In a new interview with "The Jasta Show", hosted by HATEBREED frontman Jamey Jasta, DOWN guitarist Kirk Windstein offered an update on the progress of the recording sessions for the band's long-awaited new album. Kirk is joined in the long-running heavy metal supergroup by vocalist Philip H. Anselmo, guitarist Pepper Keenan, drummer Jimmy Bower and bassist Pat Bruders. Kirk said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "We kind of got it set up for Pepper and I to finish all the guitars in November. He doesn't get home till October 27th or something, and we [in CROWBAR] do the [Headbangers] Boat, but we're home. We'll be home on the 5th of November, so I'm pretty much ready. Give me two or three days, and we'll start knocking out guitar."

Kirk continued: "Phil's doing the vocals at [his] home studio, and that's where drums and bass were done. We did all the rhythm guitars at Duane's [Simoneaux]. And Eddie's [Mapp, BLACK LABEL SOCIETY's live sound engineer] going out with ZAKK SABBATH on that tour, which is long. So he's gonna be going all the way up to practically Christmas, so me and Pepper are, like, we might as well just do it at Duane's and knock out the solos and sweetie tracks and stuff over there. But I think Phil's got the proper files on two of the songs. So, to my knowledge, by the weekend or going in the next week, he may have done two already. We were talking at [the] Louder Than Life [festival in September], and he's, like, dude, 'I guess I oughta just…' 'Cause he's already got it all written and planned out. Drums and bass are done, rhythm guitars are done. And he goes, 'I guess I oughta just knock it out while my pipes are good,' because that PANTERA/AMON AMARTH [tour] was long. They did have a break and all, but it was long. And I said, 'Yeah, dude, just go for it while you're feeling good.' I mean, he can do it on his own schedule, his own pace. All he's gotta do is say, 'Yeah, I wanna sing today.' Or, 'Yeah, I ain't feeling it. Okay, I'll can come in tomorrow' or whatever. But it's 10 tracks, [and] he's got great ideas on all of 'em. It's really gonna be a killer, killer record."

As for his expectations for the next DOWN album, Windstein said: "It's either gonna totally be this huge thing or just flop. But if you're a DOWN fan, I don't see how you can not like it."

This past August, Kirk confirmed to Geoff of the Gas Masks & Hand Grenades podcast that DOWN was originally going to release a covers LP next. "It started out that way," Kirk said. "And that was the talk for quite a while, and it was kind of, like, well, if we're gonna learn all these really obscure songs, in the time it's gonna take us to learn all these fucking things and kind of make 'em our own, we could probably write originals. So we got together in January of 2024. Went to Phil's [rehearsal and recording studio]. Pepper, myself, Jimmy and Pat had gotten together and come up with a few ideas, and Phil had some stuff. We went out for three days and came back, came home, and by the time we were done, we had seven songs — not perfectly arranged."

Elaborating on the songwriting and recording process for the new DOWN material, Kirk said: "When we got together to write, the chemistry is just undeniable. It's just magic. We've known each other so long, we've jammed together for so long. And Pepper and I did something — [it was] kind of his idea, but I thought it was a pretty brilliant idea. Jimmy doesn't play to a click track, so it's harder [to keep time], especially when you're not looking at him. So, he said, 'You know what? Let's track the fucking guitars together. Let's not do one guy, then one guy. Let's pick out one section, let's make it through the whole fucking verse, and if one of us fucks up, we stop, go back and start it again.' So we're doing it, just playing together and shit. So it's got more of a live feel, because Pat and Jimmy laid the drums and bass down together, and now we're doing guitars together with the rhythm tracks and shit."

He added: "DOWN's one of the few bands — of course we use Pro Tools [recording software], but we don't do click tracks and fix shit. It's real music."

As for a possible release date for the next DOWN album, Windstein said: "I would guess — hoping by the summer next year."

Earlier in the month, Kirk told The Five Count radio show in Mankato, Minnesota about the upcoming DOWN LP: "We couldn't be more excited about the material we have. The songs are extremely strong and they're very old school. They're put together really well, arranged really well, great riffs. We're real excited about it and I think the fans will be equally as excited."

This past April, it was announced that DOWN had signed with Nuclear Blast Records.

When the deal with Nuclear Blast was first announced, the label said in a statement: "Nuclear Blast is proud to be in the trenches with NOLA legends DOWN as their partner in their long overdue return to the metal world. In addition, we are excited to bring some of their key past catalog releases back into the spotlight, especially on the vinyl side. There are so many longtime DOWN fans at Nuclear Blast who are excited to be working with one of their all-time favorite bands. 2026 can't come soon enough!"

Anselmo stated: "It's good to sign with Nuclear Blast Records. It's a good label home and we're ready to make some awesome recordings!"

Keenan said: "Having already been a part of the Nuclear Blast family with CORROSION OF CONFORMITY, it is an honor and a privilege to be here as well with my brothers in DOWN. The team at Nuclear Blast is a well-oiled machine and you can definitely tell they love what they do. We are in the right place."

Bower added: "Nuclear Blast is a great label that put out some excellent records. It's an honor to have them work our jams!"

DOWN headlined night one of this year's edition of the Milwaukee Metal Fest in May. The show followed the band's recent Western U.S. tour with DANZIG.

In April 2024, Windstein, who is also the frontman of CROWBAR, told Concrete Spew about the musical direction of the new DOWN material: "It just sounds like DOWN. I mean, it sounds refreshing because we haven't done it in so long, gotten together with me and the guys and done it in — fuck — 12 years or something. So it sounds like DOWN, I think, to me, it sounds more old-school DOWN. And the reason I say that is I think we got to a point where… Like, the 'NOLA' record is so simple, and it just wrote itself; it was so simple. And that's how this is coming about, which is great."

He continued: "We're not overthinking it. We're not trying to make things too complex. Phillip's not trying to write so many lyrics and things. We just kind of got away — I hate to say 'got away', 'cause anything we do is DOWN, but, to me, we kind of got a little bit… We needed to go back and look at each other and just go, 'Let's just get in a room and do it like we did from the beginning.' And that's what it feels like to me. It's very magical. The ideas and the working together, just bounce off of one another, it's a natural thing."

DOWN played its rescheduled concert at Inn Of The Mountain Gods Resort And Casino in Mescalero, New Mexico on September 27, 2024. The band was originally supposed to perform at at Inn Of The Mountain Gods on June 20, 2024, but the show was called off due to a pair of rapidly growing wildfires which were converging on a village inside a tribal reservation in the state. As a result of the postponement, DOWN played two pop-up shows in Louisiana — on June 20, 2024 at Southport Hall in New Orleans and on June 21, 2024 at Varsity Theatre in Baton Rouge.

Prior to Southport Hall, DOWN's last concert took place in September 2022 at the Blue Ridge Rock Festival in Alton, Virginia.

DOWN made a handful of rare live appearances in the spring and summer of 2022. The band launched a three-date U.S. run of shows in May 2022 at the Welcome To Rockville festival in Daytona Beach, Florida. After playing in Atlanta and Dallas immediately after Rockville, DOWN took a three-week break before regrouping for three European festival appearances in June. The aforementioned appearance at that year's Blue Ridge Rock Festival followed in September 2022.

In August 2021, DOWN took part in a very special in-person live and virtual experience. "NOLA Town Throwdown" was held at the Fillmore in New Orleans, Louisiana and featured fans attending the show in person as well as watching it in real time from the comfort of their living room.

In August 2020, DOWN celebrated the 25th anniversary of "NOLA" with a special livestreamed event. Dubbed "The Quarter Century Throwdown", the high-production, multi-camera event took place using cutting-edge streaming technology to create a one-of-a-kind virtual concert experience.

A founding member of DOWN, Windstein left the band in 2013 in order to focus on CROWBAR and his family life. He was replaced by Bobby Landgraf, DOWN's former guitar tech who was previously in GAHDZILLA MOTOR COMPANY, a 1990s outfit also featuring Jason McMaster (DANGEROUS TOYS, WATCHTOWER),and HONKY.

