"Frampton Forgets The Words", the new studio album by THE PETER FRAMPTON BAND, will be released April 23 via UMe. The album features instrumental tributes to some of Frampton's favorite songs and is the follow up to his 2007 Grammy Award-winning instrumental album, "Fingerprints". The first track to be revealed is their take on RADIOHEAD's "Reckoner", alongside a video.

"Frampton Forgets The Words" was co-produced by Frampton and Chuck Ainlay and was recorded/mixed at Frampton's own Studio Phenix in Nashville. With his infamous 1954 Les Paul Phenix — which was lost in a plane crash in 1980 and recovered more than 30 years later — Frampton brings virtuosic guitar playing to songs by David Bowie, George Harrison, Stevie Wonder, Lenny Kravitz and more.

Frampton notes: "This album is a collection of ten of my favorite pieces of music. My guitar is also a voice and I have always enjoyed playing my favorite vocal lines that we all know and love. These tracks are my great band and me paying tribute to the original creators of this wonderful music. So much fun to do and I really hope you enjoy it too."

Frampton is among the most celebrated guitarists in rock history. At 18, he co-founded one of the first supergroups, HUMBLE PIE. By 22, he was touring incessantly and making use of the talk box which would become his signature guitar effect. He's collaborated with such legendary artists as George Harrison, David Bowie, Jerry Lee Lewis and Ringo Starr, among many others, and has toured with the likes of Stevie Nicks, Greg Allman, LYNYRD SKYNYRD, CHEAP TRICK, and the STEVE MILLER BAND. In 2014 he was inducted into the Musicians Hall Of Fame.

His 2019 album "All Blues" (UMe), was #1 for fifteen weeks on Billboard's Blues chart, and his autobiography "Do You Feel Like I Do?: A Memoir", released last October via Hachette Books, debuted on The New York Times Bestsellers list. His 1976 album, "Frampton Comes Alive!", remains one of the top-selling live records of all time and was inducted into the Grammy Hall Of Fame last year.

"Frampton Forgets The Words" track listing:

01. If You Want Me To Stay

02. Reckoner

03. Dreamland

04. One More Heartache

05. Avalon

06. Isn't It A Pity

07. I Don't Know Why

08. Are You Gonna Go My Way

09. Loving The Alien

10. Maybe

Melodic death metal outfit The Behest Of Serpents are back with a vengeance via their new single “Hypocrite”. The track is a musical onslaught that melds dueling guitar attacks, guttural vocals, and technical prowess with a powerful message.

"'Hypocrite' is about the hypocrisy of the church and the congregations that follow it," explains vocalist Steven Lunsford. "I grew up in the church and saw people come to get their weekly dose of god and pray for forgiveness, just to leave and act like nothing happened. Paying money to an organization that abuses children while they turn a blind eye."

"Hypocrite" is the lead single from the forthcoming 10 track full-length, Disciples, due out on March 5th. The Behest Of Serpents have also dropped a video for the song. Shot on location at an abandoned church by Howard Sumner Photography, it thrusts organized religion front and center, as explained by the band, “The video depicts this blind following while also confronting a priest for his vile actions.”

The Behest Of Serpents was formed in Northeast Ohio in January of 2019 by members from a variety of other local bands. Heavily influenced by At The Gates and The Black Dahlia Murder, the band opened their first show for Whitechapel, Revocation, and Dying Fetus after just four months of being a band. Drawing inspiration from As Blood Runs Black, Dimmu Borgir, The Haunted, Shadow Of Intent and other heavy melodic metal bands, The Behest Of Serpents played many shows pre-pandemic and wrote and recorded an entire full-length.

Recorded at Mercenary Studios with the help of producer Noah Buchanan (Nunslaughter) and mixed and mastered by Mendel bij de Leij (Aborted), their debut record boasts unending melo-death guitar riffs, sizzling leads, pummeling drums and gut rumbling screams and snarls.

For further details, visit The Behest Of Serpents on Facebook.

 

Funko, the world's leading pop culture consumer products brand and creators of the wildly popular Pop! Vinyl collection, have partnered with legendary pop culture and music superstar Bret Michaels to create his first-ever, limited edition Pop! Vinyl figure. The Bret Michaels collectible Pop! will reflect Michaels's iconic likeness and style.

With consumer demand for Michaels's products always at a high, there will also be a coveted "Chase Pop!" figure, in addition to the planned primary Funko Pop! This unique collectible, sought after by both hardcore Funko collectors and pop culture fans alike, will see an adaptation and inclusion of Bret's signature cowboy hat look.

As Michaels has done with previous brand partners, he remained hands-on throughout the creation and design process with Funko, who collaborated with Epic Rights, the licensing agent.

The public can expect to see Michaels's Pop! Vinyl available at retail outlets beginning in mid-March 2021 to coincide with the singer's birthday on March 15. The limited-edition figures, and the Chase Pops, will also be available directly on ShopBretMichaels.com. Michaels's online store will also be the only place to find gift bundles, including Bret's bestselling book "Auto-Scrap-Ography", as well as personally signed figurines which are sure to create a collecting frenzy for an even more limited version of the highly desired Pop! Vinyl.

Headquartered in Everett, Washington, Funko is a leading pop culture consumer products company. Funko designs, sources and distributes licensed pop culture products across multiple categories, including vinyl figures, toys, plush, apparel, board games, housewares and accessories for consumers who seek tangible ways to connect with their favorite pop culture brands and characters.

