Cradle Of Filth drummer Martin "Marthus" Skaroupka has posted live drum cam video of "Beneath The Howling Stars" shot at an undisclosed show. Check it out below.

The song is taken from the band's sixth album, Nymphetamine, released in 2004.

Originally, vampiric masters of extreme metal, Cradle Of Filth, had been scheduled to perform a live stream concert on the auspicious date of October 30, 2020 - Devil's Night.

Due to the COVID-19 crisis and the uncertainty of travel, with band members residing outside of and throughout the UK, there was a real chance of quarantine or travel issues. As such, the show was rescheduled for February 20, 2021.

Unfortunately, the pandemic continues to wreak havoc, with the number of infections steadily rising, as well as the emergence of a new strain. Therefore, Cradle Of Filth has been forced to postpone their mal-nutritious performance showcasing the band’s new keyboardist and backing singer, a second time. The new date is May 12, 2021. All tickets remain valid.

A statement from Cradle Of Filth vocalist Dani Filth reads:

"Greetings fellow Filthlings,

Due to this infernal plague and further augmented lockdowns prevalent throughout the UK and Europe, and for the safety of our band, crew and additional production engineers we must, without question, move our livestream back to May 12th.

We all appreciate your patience and understanding during this difficult period and we are very much looking forward to giving you the Cradle Of Filth show of a lifetime once restrictions are lifted or at least relaxed. The live stream concert will be spectacular, that we promise…

In the meantime there will be some positive announcements about our forthcoming 13th studio album arriving very shortly.

Bestial wishes,

Dani"

Tickets for Cradle Of Filth's May 12th online performance can be purchased here.

The At The Movies project - launched by Pretty Maids guitarist Chris Laney due to the COVID-19 pandemic - caught fire over the course of 2020, and project has now moved on to movie soundtrack covers from the '90s. Check out "King Of Wishful Thinking" taken from the 1990´s movie Pretty Woman below.

The core At The Movies players are as follows:

Björn "Speed" Strid (Soilwork) - lead vocals
Linnéa Vikström Egg (Therion) - backing vocals
Chris Laney (Pretty Maids) - guitars
Allan Sørensen (Royal Hunt, Pretty Maids) - drums
Morten Sandager (Pretty Maids) - keyboards
Pontus Norgren (HammerFall) - guitars
Pontus Egberg (King Diamond) - bass

Stay tuned for more.

Swedish power trio Monolord return with a two-track EP, I'm Staying Home, scheduled for release on February 5, 2021 via Relapse Records.

Recorded during the No Comfort album sessions, I'm Staying Home sees the band harnessing the power of the riff once again with their trademark take on crushing sludge rock and doom. 

Vocalist / guitarist Thomas Jäger comments: “A leftover track from the No Comfort session with the lyrics re-recorded to suit our current state. Stay the fuck home.”

Mixed and mastered by Monolord drummer Esben Willems, the single features the eponymous new title-track, "I'm Staying Home", alongside an exclusive live recording of the No Comfort lead single "The Bastard Son", captured at Freak Valley Festival in 2019.

I’m Staying Home is available on all streaming services here. Physical pre-orders are available at this location.

(Artwork by Michael Hutter, photo by Ester Segarra)

 

Guitarist / songwriter Parris Mayhew has issued a new dual guitar and bass playthrough for the debut song from his new instrumental hardcore / metal band Aggros, “Chaos Magic”.

The “Chaos Magic” playthrough is heavier on bass than the original track, a decision Mayhew made because the song was primarily written on the bass with a heavy emphasis on his unusual percussive and rhythmic strumming style.

“I felt that the bass perspective would be a way to show more comprehensively where the song originated and how it was built,” the former Cro-Mags songwriter and founder says. “Hearing the bass a little louder demonstrates clearly where the swagger that the song exhibits comes from, underlining the aggressive string bend melodies and percussive riffs that define the drums and outline the chords.”

The result is loud and raw but shows a kind of surgical finesse in the midst of the chaos, which is necessary to hold it all together.

Mayhew unveiled Aggros with a video for the track in October 2020. Fans who are accustomed to a big rock production sound from Mayhew’s guitar sound and production will find that “Chaos Magic” is more streamlined and rawer. The song was recorded live in one afternoon with little or no punches and feels alive and human, without today’s modern digital stiffness, just a balls-out rocker.

“Chaos Magic” is certainly a guitar song too, exhibiting casual chord harmonies that brighten and exaggerate phrase resolutions, off the rails WTF riffs and Mayhew’s signature Cro-Mags picking style which helped define a genre with his songs on the seminal albums Age Of Quarrel and Best Wishes.

“I believe that a song should be a journey, there should be a clear introduction to set up the listener for the ride, and a ceremonious feeling of arrival at a destination to be experienced and a few musical surprises along the way,” Mayhew said. “And of course all great songs should have a feeling that the journey is complete, the catharsis, a lesson I learned from both Motörhead and Rush. Motörhead, particularly, in that within their deceptively simple approach there always comes a thoughtful, surprising and very musical ending, songs should have great endings.”

Aggros will release music in a true DIY hardcore style – no label, self-releasing one song at a time, accompanied by a video for each. The music will sound and feel familiar to anyone who knows Mayhew’s previous three albums, as Aggros is simply a continuation of his musical exploration.

(Photo by Guy Furrow)

 

In 2016, Scarlet Aura released their first album. In 2021, the band celebrates the fifth anniversary of Falling Sky with a re-recording, re-mix and remastering of the album. As the original was produced by Roy Z (Sepultura, Halford, Bruce Dickinson), the anniversary edition is produced by the one who wrote the songs - Scarlet Aura guitarist Mihai “Myke D” Danciulescu. This special treat was recorded at the Silver City Studio by the actual Scarlet Aura members - vocalist Aura Danciulescu, guitarist Mihai Danciulescu, bassist Rares Rene Nistor, and drummer Sorin Ristea. 

To mark this fifth anniversary, Falling Sky will be available digitally on April 16th. But fans won’t need to wait too long, because on January 22nd, the first single will be released with an accompanying video. Scarlet Aura fans, or “The Scarlets” as they call themselves, already know this masterpiece because the band ends every show with it since the initial release, and that is "Colour Blind". A powerful song about betrayal, deceit and the courage to step forward; pre-orders can be placed here.

Scarlet Aura delivers this new audio version of the Falling Sky album in between two other releases, those are the Stormbreakeralbum from 2020, and their third and final album from The Book Of Scarlet trilogy that is coming up next this Autumn.

Mihai states: “Initially I worked on the mix and master for the Falling Sky album with some of my friends, good producers from the music industry. But it never got to the point where I wanted it to be, and I really believe that now it is getting there. This is why I wanted to mark this fifth anniversary with a new production, which also includes our actual band members. To our fans, we send all the love, and this digital release that we made especially for them, because we know how much they appreciate this album and that our dream adventure started with it. Thank you all for the support." 

(Photo credit: Dragos Toader)

 

Unleashing their earth-shattering album Seismic this past November, Vancouver's Without Mercy has a new music video for their track "I Break The Chain", which can be seen below.

"With this track, we pose the question of morality and becoming docile to the everyday routine. The chain that connects us and bounds us to a routine monotonous existence. The ignoring of atrocities just to keep the assembly line moving, ‘Don’t rock the boat’ mentality. What does it take to break from that chain and what would it look like?" adds the band.

Without Mercy's latest behemoth features nine assaulting grooving death metal tracks that even include special guests Jeff Loomis (Arch Enemy) on opening track "Thunderbird" and Chris Broderick (Act Of Defiance) on "Disinfect The Soul".

Distributed by Bloodblast Distribution (powered by Nuclear Blast), "Seismic" follows the band's 2016 EP "Moucchido". The vast majority of the material for “Seismic” was written and rewritten multiple times over the past four years. Honed and tightened over tours and live performances, Without Mercy were unwilling to place “filler” to enhance anything. They came at this album with the best of everything they had after their inspirations were doing the same. The band shares their thoughts on the full length:

“We are beyond stoked to have our new album “Seismic” see the light of day. This album represents four years of solid work ethic and unwillingness to compromise even in the slightest. We’re trying to give the listeners and fans of the band a chance to hear what tenacity can sound like. Lyrics that are an honest take on issues, riffs that have been refined over time, drum parts, and rhythms that are not standard or washed out. Even the mixing team behind it has a resume as long as your arm. We pushed ourselves in every field of this record and now that it’s here, we can relive those moments with all of you.”

