Joe Bonamassa is known for "always being on the road." This time he's bringing the concert into the homes of fans around the world in an epic pay-per-view performance from the live music capital of the world — Austin, Texas. On April 1 at 9 p.m. ET, he'll perform a specially curated set from Austin City Limits Live, alongside "Late Night With David Letterman"'s Anton Fig on drums and legendary bass player Steve Mackey, as a rare three-piece blues rock power trio.

Austin is one of the first spots Joe originally performed as a three-piece, years ago at legendary Antone's, and is the city that saw the rise of guitar visionary Stevie Ray Vaughan. Austin City Limits Live, known as "music's best address," is a national landmark and was awarded "Best New Major Concert Venue" by Pollstar when it opened. It has been home to some incredible artists over the years such as B.B. King, Willie Nelson, Santana, Paul McCartney, Peter Frampton and Bonamassa himself as well as many others. ACL Live is a world-class stage to perform at and no doubt, Bonamassa will bring his incredible power to the stage, making his own mark on its history.

This event especially goes out to the fans, who via social media, have made their stamp on the evening, selecting their favorite Bonamassa tunes from his unparalleled, extensive catalogue of 24 No. 1 studio albums and countless productions, to create a very special setlist. It will be a new and exciting celebration of some searing hits from his earliest influences as well as amazing original compositions embodying the guitar mastery that he's best known for. This highly curated set will more than delight longtime super fans as well as captivate new ones.

Livestream tickets and packages are available to purchase at this location.

There are a variety of pricing levels available for fans worldwide to be a part of this special "audience." Tickets to the livestream event starts at $30. Fans may also purchase a $44.99 package that includes a limited-edition commemorative t-shirt, or upgrade to the Deluxe package for $64.99 which also features the Ultimate Video Collection, a one-year all pass for Bonamassa's on-demand service which includes 17-plus concert releases from Joe Bonamassa, BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION and ROCK CANDY FUNK PARTY — available at any time on most devices.

As part of this unique concert event, fans also have the option to purchase a Commemorative VIP ticket giving them an experience they will never forget. VIP ticket holders will have their photo and name featured in the livestream credits and DVD credits as a virtual audience member.

Joe Bonamassa is one of the most celebrated performing musicians of today. Hailed internationally as one of the greatest guitar players of his generation, Guitar World has honored him as "the world's biggest blues guitarist." The two-time Grammy-nominated artist has almost single-handedly redefined the blues-rock genre and brought it into the mainstream. Joe recently received his 24th No. 1 album on the Billboard Blues chart with the studio album "Royal Tea", a nod to his British heroes, recorded at the legendary Abbey Road Studios.

Amidst the pandemic, Joe performed the "Royal Tea" album in entirety before its release last September at the iconic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville with over 17,000 virtual tickets sold, reaching 44 different countries. The event also raised over $32,000 for Bonamassa's Fueling Musicians program, presented by his non-profit Keeping The Blues Alive Foundation (KTBA). Now Joe is ready to hit the stage again for an even more exciting, fan-curated experience at Austin City Limits Live. Each ticket purchase for the livestream will include a $1 donation to Fueling Musicians.

Bonamassa has been working hard to raise money for musicians affected by the COVID-19 crisis. The Fueling Musicians program is an emergency relief fund designed to support musicians by providing immediate cash payments for essential living expenses of $1,500 to help them stay afloat and get back on the road again when it is safe. To date, they've raised over $380,000 and distributed the money to over 230 artists. In fact, they're getting checks delivered to some folks who have yet to even receive their support from the government stimulus. As someone who has spent the majority of his life on the road, Joe knows the clear and evident impact of the crisis on his entertainment community.

While much of the applause Bonamassa receives should be credited to his sheer talent, some part of his success needs to be attributed to Joe and his business partner for having the foresight and ability to become some of music's savviest entrepreneurs. Bonamassa, now 43, and his partner Roy Weisman have together devised a 360-degree independent business model that has survived and thrived during one of the music industry's most uncertain eras, particularly considering the challenges created by the current pandemic.

In addition to the livestream, Bonamassa has announced a select run of live, limited capacity, safe and socially distanced in-person shows for March and April through Macon, Georgia; Clearwater, Florida; Austin, Texas; and Huntsville, Alabama.

Mar. 27 - Macon, GA - Macon City Auditorium (sold out)

Mar. 29 - Clearwater, FL - Ruth Eckerd Hall

Mar. 31 - Austin, TX - ACL Live

Apr. 01 - Austin, TX - ACL Live

Apr. 03 - Huntsville, AL - Mark C Smith Concert Hall (sold out)

LINDEMANN, the project featuring vocalist Till Lindemann of German industrial metallers RAMMSTEIN and Swedish producer and multi-instrumentalist Peter Tägtgren (HYPOCRISY, PAIN), will release a concert film, "Live In Moscow", on May 21 on Blu-ray. The set will include professionally filmed video footage of LINDEMANN's March 15, 2020 performance at Moscow, Russia's VTB Arena.

A performance clip of the song "Allesfresser", taken from "Live In Moscow", can be seen below.

"Live In Moscow" track listing:

01. Skills In Pills

02. Lady Boy

03. Fat

04. Frau & Mann

05. Ich Weiss Es Nicht

06. Allesfresser

07. Knebel

08. Home Sweet Home

09. Cowboy

10. Golden Shower

11. Blut

12. Platz Eins

13. Praise Abort

14. Fish On

15. Ach So Gern

16. Gummi

17. Steh Auf

Last November, Lindemann and Tägtgren confirmed that they were ending their collaboration on the LINDEMANN project.

LINDEMANN's second album, "F & M", was released in November 2019. The follow-up to 2015's "Skills In Pills" was once again produced and mixed by Tägtgren.

"Skills In Pills" reached gold status in Germany and was entirely in English. On the second opus, Lindemann went back to singing exclusively in German.

In 2019, Till told Kerrang! that "F & M" was originally intended for the stage. "We were writing for the theater originally, writing three songs for the director of a production of 'Hansel And Gretel', by the Brothers Grimm," he said. "It was a perfect topic [for us] — morbid and brutal but very romantic. We were writing music on demand to fit with the piece, and so, of course, the lyrics were in German, because the theater company was based in Hamburg. It was fun."

Tägtgren told Australia's Heavy that there was no shortage of ideas for LINDEMANN's second album. "We are constantly writing," he explained. "The Internet is a really big help. Till will have an idea and send it to me on SMS or whatever, and I kind of trigger off that and start writing a song off that. Or sometimes it is the other way — I have an idea and send it to him and he triggers Till. Today that is easy. Then we catch up and do the vocals in my studio, so there was a few trips to do this album. He flies in from Berlin — that's like one hour on the plane and then two hours on the train — and he is at my place. There are always gaps here and there though… when you have to take a break to have a shower or brush your teeth… but we come back."

LINDEMANN had received some criticism due to its use of pornography during its second album cycle, with the music video for "Platz Eins" described by one site as "full-on art porn — slick and stylish, weird and experimental, and definitely X-rated."

In a new interview conducted by Greg Prato for Songfacts, KISS singer/guitarist Paul Stanley discusses his soul music project Soul Station, the KISS songs with the biggest soul influence, and the non-make-up era of the band. A couple of excerpts follow:

Songfacts: Which KISS songs best show your soul music influence?