Bassist and producer Jeff Pilson is best known for playing with DOKKEN and FOREIGNER, but he also toured with DIO in the 1990s and performed on three of the group's albums — "Strange Highways" (1993), "Angry Machines" (1996) and the group's tenth and final studio release, "Master Of The Moon" (2004).

During a recent interview with Dave Lawrence of Hawaii Public Radio, Pilson was asked to recount how he first met Ronnie James Dio, as well as to share any cool stories about the legendary heavy metal singer. He responded (hear audio below): "I first met Ronnie, I believe it was 1982. I was in a band that came down to L.A. — I was living in San Francisco at the time, but I was in a band that came down to L.A. to play. And we were playing a gig with the band ROUGH CUTT that Ronnie's wife, Wendy, was managing, and Ronnie had been helping them out, producing them, I think, and whatnot. Anyway, so Ronnie came to the gig that night, and I certainly knew who he was, but I'd never met him. But I got to meet him, and he turned out to be just this wonderful, sweet, great guy, and I just had a wonderful first impression. Little did I realize that only about a year and some [months] later, I would be doing shows with DOKKEN [and] we would be opening for DIO.

"The DIO band and the DOKKEN band got to be very, very, very close, and that was a friendship that started in 1983 that probably, in a roundabout way, ended up with me being in [the DIO] band in 1993.

"[Ronnie] was just great," Jeff continued. "He was just such a wonderful person. The voice — that goes without saying; everybody he was a great singer. But he was a great musician, great band leader — just a great energy. He was a great person.

"I think the story that comes to mind is just how great he was with fans. I've never seen an artist anywhere close to approaching the level with fans that Ronnie was. Every night we would play, he would sit out there in front of the bus — and I'm talking in Buffalo, New York when it's degrees below zero — he would stand out there until everybody had an autograph, and he would not rush people. We would be there till one and two in the morning sometimes, and he signed everything from everybody. He knew the fans. He'd see somebody and say, 'Wait a minute. Your dad was sick. How's he doing?' And the person would look at him, like, 'Holy shit! You remember that?' [Laughs] But it was just amazing. He was incredible. And it was from the heart — he really, truly loved his fans and appreciated them. And even his lyrical message was always that, 'Don't be the small guy. Be the bigger person. Claim what is yours. Don't let anybody tell you that you aren't entitled to whatever you feel you're entitled to.' It was just a great message. And he was just such a great person and great musician. And I'm so glad his legacy will always live on because of that music."

In recent years, Pilson produced the first two albums by LAST IN LINE, the group formed in 2012 by former members of the original DIO band — Vinny Appice, Jimmy Bain and guitarist Vivian Campbell.

Pilson and the rest of FOREIGNER are next scheduled to perform at the Frontyard Festival at Dr. Phillips Center in Orlando, Florida on March 23 and March 24. The new purpose-built, live entertainment event is designed to re-engage artists and guests in a safe, socially distanced setting.

BEHEMOTH frontman Adam "Nergal" Darski has blasted the Polish government's near-total ban on abortion, saying the country is "moving back to the obscure, scary, medieval past."

Last October, the predominantly Catholic nation's Constitutional Court ruled to ban terminations of pregnancies with fetal defects. Abortion will now only be permitted in cases of rape or incest, or when the mother's health or life is in danger.

Earlier today, Nergal took to his Instagram to write: "Today Polish government imposed a near-total ban on all abortions, including the termination of pregnancies with fetal defect. I'm passionately enraged!! Becoz of this political discourse Poland has been on downward spiral to social oblivion for years now. We are moving back to the obscure, scary, medieval past.

"From now on my dear women, in the eyes of Polish political leaders you are just a breeding tool in their rigorous Catholic narration, u have NO control over your body whatsoever."

The 43-year-old Polish musician continued: "The consequences of choosing religious fundamentalists as your country's authorities: continuous limitations and censorship of main human liberties.

"What one can do? Well, the battle is lost… but the war is to be won by those enlightened, forward thinking.

"Do NOT cease your fight, spread the word, speak up and support Polish women in their relentless struggle! EXTERMINATE RELIGIOUS CANCER! Fuck the system! ***** *** !!!!"

The October ruling by the Constitutional Court found that a 1993 law allowing abortion in cases of severe and irreversible fetal abnormalities was unconstitutional. The implementation had been delayed by Poland's conservative government after nationwide protests.

Two years ago, 98% of abortions in Poland were carried out on those grounds, meaning that the ruling effectively banned the vast majority of pregnancy terminations.

Amnesty International called Poland's law taking effect "a terrible day for women and girls in Poland. This harmful ruling rolls back on pregnant people's sexual and reproductive rights and puts their health at risk," said Esther Major, a senior research adviser at Amnesty International. "We stand in solidarity with women and girls in Poland and share in their outrage at this cruel decision."

After the government announced it would put into effect the decision banning abortion in all but a few circumstances, hundreds of protesters, led by a movement known as the "Women's Strike", gathered in cities across Poland.
























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AC/DC's Angus and Malcolm Young have topped this week's Billboard's Hard Rock Songwriters chart.

