Florida death metal veterans DEICIDE have launched Devil's Dick, their own brand of hot sauce, featuring the tag line "it burns when you put it in your mouth." The habanero hot sauce comes in five-ounce bottles and can be purchased as part of a bundle that includes a t-shirt and a sticker.

Asked in a 2018 interview with Tampa Bay Times if he is still personally driven to write about Satanism and Christianity, DEICIDE frontman Glen Benton said: "Honestly, I have tried to write about other things. I really have, man. And you know what? I actually have one song on the new album where I got there. I was like, 'Hey you guys, you want to read through these lyrics, and then read the other ones?' And they were like, 'Oh, wow, let's go with the other one' — the original song that I had written, which is 'One With Satan'. I had given myself writer's block trying to go back and forth between the two. I just can't. If I fight it and try to push it in a certain direction other than where it wants to go, I just get writer's block."

Pressed about whether he still identifies as Satanist, Glen said: "No. I've always said this: They identify me as a Satanist. I identify myself as a free thinker and a kid that was tormented just like everybody else growing up. My mother did a stint as a Sunday school teacher. My father was so-called Catholic; I don't know what he was. And my mother was Lutheran. My grandma was into the whole Latin thing — when she went to church, you couldn't understand it. There was no English spoken. I was a little kid. That knd of stuff creeped the shit out of me. I had a lot of terrifying moments as a child with that shit. Growing up, people would call me an evil bastard. They referred to me as Damien from 'The Omen'.

"It's really odd, whenever I go places. I played Chile a couple of times, and a couple of days after playing there, there was always an earthquake. When we played South America this last tour, we were trying to get out of there, and we had a hurricane coming down on us from one direction, and as soon as we got out of there, they have a huge earthquake.

"It's weird seeing things like that shooting in Clearwater, that Stand Your Ground shooting. Dude, that store is directly across the street from the old Deicide house that my grandmother used to own. Directly across the street from the store, next to Coles Gun Shop. That's where DEICIDE started, was at that house. We used to rehearse in that garage. Here's the weird thing: The day before that shooting, I took my girl down there. I said, 'Let me show you where the old house is.' I was actually parked right there by that parking spot where the shooting happened, the day before it happened.

"Every time I go anywhere, something really stupid happens. I used to call it the DEICIDE black cloud, but now I'm starting to think there might be something to it. That's kind of been my life."

In 2019, DEICIDE parted ways with guitarist Mark English and replaced him with Chris Cannella.

English joined DEICIDE in 2016 following the departure of longtime guitarist Jack Owen.

DEICIDE's latest album, "Overtures Of Blasphemy", was released in September 2018 via Century Media.

TWISTED SISTER guitarist Jay Jay French was interviewed on the latest episode of the GUNS N' ROSES-centric "Appetite for Distortion" podcast. You can now listen to the chat below.

Asked for his opinion of GUNS N' ROSES playing massive stadiums around the world while only having three members from its classic lineup, French said: "Unlike Dee [Snider, TWISTED SISTER singer], I'm not as rigid [about bands touring with non-original members]. If the public buys it, that's all that matters. If they don't buy it, then that's what matters. So you can go out there, and if you're selling something that doesn't live up to what the public believes in, then you're out of business. And if you've figured out a way to do it, and you're still in business, then more power to you.

"Look, life is hard — it's hard in every way, for everybody," he continued. "And being a musician and an entertainer is really hard. You can't take it lightly, if you've had some success. And if the public buys it, who am I to say?

"I'm not trying to be Pollyannish, I'm not trying to be kumbaya-ish about it, but at the end of the day, if you're selling a product based on a certain level of nostalgia, and you don't live up to it, then you'll know, 'cause the public will say 'no,' French added.

"You're in a band. [You play classic] hits that people's lives are built around. If you can replicate it well enough for the fan to spend some stupid money to see you, and they walk away happy, who am I to say?"

This past summer, Snider criticized Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons for having current KISS members Tommy Thayer and Eric Singer dress up as Peter Criss's and Ace Frehley's respective "Spaceman" and "Catman" personas. Dee told "Appetite For Distortion": "I hate what KISS is doing with Ace and Peter's makeup on. I'm not a fan.

"When I left TWISTED and I went out at some point doing TWISTED's music, I never even thought of calling it TWISTED SISTER without the other four guys. Everyone is saying, 'But you're TWISTED SISTER. You wrote the songs.' I said, 'That's not TWISTED SISTER.' And I won't do that out of respect for the other members of the band. I could've made a lot more money doing that, but I would not do that.

"When TWISTED SISTER reunited, the original members — the classic lineup — [bassist] Mark Mendoza walked in, pulled out a gun, put it on top of his amplifier, and picked up his bass. And when people tell me it's tough to put your band back together, my bass player brought a fucking gun to the first rehearsal and openly spoke about hating me.

"I'm a believer that if you're gonna use the brand, you should have the classic lineup — unless someone's dead; then you're excused. You're excused because he's dead. Otherwise, you'd better show up, and it'd better be the original band."

In 2016, TWISTED SISTER embarked on one final trek, titled "Forty And Fuck It", in celebration of its 40th anniversary. These shows featured the band's "core lineup" of French, Snider, guitarist Eddie Ojeda and bassist Mark Mendoza, along with drummer Mike Portnoy. The band's last-ever concert took place in November of that year — 20 months after the passing of TWISTED's longtime drummer A.J. Pero.

TWISTED SISTER's original run ended in the late '80s. After more than a decade, the band publicly reunited in November 2001 to top the bill of New York Steel, a hard-rock benefit concert to raise money for the New York Police And Fire Widows' And Children's Benefit Fund.

JUDAS PRIEST singer Rob Halford was recently interviewed for "The French Connection: The Music Business And Beyond", the new podcast hosted by TWISTED SISTER guitarist Jay Jay French. You can now listen to the chat below.

Asked to name the greatest piece of advice he has ever gotten in the music business, Rob said: "Oooh, dear. Oh. I don't know.

"Here's one that might sound a bit superfluous. We have a great friendship with Gene [Simmons] and Paul [Stanley] from KISS. And PRIEST were out on this big tour — we were invited to open up for KISS — and I was just talking to Gene about the music business, and he goes, 'Let me just say this: It doesn't matter what they say about you, as long as they've got your picture and they spell your name right.' There you go. That says a lot.

"Especially in music, there are so many opinions, and there are so many different points of view, it's out of your control," Halford continued. "And you really have to figure things out, because the way that some of the negativity can intrude into your own personal life — 'You suck'; 'I hope you die of cancer'; all this horrible stuff — you've gotta learn how to deal with that. You see it particularly in popular music with younger people.

"When young people get famous quickly, how can they handle it? You need experience. You need wisdom. And so that simply message from Gene, I still remember it: 'It doesn't matter what they say about you, as long as you get your picture in and they spell your name right.' And that has some validity."

Halford's autobiography, "Confess", arrived on September 29 via Hachette Books. It was written with Ian Gittins, co-writer of "The Heroin Diaries" by Nikki Sixx. In the book, Halford discusses in detail what it was like becoming the first metal icon to announce he is gay in 1998 during an MTV interview, despite knowing about his sexuality since he was 10. Although his bandmates and their management knew he was gay and were accepting, he was advised to be discreet given the macho hetero nature of the metal world. He also opens up about surviving sexual abuse, as well as his struggles with depression, substance abuse, sobriety, and the suicide of one of his former partners. He also talks about how his own suicide attempt in 1986 led him to the rehab program that saved his life.

In September, JUDAS PRIEST and Rufus Publications announced the publication of the first-ever official JUDAS PRIEST book documenting the band's extensive history over the last 50 years. Titled "Judas Priest - 50 Heavy Metal Years", the book has been put together by David Silver, Ross Halfin and Jayne Andrews.

Prior to being canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic, JUDAS PRIEST's spring/summer 2020 European tour was scheduled to kick off on May 30 in Helsinki, Finland and conclude on July 28 in Tilburg, the Netherlands. The band was also slated to headline the U.K.'s Bloodstock Open Air festival on August 9 at Catton Park, Derbyshire.

The U.S. leg of PRIEST's "50 Heavy Metal Years" tour was due to launch September 9 in Oxon Hill, Maryland and wrap up on October 17 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

A nine-minute video in which DIAMOND HEAD guitarist Brian Tatler teaches you how to play the band's classic song "Am I Evil?" can be seen below.

