Sheet Happens Publishing have confirmed they will release an official guitar transcription book for Periphery's Periphery II: This Time It's Personal album on February 23rd. Details have yet to be made available. Go to the official website here to order on release day.

Sheet Happens Publishing previously released The Complete Drum Transcription for Periphery II: This Time It's Personal. It features:

- 150 Pages
- 14pt front and back covers with high gloss UV finish.
- Black plastic coil binding (coil binding lays flat while reading and won't warp or break during shipment)
- 70 lbs offset pages printed on 98 bright white stock

This book comes with a copy of the "print-ready" PDF e-book AND the complete Guitar Pro files for the entire album. (drums only)

Go to this location to purchase.

Finnish theatrical metal band Lost In Grey announces that Jarno Suodenjoki (Embassy Of Silence, Kiana) has joined the group as second guitarist.

The band states: "Greetings all thee! We proudly announce that from now on Lost In Grey is a seven-piece theatrical metal act as Mr. Jarno Suodenjoki joins the Lost In Grey family as second guitarist." 

"We have known Mr. Suodenjoki for 15 years or so and played together in various bands, projects and such. Additionally some of you have already had the pleasure of meeting this wonderful gentleman on the Female Metal Voices tour in 2019 when Mr Suodenjoki was filling in for Miika Haavisto for the first half of the tour." 

"We are also happy to inform you that the album recordings at the Grey Realm Studio are nearly finished, and Juhis Kauppinen will start mixing the album this week at the Shedstudios. The release date for this third album will be announced later."

Jarno adds: “Knowing Lost In Grey's work ethic, enthusiasm and professionalism, plus seeing that they did not transform into monsters on tour either, it was an easy decision to join the band when asked. It has been superb to record and work on the forthcoming album's guitar tracks. I can't wait to hear the final mix and to play the songs live."

The currently untitled new album from Lost In Grey is expected to be released this summer.

 

Maryland black metal alchemists Nixil - featuring past/current members of Spectral Tombs, Tsepesch, Dagger Moon, and Corpse Light - will unleash their All Knots Untied debut full-length on March 5th.

Born on the cusp of the death of western civilization, Nixil is the expression of the deep existential frustration of four individuals in collaboration, wielding music and art as a powerful manifestation of strength in chaos and a defiant middle finger to the suffocating grip of a toxic and crumbling world.

Recorded and mixed by J. Robbins (Clutch, The Sword, Government Issue) and mastered by James Plotkin (SunnO))), Thou, Electric Wizard), All Knots Untied is a manifestation of chaos, rage, strength, and despair. Across six sordid psalms, Nixil spews forth a swirling alchemical cocktail of varied sources, creating a sound from which one might be reminded of the weirder side of Mayhem, the atmospheric expansiveness of French avant garde black metal a la Blut Aus Nord or Glorior Belli, and the moody, gothic depression of Bethlehem, connected by a powerful, driving rhythm in the filthy spirit of crust punk and tinged with occult psychedelia. "Our aim is to strip away the illusions and limitations of existence through an honest and sincere appeal to the art, magick, and potential of black metal." While the lyrical subject matter is not directly political, given the current political climate -- both in the world at large and within underground metal -- Nixil takes a firm and unwavering stance against fascism in all its permutations.

In advance of the release of All Knots Untied, Nixil today unveils the visual accompaniment of first single, "Deaths Of Our Own Design."

The band comments, "'Deaths Of Our Own Design' is a treatise on the necessity of continuous self-sacrifice of the mundane ego. If one is to advance upon the spiritual path of the undoing of 'All,' one must be ever ready to seek out and slay the perceived 'I,' which is being tenaciously reborn day by day, moment by moment. The video is a moving sigil and descriptive of this gnosis, seeking to inspire those with the eyes to see to draw the knife across the throat of self until there is indeed nothing left to kill..."

All Knots Untied artwork and tracklisting:

"Black Earth Within"
"Deaths Of Our Own Design"
"Make Me The Voice"
"All Knots Untied"
"May This Flame Flicker Out"
"Unimpeded By The Weight"

Digital pre-orders can be placed now at this location. 

(Photo by Shane K. Gardner)

 

Ricky Warwick (Black Star Riders, Thin Lizzy, The Almighty) will release a brand new studio album titled When Life Was Hard And Fast, his first since 2015, on February 19th via Nuclear Blast.

In the video below, Ricky performs an acoustic version of his new single, and title track, from his upcoming solo record. 

When Life Was Hard And Fast can now be pre-ordered in various formats, including a 2CD digipack which features the bonus covers album Stairwell Troubadour, here.

Warwick has released the album's title track, featuring none other than Def Leppard's Joe Elliott on backing vocals. The accompanying video depicts the County Down Ards TT Motor Race that is seen on the album's cover and ran from 1928-1936. The cover shows an accident from one of the races that happened directly in front of a field that was part of a farm owned by Ricky's grandfather, where Ricky himself lived for the first 14 years of his life.

