Summoning The Lich have released a new single, "Cult Of the Ophidian", taken from their upcoming debut album, United In Chaos. Accompanying the single, Summoning The Lich have also shared a suitably macabre music video for the track. Directed by Danny Tilson, the clip alternates between the band adorned in occult robed attire and performing together.

United In Chaos will be released via Prosthetic Records on February 26. Pre-orders are currently being accepted here.

Taking inspiration from the best elements of Lord Of The Rings, Magic The Gathering, Dungeons & Dragons, and Adventure Time, and wrapping it up in a fantastical death metal parcel, Summoning The Lich has an attention to detail and commitment to storytelling that is second to none. United In Chaos tells the tale of the rise of the Lich and fall of the Kingdom Rodor - and the spread of his wicked influence across the land as his power grows.

Speaking on the release of "Cult Of The Ophidian", the band comment: "'Cult Of The Ophidian' follows 'The Nightmare Begins' and takes you to the Veiled Island where Rodorian mages live shielded from the outside world. The Watchers (a line of mages blessed with foresight) are tasked with warning the island of any impending danger, and this song follows his story as he tries to warn of the deep seeds of betrayal unraveling before his third eye."

Of the music video, the band add: "We once again worked with the incredible Danny Tilson, who produced this insane video along with additional videography by Sam Beck, and we couldn't be happier with the outcome!"

The album follows a well-received, self-titled demo and live dates alongside heavy-hitters such as Origin, Beneath The Massacre, and several stops on the Summer Slaughter tour. Having honed their craft, they entered Sicktones Studios studio with producer Jack Daniels in Cape Girardeau, Missouri in 2019. With mastering completed by John Douglass, the result is a technical, abrasive journey through fantasy-driven, modern death metal.

On United In Chaos, Summoning The Lich haven’t just championed a fantasy world, they’ve created one in their own vision; this release marking merely the first chapter in a trilogy of albums that explores the outer limits of their imaginations. By inserting their storytelling chops into songs crammed with memorable hooks and meaty riffs, Summoning The Lich have invited listeners to roll the dice and join the adventure.

Tracklisting:

"The Nightmare Begins"
"Cult Of The Ophidian"
"The Gatekeeper"
"Demon Of The Snow"
"Predatory Reflection"
"Acid Reign"
"United In Chaos"
"Descend"
"Hymns (Of The Witches Of The West)"
"Death Crystal"
"Temple Of The Bone"
"The Lure Of The Necromancer"

"The Nightmare Begins":

"Descend":

For further details,visit Summoning The Lich on Facebook.

(Photo: Chris Bauer)

 

"Another video from the Wacken World Wide live stream is 'Bismarck'. A song we really enjoy playing live," says Sweden's Sabaton.

In 2019, Sabaton released a video for the song "Bismarck", along with the message below.

"The most requested topic for a Sabaton song ever!"

"The fate of the ship Bismarck is a fascinating story we wanted to write about for a long time, but could not fit into any album. So we decided to make it as a single release, and as a gift from us to you for being fantastic fans for the past 20 years."

"Thanks to our friends at Wargaming and World Of Warships we can also present it with a truly impressive video, well worthy of this song. The talented team at Wargaming could ensure the historical accuracy of the scenes thanks to the models from their award winning game World Of Warships, and the director Matthias Hoene, who won a Golden Lion at Cannes, were able to bring the band and story together."

"Bismarck was a German Battleship and one of the biggest ever built in Europe. Commissioned in August 1940 and sunk in May 1941 after an intense hunt in the North Atlantic. Though he now rests beneath the waves, players of World Of Warships can still take this iconic ship into virtual battles."

"You wanted us to write this song, we heard you, and here is our tribute!"

 

England's Wode has joined with 20 Buck Spin to unleash their third scathing blast of profane black death metal, Burn In Many Mirrors. With the album now confirmed for release on April 2nd, a harbinger of its wrath has been issued through the advance stream of "Vanish Beneath."

The follow-up to Servants Of The Countercosmos, released by Avantgarde Music, Wode's Burn In Many Mirrors presents the band's most potently wild and predatory work yet. With six new tracks spanning 40 minutes of meticulously summoned infernal ferocity, the band scorches the landscape and drapes it in the foul reek of death's fog.

One may hear the ancient voice of obscure and revered gods reflected through Wode's sulphuric incantations, the raging fire of the most blasphemous legends of the past called upon by the spirit of chaos and death. Shrouded in sepulchral black metal atmosphere and freezing cold melodies, Burn In Many Mirrors displays a studied regard for songcraft and motive well beyond mere convention, transforming into a concentrated dark chorus of ruin and abomination.