"Am I Evil?" is taken from DIAMOND HEAD's 1980 album "Lightning To The Nations". Tatler reminisces: "'Am I Evil?' is one of the songs that METALLICA covered. I got a call from Lars Ulrich on September 20th, 1986 to say that METALLICA were playing that evening as part of the 'Master Of Puppets' tour at the Birmingham Odeon which was the best venue in the Midlands to see bands. Lars invited me along, so I caught the number nine bus, picked up my backstage pass, and was shown into METALLICA's dressing room. I was then introduced to James Hetfield, Kirk Hammett and Cliff Burton. Lars suggested that I get up and play 'Am I Evil?' on stage with them in the encore. I, of course, agreed and, after watching their amazing set for an hour, I went backstage again where the guitar techs strapped James's white Flying V onto me. Then Lars ran to the center vocal mic and introduced me as 'the guy who wrote this next song!' The five of us played 'Am I Evil?' up to the fast section then METALLICA went into 'Damage, Inc.' and I scarpered off stage. It was a brilliant experience!"

A re-recorded version of "Lightning To The Nations" was released on November 20 via Silver Lining Music in CD digipak, double gatefold vinyl, and digital formats as well as special D2C bundles.

As the fortieth anniversary loomed, "Lightning To The Nations"' resonance and importance are since long-established, which meant a celebration was in order and Tatler, alongside vocalist and producer Rasmus Bom Andersen, knew exactly what they wanted to do. "We thought it'd be great to re-record the debut album with this lineup and the modern technology available," says Tatler. "The original album was recorded and mixed in a week, and we were very young; still 19-20 years old when it was recorded, so there's a lot of that youthful energy. But we didn't have the technique, time, or craftsmanship to record it with the sort of power that we could now. So that was a real thing to savor: the opportunity to go in the studio and record these songs fresh and vibrant."

"Lightning To The Nations 2020" is an achievement along those lines and then some. It is, quite simply, a scintillating shot of fresh metal energy, with DIAMOND HEAD utilizing all their skill, experience, and revitalized energy to breathe so much new life into these freshly recorded takes that it feels like experiencing the earth shaking all over again.

Recorded over several sessions between various locations from France to band member home studios, "Lightning To The Nations 2020"'s central hub was Andersen's Raw Sound Studios in London. It's where Tatler and Andrew "Abbz" Abberley did the guitars in February and March of this year. With the COVID-19 chaos striking, Andersen worked on the album between April and July, with Tatler's watchful ear inspecting final mixes and tweaks in early August before sending off to mastering at Metropolis Studios. It is, however, fair to say that the crunch, scream, and crackle of the production is yet another feather in Andersen's producer hat.

As if these carefully shaped recordings weren't enough, there are four supreme cover versions rounding out the release, with DIAMOND HEAD spreading their wings and creating the heaviest of homages to LED ZEPPELIN, JUDAS PRIEST, DEEP PURPLE, and... METALLICA. With DIAMOND HEAD having featured so heavily in METALLICA's early career, the cover of "No Remorse" seems especially appropriate.

Concludes Tatler: "'Lightning To The Nations 2020' is packed with ideas and riffs, but there is some thought gone into it all, and maybe that's why it still sounds really good now and we're still having conversations about it."

"Lightning To The Nations" 2020 track listing:

01. Lightning To The Nations

02. The Prince

03. Sucking My Love

04. Am I Evil?

05. Sweet And Innocent

06. It's Electric

07. Helpless

08. No Remorse

09. Immigrant Song

10. Sinner

11. Rat Bat Blue

DIAMOND HEAD is:

Brian Tatler - lead, rhythm guitars

Rasmus Bom Andersen - vocals, orchestration, additional guitars

Karl Wilcox - drums

Andrew "Abbz" Abberley - rhythm, lead guitars

Dean Ashton - bass, organ

It’s been 17 years since Ainur thought to transform Tolkien’s masterpiece The Silmarillion into music. Each member of the band was lost in his own musical themes inspired by Tolkienian mythology. As if hypnotized, they outrageously composed themes for the main characters and started to imagine this huge concept work to which they still work on today.

Ainur has signed with Rockshots Records to release War of The Jewels, which sees the band take an interesting evolution in sound from previous releases. Ainur will completely immerse fans in J.R.R.Tolkien’s war atmospheres. They have imagined every story and every battle and recreate them through unique and deep music.

The band explains in further detail: “We always follow the path that Tolkien himself has outlined in his tales, so we tried to create a concept that embraces the Wars of Beleriand throughout the album. Since the topic is a little bit complex this time, we thought to divide the concept into two albums: then, side by side with “Children Of Hurin” and “Lay Of Leithian”, they will flow into a big opera that will unite the third chapter of Wars Of Beleriand and Lays Of Beleriand.”

The band further comments on releasing with Rockshots Records: “This is the first album without our historical label Electromantic. We owe a lot to Beppe and his staff, but we felt that we needed something new for our project. There were some labels interested in having us on their roster but when we talked with Roberto and Valerio from Rockshots Records we realized that that was the right way. And now that we are releasing the album we can say that we made the right choice.”

The compositional process of War Of The Jewels has been very long. It started in 2009 (or maybe before) and it ended more or less last year. Ainur sees it as their “rebirth” album. They have been working hard composing and arranging their music to create the best tribute to Tolkien’s histories that they can.

Fans of Tolkien’s work along with fans of Ayreon, Queen, and John Williams will be surprised by the majesty and the energy of this work.

The 2021 release date for War Of The Jewels via Rockshots Records will be announced at a later date.

Leslie West, the legendary guitarist, vocalist and original founding member of MOUNTAIN, has died at the age of 75.

Leslie's brother, Larry West Weinstein, confirmed the musician's passing to Rolling Stone.

West suffered cardiac arrest at his home near Daytona, Florida on Monday (December 21) and was rushed to a hospital, where he never regained consciousness.

Earlier today, Dean Guitars, with whom West has had an endorsement deal for a number of years, issued a statement, saying: "With a heavy heart, we are saddened hear about the passing of #Dean Artist and part of the Dean family, Leslie West. Legendary and one of a kind. Rest In Peace."

Dean Guitars CEO Evan Rubinson added in a separate tweet: "To a man that I truly loved more than most — the funniest, most honest guy I've met. #RIP #LeslieWest"

The news of West's deteriorating health was first broken by his brother, who took to his Facebook page on Monday to say that Leslie was gravely ill and near death after his heart stopped, and that he was put on a ventilator.

"I am asking for all your prayers," Weinstein wrote in a since-deleted post. "[Leslie's wife] Jenni is by his side in Florida but it's not looking good. Thanks Jenni, he wouldn't have made it this far without you."

Weinstein went on to say: "His heart gave out and he's on a ventilator. May not make it through the night."

Earlier today, TWISTED SISTER singer Dee Snider, who is a friend of Leslie and Jenni, and has been in contact with the family, tweeted: "The final hours on this earth for the amazing Leslie West of MOUNTAIN. His voice and guitar will be silenced but his music will live forever. I am heartbroken. Prayers for him and his amazing wife, his rock, Jenni who is with him now. @lwestmountain".

Snider went on to acknowledge West's massive influence on rock music, writing: "Leslie West and MOUNTAIN are one of the founding fathers of heavy metal. His explosive, powerful guitar playing and seering solos helped define the genre. Attending guitarists gatherings with Leslie I saw ALL guitarists bow down before him (yes even @eddievanhalen)... And his influence on HIP HOP (You heard me!) is undeniable. His song Long Read has been sampled on over 750 hip hop tracks including Jay-Z 99 Problems. What an incredible force @lwestmountain was!"

Born Leslie Weinstein, West first gained worldwide recognition in 1969 as the guitarist and singer in the groundbreaking rock band MOUNTAIN. Included among Leslie's many fans and disciples are six-string luminaries such as Eddie Van Halen, Randy Rhoads, John McLaughlin, JETHRO TULL's Martin Barre, Warren Haynes and Ritchie Blackmore of DEEP PURPLE. Blackmore has stated that Leslie's phenomenal playing on "Mississippi Queen" served to redirect the course of DEEP PURPLE's music in an instant, ultimately resulting in the brutal hard rock intensity displayed on "Deep Purple In Rock".

