In a new interview with RocklandSound, Steve "Lips" Kudlow of Canadian metal legends ANVIL spoke about the persistence, tenacity, endurance and commitment that has kept him and drummer Robb Reiner going for more than 40 years despite falling short of the commercial success achieved by some of the bands they influenced. The guitarist/vocalist said (see video below): "I just had a conversation with Jon Z, [founder of] CraZed Management, the guy that basically discovered METALLICA. We've been friends for 40 years, maybe more, and we were just talking about all this last night. It's doing this all for the right reasons. You don't do this because you wanna make millions of dollars; it's not what it's about. It's not about who sells the most records or anything like that. It's not a competition; it's not a horse race. It's art.

"In the whole end of the day, the guy that wins is really not the guy that makes the most money; it's probably the guy that's the most prolific and writes the most," he continued. "If you can be that creative, I think that that's the ultimate winning person — the guy that can write the most tunes, really."

ANVIL, a Toronto-based group, was formed in 1978 by childhood friends Kudlow and Reiner. Both came from Jewish families and had been playing music together since their teens.

Though initially a four-piece band, ANVIL's current lineup includes Kudlow, Reiner and bassist Chris Robertson.

ANVIL gained popularity and new fans since the 2008 theatrical documentary, "Anvil: The Story Of Anvil", which is currently available on Netflix. The film focused on how ANVIL got together, and stayed together, through decades of hard work and setbacks.

ANVIL's latest album, "Legal At Last", was released in February via AFM Records. The disc was recorded at Soundlodge studios in Rhauderfehn in the northwest of Germany.

In a new interview with Goldmine, TWISTED SISTER guitarist Jay Jay French discussed the band's 2006 album "A Twisted Christmas", which featured metal versions of Christmas songs, including the holiday carol "Oh Come All Ye Faithful", which heavily inspired TWISTED SISTER's biggest hit, "We're Not Gonna Take It". Also appearing on the LP were such holiday chestnuts as "Silver Bells" and "Let It Snow", propelling the album's sales to more than 150,000 copies and spawning a live Christmas show the band performed annually for several years.

Jay Jay said: "Dee [Snider, TWISTED SISTER singer] had this idea years ago to get JUDAS PRIEST and IRON MAIDEN and all these bands to each do a Christmas song. When you listen to our Christmas album, if you really listen to it carefully, what we did with the Christmas [album] was, it was two things. One was we only used famous songs, [so] everybody could sing along with it. Number two, we would arrange each song to make it sound like the bands that we would love would play it. So, when you hear 'Silver Bells', it sounds like AC/DC would do 'Silver Bells'. When you hear 'I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus', it's like JUDAS PRIEST was doing 'I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus'. When you hear 'White Christmas', it's like IRON MAIDEN doing 'White Christmas'. It was done deliberately as an homage to all the bands that we loved. So if you really kind of get into the minutiae of the album and the way the songs peeled themselves out, then you have to understand it was done that way. So, there was a lot going on on that Christmas record — a whole lot going on."

French went on to say that he "loved" the entire Christmas project. "Not only did I love the Christmas album, I loved the Christmas DVD," he said. "I loved playing the Christmas songs live. They're so much fun. It's a lot of fun. That stuff was really fun. That's what made the reunion such a good thing for us, when we came back, 'cause we were able to really come back as friends. And that Christmas record became the biggest metal Christmas [album]. When we did it, I think a lot of metal bands thought we were nuts."

Asked why TWISTED SISTER hasn't released a follow-up Christmas LP, Jay Jay said: "We thought about it — we thought about it years ago, and the idea petered out. But here's the amazing thing — next year is the 15th anniversary of the Christmas album, and we're fondling the idea of recording a couple of new songs and re-releasing it. We also may have in the vaults an instrumental of the Hallelujah chorus, which would be, if we have it, the last A.J. Pero [late TWISTED SISTER drummer] track that we have, which would be great. So we're looking to see if that is a practical reality."

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 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.