Windstein announced his return to DOWN in 2019, with the band confirming a number of festival appearances for 2020 to celebrate the 25th anniversary of "NOLA", all of which were later canceled or postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic which swept the globe.

Prior to the August 2020 livestream, DOWN's last live appearance took place in August 2016 at the Psycho Las Vegas festival in Las Vegas.

The supergroup hasn't issued anything since the arrival of the "Down IV – Part Two" EP in May 2014.

"Down IV – Part Two" sold around 10,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release in May 2014 to debut at position No. 23 on The Billboard 200 chart.

The band's previous EP, "Down IV Part I – The Purple EP", opened with around 12,000 units in September 2012 to land at No. 35.

"Down IV – Part Two" was recorded at Nodferatu's Lair — Anselmo's home studio — and produced by Michael Thompson. It was released via Down Records/ADA Music.

Photo by MetalDave Media

Legendary rockers CHEAP TRICK returned to the iconic Budokan in Tokyo, Japan on October 1, 2025. The eight-and-a-half-minute short film below captures the beautiful bond shared by CHEAP TRICK, the country of Japan and the band's incredible Japanese fans — a bond as alive today as it was in 1978 when CHEAP TRICK first played Budokan.

The short film was produced by Silent Trade for BMG and CHEAP TRICK and was directed by Nick Dwyer.

Earlier this week, CHEAP TRICK announced two shows in Las Vegas where the group will play "At Budokan", the 1978 album captured at the Nippon Budokan in Tokyo, in its entirety, along with CHEAP TRICK's other hits. "Cheap Trick At Budokan – Live In Las Vegas" will take place April 17 and 18, 2026, at The Venetian Theatre inside The Venetian Resort Las Vegas.

A ticket presale is underway, with tickets going on sale to the general public Friday, November 21 at 10 a.m. PT.

"At Budokan" was CHEAP TRICK's first live album, and went on to become the band's best-selling album, having been certified triple platinum by the RIAA. In 2019 it was chosen by the Library of Congress for preservation in the National Recording Registry.

CHEAP TRICK's 1977 debut album didn't even make the U.S. Billboard album chart. The band's sophomore effort, "In Color", peaked only at No. 73, so when their third, "Heaven Tonight", was released in the fall of 1978, it was do-or-die time. Thousands of miles away, unbeknownst to the band, Japan had embraced CHEAP TRICK with three No. 1 singles, including "I Want You To Want Me" and "Surrender". A tour of the country would confirm it with the band receiving an almost Beatlemania-type reception, culminating in a sold-out performance at Tokyo's huge Budokan arena. Stateside, the decision was made to create a live album for Japan only. "At Budokan" arrived at U.S. radio on a white label promo-only LP for the sole purpose to help promote the U.S. album "Heaven Tonight". Instead, it became a blockbuster.

CHEAP TRICK's Rick Nielsen explained to "In The Studio" host Redbeard how unforeseen the LP's success was: "'At Budokan' was never supposed to be released outside Japan. Our manager said to us, 'These pictures [which] we had to rush out that were on the cover, it will never see the light of day in the United States.' Famous last words."

Robin Zander (vocals),Rick Nielsen (guitar) and Tom Petersson (bass) remain from CHEAP TRICK's original lineup. Daxx Nielsen, Rick Nielsen's son, has been the touring drummer for the past 15 years. He stepped in for Bun E. Carlos, who was with the band from 1973 to 2010.

CHEAP TRICK's 21st studio album, "All Washed Up", came out on November 14.

JUST ANNOUNCED: Iconic rock band Cheap Trick will be performing their best-selling 1978 live record, At Budokan, in its...

Posted by Live Nation Las Vegas on Monday, November 17, 2025

SOIL will make its long-awaited return to the United Kingdom in October and November 2026, following the massive success of their sold-out 2024 U.K. tour, which featured the band's special all-"Scars" set.

This new run expands to 15 dates, marking the band's longest U.K. stretch yet, and includes several first-ever stops in cities they've never performed in throughout their extensive career.

A major highlight of the tour will be their appearance at the legendary Hard Rock Hell Festival XIX on November 5, 2026 in Great Yarmouth.

SOIL promises a powerful, career-spanning set packed with fan favorites, charting hits, deep cuts and even long-awaited new material, making this one of their most anticipated U.K. tours to date.

Accompanying SOIL on this trek are Canada's own FINGER ELEVEN (best known for the hits "Paralyzer" and "One Thing"),and longtime friends ADEMA (best known for the hits "Giving In" and "The Way You Like It").

SOIL bassist Tim King comments: "We are so excited to have both bands on this bill with us. FINGER ELEVEN and SOIL go way back but we've never properly toured together. And ADEMA, well, we've been great friends with them since 2001. In fact, our first-ever U.K. tour in 2002 was with ADEMA. It's great to see we are both still around and able to team up once again to come across the pond together!"

"FINGER ELEVEN has been looking forward to making their way back to the U.K.," says FINGER ELEVEN vocalist Scott Anderson. "We're grateful for the opportunity to be touring with SOIL this time around. We can't wait to reunite with old friends and rock out across the pond!"

Vocalist/guitarist Tim Fluckey from ADEMA also chimes in about the upcoming tour: "We are excited to finally get back to the U.K. and reconnect with our fans there! To be able to return with SOIL on this tour couldn't be better for us! We did a tour with SOIL in the U.K. in 2002. Not only where they great shows, we made lifelong memories and we can't wait to make more with them and our fans."

Tickets are available at all fine ticket outlets or directly from the venues.

SOIL 2026 tour dates with FINGER ELEVEN and ADEMA:

Oct. 30 - Brighton, UK - Chalk
Oct. 31 - Wolverhampton, UK - KK's Steelmill
Nov. 01 - Hull, UK - Asylum
Nov. 03 -Glasgow, Scotland - The Garage
Nov. 04 - Newcastle, UK - Digital
Nov. 05 - Great Yarmouth ,ENG - Hard Rock Hell Festival
Nov. 06 - Nottingham, UK - Rock City
Nov. 07 - Manchester, UK - O2 Ritz
Nov. 08 - Bradford, UK - Nightrain
Nov. 10 - Northampton, UK - Roadmender
Nov. 11 - Southampton, UK - The 1865
Nov. 12 - Torquay, UK - The Foundry
Nov. 13 - Bristol, UK - O2 Academy Bristol
Nov. 14 - London, UK - Electric Ballroom
Nov. 15 - Margate, UK - Dreamland Ballroom

SOIL has not released any new original material since 2013's "Whole" album.

In 2023, SOIL celebrated its long list of compositional accomplishments with "Restoration", a brand-new set of studio recordings of the band's biggest hits throughout their prolific history. "Restoration" highlighted the band's best musical moments, including smash hit singles "Halo" and "Breaking Down", from SOIL's 2001 award-winning album "Scars".

In August 2022, SOIL released the "Play It Forward" album, consisting of some of the songs that inspired the bandmembers throughout the years. Prior to that, SOIL issued "Scream: The Essentials" in September 2017 via Pavement Entertainment and AFM Records. That effort celebrated the band's 20-year career and featured early recordings as well as alternate versions and mixes.

In March 2023, it was announced that SOIL frontman Ryan McCombs had rejoined DROWNING POOL.

McCombs is planning to continue to front SOIL and perform with both bands moving forward.

British heavy metal legends SAXON were rejoined by guitarist Paul Quinn on stage for two songs during their November 8 concert at Octagon Centre in Sheffield, United Kingdom as part of the "Hell, Fire And Steel Tour": "Denim And Leather" and "And The Bands Played On". Fan-filmed video of Paul's appearance can be seen below.