Now into the second decade of existence in the material plane, Wode's definitive melding of black metal's ecstatic desecration, death metal's sharply attuned sense of violent purpose, and classic anthemic '80s metal instills Burn In Many Mirrors with the elements necessary to sear itself into the fervent heart of the faithful.

Recorded by Joe Clayton at NØ Studio and mastered by Magnus Lindberg, Burn In Many Mirrors is completed with cosmic front and back cover paintings by Santiago Caruso (Stargazer) and layout by Envoy Of Death Design.

The band offers, "We're just as excited about the new record now as we were when writing it. And it's great to be working with a label that we admire in 20 Buck Spin. Burn In Many Mirrors is the best realization to date of where we're coming from and marks a new chapter in our saga of chaos."   

Tracklisting:

"Lunar Madness"
"Serpent's Coil"
"Fire In The Hills"
"Sulphuric Glow"
"Vanish Beneath"
"Streams Of Rapture (I, II, III)"

For further details, visit Wode on Facebook.

(Photo by Philip James Torriero)

Singer Ronnie James Dio joined BLACK SABBATH in 1979 which resulted in two back-to-back classic albums: "Heaven And Hell" and "Mob Rules". On those memorable albums, Dio's soaring tenor and gothic songwriting were the perfect foil for the band's bone-crushing mix of razor-sharp riffs, intense grooves, and dark imagery.

Rhino salutes the long shadow cast by this short-lived lineup with newly remastered versions of both albums expanded with rare and unreleased music. "Heaven And Hell: Deluxe Edition" and "Mob Rules: Deluxe Edition" will be released separately on March 5. Each album will be available on 2-CDs ($19.98), or a 2-LPs ($31.98). Due to space constraints, both vinyl editions include a selection of bonus material from the CDs. The music will also be available via digital download and streaming services the same day.

A live version of "Neon Knights", recorded at Hartford Civic Center in Hartford, Connecticut on August 10, 1980, and a live version of "Voodoo", recorded at at the Hammersmith Odeon in London, U.K. on December 31, 1981, can be streamed below.

Dio joined BLACK SABBATH for the first time in 1979 and quickly found kindred spirits in guitarist Tony Iommi, bassist Geezer Butler, and drummer Bill Ward. When "Heaven And Hell" was released in April 1980, the album was met with effusive reviews for the band's return to form on metal masterpieces like "Neon Knights" and the title track. The album reached #9 in the U.K. and #28 in the U.S., where it was also certified platinum.

"Heaven And Hell: Deluxe Edition" adds several bonus tracks that have never been released in North America, including versions of "Children Of The Sea" and "Die Young" recorded live in 1980 in Hartford, Connecticut. The set concludes with live rarities like "E5150" and "Neon Knights" that originally appeared in 2007 on the Rhino Handmade's limited edition collection "Black Sabbath: Live At Hammersmith Odeon".

To follow up "Heaven And Hell", the group returned to the studio in 1981 to begin recording "Mob Rules", with drummer Vinny Appice joining the band for the first time. Released in October 1981 and certified gold, the album was another SABBATH classic, including standouts like "The Sign Of The Southern Cross", "Turn Up The Night" and the title track.

"Mob Rules: Deluxe Edition" boasts an expansive selection of rare and unreleased recordings. Along with additional tracks from "Live At Hammersmith Odeon", the collection also includes a newly mixed version of "The Mob Rules". The cherry on top is an entire concert recorded in 1982 in Portland, Oregon. Highlights include stellar performances of "Neon Knights", "Heaven And Hell" and "Voodoo".

The Dio-fronted lineup disbanded in 1982 but reunited a decade later to record "Dehumanizer" and tour before going on hiatus again. The group came together again in 2006 to record three new songs for Rhino's era-spanning collection "Black Sabbath: The Dio Years". The collaboration led to a highly anticipated world tour in 2007 where the group was billed as HEAVEN & HELL. Their final album of new material, 2009's "The Devil You Know", again demonstrated the musical bond between the band members was unparalleled.