For Barre, meeting Leslie in 1970 served to inspire the writing and playing on JETHRO TULL's most successful album in the band's history, "Aqualung". "Prior to going into the studio to record [1971's] 'Aqualung', I met Leslie, whose playing I absolutely loved," Barre revealed. "Leslie is well known for his association with Les Paul Juniors, and just after meeting him, I picked up a 1958 Junior because his sound was so incredible. I would say that he's the only guitarist who has ever influenced me directly."

Leslie was also influential in the development of the music for THE WHO's masterpiece, "Who's Next". In early 1971, he was invited to record with THE WHO for the band's initial New York City Record Plant sessions for the album, which sparked a close friendship with THE WHO's leader, Pete Townshend. Said Pete: "Leslie gave me a really great Les Paul Junior with one pickup on it for me to use on 'Who's Next', and Eric Clapton gave me an old Strat. They both gave me really good instruments and I still have those instruments today. Along with my Gretsch Chet Atkins, those three guitars were the only ones I used on 'Who's Next'."

Another fan of Leslie's was none other than Jimi Hendrix, with whom Leslie jammed at famed New York City clubs like Ungano's and elsewhere.

"I first met Jimi while I was recording 'Climbing!' at the Record Plant and he was in another room mixing 'Band Of Gypsys'," Leslie recalled. "Jimi came in, and after hearing the first track, 'Never in My Life', he looked over at me and said, 'That's a great riff, man.' I started shaking! There's a great picture of us playing together at Ungano's, and Jimi's playing Felix [Pappalardi's] bass. Getting to know and play with Hendrix is one of my greatest life experiences."

A life-threatening battle with diabetes cost West most of his right leg in 2011.

"I'm lucky it wasn't one of my hands or I'd be screwed," West later said. "It was a difficult struggle, and after the amputation I didn't know whether I'd ever want to or be able to perform again. But a month later I played at the Rock 'N' Roll Fantasy Camp in New York City, and I heard my guitar on stage and that was it. I knew I had to keep going."

In 2009, West married his wife Jenni. They exchanged vows on stage at the Woodstock 40th-anniversary concert. West credited her with saving his life — first with her love, and then by making the difficult decision to permit his doctors to amputate while he was in a coma.




With a heavy heart, we are saddened hear about the passing of #Dean Artist and part of the Dean family, Leslie West. Legendary and one of a kind. Rest In Peace. pic.twitter.com/sGmk4pF011

— Dean Guitars (@DeanGuitars) December 23, 2020








To a man that I truly loved more than most — the funniest, most honest guy I’ve met. #RIP #LeslieWest https://t.co/UGGlZsxD0o

— Evan Rubinson (@EvanRubinson) December 23, 2020








Just heard that Leslie West has passed away. One of the greatest guitar players, singers, and songwriters in the world; inspiration to many of us!

Now he will be reunited with one of the greatest bass players of all time, Felix Pappalardi.

RIP, Leslie#Mountain #Legend

— Joey DeMaio (@realJoeyDeMaio) December 23, 2020

Swedish metallers SABATON have released a short teaser for a brand new song. In a message accompanying the YouTube clip, the band wrote: "We bet you did not see this one coming.. Are you ready for some new SABATON music? Wait no more! Hear now a teaser of one of our upcoming songs.."

Earlier this week, SABATON surpassed one million subscribers on its YouTube channel. To celebrate this, as part of their Advent Calendar, they surprise-released an animated video for their hymn "No Bullets Fly", taken from their "Heroes" album. The clip tells the story of Franz Stigler and Charlie Brown, two (enemy!) pilots in the second world war. While Charlie's plane was severely damaged and the pilot hurt, Franz decided, instead of shooting him down, to risk his own life and escort him to safety. Both survived, and over 50 years later, they met each other again and became very close friends. A lovely story that did not became public before 1990.

SABATON's ninth full-length album, "The Great War", came out in July 2019 via Nuclear Blast Records. The band's 20th-anniversary record was a concept effort covering stories from the First World War.

SABATON started recording "The Great War" exactly 100 years after the end of the First World War (November 11, 1918) and took three months of intensive work to complete the album with longtime producer and collaborator Jonas Kjellgren at Black Lounge studios. The disc was mastered by Maor Appelbaum and the artwork was once again created by Peter Sallaí.

"This is not the first time we sing about stories from this period in time, but now we felt the timing was right to make a full concept album about this war," the band said.

SABATON's latest disc is the group's first with guitarist Tommy Johansson (GOLDEN RESURRECTION, REINXEED), who replaced Thobbe Englund in 2016.

KISS recently announced a New Year's Eve concert at the Atlantis resort in Dubai. Landmarks Live Presents will produce the show live from The Royal Beach at Atlantis Dubai. The show producers claim the event, which will apparently attempt to set the world's record for largest pyro, will be filmed with more than 50 cameras and 360-degree views. It will be seen via livestream, with a ticket purchase on any computer, mobile device, or Apple TV.

Speaking to Extra TV about KISS's plans beyond the New Year's Eve show, frontman Paul Stanley said (see video below): "We are in the midst of the 'End Of The Road' [farewell] tour. We realize that we can't be who we are forever, and that time impacts everybody. You can play 'beat the clock'; ultimately, the clock wins. And while we're at our best, and the reviews and the fans will speak louder than I will, that this is really the greatest show we've ever done. And proudly we can go out there and have a victory celebration. It's kind of like that victory lap where you run around with your hands up.

"We're much more fortunate than some, because when things see their demise or when people are gone, we find ourselves saying, 'Gee, if I had only known, I would have done something different,'" he continued. "And in this case, we're saying, 'This is it.' So we really get a tremendous sense of intimacy from a large crowd, and we all get to touch base with something that's meant so much to us and so much to them. So it's very reciprocal. The word would be reciprocity."

KISS launched its farewell trek in January 2019 but was forced to put it on hold earlier this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

"End Of The Road" was originally scheduled to conclude on July 17, 2021 in New York City but is now expected to last well into 2022.

KISS's current lineup consists of original members Stanley and Gene Simmons (bass, vocals), alongside later band additions, guitarist Tommy Thayer (since 2002) and drummer Eric Singer (on and off since 1991).

Formed in 1973 by Stanley, Simmons, Peter Criss (drums) and Ace Frehley (guitar), KISS staged its first "farewell" tour in 2000, the last to feature the group's original lineup.

In its 47-year career, KISS has accumulated 23 gold and platinum albums — more than any other U.S. band.

Iggy Pop has just released a COVID-19-inspired song called "Dirty Little Virus". The vocals for the track were recorded at Safe And Sound Mobile Studio in Miami by Luis Gomez, while Chris Berry (drums) and Ari Teitel (guitar and bass) recorded their instruments at their respective home studios.

"I was moved to write a direct lyric, not something too emotional or deep — more like journalism," Iggy explained in an accompanying video. "Who, what, when, where. I left out the 'why,' because that gets too complex, but I put in how I felt about it.

"It was a stopper for me. It's been the big thing happening in my life, and everybody else's, I reckon, for almost a year now.

"If there was still a Man Of The Year, it would be the virus. So, I wrote the lyric."

Pop's songs have been covered by the likes of GUNS N' ROSES, R.E.M., RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS and SEX PISTOLS, among others. His 1990 album "Brick By Brick" sold more than 500,000 copies, and his 2003 LP "Skull Ring" featured the likes of GREEN DAY, SUM 41 and PEACHES.

Although his solo records were more commercial than those of his 1960s/1970 band THE STOOGES, he never broke through into the mainstream.

A reformed STOOGES recorded the album "The Weirdness" in 2007.

LAST IN LINE has released an official music video for the acoustic version of its song "Landslide". The original track was featured on the band's sophomore album, "II", which was released in February 2019 via Frontiers Music Srl. As with 2016's "Heavy Crown", the disc was produced by DOKKEN and FOREIGNER bassist Jeff Pilson.

LAST IN LINE said: "This is an acoustic version of our 'Landslide' single, that was released only in Japan. We decided to create a video as a tribute to memories of touring, to all the grounded artists, crews and venue staff and not in the least for our special fans and friends that we think of at this holiday season - this video is dedicated to you!

"Hoping that you all stay well at this time, please take care of yourselves and we cannot wait to the day that we can all be together again at one of our shows."

