MSG have released an official music video for "After The Rain" (feat. Michael Voss), from the band's new album, Immortal, out January 8 via Nuclear Blast. Watch below.

"The song 'After The Rain' was coming out of the blue. I have never done a power ballad before. Michael Voss wrote some of the lyrics and vocal melodies, after I had put down my musical composition on backing track for this song. The next morning Michael Voss played me what he had sang to it and I said: 'This is so beautiful, only you can sing this song and it turned out amazing'," comments Michael Schenker.

"This is an outstanding mellow tuned power ballad with some unique Michael Schenker clean picking guitar style. When I first listened to Michaels rough sketches, I was singing a kinda ‚lala‘ melody that automatically drove me into the line 'say have you been lonely,...‘ - from there I felt it must deal about a sad loss and a departure of a big love... but there will be sun and light... after the rain," adds Michael Voss.

MSG is a legendary name. After two phenomenal records under the guise of Michael Schenker Fest, a true guitar hero is returning to his roots. By forming Michael Schenker Group (MSG) back in 1979, Michael Schenker laid the foundations for one of hard rock’s most glorious solo careers of all times. And while nobody expected anything less from a former guitarist for Scorpions and UFO, it’s close to impossible mentioning everything Michael has built over the past 50 years, or the countless people he influenced or played with. This, truly, is the stuff that hard rocking myths are made of.

“I never looked back,” is how Michael dryly sums up an extraordinary career. Due to this mindset, he only realised much later what a huge impact his playing had made on the world of metal and hard rock. Very few guitarists can be cited as a primary influence for the likes of James Hetfield, Kirk Hammett, Dave Mustaine, Dimebag Darrell, Slash or Kerry King. However, to understand Michael Schenker means to understand one primary thing: he’s not here to be worshipped or adored, he’s not here to get rich, he’s here to play. And at 65, he’s doing it with the same swagger, verve and dizzying artistry as always. “I’m still 16 in my head,” he laughs.

Right in time for his 40th anniversary as a solo artist and his 50th birthday as a musician, he resurrects the immortal Michael Schenker Group. Immortal is also the name of his new album, recorded by likely the strongest line-up in his long history. Its a lightning bolt of an album that sounds fresh, bloodthirsty and agile. Immortal showcases the gargantuan vocal talents of Chilean hard rock prodigy Ronnie Romero (Rainbow), backed by singers Ralf Scheepers (Primal Fear), Joe Lynn Turner (ex-Deep Purple) as well as Schenker’s brother in arms, Michael Voss (Mad Max) who again produced the record alongside Michael Schenker – flawlessly, punchy and at full steam as if their very lives depended on it.

Next to Michael Schenker caressing his iconic black and white Dean Flying V, we hear bass player Barry Sparks (Dokken), keyboard player Steve Mann as well as the three drummers Bodo Schopf, Simon Phillips (ex-Toto) and Brian Tichy (ex-Whitesnake) pumping gallons of fresh blood through the tracks. And that’s not all, keyboard wizard extraordinaire Derek Sherinian (Dream Theater, Black Country Communion) gives the listener a baptism of fire in the blistering, heavy hitting opener “Drilled To Kill”, powered by Ralf Scheepers’ unbelievable vocal tornado.

Michael Schenker doesn’t live to play, he plays to live, and there’s no better way of summing up his relationship to his music than this – now for half a century and counting. The most emblematic representation of this relationship is the monumental closing track “In Search Of The Peace Of Mind”, a new recording of the very first song he ever wrote. “I composed this track in my mother’s kitchen back when I was 15,” he looks back half a century and smiles broadly: “The solo is just so perfect, I wouldn’t change a single note even today. This is the most important song of the last 50 years for me. It’s what started it all.”

When it finally got released in 1972 on the Scorpions’ debut Lonesome Crow, Schenker had already moved on to UFO. What followed were several decades of pure hard rock ecstasy on and off stage, featuring a rotating cast of stellar players, always pressing the pedal to the metal. Now, in 2020, he reaps what he sowed. Alongside many of his peers, friends and contemporaries, he is celebrating 50 years of hard rock – fittingly with an album that is something like a zeitgeisty reminiscence of everything he’s ever done. The massive midtempo smasher “Don’t Die On Me Now” sees Joe Lynn Turner going all in, Ronnie Romero works his magic in “Knight Of The Dead” while Michael Voss cuts a grand figure before the microphone as well as behind the mixing desk on the furious second single “After The Rain”.

Towering above them all, Michael Schenker and his guitar prove they’re truly and utterly invincible. The celebrated icon pulls out all the stops – including his legendary “howler”, the fabled magnet he’s used on his fingerboard for a while now. And here’s yet another thing that’s just so archetypically Schenker, when bringing up his fiery and dedicated performance on “Immortal” he nonchalantly shrugs it off: “I simply played from the heart, as always.” This, dear Michael, is the understatement of the year – all the more so for a record that is already one of the top contenders for hard rock/metal album of the year.

Pre-order the new album here.

Tracklisting:

"Drilled To Kill" (feat Ralf Scheepers)
"Don’t Die On Me Now" (feat Joe Lynn Turner)
"Knight Of The Dead" (feat Ronnie Romero)
"After The Rain" (feat Michael Voss)
"Devil’s Daughter" (feat Ralf Scheepers)
"Sail The Darkness" (Feat Ronnie Romero)
"The Queen Of Thorns And Roses" (feat Michael Voss)
"Come On Over" (feat Ronnie Romero)
"Sangria Morte" (feat Joe Lynn Turner)
"In Search Of Peace Of Mind" (feat Ronnie Romero, Gary Barden,Doogie White, Robin McAuley)

"Drilled To Kill" lyric video:

Every new beginning holds its own magic: With today's release of their new single, "Beyond Reach", Devil Sold His Soul does not only announce their fourth studio album but also reveal the news that the band inked a deal with metal heavyweight Nuclear Blast Records. The first result of this collaboration, titled Loss, will see light on April 9. The album will be available in various formats. Pre-order here.

With the video for "Beyond Reach", the band showcases not only their charismatic performance skills but also gives a short glimpse on the earth-shattering riffs, huge soundscapes and soaring melodies awaiting you on Loss. Check out the video below.

Singer Paul Green states: "Our first single 'Beyond Reach' tells a story of the struggle and the impact that losing someone has, it speaks about the positive impact that individuals can have on us, and how loss can leave you unable to function. Despite the song coming from hard times, the track is positive, uplifting and carries plenty of energy. The message is far from sombre, instead it comes from a place of gratitude for having had that person in our life."

He continues about the eagerly awaited Devil Sold His Soul album: "We're incredibly excited to announce the release of our 4th album, Loss, through Nuclear Blast Records. Loss comes from a dark place for us, life was cruel in the years before and during we wrote this record, this was our fuel for the songs. Loss is an honest snapshot of that time in our lives, and it is our way of paying respect to those we loved and who are no longer with us. We couldn't be more proud of these 10 songs and where they have pushed our songwriting, and we hope they truly connect with the listener. I don't think any of us imagined when we were writing this album, that we would end up signing to the biggest metal label in the world. It's given us that added validation that we've created something special, and we now have the platform to push it to where it needs to be.The belief that the team at Nuclear Blast has shown in the record is truly humbling, we're extremely proud to be a part of this great label, and to be on a roster alongside so many bands we love and respect."

Nathan Barley Philips, Nuclear Blast A&R, adds: "When the underground kings of emotionally crushing cinematic post-metal sent me the album of their career, it was an absolute no-brainer. I just knew we had to be involved and that we had to share it with the world. This album is a true journey in every sense of the word; soaring highs that make you want to scream at the top of your lungs, and soul-shattering lows that will bring you close to tears. This is the kind of album you dream about working with. Dreams just became a reality."

Tracklisting:

"Ardour"
"Witness Marks"
"Burdened"
"Tateishi"
"The Narcissist"
"Beyond Reach"
"Signal Fire"
"Acrinomy"
"But Not Forgotten"
"Loss"

"Beyond Reach" video:

Devil Sold His Soul begin a new chapter in their highly-acclaimed career, signing to metal heavyweights Nuclear Blast Records. 2021 will see the band release their fourth studio album Loss, their first with the dual vocal attack of Ed Gibbs and Paul Green.

Devil Sold His Soul burst onto the UK underground metal and hardcore scene in 2004 growing a cult following from their first record, Darkness Prevails EP released through Visible Noise in 2005. Their debut album, A Fragile Hope, saw the band take their position as one of the most respected underground bands in the UK with their visceral and captivating live shows. Devil Sold His Soul’s sophomore album, Blessed And Cursed, elevated their sound and audience to new heights.

With Ed Gibbs departing the band early in the year, 2013 saw the first new material featuring singer Paul Green with single "Time", followed by 2014’s Belong Betray EP and 2016’s The Reckoning. After welcoming Gibbs back to sing on the 2017 A Fragile Hope anniversary tour, the band asked Gibbs to continue the dual vocals with Green for the remaining festivals and tours that year, with the lineup then becoming a permanent fixture.

2018 saw the band travel beyond Europe with their first touring in Asia, they also began to put the foundations down on what would become their new record Loss. Written about the struggles faced in recent years, Loss’treads familiar ground and explores exciting new territories for Devil Sold His Soul, including for the first time the dual vocals of Gibbs and Green on record. Recorded, engineered and mixed by guitarist Jonny Renshaw at his UK based Bandit Studios, Devil Sold His Soul have poured heart and sincerity into every atom of this their fourth album, with song writing elevated to new levels.

Devil Sold His Soul is:

Rick Chapple – Guitar, Piano
Jonny Renshaw - Guitar
Alex Wood - Drums
Jozef Norocky - Bass
Paul Green – Vocals
Ed Gibbs - Vocals

British/American metal trio, Raven, have released a new single and video for the song "Not So Easy". The song is taken from the new studio album, Metal City, which lands at #27 on BraveWords BravePicks 2020 list.

John Gallagher: “We actually shot this back in April 2019 in Los Angeles while we were doing some studio lunacy at Mike Heller's place... just a regular day at the office....lunatic style!”

The Metal City is available via SPV/Steamhammer on CD DigiPak, LP version, bundle version with shirt (only at the Steamhammer shop), download and stream. Order here.

Tracklisting:

"The Power"
"Top Of The Mountain"
"Human Race"
"Metal City"
"Battlescarred"
"Cybertron"
"Motorheadin'"
"Not So Easy"
"Break"
"When Worlds Collide"

"Metal City" video:

"Top Of The Mountain" lyric video:

Niji Entertainment and BMG announce the first two albums in the Dio Live Album Reissue Series with Evil Or Divine: Live In New York City and Holy Diver Live on February 12. Fans can get an early listen with two tracks launched today, a never before released, live version of “Lord Of The Last Day” and a live version of the classic “Holy Diver”. Watch a video for “Holy Diver” below.

Wendy Dio says, "I am very excited to be working with BMG, a label that still has a passion for rock music. They will be making the complete Dio catalogue available again with some interesting surprises."

Evil Or Divine: Live In New York City:

- Reissue of DIO’s long out of print 2005 live release
- Newly remastered & newly created cover art
- Limited edtion vinyl version includes lenticular 3D album sized art piece along with 3LP 180g black vinyl / triple gatefold
- Also Available in 2CD Deluxe Mediabook and 3LP 180g Black Vinyl / Triple Gatefold Standard Edition / Remastered Digital Version
- Features the complete live show experience as if you were there, including never before released version of “Lord Of The Last Day” and an amazing Simon Wright drum solo not on the original release!
- Both 3LP Vinyl Versions feature special mini 4 track bonus from the 1996-2004 studio albums featuring “This Is Your Life” (from Angry Machines), “Fever Dreams” (from Magica), “Push” (from Killing The Dragon), & “The Eyes” (from Master Of The Moon)

Lineup:

Vocals:  Ronnie James Dio
Guitar:  Doug Aldrich
Bass:  Jimmy Bain
Drums:  Simon Wright
Keyboards:  Scott Warren

Tracklisting:

Side A
"Killing The Dragon"
"Egypt (The Chains Are On)"
"Push"

Side B
Drum Solo – Simon Wright
"Stand Up And Shout"
"Rock and Roll"
"Don’t Talk To Strangers"

Side C
"Man On The Silver Mountain"
Guitar Solo – Doug Aldrich
"Long Live Rock ‘N’ Roll"
"Lord Of The Last Day"

Side D
"Fever Dreams"
"Holy Diver"
"Heaven And Hell"

Side E
"The Last In Line"
"Rainbow In The Dark"
"We Rock"

Side F – Bonus – Best of studio albums 1996-2004 (On LP Configurations ONLY)
"This Is Your Life" – from Angry Machines
"Fever Dreams" – from Magica
"Push" – from Killing The Dragon
"The Eyes" – from Master Of The Moon

Pre-order here.

Holy Diver: Live:  

- Reissue of DIO’s long out of print 2008 live release
- Newly remastered & newly created cover art
- Limited edtion vinyl version includes lenticular 3D album sized art piece along with 3LP 180g black vinyl / triple gatefold
- Also Available in 2CD Deluxe Mediabook and 3LP 180g Black Vinyl / Triple Gatefold Standard Edition / Remastered Digital Version
- Features the legendary DIO album HOLY DIVER performed live in its entirety plus DIO classics from across his career including Black Sabbath and Rainbow!
- Recorded Live at the London Astoria

Lineup:

Vocals:  Ronnie James Dio
Guitar:  Doug Aldrich
Bass:  Rudy Sarzo
Drums:  Simon Wright
Keyboards:  Scott Warren

Tracklisting:

Side A

Intro
"Stand Up And Shout"
"Holy Diver"
"Gypsy"
Drum Solo – Simon Wright

Side B
"Caught In The Middle"
"Don’t Talk To Strangers"
"Straight Through The Heart"
"Invisible"

Side C
"Rainbow In The Dark"
"Shame On The Night"
Guitar Solo – Doug Aldrich
"Holy Diver" (Reprise)

Side D
"Tarot Woman"
"Sign Of The Southern Cross"
"One Night In The City"

Side E
"Gates Of Babylon"
"Heaven And Hell"

Side F
"Man On The Silver Mountain"
"Catch The Rainbow"
"Long Live Rock ‘N’ Roll"
"Call For Encore"
"We Rock"

Pre-order here.

Legendary Dutch death doom elite, Asphyx, will release their 10th full studio album, Necroceros, on January 22 via Century Media Records.

Today, the band has shared the new song "Knights Templar Stand". Watch the lyric video below.

"It's a mainly very heavy uptempo track about the Knights Templar battling bravely in the Levant," says vocalist Martin van Drunen. "Outnumbered by many, standing their ground until the very end. A typical Asphyx song in our well-known neck-breaking metal style and fashion."

Necroceros was recorded at Tom Meier’s Tom Meier Studio and at Paul Baayens’ The Mörserstudio and then finally mixed and mastered by Sebastian “Seeb” Levermann at Greenman Studios. The album once again features front cover artwork by Axel Hermann.

Necroceros will be available in the following formats:

- Standard Jewelcase CD
- Digital Album
- 180g LP
- Limited Mediabook CD+DVD
- Strictly limited Deluxe Gatefold 2LP+DVD

The limited Mediabook CD edition comes with an expanded booklet of 40 pages as well as the Bonus DVD “0 Years of Death Doom Domination, with over 2 hours of playing time. The DVD contains 2017’s special Asphyx live-show for their 30th band-anniversary with raw and pure camera-sound, as well as rehearsal footage and interviews with all current and former band members who attended this remarkable event.

The strictly limited Deluxe 2LP version of Necroceros is available either as dark green-yellow-white splattered vinyl (Limited to 500x copies via CM Distro or the band) or as white-black marbled vinyl (Limited to 500x copies available from Nuclear Blast). Next to the 30 Years of Death Doom Domination Bonus DVD, this Deluxe format of the album will come in Gatefold packaging with a bonus 12” vinyl, featuring 2 bonus-tracks (“Full Death Metal Scenario” and “Triple D”) on side C and an Etching on side D. This edition also includes the double-sided A2 poster, an exclusive LP booklet of 24 pages as well as an originally signed Asphyx photocard.

The album’s LP version will come on 180g vinyl and with a double-sided A2 poster in the following variations and limitations:

- Black LP: Unlimited
- Clear LP: 200x copies (via CM Webshop Europe)
- Dark green LP: 400x copies (via CM Distro Europe)
- Transparent petrol green LP: 200x copies (via District 19 Webshop)
- Deep blood red LP: 200x copies (via EMP)
- Grey LP: 200x copies (via High Roller)
- Mint colored LP: 200x copies (via Supreme Chaos)
- Transparent blue LP: 200x copies (via Sound Of Records)       
- Olive green LP: 500x copies (via CM USA / All Outlets) *
- Brick red LP: 500x copies (via CM USA / Indie Outlets) *
- White LP: 200x copies (via CM USA / Revolver) *
- Transparent orange LP: 200x copies (via CM USA Webshop) *

* Please note that the US versions of the LP will be available as of February 12, 2021.

The pre-order for Necroceros in all its various formats starts today here.

Tracklisting:

"The Sole Cure is Death"
"Molten Black Earth"
"Mount Skull"
"Knights Templar Stand"
"Three Years of Famine"
"Botox Implosion"
"In Blazing Oceans"
"The Nameless Elite"
"Yield or Die"
"Necroceros"

“Botox Implosion” video:

Asphyx lineup:

Martin van Drunen - Vocals
Paul Baayens - Guitars
Alwin Zuur - Bass
Stefan “Husky” Hüskens - Drums

W.E.T. will release their fourth album, Retransmission, on January 22 via Frontiers Music Srl. Core members Jeff Scott Soto, Erik Mårtensson, and Robert Säll deliver another astounding album that will surely be a contender for Melodic Rock Album of the Year in 2021.

Watch the video for the new single "Got To Be About Love" below, and pre-order/save Retransmission on CD, LP, Limited Edition Color LP, & Digital here.

W.E.T truly epitomizes what melodic rock has become in the new decade. The key element at the foundation of W.E.T has always been to create a modern melodic hard rock sound that will drive the genre into the future. Combining powerhouse rhythms and top notch production (courtesy of Erik Martensson), the music is equally classic and contemporary. Retransmission is nothing else than an absolute milestone, which is well in keeping with the tradition established by the three amazing records that have preceded this one.

Starting with a genre-defining self-titled debut, Robert Såll (the “W” from Work of Art), Erik Mårtensson (the “E” from Eclipse), and Jeff Scott Soto (the “T” from Talisman) accepted the daunting task to give that debut a follow-up, Rise Up. After that stellar follow-up, their third opus, Earthrage, cemented a legacy of music which will stand the test of time.

Tracklisting:

"Big Boys Don't Cry"
"The Moment Of Truth"
"The Call Of The Wild"
"Got To Be About Love"
"Beautiful Game"
"How Far To Babylon"
"Coming Home"
"What Are You Waiting For"
"You Better Believe It"
"How Do I Know"
"One Final Kiss"

"Got To Be About Love" video:

"Big Boys Don't Cry" video:

Lineup:

Jeff Scott Soto: Lead Vocals
Erik Martensson: All Rhythm Guitar, Some Lead Guitar, Backing Vocals & Keyboards
Robert Säll: Keys and guitar
Magnus Henriksson: Lead Guitar
Andreas Passmark: Bass Guitar
Robban Bäck: Drums

Lamb Of God has collaborated with Nightflyer Roastworks once again to create Overlord Dark Roast, the band’s second signature coffee. Overlord was created at the behest of Lamb Of God frontman Randy Blythe and perfected by guitarist Willie Adler and Nightflyer Roastworks' Paul Waggoner.

“I loved what Willie came up with for Memento Mori but I have been lobbying him to make a dark roast ever since,” Blythe says. “I like my coffee strong, dark and BLACK like my soul. Overlord checks those boxes!”

This dark roast blends beans from Brazil, El Salvador and Guatemala to create a robust coffee with very rich, dark chocolatey notes that's a little smoky. It's a “diner dark,” an elevated take on the diner coffee Lamb Of God has come to enjoy over the years on the road.

Overlord follows the release of Memento Mori, a single origin small batch medium roast coffee launched in August. Both available in whole bean 12 oz. bags from LambofGodCoffee.com.

Lamb Of God is:

D. Randall Blythe - Vocals
Mark Morton - Guitar
Willie Adler - Guitar
John Campbell - Bass
Art Cruz - Drums

Heavy metal act, Crystal Viper, recently inked a new multiple album deal with Listenable Records. Their new studio album, entitled The Cult will be released in January 2021. CD and digital version will include an exclusive bonus cover version of King Diamond classic "Welcome Home" (recorded with special guest, King Diamond guitarist Andy La Rocque), while the vinyl bonus track will be a cover version of legendary UK act Satan's ultimate classic, "Trial By Fire". New lyric video for the title track is streaming below. Preorders are available here.

Band leader Marta Gabriel comments: "I think that the title track, is one of the most representative ones when it comes to our new album. It has this gloomy atmosphere, easy-to-remember vocal line, and very classic sounding guitar riffs and harmonies, which dominated the new album. Maiden, Priest, Black Sabbath, even Mercyful Fate and Diamond Head - it's where it's all coming from, this is the core and the roots of Crystal Viper, the classic heavy metal. I'm very excited to share it with the world!"

"The Cult cover artwork was painted by Mario Lopez, and it kind of reveals what’s inside” continues Marta. "It’s a classic looking heavy metal artwork, and yes, one look at it and at the song titles, and you will know that it’s all about. H.P. Lovecraft!"

Tracklisting:

"Providence"
"The Cult"
"Whispers From Beyond"
"Down In The Crypt"
"Sleeping Giants"
"Forgotten Land"
"Asenath Waite"
"The Calling"
"Flaring Madness"
"Lost In The Dark"
"Welcome Home" (King Diamond cover - CD bonus)
"Trial By Fire" (Satan cover - vinyl bonus)

"The Cult" lyric video:

Crystal Viper are:

Marta Gabriel - vocals, guitars
Andy Wave - guitars
Eric Juris - guitars
Blaze Grygiel - bass
Cederick Forsberg - drums

The Swedish-American collaborative project between Tom S. Englund, vocalist of Swedish progressive group Evergrey, and virtuoso classical pianist Vikram Shankar, feels at once lushly cinematic, warmly intimate, darkly melancholic and incandescently beautiful. It’s making is a story of a deep musical kinship between two seemingly divergent talents. Their first album, Satellites, is out now via AFM Records. A new video for a cover of the Eurythmics “Here Comes The Rain” is available below.

"Here Comes The Rain Again" is one of the most iconic hits by Eurythmics, one of the most successful pop duos in music history. Silent Skies' take on the song renders the ‘80s classic in their signature emotive style, driven by the tender piano playing of Vikram Shankar and the charismatic voice of Tom S. Englund. The Silent Skies rendition is unique but complements the hypnotic feel of the original Eurythmics recording.

"Horizons"
"Endless"
"Dreams"
"Us"
"Solitude"
"Oceans"
"Here Comes The Rain Again"
"Walls"
"Distance"
"1999"

Satellites will be available as Digipak and ltd. black/white double Vinyl. Order here.

Santa Cruz, California modern heavy metal revivalist James Durbin will release the debut album from his solo band, DURBIN, "The Beast Awakens", on February 12, 2021 via Frontiers Music Srl.

The official music video for the disc's second single, "The Prince Of Metal", can be seen below.

"The Beast Awakens" track listing:

01. The Prince Of Metal

02. Kings Before You (feat. Chris Jericho and Phil Demmel)

03. Into The Flames

04. Sacred Mountain

05. The Beast Awakens

06. Evil Eyes

07. Necromancer

08. Riders On The Wind

09. Calling Out For Midnight

10. Battle Cry

11. By The Horns

12. Rise To Valhalla

Durbin is finally releasing the album he has always wanted to over the course of his decade long recording career. Combining his love of all things DIO, IRON MAIDEN and JUDAS PRIEST, Durbin set out to craft his own signature strain of fantasy inspired power metal for his debut DURBIN album, "The Beast Awakens".

"I've found a home for my creativity with Frontiers. They really share my vision for the type of metal I wish to create and we're all excited to see where it will lead," says Durbin.

"Kings Before You", the first single released from Durbin's forthcoming album, features Chris Jericho (FOZZY) and Phil Demmel (ex-MACHINE HEAD, VIO-LENCE). For each of the solo sections on the remainder of the album tracks, Durbin called upon his own axe-wielding brethren to help out. Jon Yadon Jr., Marc Putnam, Dylan Rose and Nick Gallant all contributed guitar solos for the album. Due to the situation with COVID-19, the album was recorded largely remotely, with only Durbin himself, alongside his producer Ellison, occupying the recording studio.

Durbin says: "The fact that the album sounds the way it does, with the way it was recorded, is a testament to the passion of everyone involved. I am very grateful for all the love and care that was given to my songs and I can't wait to unleash my metal upon the world."

All the songs included on "The Beast Awakens" were written solely by Durbin himself.

"2020 has been such a strange year for all of us," he says. "Coincidentally, our shelter in place order happened just as I had begun writing for the album. It really forced me to write by myself and not rely on others to write the riffs for me. And then to write the lyrics and melodies too."

Once the songs were written and demoed by Durbin, he brought in the rhythm section of virtuoso drummer Mike Vanderhule (Y&T) and master bassist Barry Sparks (TED NUGENT, SCORPIONS, DOKKEN, B'Z). With Durbin handling the album's rhythm guitars, his core lineup was complete.

Durbin is an American singer, songwriter, and guitarist. Many associate his name with his appearance on Season 10 of "American Idol", where he was unabashedly flying the flag for heavy metal. In fact, on the finale, he appeared with undisputed metal gods JUDAS PRIEST for rousing renditions of "Livin' After Midnight" and "Breaking The Law". James has also worked and performed alongside many incredible musicians, including Stevie Wonder, Don Was, Zakk Wylde, Sheryl Crow, Tom Jones, Mick Mars of MÖTLEY CRÜE, Bob Babbitt of THE FUNK BROTHERS and STEEL PANTHER, just to name a few.

Durbin's signature vocal prowess and powerful stage presence have earned him stamps of approval and praise from rock and metal royalty like Steven Tyler, Sammy Hagar, Rob Halford and more. He has four full-length albums to his name, in addition to lending his voice to a handful of various albums.

Durbin recorded two studio albums with QUIET RIOT — 2017's "Road Rage" and 2019's "Hollywood Cowboys" — during his three-year stint with the group.

In September 2019, QUIET RIOT parted ways with Durbin and replaced him with Jizzy Pearl.

Stix Zadinia has revealed the existence of a previously unreleased STEEL PANTHER collaboration with Corey Taylor. The track, "Steel Panther Fucked My Girlfriend", was originally written by STEEL PANTHER guitarist Satchel and was recorded with guest vocals by the SLIPKNOT frontman before being shelved for reasons that are not clear. A few years ago, the song ended up being covered by Wheeler Walker Jr., the alter ego of comedian Ben Hoffman, who made his version available on YouTube.

Stix discussed the track in a new interview with "The Crash Report" podcast, saying that STEEL PANTHER "never played it. Somehow [Wheeler Walker Jr.] got a copy of it. We never released it. And there's a version out in one of our hard drives with Corey Taylor singing it."

When the interviewer told Stix that STEEL PANTHER should release its version of "Steel Panther Fucked My Girlfriend", Stix agreed. "We should," he said. "We fucking should. You know what? I need to talk to Satchel about that. Corey Taylor sings 'Steel Panther Fucked My Girlfriend'. It's amazing. It sounds like the fucking EAGLES — the original version."

He continued: "Wheeler Walker did a version of it. The end product, the end result of it, I heard and I was, like, it's cool and it was nice of him to wanna do, but when you hear our version of it, especially with Corey on it, you'll be, like, 'This sounds like the fucking EAGLES.'"

Taylor has collabored with STEEL PANTHER several times before, both in the studio and in a live setting. Notably, he was featured on STEEL PANTHER's 2009 album "Feel The Steel", singing "Death To All But Metal" and contributing backup vocals on "Asian Hooker" and "Eyes Of A Panther". Zadinia told Juice magazine that Taylor attended some of the band's shows in Hollywood, eventually getting up on stage with them. Stix described STEEL PANTHER as being "bros" with Taylor since then. The drummer added: "Plus, he looks great naked. You can print that."

In a 2014 interview with Revolver magazine, Taylor stated about STEEL PANTHER's "All You Can Eat" album: "It's top to bottom so damn good. I would listen to it on the way to the studio to make the SLIPKNOT album [2014's '5: The Gray Chapter'] every day. There's nothing like driving through Hollywood listening to STEEL PANTHER. It's so fulfilling in so many different, weird ways. They write amazing songs and that's one of the reasons why they have the kind of legs that it takes for what they do keep going. They're great musicians and they're funnier than shit. They're some of the smartest, funniest dudes I've ever met."

German power metallers BLIND GUARDIAN will celebrate the 30th anniversary of their "Somewhere Far Beyond" album by performing the LP in its entirety on a tour of Germany and Switzerland in the fall of 2021.

The fourth BLIND GUARDIAN studio album epitomized the unbridled sound of speed metal of their founding years combined with middle-earth folk vibes, giving an inkling as to the orchestral storm that was soon to follow; it was a scene-shaping metal classic.

Tour dates:

Sep. 16 - D - Saarbrücken Garage

Sep. 17 - D - München Backstage

Sep. 18 - D - Memmingen Kaminwerk

Sep. 20 - CH - Pratteln Z7

Sep. 22 - D - Frankfurt Batschkapp

Sep. 23 - D - Hamburg Markthalle

Sep. 24 - D - Stuttgart LKA

Sep. 25 - D - Dresden Alter Schlachthof -

Sep. 28 - D - Köln E-Werk

Sep. 29 - D - Oberhausen Turbinenhalle

Sep. 30 - D - Berlin Columbia Theater

Oct. 01 - D - Neuruppin Kulturhaus

Oct. 02 - D - Osnabrück Hyde Park

BLIND GUARDIAN played a brand new song, "Violent Shadows", during last month's Wacken World Wide digital festival.

This past February, BLIND GUARDIAN frontman Hansi Kürsch of told Canada's The Metal Voice about the musical direction of the band's next album: "It's another amazing ride. It's more progressive than people probably would expect, but it's typical BLIND GUARDIAN.

"When we spoke last time [a few months ago], I probably not even have been aware of it, because I was of the opinion that there still is a lot of orchestration in there," he explained. "But when working on it over the last two months, I realized it's far less than I thought, but as I mentioned, it goes more into a progressive direction; that is the case. There are, like, three [or] four real speed/thrash metal songs on there, and the rest is more on the complex side of introducing music to people which they've never heard before, but with less orchestration."

BLIND GUARDIAN's next LP is tentatively due in early 2021.

The band's latest release was the all-orchestral album "Twilight Orchestra: Legacy Of The Dark Lands", which came out in November via Nuclear Blast. To create the concept, lead guitarist André Olbrich and Kürsch worked alongside German bestselling author Markus Heitz, whose latest novel, "Die Dunklen Lande", was released in March 2019. The book is set in 1629 and contains the prequel to "Legacy Of The Dark Lands".

BLIND GUARDIAN's last "regular" studio album, "Beyond The Red Mirror", was issued in 2015. It was the band's first LP since 2010's "At The Edge Of Time", marking the longest gap between two studio albums in BLIND GUARDIAN's career. It was also the group's first album without bassist Oliver Holzwarth since 1995's "Imaginations From The Other Side". Holzwarth has since been replaced by Barend Courbois.

UK extremists, Venom Prison, are taking their next step with their new label home, Century Media.

Commenting on the signing, Venom Prison, who are busily writing their third full-length LP say: “We are proud to announce that Venom Prison has signed with Century Media Records for a worldwide deal. This deal marks the beginning of a new chapter for Venom Prison and we are honoured to call Century Media our home, which we look forward sharing with some of the most iconic artists in heavy metal, as well many of our talented friends.”

Venom Prison has carved an uncompromising space for themselves over the course of two full-length albums, Animus (2016) and Samsara (2019) with 2020’s Primeval reinvigorating the band’s earlier EP’s with new recordings and offering a preview of the shape of brutality to come with two newly written tracks. What began as an explosive collaboration between Russian-born vocalist Larissa Stupar and guitarist Ash Gray (with the lineup rounded out by guitarist Ben Thomas, bassist Mike Jefferies and drummer Joe Bills) has exploded into a force to be reckoned with as vitriolic and outspoken lyrically as they are musically.

“Venom Prison is an important band in every sense of the word,” says Century Media A&R Mike Gitter. “They are a wakeup call with songs that are not just musically brutal, but dig into issues that challenge our day-to-day existence. Gender issues. Cultural and political oppression. They're relevant in ways that so many bands fall short of. Venom Prison is the band we need now more than ever.”

Philipp Schulte, Director Century Media Records, comments: “With Venom Prison one of the finest British bands of recent years joins the ranks of Century Media Records. Venom Prison’s vision marks an overdue turning point in the sort of musical and lyrical complacency that has long plagued the worldwide metal scene. This is not your older brother’s feel-good metal. This is extreme music with a compelling message, and it perfectly fits to what Century Media as a label will always stand for: Establishing bands and artists who are willing to make a difference and take a stand. Venom Prison is a trailblazing band for what metal can and will be in the upcoming decade. Welcome to Century Media Records!”

It’s not surprising that Venom Prison’s wage of intensities has reverberated with a wide array of fans and fellow musicians. They’ve toured with the likes of Trivium, made a scorched earth North American debut on the Summer Slaughter tour and were hand-picked by Parkway Drive to open their COVID-cancelled 2020 European tour. For the five band members, this is only the beginning. “We have been writing new material relentlessly for the last 12 months,” says Venom Prison. “We’re pleased to finally be back in the studio.”

Venom Prison are:

Larissa Stupar - lead vocals
Ash Gray - guitar
Ben Thomas - guitar
Mike Jefferies - bass
Joe Bills - drums

Sweden’s symphonic metal pioneers, Therion, have released a video for "Die Wellen Der Zeit", from their upcoming 17th studio album, Leviathan, which is set to be released on January via Nuclear Blast. Watch the clip below:

Therion have always been a band that have challenged themselves to explore new paths, while remaining true to their musical core values. For their 17th studio album, Leviathan, mastermind Christofer Johnsson and his collaborator Thomas Vikström have created something that has been previously unthinkable to the guitarist and the singer. "We have done the only thing that was left of all the different angles to explore", explains Christofer. "We have decided to give the people what they kept asking for. Leviathan is the first album that we have deliberately packed with Therion hit songs."

When Therion came into being in 1988 by changing name from the already existing band Blitzkrieg, which was founded a year earlier, Christofer had rather taken inspiration from Slayer's Reign In Blood among other classic metal albums. At the beginning, the Swedes were firmly rooted in death metal, a genre which they helped to define, as witnessed by their debut album Of Darkness.... (1991). Yet even back then, there were hints of "something else" lurking beneath the rough surface.

The use of female vocals is another core ingredient of Therion today, which developed gradually. Celtic Frost had basically introduced the female element to extreme metal on To Mega Therion in 1985. Therion began with both a female and male vocalist emulating a church like choir already in their sophomore full-length, Beyond Sanctorum (1992). With Symphony Masses: Ho Drakon Ho Megas (1993) and Lepaca Kliffoth (1995), Christofer continued to developed his trademark sound by gradually drifting towards cleaner vocals and more keyboards. With Theli, the Swedes had firmly established a reputation of pushing the boundaries of metal in the 90s – among such acts as their compatriots Tiamat, The Gathering, and Moonspell that were often referred to as "gothic metal" at the time.

Therion continued to break new ground leaving inspiration for others to follow in their wake: On A'arab Zaraq - Lucid Dreaming (1997), Christofer further explored the use of Near Eastern music in metal which he had already begun in 1992, while Secret Of The Runes (2001) dared to have Swedish lyrics in some songs. While critics were left confused and fans challenged, Therion were often ahead of their times and vindicated in hindsight. Even the band's 25th anniversary excursion Les Fleurs Du Mal has by now overcome the initial shock the album caused and is only beaten in terms of streaming by the classic Vovin (1998).

When Christofer faced the question of where to go next after the dramatic Beloved Antichrist (2018) had finally fulfilled his musical mission, his answer is Leviathan, named after a giant sea monster from Judeo-Christian myth that has roots in Babylonic lore: Therion have created a giant hit album – and for the first time in the history of the Swedes, their fans are not asked to explore something new, but simply to lean back and enjoy the best from their band!

Leviathan is available in the following formats:
- CD Jewelcase
- CD Digipak
- Ltd. CD Digipak + Patch (Ltd. to 500 / Mailorder only)
- Black LP
- Clear LP (Ltd. to 300)
- Gold LP (Ltd. to 300 / Mailorder only)
- Silver LP (Ltd. to 600 / USA exclusive).

Pre-order the album here.

Tracklisting:

"The Leaf On The Oak Of Far"
"Tuonela"
"Leviathan"
"Die Wellen Der Zeit"
"Ai Dahaka"
"Eye Of Algol"
"Nocturnal Light"
"Great Marquis Of Hell"
"Psalm Of Retribution"
"El Primer Sol"
"Ten Courts Of Diyu"
"Eye Of Algol" (Alternative Vocals Version)
"Tuonela" (Full Marco Vocals Version)
"Tuonela" (Alternative Vocals Version)
"Tuonela" (Instrumental Version)
"Tuonela" (Orchestral Version)

“Leviathan” lyric Video:

As the world is still processing the recent news that Queensrÿche vocalist Todd La Torre is releasing his debut solo album in February, Todd and Rat Pak Records have released the first piece of music from the upcoming album, Rejoice In The Suffering.

“Darkened Majesty” is a driving metal song complete with furious drumwork from La Torre, dynamic tempo shifts and showcases Todd’s vocals in a way most fans have not heard before. The song opens with an up-tempo riff from guitarist Craig Blackwell that becomes the backbone throughout “Darkened Majesty.” A static video for the song can be found below.

“'Darkened Majesty' was one of the last songs written for this album. After having much of this album written, we wanted a song that immediately started out with a faster tempo. To be perfectly honest, this song was completely written in two days,” explains La Torre. “We felt that for a first song, this showcases some of that vocal and musical diversity that exists on the album. Thanks to everyone for all of the amazing interest and valued support of my debut solo album!!”

As global touring came to a sudden and unexpected halt earlier this year, Queensrÿche frontman Todd La Torre has been using his recent pandemic downtime to put the finishing touches on his debut solo album, Rejoice In The Suffering.

Todd teamed up with longtime friend and collaborator Craig Blackwell and alongside producer Chris “Zeuss” Harris created a diverse heavy metal album that draws influence from different styles.

From the album's opening riffs of “Dogmata” to the vocal acrobatics that drive the album closer "Apology," it is apparent that Todd La Torre has a true love of heavy metal.

Rejoice In The Suffering is scheduled for release globally on February 5 via Rat Pak Records. The deluxe version of the album features three bonus tracks: “Fractured,” “Set It Off” and “One by One.” Fans can pre-order the album in various bundle configurations here, or digitally via iTunes here.

Rejoice In The Suffering tracklisting:

"Dogmata"
"Pretenders"
"Hellbound And Down"
"Darkened Majesty"
"Crossroads To Insanity"
"Critical Cynic"
"Rejoice In The Suffering"
"Vexed"
"Vanguards Of The Dawn Wall"
"Apology"

Bonus Tracks (Deluxe Version Only):

"Fractured"
"Set It Off"
"One By One"

"Darkened Majesty":

Following the release of the much-anticipated album, Cycle Of Suffering, back in February, Sylosis staged a monumental live return at a sold out Islington Assembly Hall in London, England. After a string of cancelled summer festival performances, Josh Middleton went straight back to work on new music intended for the next Sylosis record. With uncertainty surrounding the future of live music, Sylosis offer the first taste of these new recordings today with the release of a brand new standalone single, The new track, titled "Worship Decay", was written and recorded during the first UK lockdown and is a thunderous amalgamation of thrash and melodic death metal, bearing the unmistakable Sylosis trademark.

Sylosis founder Josh Middleton comments: "With everything happening in our world right now, we wanted to keep things moving in Sylosis' world. We started writing new music as we entered the first set of lockdowns and ‘Worship Decay’ quickly developed as a song we feel confident stands up by itself and showcases something different for Sylosis. We’re of course looking forward to playing music live again (hopefully soon!), but it feels great to be able to continue creating music and sharing it with our fans during this time of uncertainty and unrest."

"Worship Decay" is available to stream on all platforms right now, found here.

A 2014 previously unreleased live jam rehearsal recording by former Megadeth members, Nick Menza, Chris Poland and James LoMenzo, can be heard below.

The clip was edited by Menza himself and features the trio in an all out original, free for all intense heavy jam session. The unnamed trio was assembled by Menza and LoMenzo in 2014, and later on joined by Chris Poland to handle rhythm and lead guitar.

Before joining force with Poland the pair released two demo versions of their cover of the Metallica classics "Creeping Death" and "Motorbreath" with a guest appearance by guitarist/vocalist Davor Garasic from the Croatian thrash metal band Sufosia.

Menza, Poland and LoMenzo's first jam session took place on November 1, 2014, at Menza's Disintegrator Studios in Studio City, California, where they cracked through some of the old Megadeth catalogue along with some of their favorite Metallica and Led Zeppelin songs.

Regarding the project's musical direction, which was described by some as Led Zeppelin meets Metallica," Nick said: "It's got some elements of that, but I'd say we're just so far beyond everything that's been heard already. It's gonna be a conglomerate of styles. It's gonna be what we like to do best. Have fun and play. Our material is gonna be really out there, It's gonna be different. It's gonna pumped, it's gonna be heavy, but it's gonna be us."

The trio then rehearsed handful of times before disbanding later that year due to other musical commitments, Menza went on to join Poland's band OHM, and was playing with the group live on stage when he died behind his drum kit of natural causes in May 2016.

The unnamed project will be a highlight in the recently announced official Nick Menza documentary film, This Was My Life - The Story Of Nick Menza featuring video footage and audio recordings of Menza himself discussing the project's rhythm section, future recording and touring plans.

It's rumoured that Jeff Young (ex-Megadeth, Vito Bratta (ex-White Lion) and Rob Cavestany (Death Angel) were considered and approached for the gig.

The film will be the first-ever film to memorialize Menza's legacy and celebrate his life exactly how it was. It is described in a press release as "an unflinching exploration into the life of one of the most successful thrash-metal drummers of all time, authorized by the Menza family.

From his childhood all the way through to the end of his life including a true blow-by-blow account of the repeated failed attempts of the classic Rust In Peace lineup.

This Was My Life will feature rare and never-before-seen photos and video footage from Nick's archived VHS tape collection, personally filmed by Menza himself from 1988 through 1991. Included will be exclusive content showcasing Nick working at the studio, personal home movies, casual time and party time with his fellow band-members, as well as other well-known artists of the era that Nick toured with.

Menza's longtime personal manger Robert Bolger said: "I am very excited to be working with Screaming Butterfly Entertainment on Nick's official documentary.

There's a lot of published misinformation out there about Nick that isn't true and I am very happy to bring the documented truth forth.

Nick loved his fans and always said without the fans none this would be possible. I really think Nick's fans will enjoy this journey through his life."

Executive producer Holly Mollohan from Screaming Butterfly Entertainment added: "As both a filmmaker, and fellow metal-head who deeply values the metal community, I am honored and excited to go on this journey alongside all of you."

SAMMY HAGAR & THE CIRCLE have announced the release of their massively popular "Lockdown Sessions" as an album collection titled "Lockdown 2020" on January 8, 2021. Fans who pre-order the album now will also receive a new instant-grat track, a cover of David Bowie's "Heroes". Additionally, all proceeds from the song "Heroes" will be donated to food banks nationwide.

"Lockdown Sessions" began in March, when the COVID-19 shelter-at-home order went into effect. With time on their hands and their upcoming tour in limbo, the band's legendary drummer Jason Bonham challenged his bandmates Sammy Hagar, Michael Anthony and Vic Johnson to record a warmup jam they'd been playing backstage before concerts for several years. Equipped with iPhones and their respective instruments, they each laid down their individual tracks from the den, music room, closet and even showers of their homes, and "Funky Feng Shui" and the band's "Lockdown Sessions" were born.

"When we first start doing these lockdown sessions, it was only meant to stay in touch with the fans until we could get back out on the road again," Hagar explained. "But as the weeks and months drew on, it also became a fun way to keep the band together, musically and creatively."

Over the next eight months, their "Lockdown Sessions" became a hit with critics and fans alike, producing 10 tracks and reaching an online audience approaching 30 million. The sessions gave the band the opportunity to throw down raw and raucous compact covers of classic hits that they'd jammed to backstage but never planned to record, including THE WHO's "Won't Get Fooled Again", Bob Marley's "Three Little Birds", AC/DC's "Whole Lotta Rosie" and more. When plans for an album came to fruition around the holidays, the band came together to record one more track, a cover of David Bowie's "Heroes" which they'd offer as an instant download or single purchase.

"With the addition of 'Heroes', it made sense to help those who are struggling from the effects of COVID-19," Hagar said. "It probably wouldn't have happened without it."

"Lockdown 2020" track listing:

01. Funky Feng Shui

02. Won't Get Fooled Again (THE WHO)

03. Good Enough (VAN HALEN)

04. Three Little Birds (Bob Marley)

05. Whole Lotta Rosie (AC/DC)

06. For What It's Worth (Buffalo Springfield)

07. Keep A-Knockin' (Little Richard)

08. Right Now (VAN HALEN)

09. Don't Tell Me What Love Can Do (VAN HALEN)

10. Sympathy For The Human (SAMMY HAGAR & THE WABOS)

11. Heroes (David Bowie)

This past May, SAMMY HAGAR & THE CIRCLE's U.S. tour with NIGHT RANGER was officially canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic which is sweeping the globe. Produced by Live Nation, the outing was scheduled to kick off July 9 in West Palm Beach, Florida at iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre and make stops in Tampa, Cincinnati, Dallas, Phoenix and more, before wrapping September 20 in Chula Vista, California at North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre.

THE CIRCLE's first album of all-original material, "Space Between", was released in May 2019 via BMG.

STRYPER frontman Michael Sweet has admitted that he is a little wary of the new, rapidly developed COVID-19 vaccines.

On Thursday, a panel of outside experts recommended the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issue an emergency use authorization to the COVID-19 vaccine being developed by Pfizer and German partner BioNTech, a vaccine that appeared to be highly efficacious in a Phase 3 clinical trial. The vaccine is already being rolled out across Britain, where a 90-year-old grandmother of four became the first person in the West to receive a COVID-19 vaccine outside clinical trials.

Asked in a new interview with "Rocking With Jam Man" if he will get the vaccine once it becomes available, Sweet responded (see video below): "I don't know. To be honest with you, I'm not sure. It's one of those things where I wanna wait at least a little while just to make sure that they've got all the — for lack of a better way of putting it — bugs worked out. And I'll be honest with you too — I'm a little apprehensive, 'cause I'm one of those guys, whenever I get a flu shot, I get sick. So I don't do well with vaccines. And I'm a little concerned. I heard a story about someone in Brazil who got a COVID vaccine and they got sick and they died. Now, I don't know if that was related directly to the vaccine itself.

"I'm a little nervous about rushing out to get the vaccine, but I think in time I will most certainly get the vaccine. I just don't know exactly when."

Health And Human Services Secretary Alex Azar said on ABC's "Good Morning America" that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration will grant emergency use authorization to the COVID-19 vaccine developed by Pfizer and BioNTech.

"We could see people getting vaccinated Monday, Tuesday of next week," Azar said.

On Wednesday, Britain's medical regulator warned that people with a history of serious allergic reactions shouldn't get the COVID-19 vaccine from Pfizer and BioNTech. The advisory came after two National Health Services employees, both with a history of severe allergies, had bad reactions after receiving the vaccine.

There have more than 3,000 deaths from COVID-19 in the U.S. in a single day, and cases per day have eclipsed 200,000 on average for the first time on record.

The U.S. recorded 3,124 deaths on Wednesday, the highest one-day total yet, according to Johns Hopkins University.

"Change The Channel", the new music video from STILLWELL, the band featuring KORN bassist Reginald "Fieldy" Arvizu, vocalist/guitarist Anthony "Q-Unique" Quiles and P.O.D. drummer Noah "Wuv" Bernardo, can be seen below. The song is taken from STILLWELL's third album, "Supernatural Miracle", which was released in September.

"Supernatural Miracle" finds STILLWELL reconciling its eclectic and storied musical backgrounds, and highlighting the similarities between each member's celebrated careers.

"With this new album, STILLWELL sounds like one band instead of past albums where it feels like three or four different bands," Bernardo explains. "With Q on guitar, it enabled us to be more cohesive with sound and direction."

"We intentionally made sure to not sound like the other bands we're a part of, out of respect, integrity and just wanting to push ourselves creatively," says Arvizu. "If people want to hear KORN, P.O.D. or the 10 bands Q works with, they can just listen to those, STILLWELL is its own thing. We put together what I think is our best work yet."

Drawing on STILLWELL's past albums — "Raise It Up" (2015) and "Dirtbag" (2011) — "Supernatural Miracle" serves as the culmination of years' worth of finding their voice. With this release, these musical legends are sure to give you a fresh new look at who they are apart from their histories, but together as a collective.

"I feel like this album was a major crossroad for all of us," says Q-Unique. "Wuv and Fieldy gave me the space to step up with the guitar, and then to have the opportunity to write these songs together was extremely surreal for me. It's one of the reasons why we called the album 'Supernatural Miracle'. To make a long story short, everything fell into place, from writing, recording, schedules, videos and artwork. This album has been a smooth journey."

BUTCHER BABIES have released another new single, "Sleeping With The Enemy". The song is the second taste of the band's forthcoming fourth studio album, tentatively due in early 2021 via an as-yet-undisclosed record label.

BUTCHER BABIES vocalist Heidi Shepherd stated about the track: "This song is about hypocrisy and self-realization. We can get so caught up in the rat race of life, as humans we tend to lose track of ourselves and our core values along the way. There comes a point where you look at the perceived problems in your life and realize there is one common denominator — yourself! Whether it's in the lens you look at life through or an overall attitude, there comes a point where we must turn a negative into a positive. This song is that for me."

BUTCHER BABIES will take part in a livestream conceret, "1st Annual Office Christmas Party", on December 18 at 8 p.m. ET. Tickets are available on the band's web site.

Asked in a recent interview with Syfy Wire's "Metal Crush" how BUTCHER BABIES' new LP differs from 2017's "Lilith", Shepherd said: "It differs a lot. You still have the classic BUTCHER BABIES metal behind us, but I found myself wanting to sing more.

"When I first started BUTCHER BABIES, I was an angry young girl, and I had a lot to scream about. I'm a happy 35-year-old woman now, so I have a lot that I wanna sing about."

BUTCHER BABIES next album will be the band's first since its split with Century Media over a year ago.

This past April, Shepherd told ELUVEITIE's "Corona Talk" that "it was a hard decision to part ways with Century Media." She explained: "Here in the U.S., the label doesn't exactly exist much here anymore. And so it was a really difficult decision. We were with them for our entire career; we've been a band for 10 years. It just wasn't working here in the States. But we do love our Century Media family."

"Lilith" was produced by Steve Evetts (THE DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN, SEPULTURA, SUICIDE SILENCE) and marked BUTCHER BABIES' recording debut with drummer Chase Brickenden, who replaced Chris Warner in 2016.

In July 2019, longtime BUTCHER BABIES bassist Jason Klein announced his departure from the band. He has since been replaced by Ricky Bonazza.

TRANSATLANTIC — the multinational progressive rock supergroup featuring vocalist/keyboardist Neal Morse (SPOCK'S BEARD, THE NEAL MORSE BAND), drummer Mike Portnoy (SONS OF APOLLO, DREAM THEATER), bassist Pete Trewavas (MARILLION) and guitarist Roine Stolt (THE FLOWER KINGS) — will release its fifth studio album, "The Absolute Universe", on February 5, 2021 via InsideOut Music. Representing the band's first new music since 2014's "Kaleidoscope", with "The Absolute Universe" the band has done something unique and created two versions of the record: "The Absolute Universe: The Breath Of Life (Abridged Version)" and "The Absolute Universe: Forevermore (Extended Version)".

TRANSATLANTIC has launched the video for "The World We Used To Know", taken from "The Absolute Universe: Forevermore (Extended Version)". Watch it below.

Portnoy comments: "The second release from the upcoming TRANSATLANTIC album, 'The Absolute Universe', features our Swedish genie Mr. Roine Stolt on lead vocals (in contrast to the first release, which featured Neal, Pete and I sharing the lead vocals). This piece also opens with another extended instrumental intro where I get to utilize my best Keith Moon acrobatics and leads to Roine's beautiful, melodic vocals on the verses and choruses in the body of the song and climaxes with a majestic section with Neal Morse taking the lead vocal and one of the album's main musical reoccurring themes.

"This portion of the album closes out Disc 1 of the 2CD version of the album 'Forevermore'."

Each album will be available on CD, LP and digitally. But there will also be what has been called "The Absolute Universe: The Ultimate Edition", which collects both versions together in one lavish package that includes 5LPs, 3CDs and a Blu-ray that contains a 5.1 Surround Sound mix with visuals and a behind-the-scenes documentary. All editions have unique artwork created by Thomas Ewerhard.

As Portnoy explains: "We've got two versions of this album. There is a two-CD presentation, which is 90 minutes long, and a single one — that's 60 minutes. However, the single CD is NOT merely an edited version of the double CD. They each contain alternate versions and even in some cases, new recordings. We wrote fresh lyrics and have different people singing on the single CD version tracks as compared to those on the double CD. Some of the songtitles have also been changed, while others might remain the same, but compositionally, what you'll hear has been altered.

"You must appreciate that what we have done is unique. We revamped the songs to make the two versions different."

Trewavas adds: "We did write some new music for the single CD. What's more, there are also differences in the instruments used on some of the tracks across the two records."

Initial tracking began in September 2019 when the band met up in Sweden to write and arrange the new material. As Portnoy explains: "Over a period of 10-14 days, we mapped out the songs. Then we all went back to our home studios and did the recording. That's the way we always do it. At one point, though, it was suggested that instead of doing what was by that time going to be a double album, we should just be content to do a single CD."

"What happened was that everything kept expanding and expanding," recalls Stolt. "Therefore we decided it made sense to make it a double album. It was Pete and Neal who then came out and said they felt this would be too long, and we should reduce it to one…But we were already recording, and it didn't seem feasible to cut it back. There were so many pieces that each of us loved in what we were planning and didn't want to lose. That's when we ended up in discussions over the best way forward."

This album also marks a return to the concept album for TRANSATLANTIC.

"Well, the idea of TRANSATLANTIC deciding to do a concept record this time around won't shock anyone, right?" laughs Portnoy. "What we have is essentially one giant composition, split into chapters. The storyline is about the struggles facing everyone in society today."

"We didn't start out with the idea of this being conceptual," admits Stolt. "The way things work with us is that we have a load of ideas, and these are developed spontaneously when we meet up. Everything happens in the moment."

So, how does this new groundbreaking album compare to TRANSATLANTIC's previous four albums?

"I always try not to compare albums as much as possible," insists Morse. "It's very difficult when you're trying to be creative, because your natural instinct is to constantly compare. But in order to create you have to kind of step away from that. Having said that, I would say this would have more in common with 'The Whirlwind' album [the band's third, from 2009] than others that we've created."

For Trewavas, "The Absolute Universe" is a momentous project. "I think it is right up there with the very finest albums we've done," he says. "As the others have said, it compares very well to 'The Whirlwind', which I believe represents TRANSATLANTIC at our best. As on that album, we took our time to write and arrange everything, and that shines through. I am very excited for people to hear it."

TRANSATLANTIC formed in 1999 and released its debut album, "SMPT:e", the following year. Sophomore effort "Bridge Across Forever" followed in 2001, but the group went on an extended hiatus after Morse left SPOCK'S BEARD in 2002 to focus on his newly launched career in the Christian music industry.

The group reunited in 2009 and released third album "The Whirlwind", which consisted of a single 77-minute track, that same year. A fourth album, "Kaleidoscope", was recorded in 2013 and released the following year, when it debuted at No. 6 on the German top album charts. The band has also released several live albums and live videos, most recently 2014's "KaLIVEoscope".

Portnoy and Morse are frequent musical collaborators, having recorded more than a dozen albums together outside of TRANSATLANTIC, including three FLYING COLORS releases, three by THE NEAL MORSE BAND and seven Morse solo albums.

With the pandemic and quarantine lockdowns bringing most live music and touring to a screeching halt, SOUNDGARDEN/PEARL JAM drummer Matt Cameron and FOO FIGHTERS drummer Taylor Hawkins used the downtime to explore new music and create a new project. The two multi-talented songwriter/drummers have unveiled their collaboration, NIGHTTIME BOOGIE ASSOCIATION, by releasing two songs that they wrote, recorded, and produced: "Long In The Tooth" and "The Path We're On". The songs will be released as a deluxe single on Friday, December 11, 2020 through their own label Keep It Trippy Records.

"Long In The Tooth" was written by Taylor Hawkins (lyrics) and Matt Cameron (music) and features Cameron on guitar, bass, and drum machine and Hawkins on lead vocal, drum fills, percussion, and keyboards.

Matt Cameron wrote the music and lyrics for "The Path We're On" and also plays drums, guitar and vocals. Taylor Hawkins performs the drum intro, as well as lead vocals and keyboards. The song also features Buzz Osborne on guitar and Steven McDonald on bass and from "fuzz-rock overlords" THE MELVINS.

The songs were recorded, engineered, and mixed in multiple locations across the U.S. Engineered by Toshi Kasai, John Lousteau, Nathan Yaccino, Matt Cameron and Oliver Roman, NIGHTTIME BOOGIE ASSOCIATION's deluxe single was recorded at Matt's Garage, Studio 606, Made In The Seventies, The Ballard Baitshop and Sound Of Siren. Brandon Bell mixed the songs at The Cabins Studio in Nashville and Pete Lyman mastered them at Infrasonic Sound in Los Angeles.

Texas-born Laguna-bred force of nature Taylor Hawkins has been an essential element of the sound, image and personality of FOO FIGHTERS since 1997. His playing on FF classics, including "All My Life", "Times Like These", "Best Of You", "The Pretender", "Walk", "These Days", "Run", "The Sky Is A Neighborhood" and new single "Shame Shame" is as instantly recognizable as it is consistently awe-inspiring. In addition to lead vocal duties on FOO FIGHTERS' "Sunday Rain" and "Cold Day In The Sun", Hawkins has made occasional detours from the FF drum throne. These have included albums by TAYLOR HAWKINS AND THE COATTAIL RIDERS, THE BIRDS OF SATAN, and in 2016, his first ever release under his own name, "KOTA" — an ambitious collection of six character-driven vignettes based on the life of a rock star stranded in the suburbs.

Matt Cameron first gained fame as the drummer for Seattle-based rock band SOUNDGARDEN, which he joined in 1986 and appears on the band's studio albums until its break-up in 1997. In 1998, he was invited to join PEARL JAM's U.S. "Yield" tour and then became a permanent member of the band. When SOUNDGARDEN reunited in 2010, Cameron became a member of both bands.

British heavy metal legends SAXON will release a covers album, "Inspirations", on March 19, 2021 via Silver Lining Music. The 11-track effort contains some of the superb classic rock songs that influenced Biff Byford and the rest of the band.

"Inspirations" gets things rolling with the release of SAXON's crunching take on THE ROLLING STONES' "Paint It Black". Byford comments: "Loved this band since I first saw them and heard them. I liked THE BEATLES, but THE STONES appealed to my rebel side; their iconic look… so many great songs, such a great attitude in the music!"

The release of "Paint It Black" is also accompanied by a behind-the-scenes video which was filmed during the band's recording session earlier in the year.

"Inspirations" was recorded at Brockfield Hall, near York in the U.K., which was built in 1804 and holds the largest collection of paintings by Yorkshire's impressionist artists — the Staithes Group. For Byford, recording "Inspirations" all together within such a rich historical environment was a major ingredient of the project. "The warmth and feel of 'Inspirations' had so much to do with being together in this magnificent place and doing it 'old-school' style," Byford explains. "This is how many bands back in the day —including some of the ones covered here — made such great albums, so it just felt really good to be able to do this somewhere like Brockfield Hall."

From the super-charged melodic romp of THE BEATLES' "Paperback Writer" to their freeway mad take on Jimi Hendrix's "Stone Free", SAXON show their love and appreciation with a series of faithful, raw and ready tributes. Maintaining a firm eye on the old-school way using Marshall cabs, Marshall amps, real drums and produced by Byford with Jacky Lehmann recording and mixing, SAXON approach the likes of MOTÖRHEAD's "Bomber" (with added whistle!), AC/DC's "Problem Child", BLACK SABBATH's "Evil Woman" and a raucous DEEP PURPLE's "Speed King" with refreshingly warm, unfiltered, "vintage"-sounding renditions.

"We wanted to do an album based on our influences, the songs and bands that inspired us to write what we did and still do," continues Byford, "and it was also interesting to see what my voice could do as I haven't sung many of these songs before."

Byford does, indeed, take on some new vocal challenges, which he duly smashes on the likes of THIN LIZZY's "The Rocker". The net result is that whether cranking up a heavyweight take on LED ZEPPELIN's "Immigrant Song" or throwing down AC/DC's "Problem Child", SAXON does a supreme job of entertaining both themselves and their audience throughout Inspirations.

"We didn't want to change any of the songs too much, just play them more like SAXON," concludes Byford, "and we also think it's very important to have — and share with the fans — some fun in these dark times."

You want even more proof of the validity behind that statement? Wrap your ears around their sparkling take on TOTO's "Hold The Line" and consider SAXON's "Inspirations" a mission accomplished.

"Inspirations" will be made available on vinyl, CD, digital formats and limited-edition D2C products.

Track listing:

01. Paint It Black

02. Immigrant Song

03. Paperback Writer

04. Evil Woman

05. Stone Free

06. Bomber

07. Speed King

08. The Rocker

09. Hold The Line

10. Problem Child

11. See My Friends

German power metallers PRIMAL FEAR will release a new five-track single, "I Will Be Gone", on April 9, 2021 via Nuclear Blast. The effort will include an exclusive new version of the band's achingly beautiful ballad "I Will Be Gone", re-recorded with former NIGHTWISH singer Tarja Turunen.

"I Will Be Gone" gets an altogether new and deeply melancholic vibe with Tarja's unbelievably emotional performance, showcasing a different facet of PRIMAL FEAR. Yet it's not the only gift they deliver on this EP; "Vote Of No Confidence", for example, is an all-new, previously unreleased beast of a song. Clocking in at over six minutes, this storming, furious anthem gives a brilliant glimpse of things to come. Previously only available as bonus tracks on the limited "Metal Commando" digipack, three more songs complete this release: enchanting guitar instrumental "Rising Fear"; massive mid-tempo smasher "Leave Me Alone"; and heavy metal monument "Second To None", making "I Will Be Gone" so much more than just another offshoot of a successful album.

Track listing:

01. I Will Be Gone (feat. Tarja Turunen)

02. Vote For No Confidence

03. Rising Fear

04. Leave Me Alone

05. Second to None

Comments PRIMAL FEAR bassist Mat Sinner: "There were three famous vocalists on our final wish list. That it was Tarja who got involved in this song is a matter of pure joy for all of us. Working together on the song and video was totally relaxed and professional — a great experience also because Tarja's and Ralf's [Scheepers] voices go together incredibly well. Now, we can expand the 'Metal Commando' saga with a unique chapter. We're all really proud of this single."

Turunen adds: "I was very happy to receive the invitation to take part in PRIMAL FEAR's beautiful song 'I Will Be Gone'. We started our careers nearly at the same time many years ago, and finally got a chance to work together. I love the song and personally it helped me to stay connected and rock again, even if at the studio this time. I really hope that people will like this collaboration and that it will bring them joy especially during these difficult times we are living through at the moment."

"I Will Be Gone" will be available on multi-colored vinyl, shaped vinyl, CD digipack and digitally.

PRIMAL FEAR's 13th studio album, "Metal Commando", was released in July via Nuclear Blast. The LP was produced by Sinner and mixed by Jacob Hansen.

"I don't want to throw around superlatives, but each of us went to their utmost limits and we are all very happy with the sound and song material," said Sinner. "It's pretty safe to say that this is a top album and maybe even our strongest record to date. It's the perfect mix between our origins and our current style, a perfect balance and all bandmembers did an awesome job playing and recording it. For me, 'Metal Commando' is the right album at the right time."

The drum kit that late RUSH drummer Neil Peart used on tour and in the studio with the band from 1974 through 1977 fetched more than half a million dollars at an auction this week.

The kit, which had a pre-auction estimate of $80,000-$120,000, was sold for $500,312 at a Bonhams auction in Los Angeles. It features blue drum heads stamped with the RUSH logo and one saying "neil" and the other "peart." A 14-inch tom-tom is signed by the drummer.

Although RUSH had formed as early as 1968 and had even released its eponymous debut album, it wasn't until original drummer John Rutsey left and Peart stepped in that the band's flame was truly ignited. It went from a blues and hard rock band whose first album was considered derivative of LED ZEPPELIN to a platinum-selling progressive rock powerhouse. Peart not only provided the basis for more complex song structures with his masterful drumming, but by taking over as a lyricist, he freed bassist/vocalist Geddy Lee and guitarist Alex Lifeson from a duty they had never wanted so that they could focus on bringing the collective musicianship to another level.

Peart reportedly arrived at his July 1974 audition with RUSH in a battered car, wearing shorts and transporting his drum kit in trash cans. Lee and Peart hit it off instantly, although it took Lifeson a bit longer to warm to warm to the drummer. Still, they eventually agreed to invite Peart into the band on July 29 of that year, two weeks before the group's first U.S. tour. Peart purchased a silver Slingerland drum kit from local music store Long & McQuade that he used on his first show with the band, opening for URIAH HEEP and MANFRED MANN'S EARTH BAND at the Civic Arena in Pittsburgh on August 14, 1974. He played this kit on the breakthrough "Fly By Night", "Caress Of Steel" and "2112", considered among the greatest progressive rock albums of all time. Probably the highest-profile live appearance of the kit was the three-night performance at Toronto's Massey Hall when the band's first live album "All The World's A Stage" was recorded. Peart was introduced at those shows as "the Professor on the drum kit" and his extended drum solo on "Working Man", played on the Slingerland kit, is legendary among fans.

"All The World's A Stage" marked the end of RUSH's first chapter and Peart's Slingerland drum kit was soon afterward retired. RUSH had gone from LED ZEPPELIN wannabes to a U.S. Top 40-charting band with a distinctive sound poised to win fans the world over. The Slingerland kit had been on the road for five consecutive U.S. and Canadian tours and was seen by thousands of fans from 1974 through 1977. Neil retired the kit at that time and placed it in storage where it sat until it was brought out a decade later as a prize in Modern Drummer magazine's "Neil Peart Drumset Giveaway." Drummer Mark Feldman won the kit and kept it until auctioning it off on eBay in 2009. Dean Bobisud purchased the kit he affectionately named "Chromey" and restored it. Since that time, Dean had been touring around the country displaying "Chromey" to raise money for charity. Last month, Dean decided to sell the kit.

In a statement announced his decision to part with "Chromey", Dean wrote: "To all the RUSH fans and fans of 'Chromey,' I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all of you, for your enthusiasm for the kit, and for your curiosity about the upcoming sale of it.

"I had to make a very difficult and heartbreaking decision to sell Chromey for a myriad of personal reasons," he explained. "For 12 years I've enjoyed bringing the kit to various appearances and at the Rhythm Discovery Center. Over the years I realized how much I enjoyed sharing Chromey with the fans far more than owning it, and I'm always going to miss that heartwarming experience of seeing the fans excitement and how much the opportunity meant to them. Remember, it's Mr. Neil Peart we need to thank for putting this drum kit's history in place and blessing us with the opportunity to share it with others.

"From myself and all who have been on the 'Chromey Crew,' thank you all for so many years of joy celebrating RUSH, Neil Peart, and this amazing drum kit," he concluded.

Eddie Van Halen's personally designed custom guitar, owned and played onstage by the late musican at the February 16, 2008 show in Jacksonville, Florida was auctioned for $37,500 at Nate D. Sanders Auctions Thursday night (December 10).

Van Halen signed the Charvel guitar with a silver marker. He listed the Jacksonville concert date as well as "Van Halen '08." The guitar comes in a custom EVH (Eddie Van Halen) Charvel guitar case.

Van Halen was the main songwriter for the band VAN HALEN. He is widely considered as one of the greatest guitar players of all-time. He also popularized the tapping guitar solo technique. He died on October 6, 2020.

Additional information on the guitar can be found at this location.

About Nate D. Sanders Auctions: An industry leader in documents and autographs, Nate D. Sanders Auctions has conducted auctions in Los Angeles since 1990 and now holds major auctions on a monthly basis. Owner Nate Sanders is recognized for his knowledge of sports, historical and Hollywood memorabilia.

Last week, Eddie Van Halen's son Wolfgang criticized a recent auction of three of his late father's guitars. The instruments were sold for a total of $422,050 through Julien's Auctions as part of a larger music memorabilia event called "Icons & Idols".

The 29-year-old said the sellers were "taking advantage of my father's passing", and he had "nothing to do with" the sale.

"I don't EVER plan on selling any of my father's iconic guitars," he said.

According to BBC News, Julien's Auctions said two of the guitars were submitted for sale weeks before Eddie died.

Wolfgang added that one of the guitars sold had been a gift, writing on Twitter: "It WASN'T for charity. They're just taking advantage of my father's passing. What a surprise."

He also suggested the only place they could "possibly belong in is a museum."

Julien's Auctions said the instruments in the sale were a custom-designed 2004 "stage-played" guitar, a "customized and played" guitar and a "music video guitar" that was used for VAN HALEN's classic 1984 single "Hot For Teacher". The latter was a non-playing prop that was used by a child actor who played a young Eddie Van Halen in the song's accompanying vi