Paul Stanley: "Well, the first one I would say that is perhaps not obvious – but I laugh, because it's totally obvious to me – is 'Shout It Out Loud'. You have the verse, "Well the night's begun and you want some fun, do you think you're gonna find it, think you're gonna find it." That answer in the background is the Four Tops! The call-and-response is something that the Four Tops did in 'Sugar Pie Honey Bunch' – there are loads of those. 'I Was Made for Lovin' You' [sings the song's chorus, then sings "Standing In The Shadows Of Love" - listen using the player below]. So, you wind up with other people copying 'I Was Made for Lovin' You', but 'I Was Made for Lovin' You' was rooted in that melody line. I can go on and on. I was a kid who was lucky enough to see Solomon Burke, Otis Redding – that music is fundamental in the foundation of what I do and what I am. It has to be in my music, because I heard it and loved it."

Songfacts: I wrote a book a while back about KISS' non-make-up era, Take It Off: Kiss Truly Unmasked. What are your thoughts on that period?

Stanley: "I think Revenge is a fabulous album. Really, really good. Everybody was on point, and Bob Ezrin was just firing on all cylinders. We were on a roll. I think we went through some more flamboyant, should I say... costuming, that today looks a bit garish and frivolous, but at the time it was part of what was going on. And to survive the long haul, sometimes you need to adapt and modify. I don't know any band that's lasted four decades that haven't gone through times that reflect the changes around them."

Read more at Songfacts.

Paul Stanley’s Soul Station recently released the official video performance for their newest track, “I, Oh I”. Written, arranged and orchestrated by Paul Stanley, “I, Oh I” is the first original song to be released from the band’s forthcoming album, Now And Then, out on March 19 via UMe. Watch below, and pre-order the new album here.

Now And Then is the first-ever full-length album from Soul Station: A band gathering some of today’s leading musicians to pay tribute to the greatest artists and songs from the R&B and soul catalog to keep this vital music current.  While a surprise to many, Stanley’s early pivotal roots in this music has quietly turned this passion into a celebrated touring and recording band.  Stanley’s 15-piece ensemble group has toured the U.S. and Japan, but it wasn’t until recently that they were able to get in the studio together and record Now And Then.  

Stanley’s legendary band members include: Rafael “Hoffa” Moreira (guitar & backing vocals), Sean Hurley (bass), Alex Alessandroni (Musical Director, keyboards), Ely Rise (keyboards), Eric Singer (drums & backing vocals), RayYslas (percussion), Gavyn Rhone (backing vocals), Crystal Starr (backing vocals) and Laurhan Beato (backing vocals) and Jon Pappenbrook (lead trumpet).

The band is augmented by three string players and two horn players of the same stature enabling Soul Station’s wall of sound to be firmly rooted in the past while staking claim to both the present and future.

Tracklisting:

"Could It Be I'm Falling In Love"
"I Do"
"I, Oh I"
"Ooo Baby Baby"
"O-O-H Child"
"Save Me (From You)"
"Just My Imagination (Running Away With Me)"
"Whenever You're Ready (I'm Here)"
"The Tracks Of My Tears"
"Let's Stay Together"
"La-La – Means I Love You"
"Lorelei"
"You Are Everything"
"Baby I Need Your Loving"

“Could It Be I’m Falling In Love”:

“O-O-H Child” video:




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FOZZY singer and wrestling superstar Chris Jericho was recently interviewed for "The Jay Jay French Connection: Beyond The Music", the new podcast hosted by TWISTED SISTER guitarist Jay Jay French. You can now listen to the chat below.

Speaking about whether there will be another wave of metal bands who are able to ascend to an arena-level status to take the place of METALLICA, IRON MAIDEN and JUDAS PRIEST upon their retirement, Chris said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "I was talking to Andy Copping last year; he's the promoter for [the U.K.'s] Download festival. And I said, 'Where's the headliners 10 years from now?' When IRON MAIDEN [in] maybe 10 years — who knows? IRON MAIDEN could play for another 50 years. I'm just saying, as the years go by, the headliners remain pretty much the same. What happens when those bands are done? Who's replacing them that can a) draw a hundred thousand people to these countries, and b) know how to entertain that type of a crowd? Because it's not easy. A hundred thousand people — you've gotta really be locked in to get that type of a crowd behind you. So it's a little bit concerning to me. There's a few bands that are kind of picking up the torch, but not as many as there need to be to be able to populate all these festivals in the year 2030, let's say."

FOZZY has spent most of the last year working on the follow-up to 2017's "Judas" album.

Last summer, Chris revealed that FOZZY's next LP will contain 12 songs, including one cover.

In May 2020, Jericho told Australia's Triple M radio station that FOZZY has "so many great songs" written for the new LP that "it's gonna be hard to pick the singles."

Guitarist Rich Ward and producer Johnny Andrews once again did "the lion's share" of the songwriting for the new LP, which was recorded primarily in Atlanta, Georgia.

Released in August 2019, "Nowhere To Run" was FOZZY's third single to hit Top 10 on rock radio, following "Judas" and "Painless".

In addition to producing "Judas", Andrews previously co-wrote FOZZY's "Lights Go Out" track back in 2014. He has also written songs with the likes of ALL THAT REMAINS, THREE DAYS GRACE and HALESTORM.

In November, FOZZY appeared in its first global live streaming event from Madison Studios in Atlanta, Georgia.

FOZZY is Chris Jericho (vocals), Rich Ward (guitars, vocals), Frank Fontsere (drums), Billy Grey (guitars) and Randy Drake (bass).

PUSCIFER, whose critically acclaimed fall streaming event "Existential Reckoning: Live At Arcosanti" broke online attendance records, returns with the otherworldly streaming performance: "Billy D And The Hall Of Feathered Serpents Featuring Money $hot By Puscifer".

"In this prequel to his alleged abduction during 'Existential Reckoning', we find Billy D trudging through what has been referred to as the Bermuda Triangle of the Southwest," explains frontman Maynard James Keenan. "As is common within the Puscifer Vortex, Time and Logic have no home out here. Let that go. Just strap in for another magnificent ride through our collective Grey Matter."

"Billy D And The Hall Of Feathered Serpents Featuring Money $hot By Puscifer" debuts on Keenan's April 17 birthday, and reprises the Luchador-infused performances surrounding the band's 2016 album "Money $hot" (which will be played in its entirety). The production highlights PUSCIFER's unique marriage of music-meets-theater, having seen the touring incarnation hailed as "extraordinary" (Kerrang!), "stunning" (Loudwire), and "a modern blend of 'Saturday Night Live' and 'Monty Python's Flying Circus'" (Relix).

Los Angeles's historic Mayan, a 1920s-era revivalist theater featuring original artwork by Mexican painter and sculptor Francisco Cornejo, serves as the backdrop to the one-time outing. The elaborate cultural landmark, with its jaw-dropping Mayan calendar infused chandelier and a lobby dedicated to the bird-meets-reptilian deity Quetzalcoatl, gave birth to the performance's title. "While looking both forward and backwards, we stumbled into The Hall of Feathered Serpents," explains Mat Mitchell. "The perfect site to pay homage to the 'Money $hot' album and tour."

"Billy D And The Hall Of Feathered Serpents Featuring Money $hot By Puscifer" debuts on April 17 at 2:00 p.m. Pacific / 5:00 p.m. Eastern / 10:00 p.m. U.K. / 11:00 p.m. EU and remains on-demand for 72 hours. Tickets for the exclusive performance, as well as a selection of limited-edition merchandise exclusive to attendees, including an opportunity to stream "Existential Reckoning: Live At Arcosanti", are available now via pusciferlive.com with early bird ticket prices available through April 11.

In 2020 Danny Wimmer Presents entered the digital content curation space, promoting pay-per-view livestreams and creating the popular digital series "Offstage With DWP". DWP is known worldwide for its stellar portfolio of music and lifestyle events, which includes Aftershock, Bourbon & Beyond, Epicenter, Hometown Rising, Louder Than Life, Sonic Temple Art + Music Festival and Welcome To Rockville.

