post that Manson "groomed" and "horrifically" abused her for years. After she shared her accusations, at least four other women posted their own allegations against the singer. The women claimed to have endured "sexual assault, psychological abuse, and/or various forms of coercion, violence, and intimidation" at the hands of Manson.

The 52-year-old Manson, whose real name is Brian Warner, later released a statement denying the abuse allegations leveled against him, writing on Instagram: "Obviously, my art and my life have long been magnets for controversy, but these recent claims about me are horrible distortions of reality. My intimate relationships have always been entirely consensual with like-minded partners. Regardless of how — and why — others are now choosing to misrepresent the past, that is the truth."

In the weeks since Wood came forward with her allegations, Manson has also been dropped by his label, Loma Vista Recordings, longtime manager Tony Ciulla, as well as the talent agency CAA, which provides representation for individuals across various mediums. Future scenes of "American Gods" and "Creepshow" featuring Manson have also been pul

Grammy-winning band GRETA VAN FLEET has released the official music video for its new single, "Heat Above". It is the third track released from their forthcoming sophomore studio album, "The Battle At Garden's Gate", produced by Greg Kurstin (Paul McCartney, FOO FIGHTERS, Adele) and due out April 16 (Lava/Republic Records). "Heat Above" is an ethereal track that opens with a Hammond B3 seeping in slowly to set the tone for a triumphant sonic build.

"There's plenty of love left in this world, even though it may not seem like it," said Sam Kiszka, bassist/keyboardist for GRETA VAN FLEET. "And that's what 'Heat Above' is about, rising to the stars together."

GRETA VAN FLEET added: "'Heat Above' is theatrical, eloquent, and exaggerated. This is a dream in the clouds, a moment of peace in the storm. Thematically, we are dead center in the cult of Heaven, surreal, strange and free."

The band first debuted the song with Zane Lowe on "The Zane Lowe Show" via Apple Music 1 in an interview where they discussed what it was like to work with a new producer, the personal growth they've seen over the last three years, and where in the world they've been in the extended downtime away from touring.

"The Battle At Garden's Gate" is a reflection of GRETA VAN FLEET's journey into the present. With string orchestras, explorative songs, and the band building a visual story with every track, it has an elevated elegance unseen yet from the young band. It explores the boundaries of the group's artistry, with physical copies of the record featuring a stunning 16-page booklet full of mythical, transcendent visuals and metaphysical symbols for each track.

In three years, GRETA VAN FLEET (Josh Kiszka on vocals, Jake Kiszka on guitars, Sam Kiszka on bass and keyboards, and Danny Wagner on drums) went from touring the grimy rock bars of Detroit and Saginaw to headlining shows on five continents with audiences triple their hometown’s population. The band that once attracted crowds of teens to improvised forest concerts, have now sold over one million tickets worldwide.

The twelve songs and symbols on "The Battle At Garden's Gate" were revealed this week and touch upon themes of freedom, self-empowerment, power in community, and respect for Mother Earth.

"The Battle At Garden's Gate" track listing:

01. Heat Above

02. My Way, Soon

03. Broken Bells

04. Built by Nations

05. Age of Machine

06. Tears of Rain

07. Stardust Chords

08. Light My Love

09. Caravel

10. The Barbarians

11. Trip the Light Fantastic

12. The Weight of Dreams

FOO FIGHTERS performed several songs, including a cover version of the BEE GEES classic "You Should Be Dancing", on Jo Wiley's BBC Radio 2 "Sofa Session". You can now listen to the session at this location.

FOO FIGHTERS frontman Dave Grohl explained how the cover came about, saying: "We've been going down to our studio every day and filming things and recording things, and this one day we had our list of things we were supposed to do and it said, 'Record a cover song for Jo.' And while we were having this conversation, somebody said, 'Hey, have you seen that BEE GEES documentary?' And I was like the last person on earth — the only person that hadn't seen it! So I was, like, 'Why don't we just do a BEE GEES song?' And someone was just, like, 'Okay… how do you wanna do it?!' And I said: 'Well, let's do it like the BEE GEES.'"

He continued: "We started recording the instrumental track, and then I thought, 'Okay, well, I'm gonna go out and sing it…' and let me tell you, I have never, ever in my life sung like that, but it was the easiest song I have ever sung in my entire life! I sang the song, and it was like six minutes and I was done. I should have been singing like this for the last 25 years!'