LAST IN LINE frontman Andrew Freeman previously stated about "Landslide": "'Landslide' was the first song we wrote for this record. It was really easy to write as all of the parts fell into place quickly. The title 'Landslide' is a metaphor relating to the day-to-day struggles that we all go through as people. Trying to keep on course when dealing with adversity, manipulation through media and leadership. It's meant to inspire strength and resolve."

LAST IN LINE was formed in 2012, when Vinny Appice, Jimmy Bain and Vivian Campbell — Ronnie James Dio's co-conspirators and co-writers on the "Holy Diver", "Last In Line" and "Sacred Heart" albums — teamed up with Freeman. The debut album "Heavy Crown" was released in February 2016, landing at No. 1 on Billboard's Heatseekers chart. Initially, the release had been preceded by tragedy when bassist Jimmy Bain unexpectedly passed away at the age of 68 on January 23, 2016. LAST IN LINE, honoring what they knew would be Bain's wish to keep the band moving, brought in renowned bassist Phil Soussan (ex-OZZY OSBOURNE) and committed to sustained touring in support of the album, hitting festivals, headlining clubs, and sharing the stage with metal luminaries such as SAXON and MEGADETH.

In late 2017, the band gathered in Los Angeles to start the recording of the second album. Having really jelled as a band while touring in support of the first disc, the songwriting came readily to the members. They created a record that shows a big progression in sound, while immediately being recognizable as LAST IN LINE thanks to Appice's rhythms, thunderous bass from Soussan, amazing vocals from Freeman, and the roaring guitars of Campbell.

Earlier this year, LAST IN LINE recorded six songs for its third album, tentatively due next year via an as-yet-undetermined record label.

Some of the early recording sessions for the new LP took place in January at Steakhouse studio in North Hollywood, California.

A 50th-anniversary remastered edition of HEAD MACHINE's "Orgasm" album is now available via Explore Rights Management.

"Orgasm" was recorded in 1969 and this is the first official re-release of the album since 1971. Every other re-release since then has been a counterfeit.

The album features four members of THE GODS: Ken Hensley (also of URIAH HEEP, credited here as Ken Leslie), Lee Kerslake (also of URIAH HEEP, credited here as Lee Poole), John Glascock (also of JETHRO TULL, credited here as John Leadhen) and Brian Glascock (credited here as Brian Poole).

This 50th-anniversary edition of "Orgasm" has been given a 2020 remastering and its better sound quality than any previous edition. The packaging is a six-panel digipack and the booklet features new liner notes by David Paramor plus exclusive comments from Hensley, Kerslake and Glascock.

Work on the new "Orgasm" edition was completed in early 2020 for a May release, which was the 50th-anniversary month of its first arrival. The COVID-19 pandemic delayed that plan, and then, when Kerslake and then Hensley passed away, the publicity was held to ensure the painstaking work undertaken on this re-release wouldn't be mistaken for a cash-in.

The original producer David Paramor endorsed the re-release, saying: "This album is a chapter in the history of everyone involved, and in these days of less prudish attitudes, I hope this 50th-anniversary release will bring some of the tracks to a wider audience."

Cruz Del Sur Music is proud to announce the February 19th, 2021 release of Sinbad, the debut full-length album from Finnish classic metal squad, Coronary. On Sinbad, Coronary assumes the mantle as one of their country’s finest representations of pure, 1980s heavy metal that goes in for the kill! 

“Coronary refuse to reinvent the heavy metal wheel.” This quote — attributed to Metal Crypt — appropriately sums up everything this Finnish quintet stands for. While there are still some who balk at the idea that metal should have both of its feet firmly planted in its glory years, there is a growing consensus that this was the time when metal was at its best. Without all of the mindless, if not grating sub-genre tags that exist today, 1980s heavy metal was pure, raging, and, most of all, fun. Coronary recaptures those elements and more on their first full-length album and initial release for Cruz Del Sur Music, Sinbad. 

Coronary came together in 2017 when guitarist Aku Kytölä and drummer Pate Vuorio happened to be browsing in the same second-hand vinyl section at a Tampere flea market. The two instantly struck up a connection over their shared love of music and over time, started making plans to form a band of their own. The band was soon rounded out by Korpiklaani bassist Jarkko Aaltonen, second guitarist Jukka Holm and vocalist Olli Kärki, and got to work on writing original material. The freshly-branded Coronary promptly issued Demo 2018, an effort so promising that Gates of Hell Records paired the band with emerging Canada metallers Traveler for a highly-regarded split release the same year. 

Recorded at Headline Studio in Tampere under the guidance of producer and engineer Jari Latomaa, Sinbad picks up where Coronary left off their debut demo. Fans were treated to a handful of sneak previews earlier in 2020 with songs such as “I Can Feel This Love”, “The Hammer” and “Reflector” but taken as a whole, Sinbad is a consummate pure metal album complete with an array of scorching guitar leads, fiery lead vocals courtesy of Kärki and memorable compositions. The Sinbad album title is a reference to Sinbad the Sailor, the fictional traveler and his amazing journeys. But, look further and it’s also an amalgamation of the words “sin” and “bad,” both of which, in Coronary’s estimation, are “perfectly suitable life goals.” 

Tracklist:

"Sinbad"
"Firewings"
"The Hammer"
"Bullet Train"
"I Can Feel This Love"
"Reflector"
"Burnout"
"Fight St. 666"
"Mestengo"
"Wonders of the World"

Follow the band on Facebook here.

In the video below, Dark Sarah performs “Aquarium” live at On The Rocks Helsinki from August 7. “Aquarium” is taken from Dark Sarah’s 2016 album, The Puzzle.

Dark Sarah's new epos, Grim, is available via Napalm Records. Order here.

Dark Sarah start an astonishing new fairytale-like storyline with their fourth studio album, Grim. The beguiling new dimension, coalescing between crystal-clear vocals and propulsive hardness, draws you into the tempestuous maelstrom of their horror fantasy theme. Introducing the new protagonist, Luna, the band invites you to their mythical world of orbs, ravens, rabbit-headed people and Mörk, that’ll wrap you up in a surreal dreamscape.

The overwhelming intensity of Dark Sarah’s masterfully told cinematic metal saga sends shivers down your spine and takes possession of heart and soul, while leaving you with pure emotions. Grim flourishes with its full magnitude, unfolding its potential with every very second.

Singer Heidi Parviainen on Grim: “Our new album called Grim is a concept album like its predecessors, but Grim will start a new story line with a modern horror fantasy theme. Musically, Grim introduces a more modern sound and a taste of what's to come in the future - with a “Dark Sarah twist", of course. We're very happy about this album and it has been really fun to make. Also creating the new visual brand and the Grim world has been an adventure already!”

"Illuminate" video:

"All Ears!":

"Melancholia" video:

Dark Sarah is:

Heidi Parviainen - vocals
Sami-Petri Salonen - guitar
Erkka Korhonen - guitar
Rude Rothstén - bass
Thomas Tunkkari - drums

As the world embraces the spirit of the Yuletide season, emerging rock artist Bald Man today announced an alternative to the standard seasonal musical fare with the release of his new holiday-inspired single, “'Twas,” a hard rock, adrenaline-filled spin on the beloved, 1823 classic Christmas poem, “'Twas the Night Before Christmas.” The lyric music video can be viewed on YouTube. 

Recorded and mixed by multi-GRAMMY® award-winning producer Chris Lord-Alge (Green Day, Muse, Bruce Springsteen), “'TWAS” features Bald Man band members lead guitarist Phil X (Bon Jovi) and drummer Brian Tichy (Ozzy Osbourne, Whitesnake, Foreigner, Billy Idol). 

“Every year, Christmas songs hit the radio like clockwork, and they are always the same ones. We wanted to take one of the oldest, most memorable Christmas tales that everyone knows and loves and put a new spin on it,” said Bald Man. “This Christmas turn up the volume on ‘'Twas’ and not a creature will be stirring, not even a mouse. Trust me.”

Phil X said, “It was fantastic getting back into the studio with Bald Man, Chris, and Brian to record and flesh out this track. I hope fans dig it as much as we do.”

“I set out to create a mix that not only captured Bald Man’s unique sound but also the spirit of the season,” said Lord-Alge. “Merry Christmas, folks.”

In October, Bald Man hit the road for his Hellbilly Hollow-Ween North American Tour, a COVID-19-safe live concert and movie premiere experience in support of his debut studio album, Music For The Rest Of Us, which was also produced by Lord-Alge. Featuring hard rock and heavy metal radio personality Eddie Trunk, the run included 16 show dates making Bald Man one of the few artists to embark on a national tour during the global pandemic with Pollstar noting, “The tour may be the first of its kind since the onset of COVID-19 and resultant shutdown of virtually all concert touring in 2020.”