"Heaven And Hell: Deluxe Edition" 2-CD track listing

Disc One: Original Album (2021 Remaster)

01. Neon Knights

02. Children Of The Sea

03. Lady Evil

04. Heaven And Hell

05. Wishing Well

06. Die Young

07. Walk Away

08. Lonely Is The Word

Disc Two: Bonus Tracks

01. Children Of The Sea – Live B-Side Of "Neon Knights" *

02. Heaven And Hell – Live B-Side Of "Die Young" *

03. Lady Evil – 7" Mono Edit (unreleased on CD)

Hartford Civic Center, Hartford, CT (August 10, 1980)

04. Neon Knights *

05. Children Of The Sea *

06. Heaven And Hell *

07. Die Young *

Hammersmith Odeon, London (Dec 31, 1981- Jan 2, 1982)

08. E5150

09. Neon Knights

10. Children Of The Sea

11. Heaven And Hell

2-LP Track Listing

Side One

01. Neon Knights

02. Children Of The Sea

03. Lady Evil

04. Heaven And Hell

Side Two

01. Wishing Well

02. Die Young

03. Walk Away

04. Lonely Is The Word

Side Three

01. Children Of The Sea – Live B-Side Of "Neon Knights" *

02. Heaven And Hell – Live B-Side Of "Die Young" *

03. Lady Evil – 7" Mono Edit (unreleased on CD)

04. Neon Knights – Live 1980 *

Side Four

01. Children Of The Sea – Live 1980 *

02. Heaven And Hell – Live 1980 *

03. Die Young – Live 1980 *

"Mob Rules: Deluxe Edition" 2-CD track listing

Disc One: Original Album (2021 Remaster)

01. Turn Up The Night

02. Voodoo

03. The Sign Of The Southern Cross

04. E5150

05. The Mob Rules

06. Country Girl

07. Slipping Away

08. Falling Off The Edge Of The World

09. Over And Over

Bonus Tracks

10. The Mob Rules – Heavy Metal Soundtrack Version

11. Die Young – Live B-Side Of "Mob Rules" 7" *

12. The Mob Rules – New 2021 Mix **

Live At The Hammersmith Odeon London (31/12/81 - 2/1/82)

13. Country Girl

14. Slipping Away

15. The Mob Rules

16. Voodoo

Live At Portland Memorial Coliseum, Portland, OR, April 22, 1982

17. Intro **

18. Neon Knights **

Disc Two: Bonus Tracks

Live At Portland Memorial Coliseum, Portland, OR, April 22, 1982

01. N.I.B. **

02. Children Of The Sea **

03. Voodoo **

04. Black Sabbath **

05. War Pigs **

06. Drum Solo **

07. Iron Man **

08. The Mob Rules **

09. Heaven And Hell **

10. Guitar Solo **

11. Sign Of The Southern Cross/Heaven And Hell – Reprise **

12. Paranoid **

13. Children Of The Grave **

2-LP Track Listing

Side One

01. Turn Up The Night

02. Voodoo

03. The Sign Of The Southern Cross

04. E5150

05. The Mob Rules

Side Two

01. Country Girl

02. Slipping Away

03. Falling Off The Edge Of The World

04. Over And Over

Side Three

01. The Mob Rules – Heavy Metal Soundtrack Version

02. Die Young – Live B-Side Of "Mob Rules" 7" *

03. The Mob Rules – New 2021 Mix **

04. Sign Of The Southern Cross/Heaven And Hell – Reprise **

Side Four

Live At The Hammersmith Odeon London (31/12/81 - 2/1/82)

01. Country Girl

02. Slipping Away

03. The Mob Rules

04. Voodoo

* previously unreleased in North America

** previously unreleased

SKID ROW bassist Rachel Bolan has spoken out in favor of mask wearing during the pandemic, saying it can protect both the wearer and those around them from COVID-19.

On Saturday (February 6), Bolan posted an Instagram photo of him wearing a mask from his Dirty Rocker Soap Company, and he included the following message: "I really like wearing a mask. For a lot of reasons. The most important reason is obviously to help myself and others from the spread of germs and virus. Whether we want to admit it or not. Wearing the right mask helps. But there are more that make wearing a mask something I really enjoy.

1. Facial hair. I'm saving a ton on razors and Just For Men - beard and mustache color.

2. A mask is another accessory to project your style. It's just as effective as a badass leather jacket or a cool t-shirt. Style is essential.

3. As a kid that always had his face in a comic book and faithfully watched Batman, Superman and The Green Hornet on TV, wearing a mask gives me an alter ego or secret identity super heroes had. I get the same feeling putting on a mask that I used to get tying a small blanket to my neck pretending it was a cape. It's fun to me.

"I will probably wear a mask long after I receive the vaccine and further into the future. That being said, just remember if you happen to see me wearing a mask there's a strong possibility I haven't brushed my teeth.