FOO FIGHTERS are continuing to promote their latest album, "Medicine At Midnight", which recently landed at No. 1 on Billboard's Top Album Sales chart with first-week sales of 64,000 copies in the U.S.

The Top Album Sales chart ranks the top-selling albums of the week based only on traditional album sales.

FOO FIGHTERS previously topped the chart with 2017's "Concrete And Gold" and 2011's "Wasting Light".

23,000 of "Medicine At Midnight"'s first-week sales came from vinyl LP sales, with CDs and digital albums registering 20,000 each.

"Medicine At Midnight" came out on February 5 via Roswell Records/RCA Records. The LP is a nine-song, 37-minute effort which was produced by the FOO FIGHTERS and Greg Kurstin.

The first single from the disc, "Shame Shame", was released in November. An accompanying music video for the song was directed by Paola Kudacki and co-stars Grohl and Sofia Boutella. "Shame Shame" renders in stunning black and white an interpretation of a recurring dream that's haunted Grohl since his childhood days.




In case you missed it, Foos caught up with @jowhiley on @BBCRadio2 and premiered the 'Dee Gees.' ? Check out the cover now on @BBCSounds: https://t.co/RuhWFbKtKh pic.twitter.com/6QZ994Af2o

— Foo Fighters (@foofighters) February 18, 2021

Singer Eddie Sutton of the legendary New York hardcore/metal act LEEWAY is battling stage three adenocarcinoma, an aggressive form of lung cancer. A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to help Eddie deal with the cost of treatment.

A post on the GoFundMe reads: "This campaign is a beginning to help Eddie cover some of his costs and expenses as he fights Stage 3 Adenocarcinoma. This is a form of lung cancer that can be aggressive and spread to other parts of the body, but we've already started scheduling chemotherapy at the end of the month because the sooner we bring the fight the better."

Eddie said: "I spent a full week in the hospital getting all tests necessary and the doctors feel this can be treated. They at first found a malignant mass on the top part of my right lung which is the culprit that caused me pain for over 2 weeks before I walked into an ER…I didn't have any healthcare at the time I'm now trying to acquire state healthcare (Medicaid) because this is going to be expensive even with healthcare.

"I need the help of my friends and family more than ever and I hope each of you know how much this means to me. I have a lot to look forward in life still and I don't want to leave this world in such a condition.

"My love and respect to you all and thank you from the bottom of my heart for your support".

Formed in 1984 by Sutton and guitarist A.J. Novello, LEEWAY has released four studio albums — "Born To Expire" (1989), "Desperate Measures" (1991), "Adult Crash" (1994) and "Open Mouth Kiss" (1995) — and broken up and reformed several times over the years. Despite never achieving notable commercial success, LEEWAY is considered to be an integral part of the 1980s New York hardcore and crossover thrash sce

Devil Sold His Soul will release their fourth studio album, Loss, via Nuclear Blast Records on April 9. The band members discuss their early years in this new video trailer:

Singer Paul Green on the new album: "We're incredibly excited to announce the release of our 4th album, Loss, through Nuclear Blast Records. Loss comes from a dark place for us, life was cruel in the years before and during we wrote this record, this was our fuel for the songs. Loss is an honest snapshot of that time in our lives, and it is our way of paying respect to those we loved and who are no longer with us. We couldn't be more proud of these 10 songs and where they have pushed our songwriting, and we hope they truly connect with the listener. I don't think any of us imagined when we were writing this album, that we would end up signing to the biggest metal label in the world. It's given us that added validation that we've created something special, and we now have the platform to push it to where it needs to be.The belief that the team at Nuclear Blast has shown in the record is truly humbling, we're extremely proud to be a part of this great label, and to be on a roster alongside so many bands we love and respect."

The album will be available in various formats. Pre-order here.

Tracklisting:

"Ardour"
"Witness Marks"
"Burdened"
"Tateishi"
"The Narcissist"
"Beyond Reach"
"Signal Fire"
"Acrinomy"
"But Not Forgotten"
"Loss"

"The Narcissist" video:

"Beyond Reach" video:

Devil Sold His Soul begin a new chapter in their highly-acclaimed career, signing to metal heavyweights Nuclear Blast Records. 2021 will see the band release their fourth studio album Loss, their first with the dual vocal attack of Ed Gibbs and Paul Green.