For the process of recording the album, Ricky was joined by Robert Crane (bass), Xavier Muriel (drums) and Keith Nelson (guitar) as well as a number of special guests including Def Leppard's Joe Elliott, Andy Taylor formerly of Duran Duran, Thunder's Luke Morley, Dizzy Reed of the mighty Guns 'N Roses and even Ricky's daughter Pepper. Keith also produced the new album, having previously worked with Buckcherry, Blackberry Smoke and Alice Cooper.

When Life Was Hard And Fast tracklisting:

"When Life Was Hard And Fast"
"You Don't Love Me"
"I'd Rather Be Hit"
"Gunslinger"
"Never Corner A Rat"
"Time Don't Seem To Matter"
"Fighting Heart"
"I Don't Feel At Home"
"Still Alive"
"Clown Of Misery"
"You're My Rock N Roll"

Stairwell Troubadour tracklisting:

"You Spin Me Round (Like A Record)" (Dead Or Alive cover)
"Ooops!...I Did It Again" (Britney Spears cover)
"Summertime Blues" (Eddie Cochran cover)
"1000 Dollar Car" (Bottle Rockets cover)
"Cocaine Blues" (Johnny Cash cover)
"I Don't Want To Grow Up" (Ramones cover)
"I Fought The Law" (The Clash cover)
"Burning Love" (Elvis Presley cover)
"Jesus Loves You...But I Don't" (The Almighty cover)
"Wrathchild" (Iron Maiden cover)

"You Don't Love Me" video:

"Fighting Heart" video:

 

Anal Stench has just announced their third album is in the making. It will be entitled, Rectal Rodeo, and will contain plenty of controversy, as well as a "red hot mixture of pure metal blasting."

This time, James Stewart (Divine Chaos, Vader, Decapitated) plays drums on the album. All songs were recorded at Creative Music Studio, with mixing and mastering done by Zed - Tomasz Zalewski. There will be ten brand new songs on the upcoming LP.

Rectal Rodeo is currently in the final mixing stage, and will be released in the Spring of 2021. Expect to hear it sooner than later.

 

Crowbar will be doing another livestream performance on Saturday, February 20th at 4pm Eastern / 1pm Pacific. Tickets, along with poster, t-shirt, and playback options are available now at this location. 

Crowbar is expected to release their as yet untitled, 12th studio album later this year. It will be the follow-up to The Serpent Only Lies, which was issued in 2016. 

(Photo courtesy of Robin Windstein)

 

The second single from the Canadian band Plague Weaver is “Deicidal Usurper”, off their upcoming full length Ascendant Blasphemy, out February 26 and available for pre-order here. Watch a lyric video for the song below.

Ascendant Blasphemy is the third recording in the band’s catalog, following EPs from 2019 and 2020. This upcoming release contains eight powerful tracks providing a consistent source of non-stop headbanging, classic grim tracks, and other diverse, ambitious tracks. This album aims to invigorate and distress the listener.

Plague Weaver explains the new single: “'Deicidal Usurper' grabs the listener right out of the gate, reminding them of the earlier tracks. This song has another ambient bridge section, which hangs on just long enough to thrust the listener back into the main riff for the next verse-chorus. The solo in this song is tasteful and proud, with ambient screams feeding the atmosphere behind it. The outro is a bit of a victory-verse feel, winding down into a harpsichord section which introduces the final track.”

The overarching theme of the album is about infernal forces usurping heaven. There are canonical references from many different sources, but all of it swirls together into something that Plague Weaver makes their own. It is important to state that they write all of this from a non-theistic, philosophical/illustrative perspective.

Tracklisting:

“Nothing Is Sacred”
“Lay Fire”
“Blood Runs Not”
“Seek To Betray”
“Upheaval And Arson”
“Of Quivering Doves”
“Deicidal Usurper”
“In Exitium Caeli”

“Deicidal Usurper”:

“Nothing Is Sacred”:

Tony Iommi says that a new HEAVEN & HELL album featuring Rob Halford on vocals "won't happen now."

The prospect of the JUDAS PRIEST singer appearing on a HEAVEN & HELL record was first publicly raised by drummer Vinny Appice, who recently said that there was talk about HEAVEN & HELL "carrying on" with Halford after Ronnie James Dio's tragic passing in 2010. Appice told the "Rock Fantasy" Internet show that "Rob kept wanting to do it — he wanted to do it. When I saw him somewhere — at an award show — [he told me,] 'I'm gonna talk to Tony.' And then recently, I sent a message over to management about, 'Hey, we could easily do an album and not even see each other, the way things are done these days, with Rob.'"

Asked in a new interview with Loudwire if a collaboration with Halford is something that he would consider, Iommi said: "Rob must have mentioned it to Vinny at one particular time. It won't happen now, but I'm writing stuff. What I'm going to use I don't know yet — there's no rush to do anything at the moment. I want to do an album of some sort, whether its riffs or having a singer on it or for movies or whatever. I'm open for most things at the moment."