The brothers made it to the No. 1 position through their songwriting credits on two tracks on the latest Hot Hard Rock Songs chart, "Shot In The Dark" and "Realize", both of which are taken from AC/DC's "Power Up" LP.

Elsewhere, on the Hard Rock Producers chart, "Power Up" producer Brendan O'Brien once again took the No. 1 slot, thanks to his work on the aforementioned two songs.

The weekly Hard Rock Songwriters and Hard Rock Producers charts (which began in June 2019) are based on total points accrued by a songwriter and producer, respectively, for each attributed song that appears on the Hot Hard Rock Songs chart; As with Billboard's yearly recaps, multiple writers or producers split points for each song equally (and the dividing of points will lead to occasional ties on rankings).

"Power Up" came out in November. The follow-up to 2014's "Rock Or Bust" features AC/DC's 2020 lineup of Brian Johnson (vocals), Phil Rudd (drums), Cliff Williams (bass), Angus Young (guitar) and Stevie Young (guitar).

"Power Up" is a tribute to Malcolm, who died in 2017 from effects of dementia at age 64. Malcolm is credited as a writer on all 12 tracks on "Power Up", along with Angus.

In December 2014, Malcolm revealed he had dementia which forced him to retire from AC/DC. His nephew Stevie Young stepped into Malcolm's position.

Angus later said that he realized during the recording of the band's 2008 album "Black Ice" that his brother's faculties were impaired.

Malcolm died in November 2017 after failing health for several years.

Hundreds of mourners gathered for his funeral in Sydney, Australia, including Angus and other members of the Young family, along with Johnson, AC/DC drummer Phil Rudd and bassist Cliff Williams.

Malcolm was remembered as a "humble man" and "musical mastermind," with friend David Albert saying in his eulogy that Malcolm's impact on the music industry was nothing short of momentous. Young's beloved Gretsch guitar, "The Beast," rested on his coffin during the service.

"Power Up" was recorded over a six-week period in August and September 2018 at Warehouse Studios in Vancouver with producer Brendan O'Brien, who also worked 2008's "Black Ice" and 2014's "Rock Or Bust"

Nuclear Blast has announced the signing of Arizona's GO AHEAD AND DIE. The band features vocalist and guitarist Max Cavalera (SOULFLY, CAVALERA CONSPIRACY, SEPULTURA) along with his son, singer, guitar and bass player Igor Amadeus Cavalera, as well as Zach Coleman on drums. GO AHEAD AND DIE's sound mixes elements of death and thrash metal, with early CELTIC FROST influences and a punk attitude.

Max Cavalera describes GO AHEAD AND DIE as a "one-of-a-kind father/son collaboration bringing the old school with a new attitude! Sick riffs and abrasive lyrics from Igor and brutal drumming from Zach Coleman (BLACK CURSE, KHEMMIS) inspired me," he says. "Extreme times call for extreme music!"

Igor Amadeus Cavalera states: "We are beyond excited to sign with Nuclear Blast. They are definitely the right choice for this colossally heavy record. G.A.A.D. will deliver fast-paced, hate-fueled energy that hasn't been heard in years.”

Zach Coleman adds: "I could not be more excited to be a part of G.A.A.D. and to have the album come out on Nuclear Blast! I feel like we were able to capture (extreme) aggression with the record. It's a mix of old school (think '89-era metal/punk) style and newer sounds that reflect what's going on around us. Protest and survive!"

Nuclear Blast comments. "For such a heavy, brutal and pissed-off record, GO AHEAD AND DIE will leave any metal fan with a smile on their face. With riffs the size of boulders and a genuine 'fuck off' attitude that speaks about today's horrors, this album will without a doubt leave a mark in metal and we are happy to be part of the journey."

GO AHEAD AND DIE is:

Max Cavalera - Guitar, Vocals

Igor Amadeus Cavalera - Bass, Guitar, Vocals

Zach Coleman - Drums

Photo credit: Jim Louvau

In a 14-page mega-interview in the latest issue of Rock Candy magazine HEART guitarist and vocalist Nancy Wilson insists that she takes full responsibility for the band's image during their hugely successful "MTV sex kitten" era. The 1985 "Heart" album proved to be the most successful of the band's 50-year career, hitting number one on the Billboard chart and going five times platinum. Its success was partly down to a radical image overhaul that saw sisters Ann and Nancy Wilson going for a new "sexy and fabulous" look.

"We knew we had to do something radical to be noticed," Nancy tells Rock Candy editor Howard Johnson. "Especially because MTV was so image driven at that point. We were kinda desperate, so we said, 'Sure, we'll put on the jewelry, the costumes, and the high heels. Sure we'll simper at the camera.' So we put on the lace gloves and away we went!

"There were a lot of people saying, 'You look sexy and fabulous,'" Nancy says. "And this is gonna work. And it actually did work! We were in the game not to be failures."

With the benefit of hindsight, Nancy recognizes that there was a personal price to pay for such huge success. "It paid massive dividends, but in a way it was a question of 'gain the world, but lose your soul.' We'd started out really passionate and idealistic, but suddenly there was this whole different tone to the '80s. People really cared about what you looked like."

With her first-ever solo album ready for release, Nancy is hopeful that there will also be HEART live shows in 2021. "There's an offer on the table for the band to play and we're working on it," she says. "I'd love to get up on stage with Ann again."