Devil Sold His Soul burst onto the UK underground metal and hardcore scene in 2004 growing a cult following from their first record, Darkness Prevails EP released through Visible Noise in 2005. Their debut album, A Fragile Hope, saw the band take their position as one of the most respected underground bands in the UK with their visceral and captivating live shows. Devil Sold His Soul’s sophomore album, Blessed And Cursed, elevated their sound and audience to new heights.

With Ed Gibbs departing the band early in the year, 2013 saw the first new material featuring singer Paul Green with single "Time", followed by 2014’s Belong Betray EP and 2016’s The Reckoning. After welcoming Gibbs back to sing on the 2017 A Fragile Hope anniversary tour, the band asked Gibbs to continue the dual vocals with Green for the remaining festivals and tours that year, with the lineup then becoming a permanent fixture.

2018 saw the band travel beyond Europe with their first touring in Asia, they also began to put the foundations down on what would become their new record Loss. Written about the struggles faced in recent years, Loss’treads familiar ground and explores exciting new territories for Devil Sold His Soul, including for the first time the dual vocals of Gibbs and Green on record. Recorded, engineered and mixed by guitarist Jonny Renshaw at his UK based Bandit Studios, Devil Sold His Soul have poured heart and sincerity into every atom of this their fourth album, with song writing elevated to new levels.

Devil Sold His Soul is:

Rick Chapple – Guitar, Piano
Jonny Renshaw - Guitar
Alex Wood - Drums
Jozef Norocky - Bass
Paul Green – Vocals
Ed Gibbs - Vocals

US progressive hard rock band, Fiction Syxx, have released a new single and music video for "Whispers In The Dark".

The track - about the thin line between this world and the spiritual domain - is taken from the forthcoming album, Ghost Of My Fathers Past, which will be released later in 2021 via Melodic Rock Records.

Fiction Syxx mixes progressive hard rock with a nuance of melodic rock. The first release from this project was a way to bring a talented core of seasoned musicians together to create a sound and an experience that is different from the rest.

The core of the band has stayed constant, other than one change - Larry Hart (King Kobra/Montrose) on bass guitar took over for Tony Franklin who played bass on the debut release. Prepare for songs with a story to tell, a mix of melody, harmony, soaring slide, and at times SHRED!

Fiction Syxx is:

Mark Allen Lanoue - Lead Vocals & Guitar (Biloxi, Persian Risk, Message)
JK Northrup - Guitar, B. Vocals & Production (XYZ, King Kobra)
Rory Faciane - Drums (Biloxi, Fall From Eden)
Larry Hart - Bass (King Kobra, Montrose)
Eric Ragno - Keyboards (The Babys, Joe Lynn Turner)

For every release, there is a passion to out do the last. The musicianship, the complexities of the songs, the production and the hooks. All maximized for fan enjoyment.

Fiction Syxx, is the brain child of songwriter/vocalist/guitarist, Mark Allen Lanoue. But like all ideas, including musical ones, it is not just about the writing; it is about the delivery. So, since the writing the first song in 2016 called “Welcome To My Nightmare” this band and the writing chemistry between Mark Lanoue & JK Northrup has become like a band of brothers that knows exactly what to add to make each song amazing.

Hailing from Philadelphia, Shadows - the newly launched avant-garde/doom metal quartet led by Alex Bouks (Immolation, Goreaphobia) and comprising former Goreaphobia musicians - will release its self-titled EP on February 26 via Agonia Records. The EP's title track is available for streaming below.

As founding member of the Philadelphia death metal band Goreaphobia, Alex Bouks has been involved in the extreme underground music scene since the late 80’s. His technical style of aggressive, melodic guitar work has resulted in worldwide recognition, being a member of such acclaimed acts as Immolation, Incantation, Master, Ruinous and Funebrarum. Now Alex has returned to his musical roots in Shadows, with classic influences featuring Pink Floyd, Celtic Frost, Sisters of Mercy, Black Sabbath, Mercyful Fate or Voivod, and with musicians he always felt chemistry with, including Henry Piotrkowski and Jake G of the split-up Goreaphobia and Lance Walter of another Philadelphia unit, Dominance.