In November 1992, BLACK SABBATH played two concerts with Halford on vocals as the support act for Ozzy Osbourne on the last shows for Osbourne's "No More Tours" tour in Costa Mesa, California. Rob sang for SABBATH after Dio, who was the band's vocalist at the time, refused to take the stage.

Rob also performed with SABBATH members Iommi, Geezer Butler and Bill Ward on August 26, 2004 at the Camden, New Jersey stop of Ozzfest after Ozzy came down with an "attack of bronchitis" and was unable to take part in the concert.

Dio replaced Osbourne in BLACK SABBATH in 1980, recording the "Heaven And Hell" and "Mob Rules" albums, plus "Live Evil", before leaving in 1982. He rejoined the group 10 years later for an album called "Dehumanizer", and again teamed with the group under the HEAVEN & HELL banner in 2006. HEAVEN & HELL released an album called "The Devil You Know" in 2009.

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

Serj Tankian's eagerly awaited "Elasticity" EP will be released on March 19 via Alchemy Recordings/BMG. A preview of the five-song release comes via the Vlad Kaptur-directed video for the EP's title track.

"When I conceived possibly doing another record with the guys from SYSTEM OF A DOWN a few years back, I started working on a set of songs that I arranged in rock format for that purpose," Serj explains. "As we weren't able to see eye to eye on the vision going forward with an SOAD album, I decided to release these songs under my moniker." With his trademark eclecticism and one-of-a-kind vocal style, Serj delivers a collection that runs the gamut from hard-driving, electronically enhanced anthems like the title track, a rallying cry for his beloved Armenia ("Electric Yerevan"), the tongue-in-cheek political mash-up of "Your Mom", the piano-laden "How Many Times?" and "Rumi", a song that Serj wrote both about his son Rumi and Rumi the poet.

"Elasticity"'s title is a play on SYSTEM's massive 2001 album "Toxicity". Serj told SPIN: "I'm gonna call it 'Elasticity' just because I wanted to do it with SYSTEM and it didn't happen. For me, it's not 'Toxicity' but it is 'Toxicity'. [Laughs]"

SYSTEM OF A DOWN hasn't released a full-length album since the "Mezmerize" and "Hypnotize" LPs, which came out in 2005.

In 2018, guitarist Daron Malakian publicly accused Tankian of not wanting to record, with Tankian responding that creative and financial issues with Malakian led to the stalemate. In a message on Facebook, Tankian wrote that Malakian wanted to control SYSTEM's creative process, take more of the publishing money and be the only band member to speak to the press.

A singer, poet, songwriter, visual artist, film producer, activist, and composer, Tankian has always created music as an outlet to express his thoughts and feelings with a level of passion and consciousness that few in today's world of music can rival. An Armenian born in Lebanon and re-rooted in Los Angeles, Tankian was introduced to the melding of cultures, ideas, and ideals from a very young age. The principles learned from this integration and adaptation have led to his understanding of the oneness of all things and have since maneuvered and transfigured into the music and art that he lives to create. As the lead singer and songwriter for SYSTEM OF A DOWN, Serj has released five studio albums, winning a Grammy Award in 2006 for "B.Y.O.B." and selling over 40 million albums worldwide. Despite this success, Serj has never grown complacent with his art, always striving to open up new channels of sound and arrangement to articulate his artistic expressions. He has released five albums of solo material, beginning with 2007's chart-topping hard rock album "Elect The Dead". His sophomore solo album, "Imperfect Harmonies", was released in 2010, followed by "Harakiri" in 2012. 2013 saw two distinct releases from Serj, the first being the critically acclaimed "Orca Symphony No. 1", released in June of that year, followed up with the very unique "Jazz-Iz Christ" one month later.

Over the past few years, his time spent in the recording studio has been focused on creating musical scores and compositions for film and video game projects. Serj recently lent his vocals to a modern-day cover of BLUE ÖYSTER CULT's rock classic "Godzilla" for the blockbuster Michael Dougherty film "Godzilla: King Of The Monsters". He also recorded a modern version of the Armenian folk song "Sari Siroun Yar" along with the Authentic Light Orchestra for the film "The Promise", directed by Terry George and starring Christian Bale and Oscar Isaac. Serj was also brought on by Survival Pictures, the producers of the film, to serve as an executive music consultant.

Most recently, Tankian composed the full musical score for award-winning documentary "I Am Not Alone" directed by Garin Hovannisian and the upcoming Live Nation Productions film "Truth To Power", which chronicles Serj's own journey through the crossroads of music and activism. In 2017, Serj composed music for Emmy-nominated "Intent To Destroy", a gripping film directed by award winning documentarian Joe Berlinger. That same year he created an intense score for the epic Russian action film "Furious - The Legend of Kolovrat", followed by his 2018 musical score for award-winning film "Spitak", directed by Alexander Kott. Additionally, Tankian composed the full musical score for independent films "1915" and "The Last Inhabitant", an original composition for Ilya Naishuller's "Hardcore Henry" and video game musical scores for "Midnight Star" and its sequel, "Renegade", which were created by one of the chief architects of the famed "Halo" game franchise.