“'Twas” is available digitally now on platforms including iTunes, Spotify, YouTube, iHeart Radio, Deezer, Tidal, Amazon Music, Pandora, and more.

Transcending Records will issue exclusive North American vinyl pressings of Wildhoney and A Deeper Kind Of Slumber from Stockholm, Sweden metal icons Tiamat.

Initially released via Century Media Records in 1994, Wildhoney is Tiamat's fourth studio album. Produced by Waldemar Sorychta, the record marked a strong shift in the style from the band's early death/doom roots incorporating more progressive rock and psychedelic influences and themes centered on the occult, nature, and LSD. 

Transcending's limited vinyl edition of Tiamat's Wildhoney will be released on March 12, 2021 and comes available in three color variants: orange with yellow/black splatter (200), orange/yellow marble (200), and standard black (100) on heavyweight 180-gram vinyl in a gatefold sleeve with pull-out poster insert. Preorder Wildhoney here.

Tiamat's fifth full-length, A Deeper Kind Of Slumber, was initially released in 1997 by Century Media Records. Featuring background vocals by Birgit Zacher (Moonspell, Angel Dust, Sentenced) and experimentation with a variety of influences, the album marked the group's first complete withdrawal from both death metal and conventional heavy metal, following Wildhoney. It was also the first release after their relocation to Germany and was written almost entirely by founder/lead songwriter Johan Edlund. Much of the music contained within reflected on Edlund's personal relationship with drugs, creative differences within the band as well as an interpersonal relationship.

Transcending's limited vinyl edition of A Deeper Kind Of Slumber will be released on March 12, 2021 and also come available in three color variants: orange with red/black splatter (200), white/red color-in-color (200), and 100 standard black (100) all on heavyweight 180-gram vinyl in a gatefold sleeve with insert. The record will also be released in cassette format limited to 100 copies. Preorder A Deeper Kind Of Understanding here.

Albert Bouchard is best known as a founding member of Blue Öyster Cult. The original lineup sold millions of albums for Columbia Records, with such classic songs as “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper” and the #1 hit on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart “Burning For You”. Contributing to songwriting, drums, and lead vocals on some of their greatest songs, such as “Cites On Flame With Rock And Roll”.

Re Imaginos came out on November 6 via RockHeart Records / Deko Entertainment (ADA/Warner Music Group) and hit the Billboard Top 100 (#97), Albert’s first time back on the charts in 32 years. Due to the overwhelming demand, Re Imaginos is now being released as a limited-edition vinyl release. This special run comes as a double LP gatefold edition, including extended versions of “In the Presence of Another World”, “Imaginos”, “Blue Oyster Cult”, plus the bonus instrumental, “Imaginos Overture”. And if that is not enough, the album also features liner notes by Rolling Stone editor, David Fricke. This is the ultimate presentation of the unique story that is Imaginos.

Albert is very excited to bring this to the fans as he states, “This vinyl release brings the vision for ‘Imaginos’ full circle, where the songs come out as a gatefold double vinyl release with each side telling a specific part of the story. It also sounds the way that Sandy and I wanted it to sound with plenty for volume and yet, plenty of headroom too. The extended mixes take advantage of the multitude of guitar tracks that I had available and also add some extra drama to some songs (as if it was really needed). Finally, it has the long-lost version of ‘Imaginos Overture’ that was planned for the original ‘Imaginos’ record, with more contributions from Joe Bouchard, Greg Holt, RJ Ronquillo, Ross The Boss Friedman, and Ace Bouchard.”

Deko Entertainment president Bruce Pucciarello adds, “Finally, delivered the way it needed to be. A spiritual, soulful journey that Albert was always meant to take us on, his way. Wonderful.”

There are limited edition “red vinyl” bundles (while supplies last), which can be ordered here.

Product includes:

- One (1) Albert Bouchard - Re Imaginos Vinyl (2LP) (Red Variant)
- One (1) Albert Bouchard - Re Imaginos Poster (Autographed)
- One (1) Albert Bouchard - Drum Sticks (Autographed)
- One (1) Albert Bouchard - Re Imaginos Guitar Pick
 

Re Imaginos tracklisting:

"I Am the One You Warned Me Of"
"Del Rio Song"
"In the Presence of Another World" (extended version)
"Siege and Investiture of Baron Von Frankenstein’s Castle At Weisseria"
"Girl That Love Made Blind"
"Astronomy"
"Imaginos" (extended version)
"Gil Blanco County"
"Blue Oyster Cult" (extended version)
"Black Telescope"
"Magna of Illusion"
"Les Invisibles"
"Imaginos Overture" (LP Only)

"Blue Oyster Cult" video:

"Blue Oyster Cult" lyric video:

"Black Telescope" video:

EPK:

“It’s A Rock And Roll Christmas!” is the theme for Frank Hannon of Tesla this year as his production team has made a rocking Christmas music video for the band Red Voodoo, as well as offering two brand new songs releasing digitally on Spotify, iTunes, Youtube or wherever you download music by two very different artists on his roster this Christmas Eve at midnight. Prodigy artist J.T. Loux will be serving up his song “Waited So Long”, a sultry blues rock ballad and Red Voodoo will dish out their anthem mantra “Bring It Back!”  

Furthermore, individual concept videos for these songs as well as Frank Hannon’s “Ride Strong” video are planned for showcasing soon after the brand new year 2021 along with news of a possible label venture. Frank Hannon states: “This year has been so productive as I have discovered some amazing new artists. We have worked hard all year developing songs for their new albums that are coming in 2021. Aside from hearing these guys grow from my teaching, one of the most rewarding parts has been getting kudos from our musical influence and hero Sammy Hagar! We’ve been staying in touch and Sammy’s been involved with our visions for his classic song ‘Rock and Roll Weekend.’”

So be sure to listen for these gifts from Santa Clause on Christmas Eve and check out FrankHannonProductions.com.

In the meantime Red Voodoo is rocking Christmas with this remake of a classic Sammy Hagar song and video, premiered through BraveWords! Directed by videographer Brandon Gullion and with a cameo appearance by Frank Hannon on slide guitar, the video captures a fun night of Christmas spirit. Red Voodoo is an up and coming young band set to rock a new album in 2021. Loved and endorsed by Sammy himself as well as Gibson, Kramer and Epiphone guitars. Frank Hannon Productions would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas!

The members of classic rockers, Status Quo, recorded a Christmas message to fans, compiled in the video below:

Status Quo’s John ‘Rhino’ Edwards recently released a new single to help some of those ignored by the Government in these challenging times. Rhino’s Revenge’s new song, "Super Smashing Great", is raising money for the backbone of the live music industry.

Says Edwards: "The live music industry is on its knees. That’s a fact. It’s one of the few areas we have left where Britain is still a world beater, but we’re well down the pecking order of Government help. We have to do something. We can moan as much as we like, but actions speak louder than words.

"I’ve written a new song for Rhino’s Revenge, the band I play with when I’m not playing with Status Quo. The song’s called ‘Super Smashing Great’ and pretty much sums up my feelings on the present situation. Have a listen to it and a look at the lyric video below. Hopefully, it will put a smile on your face.

"What I’d really like you all to do is BUY it. You remember that? When we all used to BUY music? It won’t even cost you a quid. Less than the price of a small beer.

"‘Super Smashing Great’ was recorded to raise money for the backbone of the live music industry - the crews-– in these extraordinary times. All proceeds from views and sales of the song will go directly to them via the charity Stagehand’s COVID-19 Crew Relief Fund.  Please support it by forwarding the video link to everyone in your contacts books, across all media, social and otherwise.

"Donate directly to the fund here. Buy ‘Super Smashing Great’ here.

"If you want the live music scene to come back, put your hand in your digital pocket. Spread the word, make a difference and Rock Out To Help Out. Thank you."

Verona, Italy based metal band, Kryuhm, have announced the addition of Crimson Dawn drummer Luca Lucchini (ex-All Souls Day, Dark Ages) to the band lineup.

Kryuhm have been active on the local Verona scene since 2000 and have participated in some national festivals including Play It Doom in 2014 together with, among others, Solstice, Dark Quarterer, Black Oath, Crimson Dawn, and Epitaph.