Their debut EP was produced at Rhawn Street Studios in the US and mastered by Tore Stjerna (Mayhem, Watain) at Necromorbus Studio in Sweden.

Formats:

- Digipak CD
- Jewelcase CD
- Black LP
- Red LP
- Gold LP
- Splatter LP
- Digital

Order the EP here.

Tracklisting:

"Ghosts Of Old"
"Shadows"
"Night Of The Goat Winter Moon"
"Elders"
"Sea Of Dust"
"Ancient Eyes"

"Shadows":

"Ghosts Of Old" video:

Lineup:

Alex Bouks - Lead guitar
Henny Piotrowski - guitar
Jake G - vocals
Lance Walter - drums, bass, lead guitar

(Photo - Verrecchio Photography)

Former MEGADETH guitarist Marty Friedman will release his new studio album, "Tokyo Jukebox 3", on April 16 via The Players Club/Mascot Label Group. The record, which was made available in Japan last October, is the third in a series that began with "Tokyo Jukebox" in 2009, and then "Tokyo Jukebox 2" following in 2011. The trilogy presents Friedman's inspired performances to Japanese repertoire he's chosen to cover. He shares: "I've been playing stuff from the first two 'Jukebox' albums live all over the world, and it's taken on a life of its own. Especially in places like North and South America, Australia, Italy, France and even India. My fan base is very dedicated, and what I have found is that lots of new fans have been introduced to Japanese music and culture through me, which is very gratifying. On the tours it seems like aside from the dedicated guitar fans, the Japan fanatics have been noticeably growing, so now felt like the right time to do 'Tokyo Jukebox 3'."

On this announcement, he presents a new music video for the song "Makenaide" which can be seen below. Friedman offers: "I feel so incredibly fortunate and grateful for the love and support of wonderful people from so many countries and cultures around the world. With this video, I tried my best to share that unique feeling with you, and what better way than to have those cool folks jam for us. A huge thank you to everyone who took the time and energy to learn this song and make this video so fun to look at."

Friedman put a lot of energy into selecting the right songs to cover for the album, He shares: "In Japan, you have to get permission to record and release cover versions, and that can be a very tricky and long process. So, the last thing I wanted to do was to ask permission to do a song, only to wind up not recording it for whatever reason. That would be very impolite. I spent several weeks choosing songs and demoing them to see whether I could create versions that I could get pumped up about, before I even approached any publishers. I came up with a short list of 20 songs, and from this chose about 15 that I knew I could really score with."

Friedman has also included "The Perfect World", which he wrote, recorded and originally released in 2018. This is the only track on the album with vocals. He reflects: "Back then I did the song with Jean-Ken Johnny from MAN WITH A MISSION on vocals, and that was used as the main theme for the Netflix series 'B: The Beginning'. On the day of release, the song went straight to the top of the Japanese iTunes chart." This recording is a new, fresh interpretation with Alfakyun, one of Japan's premier female J-pop singers performing the vocals. As Friedman offers: "It's really a self-cover, so it fits in with the idea of this being a covers album."

Friedman has also included "Japan Heritage Theme Song", another of his own compositions on which he worked with the Tokyo Philharmonic orchestra. He reflects: "I was asked by the Japanese government to compose an official song to be played at government sponsored events which celebrate Japanese heritage. This was a huge honor, and it was wonderful to be able to work with such a prestigious orchestra which, rather conveniently, my wife plays cello in. Doing this was a little different from what I am used to, because instead of playing a completed track to record company people, I had to face Japanese government officials. I recall looking at their stony faces after they heard it and sweating anxiously awaiting their reaction. Thankfully, they liked what I'd done. I felt this was a great, uplifting way to close the album."

Much of the recording process was done at Power House Studios in Tokyo, with Friedman, who was also the producer on the project, joined by bassist Kiyoshi and drummer Anup Sastry. He shares: "Kiyoshi has been in my band for about six years now doing all my tours and recordings. She is a powerhouse, and I honestly have never seen anyone hit the bass as hard as she does, especially while keeping up with my kind of challenging music. Anup was a member of SKYHARBOR (an Indian/American progressive metal band) and has been on my last three albums. He is just plain phenomenal as well."