Serj's resume also includes the formation of a record label, Serjical Strike Records (established in 2001), which has released albums from many critically acclaimed artists, including FAIR TO MIDLAND, Buckethead and DEATH BY STEREO.

Along with fellow musician Tom Morello (RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE, AUDIOSLAVE), Serj co-founded the non-profit organization Axis Of Justice in 2002, which strives to bring together musicians, music fans and grassroots political organizations to fight for social justice. He has also dabbled in the world of broadcasting as co-host of the Axis Of Justice Radio Network, which can be heard via SiriusXM and KPFK in Los Angeles. With a mission of spreading diversity and understanding through music, poetry and activism, Serj will continue to surprise and enlighten those who listen to his music and hear his words.

In recent years, Tankian has split his time between holding a mic and a paintbrush, having feverishly created over 60 pieces of art since 2013. His journey into the world of fine art began with his "Disarming Time Musical Paintings", which were exhibited at Project Gallery in Los Angeles. Since then, he has had multiple exhibitions at galleries in both the United States and New Zealand. In 2015, his artwork was exhibited at the grand opening of New Museum Los Gatos in Northern California as part of a group exhibit that ran from May through September of that year. Most recently, Serj's artwork was exhibited at two notable galleries in New Zealand during February and March of 2019.

Photo credit: George Tonikian

Indie rock musician Phoebe Bridgers says that Marilyn Manson once showed her what he called a "r*pe room" at his house.

The 26-year-old singer tweeted on Thursday (February 4) that she visited Manson's home several years ago and he told her about the disturbingly named room.

"I went to Marilyn Manson's house when I was a teenager with some friends. I was a big fan," she wrote. "He referred to a room in his house as the 'r*pe room', I thought it was just his horrible frat boy sense of humor. I stopped being a fan."

She also offered her support to the women who have made allegations about Manson, accusing him of abuse, sexual assault and coercion.

"I stand with everyone who came forward," she said.

In a separate tweet, Bridgers alleged that "the label knew, management knew, the band knew", although she didn't specify exactly what they were aware of. "Distancing themselves now, pretending to be shocked and horrified is f—ing pathetic," she added.

Phoebe's comments come three days after "Westworld" actress Evan Rachel Wood 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.

Manson 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 days since Wood came forward with her allegations, Manson has been dropped by his label, Loma Vista Recordings, as well as the talent agency CAA, which provides representation for individuals across various mediums.




TW:

I went to Marilyn Manson’s house when I was a teenager with some friends. I was a big fan. He referred to a room in his house as the “r*pe room”, I thought it was just his horrible frat boy sense of humor. I stopped being a fan.

I stand with everyone who came forward.

— traitor joe (@phoebe_bridgers) February 4, 2021








The label knew, management knew, the band knew. Distancing themselves now, pretending to be shocked and horrified is fucking pathetic.

— traitor joe (@phoebe_bridgers) February 4, 2021

During an appearance earlier today (Tuesday, February 2) on "Good Morning Britain", KISS bassist/vocalist Gene Simmons commented on presenter Piers Morgan's suggestion that "racist yobs and thugs" racially abusing people on social media be issued fines.

"I think your idea's spot-on," Gene said (see video below). "The only thing these hooligans understand is money, and to be punished. And just to get their wrists slapped, 'Oh, that's not a nice thing to do,' they don't care about that."

Simmons went on to say that racial discrimination is still alive and well in the post-Obama era.

"Things have changed, not just in America, but all over the world, but they haven't very much," he said. "I used to live with Diana Ross, a great lady, and she used to tell me about the SUPREMES touring the South. And they were even more popular than THE DAVE CLARK FIVE, and they'd go there and headline shows and everything. After the show, they couldn't stay in a hotel; they had to go to what's called the 'colored' hotel. And the next day, when they were driving out of town — they had a bus that everybody shared — people were shooting at them. Things haven't gone very far from then."

Morgan made his original comments in response to Manchester United soccer player Marcus Rashford being the victim of horrific online abuse in the wake of his team's 0-0 draw at Arsenal on Saturday night.

Simmons has been using his Twitter account in recent weeks primarily to share the latest political headlines and news about the ongoing pandemic.

Last month, he sparred with some of his social media followers over debunked claims that widespread election fraud denied President Donald Trump a victory in the November election.




'Let's try and be kinder to each other...I think your idea is spot on!'

Legendary Kiss frontman @genesimmons backs @piersmorgan and @susannareid100's calls for social media bullies, trolls and racists to be fined.