"Stay safe everyone. #mask #staysafe #spreadlovenotgerms #style #hero #follow #dirtyrockersoap".

While 450,000 Americans have died so far as a result of COVID-19, a number of people have come out against COVID-19 response measures, including lockdowns, physical distancing and mandatory mask policies, saying that they violate constitutional rights.

SKID ROW is currently working on the final chapter of the band's "United World Rebellion" trilogy. The disc was tracked in part at a Nashville, Tennessee studio with producer Michael Wagener, who also helmed the group's 1989 self-titled debut and 1991's "Slave To The Grind".

SKID ROW's new LP will mark its first release with South African-born, British-based vocalist ZP Theart (DRAGONFORCE, TANK, I AM I), who joined the band in 2016 following the departure of Tony Harnell (TNT, STARBREAKER).
























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Phil X needs no introduction, having been an integral full-time member of Bon Jovi since 2016. Phil and his band The Drills released "Right On The Money" in June 2020. Now they are back with a brand new single, "'I Love You' On Her Lips", out now via Golden Robot Records.

"'I Love You' On Her Lips" features Phil X on guitars and lead vocals, Daniel Spree on bass and backing vocals, as well as Gary Novak on drums. Gang Vocals by Steve Ferlazzo, Joe Lester, Matt Starr (Ace Frehley) and Marq Torien (Bullet Boys). 

According to Phil X, "'I Love You' On Her Lips" is TOTAL Drills. A hooky, energetic, big guitar punch in the face with wit and a little silliness. Everyone knows someone who says one thing and feels another. This is that with a twist." 

Phil X & The Drills have finished their fifth album, Stupid Good Lookings Vol. 2, which will be released in the near future on Golden Robot Records. Featuring a different drummer on every song, which reads like a who’s who with the likes of Tommy Lee, Liberty Devitto, Kenny Aronoff and Ray Luzier, the music promises to be extremely diverse. 

Phil X and his band, The Drills have been enjoying a rapidly growing international fan base supported by the release of five strong albums: Kick Your Ass In 17 Minutes (2009), We Bring The Rock N Roll (2011), We Play Instruments N Sh!t (2012), This House Is Not For Sale (2016) with Bon Jovi and Stupid Good Lookings Vol. 1 (2019).

First a prolific session guitar staple in Los Angeles, California, recording with the likes of Alice Cooper, Rob Zombie, Daughtry, Kelly Clarkson, Chris Cornell among many others (and even extends to playing with Canadian rock royalty such as Triumph, Aldo Nova, Our Lady Peace, Avril Lavigne, Theory Of A Deadman and more), Phil X became known for hosting the Fretted Americana web show that boasted over 50 million collective views!

In March of 2016, Phil was invited to Electric Lady Studios in New York to record guitars and background vocals on the Bon Jovi record, This House Is Not for Sale. The album was released later that year reaching #1 on the charts with the album artwork including Phil in the band shots, confirming his position in the band as an official member.  

 Phil X & The Drills are looking forward to delivering their "energetic guitar-driven rock that infects your senses with addictively great anthems" to the global masses!

 

Hookers & Blow, the now legendary project formed by longtime Guns N' Roses keyboardist Dizzy Reed and Quiet Riot guitarist Alex Grossi, hit the studio last year to record a covers album that will be released in 2021 via Golden Robot Records.

Now the band have dropped the fifth single off the album, a cover of The Zombie’s "Time Of The Season".

“We love The Zombies. Great band with a great name led by the incomparable Rod Argent and his keyboard wizardry. 'Time Of The Season' is an iconic song with a timeless message," says Dizzy Reed. "It was our intention to try and honor them and all of that. To help get the word out and share the burden as well as the fun, the lovely Nadja picks up the lead vocals on this one.”

"Time Of The Season" follows the release of the singles "Shakin'" (Eddie Money), "Rocks Off" (Rolling Stones), "Ziggy Stardust" (David Bowie), and "Trampled Underfoot" (Led Zeppelin).

Get your copy of "Time Of The Season" now at this location.

"Shakin'":

"Rocks Off":

"Ziggy Stardust":

"Trampled Underfoot":

 

METALLICA performed on "A Late Show: Super Bowl Edition", a live special edition of Stephen Colbert's "The Late Show With Stephen Colbert", on Sunday, February 7.

The band played its classic song "Enter Sandman", recorded at the METALLICA headquarters in San Rafael, California.