In a new interview with Cleveland.com, BLACK SABBATH bassist Geezer Butler confirmed that he is writing a memoir. "I started out because when my parents died, I always wished I'd asked them a lot more things than I knew about," he explained. "I don't really know much about my mum and dad, 'cause they were always just there. So, I started writing a memoir for my grandkids to read, and that's been fun going through stuff — old times and growing up in Birmingham and all that. I'm right in the middle of doing that at the moment."

Last fall, Butler told Australia's Wall Of Sound that his book would be "about growing up in Aston, Birmingham and how SABBATH came about." The 71-year-old also reflected on everything he has achieved in this past half a century, saying: "It's a great achievement to still be relevant 50 years after we recorded our first two albums. We honestly thought we'd last a few years, then be forgotten about. Fifty years ago any form of popular music was seen as a passing fad — people even thought THE BEATLES would be forgotten about after they broke up, but nobody then [realized] how powerful the nostalgia effect would be."

A founding member of BLACK SABBATH, Butler is also the lyricist of such SABBATH classics as "War Pigs", "Iron Man", "Paranoid" and others.

Butler, singer Ozzy Osbourne and guitarist Tony Iommi reunited in late 2011 and released a comeback album, "13", in June 2013.

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, who was diagnosed with cancer in 2012 and is currently in remission, can no longer travel for extended amounts of t

Reigning as one of the most well-known and highly acclaimed experimental instrumental groups out there with a respected musical legacy spanning nearly 20 years, Irish four-piece God Is An Astronaut just reached a career benchmark with the release of their 10th studio album, Ghost Tapes #10, out now via Napalm Records.

Now, the band has released the official video for “In Flux”. The six-minute piece of art contains a sample taken from the US Propaganda campaign “Operation Wandering Soul”, in which US forces used eerie sounds and altered voices, with the intention of pretending to be killed Viet Cong, to instill a sense of turmoil and fear. It features one of the album’s most challenging time signatures, needing time to unfold before it sticks in the listener’s head. The song comes together with a stunning and artsy black and white video that perfectly underlines the overall vibe of “In Flux”.

Ghost Tapes #10 is available to order here.

Tracklisting:

"Adrift"
"Burial"
"In Flux"
"Spectres"
"Fade"
"Barren Trees"
"Luminous Waves"

“Adrift” video:

“Fade” video:

"Burial" video:

God Is An Astronaut are:

Torsten Kinsella - Guitar, Piano/Synths
Niels Kinsella - Bass
Lloyd Hanney - Drums
Jamie Dean - Guitar, Piano

(Photo - Brian Meade)




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German power metal institution, Orden Ogan, released their new album, Final Days, on March 12 via AFM Records. Order the album here, and watch a video for "Let The Fire Rain" below.

Where to go from the Wild West? Singer and producer Sebastian "Seeb" Levermann explains: "Final Days is a dark-science-fiction-concept-record and it features all Orden Ogan trademarks such as fat and modern riffs, epic chorusses and melancholic orchestral arrangements. On this record you will find the best songs that we have ever written. Gunmen was a strong and important record for us, but Final Days takes it to the next level."

Tracklist:

"Heart Of The Android"
"In The Dawn Of The AI"
"Inferno"
"Let The Fire Rain"
"Interstellar" (featuring Gus G.)
"Alone in The Dark" (featuring Ylva Eriksson)
"Hollow"
"It Is Over"

"Let The Fire Rain" video:

"Inferno" video:

"In The Dawn Of The AI" video:

"Heart Of The Android" lyric video:




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Portuguese dark metal godfathers, Moonspell, have released a guitar playthrough video for "All Or Nothing", featured on the band's 13th studio album, Hermitage, out now via Napalm Records. Watch below:

With Hermitage, Moonspell is not only approaching their 30th band anniversary more ambitiously and stronger than ever, but they take us on an entertaining and emotional ride through the darkest days of human existence. Moonspell’s new record is a wonderfully intuitive, yet epic masterpiece, and a testament to what the band has always loved the most: Honest metal that binds us even in these dark times.

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 is 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 includes an etched 7’’ Vinyl with another special bonus track, “The Great Leap Forward", as well as much more exciting additional collectible items.

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)

“The Hermit Saints” video:

"All Or Nothing" video:

"Common Prayers" video:

"The Greater Good" lyric video:




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French-Norwegian symphonic metal institution, Sirenia, recently released its tenth studio album, Riddles, Ruins & Revelations, via Napalm Records. The 11-track offering draws the listener deep into a versatile symphonic metal vortex through combining heavy soundscapes with modern influences and showcases the multifaceted nature of the unit around mastermind, bandleader, multi-instrumentalist, composer, songwriter and producer Morten Veland.

This is proven evident once more on their fourth single, “This Curse Of Mine”. The song sets off with a fresh yet harsh riff attack and consecutive electronics, leading into a confident and strong vocal presentation of operatic vocalist Emmanuelle Zoldan, whilst unfolding all its magic in a memorable, grooving chorus.

Morten Veland on “This Curse Of Mine”: “We are pleased to bring you a lyric video for the song 'This Curse Of Mine' taken from our brand new album Riddles, Ruins & Revelations. As touring is not an option these days we might as well be bringing you videos instead of shows. That being said, we really can't wait to see you all on tour again though. In the meantime, please enjoy 'This Curse Of Mine'. We hope you like it.”

Watch the official lyric video for “This Curse Of Mine”:

Morten Veland on the album: "Riddles, Ruins & Revelations is Sirenia's tenth studio album. The album is very diverse, as a Sirenia album should be. There's a lot of material that shows the band from a new side, and there is lots of material that is to be expected from the band musically. All in all the album will take the listeners through a journey that will cover both familiar and unexplored musical landscapes. We hope that you will enjoy the journey.”

Riddles, Ruins & Revelations is e available in North America in the following formats:

- CD Digipack
- Digital Album

Order Riddles, Ruins & Revelations here.

Riddles, Ruins & Revelations tracklisting:

"Addiction No. 1"
"Towards An Early Grave"
"Into Infinity"
"Passing Seasons"
"We Come To Ruins"
"Downwards Spiral"
"Beneath The Midnight Sun"
"The Timeless Waning"
"December Snow"
"This Curse Of Mine"
"Voyage Voyage"

“Voyage Voyage” video:

"We Come To Ruins":

"Addiction No. 1" video:

Sirenia is:

Morten Veland - guitars, bass, vocals, keyboards, programming
Nils Courbaron - lead guitar
Emmanuelle Zoldan - vocals
Michael Brush - drums

(Photo - Richelle ter Heege)




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The Couch Riffs crew are back with a cover of the Paul Young classic, "Every Time You Go Away". Watch below.

A message states: "This Paul Young hit from the 80s was actually written by Daryl Hall and first released by Hall & Oates on their 1980 album, Voices. The version Couch Riffs is covering here is the Paul Young take on the tune which is highlighted by Pino Palladino's unequaled fretless bass prowess. I actually became so obsessed with this song and bass line that I converted one of my Yamaha BB basses to fretless JUST TO LEARN THIS SONG! Then, I convinced some friends to get in on the action here with me. This song features some amazing talents. Let me run it down for you...

Drums: Frank Ferrer (Guns 'n Roses)
Vox: JB Strauss (solo artist)
Keys/BVs: Katie Cole (solo artist/touring member of Smashing Pumpkins)
Guitar: Bryan Ewald (Starbelly/session musician/PRS demos)
Bass: Mike Squires (Duff McKagan's Loaded)

"If you're enjoying Couch Riffs please consider supporting us through Patreon. Your direct support is what makes this series and podcast possible and your patronage is greatly appreciated! Thank you for watching, listening, and for your continued support."