In the fall of 2021 the band will enter the studio to record their first album.

Lineup:

Daniele "Ozzy" Laurenti - Guitar & Vocals
Luca "Lucky" Lucchini - Drums
Andrea "Fracca" Fracca - Guitar
Francesco Sterzi - Bass

Christmas has come and with it Chris Catena’s Rock City Tribe present the fourth videoc from the album Truth In Unity. The new song, "Still A Fool", is a hard rock track with an Irish flavour which pays tribute to Thin Lizzy and Phil Lynnott. The songwriter is the great Swedish guitarist, Kee Marcello, the former lead guitarist of Europe.

Chris Catena comments: "In my opinion this song is sensational. I was on tour with Kee and he played me some demos of songs that should have ended up on his new solo album. My attention was drawn by a track in Thin Lizzy style of remarkable compositional technique. I told him I envied him because I would have wanted so much a song like this on the album I was recording. A few days later he wrote me an e-mail attaching a brand new track written himself entitled ‘Still A Fool’... Due to lack of time, in the demo, Kee faked the English words because he had not been able to record the singing part with a definitive text, which he sent a few days later. I was really flattered and I will not stop thanking him for this gift."

In addition to Kee, the other musicians who took part in the recordings of the song are Janne Stark (Overdrive, Costancia, Mountain of Power, Stark / Merryweather, etc.) on second lead guitar and rhythm, Hakan Granat (Mercury Fang, Misth) on rhythm and twin guitars, Matt Starr (Ace Frehley, Mr. Big) on drums, Sean McNabb on bass (Quiet Riot, Lynch Mob, Dokken, Burning Rain etc) and Jimmy Bax on keyboards.

In addition to Stark and Granat featured on recordings, the video also includes Peter Hermansson (220 Volts) on drums and Robert Majd (Captain Black Beard, Metalite). The video clip was shot in Stockholm by Jack Lukas Laugeni and Denny Mecozzi.

For Christmas, Chris Catena took part in pop singer Katiuscia's new single, "Wait For You", written by the Swedes Daniel Flores and Angelica of Murder Of My Sweet. The song will be digitally released on December 30 via IMR and features Francesco Marras, Daniel Flores, Janne Stark, and Davide Spurio. In April Katiuscia released the single "Dangerous", written by Chris Catena.

Buy Truth In Unity via Bandcamp, or here.

Tracklisting:  

"Angel City"
"The Trickster"
"Down In The Black"
"Motorcycle Killers"
"The Seventh Son"
"Get Ready"
"My Angel"
"Still A Fool"
"Who Knew"
"Livin' Wreck"
"Round The Bend"
"Fall Of Our Heroes"
"Freedom"
"Theme For An Imaginary Western"
"Ridin' The Freebird Highway"

“The Trickster” video:

“Angel City” video:

Dream Theater keyboardist Jordan Rudess has released the new video below, along with the following message:

"Many years ago, I used to play this song, ICARUS, with the Paul Winter Consort. Tonight, in honor of the winter solstice, I performed this version on my Steinway piano, and GeoShred's new GeoSwan instruments, GeoCello and GeoOboe."

A previous message from Rudess states: "I haven't played with the Roland VP 550 vocal keyboard for awhile and it is an awesome keyboard. I have taken it out of storage to show you all since you might not have ever seen it before. Roland VO 550 will be joined on stage with the Korg Nautilus for a Sunday Stream."

Wardruna will continue to keep Norse traditions relevant in today’s society with their unique blend of contemporary compositions with traditional and historical instrumentation and narratives. In celebration of the Winter Solstice (12/21) - one of the most important ancient Pagan holidays - the band have today, December 22, released the third single, “Andvevarljod”, from their forthcoming 2021 album Kvitravn. A special Skaldic version of the song was premiered via a livestream on the Winter Solstice along with a speech on its importance and meaning by Wardruma founder/composer Einar Selvik.

“Andvevarljod”, translated in English to “The Song Of The Spirit-Weavers”, explores the Nordic deities of fate (also known as the Norns), the spinning of life threads and the Norse and Sámi common idea that a person´s spirit is connected to wind, both before and after birth. It features guest appearances by a small group of prominent Norwegian traditional singers including Kirsten Bråten Berg, Sigrid Berg, Unni Løvlid and Ingebjørg Reinholdt alongside Wardruna's own Lindy-Fay Hella.

“On a personal level, ‘Andvevarljod’ is a song I hold very dear and it was also my starting point on the new album,” shares Selvik. “Musically, it gives voice to very old song traditions and on top of that, it is voiced by some of the most central reasons why these traditions are being kept alive for us and the generations to come. Special thanks go out to our guest singers for lending us their talents and for the invaluable work they do for keeping our traditions alive!”

Stream “Andvevarljod” across all digital platforms, here,

Kvitravn - which translates to ‘White Raven’ - is set for release on January 22 via By Norse Music in the US and Sony Music / Columbia Records (worldwide excl. US). Throughout its 11 songs, Kvitravn discusses Northern sorcery, spirit-animals, shadows, nature and animism, the wisdom and meanings of certain myths, various Norse spiritual concepts, and the relation between sage and songs.

Pre-order options for Kvitravn are available via digital download here. The album is also available on CD and 180-gram 2LP gatefold vinyl (black or ltd. Edition white) here.

Tracklisting (with translations):

"Synkverv" (Turn-sight)
"Kvitravn" (White Raven)
"Skugge" (Shadow)
"Grá" (Grey)
"Fylgjutal" (Speech of the Fetch)
"Munin" (Memory)
"Kvit hjort" (White Stag)
"Viseveiding" (Song-hunting)
"Ni" (Nine)
"Vindavlarljod" (Song of the wind-bred)
"Andvevarljod" (Song of the Spirit-weavers)

“Kvitravn” video:

"Grá" video:

(Photo - Kim Öhrling)

Power metal lords, Wings Of Destiny, are back with their brand new original single, "City On Fire", out via Wormholedeath worldwide. A lyric video for the song can be found below.

"City On Fire" is the first single taken from the band's upcoming new album, Memento Mori. The track is available on all digital platforms here.

About the new upcoming album Memento Mori: "The album will be characterized by power-speed & heavy with neoclassical parts and very modern sound, taking the elegant production to another level and keeping our very particular sound."

Wings Of Destiny is a power metal band originally from Costa Rica, founded at the end of 2013, influenced by such bands as Helloween, Rhapsody Of Fire, Angra and Symphony X; nevertheless through the time the band managed to develop a very particular and recognizable sound creating a cult following among fans all around the world. Wings of Destiny was originally called "Destiny", but due to the existence of another band of the same name, decided to change its name to Wings Of Destiny (known, also, as WOD) in 2014.

Italy's progressive rock-metal orchestra Ainur has unleashed the new (old) single “Fall Of Gondolin”.

Inspired by J.R.R. Tolkien's opus for a decade and a half, Ainur are back with a re-recorded and re-mixed version of their 2006's “Fall of Gondolin”, foreseeing the much awaited 5th full-length coming out later this year.

The band comments:  "'Fall of Gondolin' is one of our most representative song, that's the reason why we couldn't choose anything better than this to introduce the new visual and sonic identity of the band. FoG is the perfect example of what Ainur were and what they will be from now on."

The new single is a re-recorded and re-mixed version of their 2006's “Fall Of Gondolin” and will NOT be included in the new album.

Recorded, mixed and mastered by Massimiliano Flak (Sound Storm, Highlord) at Evolution Studios (Torino - Italy), “Fall of Gondolin” is available for stream and download here.




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In Gibson TV's upcoming "Icons" interview, Kirk Hammett looks back on his career, including the time he was a member of EXODUS before joining METALLICA. In a preview clip below, which premiered on Rolling Stone, Hammett recalls seeing METALLICA play a gig in front of 15 people in San Francisco to headlining a packed house just a few months later.

Hammett said: "I remember we were just sitting around one day, and the singer of EXODUS, a guy named Paul Baloff, who was an absolute maniac, he walked into the rehearsal and said, 'METALLICA. So heavy. They're so heavy.' And I was, like, 'METALLICA.' And I thought, 'What a great name. It's like the best name in the world. METALLICA. That is the best name I think I've ever heard for a metal band. METALLICA.' He said, 'Yeah, they're playing The Stone tonight. We've gotta go check 'em out.' And so we went down there. And literally, there was, like, 15 people there. And I remember being at the front of the stage going, 'Wow, these guys are pretty goddamn good.' Literally, there was, like, 15 people at that show."