This is not be the first time that METALLICA has appeared on a talk show hosted by Stephen Colbert. In May 2017, METALLICA performed the song "Now That We're Dead" on an episode of "The Late Show With Stephen Colbert". Prior to that, the band sat down for an interview and performed on Comedy Central's "The Colbert Report" in September 2013.

Last May, the four members of METALLICA overcame social distancing to record a new version of their song "Blackened", with each member separated in his own home. The split-screen video was posted to the band's social media channels. That same month, Ulrich told Swedish talk show host Fredrik Skavlan that he and his bandmates were "sending ideas to each other via e-mail and via Zoom and [trying to] make music in these unusual situations."

In August, METALLICA broadcast a show to hundreds of drive-in and outdoor theaters across the U.S. and Canada, as part of the "Encore Drive-In Nights" series. The concert was filmed nearly three weeks earlier, on August 10, at the Gundlach Bundschu winery, about a 30-minute car ride from the band's headquarters in San Rafael, California, and was subsequently edited and mixed by the band's award-winning production team to the highest standards possible.

METALLICA's "Live & Acoustic From HQ: Helping Hands Concert & Auction" was streamed live from the band's headquarters in November. The special acoustic show benefited METALLICA's All Within My Hands foundation.

Legendary rocker Ted Nugent discussed his lifelong anti-drugs and -drink stance during a Facebook Live with his son Rocco on Tuesday (February 2). Speaking about why some people begin to abuse drugs while others don't, Ted said: "My mom and dad were alcoholics. I didn't know they were alcoholics. I thought they just had a Tom Collins [cocktail] every night — whatever the hell that is — or a martini with olives… So my mom and dad were smoking, drinking alcoholics. And I was surrounded, in the rock and roll world, by smoking, drinking, drugged idiots.

"So what's the difference between a person that falls for that versus a person who defies that? I haven't the faintest idea," he admitted. "Because I think God gave all of us everything we need.

"Some people look for an easy way out, and some people don't. I didn't. I think it was just shit luck. 'Cause my brothers and sisters smoked and drank, and they didn't even surround themselves with goofball rock and roll dirtbags. I did."

After Rocco suggested that Ted was selective about his musical influences and only mirrored himself after artists who were clean, sharp and articulate, Ted said: "I'm gonna throw a grenade in that theory. Keith Richards [of THE ROLLING STONES] — one of the most powerful influences in my life, and if that's the mirror, I failed miserably. Because he's a walking chemical dump — always stoned. But he is so deep. I was gonna use the word 'spiritual' — I don't know; that's up to him. But he's so grinding in emotion and authoritative in his musicality…

"Most of my influences got high — right in front of me," he continued. "And I admired the living shit out of 'em. The MC5, they were all stumbling, puking, stupid drunk and stoned, and I admired them beyond description. But then it caught up with them, and I said, 'Oh.' Thank God I didn't go, 'Hey, they're smoking a lot of hashish, and they're just kicking out the jams. Maybe I'll try the hashish.' And luckily, I didn't. Luckily, I watched them blow up. I watched the drugs and alcohol destroy the energy that I admired, destroy the groove that I admired. And to this day, Wayne Kramer is a dear friend of mine. Wayne, I love you, buddy. And he knows I him. And we have great conversations. And he's probably polar opposite of my ideologies. But not really, because he has a work ethic, and he's a family guy, he's a loving guy, he's a productive guy, he's a conscientious guy, he's a caring guy. But I think to this day, he thinks that dope is essential… I don't wanna presume — I had a conversation with him not that long ago where we disagreed on the use of marijuana and other intoxicants, or whatever category you wanna put 'em in.

"The point is that lucky me, I could differentiate between the delivery of the things I admired versus the occasional and, more often than not, conduct of those that I admired," Ted added.

"Jimi Hendrix offered me his drugs, and I said no. John Belushi offered me his drugs; I said no. Keith Moon offered me his drugs and alcohol, and I said no. Bon Scott offered me his drugs and alcohol, and I said no. I said no to everybody."

Back in 2018, Nugent said that Canada was "absolutely crazy" for its decision to legalize marijuana, explaining that he has "never seen one moment of positive outcome from someone getting high." He said: "I'm all for medical marijuana, I'm all for medical anything, as long as it's really beneficial to people suffering from health issues, but to legalize recreational comfortably numb is a guaranteed script for ruined lives."

Nugent has served on the boards of more than two dozen political and charitable associations, including the National Rifle Association (NRA), Mothers Against Drunk Driving (M.A.D.D.), and Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) law enforcement program.