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FM will release the new double live album, Tough It Out Live, on April 9 via Frontiers Music Srl. Watch a video for "Someday (You'll Come Running)" below, and pre-order the album here.

Says the band: "Relive those heady nights on the Big 3-0 Tour when we came together to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the release of our second album, Tough It Out. We are pleased to announce the forthcoming release of Tough It Out Live - a 2-CD set of live tracks to make you party like it's 1989! CD1 features the Tough It Out set recorded live on our tour with Gun and Dan Reed Network in December 2019. CD2 includes previously unreleased live recordings of songs which have featured in the FM set over the years."

Tracklisting:

CD1:
Intro
"Tough It Out"
"Don't Stop"
"Bad Luck"
"Someday (You'll Come Running)"
"Everytime I Think Of You"
"Burning My Heart Down"
"The Dream That Died"
"Obsession"
"Can You Hear Me Calling?"
"Does It Feel Like Love"
"Feels So Good"

CD2:
"Digging Up The Dirt"
"Tough Love"
"Hollow"
"Dangerous"
"Hard Day In Hell"
"Wildside"
"Breathe Fire"
"Only The Strong Survive"
"Blood And Gasoline"
"I Ain't The One"
"I Heard It Through The Grapevine"

"Someday (You'll Come Running)" video:

"Tough It Out" video:

Teaser trailer:

Lineup:

Steve Overland – Vocals & Guitar
Merv Goldsworthy – Bass
Pete Jupp – Drums
Jem Davis – Keyboards
Jim Kirkpatrick – Guitar




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Kansas, America’s legendary progressive rock band, will release their new live album, Point Of Know Return Live & Beyond, on May 28. This is the first live album since 2017 for the band that has sold more than 30 million albums worldwide and is famous for classic hits such as "Carry On Wayward Son" and "Dust in the Wind", to progressive epics like "Song for America". The band released a teaser for the live album, which can be found below.

Fans can pre-order starting March 26, by visiting kansasband.com.

Point Of Know Return Live & Beyond is co-produced by Phil Ehart and Richard Williams, and is recorded and mixed by Chad Singer. The album features 22 songs selected from 12 shows recorded in 2019 and 2020 during Kansas’s Point Of Know Return Anniversary Tour. The setlist includes classic hits, deep cuts, and culminates with the band’s sextuple-platinum album, Point Of Know Return, performed in its entirety.

Following the success of the band’s Leftoverture Anniversary Tour, Kansas followed that tour up with the even more popular Point Of Know Return Anniversary Tour. The overwhelming success of that tour, and the previous live album, Leftoverture Live & Beyond, led the band, along with Inside Out Music, to release selected songs from the tour as a live album.

“We knew we wanted to release a live album of the Point Of Know Return Anniversary Tour. Being unable to tour for more than a year has given us the opportunity to work on Point Of Know Return Live & Beyond and release it for our fans who are missing live concerts as much as we are,” said Kansas drummer and album co-producer, Phil Ehart. “When we discussed who would mix the album, we thought the best possible person would be the guy who mixes the band live every night and recorded the shows on the road. Nobody knows better how Kansas sounds live than our front of house engineer, Chad Singer!”  

“This live album sounds great,” adds Kansas guitarist and album co-producer, Richard Williams. “We wanted to make sure this album captures and represents how Kansas sounds live in concert. Point Of Know Return Live & Beyond does just that.”

Along with original Kansas band members Phil Ehart on drums and Richard Williams on lead guitar, Point Of Know Return Live & Beyond, features Tom Brislin on keyboards and vocals, Billy Greer on bass and vocals, Ronnie Platt on lead vocals and keyboards, David Ragsdale on violin and vocals, and Zak Rizvi on guitar and vocals.

Point Of Know Return Live & Beyond, will be released May 28 via Inside Out Music and is distributed by The Orchard. The album will be available as a double CD digipak, triple 180-gram vinyl + 2 CD box-set, and digitally on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, iTunes, and other fine digital retailers.

Point Of Know Return Live & Beyond tracklisting:

"Cold Grey Morning"
"Two Cents Worth"
"The Wall"
"Song For America"
"Summer"
"Musicatto"
"Taking In The View"
"Miracles Out Of Nowhere"
"Point Of Know Return"
"Paradox"
"The Spider"
"Portrait (He Knew)"
"Closet Chronicles"
"Lightning’s Hand"
"Dust In The Wind"
"Sparks Of The Tempest"
"Nobody’s Home"
"Hopelessly Human"
"Carry On Wayward Son"
"People Of The South Wind"
"Refugee"
"Lonely Wind"

Teaser:

When touring resumes, Kansas will continue rescheduled Point Of Know Return Anniversary Tour dates as well as Kansas Classics tour dates. More information on the tour, including specific Point Of Know Return Anniversary Tour dates, can be found at kansasband.com.




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A video of ALTER BRIDGE and SLASH FEATURING MYLES KENNEDY AND THE CONSPIRATORS vocalist Myles Kennedy discussing his new solo single, "In Stride", and performing it live for the first time at the legendary Fox Theater in Spokane, Washington can be seen below. The track is taken from Kennedy's sophomore solo album, "The Ides Of March", which will be released on May 14 via Napalm Records.

During his time at home due to all touring being canceled, Myles created the framework for the song ideas that would make up "The Ides Of March". He then called up his cohorts from his "Year Of The Tiger" debut — longtime friend and drummer Zia Uddin and bassist/manager Tim Tournier — and the three musicians drove to Florida to record the album with longtime producer Michael "Elvis" Baskette.

From the slide guitar riffs of the album opener "Get Along" to the pensive blues style of closer "Worried Mind", it is clear that Myles has crafted a formidable follow up to his debut solo album. While "Year Of The Tiger" was more of an acoustic exploration through Myles's mind, "The Ides Of March" finds him strapping on his electric guitar and pushing himself as a guitarist/songwriter. Tracks like "A Thousand Words", "Wake Me When It's Over" and "Moonshot" showcase the diverse musical arrangements that have garnered Myles fans globally across all of his projects. The epic "The Ides Of March" clocks in at over seven minutes, and Myles, Tim and Zia showcase their musical chops on the track.

The first single, "In Stride", opens with Myles showcasing his slide playing before delivering a lyrical message to "take it all in stride." The video for "In Stride" marks a return by Stefano Bertelli (who created the recent "Native Son" video for ALTER BRIDGE) and shows an animated Myles as he takes the end of the world in stride.

"Chill out. That pretty much sums it up," explains Myles about the single. "The lyric paints a picture of a survivalist preparing for an impending zombie apocalypse. It was inspired by the first wave of lockdowns as everyone was buying vast amounts of toilet paper and supplies. I started to ask myself if it might be wise to try and gain some perspective and not overreact… keep calm and carry on."

"The Ides Of March" track listing:

01. Get Along

02. A Thousand Words

03. In Stride

04. The Ides Of March

05. Wake Me When It's Over

06. Love Rain Down

07. Tell It Like It Is

08. Moonshot

09. Wanderlust Begins

10. Sifting Through The Fire

11. Worried Mind

In November, Myles told Kylie Olsson about how "The Ides Of March" compares to "Year Of The Tiger": "It dawned on me last night as I was listening [to the new album], I was, like, 'You basically made a rock record.' [Laughs] I don't know if I went into it with that intention initially. And I feel like it definitely is still a continuation of the overall style that was established for the solo project on 'Year Of The Tiger'. There's a fair amount of acoustic instrumentation; there's a lot of lap steel [guitar]. I love the lap steel; I just love the way you can make it weep — it's got a very vocal quality. But then I realized there's just a lot of guitar and a lot more solos — you know, guitar geek stuff that I enjoy."