Rock Candy is a 100-page, full-color bi-monthly rock magazine, created in the U.K.. It covers the sights, sounds and smells from the greatest era in hard rock music, the '70s and '80s. Put together by respected U.K. rock journalists Derek Oliver, Howard Johnson and Malcolm Dome — all frontline writers for the legendary Kerrang! magazine in the golden era — Rock Candy is available in print format with a free digital download version for anyone who buys the mag online at www.rockcandymag.com.

Nancy's debut solo album, "You And Me", is tentatively due in April via Carry On Music. Nancy plays guitar and sings every song on the new album which features collaborations with Sammy Hagar, Duff McKagan (GUNS N' ROSES) and Taylor Hawkins (FOO FIGHTERS). The first single, "The Rising", is Nancy's stunning rendition of the Bruce Springsteen song.

A guitar virtuoso from the age of 10, Nancy is revered as an ingenious guitar player, a gifted lead vocalist, and as an award-winning songwriter. Nancy has co-written a collection of indelible songs that have earned their way into the classic rock canon ("Magic Man", "Crazy On You", "Barracuda", "Straight On"). She has also earned several nominations for her film scoring work.

During an era when females in rock 'n' roll were scarce, Nancy helped to carve out a place for women to front rock bands, dominate on stage. Her icon status was cemented when HEART, who have sold 35 million albums, was inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in 2012. That same year, she and her sister received a star on the Walk Of Fame in Hollywood. In 2013, the Wilson sisters celebrated another career milestone when they performed LED ZEPPELIN's "Stairway To Heaven" at the Kennedy Center Honors. Their note-perfect performance was met with rousing cheers and a standing ovation in the staid concert hall, and brought members of LED ZEPPELIN to tears. The video went viral on YouTube.

Paul Stanley has released a live performance video for a cover version of THE FIVE STAIRSTEPS' "O-o-h Child", recorded by the KISS frontman's R&B band SOUL STATION.

"'O-o-h Child' is a song of optimism and hope," Stanley said in a statement. "I think we could all use some words about things getting 'brighter' and a time when 'we'll walk in the rays of a beautiful sun.' You can see the effect it has on us all performing and I'm certain the audience will feel that. I remember first hearing THE FIVE STAIRSTEPS on the radio and I felt like my problems were lifted from my shoulders. That's the power of music and I want to share it."

SOUL STATION's cover of "O-o-h Child" will appear on the band's debut album, "Now And Then", which will be released March 5 on Universal Music Enterprises.

SOUL STATION is 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, and recently recorded an album of nine classic soul songs and five new original songs.

Speaking about the new music, Stanley said: "Between us doing some great SOUL STATION shows and starting the album, I started to think that neither the band or the music we love should depend only on the past so I started writing with the goal of seamlessly taking songs into the present. From what a lot of people I respect have told me, that mission was accomplished."

When Stanley conceived SOUL STATION, the group excelled in the live venue setting, playing smaller, intimate clubs — a setting where Paul Stanley would reflect on those classic hits that were his early inspiration, playing the songs with a reverence and respect for how he and the band believe they should be performed and heard.

"Long before I ever heard the great British bands, I grew up listening to Philly Soul, Motown and so much more," he said. "I was lucky to see Otis Redding and Solomon Burke among others. That music and its storytelling gave me strength and hope even in some tough days. The great classics of that era are magical medicine for most and I felt myself drawn back to that era for some sorcery I think we could all use."

Stanley's bandmembers include Rafael "Hoffa" Moreira (guitar and backing vocals), Sean Hurley (bass), Alex Alessandroni (musical director, keyboards), Ely Rise (keyboards), Eric Singer (drums and 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.

"Now And Then" track listing:

01. Could It Be I'm Falling In Love

02. I Do

03. I, Oh I

04. Ooo Baby Baby

05. O-o-h Child

06. Save Me (From You)

07. Just My Imagination (Running Away With Me)

08. Whenever You're Ready (I'm Here)

09. The Tracks Of My Tears

10. Let's Stay Together

11. La-La – Means I Love You

12. Lorelei

13. You Are Everything

14. Baby I Need Your Loving

Speaking about how the idea for SOUL STATION came about, Paul told Scott Lipps: "I was really lucky, because, before I ever saw [LED] ZEPPELIN or any of the British bands that I grew to love, or the blues bands that I saw, I saw Otis Redding as a kid, I saw Solomon Burke and THE TEMPTATIONS. So that really is the core of what I do. It's not all that I do, but it's in there, and it always has been. SMOKEY [ROBINSON] AND THE MIRACLES; early Stevie Wonder; Philly soul; Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff, all the things that they produced — Thom Bell. So you have THE DELFONICS, STYLISTICS, BLUE MAGIC, THE TEMPS, FOUR TOPS, and on and on. So, for me, that music, unfortunately, has been relegated to becoming samples in somebody's rap songs. Those songs deserve so much more, not only respect, but to be listened to, because when we play those songs live, everybody's faces light up, because they're just great, great songs.

"SOUL STATION is 15 people, and everybody's played with everyone from Smokey to Stevie Wonder to Natalie Cole to TEMPTATIONS, Whitney Houston, and on and on and on," Stanley continued. "And it really is like a family. We hang out at my house and have a great time. But what really bonded us together was this love of that music and wanting to recreate it accurately, respectfully. Even some of those bands, when they wound up playing live, did these uptempo, kind of soulless versions of their own songs. And we're playing those songs the way they're supposed to be, and it's glorious.