For fans of Cattle Decapitation, Meshuggah, and Decapitated, Seismic is available on all digital platforms here. Physical CDs are available at this location. 

Tracklisting:

"Thunderbird" (ft. Jeff Loomis)
"Abysmal"
"Left Alone"
"Wiindigo"
"Disinfect The Soul" (ft. Chris Broderick)
"The Disaster"
"Possessed"
"I Break The Chain"
"Uprooted"

"Thunderbird" (ft. Jeff Loomis) video:

"Disinfect The Soul" (ft. Chris Broderick) video:

"Uprooted" video:

(Photo - Shimon Karmel)

 

US-based heavy metal outfit, Helstar, will release their new album, Clad In Black, on February 26 via Massacre Records. It will be available as 2CD Digipak, limited edition vinyl LP in different colors, as well as in digital formats, and is available for pre-order/pre-save here.

Helstar already gave you a first glimpse at this new release with the "Black Wings Of Solitude" 7", which is available since October 2020 - but now it's time for the band to go for your throats.

Helstar's new single "Across The Raging Seas" is available for streaming on all digital platforms as well as via the following video:

The CD Digipak version of Clad In Black includes 2 CDs: The first CD includes both songs from the already released 7" as well as two more new songs and additional killer cover versions to sink your teeth into. The second CD includes the band's previous studio album Vampiro in its entirety.

Vampiro is a concept album about Dracula and other bloodsucking creatures, and it's no surprise Helstar touched on the topic again - after the release of Nosferatu in 1989 - with James Rivera being fascinated by and interested in vampires ever since.

James comments: "Let's face it: The vampire world is bigger than it ever was! You can't go wrong when you choose to touch on the subject of the soulless beings with no reflection in the mirror. With the blueish skin, and no pulse with a thirst for nice warm blood who's only enemy is the cross, a wooden stake and the sun!"

"It's no wonder, Helstar used a reference from Bram Stoker's novel Dracula as the title of the new release to tie in the reissue of Vampiro with the extended version of the band's previously released 7" single "Black Wings Of Solitude". Clad In Black is a reference to Jonathan Harker talking about Dracula after meeting him for the first time, describing him as "(...) clad in black from head to foot, without a single speck of colour about him anywhere."

The new songs on the first CD and the connection to Vampiro is like peas and carrots: They are living proof the world of the undead is alive and well and will be for timeless centuries to come - and this is just the beginning.

2CD Digipak / Digital tracklisting:

CD1 - Clad In Black

"Dark Incarnation (Mother Of The Night)"
"Black Wings Of Solitude"
"Across The Raging Seas"
"Restless And Wild" *
"After All (The Dead)" **
"Sinner" ***

CD2 - Vampiro

"Awaken Unto Darkness"
"Blood Lust"
"To Dust You Will Become"
"Off With His Head"
"From The Pulpit To The Pit"
"To Their Death Beds They Fell"
"Malediction"
"Repent In Fire"
"Abolish The Sun"
"Black Cathedral"
"Dreamless Sleep"

Limited Vinyl LP tracklisting:

Side A
"Dark Incarnation (Mother Of The Night)"
"Black Wings Of Solitude"
"Across The Raging Seas"

Side B
"Restless And Wild" *
"After All (The Dead)" **
"Sinner" ***

* Accept cover
** Black Sabbath Cover
*** Judas Priest cover

Lineup:

James "Vampiro" Rivera - Vocals
Larry Barragan - Guitars
Andrew Atwood - Guitars
Garrick Smith - Bass
Michael Lewis - Drums

(Photo credit: Max Petac)

 

On February 26, 2021, Cherry Red Records will reissue Powertrippin' by The Almighty as a double disc set. Powertrippin' was originally released in 1993 on Polydor Records.

"We were on tour in Germany opening for Iron Maiden when Powertrippin’ crashed into the UK National Chart at #5. The Maiden boys held a party for us that night in their hotel to celebrate. We suddenly felt very validated, looking back I think we were," says Ricky Warwick, frontman for The Almighty.

Although initially inspired by punk, when Scottish school friends Stump Monroe (drums), Floyd London (bass) and Ricky Warwick (guitar, vocals) joined forces with guitarist Tantrum in 1988, they chose a harder rocking, heavy metal sound. Snapped up by Polydor Records for the 1989 debut Blood, Fire & Love, their more punk infused aggressive approach was a welcome relief from the glam orientated sounds imported from across the Atlantic. This was followed by Soul Destruction in 1991, and then Powertrippin’ in 1993.

The Almighty demonstrated that British hard rock had plenty to offer at the beginning of the decade, and in 1991 The Almighty were special guests of Megadeth, a tour where Alice In Chains were the opening act. This tour highlighted which way the wind was blowing, away from hairspray bands in favour of something grungier from the Pacific Northwest of America. Powertrippin’ was also the first album to feature guitarist Pete Friesen, replacing original member, Tantrum.

As well as the singles "Addiction", "Over The Edge" and "Out Of Season", this expanded, deluxe reissue of Powertrippin’ includes the B-Sides "Blind", "Bodies" (originally by the Sex Pistols), "Insomnia", "In A Rut" (originally by The Ruts) and "Fuckin’ Up" (originally by Neil Young and Crazy Horse). Live versions of "Takin’ Hold", "Jesus Loves You…But I Don’t" and "Powertrippin’" illustrate what a powerful band The Almighty have always been on stage. The bonus disc also includes demo versions of "Free ‘N’ Easy" and the title track from Soul Destruction: which was never officially recorded or appeared on the final album. Plus there’s even time for an acoustic take of Neil Young’s "Rockin’ In The Free World"!

This release features a fully illustrated booklet, complete with detailed liner notes from Malcolm Dome based on interviews with the band.

Tracklisting:

Disc One: Original Album
"Addiction"
"Possession"
"Over The Edge"
"Jesus Loves You… But I Don’t"
"Sick & Wired"
"Powertrippin’"
"Takin’ Hold"
"Out Of Season"
"Life Blood"
"Instinct"
"Meathook"
"Eye To Eye" 

Disc Two: Bonus Tracks
"Takin’ Hold" (Live)
"Jesus Loves You… But I Don’t" (Live)
"Powertrippin’" (Live)
"Blind" (B-Side)
"Soul Destruction" (Demo)
"Addiction" (Radio Edit)
"Insomnia" (B-Side)
"Wild And Wonderful" (Demo Version)
"Fuckin’ Up" (B-Side)
"Out Of Season" (Demo Version)
"Bodies" (B-Side)
"Free ‘N’ Easy" (Demo Version)
"Rockin’ In The Free World" (Acoustic Version)
"Hell To Pay" (Acoustic Version)
"In A Rut" (B-Side)
"Out Of Season" (Radio Edit)

The release is available for pre-order at this location.

 

Swedish warriors, Brothers Of Metal, have released a video for "Chain Breaker", a track from their sophomore album, Emblas Saga, out ow via AFM Records. Order the album here, and watch the clip below.

Tracklisting:

"Brood Of The Trickster"
"Powersnake"
"Hel"
"Chain Breaker"
"Kaunaz Dagaz"
"Theft Of The Hammer"
"Weaver Of Fate"
"Njord"
"Emblas Saga"
"Brothers Unite"
"One"
"Ride Of The Valkyries"
"To The Skies And Beyond"

"Chain Breaker" video:

"Hel" lyric video:

"One" video:

"Njord" video:

On January 22, Horror Pain Gore Death Productions will release Defilements, the new 2CD collection from Japan's doom infested death metal legends, Coffins. Listen to the band's cover of EyeHateGod's "Sisterfucker Part 1" below.

This 2CD compilation presents material from these out of print EP releases: Craving To Eternal Slumber, Noise Room Sessions 2014, March Of Despair, Sewage Sludgecore Treatment and Live At Asakusa Deathfest 2016. This official Coffins collection was designed and approved by Uchino himself, clocking in at nearly 2 hours of horrific, bone crushing doom infested death metal which further cements the bands legacy as leaders of the underground.

Pre-order here.

