During an appearance on the "Rock 'N' Roll Icons With Bode James" podcast, MEGADETH bassist David Ellefson was asked if he thinks the recently announced working title for the band's upcoming album, "The Sick, The Dying And The Dead", will stick or it will end up getting changed. He responded (see video below): "Like Dave [Mustaine, MEGADETH leader] said when he announced it, he goes, 'We usually end up changing the title four or five times before it [is released].' We had a saying back in the old days: 'Nothing's final until it's on vinyl.' So everything can change. Probably short of the name of the band, everything can change. It's all just a work in progress, and I think that's the beauty of the creative world. People wanna know answers, like, 'What does it sound like? Does it sound like this album? Does it sound like that album?' And it's, like, 'Hey, man, I can't really tell you.' It's a work in progress until it's done. And then once it's done, you'll hear it, and then we'll all have a little talk about it."

Ellefson also addressed Mustaine's claim that the upcoming MEGADETH album will be "up there with 'Countdown [To Extinction]', 'Rust In Peace' and probably 'Peace Sells' and 'Dystopia'."

"I would very much agree," Ellefson said. "Look, MEGADETH has done a lot of stuff over the years. Some fans go, 'Oh, dude, make it thrash, thrash.' And we do — 'Dystopia' proved that. But you can't just be a one-trick pony. We've never been a one-trick pony. Even on the earlier records — 'Killing Is My Business' started with a piano. 'Peace Sells' had a song on it called 'Good Mourning', which went into 'Black Friday'; it was basically kind of an acoustic guitar bit. We've done a lot of different stuff over the years. So with MEGADETH, you get a lot of diversity. And the musicians that are in the group, I think we challenge each other; we raise the bar for each other. And it inspires us to keep creating next-level stuff. So I think that's kind of the beauty of what you get with MEGADETH — is you get a lot. You get a pretty big bang for your buck, I think."

The early sessions for the LP took place in 2019 with co-producer Chris Rakestraw, who previously worked on "Dystopia".

"Dystopia", whose title track was honored in the "Best Metal Performance" category at the 2017 Grammy Awards, marked Brazilian guitarist Kiko Loureiro's recording debut with MEGADETH.

In a new interview with Jam Man, TESLA drummer Troy Luccketta was asked how he and his bandmates have managed to stay together for nearly four decades. He responded (see video below): "Well, we broke up in '96, and then we got back together in October 2000. It was only gonna be [a reunion] for one show. And now it's 20 years later. And through that process, we learned a lot about how to stay together, how to respect one another.

"Unfortunately, alcohol and drugs play a part in rock and roll sometimes," he continued. "TESLA doesn't have any drugs or alcohol on a tour — not even a beer backstage — since '04. So we're talking 16 years. We had a conference and decided that we didn't even want any alcohol or nothing to get in the way. Because sometimes, if someone drinks too much, there could be a problem and they might do something stupid, and it might affect the band. So we got rid of all of those potential problems, and we learned how to be really respectful of another other.

"35 years is a long time for a band to stay together," Troy added. "We have four out of the five original members in the band, and it's a tough thing to do. But that's how we've managed to do it. It's been a lot of respect for one another, and we genuinely [get along with each other]. When we're sharing one bus, that's a confined space, and people can get irritable after a while. We don't do it perfectly, but we do it pretty darn good."

Asked if it bothers him that former TESLA guitarist Tommy Skeoch has been using the band name to promote his new project RESIST & BITE, Troy said: "No. I'm wishing Tommy well. We were just talking about some of the things that breaks up bands, and that was unfortunate, because that's really what took Tommy out of the band at the time. It was just problems that he had to figure out. And I think he's doing really well now. He's got a new band, and he's gotta promote his band. He was one fifth of the band at the time, and he wrote great songs in TESLA. He's a great talent. So he's always gonna have an association to the name of the band, and that's fair."

Skeoch left TESLA in 2006 to receive treatment for substance-abuse issues.

TESLA spent most of last year touring in support of its latest album, "Shock", which was released in March 2019 via UMe. The follow-up to 2014's "Simplicity" was produced by DEF LEPPARD guitarist Phil Collen.