A month earlier, Kennedy told Terrie Carr of the Morristown, New Jersey radio station 105.5 WDHA that it was a joy to reconnect with Uddin, Tournier and Baskette for the making of the new LP. "Oh, yeah, it was great," he said. "It was great, because we actually drove [to the studio in Florida]. So Zia, my drummer, who, we've played together for the last 30 years, off and on, since we were in high school. He's, in my opinion, one of the greatest rock and roll drummers alive; he's so good, it's mind-boggling. So we started driving. We left Spokane, with the gear in tow. And then we met Tim about halfway. I think we met somewhere in Tennessee, maybe. Then we after driving to Orlando, we all quarantined. Zia did his drums and then he went home, and then Tim finished up. He hung around for a little while. And then I was there for, I think, seven weeks with Elvis."

He continued: "It's a fun environment. We all love each other dearly. I'm serious when I say this: we're a bunch of middle-aged children. I mean, it's as if we've taken a time machine and we're in the seventh grade. And the humor is ridiculously silly. I don't even know how to articulate how ridiculous it gets when you put all of us in a studio together. [Laughs]"

Myles's tour in support of "Year Of The Tiger" featured music from the album as well as selections from Myles's work with ALTER BRIDGE, THE MAYFIELD FOUR and SLASH FEATURING MYLES KENNEDY AND THE CONSPIRATORS.

Photo credit: Chuck Brueckmann

On April 23, Gilby Clarke will unleash his first new solo music in nearly two decades via Golden Robot Records. Gilby’s new album, The Gospel Truth, is full of fist-pumping rock ‘n’ roll songs with fat choruses, bluesy licks and trademark solos. It’s classic rock, a new version of what Gilby likes to do and that’s… LOUD GUITARS!  

The album features legendary Mötley Crüe bassist Nikki Sixx, as well as drumming from John Mellencamp and Chickenfoot sticksman Kenny Aronoff and Stephen Perkins from Jane’s Addiction, Porno For Pyro & Infectious Grooves.

The album has already spawned three singles in "Rock n’ Roll Is Getting Louder" (a pure rock n’ roll track doused in the influences that run through Gilby’s veins), "Tightwad" (featuring Nikki Sixx), and the title track, which is a song about the concept of truth today.

Gilby Clarke has played in both Guns N’ Roses and The MC5. Who else can claim membership in two of the most life-altering and influential rock ’n’ roll outfits to ever exist on the planet? But none of that overshadows the fact this guitarist, singer and songwriter was a 17-year-old punk from Cleveland whose Hollywood dues were paid in full. Before joining the Guns N’ Roses circus, Gilby was Kim Fowley’s go-to session guitarist and ghost writer. After playing with Hollywood bands Candy and Kill For Thrills, a late-night call from Slash changed everything. Gilby joined Guns in ’91. He appeared on the band’s Spaghetti Incident, Live Era ’88-’91 and The Greatest Hits albums. Gilby spent years on the Use Your Illusion tour in the 90s.

After Guns imploded, armed only with his Les Paul, Gilby went back and launched his solo career, receiving critical winks for his albums Pawnshop Guitars, The Hangover, Rubber, 99 Live and Swag. Recording and/or touring over the lean years with Nancy Sinatra, Heart, The MC5 & his old bandmate Slash’s Snakepit, Gilby even snuck in videos with GNR, Michael Jackson and Fall Out Boy when MTV was de rigeur.

Clarke currently splits his services with Kings Of Chaos led by Matt Sorum and an all-star alumni that has featured Steven Tyler, Joe Elliot and Gene Simmons and his solo band.

Clarke, who’s an old school mash-up of Keef, Johnny Thunders, and B.B. King, continues to write fist-jacking rock ’n’ roll songs with fat choruses, and appear on stages around the globe. He produces worthy bands too. He’s also one of the sweetest gents you’ll ever meet. He’s a guitar hero, certainly, but also a gentleman whose heart happens to rush at rock ’n’ roll speed.

Pre-order The Gospel Truth here.

Tracklisting:

"The Gospel Truth"
"Wayfarer"
"Tightwad" (feat. Nikki Sixx & Stephen Perkins)
"Rock n' Roll Is Getting Louder"
"Wise Old Timer"
"Violation"
"The Ending"
"Dangerous Sin"
"Rusted N Busted"
"She Won't Fight Fair"

"Rock n' Roll Is Getting Louder" video:

"Tightwad":

"The Gospel Truth":

(Photo - Joe Daly)




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Sacred Oath will release a fifth and final advance single “Root Of All Evil” on Friday, March 19 for streaming and download on all digital platforms. The single and video feature original cover artwork by drummer Kenny “Thundarr” Evans. BraveWords is hosting the premiere of the new lyric video for the single, watch below:

“Root Of All Evil” is yet another showcase for the band’s new 3 guitar lineup after officially adding Damiano Christian to the mix last year. Says Christian, “I got the chance to really develop and show my own unique playing style throughout this record, which Rob and Kenny were very encouraging of. I can’t wait to see where the new record takes us.”

“It has resulted in a barrage of lead guitar on this album, and it’s clearly evident on this number,” adds Bill Smith, who has been with Sacred Oath as second guitarist since 2007 following Darkness Visible. Both guitarists share similar experiences in that they joined the band as teenagers and made their debuts on live albums.

The band previously issued three singles and videos, “Return of the Dragon”, “Hammer Of An Angry God”, and “Empires Fall” for streaming and download.

Sacred Oath will follow Cthulhu Wakes with the release of one more advance single on March 19. Each single has featured a new and unique cover painted by Evans.  Platforms like Spotify and YouTube have also featured each art piece on video and canvas.

The band has already issued four singles “Return Of The Dragon,” “Hammer Of An Angry God,” “Empires Fall,” and “Cthulhu Wakes” for streaming and download. Digital preorder begins this week and will include instant delivery of all five singles. The complete album will release on April 2. Pre-order for both the deluxe CD and double LP editions began on January 29 on the band’s website. These editions will be limited-edition pressings of 500 copies and LPs will be hand-numbered and signed. The CD will contain a 24-page booklet including all 11 original art pieces, lyrics, and photos. The double LP also contains all of the art and lyrics and is available in both black vinyl and color with splatter.

Digital pre-order will begin on Spotify, Apple, and Amazon Music on March 19 with instant delivery of all five singles. The complete album Return Of The Dragon will release on April 2.

Sacred Oath is best-known for releasing A Crystal Vision in 1988, an album that evolved into a cult-classic of the powerthrash-metal genre. It was followed by six more critically acclaimed studio albums, including fan-favorites World On Fire, Sacred Oath, Darkness Visible, and Ravensong. The single “Counting Zeros” from their eponymous 2009 release was chosen as iTunes “Discovery Download of the Week”, and their first live album Till Death Do Us Part (2008) was listed as a Top Ten Metal Album of the year by Apple Music in its year of release. The band appeared on MTV2 Headbangers Ball in its last televised season with a featured interview.

Tracklisting:

“Cthulhu Wakes”
“Last Ride Of The Wicked Dead”
“Return Of The Dragon”
“At The Gates”
“Empires Fall”
“Hammer Of An Angry God”
“The Next Pharaoh”
“Primeval”
“Into The Drink”
“Root Of All Evil”

“Empires Fall” lyric video:

"Hammer Of An Angry God" lyric video:

"Return Of The Dragon" lyric video:




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On March 13th, Italian hard rockers released their new single "North-East Boulevard" from their self-titled debut EP. It features former Accept singer David Reece and ex-Hardcore Superstar guitarist Thomas Silver as musical guests. Check it out below.