Former GUNS N' ROSES and current SIXX:A.M. guitarist DJ Ashba recently released a couple of singles from his ASHBA project, which mixes his rock guitar with electronic music in what he previously described as the "perfect blend of rock and EDM." Asked by "The Mark And HooGie Show" if he has gotten any pushback from his rock fans over the musical direction of his new venture, Ashba said (see video below): "Honestly, I'm at a point in my career where I could give two fucks. I could care less. If people don't like it, kiss my ass. Go listen to SIXX:A.M. If what I'm doing right now isn't rock enough, I've got a rock band. They can go listen to that then.

"My fanbase, thank God, has been, throughout my whole career, just very, very accepting," he continued. "They know me — they know I'm always trying to really push myself as an artist outside the box.

"If I had to live within this box, I'd rather honestly not play music. Playing music is a form of art, and if I can't truly be an artist and be true to what it is inside — whatever that is that keeps me going… I have to stay inspired. You can only write so many three-chord rock songs. So, to me, this is something that I'm kind of more doing for myself, and I feel like I kind of have earned that at this point in my career. And I'm just having fun.

"Surprisingly… It was weird. I was totally expecting for all my fanbase just to hate it — not get it," Ashba added. "'Cause I really, really go deep down in EDM — I stayed very, very true to the EDM sound — and I really thought they were gonna hate it, and I was okay with that. 'Cause in my mind, I'm writing this for the EDM, the young kids that go to those festivals. This is full-on festival music. And surprisingly, I got no pushback. My rock fans really, really were freaking out on it, which kind of freaked me out. I was expecting them to really not get it or maybe push it aside. But they've been nothing but supportive. I'm very thankful that they gave it a chance."

ASHBA's "Let's Dance" single featured a guest appearance by James Michael, co-founder and lead singer of SIXX:A.M., which he and DJ formed with Nikki Sixx (MÖTLEY CRÜE).

"Hypnotic" and "Let's Dance" will appear on ASHBA's first full-length effort. According to DJ, he will promote the LP by embarking on a tour on which he will be joined only by a VJ.

Ashba told the Las Vegas Review-Journal about the musical approach of his new effort: "I would go to a lot of EDM concerts, and their shows are so over the top and, you know, all these young kids just losing their minds, right? And the one thing that I've noticed is … it lacks guitar, you know, and I saw an opportunity, like five years ago, going, 'If I could take what I do and somehow inject it into this world.' A lot of kids are not being exposed to a lot of guitar in that world."

Although Ashba initially started work on the project as a collaboration with Michael — under the band name PYROMANTIC — it has since evolved into an Ashba solo venture, with Michael announcing in 2018 that he was stepping away from the group.

Photo credit: Michael Pool

KISS frontman Paul Stanley recently spoke to SPIN about how he has been dealing with the coronavirus crisis and what he expects life to be like post-pandemic.

"Initially, I was in shock," Stanley admitted. "I think it just was so surreal that it kind of stopped everybody in their tracks and we had to get reoriented. Initially, I did very little. I pretty much stayed in the house. Nobody knew the parameters of what we could do. I'm sure we all remember wiping down shopping bags and groceries. Time has a way of getting away from you during this pandemic.

"People, I think, are seeing this light at the end of the tunnel of vaccines, but sadly, a vaccine doesn't do any good unless you're vaccinated, and most of us haven't been," he continued.

"One of the best things to come out of this horrible situation is people hopefully realizing how important we are to each other. And that human contact and support is really essential. And maybe, hopefully, that's one of the lights we can carry through once this is over — appreciating one another and realizing how much we really need each other."

Last month, KISS 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.

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. b

Alex Skolnick spoke to Italy's Poisoned Rock about his time away from TESTAMENT in the 1990s and early 2000s, including how he changed his life completely by moving to New York, studying jazz, and forming the ALEX SKOLNICK TRIO, which is still playing jazz today.

"After TESTAMENT, I didn't wanna be stuck just being the ex-guitarist of TESTAMENT," the guitarist said (see video below). "I was very proud of my work, but I know people try to put you in a category, and they say that's all you are. And I've always been very open as a musician — I don't need to just play thrash metal, [and] I don't need to just play with thrash metal musicians. So I moved far away — I moved away from the whole scene. I moved to the East Coast, New York, and I met many different musicians. I studied music. I got a degree in music."