In an April 2025 interview with Gustavo Maiato, SAXON frontman Biff Byford was asked if Quinn, who announced two and a half years ago that he was stepping back from touring with the band, is still contributing to the songwriting process in SAXON or if Quinn's replacement, DIAMOND HEAD's Brian Tatler, is a "full-time" member of the band now. Biff responded: "Yeah, Brian's in the band full-time, but Paul's still sending ideas. He sent me an idea the other day for a song. It just depends how good it is, if we use it. I reject a lot of ideas until people come up with the one that I love.

"We always want to make better albums, so we're always looking for better songs, if you know what I mean," Biff explained.

As a result of Quinn's decision to step back from touring with SAXON, the band canceled its April 2023 South American tour as well as the appearance at the Monsters Of Rock cruise. Quinn has since been replaced on the road by Tatler.

Brian has been touring with fellow guitarist Doug Scarratt, drummer Nigel Glockler, bassist Tim "Nibbs" Carter and Byford since mid-2023, but continues to be a member of DIAMOND HEAD.

Byford and Quinn are the sole remaining original members in SAXON's current lineup.

Originally from South Yorkshire, England, SAXON has gone on to sell about 23 million albums and has produced such classic songs as "Denim And Leather", "Princess Of The Night", "Wheels Of Steel" and "Power And Glory".

In February, Byford told FaceCulture about a possible follow-up to SAXON's 24th studio album, "Hell, Fire And Damnation", which came out in January 2024 via Silver Lining Music and marked the band's first release with Tatler: "I think it's been a natural progression with our following and the fans with our music. Brian coming into the band added a little bit of a different dynamic to the music writing. So I think that was for a good thing. I think the new album, 'Hellfire', has been voted 'Album Of The Year' on quite a lot of sites and things, so obviously we struck a little bit of good scene with the album, a good flow. So hopefully the next one will be just as good, if not better… Well, it can't always be better, but let's hope. I mean, 'Hellfire' is gonna be hard to beat. That's a pretty perfect album, I think."

"Hell, Fire And Damnation" was produced by Andy Sneap (JUDAS PRIEST, EXODUS, ACCEPT) and Byford, with Sneap mixing and mastering.

The mighty Saxon's updated 2025 shows!🤘⚔🔥
For tickets to all shows go to: https://www.saxon747.com/tourdates

#themightysaxon #britishheavymetal #livegigs

Posted by Saxon on Wednesday, September 17, 2025

ULVER has released "Weeping Stone", the first single from the eclectic Norwegian cult act's upcoming album, "Neverland", which will arrive digitally on December 31, 2025 and physically on February 27, 2026.

A visualizer for "Weeping Stone" can be seen below.

"Neverland" track listing:

01. Fear In A Handful Of Dust
02. Elephant Trunk
03. Weeping Stone
04. People Of The Hills
05. They're Coming! The Birds!
06. Hark! Hark! The Dogs Do Bark
07. Horses Of The Plough
08. Pandora's Box
09. Quivers In The Marrow
10. Welcome To The Jungle
11. Fire In The End

"Neverland", the fourteenth studio album by ULVER, is the sound of an escape. A journey into undiscovered lands.

Following three albums — "The Assassination Of Julius Caesar" (2017),"Flowers Of Evil" (2020) and "Liminal Animals" (2024) — rooted in more traditional song and production structures, "Neverland" marks a new chapter in the revered Oslo band's history.

"With 'Neverland' we embraced a more 'punk' spirit – more dreaming, less discipline — freer, quite simply", the band comments on the creative process behind the album.

Bursts of daybreak synths and whooshes of sound set the atmosphere, before the wolves start digging into the dynamics of ambient calm and anarchic mysticism. Dreamy and transportive textures develop into trippy percussive energies, and as the album unfolds, a lush and vibrant, and at times exotic space opens.

Apart from a few recurring distant voices and vocal chops, "Neverland" is a largely instrumental record, reminiscent of the mood and structure of that place where late '90s IDM sounds met the meandering structures of post-rock.

The ghost of premillennial sample culture surely haunts "Neverland", and some might even hear echoes from earlier acclaimed works like "Perdition City" (2000),or the "Silence" EPs (2001),or more recently "ATGCLVLSSCAP" (2016).

Still, "Neverland" sounds and feels like something else, something fresh in ULVER's continuous journey of perennial reinvention. Pop music from in-between worlds? A sonic hallucination? Or better: a collage of dreams. It's up to you.

"Neverland" recording lineup:

Kristoffer Rygg - drums, percussion, electronics, synthesizer, vocals
Ole Alexander Halstensgård - programming, electronics, synthesizer
Anders Møller - percussion, drums
Jørn H. Sværen - synthesizer
Stian Westerhus - guitar, bass guitar

Guest musician: Sara Khorami - whispers and voices (recorded at 4 a.m.)

Recording by Kristoffer Rygg and Ole Alexander Halstensgård at Lupercal Studio, Oslo (NO)
Mixing by Anders Møller at Subsonic Society, Oslo (NO)
Mastering by Vegard Sleipnes at Reel to Reel Mastering, Oslo (NO)

Artwork and layout by Paschalis Zervas (+ wolframgrafik)

Primal Fear bassist / co-founder and Sinner frontman Mat Sinner has checked in with the following message:

“I will record a new Sinner album soon with a lot of wonderful boys & girls backing me in the studio, and release the best Sinner album we can imagine. Songs are ready and are coming out crushing. Never say never, but I will dedicate the last years of my musical career to Primal Fear. Let’s make the last Sinner album a special one that will make all my long time supporters happy, and let’s celebrate this unbelievable journey together! I will post some more exciting news about this new album next week. The last one turns off the lights. Boom, Bang, Goodbye.”

Sinner was launched by Mat Sinner in 1982. They have released 20 studio albums since then, their latest record, Brotherhood, having been issued in July 2022.

THE POWER OF 3, the new supergroup featuring platinum-selling guitarist and singer-songwriter Orianthi, legendary drummer Cindy Blackman Santana and world-renowned bassist Rhonda Smith, performed live on Monday (November 17) at a mini-festival prior to the Las Vegas Raiders- Dallas Cowboys game at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada. Fan-filmed video of the show can be seen below (courtesy of the Tom deBlonk channel on YouTube).

Known for their unparalleled musicianship and groundbreaking careers alongside legends like Michael Jackson, Prince, Lenny Kravitz, Jeff Beck and Carlos Santana, the trio blends into a fierce, dynamic sound. Each a star in her own right, together they create a bold, high-energy musical experience that celebrates virtuosity, groove, and fearless creativity.

According to John Katsilometes of the Las Vegas Review-Journal, THE POWER OF 3 previously appeared under the title BAND OF 3 when they teased their collaboration the night of Super Bowl 59 in February 2024, during the Raiders party hosted by Las Vegas Raiders owner Mark Davis at Fontainebleau. The following December they played halftime of the Raiders-Jaguars game at Allegiant Stadium.

THE POWER OF 3 recently recorded its debut album, which is tentatively due in early 2026. Helming the studio sessions was legendary producer Eddie Kramer, who has worked with THE BEATLES, Jimi Hendrix, David Bowie, KISS and THE ROLLING STONES. Kramer mixed the music in an analog format, with the LP set to be released on vinyl.

"We want to represent real music, and also the value of music, and how powerful it is on vinyl," Orianthi told the Las Vegas Review-Journal. "Everything is streamed, and I love the instant gratification of checking out someone's record on Spotify or Apple. But there's nothing like getting an old vinyl, putting on your record player, and actually enjoying it the way it should be enjoyed."

Regarding the musical direction of THE POWER OF 3 material, Orianthi told Guitarist magazine: "It's a three-piece, like a BAND OF GYPSYS vibe but the tunes are commercial and we hope to reach a lot of people. We've molded our own sound with Eddie Kramer. It's an honor to record with him and I'm excited for everyone to hear [it]."

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The technical chameleon and guitar virtuoso Paul Gilbert has announced his new album, "WROC", which will be released on February 27, 2026 via Music Theories Recordings. To celebrate, he has revealed the music video for "Go Not Thither", which you can watch below.