Tracklisting:

CD1
"Hatred Storm"
"Tyrant"
"Craving To Eternal Slumber"
"Stairway To Torment"
"An Obscure Pain"
"Decapitated Crawl"
"Hellbringer"
"Under The Stench" (alt. version)
"Till Dawn Of The Dooms Day"
"Grotesque Messiah"
"Carpet Of Bones"
"In Bloody Sewage"
"Corpsegrinder" (Death cover)

CD2
"Broken" (Buzzoven cover)
"Sisterfucker Part 1" (Eyehategod cover)
"Evazan" (Noothgrush cover)
"I Hate You" (Grief cover)
"Black Aspirin" (Iron Monkey cover)
"Sisterfucker Part 1" (live)
"Here Comes Perdition" (live)
"Under The Stench" (live)
"Decapitated Crawl" (live)
"Tyrant" (live)
"Evil Infection" (live) (bonus track)

"Sisterfucker Part 1":

"Hatred Storm":

Israeli progressive metal group, Scardust, have released a new music video for "Mist". The track is taken from their new album, Strangers, which was released on October 30 via M-Theory Audio. Watch below.

“'Mist' is the closing song of Strangers and the parallel to 'Break The Ice,’ which opens the album,” explains vocalist Noa Gruman. “Now the protagonist has been through experiences that shaped her to become more confident in a way that is less dependent on others. Every relationship we have has a potential of experiences and memories that may or may not happen if the relationship continues. Even after many years, some sides of those we know best are still unfamiliar to us, so what might happen if we go and part ways?”

Mastered by Jens Bogren (Opeth, Devin Townsend, Arch Enemy), Strangers was written and composed jointly by singer Noa Gruman and composer Orr Didi, who also collaborated with Gruman on Scardust's full-length debut, Sands Of Time, and their 2015 EP Shadow. The album features guest appearances from German folk musician Patty Gurdy, as well as vocals by the Hellscore choir and England’s prestigious Westbrook Hay Prep School Chamber Choir.

Order here.

Tracklisting:

"Overture For The Estranged"
"Break The Ice"
"Tantibus II"
"Stranger"
"Concrete Cages" (feat. Patty Gurdy)
"Over"
"Under"
"Huts"
"Gone"
"Addicted"
"Mist"

"Break The Ice" video:

"Addicted" video:

"Tantibus II":

Former W.A.S.P. guitarist Chris Holmes spoke to Cassius Morris of WatchMojo's brand new music podcast "Innersleeve" about the documentary film "Mean Man: The Story Of Chris Holmes", written and directed by French filmmakers Antoine De Montremy and Laurent Hart. The project, which will be made available on Blu-ray, DVD and VOD on January 15. was born in 2014 after De Montremy and Hart had an opportunity to meet and direct Holmes in a music video for the Holmes-penned song "Let It Roar" in Cannes. At that time, the now-62-year-old rocker had more or less disappeared from the music scene, leaving his home in the U.S. to seek a new beginning with his wife Sarah in France.

Asked if he had appoached W.A.S.P. leader Blackie Lawless about participating in the making of "Mean Man: The Story Of Chris Holmes", Chris said: "I didn't, but Antoine did, and he said [Blackie] didn't have the time to do it."

Explaining that his relationship with Blackie is "over" and calling Lawless a "narcissist," Chris said: "When I left [W.A.S.P. for the final time] — or I really never left. [Blackie] just got another guitar player. They never even told me [I was out]. I found out that they were doing shows [without me]. So, I was, like, 'Wow. I must be out.' He never called me. Since then, I've dug in and found out some shitty stuff, what happened to me, and he knows that I know that, and he probably will never wanna talk to me ever again."

Holmes joined W.A.S.P. in 1982 and remained with the group until 1990. In 1996, the guitarist returned to W.A.S.P. and stayed with the band until 2001. Chris has not played with W.A.S.P. since.

Last October, Chris said that he would never consider returning to W.A.S.P. unless Lawless agreed to pay him the publishing royalties that he allegedly owes him. He told Canada's The Metal Voice: "A lot of people think I made money from W.A.S.P. I've never gotten my royalties, or even my songwriting. All the stuff that I wrote, I've never gotten paid one penny. And you know whose fault it is? It's my my fault for not knowing the business, how it is. I trusted somebody.

"After every album, when the album is done, how they split up the publishing with the publishing contracts, the publishing companies — that's where the money comes from," he continued. "I was never told about when that meeting was. Because the other guys in the band never wrote — I was the only one [other than Blackie]. So I'm the only one that they have to screw over to get all the publishing. So I was never told. Then when I dug into it in about 2006 or [2007], I went into Sanctuary Music, had a lawyer go in to find out where all my publishing is, and I was written in as a session player into all the records. And if you don't know about it, and you're not told, and you don't see, you don't know. So I trusted Blackie Lawless about that. And when I found out, it really kind of yanked me wrong. It yanks me wrong — it makes me see he was sticking a knife in my back from the first day, from the first album, and not telling me, and being my best friend."

As far as Holmes is concerned, Lawless is solely to blame for him not getting his due from the W.A.S.P. records that he was involved with.

"If it wasn't for me, he wouldn't be where he's at — I guarantee you that," Chris said. "And then he screws me like that. It's all right. It's been a long time. It's something that I will never, never get over. I'll take that to the grave with me. I'm pissed thinking about it.

"Anyway, that's the kind of person he is. Everybody thinks, 'Wow! He's got the greatest…' Yeah, he's got an outrageous voice, Blackie, yeah, but he turns his back on his bandmembers real bad — he screws 'em. I'm the only guy in the band that ever came back to get screwed twice, which I did. I came back for 'Kill.Fuck.Die', and I was promised half publishing on that album. Didn't get crap. Knowing that I couldn't get in to see what was written in the contracts, of course. That's why I wrote the song 'Two Faced Mother Fucker'. It's about him. It's on 'Shitting Bricks'. And I've got one on the new album. It's called 'The Truth'. It says, 'You can't handle the truth.' It's on my new [album]. I'm gonna write a song about him on every album."

Addressing the possibility of his return to W.A.S.P., Holmes said: "Everybody asks me about a W.A.S.P. reunion. Sure, I'd love to play a W.A.S.P. reunion — if he pays me my publishing. If it doesn't, then he can have a reunion with Randy Piper, Johnny Rod and [Steve] Riley and everybody else. I'm not gonna play it. It's not worth it.

"I came back to W.A.S.P. in '95. I got screwed again," he added. "Screw me once, screw me twice — you're not gonna screw me a third time."

During a November 2017 press conference in Moscow, Russia, Lawless was asked what he would say to those W.A.S.P. fans who continue to call for the band to reunite with Holmes. He responded: "People get divorced for certain reasons, and there's times when the kids want the parents to get back together, but sometimes it never happens. And this is one of those [times]. Sorry."

Sylvain Mizrahi, better known as Sylvain Sylvain, songwriter and founding member of the NEW YORK DOLLS, has died at the age of 69.

The news of his passing was confirmed by former PATTI SMITH GROUP guitarist Lenny Kaye, who wrote: "Sylvain Sylvain, the heart and soul of the NEW YORK DOLLS, bearer of the Teenage News, passed into his next astral incarnation on Wednesday, January 13, 2021.

"Syl loved rock and roll. His onstage joy, his radiant smile as he chopped at his guitar, revealed the sense of wonder he must have felt at the age of 10, emigrating from his native Cairo with his family in 1961, the ship pulling into New York Harbor and seeing the Statue of Liberty for the first time.

"It was he who looked across Lexington Ave. and saw the sign for the New York Doll hospital. Syl and a high school friend, Billy Murcia, were in the rag trade then, the aptly named Truth And Soul, handknit sweaters with a side of rockattitude. Hooking up with another classmate, John Genzale, and then, as bands will, Arthur Kane, and David Johansen, and Jerry Nolan, they became a quasar in the rock firmament; embodying trash, glam, garage-to-punk, the ambisexual affirmation of music played louder.

"His role in the band was as lynchpin, keeping the revolving satellites of his bandmates in precision. Though he tried valiantly to keep the band going, in the end the DOLLS' moral fable overwhelmed them, not before seeding an influence that would engender many rock generations yet to come.

"THE NEW YORK DOLLS heralded the future, made it easy to dance to. From the time I first saw their poster appear on the wall of Village Oldies in 1972, advertising a residency at the Mercer Hotel up the street, throughout their meteoric ascent and shooting star flame-out, the NEW YORK DOLLS were the heated core of this music we hail, the band that makes you want to form a band.