Deperation Blvd is a new project from Italy, born of an idea from guitarist Alex 'Crown' Corona and drummer Elvis 'Hell' Ortolan. The trio is completed by bassist Matteo 'Matt' Martinelli. Clear echoes of other well-known cult bands such as Faster Pussycat, Bulletboys, L.A. Guns, Pretty Boy Floyd, Bang Tango, Vain, Babylon A.D., Tuff and Dangerous Toys round off the band's sound 

Tracklist

"November Pain" 
"Queen Of Heartache" 
"Henhouse Tales" 
"North-East Boulevard" 
"Hold Back The Rain" (Duran Duran)
"Sorry (I Don't Want You)" 




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After the overwhelming response to Windir's The Sognametal Legacy box set, which sold out in 24 hours, the entire discography of the Norwegian black metal veterans is now available for pre-order on black and various colored vinyls as well as cassette formats.

Pre-orders have started and are available in the Season Of Mist shop here. The release date is set for May 28. Watch a teaser video below.

Windir was founded by Terje “Valfar” Bakken in 1994 and released four albums in the period of 1997 – 2003. The Norwegian band gained a massive following with their unique blend of black and heavy metal with elements of old Norwegian folk music. The identity of the group was strongly connected to their home region Sogn, which was demonstrated in the lyrics and in the concepts of the records. Eventually, they invented and adopted the term ‘Sognametal’ for their style.

The band ended abruptly when Terje “Valfar” Bakken died in 2004. The remaining musicians decided to disband Windir and formed Vreid to march forward, bearing the torch of the Sognametal legacy.

Jarle Hváll Kvåle, bass guitarist and songwriter of Vreid and Windir, comments on the release: “I am so happy that we are finally able to do this. There has been such a huge demand to release these albums on vinyl and I really have been looking forward to this day. These records are important cornerstones in our lives and represent a time that was very special to us. It is great to have a strong partner on board, and I am very proud that we can do this together with Season of Mist.

Next year marks the 20th anniversary of '1184', and we think this is a great occasion to celebrate this unique album, the most important one in the Windir history. With this record, Windir became a full band for the first time and it was the first time that me and Terje wrote an album together. It was a time filled with youthful will, aggression, pride, curiosity and of course beautiful naivety.

So, to celebrate this record and the period it represents, we’ll have the entire Windir legacy available on vinyl. I can’t wait to get my hands on the physical copies and see no better way to celebrate the legacy and brotherhood of our fallen comrade Terje.”




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In a new interview with Metal Express Radio, Todd La Torre, who has fronted QUEENSRŸCHE for nearly a decade, spoke about the decline of the music industry as consumers value access over ownership and experiences over assets.

"Honestly, I hate the business," he said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET). "I don't like the business. I love the art, I like the people that enjoy the shows, but as far as the music business, I fucking hate it.

"When we did the 2013 [self-titled QUEENSRŸCHE] record, I remember Jimbo — James Barton; he was the producer and engineer on that 2013 album; he's the guy that did '[Operation:] Mindcrime' and 'Empire' and 'Promised Land' — he said, 'Your record is a business card to get them to come to a live show.' And I thought, 'Wow!' He was right, but I'm thinking you spent so much time writing lyrics, crafting music, getting the arrangements right — everything just right — tens of thousands of dollars to make, and then promotion and all this, and then somebody's, like, 'This fucking sucks.' And it's, like, what do you do? What music have you ever written or created and put yourself out there with such critique… Well, I wouldn't even say it's critiquing — it's just criticism. There's a difference between criticism and critique.

"But yeah, it's become a joke," he continued. "When [the file-sharing service] Napster started, everyone was, like, 'Holy crap!' And now, it's, like, the records that we sell, the numbers — you can't even compare 'em. An I think they should change the standards — what's considered gold now. Unless you're just the top sliver, the skimming of the water, those are the bands that are still — maybe they sell a million records or many millions of records. But I think now it's, like, 1,500 streams equals one album purchase, which is, like… it's pathetic."

"The live aspect is fun, and the camaraderie with the guys in the band is great, 'cause we're always joking and laughing and goofing around. But it's tough," Todd added. "If I weren't in QUEENSRŸCHE and was able to earn what I earn, I would not be doing this. I wouldn't be in a band trying to survive touring — I wouldn't do it. For me, at my age… At 20, okay, maybe you're full of that ambition and this big pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. For me, it's not as important, that stuff. The music is important, but the fame and all that kind of stuff… Acknowledgment and some notoriety for your abilities is great. But other than that, it's a really hard life."

The original lineup of QUEENSRŸCHE — singer Geoff Tate, guitarists Chris DeGarmo and Michael Wilton, bassist Eddie Jackson and drummer Scott Rockenfield — achieved multi-platinum success with its 1990 album "Empire", which included the Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit "Silent Lucidity". QUEENSRŸCHE underwent several lineup changes in the last 25 years, the most notable one being when then-CRIMSON GLORY vocalist La Torre replaced Tate in 2012.

To date, QUEENSRŸCHE has released three studio albums with La Torre: "Queensrÿche" (2013), "Condition Hüman" (2015) and "The Verdict" (2019). Currently the band is writing new material for a fourth release for Century Media Records.

Todd's debut solo album, "Rejoice In The Suffering", was released on February 5 via Rat Pak Records. Todd created the LP with his songwriting partner Craig Blackwell and producer Chris "Zeuss" Harris.

San Francisco Bay Area-based metal/heavy rock outfit DRESS THE DEAD has released "Circus Fleas", its latest single on Blood Blast, a digital subsidiary of Nuclear Blast Records.

DRESS THE DEAD first announced the signing in December, along with a plan to release one new track per month for the first eight months of 2021. After the eight tracks are all released, they will become available in full album format as well.

DRESS THE DEAD stated about the new track: "'Circus Fleas' is our third song released through Blood Blast distribution worldwide. In many ways, it encompasses much of the elements that DRESS THE DEAD is all about. Wicked, heavy riffing. Bombastic, syncopated bass/drum interplay. Incredibly powerful, melodic and dynamic vocals. 'Circus Fleas' puts those elements on full display.

"This song was one of the first full band collaborations with Kayla [Dixon, vocals] involved in the writing process. [It was] once again produced by Robb Flynn and mixed by Zack Ohren, our production team since the origins of the band.

"You can download or stream it on all digital formats."

DRESS THE DEAD was formed in 2016 and has been playing live since the end of that year — first with vocalist Peter Dolving (THE HAUNTED), and then with Dixon fronting the band since 2018.

DRESS THE DEAD features Craig Locicero (FORBIDDEN, MANMADE GOD, SPIRALARMS) on guitar, alongside Mark Hernandez (FORBIDDEN, VIO-LENCE, RE:IGNITION) on drums, Mikey Rowan (INSOLENCE) on guitar, and James Walker (MANMADE GOD) on bass — all seasoned musicians with independent and major label experiences.

"Losing Peter was a complete shock to us because he was into it," Craig said. "Some of the people we tried out were good but didn't have what we were looking for... just not the right fit. All of a sudden, I get a text from Kayla. She'd been checking us out for months and was already a fan of the music." A couple of days after that now legendary text message, Dixon sent Locicero a new version of the DRESS THE DEAD song "1969" with her vocals. He was floored. "It was like it was made for her," he said. "She seamlessly fit into the music. We haven't needed to readjust. What having her in the band allows me to do is to not hold back and write anything I feel like writing, knowing that she can do it and sing without any limits."

Dixon is not only an enigmatic frontwoman with a powerful presence, she's an accomplished theatrical singer and actor. Her vocal qualities help give DRESS THE DEAD a unique sound that no other band possesses. Together they all complete the musical unit that cannot fall under any one category or genre.