"Look, I started doing it selfishly, 'cause I love that music, and to have it surrounding me, and to get to sing those songs, is crazy. And then to also write some new tunes that really marry so well to the old tunes is like writing another page.

"Will it surprise some people? Yeah," Paul added. "But, honestly, I'm not… Somebody said, 'Oh, you're reinventing yourself.' I'm not the champion of blues rock or hard rock or metal or this. I did 'Phantom Of The Opera'. I'm a singer, and I choose to sing whatever I choose to sing at any given time. So, really, honestly, it's as natural for me to sing Philly soul as it is to sing rock. It's just I haven't done it publicly."

Last May, Stanley released a cover version of Smokey Robinson's classic song "Ooo Baby Baby", recorded by SOUL STATION. In a statement accompanying the clip, Stanley said: "These are challenging times. Long before I ever heard the great British bands, I grew up listening to Philly Soul, Motown and so much more. I was lucky to see Otis Redding and Solomon Burke among others. That music and its storytelling gave me strength and hope even in some tough days. The great classics of that era are magical medicine for most and I felt myself drawn back to that era for some sorcery I think we could all use."

He added: "While it's hard to connect physically, some of SOUL STATION decided to reach out and make a virtual and emotional connection on a great Motown and Smokey Robinson classic, Ooo Baby Baby."

In 2019, Stanley told the Real Radio 104.1 radio station that he wanted to wait for the right time to release the SOUL STATION LP. "It really deserves full attention and my full commitment," he explained. "So until we can do great live performances — the band is amazing live — and until we can promote it the way we should, it's just going to simmer."

Asked if he gets any hate from KISS fans for making an album that is stylistically far removed from the music his main band is best known for producing, Stanley said: "I'm sure there are some people who'd rather me doing a KISS album or something like that, but when you sign on with me, you understand that we're both in this together, and sometimes I have to do what I need to do. And that's part of the joy and the reward for me. So I would rather do a great SOUL STATION album right now than tamper with KISS or the KISS legacy and do something that I'm really not feeling at the moment."

NAPALM DEATH frontman Mark "Barney" Greenway spoke to Australia's Riff Crew about how he is dealing with the coronavirus crisis and what the touring circuit might look like post-pandemic. He said (see video below): "On a personal level, I'm dealing with it okay. I've been keeping busy. I've done about seven weeks of interviews, and I'm not joking. I'm not exaggerating; it's literally that. But why not use the time? If it's time when we're not out there playing gigs, if there's enough people that wanna talk about the [new NAPALM DEATH] album and the band to fill that time, then why not? So that's been the thing, really.

"My situation is okay," Barney, who lives in Lancing, west of the city of Brighton and Hove, on the south coast of England, continued. "Presently, I live alone. I've only got myself to answer to, which is not to say that's the same for everybody. People that have families and dependents, it's a very hard slog for them.

"This virus thing [isn't] messing around. Luckily, I haven't had any direct family members that have died or been seriously ill from it thus far, but I know people that have, and it's very real. All these people that say it's a hoax, they need to open their eyes a little bit, because this is just simply not the case.

"In terms of NAPALM itself, we're just on ice, in terms of the live situation," he added. "But there's not much I can do about it. It is what it is, and many people are in this boat, not just musicians, although we have been hit particularly hard, because gigs are gonna be the last thing to open up. But I'm mindful that right now it's about the safety of people in general. I would never wanna cut adrift more vulnerable parts of the population, such as older people with serious conditions. To disregard them is just not the human thing, as far as I'm concerned.

"So, I will live with it for now. We'll take what comes and we'll deal with it in the process of time. But I do miss the gigging and stuff — I really do. I miss getting out there. We were due to come to Australia — we were in talks to come again — but it hasn't happened. And it's disappointing, in some respects, but I'm not gonna sit here and jump up and down about it, because I think that would be a bit sort of arrogant, and I just don't wanna do that."

NAPALM DEATH released its latest studio album, "Throes Of Joy In The Jaws Of Defeatism", in September via Century Media Records. The follow-up to 2015's "Apex Predator - Easy Meat" was again recorded with longtime producer Russ Russell and features artwork by Frode Sylthe.

In these troubled times, blackgaze pioneers Alcest shine a little light into the dark with their otherworldy sound. Labeled as innovators of a surreal genre mixing shoegaze and black metal, the French duo has established itself as a forerunner of its own style of music that draws the listener into a dreamy soundscape, achieving them over 42 million streams worldwide.

Their latest studio album Spiritual Instinct saw the light of day in 2019 via Nuclear Blast. Hitting the German album charts at #12, it was supported by a massive European tour which included several sold out shows. With Spiritual Instinct, Neige and Winterhalter melded both the heavy and lighter aspects of the band, and today, Alcest present a brand-new face to their art with a cinematic instrumental acoustic version of their hit single “Protection”. Listen now here.

(Photo – Andy Julia)

Next week, Sensory Records will unveil Cleopatra, the epic Dan Swanö-mastered second album from New Jersey-based symphonic metal quintet, Everdawn. With the record nearing release, a new lyric video for the song "Your Majesty Sadness," which features guest contributions from Therion/Candlemass vocalist Thomas Vikström, is now playing through an exclusive premiere hosted by Prog.