Jam Man Talks with Tesla

Jam Man Talks with Tesla the Band drummer Troy Luccketta about how the band cooped with lockdown, putting out 5 man London Jam and not being able to tour, how touring has affected his life and things he missed out on for the band, how they avoided being a hair band, staying together for over 30 years and the choices they made to continue like having a completely sober backstage and why they had to get rid of Tommy but wish nothing but the best for him and his new band, and when recording new music do they try and keep their sound or adapt to what music is like now, and the controversy over Shock and the different sound they had on that Album produced by Def Leppard 's Phil Collen

Posted by Rocking With Jam Man on Wednesday, October 28, 2020

This year will mark the 45th anniversary of the passing of Tommy Bolin, the supremely talented guitarist and songwriter, best known for his work with DEEP PURPLE and THE JAMES GANG, who captivated the world with his sophisticated and ferocious playing. Bolin's tragic death, when he was a mere 25 years old, has been one of rock music's great "what ifs," forcing critics and fans to grapple with what Bolin might have been able to accomplish in subsequent years were he still alive, given that he managed to produce such amazing works of mature artistry at such a young age. Many point to Bolin's most fully realized, and sadly final, album, the magnificent "Private Eyes", as proof that for all of Bolin's success, the man was just getting warmed up.

Now a new collection of never-before-released outtakes and demos from those recording sessions will be released showing the many sides of Bolin's talent. The collection is called "Shake The Devil - The Lost Sessions" and will be released on February 12 courtesy of Cleopatra Records. Licensed directly from Bolin's estate and with informative liner notes from rock journalist Dave Thompson, these recordings offer both acoustic, instrumental and alternate versions of some of Bolin's best-known tunes, including his most popular song, "Bustin' Out For Rosey". That track is today offered as a special sneak preview of the album, which will be available on both CD as well as a gorgeous gatefold vinyl with your choice of white, purple or red vinyl!

Track listing:

01. Shake The Devil (Alternate Mix)

02. Bustin' Out For Rosey (Alternate Version)

03. Hello Again (Outtake, No Strings)

04. Gypsy Soul (Outtake)

05. Sweet Burgundy (Alternate Version)

06. Someday We'll Bring Our Love Home (Instrumental Demo)

07. You Told Me That You Loved Me (Instrumental Demo)

08. Post Toastee (Acoustic Demo)

09. Tommy's Instrumental (Outtake)

10. Gypsy Soul (Acoustic Demo)

11. Gypsy Soul (Rehearsal Demo)

12. Someday We'll Bring Our Love Home (Instrumental Demo)

Tommy was born in Sioux City, Iowa on August 1, 1951. He loved rock and roll as a young boy, idolizing Elvis Presley. Bolin got his first guitar at the age of 10, and soon was organizing his own band. He and other pre-teen musicians used to attend THE VELAIRES rehearsals. His PATCH OF BLUE band played frequently at the Broadway Ballroom in Centerville, and he appeared several times with the Vermillion-based THE CHATEAUX, led by Bob Ellison. Tommy even played organ with the group at the Varsity Pub as a 14-year-old. He is said to have appeared on guitar on "Reference Man", released by THE CHATEAUX.

This restless, precocious young man grew tired of the local rock scene. As a 10th grader, Tommy was expelled from school because his hair was deemed too long. After getting it cut once, he was sent back home for not having enough trimmed off. With his parents' blessing, 15-year-old Tommy hitch-hiked to Denver to find fame. His brother, Johnnie, refers to the event: "To let a kid hitch to Denver, it's not like they didn't care. They knew that it was what Tommy had to do."

Soon after arriving in Denver, he met singer Jeff Cook and joined CROSSTOWN BUS. Cook said, "Tommy was very humble about his gift, and he never made any of us feel that we weren't as good as he was. We grew and became better players and better people." In 1968, Tommy joined ZEPHYR, but his love for jazz caused problems with the rest of the group. Tommy and Bobby Berge left to form ENERGY. Headquartered in Boulder, ENERGY was one of the first jazz-fusion bands. They backed John Lee Hooker, Albert King and Chuck Berry.

Tommy discovered glam rock. He wore flashy clothes designed by his girlfriend, Karen Ulibarri. His hair was multi-colored and he wore leopard skin platform boots. Tragically, this era started Bolin's attraction to hard drugs.

Drummer Billy Cobham visited Tommy's apartment to ask him to play guitar on his "Spectrum" album. That led to the JAMES GANG asking him to replace Joe Walsh when Walsh left the group. Albums in 1973, "Bang", and 1974, "Miami", featured Tommy's guitar virtuosity.

Jazz-fusion drummer Alphonse Mouzon asked Bolin to play on his 1975 album, "Mind Transplant". That led to an invitation from DEEP PURPLE to join them. He recorded "Come Taste The Band" with DEEP PURPLE, and was able to finish his only solo album, "Teaser", that year. He had begun work on a second solo disc, "Private Eyes", but that was cut short by his tragic premature death in Miami from a drug overdose.

King 810 frontman David Gunn has now issued a statement confirming his attendance at the U.S. Capitol Building protests which took place last week. He posted the below statement on the matter via his Instagram tonight, January 14th:

“Dear internet cucks,
👊🏿👹👊🏿
I admit this is me on the steps of the capital building filming our next video. I’m the singer of the most hated band in America… where else would I be ?
👊🏿👹👊🏿
Sorry to disappoint everyone but I cannot also admit to being a racist, bigot, homophobe, sexist, fascist, alt right (or whatever you whack jobs are on this week) etc. etc.
👊🏿👹👊🏿
I appreciate the compliments on my jacket however it is not for sale (altho our new album is)…
👊🏿👹👊🏿
I was not trying to keep this under wraps. As you can see I’m swagged the fuck out with no mask in front of 100 cameras because I’m doing nothing wrong. The Feds have phoned me already and there isn’t a single image of me “rioting” or going inside the building. I’m not as dumb as my hair style suggests.
👊🏿👹👊🏿
I couldn’t care less if you stop following me or stop listening to my music because I never cared to begin with. (see red queen)
👊🏿👹👊🏿
🇺🇸 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸”

Bad Rabbits will have their new covers EP “Waves Collide: The Live Covers” out on January 29th. That set will find remastered versions of the band’s past live takes on the following songs:

01 – Michael Jackson – “Human Nature”
02 – The Smashing Pumpkins – “1979
03 – Deftones – “Sextape”
04 – The-Dream – “Walkin’ On The Moon”
05 – Rihanna – “Love On The Brain“

In a new interview with Antihero, DEF LEPPARD drummer Rick Allen was asked if he has ever thought about writing a book. He responded: "I have been asked a few times to author a book from publishers, but they all want a rock and roll tell-all book, and that's not something I'd like to do. I'd be interested in telling my story — the challenges, the triumphs, and what resiliency means to me — a book to help others. I suppose one day I will focus on that."

Last month marked 36 years since the life-altering accident suffered by Allen in which he lost his left arm in an auto accident in England. Allen had to relearn how to play drums and drum manufacturer Simmons worked with him to build a kit. The band stuck with Allen through the difficult time and the drummer persevered through an accident that would have ended most people's careers.

Allen spoke about his accident during a recent interview with Modern Drummer. He said: "I remember coming around in the hospital and then realizing what had happened to me after the accident, and honestly, I wanted to disappear. I didn't wanna do this anymore. And then I started getting these letters from all over the world… I got encouragement from everywhere — from my family, from the guys [in the band], from people all over the world. And I don't know what happened, but I discovered the power of the human spirit and just said, 'You know what? I can do this.' It was really a collective thing. It was all this encouragement I was getting from other people, and then it just manifested in wanting to succeed. And that's exactly where it came from."

Rick also talked about the support he received from his bandmates in DEF LEPPARD who stuck by him through his recovery and waited patiently for his return.

"They left the decision to me, whether I wanted to go on or not, and they gave me time to grow and develop, really, a whole new style [of playing]," Allen said. "And that's all I needed — I just needed the time. I needed the time to build my confidence and realize that I could do it. Nobody ever said, 'Well, you have to make a decision now.' I think that was the most important thing — just that time that they gave me just to find myself."

After visiting the Walter Reed Army Medical Center in 2006, Allen dedicated himself to helping war veterans who suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) as a result of sustaining injuries similar to his own.

Allen told ABC News in 2012: "I didn't know what my life would be like after that terrible day. It was the darkest time in my life… My desire is to encourage a support system for warriors, de-stigmatize PTSD, share their stories and offers alternative ways to pave the road to resiliency and heal

Iced Earth and Demons & Wizards are no longer listed on Century Media Record’s website following guitarist Jon Schaffer’s participation in the Capitol riot earlier this month.