"WROC", which stands for "Washington's Rules of Civility," could very well be the guitar superstar's most outlandish offering to date. Using George Washington's Rules of Civility as a conceptual homing beacon, Gilbert has dared himself to think outside the box and use an etiquette guide dating back to the late 1500s as his main source of inspiration.

He may have wielded a cordless power drill for supersonic tremolo picking and used a slide to summon the voice of Ronnie James Dio in the past. Still, this latest recording is the sound of a musician defiantly broadening himself into new uncharted horizons for his first vocal album since 2016's "I Can Destroy".

"Go Not Thither" pairs throbbing vibe pedals with regal harmonies, classic metal riffage and ZZ TOP boogie blues. Talking about the song, Gilbert muses: "Hundreds of years ago, everyone must have been walking around kicking the earth. They kicked the earth so much that a rule had to be invented to put a stop to it! Another rule in the song, 'Play not the peacock,' is more difficult to follow. I know this, as I can't resist playing guitar solos while wearing a tricorn hat."

The idea for the album came to him on the flight home from the last show of MR. BIG's final tour, where the group bid farewell to a packed house at Tokyo's Budokan Arena.

"I don't know why it came into my head," he shrugs. "But I love using lyrics to build melodies. I think I was looking for my own Bernie Taupin — who writes all the lyrics for Elton John. Neil Peart is another example, as he wrote the lyrics for RUSH, while Alex Lifeson and Geddy Lee composed the music. I wanted to find my own Bernie or Neil, because while lyric writing is something I've certainly done, it's not really my favorite part of the process. So, I got George Washington to be my Bernie Taupin!"

On further investigation, it became clear that the first president of the United States of America had simply copied an English translation of the "Rules Of Civility & Decent Behavior In Company And Conversation" as a school writing exercise, inadvertently becoming its most widely credited author. Its lineage, however, can be traced even further back to a 1595 French etiquette manual written by the Jesuits.

As someone who has vividly shaped the role of the electric guitar in rock music, Paul Gilbert knows a thing or two about which rules to follow — and when to break them. In MR. BIG, he was responsible for pioneering pop rock anthems that saw the group top charts and headline arenas around the world. In RACER X, he pushed the electric guitar to its furthest limits, in a more metallic direction, leaving listeners and audiences mesmerized by how his compositions could be so technically thrilling and tastefully musical at the same time. As a solo artist, he's traversed both instrumental and vocal-led sonic landscapes that have crossed over from blues, classical and jazz to straight-up rock.

So, for Gilbert, there was palpable excitement in resurrecting these 16th-century guidelines for the hyper-advanced social order of today's world. "I've never had such a good time writing songs in my life!" he admits.

The album was recorded live over four days at The Hallowed Halls in Portland, Oregon, with Nick D'Virgilio on drums, Doug Rappoport on guitar, and Timmer Blakely on bass. Paul recorded additional vocals at home to sweeten the tracks, but the core energy comes from the live band jamming face to face.

It all kicks off with "Keep Your Feet Firm And Even", which is based on a Washington rule that Paul finds personally challenging. The hook-laden "Speak Not Evil Of The Absent" saw Gilbert molding unique phrasing to deliver a rule that's now 430 years old. "Some of these rules are easy to follow, and others... I don't know if I could ever do them! But it's certainly aspirational to think about them," says Paul.

"I'm really excited to play this music live and see how people enjoy it," adds Gilbert. "I would say 'WROC' is one of the most musical and listenable albums I've ever done. It's much more than just guitar licks that came from my fingers. The music came from my sense of melody. I've been enjoying that pure connection more and more. I feel like this is the most successful journey I've made to my Inner Melodic Generator... thanks to the inspiration from George Washington and those who went before him. They were my Bernie Taupins. Overall, the process was so enjoyable, and you can hear that joy in the tracks."

MANOWAR has announced the "Kings Of Metal Fighting The World Tour 2027".

After the band's triumphant celebrations of "Hail To England" and "Sign Of The Hammer" on the "Blood Of Our Enemies Tour", the fans demanded more: more sonic and visual excellence with unforgettable metal hymns, glory, majesty, unity, and more immortal memories.

MANOWAR heard the call and will unleash a brand new, awe-inspiring spectacle of might, celebrating two sacred albums of the genre — "Kings Of Metal" and "Fighting The World", albums that shaped generations of metalheads around the world and forged the brotherhood that stands unbroken today.

First dates are confirmed for Germany, with more battlegrounds following.

These shows will feature alternating setlists, with either the entire "Kings Of Metal" album or the entire "Fighting The World" album performed, plus other epic anthems, in a brand-new production.

An exclusive ticket presale will start on Friday, November 21, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. CET for Army Of Immortals members. The pre-sale ends on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at 11:00 CET.

This is your reward for standing true. If you've sworn the oath already, watch out for your Army Of Immortals newsletter for details. If you're not signed up yet, wait no longer: the time to strike is now!

A limited number of "Ultimate Fan Experience" upgrades will be available on this tour at the official MANOWAR store and, for all German shows, also on Eventim.de. This is the most exclusive and personal MANOWAR live experience possible.

General ticket sales, including "Ultimate Fan Experience" upgrades, start on Eventim.de on December 2, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. CET.

Last month, MANOWAR bassist Joey DeMaio offered an update on the studio sessions for the upcoming re-recorded version of the band's fourth studio album, "Sign Of The Hammer", which celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2024. Writing on his official web site, Joey said: "Manowarriors, We just celebrated the anniversary of 'Sign Of The Hammer' — an album that’s meant the world to us and to you for over 40 years. Now let me give you an update on the re-recording.

"We announced this project a while back, and many of you have been asking: Where is it? Fair question. You deserve an honest answer, so here it is: Re-recording a beloved album is a massive responsibility for us. These songs are part of your lives. They're hymns that have carried you through your toughest moments.
We don't take that lightly.

"So here's what happened: We recorded everything. We listened. And we weren't satisfied. The sound wasn't there yet. It wasn't the crushing, earth-shaking power we demand from ourselves — and that you deserve.

"So what did we do? We took apart our studios, tried new equipment configurations. We recorded again. But still not quite 'it'. And then it was time to prep for tour and hit the road.

"Could we have rushed it out? Sure. But that's not who we are.
We've never compromised, and we’re not starting now.

"Rest assured: 'Sign Of The Hammer' re-recorded will be released. And new music, too. And when it drops, it's going to sound meaner, heavier, and more powerful than anything we've done before.

"Thank you for your patience and loyalty. Stay tuned!

"Hail and Kill! Joey".

Last December, DeMaio spoke to Elena Rozberg of Radiocast BG about the upcoming re-recording of "Sign Of The Hammer". He said: "I think that it gives us the chance to look at the songs and keep all of the elements of the song itself that people liked — you know, the choruses and so forth, the message, the lyrics — but also improve the quality of the sound of the recording. As I listen to it today, I think everything is much more clear, a lot of excitement, a lot of energy. And, yeah, the fans who have already bought the [original] record will have that forever. And then the new version of it is a different version. It's like having two shirts or two jackets — one might be a little different, different buttons, but similar style. And that's the way it's coming across to me. I think people are going to enjoy it. And if you like the first version, I think you'll like this version. It's just a little bit different, a little something — a little something. Maybe a little magic. I don't know. We'll see. See what people think. You'll tell me once you hear it."

During the same chat, DeMaio weighed in on a debate about people using artificial intelligence (A.I.) to create music. He said:  "Well, right now I haven't delved much into artificial intelligence. I mean, of course, everybody can't help using it with e-mails and things like this. I think it's been good in the e-mails when you get spam to be able to block it; it does it automatically or it recognizes it. I think like everything else, it's a tool and I think it will find its place in everybody's life. I think some people will use it to create music, to create art and things. They've already started doing that. And I just look at it as though for somebody who doesn't play an instrument, if that's a way for them to express a musical idea, then that's their tool. I happen to be able to play a guitar, so I can do it. But for somebody that can't, they can then just say, 'Write me a song like such and such,' and that's how they will create. And who's to say — great music might come of it. I don't know. Or great art. I think it's too new to judge and see what's going to happen. But I think there will always be a place for people who really write something beautiful, whether it's poetry, whether they paint something by hand that's a beautiful painting or whether they write a song. I think there's always going to be a place for creative people that have talent. If you do something great, I think it will live forever, and I don't think it's anything to be afraid of."