"Syl never stopped. In his solo lifeline, he was welcomed all over the world, from England to Japan, but most of all the rock dens of New York City, which is where I caught up with him a couple of years ago at the Bowery Electric. Still Syl. His corkscrew curls, tireless bounce, exulting in living his dream, asking the crowd to sing along, and so we will. His twin names, mirrored, becomes us.

"Thank you Sylvain x 2, for your heart, belief, and the way you whacked that E chord. Sleep Baby Doll".

In April 2019, a fundraising campaign was launched for Sylvain, who revealed that he had been diagnosed with cancer.

"I have not been able to work since last year," he wrote, "and have more surgery scheduled. I love life! As hard as life has been to me these past two years, I want to live and I know with your love and support I'll have the best chance that I could ever have."

The NEW YORK DOLLS were called many things — glam, proto-punk, hard rock — but are probably best understood as a "dirty rock and roll" band. Combining an aggressively androgynous style with street-smart New York attitude and campy humor, the NEW YORK DOLLS ushered in the era of CBGBs, heroin chic, loud guitars and referential lyrics which gave rise to Patti Smith, the RAMONES, TELEVISION and many more. Fans of the band range from GUNS N' ROSES to Morrissey, who organized the reformation of the band when he curated Meltdown festival in 2004.

Sylvain remained the NEW YORK DOLLS until the group's breakup in 1977. He later worked on various projects, including a band called THE CRIMINALS and another group called THE TEARDROPS. Sylvain reunited with NEW YORK DOLLS in 2004 and played on the band's last three albums, "One Day It Will Please Us To Remember Even This", "Cause I Sez So" and "Dancing Backward In High Heels".

Sylvain's autobiography, "There's No Bones In Ice Cream", was released in 2018 via Omnibus Press.


Sylvain Sylvain Mizrahi

Rest In Peace

February 14, 1951 ~ January 13, 2021

As most of you know, Sylvain battled cancer...

Posted by Sylvain Sylvain Mizrahi on Thursday, January 14, 2021





RIP Sylvain Sylvain, bringing the style and swagger to the original Glam-Punk Gods #NewYorkDolls! Heroes to my Heroes... I’m gonna put on “Trash” & “Pills” & “(There’s Gonna Be A) Showdown” in honor of Sylvain and the rest of the lipstick killers! pic.twitter.com/Vm9Oo5bDrD

— Mike McCready (@MikeMcCreadyPJ) January 15, 2021








Aw man....One of the NYC originals, Sylvain Sylvain has passed away. He was a true sweetheart. In 1980 sitting on a couch in my old band loft, he gave me my stage name of Steve Stevens. Where’d ya get that beat, got that beat on 14th street. pic.twitter.com/90zp6zaDUj

— Steve Stevens (@Stevestevens) January 15, 2021








So very sorry to hear of the passing of Sylvain Sylvain. A true original with a pure Rock And Roll heart. So thankful for the time we had. I’ll be cranking up the Dolls tonight. Like most nights but tonight it’s bittersweet. ❤️?❤️#ripsylvainsylvain #sylvainsylvain pic.twitter.com/GmgVkInY4b

— Todd Dammit Kerns (@todddammitkerns) January 15, 2021








So many tears so many who have passed. Sylvain Sylvain created the New York Dolls, clothed the New York Dolls, put a guitar in Johnny‘s hands, wrote fantastic songs and lived the life, a life that manifested bands all over the world. You are loved Syl. pic.twitter.com/eZmBpvudMF

— Michael Des Barres (@MDesbarres) January 15, 2021








Ok so it can now be said -

Sylvain Sylvain, founder of the New York Dolls has

left this earthly plane.

My stage-right guitar partner for 6 of the best years of my musical life, a beautiful soul who deserved way more than he got in this lifetime.

I am absolutely gutted.

RIP

— Steve Conte (@SteveConteNYC) January 15, 2021








R.I.P. ??

New York Dolls -Sylvain Sylvain

(1951-2021) pic.twitter.com/oxDLkejf4l

— wednesday 13 (@officialwed13) January 15, 2021








Deleted my earlier post for a number of reasons but let's all raise a glass to Sylvain Sylvain tonight. A huge and underrated talent, his playing and songwriting left an unmistakable stamp on everything that he did. RIP and big L-U-V to ya, Syl ♥️https://t.co/fpqnqo3n8f

— Rich Jones (@richloyalty) January 15, 2021






No no no no. It's too much. Sylvain Sylvain I'm speechless with this loss. He lived so completely and deserved better. Photos from when I got to sit in with him. One of my BEST rocknroll nights of life. It went so well we talked about touring together. Insanely sad pic.twitter.com/tDQeXm3Q7v

— Kathy Valentine (@Kathy_Valentine) January 15, 2021






Sylvain Sylvain and my girl @LJoKitty

We were so thrilled to spend a little time with him. RIP legend #sylvainsylvain pic.twitter.com/cFZ0OJ3Wze

— Damon Johnson (@DamonJOfficial) January 15, 2021








RIP #SylvainSylvain here with Johnny Thunders back in the ‘70’s pic.twitter.com/u6sdNzQXJI

— Billy Idol (@BillyIdol) January 15, 2021




























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Legendary punk band DESCENDENTS has released a new song called "That's The Breaks". The track follows the politically charged two-song single "Suffrage", released ahead of the 2020 general election encouraging voting to take down the Trump administration. In triumph, "That's The Breaks" serves as a farewell to 45 ahead of the upcoming inauguration.

DESCENDENTS vocalist Milo Aukerman states: "Loser. Big time loser. Delusional loser. SORE loser. The time has come. The time is now. Just go, go, GO. I don't care how. Donald J. Trump, will you please go now! What's it gonna take? A gazillion dollars? (Oh wait, you already grifted that from supporters)... A get out of jail free card? (Only if our judicial system totally fails us)... A wooden stake through the heart? Whatever we can do to make you go away, we need to do it. And I don't mean just leave the White House, I mean crawl back into your hole of hate and live out the rest of your life as a nobody. A loser. Because that's what you are. Worst. President. Ever."

Formed in 1978, DESCENDENTS are Aukerman, Stephen Egerton (guitar), Karl Alvarez (bass) and Bill Stevenson (drums). They have released seven studio albums: "Milo Goes To College" (1982), "I Don't Want To Grow Up" (1985), "Enjoy!" (1986), "All" (1987), "Everything Sucks" (1996), "Cool To Be You" (2004) and "Hypercaffium Spazzinate" (2016).

Last October, Aukerman debuted his politically focused ukulele project REBUKE with a three-song single "45… Not A LP". The songs examined the crrent political state of the United States and the feeling of outrage and uncertainty that has intensified over the years.

"I've spent most of my punk rock life avoiding the temptation to write political songs; it always seemed like politics is the obvious go-to subject of punk and thus not of interest to me," explained Aukerman. "Unfortunately, after the 2016 U.S. presidential election, I find myself virtually unable to write songs about anything else."

Photo by Kevin Scanlon

ICED EARTH guitarist Jon Schaffer has yet to be charged with a federal crime in connection with his role in last week's riot at the U.S. Capitol.

Last Friday, the FBI's Washington Field Office released 40 photos of people who are suspected of unlawful entry during a violent insurrection at the U.S. Capitol carried out on January 6 during the final Congressional vote recording for the 2020 general election. Among them was a picture of Schaffer taken by Roberto Schmidt of AFP. In the photo, Schaffer — who lives in Indiana — can be seen at the front of a mob, sporting a hat from Oath Keepers, an anti-government militia group, wearing black leather fingerless tactical gloves and pointing his finger while yelling at someone out of the frame.

When contacted by The Indianapolis Star on Wednesday (January 13), an FBI spokeswoman in the Indianapolis field office declined to specifically comment about Schaffer or the involvement of anyone else from Indiana in the riot.

"Like FBI field offices across the country, FBI Indianapolis is receiving tips regarding Hoosiers who may have been at the Capitol building in Washington, DC Jan. 6," Chris Bavender, an FBI Indianapolis spokeswoman, said in a statement. "Any subjects that are arrested/indicted will be prosecuted by the United States Attorney's Office in Washington, DC."

Schaffer is believed to be one of at least 170 people who are being investigated by FBI officials over their roles in the insurrection. At least 54 people have been criminally charged so far.