Century Media seems to have scrubbed all traces of the two bands, both of which include Schaffer as a founding member. Iced Earth and Demons & Wizards can not be found on the label’s current artists list, nor on Century Media’s roster of former artists. Merch from both acts is also no longer available via the Century Media webstore.

An official statement has yet to be released by the record label. We've reached out to Century Media for comment, but have yet to receive a response.

Jon Schaffer is currently under arrest by the FBI and is suspected of discharging “bear spray” during the pro-Trump riot. Schaffer faces six charges, including, Knowingly Entering or Remaining in any Restricted Building or Grounds Without Lawful Authority; Disrupting the Orderly Conduct of Government Business; Knowingly Engaging in an Act of Physical Violence Against any Person or Property in any Restricted Building or Grounds; Violent Entry and Disorderly Conduct in a Capitol Building; Engaging in an Act of Physical Violence in a Capitol Building; and Parade, Demonstrate, or Picket in a Capitol Building.

Tiwanaku frontman Ed Mowery recently contacted BraveWords with the news that the band is making a return in 2021. They have checked in with a new press release:

Vocalist and master of the pipes, Daniel Heiman, formerly of Lost Horizon and currently of Warrior Path, will be guest appearing on Tiwanaku's debut album, Earth Base One on the song "Interdimensionsal".
 
In early 2019, Daniel and vocalist Ed Mowery were introduced by Brian "Progcop" Goldsmith. At the time Ed was playing guitar riffs he'd been working on and Brian said "You HAVE to use this on something!" Already knowing he wasnt't the right vocalist for the song, Ed asked Brian who he knew personally that could do it. Brian played three songs when Ed stopped him and asked "Who is THAT?! Lets contact him and see if he is interested." 

Brian got the two together and they all agreed that this was a fit. Daniel is currently in the studio recording his vocals to the music for "Interdimensional". 

Tragically and unexpectedly in August of 2019, Brian passed away, may he rest in peace. In his honor, Tiwanaku is dedicating Earth Base One and  "Interdimensional" to Brian. 

Brian is known for his kindness, dedication and compassion for music, metal radio, his involvement with Crimson Glory, and many other artists across the globe. 

Mowery: "This is your song Brian! I love you brother! I'll see you Interdimensional!" 

Mowery recently trevealed that former Death / Obituary / Testament guitarist James Murphy is part of the Tiwanaku line-up.

"Tiwanaku welcomes lead guitarist James Murphy, formerly of Death, Obituary and Testament. James has joined the band for their debut album Earth Base One. He is recording all the solo work on the album. James will also be making live appearances with the band in 2021/2022 in locations around the globe depending on when things open again. James was already set to be a guest on Earth Base One for one song and the timing worked out just right for him to take the spot.

The band is scheduled to mix and master the album in mid February and is currently in the studio recording Earth Base One for release in mid-2021. We are all siked to hear what James is going to do. Today he started his journey through all the songs and guitar solos. James and I have been friends for years and we've almost played together a couple times. Now we're finally gonna get the chance."

Tiwanaku is:

Ed Mowery - Vocals, Guitar
James Murphy - Lead Guitar
Chris Scales - Bass
Ryan J ONeill - Keyboards
Ryan Hurka - Drums
Liam Hurka - Drums

The Electric Boys are much loved for their idiosyncratic combination of hard rock and other forms of music such as funk beginning with their first album, Funk-O-Metal Carpet Ride, in 1989. On April 30th, the band will release worldwide their seventh album, Ups!de Down, which continues and advances this fusion of music styles to make something of their very, very own. 

Recorded at Ghost Ward studios like their successful previous album, The Ghost Ward Diaries, and co-produced with David Castillo the album showcases the songwriting and performing talents of founder members Conny Bloom on guitar and vocals and Andy Christell on bass, while also introducing "Slim" Martin Thomander on guitar. Jolle Atlagic plays all the drums on the album, as the band’s original drummer Niclas Sigevall - still very much part of the band - could not leave LA due to the pandemic.