The recording process started in January, 2020 and was due to end in March with a release in May. Then the pandemic struck, and everything was pushed back. Friedman had no firm deadline to finish the album within, and he took advantage of the time, reflecting on executing his vision without limitations. He offers: "I kept reworking the music, and improving everything. In the end, it took several months to get the album completed, but it was time well spent. I believe the music turned out so much better because I wasn't under any deadline pressure." The mixing was handled by Jens Bogren at his own Fascination Studios in Sweden. He's a resource Friedman has the utmost confidence in offering, "Jens has mixed my last three albums and he's one of the best in the business. He knows what I want, and I know he'll get it for me."

Friedman's remarkable attention to detail on this album goes beyond the music. The cover image presents the guitarist dressed in a traditional Japanese kimono, with make-up that honors authentic tradition. He offers: "I have to admit that getting this done was a hellish process. It could easily have just looked like a dude in drag and therefore rather stupid. It does take a very serious attitude and approach to pull this off properly. If you look at the covers for the first two 'Jukebox' albums, I had on kabuki make-up. There was no photoshop used at all and that's precisely why they came out so well. This time I brought on the absolute top professionals in the unique field of wardrobe and make-up, and I believe we've hit the bullseye. I am actually wearing two kimonos in the photo, as well as padding to fill me out a little like a sumo wrestler. You'd never believe I am this skinny rock dude from the East Coast of America!"

Friedman staged a live streaming concert on New Year's Day 2021 to celebrate the "Jukebox" series. Plans to tour worldwide are in his sights, sharing: "Obviously, we have to wait and see what happens with international travel protocol. But I cannot wait to get back on the road again. I have really missed it terribly." In the interim, he hopes the world enjoys the fruits of his labor of love on "Jukebox 3", where Friedman takes J-Pop hits and offers his own charismatic interpretations of contemporary repertoire that includes LiSA's "Gurenge" and Official Hige Dandism's "Shukumei", alongside Da Pump's dance track "U.S.A.", Sekai No Owari's ballad "Sazanka", and the vocaloid hit "Senbonzakura". Japanese old-school standards, Zard's "Makenaide" and Every Little Things' "Time Goes By", are also given Marty's modern overhaul to round out the album's track list to cover the full scope of his take on the Japanese music scene. In closing Friedman offers, "I am so happy with the way this turned out. And I am also grateful for how it's been received so far. The reaction has been fantastic. It was joyful and cathartic to record, and I am delighted it's now giving people such a fun diversion."

Legendary rocker Alice Cooper will release his new album, "Detroit Stories", on February 26 via earMUSIC.

Audio samples of all the tracks that appear on the disc can be streamed in the YouTube clip below.

Named for the city that launched the original Alice Cooper group on the road to success, "Detroit Stories" follows 2019's "Breadcrumbs" EP as a modern-day homage to the toughest and craziest rock and roll scene there ever was.

In 1970, fledgling producer Bob Ezrin walked into a farmhouse on the outskirts of Detroit to work with the Alice Cooper band. Abandoning flower power Los Angeles, because they were the opposite of the hippie peace and love ideal, Alice had brought his decidedly darker gang back to his birthplace to the legendary rock scene that gave birth to hard rock, garage rock, soul, funk, punk...and more.

Ezrin drilled the band for 10 hours a day to define their signature sound. Whenever they nailed a song, the inmates at the hospital for the criminally insane across the road cheered and thus the classic Alice Cooper sound was born.

"Detroit was heavy rock central then," explains Alice, "You'd play the Eastown and it would be Alice Cooper, Ted Nugent, THE STOOGES and THE WHO, for $4! The next weekend at the Grande it was MC5, BROWNSVILLE STATION and FLEETWOOD MAC, or SAVOY BROWN or the SMALL FACES. You couldn't be a soft-rock band or you'd get your ass kicked."

"Los Angeles had its sound with THE DOORS, LOVE and BUFFALO SPRINGFIELD," he says, "San Francisco had the GRATEFUL DEAD and JEFFERSON AIRPLANE. New York had THE RASCALS and THE VELVET UNDERGROUND. But Detroit was the birthplace of angry hard rock. After not fitting in anywhere in the U.S. (musically or image wise) Detroit was the only place that recognized the Alice Cooper guitar-driven hard rock sound and our crazy stage show. Detroit was a haven for the outcasts. And when they found out I was born in East Detroit... we were home."