Dixon started working professionally in her junior year and finished high school via home study. She then decided to immerse herself in theater and was soon working professionally. During her freshman year in college, she emerged to front a death metal band. Just as she mulled moving back to the East Coast to pursue more theater work, she heard the doom band WITCH MOUNTAIN was looking for a new vocalist. She nailed the audition and moved to Portland. Having relocated to the West Coast, Dixon was recommended to Locicero through a mutual friend. She initially worried that she was so different from Dolving she might face backlash from fans who wanted a certain thing. "In my mind, I thought I was going to be trolled, and I didn't know if I was ready to face that," she said. "But surprisingly there has only been positivity from the first song."

"I want to be continually creating," Dixon added. "When I heard '1969', I thought it was great. When Craig sent me the other songs, like 'Promises & Kisses', I was really in. I wanted it to be in a band that was heavy emotionally and sonically."

Guitar shred lord Joe Stump (Alcatrazz) has checked in with the following update:

"New solo record is just about completed, entitled Diabolical Ferocity. A digital single will be released early next month. More news on that and the album's release date to follow. Some of the weapons used to do damage on it in the pic."

In the clip below, Stump shreds through the solo for "Too Young To Die, Too Drunk To Live", taken from Alcatrazz's 1983 debut album, No Parole For Rock N' Roll.

Alcatrazz has welcomed singer Doogie White (Michael Schenker, Yngwie Malmsteen, Tank, Rainbow) for any 2021 touring. A message from the band follows:

"Alcatrazz are extremely excited to be able to announce that our good friend Doogie White will be singing with us for all of our 2021 tour dates. We are all huge fans of Doogie's voice as well as his impressive catalogue of music. The band promises an explosive live show featuring all of the Alcatrazz classics that you know, plus added selections from Doogie's work with Rainbow and Michael Schenker Fest/Temple Of Rock... there may even be a couple new songs as well! Everyone is looking forward to seeing all our fans and friends in what we hope is a much needed return to live music next year!

"See you all soon.... No Parole From Rock N Roll!

"Be safe and keep rockin'!" - Jimmy Waldo, Joe Stump, Gary Shea & Mark Benquechea

The band also has an all-new Facebook page where they'll be posting all their news going forward and, "we’d love for you to join us at facebook.com/alcatrazzband."




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The clip below features vocalist Jeff Scott Soto (Sons Of Apollo), guitarist Steve Stevens (Billy Idol), bassist Rudy Sarzo (The Guess Who, ex-Quiet Riot), drummer Jonathan "Sugarfoot" Moffett (Michael Jackson, George Micahel) and keyboardist Spike Edney (Queen) covering the Stevie Wonder classic "Superstition". The video was made as part of the David Z Foundation All-Star Fundraiser on Sunday March 7th, 2021.  

The David Z Foundation fundraiser featured guest appearances and performances by Steve Stevens (Billy Idol), Ray Luzier (Korn), Jeff Scott Soto (Sons Of Apollo), Dave Ellefson (Megadeth), Doug Aldrich (The Dead Daisies), Gilby Clarke (Guns N’ Roses), Billy Sheehan (Mr. Big), Charlie Benante (Anthrax), Eric Singer (KISS), Russell Allen (TSO), Chuck Billy (Testament), Alex Skolnick (Testament), Robert Mason (Warrant), Jennifer Batten (Michael Jackson), Dug Pinnick (King’s X), Rudy Sarzo (Whitesnake), Phil Demmel (Vio-lence), James LoMenzo (John Fogerty), Debby Holiday, Chuck Wright (Quiet Riot), Johnny Kelly (Type O Negative), Jen Cella (TSO), Ira Black (Of Gods & Monsters), Matt Starr (Mr. Big), Phil X (Bon Jovi), Kat Dyson (Prince), the band Buckcherry, the band Candlebox and many more.

About the David Z Foundation:

The David Z Foundation is a non-profit organization created in memory of David Zablidowsky & dedicated to transforming lives through the magic of music.

Our goal is to nurture that creative musical spark that a child has and help turn it into a sustainable reality. We are currently running original music programming nationwide, including private instruction, rock band, songwriting, production, and music business. In addition, we prepare kids for the music world by pairing them up with professionals in the field and showcasing their creativity through the various events we produce. Our focus is on providing these services to those who need it most. We are also working on innovative ways to address the staggering issue of youth mental health through initiatives such as the Music Mentor Songwriting program. We also offer scholarships through partnerships with music schools such as School Of Rock, Brooklyn College, and various other local organizations around the country.

David Zablidowsky, better known as “David Z.” tragically died in a roadside accident in 2017 while on tour with Adrenaline Mob. David Z was an incredible musician with an accomplished and celebrated career. He performed on stages all over the world, gaining recognition for his extraordinary ability on the bass guitar. He was best known for the bands ZO2, The Trans-Siberian Orchestra (TSO), and Adrenaline Mob. David Zablidowsky was active in developing young people through music. To continue his legacy, the David Z Scholarship Fund has been created to offer education  and financial need to young aspiring musicians.




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Finland power proggers Ultimatium are sharing their new music video "Ghost Of Yesterday" in support of their epic theme album Virtuality released this past November via Rockshots Records.

Ultimatium was birthed out the deep forests of Suomussalmi, Finland. Their 4th studio full-length Virtuality follows their independently released Vis Vires Infinitus (2015), New Dawn (2004, Mastervox Records), and Hwainoo (2008, Mastervox Records).

The premise behind Virtuality is an introduction of a storyline of four gamers getting stuck in a virtual reality game in a near-future setting. Packed with five amazing lead vocalists, Peter James Goodman (Conquest, ex-Virtuocity), Jukka Nummi (ex-Myon), Emily Leone, Tomi Viiltola (ex-Dreamtale, Perpetual Rage, Viilto) and Matti Auerkallio (Katra, Manzana, SoulFallen), "Virtuality" is a unique storyline about the virtual world, and the dangers of sharing everything in social media, along with up-tempo power metal songs combined with darker elements.

The story album is backed up with lots of background vocals, sound effects and a "narrator"/system voice synthesized with Amazon's Alexa.

The album introduces the best parts of power and progressive metal combined, including easier up-tempo songs, but also long, progressive mid-tempo tracks. The songs take influence from such bands as Stratovarius, Dream Theater, Symphony X and Rainbow. Especially on tracks "Digital Tower" and "Ghost Of Yesterday" where influences from Ronnie James Dio and Ritchie Blackmore are easily heard.




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Italian metallers Secret Rule have released new single and video for “Black Swan” and have also revealed the artwork and tracklisting of their new album, Mea Culpa. Preorder packages available here.

"For this music video we wanted something different, unlike anything we've ever done, so we decided to realize a little story with a 2D animation. It will remind you of a Tim Burton movie, where you could meet strange characters and of course, an impossible love story will end with some sort of sacrifice. It's a song that will embrace your heart and intertwine with your feelings, leaving you breathless," says Angela.

Andy adds: "Yes, this song is almost poetry, we worked a lot on the images of the words. After this last year, we think people need to dream. We wanna give them these almost 5 minutes to get up off the ground blocking out reality, forgetting for a ‘short moment’ the situation we're living and have been living for over one year.”

Sebastiano's statement: "The film shoot with my bandmates has been a magical moment. The atmosphere we created with the smoke, the blue lights, wearing our trench coats (by Punk Rave we wanna always thank them), and Angela with her blue hair (fairy or witch?) has been something perfect for what we were playing, like when every single piece is in the right place."

Secret Rule: "Take your time to watch the new video, and check the web-store to grab your special pack! A new chapter has begun!"

The new album will be released on the June 3, and will be distributed physically only on the official pages of the band.

About the album, Michele says: “Times are changing, so we decided to have total control over our music, we are releasing this album by ourselves. There will be awesome special packages for the pre-order campaign, and a lot of great items, get a look at our web-store!”