One crime that Jon could be charged with is "unlawful entry into restricted buildings or grounds." If convicted, he would face a maximum penalty of one year in prison, but the sentence would rise to a maximum of 10 years if injuries or weapons were involved. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge would determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

While Schaffer has not yet said anything publicly about his involvement in the riot, his ICED EARTH bandmates put out a statement on Instagram and Facebook opposing the insurrection.

"We absolutely DO NOT condone nor do we support riots or the acts of violence that the rioters were involved in on January 6th at the US Capitol building," they wrote. "We hope that all those involved that day are brought to justice to be investigated and answer for their actions."

Last week, German daily newspaper Die Welt uploaded a video interview it conducted with Schaffer last November at a Washington, D.C. demonstration supporting Trump and protesting the 2020 presidential election results. In the chat, the 52-year-old musician said that "a group of thugs and criminals hijacked this country a long time ago" and warned that "they're messing with the wrong people here. Because now we see you, and you're going down. Mark my words."

Schaffer also seemingly threw his support behind Trump, saying "he's not your typical Republican" and claiming that America's 45th president is "dealing with a criminal mafia that has been in the shadows running the world, frankly, for a very long time. They wanna destroy all of our sovereignty and bring about global government," he added. "We're not having it… It will not happen. There will be a lot of blood shed, if it comes down to that — trust me. The American people will not go for that bullshit — once they understand what's actually happening. So, that's where we're at. Nobody wants this, but they're pushing us to a point where we have no choice."

Back in 2009, Schaffer raised eyebrows when he launched his SONS OF LIBERTY project via an appearance on a radio show hosted by far-right conspiracy theorist Alex Jones.

More recently, Schaffer voiced his controversial views on the coronavirus crisis during an interview with MetalSucks's "The Quarantinecast", claiming that COVID-19 is "a psychological warfare campaign on the people more than it is a serious pandemic." Implying that a shadowy cabal of elites is using a global crisis as a cover to profiteer and entrench their power, Schaffer said: "I think there's a lot more going on than meets the eye here — in fact, I know there is. Legitimate doctors and scientists are being censored and banned on YouTube constantly. It's unbelievable levels of fraud."

In a September 2020 Facebook Live chat, Schaffer said that he didn't trust his government. "I don't give a shit if it's an 'R' or a 'D' next to the name of the person," he explained. "You can't put your hope into one president or one person, or a mayor or a governor or whatever. You've gotta be out there and actively put pressure on these people, let 'em know you're paying attention. If you're not paying attention, they're gonna rob you and steal everything. Your freedom too. Not just your money. They're gonna steal your fucking freedom. 'Cause they're a bunch of sick control freaks."




Jon Schaffer from Central Florida metal band Iced Earth? pic.twitter.com/p7v2wRLWRJ

— Lars❄️#FBR??NEW account (@a_fly_guy_no) January 8, 2021

QUEENSRŸCHE frontman Todd La Torre says that he was "shocked" but "not really surprised" by last week's revelation that ICED EARTH leader Jon Schaffer is among dozens of people wanted by the FBI for storming Capitol Hill.

On Friday, the FBI's Washington Field Office released 40 photos of people who are suspected of unlawful entry during a violent insurrection at the U.S. Capitol carried out on January 6 during the final Congressional vote recording for the 2020 general election. Among them was a picture of Schaffer taken by Roberto Schmidt of AFP. In the photo, Schaffer can be seen at the front of a mob, sporting a hat from Oath Keepers, an anti-government militia group, and pointing his finger while yelling at someone out of the frame.

"Somebody showed me a photograph, and they didn't say anything — they just showed me the picture," Todd said during an interview with the "Talking With Mark Strigl" podcast (hear audio below). "And I text back, 'Jon Schaffer?' And then I said, 'That's Jon. I know it is.' But I didn't have confirmation, but I was, like, 'I know it's him.' And then it was revealed, yes, that's him. And I was, like, 'Holy shit.'

"I know some of his viewpoints on things," La Torre continued. "On the one hand, it's shocking, 'cause you're, like, 'Holy shit. I'm friends with this guy.' And then on the other hand, you're, like, 'I'm not really surprised.' Because if you know how he thinks about the government and different things, you're, like, okay, it's not far-fetched that he would be there. At the same time, you're thinking, wow, this has never happened in my lifetime, or any of our lifetimes, where we've seen people storm the Capitol and literally assault… These are the same people that are saying 'Back The Blue' and 'We Support Our Police.' And then I'm watching people fighting and trying to beat up police officers, 'cause they think the election is rigged. That's not where I stand. I was, like, 'Holy crap!' And, of course, all the circles of people that we know each other, we're all, like, 'Holy shit. That's Jon.' Then it was [revealed that he was] wanted by the FBI. And I was, like, 'Holy crap!'

"I have no idea if he's turned himself in, if he's on the run, if they got him — I have no idea, 'cause I haven't communicated with him at all," Todd clarified. "But the band is taking a severe — there's a lot of backlash [against ICED EARTH].

"Jon's a man of his convictions," La Torre added. "I don't wanna comment one way or the other, other than the fact that, yeah, I know him, and the times that we've been around each other, he's always been respectful to me, but, of course, that's in a music situation. I think we have polarizing views on how we see things."

On Friday, German daily newspaper Die Welt uploaded a video interview it conducted with Schaffer last November at a Washington, D.C. demonstration supporting Trump and protesting the 2020 presidential election results. In the chat, the 52-year-old musician said that "a group of thugs and criminals hijacked this country a long time ago" and warned that "they're messing with the wrong people here. Because now we see you, and you're going down. Mark my words."

Schaffer also seemingly threw his support behind Trump, saying "he's not your typical Republican" and claiming that America's 45th president is "dealing with a criminal mafia that has been in the shadows running the world, frankly, for a very long time. They wanna destroy all of our sovereignty and bring about global government," he added. "We're not having it… It will not happen. There will be a lot of blood shed, if it comes down to that — trust me. The American people will not go for that bullshit — once they understand what's actually happening. So, that's where we're at. Nobody wants this, but they're pushing us to a point where we have no choice."

Back in 2009, Schaffer raised eyebrows when he launched his SONS OF LIBERTY project via an appearance on a radio show hosted by far-right conspiracy theorist Alex Jones.

More recently, Schaffer voiced his controversial views on the coronavirus crisis during an interview with MetalSucks's "The Quarantinecast", claiming that COVID-19 is "a psychological warfare campaign on the people more than it is a serious pandemic." Implying that a shadowy cabal of elites is using a global crisis as a cover to profiteer and entrench their power, Schaffer said: "I think there's a lot more going on than meets the eye here — in fact, I know there is. Legitimate doctors and scientists are being censored and banned on YouTube constantly. It's unbelievable levels of fraud."

In a September 2020 Facebook Live chat, Schaffer said that he didn't trust his government. "I don't give a shit if it's an 'R' or a 'D' next to the name of the person," he explained. "You can't put your hope into one president or one person, or a mayor or a governor or whatever. You've gotta be out there and actively put pressure on these people, let 'em know you're paying attention. If you're not paying attention, they're gonna rob you and steal everything. Your freedom too. Not just your money. They're gonna steal your fucking freedom. 'Cause they're a bunch of sick control freaks."






Jon Schaffer from Central Florida metal band Iced Earth? pic.twitter.com/p7v2wRLWRJ

— Lars❄️#FBR??NEW account (@a_fly_guy_no) January 8, 2021

During an appearance on the "Rock 'N' Roll Icons With Bode James" podcast, former DOKKEN and current FOREIGNER bassist Jeff Pilson was asked to weigh in on Twitter permanently suspending President Donald Trump's account.

Last week, the social media platform decided that the president had crossed a line too far continuing to use Twitter to repeat debunked conspiracy theories about the election, even after thousands of his supporters violently stormed the U.S. Capitol in an insurrection that left five dead. Twitter, which has a policy against inciting violence, undermining democratic processes and spreading election misinformation, announced it would no longer let Trump use its platform. Twitter suspended the president's personal account, @realDonaldTrump, citing "the risk of further incitement of violence."

Speaking about the fact that Trump was banned or suspended by Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and Twitch in the span of a couple of days last week, Pilson said (see video below): "I always go back to the thing of, you can't yell 'fire' in a movie theater… I think that it really is down to you have to make the practical decision case by case, because some are 'fire in the movie theater' — obviously, the president.