In 2005, "Sign Of The Hammer" was ranked number 418 on Rock Hard magazine's list of "The 500 Greatest Rock & Metal Albums Of All Time".

MANOWAR played an exclusive U.S. concert on November 30, 2024 at Kings Theatre in Brooklyn, New York. The sold-out event marked the band's first live appearance in MANOWAR's home country in a decade.

In November 2023, DeMaio said in a video message that MANOWAR's concert in New York would coincide with the 40th anniversary of "Sign Of The Hammer". "It's gonna be the only show in America, unfortunately, because our recording and touring schedule won't allow for more, but it will be the full show," he said.

Prior to the Kings Theatre concert, MANOWAR's last U.S. shows were believed to have taken place in February 2014 when the band celebrated the 25th anniversary of its "Kings Of Metal" album on the "Kings Of Metal MMXIV" tour.

Back in September 2014, MANOWAR canceled its previously announced U.S. tour dates which were scheduled to take place in November of that year. At the time, the band claimed it was scrapping the shows "due to scheduling conflicts" as well as to concentrate on work on a new studio album.

The 71-year-old DeMaio and 73-year-old singer Eric Adams are the sole remaining original members of MANOWAR, which formed in 1980 in upstate New York.

In February 2023, MANOWAR released a new song called "Laut Und Hart Stark Und Schnell" dedicated to the band's loyal German fans.

"Laut Und Hart Stark Und Schnell", which translates into "Loud And Hard Strong And Fast", is an anthemic mid-tempo hymn in the vein of MANOWAR's classic "Warriors Of The World United" that invites fans to sing along and raise their hands in celebration of their favorite genre and band.

"Laut Und Hart Stark Und Schnell" was first released digitally on February 10, 2023 on all major platforms and was made available during MANOWAR's German tour.

Three years ago, MANOWAR announced that it had recruited Michael Angelo Batio, a veteran both in the studio and on stage, to play guitar for the band on its 2023 "Crushing The Enemies Of Metal" tour. The news came in the wake of guitarist Evandro "EV" Martel's announcement that he was taking a break from touring for a while for "personal reasons".

Although MANOWAR has released a couple of EPs in recent years — including "The Revenge Of Odysseus (Highlights)", which came out in June — the group hasn't issued a full-length effort since 2012's "The Lord Of Steel".

MANOWAR's two "secret" warm-up shows in June 2022 at Jovel Music Hall in Münster, Germany marked the band's debut live appearances with new drummer Dave Chedrick, who has previously played with RAVEN and KILL RITUAL, among others.

Chedrick joined MANOWAR as the replacement for Anders Johannson who announced that same month that he would be unable to join MANOWAR on the band's "Crushing The Enemies Of Metal Anniversary Tour '22/'23" due to "family commitments."

MANOWAR CELEBRATE KINGS OF METAL FIGHTING THE WORLD TOUR 2027 🔥

MANOWAR, the founders and defenders of true metal,...

Posted by MANOWAR on Wednesday, November 19, 2025

Reactivated San Francisco Bay Area metallers FORBIDDEN have parted ways with VOIVOD guitarist Daniel "Chewy" Mongrain and have replaced him with Jeremy Von Epp.

On Tuesday (November 18),FORBIDDEN shared the following message via social media: "Hey everybody, please help us welcome Jeremy Von Epp aboard as the new blood!

"When we first approached Dan about playing guitar with us, Steve [Smyth] amicably left the band while we still had a full table of obligations ahead of us. Mongrain was our very first choice and he agreed almost without hesitation.

"We all have deep respect for Dan and consider him one of the greatest guitarists in our Universe. To have him on stage with us was a dream come true. Chewy was a perfect fit. This being said, it was also on borrowed time due to his upcoming commitments with VOIVOD. Still, we managed it and intended on Dan being a part of FORBIDDEN's new album as he's already recorded and contributed to 3 songs.

"The touring part was always going to be touch and go depending on our overlapping schedules. This issue first appeared at Aftershock in Sacramento and Grita [Fest] in Colombia. We recruited Jeremy Von Epp and he stepped in like a champ! Jeremy was a seamless transition that caught us by a very pleasant surprise, so much so that it made us rethink our short term and long term plans. It took Von Epp almost no time at all to learn our language and solos of three unbelievably great guitarists in Glen Alvelais, Tim Calvert, Smyth and Dan Mongrain. No small shoes to fill.

"We got back from Colombia and reevaluated our situation. Jeremy needed to be in FORBIDDEN full time and we all agreed. It made too much sense with the chemistry we have together.

"Dan has been amazing, a great friend, player and now is like family to us. His contributions raised the bar of quality sky high. We are forever grateful for his genius and brilliant humor he shared over the last 1 1/2 years.

"Thank you, Dan! Also a sincere thanks to the rest of VOIVOD for letting us borrow him from you, albeit temporary. FORBIDDEN loves you all.

"As we move into this era of FORBIDDEN with Von Epp, we're presently writing, recording and pre producing new material that will take us to another level.

"There is much more exciting news that is just around the corner to share very soon!"

Mongrain added in a separate statement: "When Craig Locicero called me to play in FORBIDDEN, I accepted right away as I was already a fan and that we we're friends since 2008 when we first met in Tokyo where we played on the same bill (VOIVOD, FORBIDDEN). I never thought I would later play in the band live, touring and contributing on new songs. Life has great surprises.

"From the start we all knew it would be quite a challenge for the schedule to fit with VOIVOD activities and my other bands. But we went for it, it worked for a while and it's been great. I got to know Chris Kontos, Norman Skinner and Matt Camacho better, and along with Craig, we became brothers and troopers on the road.

"I am honored and forever grateful to have been part of FORBIDDEN, and tour the world together. Unfortunately, teleportation and cloning is not a thing yet, schedules, distances and other factors are making it impossible to make it work on the long term. So I have to step down and pass the torch to the great Jeremy Van Epp who's been killing it since the last couple shows as it was impossible for me to be there.

"Love to all the FORBIDDEN family and crew, friends, fans, all the people I met during this amazing journey, it was a great ride to say the least. I embrace the memories and wish all the best to the mighty FORBIDDEN in the years to come with a kick ass line-up!! They will blow your mind!!

"Peace and health to everyone!! See you on tour!"

Von Epp said: "When Craig called me a few months back with the prospect of helping them out as a stand in for Chewy, I was immediately interested. We have all been friends for years, and I'd been keeping up with them since their reformation, but after hearing the new song, 'Divided By Zero', I was all in!

"Learning the material was a challenge, but one that I quickly grew to enjoy. It'd been a long time since I played in a twin lead guitar thrash metal band, but I was excited about doing that again with FORBIDDEN. The two shows I played with them in October, Aftershock festival and Grita festival in Colombia, both went really well and everything just clicked.

"I look forward to being a part of the next chapter of FORBIDDEN and I am beyond honored to carry the torch(s) for all the great guitarists who have carried it here before me. Most importantly, I'm looking forward to playing some badass Bay Area thrash metal again, now with these guys. LFG!"

In October, FORBIDDEN released the official Mike Sloat-directed music video for the band's second new song in over 15 years, "Mutually Assured Dysfunction". "Mutually Assured Dysfunction" and "Divided By Zero", which was made available in late June, marked FORBIDDEN's first recordings with Mongrain, who was joined in FORBIDDEN's most recent lineup by founding guitarist Craig Locicero, longtime bassist Matt Camacho and the group's recent additions, singer Norman Skinner and drummer Chris Kontos.

FORBIDDEN's new songs were recorded at Sharkbite Studios in Oakland, California with engineer/co-producer Zack Ohren.