Watch GMB ? https://t.co/yyUUJmzswF pic.twitter.com/dcQ1wuIYCH

— Good Morning Britain (@GMB) February 1, 2021

In a new interview with Anne Erickson of Audio Ink Radio, former ILL NIÑO vocalist Cristian Machado was asked if ever felt racism in the metal music world from others in the industry or fans. He responded (see video below): "Me, personally, I was very blessed that I came up in the New York City music scene. The melting pot in New York City is massive. I mean, if you live in New York City and you aren't acquainted friends with people of other cultures, people of color, then you're probably secluded, not coming out of your house. But New York City is very, very vast with cultures. I was blessed in that aspect of having come up in a music scene that's very inclusive to Latinos and to blacks and to Asians even. The New York hardcore scene is full of Latinos and Asians and blacks. I mean, it's something that was very unique. And especially the post-hardcore scene in New York, which was founded on anti-Nazi sentiment, which was founded on neo-punk feelings of what things occurred in the past and not accepting those things and wanting change and things like that. So, for us, we were very lucky. Now, that's not to say that I didn't see racism occur. It wasn't directed at me. But I've seen racism occur in the metal and rock industry. It wasn't directed at me, but I've seen it occur at afar. Heard it. These people have thought that I wasn't listening perhaps sometimes. So, that's occurred.

"I've seen racism thrown directly at a very huge act that everybody knows about," he continued. "I'm not gonna say names because I don't know if they want it shared, but it was a very known act directing racism very directly and clearly — racist remarks — at another known act. This happened in Europe, in the U.K. at [the] Download [festival]. The one time that it happened, it was eye-opening. I couldn't believe what I had just heard. In that particular situation, the act that the racism was being directed at, the bandmember, I thought, did the smart thing, which was to ignore it and act like it never even occurred. And there was a lot of people there present, and a lot of people heard it. But this other band was extremely drunk and they were under the influence of something. Most of the acts there shrugged it off as, 'This person's just wasted, and he's probably saying something he doesn't wanna say.' Had the whole backstage wanted to, everybody could have jumped on him and completely beat the shit out of him, and that would have been that. But I think he was so wasted, everybody kind of shrugged it off.

"I've seen things like that occur — not directed at me, but maybe directed at somebody in the backstage," Cristian added. "I've heard it directed at somebody in the venue before, like off the stage, far away from where we were soundchecking. But I've never felt any kind of racism from the music industry, from people that work in the music industry. I've always felt very included — if anything, welcomed. And I'm very grateful for not having had experienced those kinds of things. I imagine maybe if a Latin metal band like we were had come up in the middle of Alabama or something like that, or Oklahoma, we probably would have experienced some direct racism — I would've. But New York City sheltered us from that a lot, and I'm really grateful for that.

"I don't like to be a kind of person that looks negatively at the world, and perhaps not having had to experience a lot of those things kind of allows me to slightly live in my naïve bubble where I can still feel human without feeling like the world is completely falling apart."

Machado will release his debut solo album "Hollywood y Sycamore", on September 25 via Chesky Records' sub-label Coconut Bay.

LACUNA COIL singer Cristina Scabbia recently spoke to Campus Party about how the coronavirus pandemic has affected the music industry, with pretty much every live show, and festival being canceled or postponed. She said (see video below): "It feels crazy, 'cause it has already changed the music industry, because everything stopped. There is nothing happening — gatherings, of course, are not possible, and concerts are all about gathering, are all about people getting together, sweating together, singing in each other's face. So, of course, everything stopped, no traveling allowed. We had to cancel two tours, and, of course, I know many, many friends and artists that had to do the same.

"The craziest thing is that we don't know when everything will restart again," she continued. "Because in other jobs, at least they had a word, 'Okay, you're gonna start this month,' with some security things to take care of [and] to be careful about. But for us and all the artists around the world, it's really difficult. And it's not about artists only, but there's a lot of people who work behind the scenes.

"A lot of people tend to forget this, 'cause it's not only a problem of singers and musicians, but it's also a problem for whoever builds stages, whoever is working in venues," she added. "The owners of venues have had to close down sometimes because of COVID. So it is a huge, huge problem, and the whole business has been heavily affected."

Asked if there is anything she would change about the music business if she could, Cristina said: "Well, there are some things that I would definitely change, because I think that a lot of people are underestimating the value and the importance of music in the world. We hear music all the time and so much that we got so used to it that we think it's just something happening. So a lot of people [are] not really considering the hard work that musicians, singers are doing creating music. Sometimes to be a musician is not even considered a job. So if I could change something, I would apply some more rules to protect the job of a musician and something that kind of [stresses] the importance of saying music, it's great, it's beautiful, we all want it, but it doesn't really happen all of a sudden. There is someone who creates it, there is someone who records it, there is a lot of work behind [it] and a lot of money involved. So when you do it for a living, you're spending a lot of money, because it is your life and it is your job. So I would change some regulations, especially of music online or some platforms that are not giving enough compensation to a lot of musicians."

This past July, LACUNA COIL announced "Black Anima: Live From The Apocalypse", an exclusive streaming show featuring a full performance of "Black Anima" for the very first time, including songs never performed live, plus special backstage/off-camera moments and more. The Italian heavy rockers will play a special streaming show on Friday, September 11 from the Alcatraz Club in Milan in what will certainly be a unique and once-in-a-lifetime event. After the success of the acclaimed 20th-anniversary concert "The 119 Show", the band has once again gone all out to create an outstanding and exclusive spectacle that won't disappoint fans all over the world. The show will be available to view only once, live, via streaming.