The album reflects the turbulent times of this year and spontaneously and organically formed into a concept album tackling adversity and fear mongering and championing the human fighting spirit and ability to transcend even the most difficult situations to find hope and victory over life’s circumstances. As such, the album taps into the collective consciousness of 2020, being contemporary while also drawing on a wide variety of influences such as Jimi Hendrix, Deep Purple, Bowie, '50s Rock and Roll, late Beatles and even the Sisters of Mercy. Probably less funky than some of the band’s earlier material it is no less eclectic and provides a potent cocktail reflecting the history of rock and roll and the light and darkness of existence. 

Conny Bloom: “You can see the light at the end of the tunnel rather than simply the runaway train in songs like 'This Is Not The End'. When things are this big and seem out of control you can reverse it and gain control by letting it go.” 

The freethinking and rebellious spirit of the band is alive and well in this latest album and the belief in the power of the message of music and its ability to change the world. 

People commonly mention to the band that Electric Boys songs have changed their lives, inspiring them to take up instruments and how much the band’s songs have meant to their fans. Known for his fine guitar work and languidly cool persona Conny Bloom is also recognized for his work with Hanoi Rocks and Ginger in the Wildhearts. Andy Christell also joined Hanoi Rocks with Conny and with his distinctive top knot is the epitome of steady, bellbottom-fluttering rock bass.

The band has a tour planned in Sweden and is hoping to widen and include more dates worldwide as circumstances permit. 

Ups!de Down will be released in digital, LP (four different formats) and CD formats by Mighty Music on April 30th, 2021.

Tracklist:

"Upside Down Theme"
"Super God"
"Tumblin' Dominoes"
"Never Again Your Slave"
"She Never Turns Around"
"Globestrutter"
"The Dudes & The Dancers"
"Twang 'Em & Kerrang 'Em"
"It's Not The End"
"Interstellafella"

Photo by Sven Isaksson

 

"Happy New Year everyone," begins Orange Goblin vocalist Ben Ward. "It's been a bit quiet in the OG camp recently. Due to (UK Prime Minister) Boris (Johnson)'s tier system and the subsequent lockdown and uncertainty surrounding when it will all end, we are frantically looking at possible dates to reschedule the two live/live-stream shows in London that were originally planned for November and then December, keep checking here for updates on that as all tickets purchased will remain valid once we have new dates sorted. In the meantime Chris (Turner, drummer) and Joe (Hoare, guitarist) were forced to isolate after they and their families tested positive for Covid over Christmas and New Year, thankfully they have all now made a full recovery."

"Don't forget that you can still purchase the digital live album that we released last year Rough & Ready, Live & Loud via our official Bandcamp page and merchandise is also available there or via the shop on the official OG website Stay tuned for more news soon!"

Rough & Ready, Live & Loud artwork and tracklisting:

"Sons Of Salem"
"The Devil's Whip"
"Saruman's Wish"
"Made Of Rats"
"The Wolf Bites Back"
"Mythical Knives"
"The Fog"
"Some You Win, Some You Lose"
"The Filthy & The Few"
"Shine"
"Renegade"
"Time Travelling Blues"
"Your World Will Hate This" (Bandcamp Exclusive Bonus Track)

 

This past November, Halifax, Canada’s Ancient Thrones unleashed their concept album The Veil. The full-length is 57-minute descent into the afterlife telling the story of grief that people can relate to through dark and progressive blackened death.

Ancient Thrones explains:

“The record is a concept record so it’s meant to be listened to in its entirety to get the full experience of the story. Even the songs were written and laid out in a way that they seamlessly transition into each other. Almost as if it was just one long piece of music broken up into separate parts as tracks. We want people to headbang and mosh, but we also want to bring people on a journey through this world of purgatory and grief and understand each phase of grief the record represents through the ten tracks.”

Today, in support of "The Veil", drummer Sean Hickey is sharing his playthrough for the track "The Millionth Grave".

"I'm happy to showcase the drums for this playthrough of The Millionth Grave. It was filmed fittingly in our rehearsal space. The song itself is an eclectic blend of some of my favorite genres of metal, and in particular, I was inspired by bands like Beyond Creation to create the groove in the bridge of the song, which is still one of my proudest moments on the record. In our concept album The Veil, the track lyrically is the introduction to the character of death named Viduus and I wanted to establish that control and godlike power that character has with those crushing bomb blast chorus sections, as he showcasing his capabilities to our deceased character and taking the listener through a frenzy of tense aggression."  