"I'm sure he didn't want people to die, but he's an old enough man, and he should be responsible, as president of United States, to realize that by saying the things he said, this could happen," he continued. "So, his speech clearly can incite insurrection. So, in that case, to me, that's fire in the movie theater. Saying 'fuck' on a record is not, in my opinion.

"I think there just has to be practicality and common sense… What's common sense? What's good for people? What's good for everybody? And, to me, it's just we've gotta return to common sense.

"When you see the vitriol on the people that were interviewed that were in that insurrection the other day, a lot of them really do believe — I don't know if they just worked themselves into believing, but they really thought the election was stolen," Pilson added. "How did we get to that point? I saw one guy talking about, 'The Supreme Court wouldn't help,' and blah blah blah. Well, that's because there was no evidence [of widespread voter fraud].

"A lot of those people, I'm sure, are genuine patriots, and they really believed in their cause, and they really believe in freedom. But when they get massive misinformation, how are they supposed to judge accordingly? How are supposed to dictate what to do? So now misinformation becomes a thing. And I think misinformation has to be dealt with. I think it's one of the biggest problems that's going on.

"I don't know if you saw that movie 'The Social Dilemma' — a fabulous movie; really insightful about just the craziness on both sides," Jeff said. "And it's, like, how did we get to that point? And certainly social media has exacerbated the prolem, because it's unchecked. It's out there, and it's unchecked, and now, because people have narrowed their focus — people choose their own news sources — you can find a news source that tells you anything you wanna hear. And that's just fundamentally wrong. In common sense, doesn't that sound wrong? And whether it's Antifa or Trump — whatever it is — it's crazy crap. So get rid of the crazy crap. What can we do to get rid of that? And, again, I think it goes back to common sense.

"Here's the thing: who's the decider? Does [Facebook CEO] Mark Zuckerberg decide what's wrong and right, giving him that much power? That doesn't seem right either, but we don't have any other answers yet. And, unfortunately, it may take a deciding body that decides what is misinformation or not, but boy, imagine the political red herring of trying to put that together. It's gonna be really, really difficult."

Despite Trump's claim that Twitter was violating his First Amendment right to free speech, private entities like Twitter have every right to take down or suspend user accounts, especially when they are being used for nefarious purposes.

"After close review of recent Tweets from the @realDonaldTrump account and the context around them — specifically how they are being received and interpreted on and off Twitter — we have permanently suspended the account due to the risk of further incitement of violence," the company said in a statement.

The statement listed two of Trump's Friday tweets as the reasons for banning his account. The first was his tweet that read: "The 75,000,000 great American Patriots who voted for me, AMERICA FIRST, and MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN, will have a GIANT VOICE long into the future. They will not be disrespected or treated unfairly in any way, shape or form!!!"

The second was his announcement that he wouldn't attend the inauguration: "To all of those who have asked, I will not be going to the Inauguration on January 20th."

Twitter said that both posts "must be read in the context of broader events in the country and the ways in which the President's statements can be mobilized by different audiences, including to incite violence, as well as in the context of the pattern of behavior from this account in recent weeks."

Earlier this week, YouTube suspended Trump's account for at least a week. Amazon, Google and Apple have also removed the Parler app, which is reportedly used by many of Trump's supporters.

Swedish metal quartet, Orbit Culture, have unveiled a new single, "Mute The Silent", the first new music from the band since the release of new album, Nija, which was released summer 2020 via Seek & Strike. Watch a video for the song below.

"Mute The Silent: will be featured on the Nija expanded digital edition, out tomorrow via all streaming platforms.

Citing Metallica and Gojira as their main heavy influences, Orbit Culture love to experiment with a wide range of sounds and textures to create something that is fresh but also familiar.

Nikas comments: "As much as we love metal, we love other music, too. We love a good hard-hitting song as much as the next guy, but we've always found that blending and mixing genres seems more fun for us at least, rather than deciding on a specific genre to write within the metal scene. It really helps us to be creative and motivated. I'm guessing that is something that we'll always do."

In a recent interview with RIVAL SONS' Michael Miley for the Gretsch YouTube channel, Matt Sorum reflected on his first performance as the drummer for GUNS N' ROSES, which took place in January 1991 at the Rock In Rio festival in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil.

He said (see video below): "My whole career has been like flying by the seat of my pants. I've dealt with these guys that are very interesting characters, and you learn to love 'em, but at the time, you're, like, 'What the hell is going on out here?'

"Here I am rehearsing with GUNS N' ROSES for our first show, where I'm gonna open with the band at Rock In Rio — my first introduction to the world. So I joined, and we started working on these ['Use Your Illusion'] records, and then we got a call to go play two nights in Rock In Rio headlining. JUDAS PRIEST was opening for us, MEGADETH one night. The bill was crazy, but we were headliners. A hundred-and-forty-thousand-seat stadiums, two nights sold out for GUNS N' ROSES. And I get there, and I've never rehearsed with Axl [Rose, GUNS N' ROSES singer] — I've never rehearsed with the guy. We're gonna do it live in front of a hundred and forty thousand people, plus on television. And I'm freaking out before the show. I'm looking around, and I'm, like, 'Hey, does anyone know what the setlist is? I'd like to check out the setlist.' And Slash [GUNS N' ROSES guitarist] goes, 'We don't use a setlist.' And I'm, like, 'What?' So I got no information about what's gonna go down."

He continued: "Basically, before the show, and I learned this happened with that band, every night, Axl's guy Earl Gabbidon, [who] basically took care of Axl, came over to me and said, 'We're gonna start with 'Welcome To The Jungle',' 'We're gonna start with 'Nightrain'.' He would tell me every night. So that whole 'Use Your Illusion' tour, there was never a setlist. And we figured out how to give each other eye signals, or someone took a riff, but we figured it out. And here we were on a stadium-sized stage. But that particular night at Rock In Rio, we started with a song no one ever heard before called 'Pretty Tied Up', which we just finished recording. And it started with the hi-hat. And I just remember looking out, and the crowd was already bouncing. I was, like, 'I'm only playing the hi-hat.' [Laughs] You felt that when they bounce and the stage is kind of rolling. It was intense. And I was, like, 'Fasten your seatbelt, man. This shit's gonna get crazy.' And it did. But that one of the highlights — just the beginning of it."

Sorum, who replaced Steven Adler in GUNS N' ROSES, recorded the highly successful albums "Use Your Illusion I" and "Use Your Illusion II" (both 1991) and "The Spaghetti Incident" (1994). He also supported the group on the "Use Your Illusion" tour and can be heard on GUNS N' ROSES' "Live Era: '87-'93" (1999) and "Greatest Hits" (2004).

Sorum has said in the past that a GUNS reunion tour should have included both him and Adler, with each playing the songs they recorded with the group. Sorum was inducted as a member of the band into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in April 2012.

Sorum's autobiography, "Double Talkin' Jive: True Rock 'N' Roll Stories From The Drummer Of Guns N' Roses, The Cult, And Velvet Revolver", which was previously due in April and was subsequently pushed back to early July, will now arrive in 2021.

New York metal quintet, Damn Your Eyes, have revealed a video for “Doom On You”, the third of a trio of new tracks featuring the band’s new lineup and heavier approach.

“As songwriters we often turn to our songs to get closure on a personal issue, and sometimes, we take it a little too far with epic results,” guitarist Artie Alexander says. “‘Doom On You’ is one of those songs that took on a life of its own once we started to put it together. The story is based on deception and betrayal that leads to the ultimate retribution. The dismal and harrowing groove laden soundscape helps bring the tale together. The result of the two coming together is beautiful brutality and the dark energy within it.”

“Doom On You” hits radio tomorrow and will be available here.

Formed in 2015 by Artie Alexander and former drummer James Baldassano, Damn Your Eyes immediately hit the ground running. As respected musicians in their local scene with extensive recording experience, the band quickly recorded an EP, released it to local acclaim, and rapidly returned to the studio to record their upcoming international full-length debut, Kill The Outside in 2019. But as the band was building a following, it seemed to its members that there were some missing pieces to the Damn Your Eyes puzzle. Enter former guitarist Gabriel “Gabby” Abularach, drummer Darren Markoff, 24-year veteran of Long Island metal band Korotory, to complete the puzzle.

The band entered the studio with this bone-crushing new lineup in July to record several new tracks. The first, “Heavy Is The Head,” late September, with “Lock And Load” following in November.