FORBIDDEN's summer 2025 "40 Years Of Twisted Evil" European tour celebrated the 40th anniversary of the band's formation and the 35th anniversary of the release of FORBIDDEN's second album, "Twisted Into Form", which originally came out in March 1990 via Combat Records.

Smyth exited FORBIDDEN in July 2024, saying in a statement that he "decided it's time to part ways with FORBIDDEN, and return to my band ONE MACHINE as priority, along with other projects on the horizon, and of course session work, and teaching music as always."

The resurrected FORBIDDEN lineup made its live debut at a "secret" show in July 2023 at Baltic Kiss in Richmond, California under the TWISTED INTO EVIL banner.

Hey everybody, please help us welcome Jeremy Von Epp aboard as the new blood!

When we first approached Dan about...

Posted by Forbidden on Tuesday, November 18, 2025

Former DEATH guitarist James Murphy joined DEATH TO ALL, the touring tribute to the late Chuck Schuldiner and his pioneering band DEATH, on stage last night (Tuesday, November 18) at The Orpheum in Tampa, Florida to perform the DEATH song "Altering The Future". Fan-filmed video of his appearance can be seen below.

DEATH TO ALL is currently touring North America as part of a month-long celebration of two of DEATH's landmark albums: "Spiritual Healing" (1990) and "Symbolic" (1995).

DEATH TO ALL features DEATH veterans Gene Hoglan (drummer on the DEATH albums "Individual Thought Patterns" [1993] and "Symbolic"),Steve DiGiorgio (bassist on 1991's "Human" as well as "Individual Thought Patterns") and Bobby Koelble (guitarist on "Symbolic"),as well as Max Phelps (EXIST, ex-CYNIC) on guitar and vocals. DEATH TO ALL celebrated "Scream Bloody Gore" (1987) and "The Sound Of Perseverance" (1998) across North America in 2024.

Along with the dual album celebration, each night on the fall 2025 tour is showcasing classics from DEATH's catalog. The tour features special guests GORGUTS and PHOBOPHILIC.

Founded in 1984 by Chuck Schuldiner under the original name of MANTAS in Altamonte Springs, Florida, DEATH was among the more widely known early pioneers of the death metal sound, along with California's POSSESSED. Inspired by NASTY SAVAGE, DEATH was among the first bands in the Florida death metal scene. In the late '80s, the band was both a part of and integral in defining the death metal scene which gained international recognition with the release of albums by a number of area acts.

DEATH TO ALL operates as a tribute band to the original DEATH, which dissolved in 2001 following Schuldiner's passing.

During a January 2024 appearance on the "Die By The Click" podcast, Murphy was asked if he had ever been approached to take part in the DEATH TO ALL touring project. He responded: "No, I never was. And without going into any details, I'm gonna chalk that up to a couple of things. Number one, I think they've got their lineup. I think they've slowed down on the floating different people in and out of it. I think they've kind of settled into a thing, and that's Bobby and Max's gig now. And I'm cool with that — that's their gig."

He continued: "Back when they were floating people in and out of it a lot, having different people on different tours — because I'm not really up on the history of exactly what all has happened, lineup-wise and everything with that project… In addition to the feeling that they've sort of settled on their lineup, somebody involved with it who's not involved with it anymore, but back when they were cycling through different people, there was someone who did not want me — at all. And so I suspect that that's initially why I never got a call. This is also part of the reason why a particular project that I was working on years ago got put on a shelf, because of the same individual. There's no point in naming names. It's no longer an issue on either front, but at some point there's damage done."

Four years ago, Murphy joined former DEATH bassist Terry Butler to play two shows commemorating the 20th anniversary of Schuldiner's passing at Brass Mug in Tampa, Florida. Murphy and Butler performed DEATH's classic third album, "Spiritual Healing", in its entirety under the LIVING MONSTROSITY banner.

"Born Human: The Life And Music Of Death's Chuck Schuldiner", the fully authorized biography of the legendary DEATH frontman, has just been released via Decibel Books.

"Born Human", authored by accomplished journalist David E. Gehlke ("The Scott Burns Sessions: A Life In Death Metal 1987-1997", "Turned Inside Out: The Official Story Of Obituary"),features exclusive interviews, contributions, stunning new Ed Repka cover art and previously unreleased, hand-selected photographs from those who knew Chuck best. "Born Human" brings life to the dramatic story of the man who blazed an iconic path in metal music, laying the foundation for generations to come.

Fans can order their copy now at store.decibelmagazine.com.

On November 16, the four members of KISS — Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, Tommy Thayer and Eric Singer — took part in a question-and-answer session moderated by professional wrestler and FOZZY frontman Chris Jericho during the "KISS Kruise: Landlocked In Vegas" event held at the Virgin Hotels resort and casino complex in Las Vegas. Some excerpts appear below (as transcribed by Clay Marshall for BLABBERMOUTH.NET).

On their return to the stage in Las Vegas, where they performed two sets (one acoustic, one electric),two years after completing their five-year "farewell" tour, "End Of The Road":

Stanley: "It was special for us because we know —– and there's no false modesty — we're really good as a band, and really solid. You can put smoke bombs on stage and you can put on makeup and boots and all that stuff, and at the end of the day, a crappy band is a crappy band. For us to get up and play just like this [referring to 'normal' attire], it feels really good for us… We wanted to be as good as we are. [It was] interesting for us after two years to get into a rehearsal room. It's like riding a bike. We are who we are, and as soon as we plug in, that's what we sound like… We've been together [with this lineup] for 20 years. We have a ball. Bands talk about being family and that they love each other — we actually have a ball together, and that's why we've been together as long as we have. It's fun."

On the "Rock And Roll Over" song "Take Me", which was a surprise inclusion in their electric set:

Stanley: "It's really funny because some of those songs are not really age-appropriate anymore. I couldn't imagine writing a song today [saying], 'Put your hand into my pocket / grab on to my rocket.' A nice place to visit, but I wouldn't want to live there."

On the band's legacy:

Simmons: "Everybody talks about your dreams, aspirations, ambitions and other big words — here we are, over half a century [after KISS was founded]. We're still here. There have been lots of heartbreak[s], devastation — Ace's [Frehley] passing… and we continue, because the legacy of KISS has to continue. Despite the fact that some of you think that this is the sunset, I promise you, this is the beginning. This is the caterpillar that's going to become the beautiful butterfly. We've seen plans for the future, and it will blow your mind."

On Gene Simmons, the bass player:

Singer: "Gene is a great bass player. I've played with a lot of great musicians, and Gene is as solid as a rock. He doesn't speed up; he doesn't slow down… Gene's very creative and melodic. Listen to 'Goin' Blind' as a good example. Gene is so easy to play with, it's, like, effortless. It's an interaction [between drummers and bassists] — sometimes you fight each other, [but] I don't fight when I play with Gene. It's very, very easy."

Stanley: "I have to say, I don't think that Gene ever gets his due because Gene loves doing shtick. All that Gene does as far as his personality and the things he says, somehow gets in the way of certain people listening and going, 'He's a fantastic bass player.'"

On whether the band will record any new music to accompany their upcoming "biopic" "Shout It Out Loud" or their in-development avatar show:

Stanley: "There may be some music in the works. We like to tell you what we're doing, the things that are planned. The problem is that so much of what we may bring up never comes to fruition, [but] music, yeah, that looks pretty damn… more than possible. Probable. I'm not going to give you any hints, but I only write when there's a project — and I've been writing."

On whether Simmons would do anything differently if given the opportunity:

Simmons: "If I have any regrets, it's that I sometimes — and I think we all go through this — wish we were smarter and better at trying to help Ace [Frehley] and Peter [Criss] have better lives. All of us are guilty of it, and so am I — 'I don't want to start an argument. Let's just continue doing the tour,' because you want to get through it for selfish reasons because it's working and the chicks and the money and [so on], and you don't want to ruin anything. [In the] meantime, somebody who might be your brother is ruining their life by bad decisions. I think this goes to your friends, your lovers, your family members — I wish I would have practiced more tough love and been more in the face of people that we cared about… Tough love is a good idea in my opinion with your children, with the people you love, with the people you care about, with the people you work with. It's not going to be a popular thing — you're going to argue about it — but in the long run, you're going to be helping that person hopefully change their life."