He continued: "I just really wanted to experience music at that level, which I might have done had I not joined the band. I always thought I might go on to study music at a university. So I did that. And at the university, I met my drummer from the ALEX SKOLNICK TRIO, Matt Zebroski, who I still play with today. And I met many other musicians that you might not have heard of, who I've worked with on gigs and as a sideman. And during that time, I got a call from the TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA [the progressive rock group formed in 1996 that has gained fame through its holiday-themed rock opera tours]. It was just starting to become huge. So I was there from the time that it was playing small theaters. But it split into two. So the very first tour happened, and it was just one band. And because it was a holiday show, they wanted to have one band on the West Coast and then one band on the East Coast, and they could both play at the same time during the same time period. So I got put into the East Coast band. In a few years, it was playing big venues, like Madison Square Garden in New York. We were on television."

Skolnick added: "So it was very interesting for me, because TESTAMENT was always an underground band. The biggest audiences we played for were supporting legendary acts — we supported JUDAS PRIEST and IRON MAIDEN and BLACK SABBATH with [Ronnie James] Dio at one point. But I'd never been in the headlining act. So with TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA, [I got to work with] some of the top crew people. The same people who did the fire [in the TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA show] — 'cause there was a lot of fire — they did fire for KISS and Britney Spears."

Skolnick joined TESTAMENT in 1985 at the age of 16 and stayed with the band for eight years before leaving in 1993 and going on to study at the New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music.

In addition to playing with ALEX SKOLNICK TRIO and TESTAMENT, he has worked as a sideman with such artists as vocalist Ishtar of the French band ALABINA and Jewish folk singer Debbie Friedman, in addition to guesting on an album from RODRIGO Y GABRIELA.

Two years ago, the ALEX SKOLNICK TRIO — comprised of Skolnick, Zebroski and bassist Nathan Peck — released "Conundrum", its first album since 2011.

TESTAMENT's latest album, "Titans Of Creation", came out in April via Nuclear Blast.

Earlier in the year, TESTAMENT completed "The Bay Strikes Back 2020" European tour with EXODUS and DEATH ANGEL.

SYSTEM OF A DOWN's music video for the song "Chop Suey!" recently surpassed one billion views on YouTube. It is the first SYSTEM OF A DOWN track to reach the milestone.

SYSTEM OF A DOWN joined a diverse and elite group of artists to surpass the one-billion mark, a list which includes NIRVANA's "Smells Like Teen Spirit", GUNS N' ROSES' "Novemeber Rain", QUEEN's "Bohemian Rhapsody" and LINKIN PARK's "Numb" and "In The End".

"Chop Suey!" was the first single from SYSTEM OF A DOWN's second album, "Toxicity". The single was released in August 2001 and earned the band its first Grammy nomination in 2002 for "Best Metal Performance."

In a new interview with Apple Music's Zane Lowe, SYSTEM singer Serj Tankian reflected on the response to "Chop Suey!" when the song originally came out. He said (see video below): "'Chop Suey!' was released a [week or two] before September 11th, 2001… And on September 11th, when the whole planes crashing into the World Trade Center, that catastrophe happened, our album was No. 1. And it felt like the whole world was exploding. And they took our song off the radio, 'Chop Suey!'. Because it had the word 'suicide' in it — 'self-righteous suicide' — everyone was calling us, going, 'How did you guys know?' and all this stuff. And we're all weirded out, trying to figure out what the hell is going on. Meanwhile, we go on tour, 'cause we were booked to tour on 'Toxicity', the record, with 'Chop Suey!' as the single. And every day, I remember those different [threat levels] — orange and red; the news basically saying the danger signals. And there might be terrorist attacks elsewhere. It was a daunting time. So when I think of 'Chop Suey!', I can't think of how we actually sat in the studio and worked on it. I'm thinking of 9/11, going on tour, thinking we might die any night."

Bassist Shavo Odadjian added: "The 'Pledge Of Allegiance' tour — that was the name of the tour [we were about to go on]. So it seemed kind of contrived, the whole thing we did. So I woke up to the morning with my phone blowing up. It was those last couple of days at home I was trying to really get, knowing I'm going on tour in a couple of days. I answered the phone, and it was my mom. And my mom said, 'Turn the TV on. There's chaos happening in America.' I turned the TV on. It was, like, 9:15, and I saw the tower fall. My phone beeped, and I went to the other line, and it was my manager. And he goes, 'Congratulations. You're No. 1 on Billboard.' In the same thought process of what's happening in New York — I'm in L.A. — and then, 'Oh, woah. We just went No. 1.' And remember — it was our second record. We weren't famous yet. We had a record, we toured and came back home and wrote this other record and we released it. This was gonna be our first tour in front of our second, sophomore record.