Texan hard rockers, The Sword, have unveiled a live performance of "The Warp Riders" as the newest instalment of their Conquest Of Quarantine lockdown sessions, which launched last summer to great excitement from their fans.

"The Warp Riders" premiered today on the band’s YouTube channel and can be viewed below. The song is the title track from the 2010 album Warp Riders, which saw the band transition into a hard rock-influenced sound.

The lockdown sessions marked The Sword's first live performances together since the band went on hiatus in 2018, as they remotely reunited to perform songs like "Winter's Wolves", "Working Man", and put their own inimitable spin on the T-Rex classic, "Children Of The Revolution".

On the concept of recording live sessions in isolation, drummer Jimmy Vela commented, “This was a new approach for us; the “Tribute to Kings” tour postponement led to us finding a different way to connect with our fans. It was fun and something we hadn’t tried yet…”

Watch all the Conquest Of Quarantine performances so far on the band’s YouTube channel here, and stay tuned for more instalments coming soon.

MSG have released a new trailer for the new album, Immortal, out now via Nuclear Blast. Watch the clip below, and order the new album here.

MSG is a legendary name. After two phenomenal records under the guise of Michael Schenker Fest, a true guitar hero is returning to his roots. By forming Michael Schenker Group (MSG) back in 1979, Michael Schenker laid the foundations for one of hard rock’s most glorious solo careers of all times. And while nobody expected anything less from a former guitarist for Scorpions and UFO, it’s close to impossible mentioning everything Michael has built over the past 50 years, or the countless people he influenced or played with. This, truly, is the stuff that hard rocking myths are made of.

“I never looked back,” is how Michael dryly sums up an extraordinary career. Due to this mindset, he only realised much later what a huge impact his playing had made on the world of metal and hard rock. Very few guitarists can be cited as a primary influence for the likes of James Hetfield, Kirk Hammett, Dave Mustaine, Dimebag Darrell, Slash or Kerry King. However, to understand Michael Schenker means to understand one primary thing: he’s not here to be worshipped or adored, he’s not here to get rich, he’s here to play. And at 65, he’s doing it with the same swagger, verve and dizzying artistry as always. “I’m still 16 in my head,” he laughs.

Right in time for his 40th anniversary as a solo artist and his 50th birthday as a musician, he resurrects the immortal Michael Schenker Group. Immortal is also the name of his new album, recorded by likely the strongest line-up in his long history. Its a lightning bolt of an album that sounds fresh, bloodthirsty and agile. Immortal showcases the gargantuan vocal talents of Chilean hard rock prodigy Ronnie Romero (Rainbow), backed by singers Ralf Scheepers (Primal Fear), Joe Lynn Turner (ex-Deep Purple) as well as Schenker’s brother in arms, Michael Voss (Mad Max) who again produced the record alongside Michael Schenker – flawlessly, punchy and at full steam as if their very lives depended on it.

Next to Michael Schenker caressing his iconic black and white Dean Flying V, we hear bass player Barry Sparks (Dokken), keyboard player Steve Mann as well as the three drummers Bodo Schopf, Simon Phillips (ex-Toto) and Brian Tichy (ex-Whitesnake) pumping gallons of fresh blood through the tracks. And that’s not all, keyboard wizard extraordinaire Derek Sherinian (Dream Theater, Black Country Communion) gives the listener a baptism of fire in the blistering, heavy hitting opener “Drilled To Kill”, powered by Ralf Scheepers’ unbelievable vocal tornado.

Michael Schenker doesn’t live to play, he plays to live, and there’s no better way of summing up his relationship to his music than this – now for half a century and counting. The most emblematic representation of this relationship is the monumental closing track “In Search Of The Peace Of Mind”, a new recording of the very first song he ever wrote. “I composed this track in my mother’s kitchen back when I was 15,” he looks back half a century and smiles broadly: “The solo is just so perfect, I wouldn’t change a single note even today. This is the most important song of the last 50 years for me. It’s what started it all.”

When it finally got released in 1972 on the Scorpions’ debut Lonesome Crow, Schenker had already moved on to UFO. What followed were several decades of pure hard rock ecstasy on and off stage, featuring a rotating cast of stellar players, always pressing the pedal to the metal. Now, in 2020, he reaps what he sowed. Alongside many of his peers, friends and contemporaries, he is celebrating 50 years of hard rock – fittingly with an album that is something like a zeitgeisty reminiscence of everything he’s ever done. The massive midtempo smasher “Don’t Die On Me Now” sees Joe Lynn Turner going all in, Ronnie Romero works his magic in “Knight Of The Dead” while Michael Voss cuts a grand figure before the microphone as well as behind the mixing desk on the furious second single “After The Rain”.

Towering above them all, Michael Schenker and his guitar prove they’re truly and utterly invincible. The celebrated icon pulls out all the stops – including his legendary “howler”, the fabled magnet he’s used on his fingerboard for a while now. And here’s yet another thing that’s just so archetypically Schenker, when bringing up his fiery and dedicated performance on “Immortal” he nonchalantly shrugs it off: “I simply played from the heart, as always.” This, dear Michael, is the understatement of the year – all the more so for a record that is already one of the top contenders for hard rock/metal album of the year.

Tracklisting:

"Drilled To Kill" (feat Ralf Scheepers)
"Don’t Die On Me Now" (feat Joe Lynn Turner)
"Knight Of The Dead" (feat Ronnie Romero)
"After The Rain" (feat Michael Voss)
"Devil’s Daughter" (feat Ralf Scheepers)
"Sail The Darkness" (Feat Ronnie Romero)
"The Queen Of Thorns And Roses" (feat Michael Voss)
"Come On Over" (feat Ronnie Romero)
"Sangria Morte" (feat Joe Lynn Turner)
"In Search Of Peace Of Mind" (feat Ronnie Romero, Gary Barden,Doogie White, Robin McAuley)

"Sail The Darkness" lyric video:

"After The Rain" (feat. Michael Voss) video:

"Drilled To Kill" lyric video:

Frontiers Music Srl recently announced the release of Arc Of Life's self-titled debut album, on February 12. Arc Of Life is the new progressive rock supergroup featuring three members of the current YES lineup, vocalist/guitarist Jon Davison, bassist/vocalist Billy Sherwood, and additional drummer Jay Schellen, one of the most interesting talents in the “new” progressive rock scene in the US, Dave Kerzner (Sound Of Contact) on keyboards, and Jimmy Haun (also featured on YES albums in the past) on guitar.

Fans can get a taste of the forthcoming debut with the new song "Just In Sight". Listen below, and pre-order/save Arc Of Life here.

The concept behind Arc Of Life is, in keeping with the progressive rock philosophy, to craft creative, challenging, and ear-pleasing music that pushes boundaries. Billy Sherwood describes the music as, “interesting, with well crafted songs, performed with precision and grace. All songs feature memorable melodies and lyrics that take the listener on a sonic adventure. Dynamic arrangements with peaks and valleys... it's all there.”

The other idea behind the band is that YES would be a clear point of influence. But while YES is clearly the main point of comparison, a lot of musical similarities can be drawn to describe Arc Of Life’s grandiose and epic approach to music. In Jon Davison’s words, “Each YES member understands and supports when others may desire to explore and thrive along new artistic avenues. We then each find further inspiration to bring back to the YES fold.”

But all the descriptions are best left to the listeners to discern for themselves as repeat listens will reveal more layers.

Arc Of Life is a true garden of delight for progressive rock fans and the band is looking forward to performing live. “Once the world gets over the COVID hump, Arc Of Life will be planning as much touring as we can fit in between YES and our other projects. Quite honestly, we’re all chomping at the bit to be out performing again!” concludes Jon Davison.

Tracklisting:

"Life Has A Way"
"Talking With Siri"
"You Make It Real"
"Until Further Notice"
"The Magic Of It All"
"Just In Sight"
7"I Want To Know You Better"
"Locked Down"
"Therefore We Are"
"The End Game"

"Just In Sight":

"You Make It Real" video:

Lineup:

Billy Sherwood - Bass and vocals
Jon Davison - Vocals
Jay Schellen - Drums
Jimmy Haun - Guitars
Dave Kerzner - Keyboards

Does he really need any introduction? Since the brilliant Spiritual Beggars came on the hard 'n' heavy scene in the mid-90's, Spice's voice and charisma have always been synonyms with fine songwriting, rock attitude and a bittersweet touch of melancholy. By The Corner Of Tomorrow, the band's new album, is the first that he recorded in standard tuning, aiming for a more "resilient" sound.