Tracklisting:

“Blunder”
“A New War”
“Black Swan”
“Born This Way”
“Whore”
“The King Has Fallen”
“Welcome To Hell”
“Lost”
“Mother Earth”

“Black Swan” video:




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The Hounds Of Hasselvander, featuring former Raven drummer Joe Hasselvander, have revealed the cover art for their new album, Another Dose Of Life.

Rock Saviour Records and Black Widow Records, the labels that have previously issued the bands earlier works, have combined their efforts to bring fans worldwide the band’s newest offering of doom and heavy rock at its loudest. 

An official date will be announced real soon with tracklisting and further information. Another Dose Of Life is the follow-up to 2016’s covers album Ancient Rocks.

Lineup:

Joe Hasselvander – Guitars
Brian Callin – Bass
Rob Ives – Drums
Bob Mitchell - Vocals




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Hailing from the Carolinas in the US comes Xael (ft. members of Nile, The Reticent, Rapheumets Well), bringing with them epic symphonic death metal like no other. They have recently released an album entitled Bloodtide Rising (February 12, 2021) and now have a music video for the title track, which features guests Mathieu Marcotte (guitarist from Augury and Humanoid) and Nate Miller (Chinese Violin).

The title track was the first song written for the new album, and thus sets the tone of the entire full length. It is primal and epic, showcasing the brutal nature of the main antagonist of the record's story.

Xael explains the track and album in their own words: “It’s an auditory odyssey, it’s brutal and emotional all at once. The story of the album really focuses on the members of the band who are called the “watchers of Xan” in which we navigate the different worlds. This album focuses on our arrival to Vuul Athmar as our characters are sold off from the prison of Dreadrift. We craft our own multiverse and create our own lore. The entire band is crafted from the dark and complex set of dimensions.”

The video for the album's title track can be found below.

Bloodtide Rising is a concept album rooted in a science fiction universe that Xael revolves all their music around. The extreme symphonic release chronicles the journey of a character named Darmak, an immortal who is trying to find purpose in a chaotic and complex multiverse.

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

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

Tracklisting:

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

"Bloodtide Rising" video:

Album lineup:

Joshua Niemeyer - Vocals
Daniel Presnell - Guitar
Chris Hathcock - Guitar, Clean vocals
Brad Parris - Bass vocals
Joshua “Nassaru” Ward - Drums, Keys, Vocals




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St. Louis synth metal trio, The Lion's Daughter, will be releasing their fourth full-length, Skin Show, on April 9 via Season Of Mist. The band have released the nightmarish and intense music video for their new single, "Curtains". The clip, which was directed by Guilherme Henrqiues, is a disturbing look at obsession turned deadly. Watch the video below.

The band comments: '"Curtains' is about the way that obsession and paranoia can lead to destruction. And how sometimes when you try to kill that thing that waits in the dark, you actually only hurt yourself."

Director Guilherme Henriques adds, "As a director, you truly live for these type of clips where everybody around you is as invested technically and emotionally on the project as you are from the very beginning. The Lion's Daughter is one of the most cinematic and disturbing bands I ever worked with and ideas flow so well and so organically. This clip brings you a devastating episode where control and despair collide, where sadness takes you away on a journey through the depths of a broken spirit.

Moreover, The Lion's Daughter will be celebrating the April 9 release of Skin Show with brand new live stream. The stream is part of a four night event by Sinkhole and will air on Sunday, April 11 at 8 PM, EST. The band will also be joined by Hell Night for a double feature. Tickets and merch bundles are available here

Skin Show could serve as the soundtrack to Times Square in the 1970s - the epicenter of sin and salacious misdeeds; a haven for sex, drugs, and crime beneath the inviting glow of neon signs from sleazy adult video stores; a place one would not dare walk alone after midnight unless tempted by devil himself. Its deviant, raw, nasty, disturbing, and yet, the most lively, evolved, and polished version of the trio yet.

Skin Show is available for pre-order here.

Tracklisting:

"Become The Night"
"Curtains"
"Neon Teeth"
"Dead In Dreams"
"Werewolf Hospital"
"Sex Trap"
"Snakeface"
"All Hell Is Mine"
"Skin Show"
"The Chemist"

"Sex Trap" video:




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Genghis Tron have released a hypnotic 4K video for “Pyrocene” less than two weeks before the release of their new album, Dream Weapon. Watch the Yoshi Sodeoka-created video below.

Hamilton Jordan comments: "'Pyrocene' was the first song we finished for Dream Weapon. It all started with a single drumbeat that I wrote during an extended stay in the Arizona desert. I gave that beat to Michael, and within a few weeks he built an entire sinister, pulsating world around it.  We knew, well before finishing the album, that this had to be the opening song on the record."

The band’s first new studio outing in over a decade, Genghis Tron’s Hamilton Jordan and Michael Sochynsky are now joined by two new collaborators: vocalist Tony Wolski and Sumac/Baptists drummer Nick Yacyshyn.

Together, the lineup perfects the unique mix of extreme rock and electronic music Genghis Tron has pioneered over their storied career. A melding of hypnotic rhythms and densely layered synth soundscapes, Dream Weapon was recorded and produced alongside long-time collaborator Kurt Ballou at God City Studio in Salem, Massachusetts, with additional production and engineering by Ben Chisolm (Chelsea Wolfe) JJ Heath (Rain City Recorders) and was mastered by Heba Kadry.

Dream Weapon is out March 26 on CD/LP/Digital. Physical pre-orders via Relapse.com are available here. Digital Downloads/Streaming are available here.

Tracklisting:

"Exit Perfect Mind"
"Pyrocene
"Dream Weapon"
"Desert Stairs"
"Alone In The Heart Of The Light"
"Ritual Circle"
"Single Black Point"
"Great Mother"

"Ritual Circle":

"Dream Weapon" video:

(Photo - Trevor Naud)




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With the world on the verge of the pandemic pause in March of 2020, New Jersey-based hard rock group One Hundred Thousand was ready to share its new album, Zodiac. The band launched the album’s lead track, “Aries”, that month and invited fans to take the Zodiac journey in real-time, one song per month, until the twelfth and final track, “Pisces”, arrived in February 2021.

Now, Zodiac has been packaged as a full-double album available digitally everywhere on April 9, 2021, and for pre-order in a special-edition vinyl set, available here.

The band are also pleased to share the new video for the track “Aries”, which you can see below.

"Zodiac is an album that asks uncomfortable questions that aren’t being explored elsewhere. We can’t claim to have the answers, but we learned something from the journey. We wanted to make a risky, dynamic, and dangerous record to reflect our time and place." – OHT

Tracklisting:

"Aries"
"Taurus"
"Gemini"
"Cancer"
"Leo"
"Virgo"
"Libra"
"Scorpio"
"Sagittarius"
"Capricorn"
"Aquarius"
"Pisces"

"Aries" video:

After touring on its 2016 debut album, The Forms In Which They Appear (co- produced by the band and Sevendust’s Clint Lowery), One Hundred Thousand solidified its heavy progressive sound, completed their five-piece band lineup in mid-2017, and began laying the groundwork for Zodiac.

Zodiac is an explosive musical revelation that explores the life and death of the ego through soaring melodic peaks, visceral percussive battery and evocative lyrics.

The music for the album was inspired by the classic character traits of each sign of the Zodiac. The lyrics trace a protagonist’s path from a devastating personal loss, through the illusion of hope to an enigmatic finale over the course of one year.

One Hundred Thousand’s Zodiac is a valuable statement in rock at a time when the genre is begging for disruption. Its showcase of musicianship is buoyed by an unwavering loyalty to composition and is just what modern progressive rock and metal are looking for.




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