"Until today, when people ask me, it's bittersweet about [having had a] No. 1 [album on 9/11]. It was such a weird time."

Last month, SYSTEM OF A DOWN released "Protect The Land" and "Genocidal Humanoidz", the band's first new songs in 15 years. The tracks were motivated by the recently erupted conflict between Artsakh and Azerbaijan, the latter aided by Turkey and accountable for the greatest violence the region has endured in 26 years. Produced by guitarist/vocalist Daron Malakian, who also wrote the music and lyrics, both songs are streaming now on all DSPs and are available for purchase on Bandcamp with band royalties earmarked for the Armenia Fund.

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

Puck Hcky, the hockey-based fashion brand, has announced a new relationship with heavy metal legends METALLICA to deliver a new collection of items.

The METALLICA x Puck Hcky collection includes hoodies, flannels, jerseys and hats, all inspired by the band's music and art. In addition to the merch METALLICA will be carrying in the Met Store, Puck Hcky will also be selling a few pieces exclusive to its store.

The collection has just dropped and is available at www.puckhcky.com.

In the past, METALLICA has performed before San Jose Sharks hockey games, and the Sharks have been using the band's 1983 song "Seek & Destroy" as their entrance music for a long time.

"Who would have thought back in 1982 when we wrote that song that that song would have that kind of mileage on it?" METALLICA drummer Lars Ulrich asked. "And even to, obviously, be able to write a song and have your name associated with a piece of music that plays that kind of role in so many people's lives all over the world. And in this particular case, the fact that the Sharks [come] out through a giant shark mouth and the smoke and the fire and the music and the energy in the building and so on… it's obviously… it's one of your proudest moments. It's a very cool thing to be associated with."

"I still can't believe that they picked 'Seek & Destroy', which I love," laughed METALLICA frontman James Hetfield. "1983, what we were writing about then was just… That's all we knew. We're gonna show up, and we're gonna kick some ass. And when we leave here, you're gonna know we were here."

Hetfield continued: "I understand why it's been chosen. But when I hear my voice [on the original recording of the song]…. Oh my God! I was, like, 19 years old, and I think I've matured a little bit since then… maybe a little bit. But it's awesome. It sets a tone. The sound quality… not the best, but that's all we knew in '83. But I love the fact that someone has taken our song and is still using it like that. And it's synonymous with Sharks hitting the ice, coming out of the mouth, through the teeth, and then the smoke… Very aweso

A new trailer for the upcoming horror thriller "The Retaliators", featuring guest appearances from members of FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH, ESCAPE THE FATE, FROM ASHES TO NEW and THE HU, as well as Tommy Lee (MÖTLEY CRÜE) and Jacoby Shaddix (PAPA ROACH), can be seen below.

Due out next year from Better Noise Films, "The Retaliators" soundtrack has music from all artists mentioned above, in addition to tracks from BAD WOLVES, NOTHING MORE, Cory Marks, ALL GOOD THINGS and TEMPT.

Shaddix, who makes his acting debut in a crucial role in the 2021 picture, stated: "When I heard about this film last year, I spoke to the creative team and I felt I had a vehicle to see if I could expand my range as an artist. Truly, I couldn't have imagined how much I enjoyed this experience and can't wait to find another film in the future." He appears alongside a diverse cast, which includes Michael Lombardi (FX's "Rescue Me", "The Deuce"), Marc Menchaca ("Ozark", "Black Mirror", "The Sinner") and Joseph Gatt ("Ray Donovan", "Game Of Thrones", "Banshee", "Dumbo").

Lombardi, who is also a co-producer on the film, said of Shaddix's acting in the role of Quinn Brady: "I wasn't sure what to expect. I thought he might be good because he's a great storyteller with his songs, but I was truly blown away by his performance as an actor. I found Jacoby to be incredibly focused and committed. He was never afraid to jump off that cliff. For example, he and I had a scene together where his character has to slap me, pull my hair and lick my face. Lucky for me we only needed two takes, because he 100% went for it. I had a red, smacked, wet face when the director yelled cut. He's a beast."