The Veil is a natural evolution in sound, form, and change in style that led the band to become Ancient Thrones. This is unlike anything the members have released before. Recommended for fans of The Red Chord, The Black Dahlia Murder, and Wolves In The Throne Room.

Order The Veil on Bandcamp.

Tracklisting:

“Transient”
“The Sight Of Oblivion”
“The Millionth Grave”
“The Soul To Flesh”
“Viduus (The Veil)”
“Sentient”
“The River Of Rain”
“Divided/Dissolve”
“The Infinite Eyes”
“Permanent”

(Photo by: Matt LeBlanc)

Moonlight Haze have released an “8 bit” video clip for the song “The Rabbit Of The Moon”, taken from their latest record Lunaris (2020).

Guitarist Marco Falanga comments: “Heavy metal and videogames have always been an important part of our lives. Lately the circumstances have forced all of us to spend way much more time at home than usual, so we have been thinking about the good old times and how video games used to be real masterpieces, even though they were designed using only 8 bits. Long story short, we decided to revisit ‘The Rabbit Of The Moon’ and tried to elevate its power with the magnificence that only the ‘8 bit’ world can bring along, bearing the vivid memories of the past times in our minds. This is how ‘The Ra8bit Of The Moon’ was born. So today, more than ever, with tears falling down our faces we want to tell you that... 'All your base are belong to us!'”

Horror Pain Gore Death Productions have signed French female-fronted Gothic doom/death metal act Wintereve. The new album, October Dark, is up now for preorder and will be released February 19 on CD and digital formats. October Dark was mastered by Dan Swanö at Unisound Studio. Preorder the album on Bandcamp.

Hailing from France, Wintereve formed in 2013 and perform female-fronted Gothic doom metal. October Dark presents eight tracks that convey the innermost sense of artistic and poetic beauty through sorrow, darkness and depression. Wintereve showcase haunting melodies, soaring female vocals and growls of despair throughout 55 minutes of doom laden Gothic metal. October Dark was recorded by Didier at Mastercut studio.

Tracklisting:

“Olima”
“Sea Of Suffering”
“The Quiet Desperation”
“October Dark”
“Call Of The Void”
“Forgotten”
“To Die In Your Arms”
“Down The Path To Perdition”

“Call Of The Void”:

It’s been 30 years since four hard rock kids from Bridgeport, CT formed the influential metal outfit, Crossover. And with some new technology and a little help from Connecticut music pros, the band has returned to the spotlight with their original EP, Painkiller, completely remixed and remastered. While much has changed for the members and the entire rock scene, their music has truly stood the test of time. Listen to the title track below:

The re-released and redone EP includes three live bonus tracks, and their 4 original songs, “Painkiller”, “Identity”, “Too Many Fears” and “True Believer”. “It's gritty, raw, and as old school as it gets,” says Jay “Ice” Piccirillo. “If you like Metallica Kill Em' All meets DRI then this is a must listen! Enjoy and thank you all for the great memories!”

Purchase the EP here.

Crossover formed in Bridgeport, CT during the late-‘80s as part of the hardcore and metal scene that was beginning to flourish around New York City. Jay had an idea to put together a metal/hardcore/thrash/punk style band which, at the time, was labeled “crossover” music. Composed of Scott Smith (rhythm guitar/vocals), Bill Smith (drums), Scott Camara (guitar) and Jay “Ice” Piccirillo (bass), the band played everywhere from keg parties to clubs, and quickly gained a loyal following. 

During the fall of 2002, the band reunited for a live benefit show that would feature Crossover, Payback, Sonick Plague, Dresden, Lost Generation, Forced Reality, and 76 percent Uncertain. The band’s lineup that night consisted of Jay, Bill Smith, GB Hammond from Lost Generation, Charlie Taylor from Payback, and Andy Reitano from Blastmat. 

While the band’s lifespan was relatively short, their influence can still be felt today. Hatebreed singer, Jamey Jasta, bought Jay’s Mesa Boogie amp when they were in their beginning stages and told him he had a Crossover sticker on his bedroom door when he was 14 years old. Piccirillo recalls, “It was pretty damn cool hearing that.”
 