In the Swedish band leader's own words: "I had Black Sabbath's Heaven And Hell and Ozzy Osbourne's Blizzard Of Ozz as references for the sound of this record - filtered through my personal touch."

His main goal was to make something in line with those timeless classics: a flowing collection of songs rich in variations, vibe and an unquestionable melodic feel. As usual, the lyrics deal with the human condition and our hidden dark feelings: fear, madness, hopelessness and the never-ending dream of escaping reality.

The iconic cover artwork was once again made by Luca “Solo Macello” Martinotti (Ennio Morricone, Black Rainbows, Sadist). By The Corner Of Tomorrow will be released on March 26 on CD, LP, and limited edition LP.

Tracklisting:

"The Fading Spot"
"Call Out Your Name"
"Tehom"
"The Sharp Edge"
"By the Corner Of Tomorrow"
"Midnight Blood"
"Reglutina"
"Cold Flames"
"Rewind The Wind"

Norwegian melodic rock queen, Issa, is back with her sixth studio album, Queen Of Broken Hearts, on March 12 via Frontiers Music Srl. Watch a video for the first single, "Angels Calling", below. Pre-order/save Queen Of Broken Hearts here.

Explains Issa, "The album's vocals were recorded right here where I live now in beautiful York, England. I really loved using the scenery around us to make the video for 'Angels Calling' too! When recording the album, I found that I enjoyed the more challenging vocal lines where I can use my voice in ways I haven't before, I love playing with vocal sounds and this album had more than enough headroom for that! "Queen Of Broken Hearts" is more symphonic than my previous records and if I can compare it to anything, I think my first album Sign Of Angels would be somewhere near it, except that I have 10 years more knowledge to put into it."

Issa, a truly stunning vocalist, has previously released five albums, all with Frontiers Music Srl and all creatively directed, overseen and nurtured by Serafino Perugino, President and A&R director of Frontiers Records. As with her past releases, the new release is a melodic rock fans dream come true with huge vocals and soaring melodies, but Queen Of Broken Hearts is arguably Issa's most fully realized musical offering yet.

Once again, she was partnered with Alessandro Del Vecchio to work on her new album and - as with the successful Run With the Pack - an all-star team of musicians appears on this new album. Featuring Simone Mularoni (DGM) on guitar, Andrea ToWer Torricini (Vision Divine) on bass, Marco Di Salvia (Hardline) on drums, and Del Vecchio on keys.

Issa’s musical growth over the years has been tremendous to hear and watch and fans will reap the rewards with Queen Of Broken Hearts, quite simply her best album yet. And that’s not just ‘hype’, but the fact of the matter.  

Tracklisting:

"Angels Calling"
"The Way Out"
"The Night It Rained Forever"
"I'm Here To Stay"
"Blue"
"Queen Of Broken Hearts"
"Derive"
"Without Love"
"Wait For Love"
"After The Rain"
"Die For A Life With You"

"Angels Calling" video:

Lineup:

Issa Oversveen - Vocals
Simone Mularoni - Guitars
Andrea Torricini, bass
Alessandro Del Vecchio - Keyboards
Marco Di Salvia – Drums

German rockers, Bonfire, have released a new video and single, “Love Don’t Lie”, taken from their upcoming new record Roots, to be released on February 26 via AFM Records.

It's a song that was initially written in 2008 for The Räuber, a cooperation between the Theater Ingolstadt and the band - it is their most successful theater piece coop, with three seasons, 55 sold-out shows and 50 thousand spectators. The new version of the song, beautifully arranged, comes as a really lovely duet with Alexx Stahl and Lydia Panè, wife of guitarist Frank Panè.

Pre-order Roots here, and watch the video for "Love Don't Lie" below.

Tracklisting:

CD1
"Starin' Eyes"
"American Nights"
"Let Me Be Your Water"
"Price Of Lovin' You"
"Comin' Home"
"Ready 4 Reaction"
"Give It A Try"
"Sleeping All Alone"
"Who's Foolin' Who"
"Why Is It Never Enough"
"Fantasy"

CD2
"When An Old Man Cries"
"Love Don't Lie"
"Lonely Nights"
"Under Blue Skies"
"You Make Me Feel"
"No More"
"The Devil Made Me Do It"
"Without You"
"Your Love Is Heaven To Me"
"Piece Of My Heart"
"Youngbloods"
"Our Hearts Don't Feel The Same"
"Wolfmen"

"Love Don't Lie" video:

Emerging from the Finnish coastal town of Kotka, melodic death/doom metal strikers Marianas Rest will unleash their third studio album, Fata Morgana, on March 12 via Napalm Records. In anticipation, they have just unveiled the first single from the album, entitled “Glow From The Edge”, along with a moving official video.

The Finns - featuring Jaakko Mäntymaa on vocals and Omnium Gatherum’s Aapo Koivisto on keys - showcase a true virtuosity of heavy riffs, hypnotizing soundscapes and impetuous tempo-changes on their new work of art. Fata Morgana combines intense melodic death metal spiced with significant doom elements and breathes an overall melancholic theme with every note, which the first output, “Glow From The Edge”, is proof of. Atmospheric guitar tones set the stage for this gloomy melodic death and doom metal offering. Spoken words permeate the listener’s brain, soon erupting in harsh and intense growling while the dreamlike backing vocals of guest musician Lindsay Matheson/Schoolcraft are carried along with sophisticated melodies.

Vocalist Jaakko Mäntymaa on the first single, “Glow From The Edge”: "Glow has a dreamy, mystic aura to it. I think it represents the evolution of the band and therefore it was an easy choice to be the first song released."

Watch the official video for “Glow From The Edge” below:

Fata Morgana marks the final chapter of a trilogy that began when Marianas Rest released their first full-length, 2016’s Horror Vacui, followed by the critically acclaimed full-length Ruins (2019). The series encompasses themes of isolation, eventual mental collapse and emergence from that woeful state, respectively - however, the band invites fans to experience the concept from their own perspectives.

The upcoming eight-song epos delivers atmospheric melodies that are as endless and fascinating as the overwhelming beauty of Finnish nature, which tracks like the expressive “The Weight” or authentic “Pointless Tale” are evidence of. Topped by guest appearances of Timo Virkkala, who shares his awesome cello magic, and the bewitching backing vocals of Lindsay Matheson/Schoolcraft (ex-Cradle Of Filth), Marianas Rest take their creative output to the next level and make Fata Morgana a must-have for fans of bands like Insomnium and My Dying Bride.

Marianas Rest on Fata Morgana: "Fata Morgana is a voyage into isolation. A passage to a place where minds get distorted by the cold."

This melodic melancholy is produced by Teemu Aalto (Insomnium, Omnium Gatherum) and Marianas Rest, recorded and mixed by Teemu Aalto at Teemu Aalto Music Productions and mastered by Svante Forsbäck at Chartmakers, who received a Grammy nomination with Candlemass feat. Tony Iommi for Best Metal Performance.

Fata Morgana will be available in the following formats:

- 2LP Gatefold Marbled Black/White (Napalm Mailorder Only)
- 2LP Gatefold Black
- CD Digipack
- Digital Album

Pre-order your copy of Fata Morgana here.

Tracklisting:

"Sacrificial"
"Glow From The Edge"
"Pointless Tale
"The Weight"
"Horrokseen"
"Fata Morgana"
"Advent Of Nihilism"
"South Of Vostok"

As a special bonus, Marianas Rest will release a limited edition reissue of their aforementioned second studio album, Ruins, on vinyl for the first time ever on March 12 via Napalm Records. Unleashed back in April 2019, the Finns’ full-length tells the story of how a mind slowly crumbles, about introversion, putting up mental walls and eventually disappearing inside your own head.

Available as a 2LP Gatefold Marbled Black/White vinyl (limited to 300 copies), this is a must have for fans of this somber manifest of heavy riffs and grieving melodies.

Pre-order Ruins here.

Tracklisting:

"Kairos"
"The Spiral"
"Hole In Nothing"
"The Defiant"
"Unsinkable"
"Shadows"
"Restitution"
"Omega"

Marianas Rest are:

Jaakko Mäntymaa – vocals
Aapo Koivisto – keys
Nico Mänttäri – guitar
Harri Sunila – guitar
Niko Lindman – bass
Nico Heininen – drums

(Photo - Miikka Järvinen)