Dan Waite, managing director for Better Noise in Europe, told Music Business Worldwide about "The Retaliators": "'The Retailiators' is a particularly fun project because several bands from the label have cameos or parts in the film. So when 'The Retaliators' is released, we're going to have a rock audience that's going to want to see their favorite band members in the movie, crossing over with fans of the horror and thriller genre in the movie world. The horror thriller audience is very open to rock star cameos — just think about Ozzy Osbourne, Alice Cooper, Lemmy, Iggy Pop, Marilyn Manson; the list is long."

Michael Schenker has paid tribute to MOUNTAIN's Leslie West, who died December 23 at the age of 75. The iconic guitarist, vocalist, songwriter and storyteller suffered cardiac arrest at his home near Daytona, Florida on December 21 and was rushed to a hospital, where he never regained consciousness.

Earlier today, Michael took to his social media to write: "My dear Lesley West

"You were my hero. What you did with your lead guitar playing was out of this world and you were the kindest man I have known. Such a lovely character with so much love.

"I am so sad that you are gone but I know that you are in a better place now. Enjoy heaven and keep me with you in spirit. I am looking forward to meet you again when my time comes. We will make heavenly music together. See you then.

"I will never forget you my hero. I am your little brother. Thank you for what you have done for me. Rest in peace my dearest friend.

"All my love to you and all my condolences to your loved ones. From the depth of my heart. I will always love you."

Weinstein was born in New York City, and first emerged in the scene as a member of THE VAGRANTS. A few years later, he and Felix Pappalardi formed MOUNTAIN, a band that was amongst the first to pioneer the genre later to become known as heavy metal. Hits that include "Mississippi Queen", "Theme From An Imaginary Western" and others established an indelible voice and guitar tone that remains legendary to this day. In 1969, West brought his presence to the stage at Woodstock.

As the decade turned, he formed WEST, BRUCE AND LAING with his bandmate from MOUNTAIN drummer Corky Laing and CREAM's Jack Bruce. In, 1971, West contributed to THE WHO's "Who's Next" sessions in the city, performances which can be heard on the 1995 and 2003 reissues of that cornerstone album.

Alongside his significant contribution to pop culture as the face of MOUNTAIN, West appeared in films that include "Family Honor" (1973) and "The Money Pit" (1986). He was a regular guest on "The Howard Stern Show", and over the course of decades remained a periodic visitor alongside enjoying a decades-long friendship with the talk show host.

West was inducted in to the Long Island Music Hall Of Fame in 2006, and appeared on dozens of other recordings from a vast universe of artists. Samples of his performances lived a secondary life on the masters of a who's who of hip-hop and rap stars.

The guitarist is renowned for helping popularize the Gibson Les Paul Jr. model with P-90 pick-ups to create a tone that is undisputedly his own. More recently, he enjoyed a long relationship with Dean Guitars, releasing several signature models.

West is survived by his wife Jenni — whom he married on stage after MOUNTAIN's performance at the Woodstock 40th-anniversary concert in Bethel, New York on August 15, 2009 — brother Larry and nephew Max.


Never too late to say goodbye to a legend:

"My dear Lesley West

You were my hero. What you did with your lead guitar...

Posted by Michael Schenker on Monday, December 28, 2020

Neal Schon has paid musical tribute to MOUNTAIN's Leslie West, who died December 23 at the age of 75. The iconic guitarist, vocalist, songwriter and storyteller suffered cardiac arrest at his home near Daytona, Florida on December 21 and was rushed to a hospital, where he never regained consciousness.

On Sunday (December 27), the JOURNEY guitarist took to his Twitter to share a two-and-a-half-minute clip of a soulful guitar solo, filmed at his house, and he wrote in an accompanying message: "Tribute to Leslie West as he was a major influence on my playing way back. RIP Leslie".

Weinstein was born in New York City, and first emerged in the scene as a member of THE VAGRANTS. A few years later, he and Felix Pappalardi formed MOUNTAIN, a band that was amongst the first to pioneer the genre later to become known as heavy metal. Hits that include "Mississippi Queen", "Theme From An Imaginary Western" and others established an indelible voice and guitar tone that remains legendary to this day. In 1969, West brought his presence to the stage at Woodstock.