Posted by Ted Nugent on Tuesday, February 2, 2021

In an interview with VOA Music's "Border Crossings" — conducted before the holidays but just recently uploaded to YouTube — Tommy Lee was asked if there is a chance fans could ever get a Christmas album from MÖTLEY CRÜE. He laughed and said (see video below): "That's funny. I don't think the dudes in the CRÜE would be down with that. But I… It's funny you mention that, because I am working — and I can't tell you the title yet — but I'm working on [A Christmas song]. I started working on a Christmas song a couple of months ago. And it was, like, crazy hot here [in Southern California] — we were having, like, a heatwave; it was 104 [or] 102 [degrees Fahrenheit]. And I was here in the studio, and the air conditioning was blasting, and I just wasn't in the Christmas vibe. And I went, 'Okay, I got it going, but I'm gonna put this on hold.' And so coming up now, during the holidays, I'm gonna get back to work on it. So next Christmas, you'll be hearing something from me."

Tommy's latest solo album, "Andro", came out in October. The theme of the LP is the male and female sides of music, equal in power and status. Androgyny is a combination of the essences of male and female genders and the album is the manifestation of the concept.

Lee has had a mega-popular Netflix film ("The Dirt"), starred in and produced three network TV shows ("Tommy Lee Goes To College", "Rockstar: Supernova", "Battleground Earth: Ludacris Vs Tommy Lee"), had a New York Times bestseller ("Tommyland") and has appeared on scripted and interview TV shows — most recently, a hilarious appearance as a professor on ABC's "The Goldbergs".

Last year, Lee said that MÖTLEY CRÜE's 2019 biopic "The Dirt" sparked a renewed interest from younger fans who wanted to see the band live, contributing to the group's decision to renege on its infamous "cessation of touring" contract.

After vowing in 2015 never to play together again, CRÜE announced in December 2019 that they would be touring with fellow hard rock veterans DEF LEPPARD and POISON.

"The Stadium Tour" was originally scheduled to kick off last June and run through early September. The trek has since been pushed back to the summer of 2021 due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

WHITESNAKE frontman David Coverdale has told Meltdown of Detroit's WRIF radio station that he has been forced to delay his retirement tour due to the coronavirus pandemic which is sweeping the globe.

"People, as you can imagine, are extraordinarily desperate to go to shows and to perform shows," he said (hear audio below). "It's just not safe, and it's not gonna be the energy, the atmosphere that we're familiar with. We have to make sure [to] work as a global community, and, for me, as a global artist, work together and be, as they would say, in solidarity with each other and support each other and respect each other. It's a global pandemic — it's not just us. And mask up. Let's get out of this. Get vaccinated, and let's get out of this thing.

"I don't think it's ever gonna be the same," he continued. "I think society has changed. This has been a really challenging time for people who have been alone, I think. And that's a lot of my target audience with my social media — to try to uplift people's spirits, until I can get out there and truly do my appreciation and gratitude tour. And hopefully while I'm still physically able to do it and not just farting dust."

Asked if he has already gotten a COVID-19 vaccine, the 69-year-old British-born singer who currently resides in Reno, Nevada, said: "No. I'm not going anywhere. I go from my home directly to my studio. My co-producer is a cancer survivor, so his immune system's compromised. So right now, I've spoken to my doctors — I'm not going anywhere that I can potentially be exposed or expose anybody to [the virus]. So I'm taking my time. Let the people who really need it [get the vaccine first] — the front line of our defense."

Coverdale added: "Can you believe, man, that Amazon have been delivering — these amazing drivers, the mail people, UPS? Are you kidding? They've been delivering, without hesitation, this whole challenging year. I so salute those people. So there's been a semblance of normalcy for me, and I deal with isolation pretty good. They lock me up on tour, usually, and they let me out to go on stage, and then I'm back in lockdown. [Laughs]"

David is currently promoting "The Blues Album", the third and final release in WHITESNAKE's "Red, White And Blues" trilogy, a series of compilations organized by musical themes that began last year with "Love Songs" (red) and "The Rock Album" (white).

"The Blues Album" is available for pre-order now, and will be available on February 19 digitally and on CD and as a double-LP set pressed on 180-gram, blue vinyl. Like "The Rock Album" and "Love Songs", all the tracks on "The Blues Album" have been revisited, remixed, and remastered.

Early last year, WHITESNAKE was forced to cancel its U.S. tour with SAMMY HAGAR & THE CIRCLE and NIGHT RANGER so that Coverdale could undergo surgery for bilateral inguinal hernia. Eventually, all of the shows were canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Coverdale, who will turn 70 this coming September, had both his knees replaced with titanium in 2017 after suffering from degenerative arthritis. He later explained that he was in so much pain with arthritis in his knees that it hampered his ability to perform live.