Formerly known as Midnight Eternal, Everdawn is embodied by lead vocalist Alina Gavrilenko, guitarist/vocalist Richard Fischer, bassist Mike LePond (Symphony X), drummer Dan Prestup, and keyboardist Boris Zaks. Through the course of eleven epic new songs, the band delivers forty-eight minutes of epic, progressive, symphonic metal on Cleopatra.

Everdawn keyboardist Boris Zaks delves into the "Your Majesty Sadness" single, "Oftentimes, we find ourselves walking an eternal path between sheer joy and deep sadness, utter acceptance and cold seclusion, affectionate love and brutal loneliness. It's not always up to us whether we shift towards helpless self-destruction or find ways to embrace who we are and turn our weaknesses into strengths. 'Your Majesty Sadness' reflects on the inner strength of a soul searching for answers, losing motivation and finding strength to carry on despite the emotional setbacks. In addition to the phenomenal vocals of Thomas Vikstrom, the song tells the story of fading love, intimacy and attachment looking forward to times when romance and chivalry rule the world again."

Everdawn is embodied by lead vocalist Alina Gavrilenko, guitarist/vocalist Richard Fischer, bassist Mike LePond (Symphony X), drummer Dan Prestup, and keyboardist Boris Zaks. Through the course of eleven epic new songs, the band delivers 48 minutes of progressive, symphonic excellence on Cleopatra.

The vocals for Cleopatra were recorded at Soundmine Recording, the guitars were recorded at Frightbox Recording with engineer Bobby Torres, the bass, drums, and keyboards recorded at RMF Recording Studios, the bass engineered by Richard Fischer and additional editing by Bobby Torres. Upon completion, the album was mixed and mastered by Dan Swanö at Unisound (Opeth, Riverside, Katatonia), and is completed with cover artwork by Gyula Havancsák of Hjules Illustration and Design, and photography by Alexandra Hassan and Northern Luna. Additionally, Therion vocalist Thomas Vikström provides additional vocals to the track "Your Majesty Sadness".

"Ghost Shadow Requiem"
"Stranded In Bangalore"
"Cleopatra"
"Your Majesty Sadness"
"Infinity Divine"
"Pariah's Revenge"
"Lucid Dream"
"Heart Of A Lion"
"Toledo 712 A.D."
"Rider Of The Storm"
"The Last Eden"

"Your Majesty Sadness" lyric video:

For further details, follow Everdawn on Facebook.

In the fall of 2018, Rock And Roll Hall Of Famer, Steve Perry, made his long-awaited return with the release of Traces, the legendary musician’s first new album in 25 years. The album’s personal expression of love, inspiration and renewal resonated with both critics and fans around the world, thrilled to have their voice of a generation making new music once again.

Now, on Traces (Alternative Versions & Sketches), available via Fantasy Records, Perry revisits several of his favourite tracks, stripping away the grand production touches, taking the songs down to their essence. Presented acoustic and raw, (including some in sketch form) tracks like "Sun Shines Gray", "No Erasin’, No More Cryin’", and "Most Of All" take on new and richer meaning. In this setting, Perry’s iconic soulful voice glides out-front vibrant, clear and warm while the lyrics take on greater significance as well, even more intimate than before.

Produced by Perry and his longtime collaborator and friend, Thom Flowers, Traces (Alternative Versions & Sketches) offers a fascinating glimpse into Perry’s creative process and a deeper understanding into an already treasured album.

“When writing these songs, the original inspiration is always my first compass – where the songs should go,” stated Perry. “Alternate Versions & Sketches is exactly that, and I’m very excited to have you hear the original seeds of these songs.”

Brand-new, special edition merchandise is now available exclusively on Perry’s online store. Order Traces (Alternative Versions & Sketches) here.

Listen to "Sun Shines Gray" (Acoustic) from the release below.

Tracklisting:

"Most Of All" (Radio Mix)
"No Erasin’" (Acoustic)
"I Need You" (Acoustic)
"No More Cryin’" (Acoustic)
"Most Of All" (Stripped)
"We’re Still Here" (Acoustic)
"You Belong To Me" (Stripped)
"Sun Shines Gray" (Acoustic)

"Sun Shines Gray" (Acoustic):

"You Belong To Me" (Stripped):

"We're Still Here" (Acoustic):

"No More Cryin'" (Acoustic):

"I Need You" (Acoustic):

"Most Of All" (Radio Mix):

"I Need You":

"No Erasin’" (Acoustic):

"Most Of All" (Stripped) visualizer:

"Most Of All" performance video:

(Photo - Myriam Santos)

Trial (swe) have released a new 2-track EP, Sisters Of The Moon, via Metal Blade Records. A music video for the title track can be found below.

The EP can be ordered here as a 7" in the following versions:

- black vinyl (EU exclusive - limited to 222 copies)
- gold vinyl (EU exclusive - limited to 111 copies)

The members of Trial (swe) joined forces in 2007 in Sweden, laying their previous musical endeavors to rest to create something together. Doomed by the restlessness of youth, many songs were written during their humble beginnings, but few withstood the test of time. For two years, Trial (swe) rehearsed, wrote and fought their way through hard times - until finally, in 2009, they found Linus, who was able to unite the band and become the voice of Trial (swe).

From then on, their vision became clear. The group released their first demo in 2010 - without money, proper equipment or label - which lead to a record deal for their first full-length, The Primordial Temple (2011). Determined to develop their brand of heavy metal even further, Trial (swe) wrote and recorded the Malicious Arts EP (2013), which became yet another stepping stone from where the band was to where they wanted to be. "That EP, in many ways, became our first road to liberate us from ourselves," Trial (swe) recalls. "Rising from the ashes of our former selves, we took things further beyond, which ultimately resulted in the album 'Vessel'."

After earning acclaimed reviews for Vessel (2015), Trial (swe)'s popularity continued to grow, and it wasn't long before Metal Blade Records signed the band. With plans to re-invent themselves once again, Trial (swe)'s debut for the label proved to be another step forward in their career. They took the colossus that is Motherless (2017) and headed out on the Roadkill tour together with Metal Blade comrades Ram and Portrait to conquer Europe. After the tour, the cold winds of change were blowing. On the other end of the storm, Arthur W. Andersson (ex-Air Raid) stepped forth as the new front-man of the band. Re-energized and fully focused, they entered their new phase. As the curse of the world grew stronger, they decided to reveal their new singer through their EP, Sisters Of The Moon. Covers of Fleetwood Mac and Black Sabbath were recorded during the black summer of 2020, displaying new levels of Trial (swe) - traditional yet unconventional. "With 'Sisters...', we decided to pay tribute to one of the biggest bands out there, the Mighty Mac. Our version is a different take than the original, filled with blazing guitar duels and piercing vocals. This is a side of Trial (swe) you've never heard before," the band explains. "For our Sabbath cover, it all made sense to record 'Die Young,'" the band continues, "as it is the most outstanding song on 'Heaven and Hell'. This one is more true to the original, and we are happy to share both of the songs with you."

Sisters Of The Moon tracklisting:

"Sisters Of The Moon"
"Die Young"

"Sisters Of The Moon" video:

Trial (swe) lineup:

Arthur W. Andersson - Vocals
Alexander Ellstrom - Guitars
Andreas Johnsson - Guitars
Andreas Olsson - Bass
Martin Svensson - Drums

Five Finger Death Punch have released a lyric video for "The Tragic Truth", featured on the bands recent album, A Decade Of Destruction, Volume 2. Watch below:

A Decade Of Destruction - Volume 2 is available here.

Tracklisting:

"Blue On Black" [taken from And Justice For None]
"The Tragic Truth" [taken from American Capitalist]
"Broken World" [previously unreleased]**
"I Refuse" [taken from And Justice For None]
"The Pride" [taken from American Capitalist]
"Hard To See" [taken from War Is The Answer]
"When The Seasons Change" [taken from And Justice For None]
"Cradle To The Grave" [taken from The Wrong Side Of Heaven, Vol. 2]
"Sham Pain" [taken from And Justice For None]
"M.I.N.E. (End This Way)" [taken from The Wrong Side Of Heaven, Vol. 1]
"Hell To Pay" [taken from Got Your Six]
"Never Enough" [taken from The Way Of The Fist]
"Walk Away" [taken from War Is The Answer]
"Wrong Side Of Heaven" (New Acoustic Version – original version taken from Wrong Side Of Heaven, Vol. 1)**
"Trouble" (Felmax Remix) – original version taken from And Justice For None
"Wash It All Away" (Joe Hahn Remix – original version taken from Got Your Six)**
"Bad Company" (The Five Finger Dim Mak Steve Aoki Remix)  – original version taken from War Is The Answer)**

** Previously Unavailable

“Bad Company" (The Five Finger Dim Mak Steve Aoki Remix) lyric video:

"Broken World" lyric video:

"Wrong Side Of Heaven" (Acoustic):

(Photo - F3 Studios - Stephen Jensen)

The popular vinyl collectible company Funko — best known for its big-headed Pop! figures — has unveiled MOTÖRHEAD's "Ace Of Spades" and AC/DC's "Highway To Hell" as part of its Albums series.

"Ace Of Spades" features Lemmy from MOTÖRHEAD's classic 1980 album. A description reads: "Release your inner rocker and celebrate the timeless album from rock legends, MOTÖRHEAD! Labelled as its most commercially successful album; this is going to be a massive hit amongst fans, so don't miss out on your chance to grab this latest Pop! Albums drop and give it centre stage in your growing collections!"

AC/DC's legendary 1979 record "Highway To Hell" is immortalized with Angus Young in his devilish outfit. This is the second AC/DC album to be made available as part of the Album series, following the release of "Back In Black". A description reads: "Up next for Pop! Albums, it is of course rock icons AC/DC with their fifth international studio album 'Highway To Hell'. Featuring an unmistakable Pop! Vinyl figure of legendary lead guitarist Angus Young in his signature school uniform attire, this is one drop you rockers do not want to miss out on!"

Other artists who have gotten the Pop! Rocks treatment in the past include KISS, IRON MAIDEN, METALLICA, GUNS N' ROSES, SLAYER, DEF LEPPARD, Rob Zombie, SLIPKNOT, GHOST and BLACK SABBATH.

A Funko vinyl Pop! figure, or popularly known as a "Pop!", is packaged carefully inside a box with a transparent front. The figurine is made out of vinyl and may come as a bobblehead.

Funko reported that these figurines increased its sales by 38 percent in the second quarter of 2019. International sales spiked 65 percent to $68.5 million, while U.S. revenue grew 26 percent to $122.7 million.

Last June, Funko announced that it was cutting a quarter of its global workforce, laying off about 250 people as it coped with the economic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Headquartered in Everett, Washington, Funko is a leading pop culture consumer products company. Funko designs, sources and distributes licensed pop culture products across multiple categories, including vinyl figures, action toys, plush, apparel, housewares and accessories for consumers who seek tangible ways to connect with their favorite pop culture brands and characters.
























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SYSTEM OF A DOWN's music video for the song "Genocidal Humanoidz" can be seen below. The clip was premiered earlier today (Saturday, January 30) during a very special livestream fundraising event supporting humanitarian efforts in SYSTEM OF A DOWN's ancestral homeland of Armenia.

In November 2020, SYSTEM OF A DOWN made new music available for the first time since 2005 in order to rally for Armenia. They released "Protect The Land" and "Genocidal Humanoidz" and pledged royalties earned, including from purchases on Bandcamp, to the major non-profit, Armenia Fund. Along with other donations from fans on their social pages, they have raised over $600,000 so far.

"Genocidal Humanoidz" and "Protect The Land" were both produced by guitarist/vocalist Daron Malakian, who also wrote the music and lyrics.

The music video for "Protect The Land" incorporated recent footage of the protests and on-the-ground fighting in Artsakh, but in a very personal and aesthetic way. As he did for all previous SYSTEM OF A DOWN releases, bassist Shavo Odadjian executive-produced the music video and curated the cover and brand art for the project.

On the recording of "Protect The Land" and "Genocidal Humanoidz", Odadjian said: "It was such a pleasure for us to be together in the studio again, very comforting and natural, like no time had passed at all."

"Protect The Land" a was originally written by Malakian for the next album by his other group, SCARS ON BROADWAY, while "Genocidal Humanoidz" was penned three or four years ago when Odadjian, Malakian and drummer John Dolmayan convened for a jam session that produced several songs, only to abandon them when singer Serj Tankian wouldn't commit to an album.

Photo credit: Clemente Ruiz

In a new interview with Australia's "Scars And Guitars" podcast, EPICA guitarist/vocalist Mark Jansen related a few humorous stories about his brushes with one of his favorite bands from his youth, MEGADETH.

"Dave Mustaine, being the leader [of MEGADETH], [is] maybe sometimes also quite a difficult guy to deal with; he seems a bit grumpy sometimes," Mark said (hear audio below).

"[EPICA] played at a couple of festivals with MEGADETH, and I have a couple of funny anecdotes. One of them is that MEGADETH was done playing, and they came back to their dressing rooms. And one by one [they] were climbing the stairs, and I was going downstairs, so I said 'hi' to all the guys, and everybody said 'hi' back to me. And the last in line was Dave Mustaine, so I said also 'hi.' Nothing [laughs] — no reaction whatsoever.

"Also one time with MAYAN [Mark's side project], we were playing in Mexico, and we were on the airport, and MEGADETH was going to play the same festival," he continued. "And we saw also the MEGADETH guys — they were all hanging around with everybody. And I thought, 'Where's Dave Mustaine? Maybe he has a different flight.' But then, after 10 minutes, I saw him. He was sitting with his hoodie, with a very grumpy face — like, 'Don't even dare to get closer to me. I don't wanna talk to anybody.' [Laughs]"

Mark went on to say that he doesn't "judge" Mustaine for not wanting to interact with other people. "If he doesn't want to talk to anybody, he should not do it," he reasoned. "But, to me, it gives me the impression that he's not the most easy guy to deal with."

Jansen's third and final anecdote — which he said was "the most funny one" — involved an incident that took place when EPICA and MEGADETH both played the Graspop Metal Meeting festival in Belgium. "That was a great festival with a great catering," he said. "But everybody needs this kind of food ticket to get your meal. But [Mustaine] was there, and he didn't have his meal ticket. So [the girl handling the food asked him,] 'Sir, do you have your meal ticket?' [And he said,] 'No, no. I don't have it.' [And she said,] 'But you need to have one to get your meal.' Then he was looking around over his shoulder [so] anybody could hear him, and then he said to the girl, 'I'm Dave Mustaine, the face of MEGADETH.' [Laughs] And then she replied, 'But you still need your food ticket, sir.' [Laughs]"

Offering a possible explanation for Mustaine's reaction, Mark said: "It's an ego thing, I think. When you get your food refused because you need to have a ticket, just like anybody else, and your ego is a little bit big, so to say, then you get in this defensive mood, like, 'Give me my food.' Everybody needs a ticket. Just go to get your ticket and come back. [There is no] big deal about that."

Jansen clarified that he wasn't speaking negatively about Mustaine in an attempt to denigrate MEGADETH.

"I'm a big MEGADETH fan, I must say," he explained. "My first metal album I bought was 'Rust In Peace' from MEGADETH. I'm a huge fan myself. But this guy… [Laughs]"

EPICA will release its new album, "Omega", on February 26 via Nuclear Blast. The follow-up to 2016's "The Holographic Principle" was once again produced by Joost Van Den Broek (POWERWOLF, AYREON) in part at Sandlane Recording Facilities in Rijen, Netherlands.