As the decade turned, he formed WEST, BRUCE AND LAING with his bandmate from MOUNTAIN drummer Corky Laing and CREAM's Jack Bruce. In, 1971, West contributed to THE WHO's "Who's Next" sessions in the city, performances which can be heard on the 1995 and 2003 reissues of that cornerstone album.

Alongside his significant contribution to pop culture as the face of MOUNTAIN, West appeared in films that include "Family Honor" (1973) and "The Money Pit" (1986). He was a regular guest on "The Howard Stern Show", and over the course of decades remained a periodic visitor alongside enjoying a decades-long friendship with the talk show host.

West was inducted in to the Long Island Music Hall Of Fame in 2006, and appeared on dozens of other recordings from a vast universe of artists. Samples of his performances lived a secondary life on the masters of a who's who of hip-hop and rap stars.

The guitarist is renowned for helping popularize the Gibson Les Paul Jr. model with P-90 pick-ups to create a tone that is undisputedly his own. More recently, he enjoyed a long relationship with Dean Guitars, releasing several signature models.

West is survived by his wife Jenni — whom he married on stage after MOUNTAIN's performance at the Woodstock 40th-anniversary concert in Bethel, New York on August 15, 2009 — brother Larry and nephew Max.




Tribute to Leslie West as he was a major influence on my playing way back. RIP Leslie ♾♾♾♾♾♾♾♾♾♾ pic.twitter.com/ph39EWS4y8

— NEAL SCHON MUSIC (@NealSchonMusic) December 28, 2020

Inspired completely by Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, Vis Mystica’s planned 2021 debut album “Celestial Wisdom” will be an epic adventure suitable for lovers of Power Metal throughout the galaxy.

Not sacrificing any technical musicianship, the single “The Plains of Silence” is a whirlwind of energy, catchy lyrics, and spacey riffs. The intricate storytelling is matched with the abundance of melodies and powerful vocals.

Band founder Connor McCray comments on it:

The Plains of Silence takes us back to Tython to the Silent Desert; where all sound is nullified and students can meditate on the power of the world. This was the first song I wrote for the EP and it definitely has a much more “Happy” feel than many of the other songs I’ve written.

Vis Mystica offers escapism from everyday life, transporting listeners into a fantastical world of magical powers and epic stories. Even taking great influence from other bands, they possess a style that is unique and holds its own in the power metal landscape. The album is a fantastical journey into a world full of mystic powers and sprawling landscapes, with a classic “Good vs. Evil” battle and many memorable locations and detailed stories.

Vis Mystica was initially formed by Connor McCray, in late 2015 as a creative outlet to pursue his passion for Symphonic Power Metal while he was still a member of a Blackened Death Metal band at the time.

Highly suggested for fans of Blind Guardian, Symphony X and Wintersun, “The Plains of Silence” is already out and can be obtained through the band links on YouTube and Spotify.


The album “Celestial Wisdom” will be released in early 2021.

Previously released single “Lux Et Veritas” ft. David Michael Moote (Operus) is also available on YouTube, Spotify, Bandcamp, Amazon.


Tracklist “Celestial Wisdom”:
01. Whispering Winds of Fate (feat. Jonas Heidgert)
02. Legacy of the Builders (feat. David Michael Moote)
03. The Plains of Silence
04. Lux Et Veritas (feat. David Michael Moote)
05. Beyond the Gates of Fury
06. On The Loose (Saga Cover) – (CD Bonus Track)

Vis-Mystica-Celestial-Wisdom
Album band line-up:
Connor McCray – guitar / bass / orchestration
Devin Dewyer – vocals
Dillon Trollope – drums

Live band line-up:
Connor McCray – guitar
Devin Dewyer – vocals
Jon Juchniewicz – drums
Ben Juchniewicz – bass

New Orleans-based heavy rock/metal band, Transient, is aiming to inspire hope and strength with their new single, "This Heart", and its enlightening music video, which can be seen below. This track explodes with energy while the video portrays the emotional journey from feeling trapped in the darkness to seeing it’s okay to be yourself.