He continued: "A few months later, we got booked to play a 'Metal Monday', and it was EXODUS's first show at 'Metal Monday' at the Old Waldorf. We got booked on that show because we were friends with the headlining band, which was a band called LAAZ ROCKIT, and the band in the middle was METALLICA. And we were, like, 'Oh, this is cool. We're gonna be playing with METALLICA. That's great.' And I remember when we played that show, there was maybe about a hundred people in the club. And then METALLICA went on, and the place was packed. I don't know where the people came from, but all of a sudden, they just showed up. METALLICA played for, like, 45 minutes. Then, when they went off stage, the place emptied — literally emptied — and there was, like 30 people for LAAZ ROCKIT. The next night was a benefit for Metal Mania magazine, and we got asked to play with METALLICA again. And it was a better situation, because it was just us and METALLICA. I met those guys for the first time in the dressing of the Mabuhay Gardens, which wasn't much of a dressing room at all; it was like an indoor alley. That was the beginning of my relationship with them. And it's really funny, because years after that, people would ask me, 'When was the first time you ever talked to those guys?' And I would say, 'I first met 'em at the Mab.' And Lars [Ulrich; METALLICA drummer] was, like, 'Really? I don't remember that.' And James [Hetfield, METALLICA guitarist/vocalist] was, like, 'Huh? Really?' They don't even remember."

The full interview will be available on Gibson TV's YouTube page Tuesday at 1 p.m. ET.

Hammett was a member of EXODUS's original lineup before replacing Dave Mustaine in METALLICA in 1983. In fact, Hammett was not only the person who came up with the EXODUS name, but also the first from the band to meet Baloff and brought him into the group. With Hammett on guitar, METALLICA went on to record its debut album, "Kill 'Em All", later in 1983.

In a 1994 interview with Metal Hammer, Hammett said his EXODUS bandmates were less than happy about his decision to leave the band.

"It was April 1st, April Fool's Day, and I was sitting on the toilet," recalled Hammett. "I got the call from [METALLICA sound engineer] Mark Whitaker, and after I hung up, I was like, 'I can't believe I just got that phone call. Was that an April Fool's Day prank?' A couple of days later, I got this tape from them, but I already had the demo and I already knew two thirds of the songs on there.

"I told the guys in EXODUS and they were pissed," continued Hammett. "They were pissed. I remember Paul Baloff was so pissed that he poured a beer over my head. He said, 'I can't believe you're doing this, Kirk', then poured his beer over my head. I just took it, 'Yeah, yeah, I know…'"

SLIPKNOT and STONE SOUR frontman Corey Taylor spoke to Australian Guitar about his debut solo album, "CMFT", an exuberant and eclectic party-rock collection of songs which dip into a variety of styles and sounds, including folk rock, blues, hip-hop, classic metal and punk rock. Asked if it was his goal to surprise everyone with how wild and loose he gets on the record, Corey said: "I don't know if that was the goal — I think it's a byproduct, absolutely. I've always been the guy that puts it out there that if I'm going to do something, I'm going to do it wholeheartedly. So if I was going to do a solo album, I didn't want it to feel like either of my other band. There would have been no point if I was going to do that, y'know? If I was going to do a solo album, I wanted it to represent a whole different part of my musical prowess, and songwriting talent.

"And that's really where this stuff came from — most of these songs have been sitting around for almost 20 years," he explained. "I love the fact that people are so taken aback by it — that's the best compliment I've heard about this album so far, that people are, like, 'I didn't know what to expect, but it was exactly what I needed.' That fucking makes my life, man."

Taylor recorded "CMFT" with his band consisting of Jason Christopher on bass, Dustin Schoenhofer on drums, and Zach Throne and Christian Martucci (STONE SOUR) on guitar. The LP was completed at Kevin Churko's The Hideout Recording Studio in Las Vegas with producer Jay Ruston, who has previously worked with ANTHRAX, STEEL PANTHER and STONE SOUR, among others.

"CMFT" made impressive debuts on charts around the world in October, entering at No. 1 on Billboard's Current Hard Rock Albums chart, while claiming No. 2 on Current Rock Albums, No. 6 on Vinyl Albums, and No. 9 on the Top Albums charts. Furthermore, "CMFT" landed Top 10 on the official album charts in Australia, Germany, Switzerland and Austria, with Top 20 debuts in the United Kingdom, Finland and Japan (international chart).

Featured in Rolling Stone's "Fall Album Preview 2020," "CMFT" has been garnering widespread critical applause, with Forbes affirming, "Corey Taylor's singing is undeniably the best it's ever been. From SLIPKNOT's last album to his new solo material, Taylor is easily among the best sounding rock singers alive." Kerrang! raved, "Corey Taylor certainly couldn't have predicted how important a sense of uninhibited joy would be on his debut solo effort, it's just what 2020 needs — and, even more importantly, exactly what he delivers." The Daily Beast attested, "'CMFT' finds the singer broadening his horizons and showing off his considerable versatility," while Stereogum noted, "Corey Taylor's lived several lives in the span that it takes most of us to push through just one, and it's clear that he cherishes every experience he's had so far." New York magazine added that "CMFT" "bridges his vast tastes and influences, dabbling in punk rock, metal, reflective acoustic tunes, plaintive piano ballads, and hip-hop, with Taylor's power-house vocals and introspective lyrics acting as a guide."

"CMFT" is highlighted by the singles "Culture Head", "HWY 666", "CMFT Must Be Stopped" (featuring Tech N9ne and Kid Bookie), and the Active Rock radio hit "Black Eyes Blue". Taylor also hit No. 1 on Billboard's Hard Rock Songwriters chart following the unprecedented debut of "Black Eyes Blue" and "CMFT Must Be Stopped", the latter of which has racked up four million YouTube views for its star-studded music video. Furthermore, Taylor debuted the pummeling "Culture Head" during WWE's NXT broadcast on the USA network, illuminating yet another facet of "CMFT" and showcasing the broad spectrum of this fiery and fearless rock 'n' roll opus, as Taylor touches on lifelong influences ranging from hard rock to classic rock, punk rock to hip-hop. 14-time world champion and EVP of global talent strategy and development at WWE, Triple H, also shared a WWE exclusive performance of Taylor and his band tearing through the MOTÖRHEAD classic "Ace Of Spades"

In an appearance on the latest episode of the "Provoke & Inspire" podcast, KORN guitarist Brian "Head" Welch spoke about how he has been dealing with the coronavirus pandemic. He said (see video below): "It's been really amazing. 'Cause all this uncertainty happened: 'What are we gonna do?' And all these opportunities came to work on music.

"My heart goes out to the ones that are struggling right now, but as for me, it's worked out pretty well, and I'm very thankful," he continued. "I'm just praying for everyone to get through this. And God's just been showing me that he's got it. Just like last time.

"In 2008, I lost everything — I lost vehicles, I went into bankruptcy, all that stuff. And I feel like this time, I was given a lot of gifts instead of falling with all the crap that's going on.

"I know how to be in a lot of trials and [go through] hard times like this, and I know both ways God provides what you need," Welch added. "Last time, I didn't end up in jail; I didn't end up on the streets — He provided for me. And this time I'm doing really well. So it's all about trust. So I think that's what He's teaching me even more this year — just trusting Him in everything. It's like Philippians 4:13: 'I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,' and that's preceded by Paul saying that 'I've learned to live in lack, and I've learned to live in plenty.' So that's what we're doing here — we're learning to trust Him in both of those scenarios."

Welch left KORN in early 2005, at the same time announcing that he kicked his addictions to drugs and alcohol by becoming a born-again Christian. He rejoined the band in 2013.

Both Welch and KORN bassist Reginald "Fieldy" Arvizu have had highly public, though separate, conversion experiences, ones that have been greeted with a certain amount of skepticism.

KORN's latest album, "The Nothing", was released in September 2019 via Roadrunner/Elektra. The follow-up to 2016's "The Serenity Of Suffering" was once again produced by Nick Raskulinecz.

Welch's LOVE AND DEATH project will release its second album, "Perfectly Preserved", on February 12 via Earache Records.