WHITESNAKE had been touring in support of its latest album, "Flesh & Blood", which was released in May 2019 via Frontiers Music Srl.

Doing the storied Montreal death metal scene proud, Canadian bruisers Intonate have signed to Willowtip Records for the release of their sophomore album, Severed Within, on April 16th. The first single, "Yearn", has just been issued:

Severed Within will be available on CD, vinyl, and digital formats. Pre-orders can be placed now at this location.

The album contains five compositionally magnificent tracks that produce a 40-minute death metal firestorm. Severed Within presents Intonate's personal catharsis and reflections on life's dual offerings constantly struggled with. Musically, the band delivers a more uncompromisingly aggressive and honest sound, while keeping true to its roots.

Tracklisting:

"Sever"
"Within"
"Yearn"
"Wander"
"Prolong"

For further details, visit Intonate on Facebook.

 

Brazilian heavy prog metal band Hevilan has released the first single from their new album, Symphony Of Good And Evil. The track, "Devil Within Part II: Hammer Of Gods" is now available on all digital platforms, and the lyric video can be seen below.

This is the first new song from Hevilan since 2013, when the band released their debut album, End Of Time. "Not by chance, we chose this song, one of the most direct tracks on the new album; it criticizes abusive religions. I think Hevilan fans, and heavy metal fans in general, will like it," explains guitarist Johnny Moraes.

Regarding the new album, Johnny emphasizes, "The expectation with Symphony Of Good And Evil is to awaken the questioning, and touch the intellect of the Hevilan fan and also of the metal fan in general. It is a little different from our first album, musically it presents epic songs, with a lot of weight and lyricism, as it was on End Of Time. But, it also has two ballads, our longest and shortest music ever released, works with a palette of contrasts more comprehensive and bigger than the first album. We questioned religion, reality, the limit of our senses, our internal conflicts and the existence of purgatory in the afterlife; if it exists, what would this place be like?"

Symphony Of Good And Evil is a conceptual record, based on the idea of ​​the conflict between good and evil within the human being. The songs bring forth the weight and melodic characteristic of the band. Symphony Of Good And Evil will be released worldwide by Brutal Records, on March 19th.

Tracklisting:

"Dark Paradise"
"Rebellion Of The Saints"
"Great Battle"
"Here I Am"
"Always In My Dreams"
Devil Within
"Part I: Evil Approaches"
"Part II: Hammer Of Gods"
"Waiting For The Right Time"
Symphony Of Good And Evil
"Part I: Revelation"
"Part II: Dark Ages"
"Part III: Song Of Rebellion"
"Part IV: Epilogue"

For further details, visit hevilan.com. 

(Photo: Alex Pasquale)

 

Dream Theater keyboardist Jordan Rudess continues to share portions of his ongoing Patreon livestreams via YouTube. Check out the first 20 minutes of his February 3rd installment below. Go to his official Patreon page here for the complete livestream.

Liquid Tension Experiment, the legendary supergroup comprised of Mike Portnoy (Transatlantic, Sons f Apollo), John Petrucci (Dream Theater), Jordan Rudess (Dream Theater), and Tony Levin (King Crimson, Peter Gabriel), recently announced their return with a new album, LTE3, due to be released March 26 via InsideOutMusic, twenty-two years after the bands’ last studio album.

The band are pleased to share the first video from the album, for the single “The Passage Of Time”. You can watch the video, created by Christian Rios, below.

"’The Passage Of Time’ was the very first song we composed together when we reunited this past summer. It was so exciting to be back in a room creating together again after so long (22 years for all 4 of us and over 10 years for the 3 of us since being together in DT). This serves as a great first taste for the listeners as it combines so many of the musical elements that makes LTE unique." - Mike Portnoy

“This was the first song we worked on and when it was done, we all knew once again how amazing it was to be working together. We knew we were on to something and that this was going to be a really amazing album. Nothing about the passage of over two decades could’ve done anything to change that. To me this song truly reflects the collaborative songwriting efforts of all four of us.” - John Petrucci

"There is an undeniable chemistry that happens when the four of us are together.  Entering the studio and starting work on ‘The Passage Of Time’ after 22 years literally gave me a whole new perspective on these important musical (and personal) relationships and the way time is so relative. We just jumped right in, it was like no time had passed at all, and we created a song that has so many of the elements that make LTE unique. Not a day has gone by since our last release when I wasn’t asked, “When is LTE getting back together again?” Now we can finally deliver, and I can’t wait for everybody to hear our creation.” - Jordan Rudess

