Frontiers Music Srl will release "One Shot", the new solo album from Danish vocalist Ronnie Atkins, album on March 12, 2021. The disc's first single, "Real", can be streamed below.

"To be honest, I initially had no intention to do a solo album to begin with, but for various reasons, and in particularly my own personal health situation, I finally decided to have a crack at it," says Atkins.

"Around Easter 2020, and only some six weeks after I was told that everything seemingly looked very positive for my health, I was, unfortunately, diagnosed with stage 4 cancer and told it was incurable, which was devastating news for me. Needless to say, that was a total game changer and I went into kind of a panic situation for a while. But when the dust had settled, I realized there were two ways to approach the situation. I could sit down, accept the facts, and feel pity for myself or I could pull myself up, set some goals, pursue my dreams, and carry on living. And with fantastic backup from my family and true friends, I went for the latter."

With the global pandemic shutting down touring for the foreseeable future, Atkins knew a tour promoting the latest PRETTY MAIDS album, "Undress Your Madness" (2019), was not going to be in the cards anytime soon. Suddenly, the timing for working on a new solo album seemed to have presented itself.

"Well, I couldn't change the way things were, by any means," he says. "The whole world was on a lockdown and the future prospects of concerts were very uncertain and still is to this day. Basically, that meant that if I was gonna carry out the idea of a solo album, it had to be now since I don't necessarily have all the time in the world. I had all these ideas recorded on my iPhone that I felt were too good to never see the light of day and I was writing a lot at the time to help ease my frustrations."

Ronnie's next step was to hook up with good friend and PRETTY MAIDS bandmate and producer Chris Laney to begin the work of putting these ideas together into songs. Chris is overseeing production, Jacob Hansen will mix, and musicians/singers appearing on the album include, in addition to Laney, Allan Sørensen, Morten Sandager, Pontus Egberg, Pontus Norgren, Kee Marcello, Olliver Hartmann, John Berg, Anders Ringman, Linnea Vikström Egg and Björn Strid.

"Not being able to handle the recordings myself since I'm old school and a complete idiot when it comes to IT, Pro Tools, etc. I hooked up with my PRETTY MAIDS friend and firesoul Chris Laney, who literally cheered me up and convinced me to go ahead with it," Ronnie says. "So, I decided to get moving and literally recorded my ideas on either piano or guitar and with a mellotron click to keep the beat and the accompanying vocal. Then I would send these along to Chris, who did the instrumentation in Stockholm and would then send back demos to me. Then I recorded the vocals first, which is totally the opposite of what you'd normally do, but based on the uncertainty of my health situation, I wanted to get them down. After that we did the basic tracks, drums, guitars, keys, backing vocals, etc. Odd way of doing it, for me at least, but it worked. And so, this procedure slowly moved on during the summer and finally turned into an album of 12 new songs."

"I wouldn't have been able to carry out this project without the enthusiasm of Chris, who has been my constant partner in this project from day one," Atkins adds. "On top of that, I had the pleasure of working with a variety of great musicians/singers such as Pontus Norgren, Kee Marcello, Olliver Hartmann, Pontus Egberg, Linnea Vickström Egg, Björn Strid, and at last, but not at least, my PRETTY MAIDS relatives Allan Sørensen and Morten Sandager.

"Musically and lyrically, this album has been a different process for me, considering everything going on. Musically, it could have gone in various directions. It's always a question of what you want it to be. A good song is a good song, so it's really a matter of how it is packaged. But I decided to make it appeal to the fans, the supporters who've been following me for almost 40 years, so this is basically a melodic rock album with a heavy twist. Lyrically, it also has a different approach. I found it hard to write about sex, drugs, and rock'n'roll, etc. due to the situation I'm wrapped up in, so I guess it turned out a bit more personal and maybe melancholic at times. But it reflects my thoughts at the given time these lyrics were written."

"One Shot" track listing:

01. Real

02. Scorpio

03. One Shot

04. Subjugated

05. Frequency Of Love

06. Before The Rise Of An Empire

07. Miles Away

08. Picture Yourself

09. I Prophesize

10. One By One

11. When Dreams Are Not Enough

Lineup:

Ronnie Atkins: Lead and backing vocals

Chris Laney: Rhythm guitars, keyboards and backing vocals

Allan Sørensen: Drums

Morten Sandager: Keyboards

Pontus Egberg: Bass

Acoustic guitars: Anders Ringman

Lead guitars/solos: Pontus Norgren, Kee Marcello, Olliver Hartmann, John Berg, Chris Laney

Additional backing vocals: Chris Laney, Linnea Vikström Egg, Olliver Hartmann, Björn Strid

Produced by: Chris Laney

Mixed by Jacob Hansen

The 55-year-old Atkins was diagnosed with lung cancer last year and underwent at least 33 radiation and four chemotherapy treatments last fall before being declared cancer-free. In October, he announced that his cancer had returned.

Photo credit: Tallee Savage

The twin metal duo, Dianthus, are currently in the midst of recording their brand new album, Realms, with producer Steve Evetts (The Dillinger Escape Plan, Symphony X, Butcher Babies, etc.), and have been releasing a series of singles leading up to the full release tentatively due in early 2021.

The first single “Realms” was released in July and quickly gained the attention of press and fans alike. Watch a video for the song below.

Now, Jackie and Jessica are back with their new single “Lonicera”, and have given us a little insight into the song, “'Lonicera' is one of the most conceptual songs from our forthcoming album. The introduction sets the storyline by first defining a ‘lonicera’. The song then shifts sonically to other forms. We wanted this track to be symbolic of the imaginative world we are creating with our album Realms. Lonicera alludes to the mysterious and subliminal nature of the mind’s conscience.”

You can download/stream “Lonicera” here. Listen below:

Four years following the release of their last studio effort, Gaia-Medea, Luxembourg-based death metal group Scarred are back with their third and self-titled full-length album, the first to feature new singer, Yann Dalscheid.