"Black Anima: Live From The Apocalypse" will be hosted on A-Live.

Photo courtesy of Cristina Scabbia's Instagram

Known for their driving hard rock anthems and full-throttle performances, Earshot is revealing a more sobering side with the new video for their latest hit single, “Been A Long Time”. The video, which powerfully depicts the depths of depression and mental illness resulting from Pandemic lockdowns, can be seen below.

Like the single itself, which also acutely addresses the inner struggles of isolation, the video was created remotely. Martin, who produced and edited it from his LA home studio with footage he sourced from Artgrid.io, says the objective of the video is to “serve as a reminder to everyone out there that they are not alone and that there is a light at the end of the tunnel… even if it’s not quite visible just yet.”

“Fans immediately resonated with the song emotionally and mentally. I think, because they could tell I was also going through the same thing. It's like talking to someone who understands you. Who can empathize with you. Who reassures you that you're going to be ok,” said Martin. “That’s why I felt it was important to put together a video that connected with our audience on a deeper visual level as well.”

Listeners certainly have “connected” with Earshot’s new single. In fact, as their first original song in more than five years, “Been A Long Time” was the #2 Most Added Song On The Billboard Mainstream And Active Rock Charts and is currently among The Greatest/ Most Increased Airplay On The Billboard Mainstream Rock Chart & Foundations Charts for three consecutive weeks.

The track is the first from a new collection of material that is scheduled to be released throughout 2021 as a series of singles. It marks the group’s first original music since their 2015 independently-released EP Aftermath. Prior to that, their first two albums featured songs charting in the Billboard Top 200 with their debut single “Get Away” reaching #4 on the U.S. Active Rock radio charts and staying in the top 100 for over 64 weeks.

However, since 2015, several of the band members (which also comprise guitarist Andy Stafford, bassist John Novak and drummer Mike Sylvia) have been busy working on solo and/or other projects including Martin who recently sang lead vocals on George Lynch and Jeff Pilson’s cover of Duran Duran’s “Ordinary World” on the Heavy Hitters album.

“Been A Long Time” was produced by Martin and Fink, mixed by Cedrick Courtois and mastered by Rob Brill.  

Hailing from Philadelphia, Shadows - the newly launched avant-garde/doom metal quartet led by Alex Bouks (Immolation, Goreaphobia) and comprising former Goreaphobia musicians - has announced the details surrounding its self-titled EP, set for release on February 26 via Agonia Records. The band has unveiled a brand new single "Ghost Of Old" in anticipation of the material. Watch the video 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"

"Ghosts Of Old" video:

Lineup:

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

(Photo - Verrecchio Photography)

After ten years since his last solo metal album Dragon Fire (released in 2010 via Lion Music), which was followed by the neoclassical instrumental work Gemini (released in 2017 via Rockshot Rec.), keyboard player Mistheria (Bruce Dickinson, Roy Z, Rob Rock, producer at Vivaldi Metal Project) has announced that he has started working on his new solo album.

The first single is currently in preparation together with Francesco Corapi (guitar) and Gianluca Mastrangelo (vocals). The line-p will soon be completed with two more extraordinary guests to be announced in the coming days.

Updates to follow.

Legendary Dutch death doom elite, Asphyx, recently released their 10th full studio album, Necroceros, via Century Media Records. The album achieved the highest sales chart entry results in the group’s history.

Official Album Charts:
# 3 - Germany
# 1 - Germany (Vinyl Charts)
# 51 - The Netherlands
# 11 - Switzerland
# 18 - Austria
# 66 - Finland
# 7 - Finland (Physical Charts)
# 52 - Spain (Vinyl Charts)
# 149 - Belgium

US Charts:
# 9 - Current Hard Music Albums
# 12 - Top New Artist Albums
# 27 - Current Rock Albums
# 80 - Current Digital Albums
# 98 - Top Current Albums

Says the band: "After just hearing the news that we entered the German charts on number 3, we all thought we didn't get it correctly. Like, they forgot the 0 of 30. But after a double confirmation it appeared to be bloody true! So, from the bottom of our death doom metal hearts, a massive THANKS to everybody for making Necroceros such an amazing success!

"Words cannot describe how pleased we are that after all the hard work of us as Asphyx, everybody involved in creating the album and all at Century Media/Sony, you, our highly appreciated and loyal fans gave us the biggest reward possible! We cross our fingers that we can celebrate this with you all very soon in the near future!

"For now, from Martin, Paul, Alwin and Husky; a thunderous and grand CHEERZ!”

Asphyx performed a livestream release show for Necroceros on January 23 at the Metropool venue in Hengelo, The Netherlands. A brief recap video of the event featuring the new songs “Necroceros”, “In Blazing Oceans” and the classic “Deathhammer” can be now seen below:

Necroceros was recorded at Tom Meier’s Tom Meier Studio and at Paul Baayens’ The Mörserstudio and then finally mixed and mastered by Sebastian “Seeb” Levermann at Greenman Studios. The album once again features front cover artwork by Axel Hermann.