Vocalist Trey J. Mollo: "This is a song dedicated to the people who were forced to hide and be ashamed because they didn’t feel accepted and felt judged because of the way they viewed life. Growing up, I dealt with that on a daily basis, and throughout the years it turned the kindness and understanding within me into rage. Along with that came foolish and selfish decisions in my life. I’m hoping that this song can bring some hope and strength to those who have walked down similar roads and show them they are not alone and it’s okay to be themselves in such a heartless world."

Transient formed only months ago in 2020 and have wasted no time. They went in the studio to record with Jonathan Dolese at KonKrete Studios in Kenner, Louisiana, and their debut single, “Nightmare”, was released on October 18 via Dreambound.

Led by guitarist Jody Linnell, who is the former bassist of Smile Empty Soul and 12 Stones, the band is rounded out by vocalist Trey J. Mollo, guitarist Emmett Shumate, bassist Brian Bennett, and drummer Phil Krohn. Originally the project was a solo endeavour, but after about a year Linnell decided to recruit good friends from his regional area to complete the lineup.

Transient is poised to continue their ever-increasing momentum with their new single “This Heart” and its accompanying music video as they gear up for the release of their debut EP Aperture in mid-spring 2021.

Rocker Madysin Hatter has released a simple yet stunning "one-shot" music video to accompany her acoustic cover of Aerosmith's "Nobody's Fault".

Featuring Rob Bailey on guitar, Hatter's reimagined version of the hard rock deep cut shines a spotlight on the lyrical heaviness and all too timely message of the song.

The video, produced by Sleepless Pictures, showcases Hatter experiencing a range of raw emotion in a field where heavy fog threatens to consume. Check out the video below and listen to the song on iTunes and Spotify.

Madysin Hatter will be releasing new original music (featuring some notable rock musicians) in early 2021.

Mean Man: The Story Of Chris Holmes is coming to Blu-ray, DVD and VOD on January 15. Pre-order here, and watch a new teaser video below:

Iconic W.A.S.P. guitarist Chris Holmes has lived a life of highs and lows. This musical journey draws parallel stories of his rise, fall, and rebirth with live performance, interview, behind-the-scenes, and archival footage.

Written and directed by French filmmakers Antoine de Montremy and Laurent Hart (whose Music production career includes televised interviews with Scorpions, Deep Purple, Slayer, Guns N' Roses and more), Mean Man: The Story of Chris Holmes was a project that was born in 2014 after they had an opportunity to meet and direct Holmes in a music video for the Holmes-penned song "Let It Roar" in Cannes, France. At that time, the former W.A.S.P. guitarist had more or less disappeared from the music scene, leaving his home in the US to seek a new beginning with his wife Sarah in France. Not content with merely directing a music video for the re-born Holmes, de Montremy pursued his bigger dream of writing and directing a documentary film about this iconic metal guitar legend and for the next several years shadowed him throughout Europe while filming everything from band rehearsals, to recording sessions to live performances.

By creatively combining archival footage, interviews with past and present band members and musical peers, family members and childhood friends - interspersed with beautifully filmed concert performances of Holmes' current solo band - Director de Montremy skillfully portrays the story of an iconic guitar player who has lived a life of extreme highs and lows. After losing the publishing rights of his own songs and combating dangerous addictions, the legendary W.A.S.P. guitarist is shown starting over from scratch while living at his mother-in-law's in Cannes, France as he puts together with his wife a brand new band and a brand new musical role as not only the main guitarist, but now as the actual lead singer of this newly-born musical project aptly named Mean Man.  

Montremy said: "Over the last five years, I've had the privilege to establish a true relationship with Chris Holmes and to follow him throughout Europe. I was impressed by his charisma, his approach towards life, his multiple experiences and taste for simplicity which have actually altered my own vision of existence. In fact, he has almost become a spiritual father to me, in the way that he inspired me in many of my own decisions."

The DVD and Blu-ray are full of extras not available on the VOD version, which will follow the physical release. A west coast theatrical premiere is being discussed as well, pending the revision and/or relaxation of the current local State Government's restrictions on movie theaters operating during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Suonare suonare" is the new single by Italian rock band, Belladonna. It is a cover of a 70s track by Italian prog-rock band PFM.