On persisting during comparatively lean years following the band's commercial peak in the late 1970s:

Stanley: "I think the key — at least [for] my view of success with the band – was pragmatism. You have to prioritize what's important to you. If some people aren't doing their job or holding their weight, or people are AWOL [or] not around, that's true, but what matters to you? What mattered to me was KISS, and if somebody wasn't bailing water and the ship was sinking – and it took on a lot of water at different times — I just worked that much harder, because I love the band, and the most important thing to me was to see the band survive… It's a matter of having a clear vision of what you want and what it takes to get there, and what's important to you. That's really what I guess I've brought to the band consistently — the idea that I don't want the band to die."

On whether the band ever considered calling it quits:

Stanley: "Never. We did a tour where literally, we wouldn't have this many people [referring to the size of the crowd in the 4,000-capacity Theater at Virgin Hotels] in an arena, and it was miserable. It was miserable to go out on stage, and at that time, really it came down to, 'Do we go out there and take our frustration out on the people who were there who paid?', or 'Do we work that much harder so that those people would go home and tell other people what they missed?' I remember doing an interview, and a journalist said to me — they can be pretty unkind, and they can forget that you are actually people — 'How's it feel to be on the Titanic?' I remember thinking, 'Nobody [else] is going to decide when this is over,' and that's enough of a reason for it to continue — to show those pricks that we decide how long this is going to go on. There are people who after last night's show are going, 'Oh, they said they weren't coming back,' and, 'Why are they doing this?' Those are the people who never wanted us around in the first place. We're not here for them."

On whether the band will play more shows in the future:

Stanley: "We haven't talked about it. We're really proud of what we did last night. We were no different than we expected. We know what we're capable of, and it was great. What we'll do at this point? I have no idea."

Two years after the completion of their five-year, 250-date "End Of The Road" farewell tour with two shows at New York City's Madison Square Garden, KISS returned to the stage at their "KISS Kruise: Landlocked In Vegas" event, which was held at the Virgin Hotels resort and casino complex in Las Vegas. After an hourlong acoustic performance on November 14, the band played an 85-minute set — their first "unmasked" electric concert on land in 30 years — the following night, where they were joined by former KISS guitarist Bruce Kulick on two songs ("Lick It Up" and "Rock And Roll All Nite").

Fans of Vinnie Paul Abbott can order three unique dishes straight out of the PANTERA, HELLYEAH and DAMAGEPLAN drummer's cookbook throughout this holiday season at the historic Rainbow Bar & Grill in West Hollywood, California.

Published posthumously in March 2025, the book is an exact version of Vinnie's recipes that he had cooked for friends and family for many years before his passing. Now, his epic BBQ Sauced Cheese Burger, Texas Style Cheese Steak Sammich and Lemon Pepper Wings are yours to feast on, thanks to the Rainbow — one of Vinnie's all-time favorite spots — and cookbook publisher Z2.

Vinnie Paul continues to be one of the most beloved personalities in the history of metal and now his legacy can fill both our hearts and bellies with the perfect companion for your summer barbecue, "Drumming Up An Appetite With Vinnie Paul", available from Z2. The book commemorates the memory of Vinnie's legendary Sunday Funday dinners with this epicurean collection of his favorite family recipes. Opening with a foreword by comedian and friend Carrot Top, the book is broken into three chapters — main courses (Reinventing The Meal),side dishes (Far Beyond Kitchen) and of course, desserts (A Vulgar Display Of Flour)!

The book, as well as the cover art by Erik Rodriguez, was a lifelong dream of Vinnie Paul's, who said in 2016: "My cookbook will be called 'Drumming Up An Appetite With Vinnie Paul'. How clever is that? It's got a picture of me sitting behind the drum set. I'm holding two big, old turkey legs; those are otherwise known as drumsticks. And it's got a lot of really cool recipes that I came up with on my own; a lot of them my mom taught me when I was growing up; and just a lot of tongue-in-cheek humor, and it's just a lot of fun. It's not real serious."

Vinnie added: "A lot of people think cooking is throwing something in the microwave. It's really not. There's a passion to it. It's like playing music. If you love doing it, you really put everything you've got into it and want it to be special, and that's what we do."

The recipes are captured through the photography of Justin Borucki, with illustrations by Danny Hellman, Steve Chanks and Rob Schwager. The book is rounded out by an afterword from Vinnie's best friend and personal assistant Brian "Bridog" Jones who added: "Vinnie's BBQ action was most definitely not your average lineup. Whether it be at his Texas or Vegas casas, or on the road prepping and cooking for all the bands and crew and even the local venue personnel, his spread was legendary! Lots of very hard work from myself and many others made this book possible. Vinnie's recipes are now being offered to the world!"

If you can't stand the heat, get out of the drummer's seat! Vinnie Paul, beloved drummer best known for his tasty rhythms in PANTERA, DAMAGEPLAN and HELLYEAH, had another passion that fueled his days — incredible eats and delicious treats! He began writing this book over 15 years ago, this book contains his favorite recipes, written by Vinnie before his passing, and Z2 is honored to present them so that the cooking hostile tradition is carried on.

Through the loving support of his family and estate, the joy of Vinnie Paul's spirit towards cooking lives on through these dishes. Now, getcha' apron on!

Josh Bernstein, president of Z2 and longtime friend/collaborator of Vinnie Paul, said: "Vinnie Paul's passion for life, music and tasty food was immeasurable. Being able to publish this cookbook for Vinnie, Bridog and his family fulfills a promise I made to him during his lifetime and we hope his recipes, stories and passion fills no hearts and stomachs for years to come."

"Drumming Up An Appetite With Vinnie Paul" is available in hardcover via Z2 for a list price of $29.99 (ISBN: 9798886561234).

There is a deluxe edition available at the Z2online store, featuring one (1) hardcover mass market edition, one (1) butcher-paper protective dust jacket, one (1) Vinnie Paul "Cooking Hostile" apron, one (1) Vinnie Paul "Hellyeah!!!" 25-piece napkin set, one (1) Hellyeah University Vinnie Paul Cooking Diploma available for $79.99. There were also limited amounts of the Vinnie Paul "Cooking Hostile" aprons available for $34.99.

Vinnie Paul died in June 2018 at his home in Las Vegas of dilated cardiomyopathy — an enlarged heart — as well as severe coronary artery disease, a heart condition. Clark County Coroner John Fudenberg said Vinnie died of natural causes.

Vinnie Paul's brother "Dimebag" Darrell Abbott was shot and killed in December 2004 onstage in Columbus, Ohio by a troubled schizophrenic who believed that the members of PANTERA were stealing his thoughts. At the time, Dimebag was performing with DAMAGEPLAN, the band he and Vinnie Paul formed after PANTERA broke up in 2003.

According to TMZ, Vinnie Paul left the bulk of his estate to his longtime girlfriend Chelsey Yeager and his best friend; Jones got 38% while Chelsey walked away with 37%. The rest was split between Vinnie's tour manager (10%),drum tech (5%),producer (5%) and friend (5%). In addition, Vinnie gave his interest in Dimebag's estate to the guitarist's longtime girlfriend Rita Haney.

A public memorial for Vinnie Paul was held on July 1, 2018 at Bomb Factory in Dallas, Texas.

Before his death, Vinnie recorded the drum tracks for HELLYEAH's latest album, "Welcome Home", which arrived in September 2019.

“We are giving up music and branching out to food delivery,” jokes David Ingram, vocalist for British death metal band, Benediction.

Coming soon, in celebration of the birthplace for heavy metal, SatanicHotSauce.com and Benediction presents, Sweet Ravage Reserve. Pre-orders now available, release date TBD.