Set to be released on January 22 via Klonosphere Records, the album was recorded by the band and Patrick Damiani at Tidalwave Studio, in Karlsruhe, Germany, mixed by Patrick Damiani and mastered by Robin Schmidt at 24-96 Mastering, Karlsruhe.

Pre-orders are now available here. Watch a video for "Mirage", directed by Kim Conrardy for U-matic Productions, below.

Tracklisting:

"Sol"
"Mirage"
"A.D...Something"
"Chupacabra"
"Prisms"
"Merry-go-round"
"Nothing Instead"
"In Silent Darkness"
"A.H.A.I.A."
"Lua"
"Dance Of The Giants"
"Petrichor"
"Yours Truly"

"Mirage" video:

Transcending Records will issue the only North American vinyl pressings of Mandylion and Nighttime Birds from legendary Dutch metal/rock unit, The Gathering.

Initially released via Century Media Records in 1995, Mandylion is The Gathering's third studio offering and first to feature the now-iconic vocals of Anneke van Giersbergen. The album was recorded and mixed at Woodhouse Studios in Hagen, Germany under the guidance of Siggi Bemm and Waldemar Sorychta and has since become a cult classic.

Transcending's initial pressing of the record in March of 2020 sold out before it even arrived from the manufacturing plant. Don't miss out on the second pressing featuring two new color variants - white with red/black splatter and gold marble - limited to 200 copies each, as well as traditional black, limited to 100 copies. This release is exclusive to North America and will not be distributed in Europe. The band will have copies available for sale when the release is available. Mandylion will also get its first official cassette pressing in over two decades (limited to 100 copies).  

Additionally, Transcending will release a CD edition of Mandylion, limited to 300 copies, and shipping now. 100% of the profits of the CD will go directly to The Gathering.

Mandylion will be released on February 19. Find pre-order options at here

Nighttime Birds is The Gathering's fourth full-length first released by Century Media Records in 1997. The album was again recorded at Woodhouse Studios with producer Siggi Bemm. Nighttime Birds was a logical follow up to Mandylion, breathing the same atmosphere.

Transcending's limited vinyl edition of Nighttime Birds will be available in white with green/black splatter (200), white and green color-in-color (200), and traditional black (100). Like Mandylion, it will also receive the cassette treatment (limited to 100 copies).

Nighttime Birds will be released on February 19. Find pre-order options here

Starting as a raw, death metal influenced band, and creating what later could be called gothic metal, The Gathering has been an extraordinary group since the early '90s. On their early more obscure albums, Always (1992) and Almost A Dance (1993), The Gathering were among the first acts to combine male grunts with female voices. As innovators of this unique style, they became a role model for the likes of Within Temptation, Evanescence, and Nightwish.

Vocalist Anneke van Giersbergen, who joined the band in 1994, proved to be an unstoppable growing vocal talent with an infectious, emotional, and heart-warming voice. From their rough metal roots, to the atmospheric sounds of Mandylion and dreamy, profound songs on Nighttime Birds, to their later musical endeavors within the progressive/triprock field, the Dutch collective has always remained true to themselves while building up a continuously increasing fan base.

Israeli progressive metal outfit, Subterranean Masquerade, will take part in their first online virtual concert experience this weekend. The band has been chosen to headline the Holiday Edition of Progspace's online international festival, performing this Friday, December 18.

Subterranean Masquerade recently announced their new deal with Sensory Records, a division of The Laser's Edge, home to records from Riverside, Diablo Swing Orchestra, Haken, Zero Hour, Gordian Knot, and more. The band's performance in the Progspace Online performance event will feature new music from their upcoming album, Mountain Fever, from their studio in the countryside of Israel.

Vocalist Davidavi Dolev humbly states, "Although it's been a challenging year, we feel it was one of the most important years in the band's career in terms of growth, both personally and musically but also a fantastic growth of the band's audience and followings, which we still cannot believe is happening without live concerts. We are so grateful and looking forward to playing the headline slot for the prog metal community and finally share with all our new friends some new live music. Our album, Mountain Fever, is just around the corner... we're counting down the hours!"   

In addition to Subterranean Masquerade's headlining Friday performance, The Holiday Edition of Progspace's online festival will feature Chaos Divine, Anima Tempo, Delta, Rannoch, Parazit, Lux Terminus, and Toehider, with special appearances by Deafening Opera, Damian Wilson, Novena, Simen Sandnes & Friends, Art Against Agony, Jo Quail, Raphael Weinroth-Browne, Voyager, and more. The performances begin at 8 PM, CET.

Tune in and see Subterranean Masquerade's Progspace performance this Friday, December 18 via the festival's YouTube channel here. See more at the band's festival page here.

In the meantime, check out the band's recent all-star tribute to the Phil Collins hit, "Another Day In Paradise", with performances from more than twenty leading participants from the contemporary Israeli metal and rock scene, including members of Orphaned Land and more.

Additionally, Subterranean Masquerade's lead vocalist Davidavi Dolev has also provided a leading voice role in the revolutionary metal video game, Of Bird & Cage, joining vocalists Kobra Paige (Kobra & the Lotus) and Danny Warsnop (Asking Alexandria), and instrumentalists Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal (Sons Of Apollo, ex-Guns N' Roses), Rob Van Der Loo (Epica), Ruud Jolie (Within Temptation), and many others. See the trailer for Of Bird & Cage below:

Mountain Fever will be Subterranean Masquerade's their first release for new label home, US-based Sensory Records. Their fourth LP, and sixth overall release, Mountain Fever was recorded between Golan Heights to Fascination Street Studio (engineered by David Castillo) and mixed by Jens Bogren (Leprous, Katatonia, Opeth). Here, Subterranean Masquerade continues pushing the balance between pioneering experimentalism to their own take on modern pop culture and its manifestation in the Middle East. Revealing an album composed of African and Balkan brass sections, Arabic violins, extended vocal techniques, and several special guest appearances, the band explores radio friendly hooks that emerge out of heavy riffs and polychromatic arrangements.

Watch for new details on Subterranean Masquerade's Mountain Fever LP and more to post in the first days of 2021.

Nervosa have released a drum playthrough video for the title track of their upcoming new album, Perpetual Chaos, out January 22 via Napalm Records. Watch  below:

The band's talented new lineup - featuring founding guitarist Prika Amaral and talented new members Diva Satanica on vocals, Mia Wallace on bass and Eleni Nota on drums - strike with inexorable full femme power, showcasing their ability for critical and straightforward lyricism mixed with an intoxicating blend of thrash spiced with remarkable death metal assaults.

Perpetual Chaos was recorded in Malaga at Artesonao Casa de Grabación Studio by Martin Furia, who also produced the new full-length with Prika Amaral - the explosive outcome is mastered by Yarne Heylen.

Vocalist Diva Satanica on the album process: “It was undoubtedly a very intense process in every way. Not only did we learn to work together, but also to get to know each other and live together. I am very lucky to be able to be part of a project like this and I am sure that with the release of this album, Nervosa will take a very important step in its career. Working with Martin Furia was incredible, he helped me to find nuances in my voice that I didn't know I had. Get ready, for a new era more powerful than ever!”

Guided by a marvellous force of uncompromising thrash and death metal, the raw power of Perpetual Chaos has its finger on the pulse of time: lyrically, Nervosa does not hesitate to tackle issues that impact the very core of society as we know it. From political grievances and amplifying the voices of minorities to protesting against factory farming, capitalism and succumbing to the ill-informed musings of social elites - these commanding women do not mince words. Tracks like the airtight opener “Venomous”, the fast-twitching “Until The Very End” and “Time To Fight” prove that Nervosa’s revitalized identity experiments with both fresh new elements and crucial auditory foundations without succumbing to any clichés. “Genocidal Command” perks ears with Diva Satanica’s vocal eloquence, accented by the outstanding range of Schmier (Destruction) whilst mirroring a rousing thrash metal manifest. A tremendous outcome awaits with brawl-brushed guitar lines, blisteringly fast drums and critical lyricism - striking the listener in a way only Nervosa could. Viva Perpetual Chaos.

Perpetual Chaos will be available in the following formats:

- Deluxe Edition: LP Gatefold Vinyl Splatter Blue/Red + 7 Inch incl. Bonustrack, Sticker and Patch - strictly limited to 300 copies  
- LP Gatefold Vinyl Red Transparent - limited to 500 copies
- LP Gatefold Vinyl Blue Transparent
- CD Digipack
- CD Digipack + Shirt Bundle
- Digital Album

Pre-order here.

Tracklisting:

"Venomous"
"Guided By Evil"
"People Of The Abyss"
"Perpetual Chaos"
"Until The Very End"
"Genocidal Command"
"Kings Of Domination"
"Time To Fight"
"Godless Prisoner"
"Blood Eagle"
"Rebel Soul"
"Pursued By Judgement"
"Under Ruins"

"Guided By Evil" video:

“Perpetual Chaos” lyric video:

Perpetual Chaos documentary series:

Part 1:

Part 2:

Lineup:

Diva Satanica (Vocals)
Prika Amaral (Guitar)
Mia Wallace (Bass)
Eleni Nota (Drums)

(Photo - Barbara Ciravegna)

The debut album from infectious modern rockers American Dream Machine, Deadhearts, will see its long-awaited release on December 18.

“This record is filled with so much personality,” says guitarist Mitch LoBuglio. “Each song feels like a movie to me. It’s beautiful, yet heartbreaking. Aggressive, yet sensitive. Personal, yet relatable. Dare I say good songs? Songs that I can get behind and say, ‘This is real.’ I am extremely honored to have been a part of the creation of this album. It's changed the way I think about songwriting and storytelling.”

Pre-orders are available now via iTunes, Apple Music and Spotify. A video for “Trapped Under You,” which is included as an instant grat track with pre-orders, will be released Friday to coincide with the release of the record.

Together for just a couple of years, American Dream Machine’s songwriting has a remarkable maturity. With catchy hooks, punchy riffs, and driving, heartfelt, introspective lyrics, Deadhearts’ 10 tracks flow seamlessly together while each having a distinctive flair.

“Deadhearts has a little bit of everything,” comments drummer Evan Milowic. Deadhearts was produced by Kile Odell (Motionless in White, Awake At Last).

Inspired by real life people and situations, the individual stories contained on Deadhearts will resonate with listeners.

“Deadhearts’ is about life and death, and the people who shape your life along the way,” says vocalist/lyricist Shawn Adams. “Almost every song is about someone who has changed me - some for the better, some not so much. I wanted to give something back to them and tell their stories to people who might need to hear it. It's important to me to let people know they are not alone.”

Deadhearts tracklisting:

"Dead"
"Bad News"
"New Apocalypse"
"Still Breathing"
"Tomorrow"
"Virginia"
"Seraphim"
"Back to Life"
"Trapper Under You"
"Heart"

“New Apocalypse”:

"Bad News":

"Dead" video:

Originally scheduled for an early summer release, American Dream Machine fell victim to 2020 every step of the way on the journey to the release of Deadhearts. The album’s unforgettable first single, “Bad News,” was scheduled for release with an accompanying video that had to be scrapped to due quarantine restrictions on filming. After releasing a second single, “New Apocalypse,” and pushing back the release of the album and cancelling tour plans,

American Dream Machine decided to focus on releasing singles. Armed with a major premiere for the next single, “Dead,” the foursome was set for a major breakthrough when the video was pulled last minute due to misconstrued “controversial” lyrical content. American Dream Machine persevered, quickly finding another outlet for the anti-drug-inspired track. With the outlook for the coming months still looking bleak, the Virginia-based band has decided to move forward with giving Deadhearts its long overdue and deserved release to close out the year.

“We all personally went through a lot together to get to the point of being able to drop this album,” says bassist Scotty Murphy. “The songs on Deadhearts are real, and they're meant to speak to people about real things, real emotions and experiences.”

The group is currently in Nashville to work on their sophomore release, but in typical 2020 fashion, they have been sidelined by the entire band testing positive for COVID. Here’s to 2021 and the opportunity for American Dream Machine to carve their own path through the landscape of alternative rock.

American Dream Machine is:

Shawn Adams - Vocals/Guitar
Mitch Lobuglio - Guitar
Scotty Murphy - Bass
Evan Milowic - Drums

John Diva & The Rockets Of Love will release their new album, American Amadeus, on January 15 via Steamhammer/SPV. Pre-order the album here, and watch a new video trailer below.

Tracklisting:

"Voodoo Sex & Vampires"
"American Amadeus"
"Soldier Of Love"
"Bling Bling Marilyn"
"Champagne On Mars"
"Weekend For A Lifetime"
"Karmageddon"
"Wasted (In Babylon)"
"Movin' Back To Paradise"
"Drip Drip Baby"
"This Is Rock'N'Roll"    
"2 Hearts"

Trailer:

"American Amadeus" video:

Denver Doom-rock outfit Shepherd have at long last unleashed their debut studio EP, First Hand, which came out November 20th on Destruent Records. Featuring their singles "Chariot" and "Persephone", First Hand blends the band's unmistakable penchant for pummeling riffs and low registers alongside engrossing textures and sprawling soundscapes. BraveWords is premiering a guitar playthrough of the track "Persephone". Watch below!

Speaking on the release of their debut EP, Shepherd comments, "Our sincerest thanks to everyone who helped us climb this mountain and to Juggernaut Audio [recording studio] as well as all of our listeners and supporters. This experience has been monumental for us as a band and as individuals and we are grateful to have the opportunity to share a part of ourselves with you."

First Hand is available to order via Bandcamp.

Tracklisting:

“Sea Cave”
“Chariot”
“Wendigo”
“Vestigial”
“Persephone”
“The West”

“Chariot”:

“Persephone”:

 

Dark Times Collaboration is a new, original music project, founded by guitarist Guilherme Miranda (Entombed A.D., KroW) and guitarist/producer Brian “Mitts” Daniels (ex-Madball, Skarhead, Rag Men). It includes bassist Chris O’Toole (Unearth, Turbid North), drummer Jono Garrett (Turbid North, Mos Generator), featured vocalist Ori Frank (Eternal Struggle), and an appearance by Brazilian hip hop artist Phantom DK.

Working entirely remotely during the 2020 pandemic, the group has written and recorded an original song, entitled “Turning Point”, that was mixed by Kristian Kohlmannslehner at Kohlekeller Studios in Seeheim, Germany.

About the inspiration for the project, Guilherme Miranda states: "Well for me, the idea of the project was to use it as a way to connect with people and make music. I always wanted to do something like this, with Mitts in mind. This year has been extremely challenging, psychologically speaking, and I thought it was an opportunity to put something out, to connect with people from all over the world. To give a voice and a place to speak for people like Phantom and Ori, who live in 2 completely different parts of the world, with totally different backgrounds. I wanted to find a way to unite styles and cultures to show that with music we can be unified."

About the song lyrics for "Turning Point", Brian “Mitts” Daniels reveals: "We tried to touch on the events of the summer of 2020, specifically the movements in protest of ignorance, intolerance, racism, police militarization, oppression. We tried to avoid labels like "left wing" vs. "right wing" and things like that. The song isn't a political message. We hope 2020 will be a "turning point" where the world moves towards a more tolerant, inclusive, diverse direction for all people, regardless of race, religion or social status."

New Messiah -  featuring C. Will Harden on guitars, Craig Cefola (Dukes, Wheelhouse Junction) on drums, and Deibys Artigas (Lepster) on vocals - have released their upcoming new album, Artigas. A lyric video for the track "Disclosure", featuring guitarist Gary Holt (Exodus, Slayer), can be found below.

Drummer/producer Craig Cefola has worked with Gary and Exodus in the past, including directing the Exodus documentary Assorted Atrocities, and the live concert Live At Wacken.

Artigas is the follow-up to New Messiah's 's 2019 debut album, Voice Of Choice, which included 20 cover songs. Get the new album digitally here. A limited quantity of CDs will be available via the band's Facebook page upon request.

Artigas tracklisting:

"Disclosure" (feat. Gary Holt)
"Message Of Love"
"The Evil That Men Do"
"Piano Man"
"Whadda You Want From Me"
"Dream On"
"Turbo Lover"
"Crazy"
"I Was Made For Lovin’ You"
"America"
"Simple Man"

"Disclosure" (feat. Gary Holt) lyric video:

"Dream On" lyric video:

US prog metal outfit, Oceans Of Slumber, have released a chilling acoustic version of "The Colors Of Grace". Watch the video below

"Where there is time, there is space to reimagine. In the idleness of a music industry halted, we were fortunate to make new connections and new friends capable of capturing not only our sound, but the essence of Oceans of Slumber unplugged. We bring you the 'The Colors Of Grace', an acoustic session with Hendyamps Studio," states Oceans Of Slumber lead singer Cammie Gilbert.

Oceans Of Slumber's new, self-titled album is available as a standard CD jewelcase, gatefold black 2LP+CD, digital album and is available to purchase here.

Oceans Of Slumber tracklisting:

"Soundtrack To My Last Day"
"Pray For Fire"
"A Return To The Earth Below"
"Imperfect Divinity"
"The Adorned Fathomless Creation"
"To The Sea"
"The Colors Of Grace"
"I Mourn These Yellow Leaves"
"September (Those Who Come Before)"
"Total Failure Apparatus"
"The Red Flower"
"Wolf Moon"

"Pray For Fire" lyric video:

“To The Sea (A Tolling Of The Bells)” video:

“The Colors Of Grace” video:

 

"A Return To The Earth Below" video:

Lineup:

Cammie Gilbert - Vocals
Jessie Santos - Guitar, Backing Vocals
Alexander Lucian - Guitar, Backing Vocals
Semir Ozerkan - Bass
Dobber - Drums, Piano/Synths
Mat Aleman - Keyboards

(Photo - Taylee Photography)

After hustling in the underground scene for the better part of three years, Richmond, Indiana-based metal outfit Wolftooth snagged the attention of Napalm Records with their multifaceted blend of classic NWOBHM and doom influences lifted by heavy stoner rock riffage. Closing out a bleak year with something very bright, the band is pleased to announce that they’ve signed worldwide contract with the premier rock and metal label.

Consisting of vocalist/guitarist Chris Sullivan, guitarist Jeff Cole, bassist Terry McDaniel and drummer Johnny Harrod, Wolftooth launched in 2017 with the release of their debut EP, grabbing the attention of fans and industry alike. In early 2018, the band followed up by dropping their self-titled album, Wolftooth, to rave reviews.

Immediately hitting the road in support of the album, Wolftooth harvested countless new fans, building a reputation as a hard-hitting live act by supporting metal icons like Iced Earth, Sanctuary, Black Label Society, The Atomic Bitchwax, Eyehategod and The Obsessed. In 2019, the band returned to the studio to record their sophomore release, Valhalla. Wolftooth expanded on their already potent sound with cleaner production, hooky choruses and colossal riffs, all while harking back to the golden age of heavy metal. The record hit the underground in mid-2020.

Wolftooth says about the signing: “In the three short years that we’ve been a band, we’ve made great strides to be heard and bring the almighty riff back into the forefront of heavy music. We are very thankful for our fans and the support they have given us on this journey. The band is also very excited for the future and about our partnership with Napalm Records - now anything is possible. We are currently writing our third album and look forward to getting on the road in 2021.”

Get into Wolftooth below:

During an appearance on the latest episode of the "Talk Is Jericho" podcast, hosted by FOZZY singer and wrestling superstar Chris Jericho, AC/DC guitarist Angus Young spoke about his nephew Stevie Young, who took founding AC/DC rhythm guitarist Malcolm Young's place in the band prior to the recording of the group's 16th studio album, 2014's "Rock Or Bust".

"Stevie grew up playing like Mal," Angus said (hear audio below). "That was how he really got into getting his guitar together. So he just tuned in to how Mal would play. And it is a unique style. Because there's a lot of guitarists out there, like myself, who play a lot of lead notes, and they try to be flashy and stuff. So finding somebody who's just a solid guy on the rhythm guitar and plays it with such a distinct style, they're very rare and unique. You only get a handful of those type of players in the world… So that's the style Stevie aimed for. Malcolm had his own thing going — very distinct. It's just a unique way of playing. And Stevie, that's what his bible was. And he filled in for Mal in '88. It was Mal who got him in: 'He'll help while I go on and get myself in rehab.' And he had been gigging in his own bands for a while. And he came in and did a great job. So it was really obvious, if you were gonna look anywhere, I'd get Stevie in first, because of just that style of playing."

When Stevie played with AC/DC on a 1988 tour while Malcolm stepped out to deal with his dependency on alcohol, legend has it that Stevie resembled his uncle closely enough that many fans reportedly didn't even know Malcolm had left the tour.

AC/DC made it official in September 2014 that Malcolm Young would no longer record or perform with the group. His family disclosed a short time later that he was afflicted with dementia. The guitarist passed away in November 2017.

Angus told Guitar World magazine about his musical chemistry with Stevie: "Stevie is a bit like… even when he was starting off with us, he picked up on what Malcolm did rhythm-wise. I mean, Stevie can do solos and stuff like that too, but he went the route a bit like Malcolm. It's the rhythm that he enjoyed doing best and that’s how he applied himself.

"And you know, Stevie had filled in for Malcolm in the past, in the '80s. So for me it was, I’m looking at somebody I know is dependable and who can also do that role.

"And I mean, nothing could ever replace Malcolm, because Malcolm is the founder and he set the whole style. But Stevie certainly can do the role. He knows how it should be. So it's just a case of the two of us sitting down and making sure we’re in sync."

Back in 2016, Stevie stated about his approach to playing rhythm guitar in AC/DC: "I come from a musical family. My dad and all my brothers played an instrument, mostly guitars. So there was all these instruments [laying] around. You picked it up and played it away. There was always people to show you how to get on with it.

"I work out stuff all the time; I keep working away," he added. "Every day I listen and try to find bits that I missed or something that Malcolm did that would help with what's [going on] in the tunes. I'm not trying to imitate or copy him, but trying to keep the spirit of what he did in the band."

AC/DC's latest album, "Power Up", came out last month. The LP features AC/DC's 2020 lineup of Angus Young (guitar), Stevie Young (guitar), Brian Johnson (vocals), Phil Rudd (drums) and Cliff Williams (bass). The effort was recorded over a six-week period in August and September 2018 at Warehouse Studios in Vancouver with producer Brendan O'Brien, who also worked 2008's "Black Ice" and "Rock Or Bust".

ACCEPT guitarist Wolf Hoffmann spoke to RJ Bayley of Metal Empire about the origin of the band's unusual name. He said (hear audio below): "It actually existed before I joined the band, believe it or not. The guys had already performed under that name locally a couple of times. It was basically a neighborhood band, and they had that name. I was never completely happy with it, but, of course, it stuck and we kept it over the years. I think if came off an album, or I know it did — there was an album by a [blues] band called CHICKEN SHACK, believe it or not. And they had an album [in 1970] called 'Accept'. And I always thought, 'How bizarre? How odd? Why would you name a metal band after an album by CHICKEN [SHACK]?' But they did it, and it was already a done deal, and we kept it all these years. But it's still a bit of an odd mystery, the whole thing."

Asked what the ACCEPT name means to him personally, Wolf said: "Nothing, really. It's just a name. I never thought it was a metal name. I mean, fans tell me they love the name; they think it's great. But I always thought, ACCEPT, the meaning of it is really not very metal, is it? … The name was already there when I joined the band, and we kept it for all these years. And after a while, you keep forgetting about it, what it actually means, because you're so used to it. But I never thought it was a brilliant band name or anything. I thought other bands had much cooler names, like BLACK SABBATH, for instance, or JUDAS PRIEST — that's totally metal. On the other hand, there's some dumb band names, like DEF LEPPARD; I never thought that was very cool… That's an odd one. I'm sure there's examples in both ways, and we fall somewhere in the middle, I think."

Hoffmann is the sole remaining original member of ACCEPT, which he formed in 1976 in the town of Solingen, Germany with singer Udo Dirkschneider and bassist Peter Baltes.

ACCEPT's new studio album, "Too Mean To Die", will be released on January 15, 2021 via Nuclear Blast. The LP will be the group's first without bassist Peter Baltes, who exited ACCEPT in November 2018. He has since been replaced by Martin Motnik. ACCEPT's lineup has also been expanded with the addition of a third guitarist, Philip Shouse, who originally filled in for Uwe Lulis during last year's "Symphonic Terror" tour, before being asked to join the band permanently.

"Too Mean To Die" was recorded in Nashville, Tennessee with British producer Andy Sneap (JUDAS PRIEST, MEGADETH), who has been responsible for the magnificent studio sound of ACCEPT since 2010.

ACCEPT's last album, 2017's "The Rise Of Chaos", marked the band's first release with guitarist Uwe Lulis and drummer Christopher Williams, replacing Herman Frank and Stefan Schwarzmann, respectively.

ACCEPT's latest release was "Symphonic Terror - Live At Wacken 2017", featuring the band's performance at the Wacken Open Air festival in Wacken, Germany.

In a new interview with Metal Shock Finland, Doro Pesch was asked if there is anything she would still like to achieve 40 years into her career as a heavy metal singer. She responded: "I always try, with every song, every album, every gig — small or big; that doesn't matter — to make people feel good and to give them a lot of power and energy. And it would be awesome if I could it for a long time, and if I could do — I don't know — maybe 10, 20 more records, that would be awesome, and do what I love to do. I love people, and that's, I guess, what I'm here for — I just wanna make people feel great and get inspiration, motivation and positive metal power. So that's what I would love to continue doing. There's not much — I don't have any other dreams. I'm definitely living the dream — making music."

The 56-year-old German musician continued: "I always wanted to become a singer, since I was three years old, and that was, for me, like, 'Wow!' Like when I quit my job. That was actually when we got the JUDAS PRIEST tour. Then I quit my job; I was a graphic artist. And I thought, 'I would love to do it for the rest of my life, if that's possible.' But I love animals too. That's my other passion. And I just wrote a song for the new album, and it's called 'Heavenly Creatures'; that's a work title. I love dogs and horses — and all animals. But I'm always trying to help out some animal shelters."

Asked if it's likely that fans will get a new album from Doro in 2021, she said: "Yeah, next year, and then hopefully a nice tour behind the new album. But we'll see. We have already six songs, so I think middle of next year, the album [will be done]."

Doro's new LP will be the follow-up to "Forever Warriors, Forever United", which came out in 2018. The double album featured 19 regular tracks and six bonus songs.

Compared to her previous efforts, "Forever United" took a more sentimental turn, with lyrical topics covering friendship, love and companionship. A highlight was Doro's tribute to the late and great Lemmy. The album cover artwork was once again created by Doro's favorite artist, Geoffrey Gillespie. It portrayed Doro in the middle of a swarm of wild metal heads exuding attitude, power and positive vibes.

Pesch played three drive-in concerts in her home country this past summer. The shows complied with Germany's social distancing regulations amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Doro released a video for her new single, "Brickwall", in June. The track was made available digitally via Nuclear Blast and on vinyl on July 31.

Photo credit: David Havlena

Adrian Smith has praised late producer Martin Birch for his work with IRON MAIDEN, saying "he let us sound like we sounded."

The British music producer, whose nickname was Headmaster, died in August at the age of 71. He was perhaps best known for his 11-year stint with MAIDEN, serving as the producer and engineer of such classic albums as "Killers", "The Number Of The Beast", "Piece Of Mind" and "Somewhere In Time".

In a new interview with Rodrigo Altaf of Sonic Perspectives, Smith was asked how Birch helped shape the MAIDEN sound in the mid-1980s. The guitarist responded: "Well, it's interesting you say that about shaping the sound. Martin wasn't the sort of producer who would make you sound like you weren't, if you know what I mean. Some producers have their own sound. Martin let us sound like we sounded. He just captured what we were, and that was his strong point. His productions weren't bombastic and overproduced — they were very natural. To be quite honest, sometimes I had a problem with that. I thought we should sound a bit more bombastic and bigger sounding, but that's the way Martin did it, and that was his strength."

He continued: "Some of my favorite albums I've heard were [produced by] Martin. I think my favorite all-time album is probably [DEEP PURPLE's] 'Machine Head', and that's what got me into music. And that's just a very, very dry kind of — it sounds like the band. Another of Martin's strengths was man management, as I call it. It is very important for a producer, when you've got five personalities in the band, and you have to balance it and keep everybody happy and do the best for the overall outcome. So he was really good at that — getting a good performance out of you… He was a bit crazy as well. He worked very hard, but he used to play very hard as well. And there's a few stories in [my] book about that."

IRON MAIDEN albums produced by Martin Birch:

1981 - Killers

1982 - The Number Of The Beast

1983 - Piece Of Mind

1984 - Powerslave

1985 - Live After Death

1986 - Somewhere In Time

1988 - Seventh Son Of A Seventh Son

1990 - No Prayer For The Dying

1992 - Fear Of The Dark

1994 - Maiden England '88

A day after Birch's passing, MAIDEN bassist Steve Harris said in a statement: "He was just absolutely brilliant. He wasn't just a producer, he was a hands-on engineer too, so he knew how to get a great sound. He was also fantastic at motivating people; he just had a knack of getting the best out of you. He was also a really nice man, great fun with a terrific sense of humor and that made him easy to work with. We all got along with him really well and the whole band is very saddened by today's news."

Added singer Bruce Dickinson: "To me, Martin was a mentor who completely transformed my singing: he was a psychotherapist and, in his own words, a juggler who could mirror exactly what a band was. That was his special talent as a producer. He was not a puppeteer, he did not manipulate the sound of the band, he just reflected it in the best possible way. Apart from all of that, he was a wonderful, warm and funny human being.

"Martin and I shared a passion for martial arts — he for karate and me for fencing which gave us another bond too.

"I'm so very sad to hear this news. It's incredible that he has passed away at such a young age for a man who was so full of life."

Birch, who began his career in the late 1960s as an engineer, also worked on recordings for DEEP PURPLE ("In Rock", "Machine Head"), RAINBOW ("Rising", "Long Live Rock 'N' Roll"), WHITESNAKE ("Saints & Sinners") and BLACK SABBATH ("Heaven And Hell", "Mob Rules"). He retired in 1992.

Speaking with Classic Rock about "The Number Of The Beast", Birch said: "I had the same feeling on 'The Number Of The Beast' as when we did DEEP PURPLE's 'Machine Head'. It was the same kind of atmosphere, the same kind of feeling, like, something really good is happening here.

"I remember we spent ages getting the vocal intro to the title track right. We did it over and over and over until Bruce Dickinson said, 'My head is splitting. Can't we move on and do something else and come back to this?' But I wouldn't let him do anything else until he'd got it perfect. It drove him cra

SMASHING PUMPKINS frontman Billy Corgan spoke to Australia's Triple M radio station about how today's divisive political climate could shape the new sound of protest music in the coming years. He said (see video below): "I'm curious about that, because the one thing that I think is historically different about this time, if you look at the turbulent '60s or the turbulent '70s in the U.K., stuff like that, there seems to be almost a consensus between the musical class and the political class, so there doesn't seem to be friction. I mean, there's friction against one political party, but there doesn't really seem to be a counterculture, which is kind of strange.

"Like they said in the last election — this is not my words; this is what I read, somebody said — if you're in agreement with the big tech companies, the government and the media, you're not against anything," he continued. "So it's kind of strange — and I'm saying this for young musicians — will there be a class of musicians that rises up against what is now seemingly a social consensus in America? Because I can't say that's ever been the case that I've ever seen in my lifetime, and going back historically, that hasn't been the case. There's a weird alignment that's going on that doesn't seem to be engendering protest music; it seems to be more self-congratulations or something.

"Maybe we're reaching a point where people are less inclined to believe in one side or the other, and more inclined to think about, not the middle, but is there some other version of things," Corgan added. "Because maybe that story has sort of worn itself out. I know it has in America. It's so divisive that people don't even talk about it anymore. We've reached a point where people have even stopped talking, 'cause there's just nothing to talk about."

According to Billy, his goal is to become an artist that can provide comfort, relief and positive energy to people. "As a public artist, part of my job is to be able to talk to everybody," he said. "When I look at an audience, I don't think, 'What side are you on politically?' 'What side are you on socially?' — I just wanna wanna be able to communicate. So an artist by definition is supposed to be a unifying figure. I really want everybody to get along; I really believe everybody should have the great chance at the American Dream — all that stuff. So it's hard to watch the divisiveness. And there's plenty of blame to go around. I don't think one side is great and one side is bad; I think they're all messed up."

SMASHING PUMPKINS' new album, "Cyr", was released on November 27 via Sumerian Records. The 20-song follow-up to 2018's "Shiny And Oh So Bright, Vol. 1 / LP: No Past. No Future. No Sun." was produced by Corgan. It features founding members Corgan, Jimmy Chamberlin and James Iha, along with longtime guitarist Jeff Schroeder.

The "Cyr" title track premiered in late August. A second single, "The Colour Of Love", came out at the same time. Variety said the two tracks are "effortlessly taking their place alongside a catalog of cherished SMASHING PUMPKINS classics."

German progressive metallers M.I.GOD. held another livestream show this past Saturday, December 12th over YouTube, Facebook and Instagram. Check out the complete show below.

M.I.GOD. have been kicking around for close to 20 years, releasing albums as time and resources allow, earning themselves a small but respectable following along the way. The international market was never the focus so there was never a serious push in that direction, but after the release of the Floor 29 album in 2012 things went quiet, messing up any forward momentum they may have had. This year the band returned with Specters On Parade, an album unlike anything in the M.I.GOD. catalogue. Meant as a concept record, reviews have been all over the map, with one reviewer going so far as to simply call the album “shit.” The band good-naturedly shared said small-minded review via social media, knowing full well that no matter how poorly some people react to Specters On Parade, it is most certainly not the slab of crap they would have you believe.

In actual fact, Specters On Parade is the best album M.I.GOD. has released to date and it’s worthy of international attention. It plays out like a movie, taking the listener on a journey in the same way a film soundtrack offers up an act-to-act or scene-by-scene tapestry.

“I’m a really big movie fan,” says Chemnitz, “which I think is pretty obvious when you listen to Specters On Parade, and that’s how I laid it out. I had no idea how to make a concept album; I just had an idea, I guess you could say, in the context of making a movie. The main thing was that I had a running order for the songs, like a setlist. In my mind it was fixed. But, that idea was created before I had the lyrics (laughs). I only had the music for 10 songs, and I had to put them in order to tell the story, I guess you can say. For example, I wanted to end the album with a really big song, ‘Specters On Parade’, but as I wrote the lyrics that song became the central topic and I had to move it up to the middle of the tracklist. And when I was writing the songs, I realized I would have to make time jumps between them to make the concept move forward, to show that a few months had passed or whatever. That’s why we put the little scenes between the songs.”

For Chemnitz, having Specters On Parade lumped in with metal royalty like Savatage’s Streets, Queensrÿche’s Operation: Mindcrime, Dream Theater’s Scenes From A Memory or even Extreme’s Pornograffitti is an accolade of the highest order.

“It leaves me speechless, really. It’s the biggest thing I could wish for because I love those albums, like Operation: Mindcrime, and I still listen to them. I’m really grateful when I hear things like that.”

Read the complete interview here. Check out the BraveWords review for Specters On Parade here.

Today, Saigon Kick guitarist Jason Bieler unleashes his new single, "Bring Out Your Dead", upon all your favorite streaming and purchasing platforms. He has issued the following introduction:

"The song is called 'Bring Out Your Dead' and it features David Ellefson, Devin Townsend, and Edu Cominato. Their respective contributions are like a combination of dark magic, hot yoga and frolicking in a field of fluffy, hug crazed bunnies. Wave after wave of bunnies surround you and sing your praises while directing you to the magic castle made of pudding. With the obvious underlying theme of the apocalypse...but in a funny way. Hope this helps."

Jason Bieler is preparing to release his new solo album, Songs For The Apocalypse, under the moniker Jason Bieler And The Baron Von Bielski Orchestra, on January 22 on CD/LP/Digital.

The album sees Bieler working with a diverse array of musical friends including Todd LaTorre (Queensrÿche), Dave Ellefson (Megadeth), Devin Townsend, Pat Badger (Extreme), Butch Walker (ex-Marvelous 3), Bumblefoot (Sons of Apollo), Clint Lowery (Sevendust), Benji Webbe (Skindred), Kyle Sanders (Hellyeah) and more. A full list of musical cohorts can be found below.

The first single and video, "Apology" features Todd LaTorre (Queensrÿche) on drums, Kevin Scott on bass, and a guest guitar solo from Andee Blacksugar (KMFDM), with Bieler handling lead vocals and all other instruments.  Watch the video below, and pre-order/save the album here.

Bieler is a singer, guitarist, songwriter and producer who is also known for playing with hard rock band Saigon Kick, which achieved a platinum single in the US with the timeless hit "Love Is On The Way" from its gold-selling album The Lizard, which Jason also produced. Bieler also played in an early touring version of Talisman with Marcel Jacob and Jeff Scott Soto, as well as Super Transatlantic, with Extreme bassist Pat Badger, earning them a gold record for their work on the soundtrack for the American Pie movie. Recently, Bieler had been touring extensively as a solo artist. The shows featured a wide array of musical styles, absurdists humor, special guests, and more. He also runs, along with his brother, a successful record label, Bieler Bros., which has worked with Skindred, Will Haven, Nonpoint, Karnivool, Sikth, and many more.

Tracklisting:

"Never Ending Circle"
"Apology"
"Bring Out Your Dead"
"Annalise"
"Stones Will Fly"
"Down In A Hole"
"Anthem For Losers"
"Horror Wobbles The Hippo"
"Beyond Hope"
"Crab Claw Dan"
"Born Of The Sun"
"Baby Driver"
"Alone In The World"
"Very Fine People"
"Fkswyso"

"Apology" video:

Lineup:

All instruments and vocals by Jason Bieler unless listed otherwise below:

"Apology"
Drums: Todd LaTorre
Bass: Kevin Scott
Solos: Andee Blacksugar

"Bring Out Your Dead"
Drums: Edu Cominato
Bass: David Ellefson
Solo: Devin Townsend

"Annalise"
Bass: Kevin Scott

"Stones Will Fly, My Only Hope"
Drums: Ricky Sanders
Bass: Pat Badger
Solo and extra guitars: Butch Walker

"Down In A Hole"
Drums: Edu Cominato
Bass: Kyle Sanders
Extra Guitars: Stephen Gibb

"Anthem For Losers"
Drums: Ricky Sanders
Bass, Piano, Guitar Twanging: Clay Cook

"Horror Wobbles The Hippo"
Extra guitars solos and soundscapes: Emil Werstler

"Beyond Hope"
Guest Vocals: Benji Webbe
Drums: Ricky Sanders
Bass: David Ellefson
Solo: Bumblefoot

"Born Of The Sun"
Drums: Edu Cominato
Bass: Kyle Sanders
Solo: Clint Lowery

"Alone In The World"
Drums: Ricky Sanders
Guest Vocals: Jeff Scott Soto

A few months after the appetizer Burning Man EP, former U.D.O. guitarist Andy Susemihl presents his seventh studio album, Alienation. Also on board are a number of "superfriends" who support him with this long player. These include international giants such as Peter Baltes (Accept), Francesco Jovin (U.D.O. / Jorn) and Andre Labelle (Vinnie Vincent). 

Alienation is "a very up-to-date album, a combination of rousing rock songs, unique compositions and lyrics that life has written especially in these crazy times." Susemihl himself describes his eclectic and multi-string style as Sophisticated Global Rock.

The tracklist is as follows:

"Another Day Another Turn"
"Aliens"
"Top Of The World"
"Monkey Time"
"Billion Dollar Light Show"
"Common Sense"
"Medicine Wheel"
"The Game"
"Over My Head"
"Hands On The Wheel"
"Somewhere In Time"
"So Tired"

The album will be released on January 22nd, 2021 via SM Noise Records.

Of Gods & Monsters has announced its new lineup and upcoming record featuring drummer Simon Wright (AC/DC, Dio, UFO), guitarist Ira Black (Lizzy Borden, Metal Church), bassist Bjorn Englen (Dio Returns, Yngwie Malmsteen, Quiet Riot) and founding member / singer Kevin Goocher (Omen, Phantom-X)

Goocher: "I’m beyond thrilled with the new lineup. These guys are truly Gods and Monsters at what each of them do. Writing with Ira in particular has been something I’ve never experienced before. Working with these musicians has pushed me to think outside the box. It’s been exciting and I hope listeners will feel that."

Previous Of Gods & Monsters band members included drummer Deen Castronovo (The Dead Daisies, Journey), bassist Tim Gaines (Aldo Nova, Stryper) and guitarist Joey Tafolla (Graham Bonnet, Jag Panzer), who recorded and released the bands first record, Sons Of Armageddon, in March 2020 which featured Simon Wright as a guest on their debut single, "Waiting On The End of the World".

Wright, Black And Englen toured together in Hellion with singer Ann Boleyn in 2015-2016.

The new lineup is currently finishing its first record with sound engineer Total Access Recording founder Wyn Davis. Davis’s notable clients include Dio, Guns N' Roses, Dokken and Great White to name a few. Follow up tour and festivals scheduled for the Spring/ Summer 2021. 

For more information visit the official Of Gods & Monsters Facebook page here.