Totally re-arranged in the noir, romantic and intense Belladonna style, "Suonare suonare" features a Moog solo by a very special guest: Adam Holzman. Hailed by Keyboard Magazine as one of the 10 best keyboard players in the world, Adam has played for years with Miles Davis and now he plays with Porcupine Tree's Steven Wilson.

A lot of Belladonna fans from all over the world are also very special guests in the song: they sent the band their vocal files (recorded with a smartphone) to create the big chant at the end of the song.

"We have always loved 'Suonare suonare' and its lyrics today eerily seem to refer to the situation many musicians all over the world are now in, not being able to tour or even be together in the same room to make music,"  says Belladonna's singer Luana Caraffa, who also created the painting in the single's cover - "And it is beautiful to have people from the four corners of the planet singing together in a song about not being able to make music together!"

"We had the dream of having an electric explosion of passionate virtuosity at the end of this song, a 70s flavored synth solo," adds guitarist Dani Macchi, "and who could make this dream come true better than Adam Holzman? We are honored to have him with us in this song."

Listen to "Suonare suonare" on here. Watch the video below:

"My new podcast, "Musicians Having Coffee & Talking About Stuff" is now live," says Neal Morse. "For the first episode, I’m joined by my friend Mike Portnoy and we get into all kinds of topics: the McRib, Spotify, The Bee Gees... you name it. Watch the video on YouTube or listen to the audio on the waterfall streaming app (here)."

Neal Morse released his Last Minute Christmas Album, available for download from Radiant Records or for streaming on waterfallstreaming.com.

Tracklisting:

"Caroling, Caroling!"
"All You Need Is Love On Christmas"
"Worldwide Sleigh Ride"
"It’s Christmas Time At Last"
"Silver Bells And Promises"
"On This Most Holy Night"
"Mrs. Claus"
"Everything I Want For Christmas"
"‘Tis The Season To Be Blue"
"Lo How A Rose E’er Blooming"
"O Come, All Ye Faithful"

"All You Need Is Love On Christmas":

"Caroling, Caroling!” video:

Classical guitar virtuoso, Thomas Zwijsen, has released an acoustic fingerstyle 12-string ukulele cover of Iron Maiden's "Fear Of The Dark". Watch the performance below.

A message states: "'Fear Of The Dark' (written by Steve Harris) was released in 1992 on the Fear Of The Dark album and became one of Iron Maiden's biggest live hits, often featured on live releases such as Rock In Rio, Flight 666, En Vivo, Live At Donington and more. It also became Thomas' most popular guitar arrangement. This arrangement aims to include vocal melodies, guitar, bass, some drums and even guitar solos at the same time. It's performed on the Hydra Double Neck Ukulele by Ortega Guitars."

Zwijsen previously released the video below, performing a classical acoustic fingerstyle solo guitar cover of Helloween's "Power".

With Demande à la Poussière you enter into a Post Apocalyptic universe made by thick, sludgy and groove-laden guitar lines, vicious and intense vocals, obsessive rhythmic section at the limit of paranoia.

“Quiétude Hostile” is expected to be one of “the next big things” within the Apocalyptic Doom and Post Black Metal movements, and, without hyperbole, it will be one of the albums you cannot give up.

The cover artwork was realised by Aurelie Raidron with the layout of 3stan.

Sophomore DALP’s album will see the light on March 26th, 2021, on CD, LP, Deluxe Edition and Digital format and you can pre-order it HERE.

Tracklist “Quiétude Hostile”:
01. Léger Goût De Soufre
02. Morphème
03. Éréthisme
04. Quiétude Hostile
05. Perdu
06. Bois De Justice
07. L’Oubli Du Contrasté
08. Expiravit

Toronto’s Phantom High are debuting their latest single “Black Divine” on Metal Injection right now.

Phantom High has amassed several singles and an EP since their inception in 2017, putting a Glam core twist on Lady Gaga, Bryan Adams, and Childish Gambino tracks as well as shaping their own originals.

Coined as “Ironic Pop Back From Hell”, Phantom High will entice those looking for something very different from the traditional Rock aesthetic.

Those who can look past the mask can expect a cathartic release, anthemic melodies, Heavy guitars, and abysmal soundscapes, under honest unfiltered lyrics. The lyrics and inspiration behind “Black Divine” resonate in a special way as vocalist Peril Erinyes explains: