Cliff Williams spoke to Bass Player magazine about his decision to return to AC/DC for the making of the band's latest album, "Power Up".

The bassist announced his retirement at the end of AC/DC's 2015-2016 "Rock Or Bust" tour, which also saw vocalist Brian Johnson leaving because of hearing problems (he was replaced for the last 22 shows by GUNS N' ROSES singer Axl Rose).

When interviewer Joel McIver told Williams that fans thought they had seen the last of him, Cliff said: "I thought I'd seen the last of me too. [Laughs] Look, I spoke to Angus [Young, guitar] on the 'Rock Or Bust' tour — I said that I felt that I was done. It was my time, I guess. Phil [Rudd, drums] had done the recording and then never did come on the road with us. He had his issues, and that's that, you know, so we had Chris Slade come in to replace Phil. And then, of course, we had that terrible thing with Brian. He really needed to stop, so Axl came in and did a bang-up job — God bless him — and got us through to the end of it."

According to Williams, he wanted to take part in the recording sessions for "Power Up" as a tribute to Angus's late brother, founding AC/DC rhythm guitarist Malcolm Young, who died in 2017 from effects of dementia at age 64. Malcolm is credited as a writer on all 12 tracks on "Power Up".

"As Angus said, you can't have a tour called 'Rock Or Bust' and [then go] bust, so we wanted to finish it, which we did," Cliff explained. "And then that was it — we all went home and I was pretty much done. But Angus and Sony reached out a couple of years ago, asking if we would have any interest in getting together to do an album with Malcolm in mind.”

Cliff went on to confirm that his commitment to AC/DC was only for "a few" dates in support of "Power Up".

"Earlier on this year [2020], we all got together and rehearsed for three weeks to see how it would be — and it was fabulous," he said. "The band was playing great and the conversation got around to 'Is everyone up for playing some shows?' I said, 'I would love to play a few shows,' so everyone was, like, 'Great! Let's go home and get the guys to work on putting the shows together,' and then, of course, the world went on lockdown. We're hoping that lifts, because we would love to play some shows."

Last year, Williams revealed that a "terrible" bout with vertigo contributed to his 2016 retirement. He also admitted the return of both Johnson and Rudd convinced him to rejoin the group. "It was like the old band back together," he told Rolling Stone. "It was not like starting over again, but as close to the band that's been together for 40-plus years as we can possibly make it. I didn't want to miss that."

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

The new CHEAP TRICK single, "Light Up The Fire", can be streamed below.

Last fall, CHEAP TRICK singer Robin Zander said that fans won't have to wait too long to hear new music from the band. "We have an album that's already done and it's ready to go," he told AXS TV's "At Home And Social With". "It's been put on hold because of the virus… We're very excited about it. We signed a deal with BMG. And we'll see what happens."

According to Robin, the new CHEAP TRICK LP will please the band's longtime followers, including those who have supported the group since its inception nearly five decades ago.

"We've made a lot of records, and we just continue making records — for ourselves mostly, but also for our immediate fans that still cling to us," he says. "It's something, I think, that is our lifeblood; it keeps us going… And I believe that we still make quality records. If we didn't, we probably wouldn't do it anymore."

In September, CHEAP TRICK released a cover version of David Bowie's "Rebel Rebel". The track was engineered and produced by Jack Douglas.

Back in 2018, CHEAP TRICK released a single called "The Summer Looks Good On You" and followed it up with 2019 updates of Harry Nilsson's "Ambush" and John Lennon's "Gimme Some Truth".

The band has released nearly 20 studio records, including three in the past four years: 2016's "Bang, Zoom, Crazy... Hello" and 2017's "We're All Alright!" and "Christmas Christmas".

In 2018, CHEAP TRICK took part in the "Nothin' But A Good Time Tour" with POISON.

A career highpoint for the quartet was its 2016 induction into the Rock And Roll Of Fame, where it accepted its award before performing three of its hits — "I Want You to Want Me", "Dream Police" and "Surrender".

CHEAP TRICK's current lineup includes three of its original members: Zander, guitarist Rick Nielsen and bassist Tom Petersson. Drummer Bun E. Carlos stopped touring with the band in 2010 and was replaced by Nielsen's son Daxx.

QUIET RIOT and LOVE/HATE singer Jizzy Pearl has criticized musicians for hosting livestreams on social media or via other platforms as a way of capturing revenue from their performances since the COVID-19 pandemic has wiped out artists' touring revenues.

With concert promoters forced to suspend or delay the majority of their schedule for as long as social distancing is still taking place, livestreaming performances have been a way for some rock bands to generate the revenue they and their crew depend on to survive, or simply to keep their fans (and themselves) entertained while we all wait for venues to re-open. And as much of the world remains in quarantine, many industry experts believe that livestreaming will likely remain a crucial part of the live music experience in 2021.

On Wednesday (January 20), Jizzy took to his Facebook page to write: "A lot of people have given up on playing live. Its been a year and this Zoom shit is old and goofy at this point. Your Rock Star mystique is not enhanced by the visual of you sitting at your computer, I don't care if you're Brian May. Also the constant pandering for money...doesn't look good. We as musicians all have bills for sure but Jesus...maybe that Mercedes SUV wasn't a good idea."

Two days later, Pearl returned to Facebook to elaborate on his views. He wrote: "I took a little heat about my last post--insensitive some might say. People gotta eat some might say. Yes thats true, I'm in the same boat as everyone else, all work has evaporated 'When's it coming back?' I don't know nobody does. But doing weekly Stage-its and weekly tip jars? Its like slowly cutting off pieces of yourself, selling yourself short bit by bit. When its all over who's gonna want to pay $20 or $30 to see you or your band when they've seen you for $5? Or a 'donation' of $3? And the New Normal is Virtual concerts? Thats awesome, so instead of doing 20 or 30 shows a year I get to do just one? How exciting! What about the rest of the year, no more touring? This is our wonderful future? The longer this lockdown lasts the easier it is for people to Love their Couch--why go out ever when I can get MÖTLEY CRÜE delivered right to my home?"