It is now 30 years later since the original demo was released and over the years technology has come a long way. Crossover now has the sound and mix they envisioned three decades ago, and are excited to share it with old and new fans alike.

Hard rock band, The Lonely Ones, have signed to Imagen Records.The band will release their first single, "Change The Station", through the label on February 5.

"We’re very excited to partner with Imagen Records in 2021. They put a deal on the table that was very artist friendly and their excitement about the band has been contagious. It’s a great team with Bob Winegard, Shauna O’Donnell, Steven Nathan and Morgan Rose. The music industry is constantly changing and these cats have their ears to the ground. We are looking forward to this new adventure with Imagen on our side," says Marty McCoy, vocalist/guitarist of The Lonely Ones.

"I’ve known Marty and the boys for most of my career. When the opportunity to sign them came up, I jumped at it. This band is stacked with hooks and tons of attitude. I can’t wait for the world to hear what they have to say," adds Morgan Rose, Head of A&R Imagen Records/ drummer for Sevendust.

"I am very excited to have The Lonely Ones on the Imagen Records roster. I knew from the moment I heard their songs that this band was something special. They are hit makers!," says Bob Winegard, President of Imagen Records.

Formed in the summer of 2019, The Lonely Ones are a four piece vocal-oriented hard rock band with an ear for melody and a taste for success. No strangers to the hardships of the music industry, The Lonely Ones know what they want and know how to get it. They released two singles, "Eternal Sadness" and "The Lonely One", independently in March of 2020.

The band released their re-imagined version of Queen's classic song "Flash" in July of 2020. The song/video was met with rave reviews including those of Brian May (Queen) and Sam J Jones (Flash Gordon, The Highwayman).

Brian May was quoted as saying, “What a fantastic cover! I didn’t realize they were going to go into The Hero and the whole reprise ... magnificent!"

Sam J Jones adds, "This is one of the best covers I have ever heard and seen. What a gifted group - The Lonely Ones are for everyone of us, from the 1980’s to right now!"

The video for "Flash/ The Hero" can be seen below:

In September , 2020, The Lonely Ones released another brand new single titled "Real Big Trouble."

The Lonely Ones are:

Marty McCoy - guitar / vocals
Tommy Johnson - drums
Jymmy Tolland - bass / vocals
Jake Earley - guitar / vocals

Metal Blade Records welcomes Kardashev to its worldwide roster.

A self-described "deathgaze" group, Kardashev is for fans of The Contortionist, Rivers Of Nihil, Devin Townsend, Alcest - among others. Their mission statement could be described as: "Attempting to create the most beautiful, heavy music through themes of love, loss and altruism in the metal spectrum."

Much of the band's lyrical content - found on their numerous EPs, singles, plus debut album (2015's Peripety) - is written about science, space and the human condition.

Kardashev comments: "We couldn't be more excited and grateful to be working with Metal Blade. They're the industry leader and life-long dream partnership for us as we've always looked up to their artists for innovation, direction, and image. Now, we get to be who we looked up to when we were young."

After releasing their latest EP, The Baring Of Shadows, last year, Kardashev has been hard at work writing their sophomore album - and Metal Blade Records debut - set to be released in 2022. Stay tuned for more Kardashev news coming soon.

(Photo - Zach Beam)

Ocean City, Maryland's Jarhead Fertilizer will release their debut album, Product Of My Environment, on February 26 via Closed Casket Activities. Pre-order here.

The band just shared the new song "Silence The Narc". It's a minute-long blast that will completely consume your senses. Listen below.

"'Silence the Narc' was the first song written for Product of My Environment," the band says. "Growing up, we've had many personal friends and family deal with the unfortunate act of entrapment. 'Short life for a big mouth.'"

The debut LP from Jarhead Fertilizer is a hot dose in your veins. Our modern dystopian reality meets a brutal mixture of death and grind with primitive groove with blistering low end. On Product of My Environment, Jarhead Fertilizer make a simple statement: Death is easy. Life is hard.

Tracklisting:

"Intro"
"Product Of My Environment"
"Trials And Tribulations"
"Silence The Narc"
"Paranoia Seeping"
"Embedded In Your Mind"
"Baptized By Fire"
"An End To Your Sacred World"
"Drowned In Your Blood"
"Agony Churning"
"Life Is Prison"

"Silence The Narc":