“From the murky depths of the lockdown, LTE has re-emerged, galvanized, dripping with ideas, and taking no prisoners. ‘The Passage Of Time’ is just the beginning.” - Tony Levin

Today also marks the start of the pre-order and the album, which will be available in the following formats:

• Limited deluxe hot pink 3LP+2CD+Blu-ray Box Set (incl. a poster and 4 artcards, Blu-ray includes a 5.1 surround mix with visuals, and full band interview from the studio)
• Limited 2CD+Blu-ray Artbook
• Limited 2CD Digipak
• Gatefold black 2LP+CD
• Digital album (2CD)

Pre-order here.

Tracklisting:

"Hypersonic"
"Beating The Odds"
"Liquid Evolution"
"The Passage Of Time"
"Chris & Kevin’s Amazing Odyssey"
"Rhapsody In Blue"
"Shades Of Hope"
"Key To The Imagination"

Bonus Disc: Includes almost an hour of improvised jams.

In 1997, Mike Portnoy, John Petrucci, Jordan Rudess, and Tony Levin, joined forces to create Liquid Tension Experiment. The foursome would release their iconic, self-titled debut album in 1998 and the dazzling follow-up, LTE2 in 1999, creating a dynamic, frantic, and inventive sound all their own. The incredible creativity between the collective would prompt Petrucci and Portnoy to invite Rudess to join Dream Theater, effectively marking the end of this side project.  However, since that time, there have been few reunions more in demand. Now, with the world in lockdown and calendars unexpectedly aligned, the inconceivable has finally happened… a new Liquid Tension Experiment album.

Guitarist Toby Knapp has checked in with the following update on his new album, which has been in the works since last summer and started life as a blues record:

"I can't believe I finished this album! The writing and creative process kept coming and going throughout the last year. I can usually crank albums out very quickly without doubt or second guessing. Remember, From The Aether was going to be a complete departure from heavy metal. It started as a blues album. The end result is a pure heavy metal onslaught that utilizes everything from vintage neoclassical metal to black metal. Hopefully you enjoy it!

I am preparing the album today to ship out to maestro musician and engineer Brett Hansen of Audio Arts Studio in Las Vegas. His contributions to my music since my debut album on Shrapnel Records in 1993 have been invaluable."

From the Aether will be released this summer via Moribund Records. The tracklist is as follows. The cover artwork will be revealed soon.

"Scavenger of the Gods" 
"From the Aether"
"The Emerald Tablet" 
"Labyrinthine Windings" 
"Honorius" 
"Psychic Contagion" 
"Scythian Sea" 
"The Greater Fortune" 

Former Delain guitarist Merel Bechtold, who left the band in June 2019, has launched Dear Mother with vocalist David Pear and drummer Joey Marin de Boer. They recently released their first single, "12 Years In Exile" along with an official video, and have followed it up with a new single, "Symbiose". Check out the official video below.

Delain issued the following band statement when Bechtold announced her departure from the band:

"Today we are sharing the news with you that Merel has decided to leave Delain and focus on different musical ambitions. Merel’s performance with us at Graspop will be her last show as a permanent band member of Delain. We are aware this is very short notice, and this we regret for those of you who wanted to catch a last show with her as a part of the team. However, this is a friendly departure, and we are respecting Merel’s wishes in doing so. We had an amazing ride sharing the stage with this fireball and we are excited to see the results of her new endeavours."

"Although we will miss Merel on the road with us, we realize that our busy schedules require loads of time and commitment, and we understand and respect her decision to focus on her own path. We will continue performing live as a five-piece as before, and look forward to finishing the work for our upcoming studio album, the upcoming festival season, our US tour with Amorphis and Anneke van Giersbergen and our European Masters Of Destiny Tour. We hope to see you all soon! Thank you Merel, we wish you nothing but the best!"

Bechtold issued the following statement on he decision to leave Delain:

"After almost five amazing years the time has come for me to focus on my own dreams. Because of my previous band commitments my attention diverged from my own music and the path I want to follow, and I feel I need to give myself the time and opportunity to explore my musical ambitions. This is probably the hardest decision of my life, but in the end it’s important to follow your heart and be happy. I want to thank my bandmates and crew, I will miss you dearly! Also huge thanks to all the amazing people I’ve met on the road. And most importantly I want to thank YOU for all those amazing and warm memories! It’s been a pleasure."