50 years later, Alice and Ezrin gathered some legendary Detroit musicians in a Detroit studio to record "Detroit Stories", Alice Cooper's new album that celebrates that spirit for a new era. If 2019's "Breadcrumbs" EP laid down the trail to the city, "Detroit Stories" drives like a muscle car right down Woodward Ave.

"We recorded with Wayne Kramer (guitarist and writer from the MC5), Johnny "Bee" Badanjek (drums; from the legendary DETROIT WHEELS), Paul Randolph (legendary Detroit jazz and R&B bassist) as well as the Motor City Horns and other local musicians," explains Ezrin, "We had musical ideas and encouragement from John Varvatos, the support of the folks at Shinola, and we recorded at Rustbelt Studios in Royal Oak. This was made in detroit for Detroit by Detroit denizens!"

"Detroit Stories" will be available on CD, CD+DVD digipak, CD box set (including CD, Blu-ray, t-shirt, face mask, torch light and 3 stickers), and 2LP gatefold.

The DVD and Blu-ray will show the incredible live performance "A Paranormal Evening At The Olympia Paris" for the first time on video. With the whole concert culture being shut down due to COVID-19, Alice Cooper felt the need to share one of his latest shows with his fans as he cannot wait to get back on the road — better than ever.

Track listing:

01. Rock 'N' Roll

02. Go Man Go (Album Version)

03. Our Love Will Change The World

04. Social Debris

05. $1000 High Heel Shoes

06. Hail Mary

07. Detroit City 2021 (Album Version)

08. Drunk And In Love

09. Independence Dave

10. I Hate You

11. Wonderful World

12. Sister Anne (Album Version)

13. Hanging On By A Thread (Don't Give Up)

14. Shut Up And Rock

15. East Side Story (Album Version)

BON JOVI's music video for the song "Story Of Love" can be seen below. The track is taken from the band's latest album, "2020", which was released last October via Island Records.

Originally set for release in May 2020, "2020" was a completed album with a breadth and depth of songwriting, titled for a challenging and pivotal election year. Along with all of America, Jon Bon Jovi found himself unexpectedly experiencing a world-altering coronavirus pandemic, followed quickly by the staggering events of George Floyd's death and the ensuing national movement for racial equality. He knew there was even more to say about 2020. Writing from a home studio, two new songs were born: "American Reckoning" and "Do What You Can" encompass these events and made the album a complete body of work.

Jon Bon Jovi delves into socially conscious matters such as soldiers dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder ("Unbroken", featured in the documentary "To Be Of Service"), gun violence ("Lower The Flag"), our shared social experience ("Let It Rain", "Brothers In Arms") and the political climate ("Blood In The Water").

The album — which follows the band's 2016 No. 1 release, "This House is Not For Sale" — also finds the group coming out of the other side of a period of great change.

Once again co-produced by John Shanks and Jon Bon Jovi, the record features the entire touring band — keyboardist David Bryan, drummer Tico Torres, bassist Hugh McDonald, guitarist Phil X, percussionist Everett Bradley, and guitarist John Shanks.

"The Story Of Love" touches on the theme of parenthood, opening with the lines "Fathers love daughters like mother love sons." That touching lyric was inspired by Jon's own family. "I sat down to write a song for my children," he said. The song takes a journey through the circle of life, where suddenly the child becomes the parents and the parents are getting older. "I realized I was writing it about my entire family, my children, my wife and my parents," Jon said.

Over an illustrious career spanning more than three decades since its formation in 1983, BON JOVI has earned their place among global rock royalty and was inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame as well as the Songwriters Hall Of Fame. With over 130 million albums sold worldwide, and extensive catalog of hit anthems, thousands of concerts performed in more than 50 countries for more than 35 million fans, and ticket grosses well over $1 billion around the world in the last decade alone, BON JOVI is the consummate rock and roll band.

Israel's progressive/symphonic metal wizards, Scardust, persevered through the challenges presented by the events of 2020 and ended the year by releasing their  sophomore concept album, Strangers.

The group is poised to continue moving forward as 2021 progresses, though the makeup of the band has been slightly altered. Bassist Yanai Avnet and keyboardist Itai Portugali have said an amicable goodbye to Scardust, and the group has officially welcomed into the fold longtime songwriting collaborator Orr Didi (bass) and longtime friend of the band Aaron Friedland (keyboards).