Order Necroceros in all its various formats here.

Tracklisting:

"The Sole Cure is Death"
"Molten Black Earth"
"Mount Skull"
"Knights Templar Stand"
"Three Years of Famine"
"Botox Implosion"
"In Blazing Oceans"
"The Nameless Elite"
"Yield or Die"
"Necroceros"

“The Nameless Elite” video:

"Knights Templar Stand" lyric video:

“Botox Implosion” video:

Asphyx lineup:

Martin van Drunen - Vocals
Paul Baayens - Guitars
Alwin Zuur - Bass
Stefan “Husky” Hüskens - Drums

Metal Blade Records welcomes Wake to its worldwide roster.

Relentless transformation, aggression, and transcendence have written the script for Canadian metallers Wake. Since their formation in 2009, they've released numerous EPs and singles, plus five full-lengths - touring the world in support of it. Now, for their upcoming sixth album [set to be recorded in July 2021 with producer Dave Otero (Cattle Decapitation, Archspire)], Wake has joined forces with Metal Blade Records, marking a new chapter for the quintet.

Wake comments: "All of us in Wake have had a lot of regard both for Metal Blade and for the bands on its roster from any era. An endless stream of Metal Blade artists have been played in our van during any number of tours. For us, playing music has always been something that we've tried to do on our own terms and with our own vision. We've explored a lot of ground musically, and that was influenced by the history that Metal Blade was there to write. So, we're very excited to say that we've joined up with Metal Blade. Expect a lot more noise from our camp in the near future."

Wake's latest full-length, Devouring Ruin, was featured on several "best of 2020" lists; soon after its release, the group dropped their Confluence EP. Fans can watch a trailer for the upcoming behind-the-scenes video about the making of Confluence:

Most recently, Wake released a new track - "Vast And Infinite" - in October 2020, exclusively through Decibel Magazine as a part of their Flexi Series.

Stay tuned for more news about Wake coming soon!

Lineup:

Josh Bueckert - Drums
Arjun Gill - Guitars
Rob LaChance - Guitars
Kyle Ball - Vocals
Ryan Kennedy - Bass

(Photo - Mike Wells)

Hexvessel and Svart Records celebrate the 10th anniversary of Hexvessel’s debut album, Dawnbearer, with a set of reissues, including CD, double vinyl plus an exclusive limited vinyl box set with a bonus LP containing demos and early versions of tracks on the album. Pre-orders are available here.

“Dawnbearer is a very important album for us, being our first album but also the first original album release for Svart Records. It’s also a very special record for our fans, and one that’s particularly close to my heart, in a world of its own when compared to the other records we have made. Considering that it’s been out of print now for some time, I’m delighted to be able to oversee a reissue of this album, together with original demos and out-takes, and liner notes showing the making of this album which carries the initial DNA of Hexvessel’s musical and spiritual journey”, says band leader Mat McNerney, “We haven’t touched a thing on the original layout, but added some bonus material for the limited edition, should you wish to own a luxury edition of this, our now classic debut.”

Hexvessel band was founded by English singer/songwriter Mat McNerney (Beastmilk, Grave Pleasures, Carpenter Brut etc) after he moved to Finland in 2009. Their style of music has been referred to as “forest folk”. Their debut album Dawnbearer was released worldwide in 2011 on Svart Records and is considered to be an influential classic record of the modern Occult Rock revival. Highly popular with Hexvessel fans and unique in their catalogue, featuring guitars by Andrew McIvor (Code), violin work of Daniel Pioro (who works on Paul Thomas Anderson’s soundtracks with Jonny Greenwood from Radiohead), the early production work of Jaime Gomez Arellano (Ghost, Paradise Lost), and guest vocals from Carl Michael Eide (Virus, Ved Buens Ende, Aura Noir).

The album will be reissued digitally and on CD on April 16, with the vinyl editions expected to arrive later in April or May.

New hi-res edition of "Invocation Summoning" music video:

The official album trailer from 2010:

After making massive strides at media, radio, streaming and beyond in 2020, breakout metal stars Tetrarch are about to own 2021 with the release of their  sophomore full-length album, Unstable, scheduled to drop on April 30 via Napalm Records.

Following the release of their latest hit “I’m Not Right”, Tetrarch have revealed another blazing new single, “You Never Listen”. The earworm ode to relationships-gone-bad packs a punch with chunky, breakneck riffs and a sing-a-long worthy chorus, proving it as an accessible yet dynamic knockout.

Tetrarch frontman/guitarist Josh Fore says about the track: “‘You Never Listen’ is for anybody who has struggled or is struggling through a broken relationship - whether it be with a family member, friend, significant other, or even with themselves. So many times, we find that people we once were close with or felt like we knew well show a darker and different side of themselves that forces us apart. ‘You Never Listen’ is about having the strength to say enough is enough and to rid yourself of those toxic situations.”