A hot sauce which is a true love letter to Birmingham, England… the birthplace of heavy metal.



Sweet Ravage Reserve hot sauce has the sweet fruitiness reminiscent of the city’s market stalls, the spices of its various restaurants, and the hot peppers smoked as a hat tip to Birmingham’s industrial legacy.

It is a smoky, savory, and sweet hot sauce with a nice punch to the face!

Canadian rockers Toque – featuring Todd Kerns and Brent Fitz – both of whom play in Slash Featuring Myles Kennedy And The Conspirators – along with Cory Churko (Shania Twain) and Shane Gaalaas (Michael Schneker Group) – are proud to announce their very own & uniquely made Beer!

Introducing Never Enough Beer.

“Thanks to our friends Rebellion Brewing Co in Regina, SK. This Lager / Cerveza is fresh, crisp, and flavorful. Perfect for a night of Rock n Roll and just tipping a few with friends.”

Never Enough Beer is hitting shelves now in Saskatchewan. For delivery this week (locations):

Regina – Rebellion Brewing Tap Room
Melfort – Liquor Loft
Saskatoon – 8th St Co-op Liquor
Saskatoon – Sobeys Liquor Stonebridge
Tisdale – Sobeys Liquor
Warman – Maverick Liquor

Next Week:

Estevan – Ice Factory Days Inn

Week of November 24:

Moose Jaw – Urban Cellars
Moose Jaw – Sobeys Liquor
Yorkton – Legacy Coop
Yorkton – CO-OP Broadway St

More stores to come. For distribution inquiries contact: orders@rebellionbrewing.ca
*Enjoy Responsibly*

In a new interview with ProMark Drumsticks, DREAM THEATER drummer Mike Portnoy spoke about what it has been like for him to play with the progressive metal giants again after a 13-year absence. He said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): " I reunited with DREAM THEATER at the end of 2023. We immediately went into the studio and began work on a new album. So we spent most of 2024 in the studio making the album 'Parasomnia', which is now out. October '24, we kicked off our 40th anniversary world tour. At the time of this filming, we've already been around the world celebrating the band's 40th anniversary.

"Being back with the band after all this time has been very emotional," Portnoy added. "Each and every show on tour, you just feel the love and the support, the emotions in the audience. Everybody's just been so happy to see this lineup together. It's been a great, great experience getting to play once again with this band for so many great fans all around the world."

Regarding the challenges of performing material that he hadn't played in so long, Portnoy said: "Those early DREAM THEATER songs, some of those albums go back more than 30 years at this point, but it's so embedded in my being. So there's a lot to be said for muscle memory. Everything was still there. I still have that same inspiration and spirit playing these songs as I did 30-plus years ago when we wrote them and recorded them for the first time. Having not played those songs for a decade and a half at this point has just reinvigorated my inspiration. It's inspiring to be playing these songs again after all this time."

On the topic of how differently he is approaching playing the older DREAM THEATER songs, Portnoy said: "I haven't changed much. I mean, the parts are the same. They're just in there for life. Even the very first rehearsals for the tour, I came in and just immediately it felt comfortable, like no time had passed.

"It's been fun playing the songs that I didn't record with DREAM THEATER," Portnoy explained. "They obviously made a lot of albums with [now-former DREAM THEATER drummer] Mike Mangini while I was gone. Luckily, the guys in the band gave me full freedom to kind of approach 'em how I'd like. I'm pretty faithful to his parts, for the most part, but there are moments here and there that it's, like, 'Oh, I don't know if I would've played that.' So playing those songs has been a lot of fun, to be honest, 'cause it's something very fresh for me."

This past February, Portnoy was asked by The Metal Voice how he felt about performing the song "Barstool Warrior" during the band's 40th-anniversary tour even though the track was originally written and recorded with ex-DREAM THEATER drummer Mike Mangini. Portnoy said: "Well, it was important to me for that to be included, believe it or not. I'm the one that writes the setlist, and these guys gave me full-on freedom when it came to the Mangini-era material. I knew it had to be represented. You can't just brush away five albums from these guys' career because I'm back; it would have been pretty selfish and disrespectful. So, yeah, to me, it wasn't even considered to not be playing that material. And like I said, they gave me the freedom to pick and choose songs that I could relate to and be comfortable with. And, yeah, I think if you didn't know any differently when you come see the live show, it sits right in the middle of the set very comfortably with everything else that is part of my catalog. But I'm used to playing other drummers' material… I don't think [IRON MAIDEN singer] Bruce [Dickinson] ever does Blaze [Bayley-era MAIDEN] tunes, or very rarely. And I know [JUDAS PRIEST's] Rob Halford doesn't do Ripper [-era PRIEST] tunes. And I know David Lee Roth won't do Sammy Hagar[-era VAN HALEN] tunes. So, yeah, not all bands are as open to it."

Asked what he thinks are the main differences between his drumming style and that of Mangini, Portnoy said: "He is very methodical. He's very conscious of what all four limbs are doing and the way he utilizes his independence. I'm not that kind of a drummer. I've never been a guy that sits there and studies technique and the correct way to hold a stick, and all that kind of stuff. I go on feel, and to me, I try to make difficult music sound easy. I think he has the tendency to make something that could be easy sound difficult. And I'm not trying to insult him; I'm just merely observing the difference in styles. And he's the type that I think would play the same part exactly the same as it is on the album and do it consistently every night. I'm just not that kind of a drummer. I like to fly off the seat of my pants and be in the moment and do different things, just depending on how things are feeling."

DREAM THEATER's sixteenth studio album, "Parasomnia", came out on February 7, 2025 via InsideOut Music. The LP marked DREAM THEATER's first release with Portnoy since 2009's "Black Clouds & Silver Linings".

"Parasomnia" was produced by DREAM THEATER guitarist John Petrucci, engineered by James "Jimmy T" Meslin, and mixed by Andy Sneap. Hugh Syme returns once again to lend his creative vision to the cover art.

Portnoy co-founded DREAM THEATER in 1985 with Petrucci and bassist John Myung. Mike played on 10 DREAM THEATER albums over a 20-year period, from 1989's "When Dream And Day Unite" through 2009's "Black Clouds & Silver Linings", before exiting the group in 2010.

Mangini joined DREAM THEATER in late 2010 through a widely publicized audition following the departure of Portnoy. Mangini beat out six other of the world's top drummers — Marco Minnemann, Virgil Donati, Aquiles Priester, Thomas Lang, Peter Wildoer and Derek Roddy — for the gig, a three-day process that was filmed for a documentary-style reality show called "The Spirit Carries On".

Portnoy attended DREAM THEATER's concert in March 2022 at Beacon Theatre in New York City. It was the first time he witnessed his then-former bandmates perform live since his exit from the iconic progressive metal outfit 12 years earlier.

Two months after the aforementioned Beacon Theatre concert, Portnoy told SiriusXM's "Trunk Nation With Eddie Trunk" about what it was like to see another drummer play his parts live with DREAM THEATER: "I've always been the type of drummer that just flies [by] the seat of my pants in the moment. Even with my own drum parts, I don't necessarily stick to them faithfully from show to show, whereas Mangini obviously really studied the drum parts and they had everything programmed out. They're all about the precision, and that's surely their thing. And yeah, he killed it. There's no doubt he's an amazing drummer and he plays my parts incredibly faithfully."

Portnoy continued: "I feel bad for him. He and I joked about it. He's in a horrible situation where he's damned if he does and he's damned if he doesn't. He expressed that frustration to me, and I feel for him; it's definitely a weird position to be put into. I kind of had it a little bit when I played with AVENGED SEVENFOLD and TWISTED SISTER, coming into the throne of two drummers that have passed away, and I tried to learn those parts as faithfully as I could. When I had a hired-gun gig like that, I spent a lot of attention trying to honor the drummer that came before me — it's important. I don't wanna go into a gig like either of those and try to force my style on to it."