In the face of the coronavirus pandemic, thousands of concerts and festivals have either been postponed or canceled, as social distancing and self-quarantining make performing live music and attending live shows all but impossible.

U.S. officials have repeatedly urged Americans to heed what federal, state and local officials are asking of them in order to curtail the spread and dampen the impact of the virus on the population.

Earlier in the month, Dr. Anthony Fauci said that theaters and other live entertainment venues could reopen before the end of this year if the COVID-19 vaccine rollout goes well.

As long as the majority of Americans begin to receive a vaccine by the summer, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases said performances could resume almost close to normal "some time in the fall of 2021."


A lot of people have given up on playing live. Its been a year and this Zoom shit is old and goofy at this point. Your...

Posted by Jizzy Pearl on Wednesday, January 20, 2021



I took a little heat about my last post--insensitive some might say. People gotta eat some might say. Yes thats true, I'...

Posted by Jizzy Pearl on Friday, January 22, 2021

On February 26th, Swedes Sister will put out their third full length offering, titled Vengeance Ignited. The cover art and complete tracklist can be found below.


Track listing as follows:

01. Bring Out The Dead
02. Vengeance Ignited
03. Spitfire
04. Scream For Pleasure
05. Psycho Thrilling
06. Primal Rage
07. Die With A Smile
08. Walk With Me
09. Whispering Winds
10. One Last Ride

THE PRETTY RECKLESS frontwoman Taylor Momsen has once again reflected on how the deaths of SOUNDGARDEN singer Chris Cornell and longtime producer Kato Khandwala affected the making of THE PRETTY RECKLESS's new LP, "Death By Rock And Roll".

Momsen, whose band was the opening act for SOUNDGARDEN's spring 2017 run of dates, told "Elliot In The Morning" (hear audio below): "It was traumatic. We were there that night in Detroit [when Chris died]. We played the show with [SOUNDGARDEN]; we were opening for them. I said goodbye To Chris, gave him a hug. We stayed in the parking lot hanging out with the rest of the band — with Matt [Cameron] and Kim [Thayil] and Ben [Shepherd] — all night long, till bus call, and drove off to the next city. And we woke up the next morning to the news. And the weight on the bus was so unbelievably heavy. I woke up to just everyone in the front lounge crying and in utter shock."

She continued: "We played a few shows after that, but I got to a place where I was not okay — I was not emotionally prepared to handle that. I came to the conclusion that I wasn't in a good place to be public, and touring was not doing it for me at the time. I couldn't get on stage every night and pretend that I was okay when I really wasn't. So I canceled everything, which was maybe not the best business decision, 'cause we were in the middle of a record cycle at the time. But I went home and tried to kind of regroup and process everything and get my feet back on the ground. And as soon as I started to kind of do that and come to terms with what had happened, I was calling Kato, our producer, and I had written some songs, and I said, 'Let's get in the studio. I don't know if this is for a record or what, but we've gotta start to move forward. Let's start recording some stuff.' And as soon as we started to kind of put those plans in motion, I got the call that Kato died in a motorcycle accident. And that was really the nail in the coffin for me where I just kind of spiraled downward, to put it lightly."

According to Taylor, "it took a lot" of effort for her to pull herself out of that dark place that she was in.

"I'll say it again — as cliché as it sounds, it really was music that was the thing that I turned to," she said. "I say it's my best friend, because when you've lost everything, music has always been the thing that supported me and it's always been there for me and it's never let me down. And I think this was certainly a time in my life where I was testing those boundaries. I had to kind of make a conscious decision whether it was death or move forward, and I chose to move forward and start working on this album."

"Death By Rock And Roll" will be made available on February 12 via Fearless Records in the U.S. and Century Media Records in the rest of the world.

THE PRETTY RECKLESS's latest single "And So It Went". features a guest appearance by RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE guitarist Tom Morello.

In addition to Morello, "Death By Rock And Roll" features Thayil and Cameron on a song called "Only Love Can Save Me Now". The track was recorded at Seattle's legendary London Bridge Studios, where seminal LPs like PEARL JAM's "Ten" and SOUNDGARDEN's "Louder Than Love" were laid down.

NIGHTWISH get the jigsaw puzzle treatment in March 2021.

Zee Productions will release "Human. :II: Nature." , "Century Child" and "Once" on the Rock Saws imprint.

The iconic arts of some of rock's most influential and highly regarded albums is presented in puzzle form for the first time ever. All 500-piece puzzles come in a vinyl-box-set-sized box, perfect to fit alongside a vinyl record collection.

Back in April 2019, Zee Productions launched its new range of rock and metal jigsaw puzzles, Rock Saws.

The first collection included jigsaws based on some of the greatest albums in heavy metal history from IRON MAIDEN, MOTÖRHEAD, JUDAS PRIEST and SLAYER.

Released in September 2019 were the first four classic METALLICA album covers as 500-piece jigsaws ("Kill 'Em All", "Ride The Lightning", "Master Of Puppets" and "…And Justice For All") as well as four classic RUSH album covers ("Fly By Night", "A Farewell To Kings", "Permanent Waves" and "Moving Pictures").

For more information, go to this location.

A DAY TO REMEMBER has shared its brand-new single "Everything We Need", which is available now on all streaming platforms. It is the latest song to be revealed from the band's upcoming album, "You're Welcome", due on March 5.

Co-written with multi-platinum superstar Jon Bellion, "Everything We Need" bookends the album as an understated, yet uplifting exhale of emotion. Illuminating another aspect of A DAY TO REMEMBER's sound, it also continues a tradition of standout stripped-down tunes over the years.

A DAY TO REMEMBER's Jeremy McKinnon elaborated on the song's genesis, explaining: "This was one of the song ideas I started with Jon Bellion and ended up finishing later on with the help of Nick Long. A song about going on a drive to clear your head and having a pinch me moment. Realizing you have everything in life you need right now."

This past Monday, A DAY TO REMEMBER debuted "Everything We Need" during their first-ever acoustic livestream event, "A Day To Remember: Live At The Audio Compound". After premiering the stream on its official YouTube channel, the band surprised audiences everywhere by releasing the livestream as an acoustic live album, "Live At The Audio Compound", on all DSPs. During the show, they performed a career-spanning nine-song set including recent singles.

A DAY TO REMEMBER recently heralded "You're Welcome" with the new single "Brick Wall", which is available on all streaming platforms. Inciting critical applause, Revolver declared, "['Brick Wall'] showcases the group's signature mix of post-hardcore heaviness and pop-rock hooks," while Consequence Of Sound praised the track's "melodic beginning and a crushing ending." Forbes put it simply, "It seems A DAY TO REMEMBER are only just getting started."

Pre-orders for "You're Welcome" are live now featuring exclusive merch bundles and multiple vinyl variants of the LP. All pre-orders for "You're Welcome" will unlock instant-grat downloads of "Brick Wall" as well as the previously released singles "Degenerates", "Resentment" and "Mindreader".

Largely produced by Colin "DOC" Brittain and the band's own Jeremy McKinnon, the 14 tracks on "You're Welcome" represent another major step forward for the acclaimed quintet. Highlights include "Bloodsucker" which ravages with an infectious intensity, while "F.Y.M." spouts punk energy through an unforgettable chorus. "Viva La Mexico" builds to a stadium-sized chant backed by walls of guitars, whereas "Everything We Need" closes out the album with a plaintive melody and acoustic eloquence, once more showcasing A DAY TO REMEMBER's multifaceted songwriting.

A DAY TO REMEMBER preceded "You're Welcome" with the release of "Mindreader" last year. Since then, the track has amassed over 20 million global streams while its accompanying animated music video has generated over two million views. "Mindreader" followed early standalone singles "Degenerates" and "Resentment" which have collectively amassed over 100 million global streams. Billboard praised "Degenerates" as "an anthemic hybrid of post-hardcore and pop," while Kerrang! hailed, "'Resentment' offers a taste of the musical direction the band are heading, and will certainly tide us over until more news arrives."

Photo credit: Jimmy Fontaine

Arizona-based death metal band, Gatecreeper, has officially joined Nuclear Blast, home to a lion's share of the heaviest riffs in rock and metal.

Regarding the signing, Gatecreeper states: “We are excited to start the next chapter of Gatecreeper with Nuclear Blast. We look forward to continuing the growth of our band with Monte Conner and the rest of the label."

Nuclear Blast's A&R legend Monte Conner adds: "I love Chase and Gatecreeper’s killer work ethic and their marriage of brutality with actual songs. I am so excited to hear what they come up with next but I KNOW it will be their ultimate album. I am honored they have chosen Nuclear Blast and me to be part of their continuing mission for world domination."

News of the partnership arrives on the heels of the band's surprise EP release, An Unexpected Reality, which landed on Billboard's Top 40 Albums and ranked #1 on the Top New Artists Albums chart. The record was written and recorded entirely during the pandemic and is available now from Closed Casket Activities here.

Gatecreeper's follow up to 2019's Deserted deviates from their signature brand of death, and drops a crushing mix of hardcore and grind on the record's "fast side" and a morose dose of doom on the "slow side."

Having already established themselves as one of the best emerging death metal acts in the game, Gatecreeper's next chapter with Nuclear Blast will undoubtedly further cement their legacy for decades to come.

Tracklisting:

"Starved"
"Sick of Being Sober"
"Rusted Gold"
"Imposter Syndrome"
"Amputation"
"Depraved Not Deprived"
"Superspreader"
"Emptiness"

Swedish rock musician, Janina Jade, has announced the release of the new album, Heart Of Rock N' Roll,, featuring guitar virtuoso Jennifer Batten (Michael Jackson, Jeff Beck, solo) on lead guitar. The album will be out on March 26 via GMR Music.

Janina Jade’s music and lyrics are just as unique as her voice and guitar playing. They are honest, real, raw, full of unfiltered emotions and attitude, with a sense of danger from a hard life lived on the edge. Heart Of Rock N' Roll was recorded without click-tracks or any studio trickery. It captures the true essence of her voice and guitar playing, her vision, heart and soul, without making any compromises. This is honest rock n’ roll that invites the listener inside Janina's mind and life.

Tracklisting:

"Heart Of Rock N’ Roll"
"The Darkness Of My Soul"
"Before My Time Runs Out"
"Holding On"
"How Long, How Long"
"Trouble"
"Exiled Within My Mind"
"Breathless Breathing"
"The Ghost With No Name"
"Last Chance Saloon"

The album was produced, mixed and mastered by Tobhias Ljung (Bible Black, The Bereaved, Whyte Ash).

Lineup:

Janina Jade - Vocals, Rhythm Guitars
Jennifer Batten - Lead Guitars (Michael Jackson, Jeff Beck, solo)
Tobhias Ljung - Bass, Drums (Bible Black, The Bereaved, Whyte Ash)

"I was asked about my influences when writing this album and honestly I never listen to a certain band or album when I am writing music. I never sit down and think I should write a song that sounds like this or that, or with lyrics about ’this or that’. Songwriting for me is much more than that. It is a basic need, just like breathing and I really can not function at all as a human being without expressing myself through my songwriting."

"You know I never wanted to, or try to sound like anybody else, and honestly I can't - all I can do is be who I really am, in my life and in my music and lyrics. However the band that has made the biggest impact on my life, influenced me the most over all these years is The Rolling Stones, and especially their '70's era. So obviously there have to be some inspirations from them in my sound."

"Heart Of Rock N' Roll" is recorded without click-tracks or any studio trickery, I really wanted to capture the true essence of my voice and guitar playing, my vision, my heart and soul, without making any compromises and this album truly does that. This is who I am and these songs invite you inside my mind and my life."

Janina Jade has studied at Musicians Institute in London and she has performed numerous gigs over the years in various groups, including performing infront of 20,000 people at the Roskilde Festival in Denmark. Her main musical influences are The Rolling Stones, (especially their ’70s era), early Guns N’ Roses and everything from Marianne Faithfull to Motörhead.

Janina Jade has a distinctively unique sound both in her music and in her vocals, her lyrics are always autobiographical, often dark, but always honest, strong and real.

(Photo - Veronica Fjellvind)

Germany’s answer to Swedish old school death metal in the style of Dissection, Necrophobic and Unanimated, Thulcandra, will re-release their three albums - Fallen Angel’s Dominion, Under A Frozen Sun and Ascension Lost - on strictly limited coloured vinyl via Napalm Records on April 23. All three albums have gained classic status within the genre and are currently completely sold out on vinyl.

Together with the pre-order start, Thulcandra have released a live video for “Fallen Angel’s Dominion”, recorded in 2010 in their hometown Munich.

Thulcandra on the new video: “For our fans supporting Thulcandra since the very beginning, we produced a few selected video clips with footage shot in Munich, Germany. Enjoy the title track of our debut album “Fallen Angel’s Dominion”, performed live back in 2010.”

Thulcandra on the re-releases: “With sheer endless patience our fans asked constantly for new vinyl editions of our first three albums. While Thulcandra are working in full swing on the new album, Napalm Records granted our wish to re-release Fallen Angel’s Dominion, Under A Frozen Sun and Ascension Lost as limited editions featuring massive gatefold covers. Since 2010, each record has been ornated and adorned with a grand artwork of Kristian - the Necrolod - Wahlin. To savour each album in its full glory, listen to the music, read through all lyrics and discover each and every detail in those ice cold, freezing and lastly inimitable cover artworks.”

Fallen Angel’s Dominion and Under A Frozen Sun will be available in the following format:

- LP Gatefold Vinyl Silver – strictly limited to 200 (Napalm Records Mailorder only)

Ascension Lost will be available in the following format:

- 2 LP Gatefold Vinyl Silver – strictly limited to 200 (Napalm Records Mailorder only)

All three albums will also be available on bronze vinyl, strictly limited to 100 (Thulcandra Store only).

Fallen Angel’s Dominion (Pre-order here)

Tracklisting:
"In The Realm Of thousand Deaths"
"Night Eternal"
"Fallen Angel's Dominion"
"Frozen Kingdom"
"Everlasting Fire"
"Spirit Of The Night"
"Legions Of Darkness"
"In Silence We Eternally Sleep"
"The Somberlain"

Under A Frozen Sun (Pre-order here)

Tracklisting:
"In Blood And Fire"
"Black Flags Of Hate"
"Ritual Of Sight"
"Under A Frozen Sun"
"Aeon Of Darkness"
"Echoing Voices (A Cold Breeze Of Death)"
"Gates Of Eden"
"Life Demise"

Ascension Lost (Pre-order here)

Tracklisting:
"The First Rebellion"
"Throne Of Will"
"Deliverance In Sin And Death"
"Demigod Imprisoned"
Interlude
"Exalted Resistance"
"The Second Fall"
"Sorrow Of The One"
"Ascension Lost"
Outro
"Perishness Around Us" (Bonus Track)
"Frozen Kingdom" (Bonus Track)
"Dreaming" (Bonus Track)
"Immortality" (Bonus Track)

Thulcandra are:

Steffen Kummerer - Vocals, Guitars
M.D. - Lead-Guitar
Erebor - Drums

Aeternitas have unleashed the video for the track "The Unforgivable Sin", which features Henning Basse (ex-Metalium, Firewind) as the guest singer. "The Unforgivable Sin" is taken from the band's Haunted Minds album, available via Wormholedeath/The Orchard/Aural Music Group. Get the album on CD here, and digitally here.

Says the band: "We are very honoured to have our long-time friend and vocal producer Henning Basse as guest singer in this epic song in which Henning shows his amazing vocal skills."

The journey to Crystal Planet begins now! Join guitarist extraordinaire Joe Satriani as he takes us on an all new Sci-Fi epic, created by Joe and Ned Evett, released under Heavy Metal Magazine's all-new music focused Opus Imprint with Incendium Online.

Crystal Planet begins as a five-issue series. The first print edition of each issue will be released as a prestige format limited edition collectible comic book, featuring cardstock covers, specialty foil treatments, glossy pages, and individual numbering. Each first printing will be limited to 1998 copies, priced at $19.98. The first issue is available to order now at this location and ships March 2021. Watch a new video trailer below.

"Funny how things get their start," says Satriani. "July 1994 I'm on tour with Deep Purple and I'm warming up with my guitar backstage in a bull's isolation cell at the Plaza de Toros in Gjion, Spain. Then and there I start writing the opening riff to a song that will become 'Crystal Planet' and a few years later it's the title track for my '98 album release."

"Fast forward to 2013, friend and fellow guitarist Ned Evett makes an animated sci-fi video for my song 'Lies And Truths' using artwork from my Joe's Art 2013 book. We projected that video on a 30ft. screen every night of the Unstoppable Momentum Tour. It was a hit with the fans which got us thinking we could expand the clip into a Crystal Planet sci-fi epic. Ned and I formed Satchtoons, a company focused on creating animated content, and we got to work on scripts and demos for the Crystal Planet pilot."

Seven years later, thanks to Llexi Leon and Heavy Metal, here we are with our first comic book series! Llexi and I had worked together on his awesome Eternal Descent comics, and by coincidence we met again when Heavy Metal published a short excerpt of Crystal Planet adapted by Brendon Small for the magazine's 2019 music issue. Both Ned and I love working with Llexi and the Incendium creative team, they bring so much artistry and expertise to our time-traveling adventure. I am thrilled to finally offer our fans the first full issue of what will ultimately be a three novel trilogy."

"Crystal Planet is a thrilling rollercoaster through space and time, it's Mad Max Vs Tron - with guitars! This has been an incredibly rewarding project to bring to fruition, digging deep into the lore behind one of the greatest instrumental rock records. Working with Joe has always been a pleasure, having collaborated in comics with Eternal Descent years ago his love of the medium is well known," says Llexi Leon.

"There was a treasure trove of concepts and character exploration compiled over decades by Joe and his writing partner Ned that formed the basis of this project, with the ultimate goal to take fans on a journey to Crystal Planet for the first time. Tony, Richard, Carlos, and Jacob have done a tremendous job realizing an incredible world and telling it's story. It's fitting that our publishing venture with Heavy Metal would begin with a space faring time travel adventure!"

 

The world of Crystal Planet will extend beyond the printed page into toys and collectibles. A Joe Satriani Crystal Planet action figure is also available to pre-order now for $29.95, featuring Joe in a Tri-Diver suit from the comics with his signature Crystal Planet Ibanez guitar. Shipping May 2021.     

FM will release the new double live album, Tough It Out Live, on April 9 via Frontiers Music Srl. Watch a teaser video below.

Early pre-orders available now at the band's here, and through the Frontier EU store, here. The brand new US store will launch soon and will have pre-orders for this album.

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"

Lineup:

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

One of the UK’s most exciting rising alt-metal talents, Vexed, have just signed an official worldwide record deal with premium Austrian rock and metal label, Napalm Records.

The crushing Hertfordshire foursome was born in March 2019, and since then the band has been pursuing its desire for heavy groove, unfiltered lyricism and technical proficiency. While other bands dwell on flattery, Vexed bundle a mixture of honest hatred and apt social criticism in their lyrics, and don't mince words for a moment.

Vexed have already dropped two one-off singles independently, including “Elite” featuring Thy Art is Murder vocalist CJ McMahon, which has garnered over 500k cross-platform streams as of now. Both tracks highlight Vexed’s potent combination of aggressive groove mixed with ominous threads of progressive atmosphere, like none of their kind. Due to the worldwide pandemic, the band had to cancel their planned tour with Whitechapel and a scheduled appearance at Bloodstock Festival, but this did not stop them from continuing to push their sonic strength. Be prepared, more exciting news is coming soon.

Vexed on the signing: “It is with great pride that we can finally announce our signing to Napalm Records. We are truly humbled by the label’s belief in Vexed and their ability to support our creative vision. Napalm is a label with a rich history and a strong presence throughout the world and we can’t wait to share what we have in store for you.”

Tone MGMT on the signing: “Vexed have proven time and time again that they are one of the most hard working and exciting new bands the UK has to offer. Their signing to Napalm Records only solidifies this. Vexed really are ones to watch.”

Watch the video for “Elite” featuring CJ McMahon below:

Vexed are:

Megan Targett - vocals
Jay Bacon - guitar
Willem Mason-Geraghty - drums
Al Harper - bass

(Photo - Andy Ford)

Mikkey Dee, who played drums for KING DIAMOND from 1985 until 1989, has told Cassius Morris of "The Cassius Morris Show" in a new interview that he would like to take part in a reunion tour featuring the surviving members of the band's original lineup.

"Unfortunately, [original KING DIAMOND bassist] Timi Hansen is dead, but you could have Andy [LaRocque, guitar], Michael Denner [guitar], you could have Hal Patino [bass], Pete Blakk [guitar], myself, just for a tour, and only play the stuff that we did — from 'Fatal Portrait' to 'Cospiracy'. That could have been a really fun and successful tour."

Dee, who has been a member of SCORPIONS since 2016, went on to say that it's "totally up to" KING DIAMOND's namesake frontman and leader as to whether such a tour will ever take place. "Because he [also] does MERCYFUL FATE [on the side]," Mikkey said. "I don't see why not. If I'm off [and not doing anything] with SCORPIONS, then I could easily have done that. That would have been so much fun, I think, because we were a great bunch of guys. And I still talk to Andy and Pete and Hal and King as well."

The Swedish-born drummer, who also played with MOTÖRHEAD from 1991 until the band's dissolution in December 2015, previously reflected on his time with KING DIAMOND in a 2017 interview with "The Blairing Out With Eric Blair Show". He stated at the time: "We started as a bunch of kids, really, and we created something. To tell you the truth, we really didn't know what we did. Well, we knew what we did, but [we weren't aware of the fact] that we created a style. But we had so much fun, and [we were] a bunch of friends touring. It all came to an end, where I didn't feel very happy in the band anymore. We were going in a little bit different direction than I thought that we'd been working ourselves up to. And me as a drummer, I like to play everything. I play big band jazz, fusion, pop, blues, rock, heavy metal, speed metal… So, to me, it was a natural move. I wanted to play some more straight-ahead rock and roll, and I felt a little stressed in KING DIAMOND in the end, maybe."

Asked how he felt about the Satanic overtones of the KING DIAMOND lyrics and image, Mikkey said: "It wasn't that bad at all. King believes in the occult — more Stephen King kind of stuff. And for the rest of the four of us, we were not so much into that. But it was great music, great camaraderie, great lyrics — great. Then King's personal belief was his deal. Just like I never got into Lemmy's personal vision. If you're a band, you're four or five or three people — whatever you are. Everybody has their own vision and their own belief in how life is or wherever you're gonna go. And the trick is to get that to work together without people getting angry or disagreeing. And luckily, with KING DIAMOND, we had great teamwork."

Dee played on the classic KING DIAMOND albums "Fatal Portrait", "Abigail" and "Them" until he left in 1988 to join Don Dokken. He returned a year later as a session player on KING DIAMOND's "Conspiracy".

KING DIAMOND's current drummer is Matt Thompson, who has been in the band since 2000.

KING DIAMOND received a Grammy nomination in the "Best Metal Performance" category for the track "Never Ending Hill" off the group's last album, 2007's "Give Me Your Soul … Please".

QUEENSRŸCHE singer Todd La Torre spoke to Canada's The Metal Voice about the progress of the songwriting sessions for the follow-up to 2019's "The Verdict" album. The group's next disc will apparently mark the QUEENSRŸCHE recording debut of Casey Grillo who replaced original drummer Scott Rockenfield in 2017.

"Michael [Wilton, guitar] flew down [to my house in Florida] recently — a week or two ago — and Zeuss [producer Chris Harris] came down [as well]," Todd said (see video below). "And then Casey [Grillo, drums] lives here, so he was coming over every day. We recorded 14, 15 new song ideas. And then Michael's coming back down again in, like, a month or so. So we're writing new QUEENSRŸCHE stuff. And Zeuss is recording it in real time, as we are in a room coming up with fresh ideas on the fly. Eddie [Jackson, bass] and Parker [Lundgren, guitar], they may come down. It depends. Parker's slammed with his guitar shop — he has a shop called Diablo Guitars, and he's just exploding; things are going great for him. And Eddie's songwriting at home, and he doesn't feel safe traveling right now. So that's why he didn't come down. And I said, 'Dude, I totally respect it and I get it.' Absolutely."

Asked about the possibility of QUEENSRŸCHE releasing a live album from his time with the band, Todd said: "We have tons of multi-track recordings from two years of live shows. And I told Eddie, 'I think Michael has the hard drives. Why don't we divvy up, send hard drives to each of us, and we'll pick three songs — each guy picks three songs. 'Cause you've got two thousand things to go through, and I'll pick three songs, and I'll just find the best live performances from those three songs, and maybe we can assemble 15 songs, or something, for a live record. That's something we are talking about. I guess he's been listening to songs and sifting through some of that material from live performances."

Earlier this month, Rockenfield shot down suggestions that he quit QUEENSRŸCHE or retired from playing music. The drummer, who hasn't performed with QUEENSRŸCHE in four years, took to his Facebook page to say that fans "have not been given the facts by any means" and implied that he would offer more details at a later date.

Scott's comments marked the first time he has publicly addressed his status with QUEENSRŸCHE, which has used former KAMELOT drummer Grillo for touring purposes since April 2017.

When Rockenfield's absence from QUEENSRŸCHE was first announced, it was reported that he was taking time off from the band's touring activities to spend time with his young son, who was born in early 2017.

The drum tracks on "The Verdict", were laid down by La Torre.

La Torre will release his debut solo album, "Rejoice In The Suffering", on February 5 via Rat Pak Records.

THE DEAD DAISIES have already completed writing the follow-up to the "Holy Ground" album, which was released last week. Recorded at La Fabrique Studios in the south of France with producer Ben Grosse, "Holy Ground" was THE DEAD DAISIES' first LP to feature Glenn Hughes, who joined the group in 2019 as its new bassist and vocalist, replacing John Corabi (MÖTLEY CRÜE) and Marco Mendoza (THIN LIZZY).

Speaking to "The Neil Jones Rock Show" on TotalRock Radio earlier today (Wednesday, January 27), Hughes said: "I've just been given the go-ahead to tell media — so you're getting kind of an exclusive today — I have written a whole new DAISIES album, a new one, between May and August. And we are going to get into that in the next three or four months. So the good news is for people that are enjoying 'Holy Ground' — the old DEAD DAISIES fans and the new ones, and the Glenn fans — there's gonna be a follow-up. And if I can say this to you, it's fucking mega — I'm so happy with it."

Glenn also talked about THE DEAD DAISIES' touring plans in support of "Holy Ground", all of which had previously been scrapped due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. He said: "As you know, the DAISIES love to play, and I love to do that. It's a strange time, because we keep getting these tours. And we had to cancel a European leg starting next week. And we were gonna do a U.K. run in April. Of course, that didn't materialize, because there's nowhere to play now. So we have to keep fingers crossed."

"The Neil Jones Rock Show"'s full interview with Hughes will be heard on the next episode of the program, heard Wednesdays at 6 p.m. U.K. time.

Over the weekend, Deen Castronovo confirmed that he had officially left THE DEAD DAISIES. The drummer announced his exit from the group two days after THE DEAD DAISIES' publicist revealed that Tommy Clufetos (BLACK SABBATH, OZZY OSBOURNE, ROB ZOMBIE, TED NUGENT, ALICE COOPER) will rejoin THE DEAD DAISIES when they hit the road in support of "Holy Ground". Clufetos previously toured with THE DEAD DAISIES in 2015.

Castronovo played on "Holy Ground" as well as on THE DEAD DAISIES's 2018 LP "Burn It Down".

In an interview with "The Blairing Out With Eric Blair Show" at last year's NAMM convention in Anaheim, California, Hughes spoke about how he came to be involved with THE DEAD DAISIES. He said: "They wanted someone in, and they were asking me [in early 2019] if I would be interested in doing this. And I've been doing the 'Glenn Hughes Performs Classic Deep Purple' [shows] for a couple of years, and I thought it would be appropriate for me to take a break from that and do something other than [that]. And I got together with the guys and we had a play. I've known Doug [Aldrich, THE DEAD DAISIES guitarist] a long time, as you know. And it just fell together beautiful

South African-based progressive-influenced metalcore heavyweights Riddlebreak have spent much of the turbulent 2020 time to prepare a gargantuan EP to unleash unto the world on Friday, January 29. BraveWords is premiering new track, “Momentary Brightness”; listen below!

“A Momentary Brightness” depicts a grim and not-so-distant future where humanity will have little precious resources left. An overcrowded civilization living on a ruined planet with nothing to eat, but the one thing in abundance ... other people. This song utters a dark foreboding of what may happen if humanity as a whole continues down the path it has currently chosen, where the value of life, all life, gives way to greed!

Entitled Architeuthis - ärkə’t(y)üthəs\ meaning "Giant Squid", this 4-track EP is rife with iconography and symbolism of creatures greatly misunderstood in real life. By example, the Giant Squid is a creature found in many myths and legends that can grow up to a tremendous size and evoke fear in many. They were first mentioned by Aristotle, Pliny the Elder and others. There are many legends of this creature, such as in Norse mythology (The Kraken, a tentacled sea monster that would engulf and sink any ship). However, in reality, there have been very few sightings and no actual deaths due to the creature. It is analogous with how those who are different are often mistreated because of their outward appearances. In accordance with this theme, the cover art portrays this creature in an environment where they seem grotesque and out of place. 

Riddlebreak explores the monstrous within, but by understanding, accepting and embracing it, the monstrous can overcome it. Frank the bunny (our furry representative) is ever present. Maybe saving the day, or creating mischief (we're never sure, he's a sly one).

Cover art by Nathan Ferreira:

Tracklisting:

“Allegiant”
“The Hog”
“A Momentary Brightness”
“Eyes Of The World Ender”

Drummer Steve Riley's version of L.A. Guns - featuring Kelly Nickels on bass, Scotty Griffin on guitar and Kurt Frohlich on lead vocals and guitar - released their new album, Renegades, on November 13, 2020 via Golden Robot Records. Now, as an intro to 2021 and to fire the machine back up, L.A. Guns have released a new single from the album, the now appropriately named ballad "You Can’t Walk Away", which has now developed a deep meaning in more ways than one.

Steve Riley: "This is a song I wrote with a friend, Tommy Holland, over 35 years ago in Chicago. I brought it to pre-production for the Renegades album and the band finished it with a new chorus and some other minor changes. We are very proud of it and hope it follows in the footsteps of 'Ballad of Jayne'."

The single is now available via all streaming platforms.

Tracklisting:

"Crawl"
"Why Ask Why"
"Well Oiled Machine"
"Lost Boys"
"You Can't Walk Away"
"Witchcraft"
"All That You Are"
"Would"
"Renegades"
"Don't Wanna Know"

"You Can't Walk Away"

"All That You Are":

"Renegades":

"Well Oiled Machine":

"Crawl":

Video of SEPULTURA's Eloy Casagrande playing along to SLIPKNOT's classic song "The Heretic Anthem", from the 2001 album "Iowa", can be seen below.

Says Eloy about the clip: "No audio editing, no samples, no triggers. Audio recorded with the Yamaha EAD10. Video recorded and edited by Estevam Romera."

Last February, SEPULTURA singer Derrick Green told Australia's Everblack Media that Casagrande has had "a tremendous impact" on the group since he joined in 2011. "It's undeniable because he's such a strong force," he said. "He loves playing metal music. He's one of the most talented drummers I've ever seen, honestly. That power is consistent from beginning to the end. It really has rubbed off on all of us to really push ourselves further. He's such a perfect match for the band. He really is always influencing us in so many ways to really go beyond — above and beyond."

In 2019, Eloy told Drumtalk that he didn't care about the long-simmering feud between founding SEPULTURA members Max and Igor Cavalera and his current bandmates. "I respect all the history," he said. "I have total respect for the past drummers, Igor and Jean [Dolabella]. They are amazing guys, incredible guys, but we just live in the present. I really don't care what happened, what didn't happen. I respect all the music. I respect their music nowadays. It's just that we have to follow our path and that's it."

Casagrande joined SEPULTURA 10 years ago as the replacement for Dolabella.

SEPULTURA's latest album, "Quadra", was released in February 2020 via Nuclear Blast. The LP was created at Sweden's Fascination Street Studios with renowned producer Jens Bogren.

SEPULTURA comprises Green, guitarist Andreas Kisser, bassist Paulo Xisto Pinto Jr. and Casagrande.

Former SEPULTURA drummer Igor "Iggor" Cavalera recently launched a new video series, "Beneath The Drums", on his YouTube channel, where he dissects some of the best-known songs from his recording history. In the second episode, which can be seen below, he gives the backstory of the SEPULTURA song "Itsari" and also performs a playthrough video of the track, originally taken from the band's 1996 album "Roots".

Earlier this month, Igor launched an account on Patreon, where he will offer exclusive content to his fans.

Igor's Patreon consists of two tiers. One of them is "Bloody Roots" ($30 monthly), where fans can obtain the drum tracks in Wav format to play together and learn, the complete list of all the equipment used in their recordings and several benefits to purchase limited merchandise products. They will also be able to participate in Patreon-only polls, watch behind-the-scenes content and livestreams. The VIP Patreon "Beneath The Drums" ($50 monthly) offers all the benefits of "Bloody Roots", plus online conversations via Zoom following each video premiere on YouTube. In the conversation with Igor, the fans will have a chance to learn in more depth how he worked on the track, followed by a question-and-answer session. They will also get early access to updates, tickets and releases.

Patreon is a crowdfunding service, where fans contribute pre-determined amounts to obtain exclusive access to content and rewards.

Igor left SEPULTURA in June 2006 due to "artistic differences." His departure from the band came five months after he announced that he was taking a break from SEPULTURA's touring activities to spend time with his second wife and their son (who was born in January 2006).

In 1996, Igor's brother, frontman Max Cavalera, exited SEPULTURA after the rest of the band split with Max's wife Gloria as their manager.

For a decade and a half, Igor has been part of the MIXHELL DJ/hip-hop/electro project with his wife Laima Leyton.

Two years ago, Igor teamed up with Wayne Adams (BIG LAD, DEATH PEDALS, JOHNNY BROKE) to form the PETBRICK project. The band's debut album, "I", was released in October 2019 via Closed Casket Activities in the U.S.

Igor's other current musical projects include CAVALERA CONSPIRACY (alongside Max) and SOULWAX.

PAPA ROACH has released a new version of its classic song "Last Resort". "Last Resort (Reloaded)" is collaboration with genre-bending pop/rock musician and TikTok star Jeris Johnson, whose videos have earned him over 950,000 followers on the social media platform.

Celebrating the 20th anniversary of "Last Resort", PAPA ROACH and Johnson unite to breathe new life into an iconic track, which was named the most played video on "TRL" in 2000. "Last Resort (Reloaded)" boasts an infectious bounce, potent guitars, and punchy vocals from Jeris and PAPA ROACH frontman Jacoby Shaddix. With an effortless raw, nostalgic punk-rock vibe, listeners are sure to be transported to their own personal concert.

The reworked song arrives with a visual that reimagines the original PAPA ROACH music video and encapsulates the whirlwind of a mosh pit. Due out tomorrow (Thursday, January 28), the "Last Resort (Reloaded)" clip sees Jeris and Jacoby bringing their palpable energy and dynamic sonics as they prove an undeniable ability to unite a crowd, whether that's through the collective screens of "quarantine" or the hopeful imagining of the days we'll be able to jump around in a crowd once again. The poignant visual gives a bit of relief to those feeling overwhelmed, allowing viewers to sing at the top of their lungs and jump off the restlessness and anger they may be feeling. The lyrics tackle hard-hitting topics, as Jeris continues Jacoby's verse from 2000 and adds his own thoughts, feelings, and struggles as he navigates life.

Johnson has garnered a devout cult following on TikTok for his genre-transforming reworks of popular songs. As he picked up traction on the platform following the success of "damn!", which reached #19 on the Shazam charts and was included on Spotify's U.S. Viral chart, Jeris covered "Last Resort" and caught the eyes and ears of the critically acclaimed group themselves. Proving the power of TikTok, Jacoby and Jeris became fast friends, forging a brotherhood that sees Jacoby knighting Jeris in his quest to break into uncharted territory and create a whole new sonic wave.

Shaddix commented: "It was amazing to hear that Jeris connected with the track the same way people all over the world have. That conversation of 'Last Resort' and its impact on all types of people hasn’t stopped for 20 years, and we were stoked to 'Reload' it for a new generation to keep that conversation going"

Jeris added: "'Last Resort (Reloaded)' is a song surrounded by magic. The original 'Last Resort' is one of the most impactful and loved songs from an entire generation of music (and my childhood). There is an energy to that song that has just made it a living breathing art form at this point. After I remixed it and threw it up on TikTok, the last thing I expected was that I'd end up in the studio with PAPA ROACH a couple weeks later. The reaction and reception was so overwhelming that me (a random kid on TikTok) got the attention of a legacy band and the invitation to team up and remake 'Last Resort' for an entirely new generation. I don't give a fuck what anyone says, that's magic."

Last year, Shaddix revealed that he and his bandmates had recorded three new versions of "Last Resort" featuring several guest vocalists.

"There's somebody from the modern rock era that's fucking speaking to the people for the people right now," he told Rock Sound TV. "He's a badass. And there's somebody from the hip-hop scene. There's three people in total. There's somebody from the hip-hop scene that's old school, and there's somebody from the current hip-hop that's going on right now.

"It's gonna be fun to play with and a cool way to celebrate the track," he added. "It's got the right edges to it, it's got the right people, man, so it feels authentic.

"'Last Resort' is one of those kind of timeless-type tracks, and we wanted to get people that we felt would stand that test of time."

In November, Jeris shared a behind-the-scenes video in the studio with Shaddix. In the background, a clip of the new "Last Resort" version could be heard. Another video, featuring more footage from the sessions, was posted on Johnson's Instagram last week.

PAPA ROACH recently entered a studio in Southern California to begin recording the follow-up to 2019's "Who Do You Trust?" album for a tentative mid-2021 release.

Last September, Shaddix told Shroom of the WEBN radio station about the band's new music: "This stuff is fire. It feels so good to be back in and creating music with the guys. Especially 'cause we're not on the road, it's a good thing for us to do is to get together and live our purpose. Creating is, I believe, my life's purpose — writing songs and connecting with people through music.

"The stuff is, some of it's really aggressive and abrasive and angry, and some of it is very self-reflective as well in the sense of, like, I'm really digging deep into some stuff," he revealed.

Last July, Shaddix told Rock Sound TV that PAPA ROACH's next album will be released through band's own record company. "We are in partnership with Warner/ADA, and so it's like an artist services group," he explained. "And we're gonna do that for an album and see how it works out. We've been super focused in the creative marketing behind what we do and the imaging and the videos and the messaging and everything, we were, like, let's take it in our hands and see where we can go with it and try it for an album."

"Who Do You Trust?" was released in January 2019. The disc was produced by Nick "RAS" Furlong and Colin Cunningham except for the song "Top Of The World", which is helmed by Jason Evigan.

Last month, PAPA ROACH released a five-song EP, "20/20", featuring "new takes on old jams," including "Last Resort" and "Scars".