“They are, and will always, stay good friends and part of the Scardust family,” the band says of Avnet and Portugali. “We called (Orr) the 'ghost member' of Scardust. Up until this point, he was writing and composing in the shadows. We are SUPER-excited to have Orr with us on-stage and in the studio from now on. Aaron is an old friend, and actually was the first keyboardist to get an offer to play with us back when we started the band. As you know, it didn't work out at first, but it was definitely worth the wait. Aaron is a magician on those keys, as you will all soon learn. We can't wait to rock stages together!”

Details on the new lineup's first live performance will be revealed soon. Full statements from Avnet Portugali, Didi, and Friedland - along with photos of the new lineup - can be found here.

Scardust in 2021 is:

Noa Gruman - Vocals
Yadin Moyal - Guitar
Aaron Friedland - Keyboards
Orr Didi - Bass
Yoav Weinberg - Drums

(Photo - Mariano Ruben Gonzalez Oliveira)

Faroese-based melodic death/doom sextet, Hamferð, have launched a video for "Frosthvarv" (Live in the Eysturoy Tunnel), which can be viewed below. The track is taken from their 2018 album, Támsins likam.

Hamferð comments: "Through the band's history, we've always been fascinated by performing in untraditional venues. So when we got the opportunity of actually playing beneath the bottom of the ocean, it was obviously something which we had to do. The tunnel and the sculptures by Tróndur Patursson really add to the atmosphere of the music, and we hope that the atmosphere translates through the video so people are able to enjoy it wherever they are."

Be sure to catch Hamferð during Metal Injection's Slay At Home livestream this Friday, February 19th - featuring other performances by members of Paradise Lost, Spirit Adrift, Pallbearer, and more. Kicking off at 12 PM, PST/3 PM, EST/9 PM, CET, fans can tune in here.

Hamferð lineup:

Jon Aldara - Vocals
Eyðun í Geil Hvannastein - Guitar
Theodor Kapnas - Guitar
Isak Petersen - Bass
Esmar Joensen - Keyboards
Remi Johannesen - Drums

With their forthcoming 13th studio album, Portuguese dark metal giants, Moonspell, are approaching their 30th anniversary as a band more ambitiously and stronger than ever. Hermitage will see the light of day on February 26 via Napalm Records, and invites us on an entertaining and revolutionary journey through the darkest days of human existence.

"Hermitage is an open-hearted invitation to simplicity. To be humble. To be thankful. To serve you solace. Provide you comfort, entertainment,” vocalist Fernando Ribeiro recently said. "We sincerely hope this call reaches you. That you kindly accept what we offer. That you take our music with you to the place you must feel as yours. To your secret place, to your hermitage.”

Watch an unboxing video below:

Hermitage was recorded, mixed and mastered this past summer by Jaime Gomez Arellano (Paradise Lost, Primordial, Ghost, Sólstafir & many more) at the Orgone Studios in the UK. Building upon the album’s dark, revolutionary and sensitive facets, it’s a wonderfully intuitive and epic ride by one of the most distinctive dark metal bands of all time, and a testament to what they’ve always loved the most: Honest, emotional metal that binds us even in the darkest times.

Hermitage will be available in several highly limited and collectible Deluxe and Die-Hard Editions, Mediabook, and Cassette (all of them including the Candlemass cover "Darkness In Paradise") but also in Jewelcase and Digital formats. The Deluxe Box will also include an etched 7’’ Vinyl with another special bonus track, “The Great Leap Forward", as well as much more exciting additional collectible items.

Pre-order here.

Hermitage tracklisting:

"The Greater Good"
"Common Prayers"
"All Or Nothing"
"Hermitage"
"Entitlement"
"Solitarian"
"The Hermit Saints"
"Apophthegmata"
"Without Rule"
"City Quitter" (Outro)

Bonus tracks:

"Darkness In Paradise" (Candlemass Cover – LP, Box, Cassette + Mediabook)
"The Great Leap Forward" (7" Vinyl – Deluxe Box)

"All Or Nothing" video:

"Common Prayers" video:

"The Greater Good" lyric video:

(Photo - Rui Vasco)