Lead guitarist Diamond Rowe adds about the track’s blistering new music video: “We wanted to do something unexpected and approach the song from a different lens. Conceptually, the video follows a young kid who is obviously living in a bad situation in a messed-up home. Throughout the video, the kid deals with the inner voices and visions in his head, represented by the band members appearing and disappearing, as he struggles to understand what’s real and what isn’t. As the song ramps up, we wanted to portray the kid as telling those voices to shut up as he takes control and rids himself of the negative energy around him.”

Produced by the band and Dave Otero (Cattle Decapitation, Allegaeon, Khemmis), Unstable follows the band’s breakout debut Freak (2017). The new album shines not only as a natural step forward for Tetrarch, but a giant leap ahead - an even more focused effort combining bright flourishes, grooving low-end and soaring choruses. Unstable wastes no time igniting with the unforgettable, punching first single “I’m Not Right”. Boosted by frontman Josh Fore’s raw emotion and dynamic vocal style, the track pays homage to the genre’s greats while lifted by the eerie leads of trailblazing lead guitarist Diamond Rowe. Radio-ready, lyrically-relevant tracks like anti-bullying anthem for the ages “Sick Of You” and empowering “You Never Listen” showcase Tetrarch’s hefty progressions and unforgettable choruses. Unstable’s heaviest offerings prove the band’s dynamic assault of varying heavy styles, most notedly on assertive breakneck burner “Negative Noise” - a track that will turn the heads of metal’s greatest riffers with Rowe’s mighty axe attack - and on the melodically chilling “Take A Look Inside”, highlighting the powerful rhythm section of bassist Ryan Lerner and drummer Ruben Limas. The album explores a brooding, introspective side of the band on the standout, melodic “Addicted” and closer track “Trust Me”, which trickles-in supernatural atmosphere. Delivering heavy hit after hit, Unstable is 10 tracks of pure potency and undeniable talent.

Diamond Rowe says about the album: “The album has an overall theme of self-reflection and really looking at the relationships or parts of yourself/your life that you don’t like and getting out of those situations. It’s an angsty record. Musically, we were not timid in showing that we refuse to be boxed in as artists, and I think we really came out swinging with showing the world the type of band that we want to be. Freak did great for us and showed us that the music we were making was something that people wanted to hear, and that gave us the confidence to write and record this beast of an album.”

Unstable will be available in the following formats:

- 4 page CD Digipak + 12 page Booklet
- 4 page CD Digipak + 12 page Booklet + Patch (Napalm Mailorder - limited to 500 worldwide)
- 1 LP Gatefold Black Vinyl
- 1 LP Gatefold Glow In The Dark Vinyl (Napalm Mailorder - limited to 100)
- 1 LP Gatefold Die-Hard Edition Vinyl (Various Colors Splatter) + Patch + Artprint (Napalm Mailorder - limited to 200 worldwide)
- Digital Album

Pre-order Unstable here.

Unstable tracklisting:

"I’m Not Right"
"Negative Noise"
"Unstable"
"You Never Listen"
"Sick Of You"
"Take A Look Inside"
"Stitch Me Up"
"Addicted"
"Pushed Down"
"Trust Me"

"I’m Not Right" video:

Tetrarch is:

Josh Fore - vocals/guitar
Diamond Rowe - lead guitar
Ryan Lerner - bass
Ruben Limas - drums

(Photo - Guillermo Briceño)

Finnish dark metal band Kaamos Warriors have released their third studio album, Kirous, via Inverse Records in late 2020. Below is the official video for the new single "Tuli".

Guitarist Jani Moilanen comments: "Kirous is our third album representing the growing atmosphere of sounds and versatility of the band while maintaining the essence of our unique style. Album starts with the opening track 'Askeleet' introducing the atmosphere of the record. It is followed by the previously released 'Kuilu' and 'Tuonentuoja'. The fourth track 'Tuli' is one of the fastest tracks lifting up the tempo after the slow and atmospheric 'Tuonentuoja'. The fifth song carries the name of the album and gives a first taste of great sounds of strings in the middle of the darkness. It is followed by the seriously fast opening riff of the 'Totuus', which includes so far the most savage and brutal vocals of the band. Seventh track 'Usva' captures the, beautiful combination of brutal and atmospheric riffs. The album ends with the polished diamond of the album and the whole band, 'Elävän Tulen Liekki'. Lyrically it is built with the albums previous lyrics and with changing choruses."

Tracklist:

"Askeleet"
"Kuilu"
"Tuonentuoja"
"Tuli"
"Kirous"
"Totuus"
"Usva"
"Elävän Tulen liekki"

Japan's Serenity In Murder will release their new album, entitled Reborn, on February 10th. The album is now available for pre-order worldwide via CD Japan here.

The band has shared another track from the album, "Sea Of Stars". Check it out below.

Tracklist:

"The Great Beyond"
"Anthem"
"Plead For Your Life"
"The Titans"
"Sea Of Stars"
"Rain Or Shine"
"Leaves Burned To Ashes"
"Beast In Human Shape"
"The Black Sun"
"The Glow Of Embers"
"The Four Seasons"

"Sea Of Stars"

"Plead For Your Life"

"The Glow Of Embers"