ICED EARTH mainman Jon Schaffer spoke to Bandbond about how the rise of grunge in the early 1990s forced most hard rock bands off the radio and MTV, with album and tour sales plummeting. Asked if the popularity of bands like NIRVANA affected ICED EARTH when they first emerged, Schaffer said: "Well, I think the whole heavy music industry was, so I'm sure on some small level that we were.

"You know, trends are a thing in the music business — whether it's trends that are pushed by the major labels or whether it's trends that are pushed by the indie labels, which, I mean, how many indie labels are there now, really? It's all Sony and Universal buying up everything."

He continued: "I think that more of our battle was being from Florida and being a melodic, straight-up heavy metal band where everybody around us was playing death metal. And I think that was a difficult hurdle for us to cross, because every band from Florida was getting pigeonholed, even though you had SAVATAGE and CRIMSON GLORY and ICED EARTH, and I think that we were probably about it in terms of melodic bands. NASTY SAVAGE also was still doing stuff then, even though they were probably more active in the '80s. And they were more in the thrash direction, but they still had melody. We were good friends with them in the '80s, and I still am, if I see 'em. I saw Dave Austin not that long ago. But I would say that was a bigger hurdle than anything to do with NIRVANA, because ICED EARTH was never in the mainstream; we were always — and even still to this day — are more of a strong, independent, underground brand. I mean, we're not really underground, but we're certainly not in IRON MAIDEN/METALLICA league."

The 30th-anniversary edition of ICED EARTH's self-titled debut album will arrive on December 18 via Century Media Records. The new version of the 1990 LP features a remix by Chris "Zeuss" Harris, who previously worked with ICED EARTH on the group's latest effort, 2017's "Incorruptible", and brand new artwork.

"Iced Earth (30th Anniversary Edition)" is available as 180-gram vinyl, limited CD digipak and digital album.

This past July, Schaffer said that there were no plans for ICED EARTH to work on the follow-up to "Incorruptible". "There is no way we can plan," he said during a Facebook Live chat. "You guys should be able to understand that, if you watch the news. I have an international band, and I can't even travel to Europe right now [because of coronavirus pandemic-related restrictions]. There's no point in trying to put together a plan, because I guarantee you they're gonna launch the second wave of this shit and lock us all down again. To what degree, nobody really knows yet, but they were fielding that as soon as all this nonsense started, so it's definitely expected to be the case. So making plans for touring and putting all that together just to have it all derailed is costly and naïve at best. So I don't know.

"I'm gonna definitely plan on working on some new material later this year, early next year," he explained. "But again, that depends on how things roll out. So that's the way it is. We're just gonna have to see what happens with the global situation. There are several things that could take place. Hopefully some good things will happen to turn this mess around, but I'm not feeling super confident about that at the moment."

More than two years ago, Schaffer teamed up with his old pals in PURGATORY, the band that he originally founded in 1985, then later became ICED EARTH, to record five tracks that were written between 1985 and 1987. The resulting "Purgatory" EP was released in December 2018 through Century Media. The EP includes liner notes and comments by Schaffer, Gene Adam, Greg Seymour and Bill Owen, and fitting cover artwork by David Newman Stump and Roy Young, known from their excellent work on "Incorruptible".

In a new interview with Bringin' it Backwards, Michael Sweet of openly Christian rockers STRYPER was asked what piece of advice he would give to young artists looking to make it in the music business. He responded (see video below): "My advice is always to tell artists, and sometimes this gets me in trouble, 'cause it gets them in trouble, but to tell artists to be themselves. Follow your dreams, follow your heart, not what someone else tells you your dreams and your heart should be. Now, that's not to say that you shouldn't take direction, but you need to really stick to your guns on what you feel convicted about and what you feel led to do, musically speaking, because you know you better than anybody else. So that's something that I live by, and I've always stuck to my guns. I've said 'no' to labels before, 'cause they wanted me to do something that wasn't me, and I said, 'Sorry. I've gotta pass.' And that's a tough decision to make, but one you have to make sometimes. So just really stay true to who you are."

Sweet credited his fierce determination with pushing him and his bandmates to make a place for themselves in the music world.

"I've always been a rebel, and I'll always be a rebel," he said. "If 10 people are going that way [points in one direction], I'm going that way [points in opposite direction]. It's how I'm built. And that applies to my style, my music — everything that I do. I like to do the opposite of what everyone else is doing."

Sweet recently announced his fifth annual Christmas concert and new partnership with VenueNet, a brand new premier social platform for concert live streaming. This fully interactive concert experience brings the spirit of Christmas and the music you love right to your laptop or mobile device. Michael's Christmas show has been a success for years in the Massachusetts area but now fans across the globe will have an opportunity like never before to be a part of this yearly celebration. Featuring original music and Christmas classics (with a twist) this once-in-a-lifetime experience is an opportunity for fans to see Michael like never before as he streams directly from the newly opened state of the art Bank Of New Hampshire Stage in Concord, New Hampshire on Saturday, December 19.

STRYPER's latest album, "Even The Devil Believes", was released in September via Frontiers Music Srl.

Most of the recording sessions for STRYPER's new LP took place at SpiritHouse Recording Studios in Northampton, Massachusetts with engineer Danny Bernini.

Formed 37 years ago, STRYPER is the first overtly Christian metal band to go mainstream. The group's name comes from Isaiah 53:5, which states: "But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed."

STRYPER's albums include "To Hell With The Devil", "Second Coming", "No More Hell To Pay", "Fallen" and "God Damn Evil".

**UPDATE** A couple of hours after this article was published, Mike Portnoy took to his Twitter to address Mark Zonder's comments. He wrote: "Well I had a busy week: Started that week recording BIGELF's album, then flew to TX for a gig w [ADRENALINE MOB], back to LA for Metal Masters 3 and then flew down to Brazil to end the week w @fateswarning Sorry Mark Zonder if I didn't have time to learn all of your drum parts perfectly".

The original article follows below.

Former FATES WARNING drummer Mark Zonder has praised Bobby Jarzombek, saying Bobby is "the only drummer that FATES WARNING ever had that really paid attention" to how the band's classic songs were originally played.

Zonder played drums with FATES WARNING for eight albums starting in 1989. His drumming approach was once described by Modern Drummer magazine as "deliberate, dynamic, poly-rhythmic and completely unpredictable." He left FATES WARNING in 2005 and was temporarily replaced by SPOCK'S BEARD drummer Nick D'Virgilio before Jarzombek stepped into the position permanently in 2007.

In a new interview with the "ProgRock Digital" podcast, Zonder said: "The only drummer that FATES WARNING ever had that really paid attention to previous songs was Bobby. I actually had him at my studio before he went out on tour in the very beginning, and he learned my stuff note for note. And I tip my hat to him, because all those other guys that came in and filled in, they didn't cop it — whether they couldn't cop it, they didn't wanna spend the time, or they just couldn't physically do it and figure it out. Whatever the case may be, Bobby does it."

When interviewer Nicholas Georgakopoulos spoke glowingly about Zonder's playing, saying that there is "definitely a mathematical brain working overtime," Mark responded: "I definitely appreciate that, even though [former DREAM THEATER drummer Mike] Portnoy used to call it robotic, but okay, whatever. But then again, if you want a good laugh, go watch [Portnoy] play 'Point Of View' and 'Eleventh Hour' in São Paulo, or wherever it is, with FATES WARNING, if you wanna see someone butcher up a track," he said, referring to a drum-cam YouTube video (see below) of FATES WARNING's April 14, 2012 show in Brazil, which featured Portnoy on drums. Mike played the gig as the temporary replacement for Jarzombek, who was unable to make the concert due to scheduling conflicts. Prior to the São Paulo show, Mike previously played with FATES WARNING in 2005 at the Headway festival in Holland.

One of the most influential drummers in metal history, Zonder burst onto the scene with WARLORD in 1982 and went on to play drums with FATES WARNING. With periodic WARLORD shows on the European festival circuit, involvement in the bands SLAVIOR and SPIRITS OF FIRE and stints with artists like Graham Bonnet and ARCH/MATHEOS, Zonder maintains a steady presence in the metal world.




Well I had a busy week: Started that week recording Bigelf’s album, then flew to TX for a gig w AMOB, back to LA for Metal Masters 3 and then flew down to Brazil to end the week w @fateswarning Sorry Mark Zonder if I didn’t have time to learn all of your drum parts perfectly ?

— Mike Portnoy ? (@MikePortnoy) December 21, 2020