"Did you bang your head to Quiet Riot's Metal Health," asks author Melissa Whitney? "I did, too."

"I discovered Quiet Riot in 1979 with the line up—Kevin DuBrow, Randy Rhoads, Rudy Sarzo, and Drew Forsyth on drums."

"After Randy and Rudy left the band to join Ozzy Osborne, I thought that was the end of the music and the great band Quiet Riot. Little did I know, it was just the beginning."

"Hi, I'm Missy Whitney, and I was running the Quiet Riot Squad Fan Club when the #1 Billboard charted album, Metal Health, came out in 1983. I've wanted to write about my unique experiences running the fan club and completed my book earlier this year. It includes photos from my scrapbook, some memorabilia, and even handwritten letters from Kevin."

"The book is a journey, starting from when I was 16. Shortly thereafter, I became a fan(tactic) promoter of Kevin's solo career, attending 105 gigs, up through Metal Health's release and beyond. I’ve selected my favorite band and fan accounts, plus, video shoot stories from “Bang Your Head” and “Cum On Feel The Noize”, and talk about the shock of Kevin's untimely death in 2007."

"Plus, much more... In my quest to find the perfect photo for the book’s cover, I met the iconic '80s rock photographer, Mark 'Weissguy' Weiss. He was curious about my project, and after a few phone conversations (I'm west coast, he’s east), Mark shared a bigger vision for my book."

"As it turns out, Mark was friends with Quiet Riot, and he suggested adding some of his incredible photos. And then Ron Sobol also came aboard, offering photos from his treasure trove from the Randy Rhoads years."

"With your pre-order, this book will be a collective gift in honor and memory of Kevin's 65th birthday. Plus, a portion of all book proceeds will be donated to the Pancreatic Cancer Cure Foundation in memory of Frankie Banali." 

"And in the spirit of the Quiet Riot Squad Fan Club, I’ve designed several packages with fan goodies like vinyl stickers, band photographs, t-shirts, and a limited-edition photo guitar pick commemorating Kevin's birthday."

"I look forward to sharing this journey with all you Quiet Riot fans. Now go and pick your perk package! All packages are on the right side of this page. Click each box to see what you get!"

Further details can be found on Facebook.

(Photo by Mark Weiss)

 

 

 




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Halloween may look different this year, but STABBING WESTWARD is intent on making it feel special by releasing a brand-new covers EP today as a special "treat" for fans.

"Hallowed Hymns", released on COP International Records, features four tracks that were instrumental to the industrial band's beginnings and conjure the feeling of the season. It includes original takes on "Burn" from THE CURE (famously featured on the soundtrack to "The Crow"), the classic "(Every Day Is) Halloween" by MINISTRY and ECHO AND THE BUNNYMEN's eternal hit "The Killing Moon". There is also a special "Devil's Night Mix" version of STABBING WESTWARD's "Burn" cover to round out the surprise release.

STABBING WESTWARD — featuring original founding members Christopher Hall (vocals/guitar) and Walter Flakus (keyboards/programming) as well as longtime bandmate Carlton Bost (bass) and newest member Bobby Amaro (drums) — originally released their cover of "Burn" to much fanfare for the "Cold Waves Festival" compilation album in September; the track was premiered by Revolver magazine that called it a "reverent cover" that kicked off the compilation "with a bang."

Says Hall about this special surprise release: "2020 has been a shit year. We were supposed to release our new album and tour the U.S. to support it. But clearly that's not happening. We know Halloween is different this year with no parties and no trick or treating so we wanted to give fans something special …. something that will help tie you over until we can release some new music.

"We picked these three tracks because, for us, they represent the feeling of Halloween and they were very important songs during our early musical stages. If there were ever two bands that I would say most influenced Walter and I to form STABBING WESTWARD it would be MINISTRY and THE CURE. From the earliest days of MINISTRY's 'With Sympathy' through the evolution of 'Twitch', they were the band that opened our minds and hearts to industrial music. To be able to reimagine these songs as STABBING WESTWARD while still trying to pay homage to the brilliance of the original versions was a terrifyingly fun adventure.

"We have been working on the album so hard for so long that it was really a joy to take a break and explore all these tracks had to offer. As often as you listen to your favorite songs, it's a totally different experience to take one apart and see how it was built. It gave me such an immense appreciation for what these amazing artists created — especially the MINISTRY track knowing how primitive the gear was that Al Jourgensen had to work with back then with none of the modern tools we take for granted today. He literally created new techniques in the studio that we still use today. He was light years ahead of his time. We hope you enjoy listening to these tracks as much as we have enjoyed recording them."

STABBING WESTWARD recently reunited for the first time in decades, releasing the "Dead And Gone" EP with new material in January 2020 and announcing a new record deal with indie label COP International to release the band's upcoming fifth studio album "Wasteland" — their first new LP in 20 years — set for 2021.

The EP's title coyly illustrates that STABBING WESTWARD is in fact neither dead nor gone, but rather ready to pick up where they left off after a string of mid-'90s hits that dominated alternative radio and film soundtracks, including "Shame", "Save Yourself", "So Far Away" and "What Do I Have to Do?", and resulted in two gold records.

To recapture that early chemistry, the band has again recruited their original producer, the legendary John Fryer for the upcoming "Wasteland" release. It will be the first LP from the band since 2001. Fryer, whose production credits include DEPECHE MODE, NINE INCH NAILS, 4AD, COCTEAU TWINS and LOVE AND ROCKETS, was behind the boards on STABBING WESTWARD's seminal early albums "Ungod" (1994) and "Wither Blister Burn + Peel" (1996).

This year, Mascot Records will release "Christmas Rocks", a collection of Christmas tunes from many of its bands, including a new, original song from P.O.D., "Christmas Lullaby". Other participating artists include 10 YEARS, BLACK STONE CHERRY, CROBOT, DRAGGED UNDER, OTHERWISE and AYREON.

Look for one new track to be released each week.

P.O.D. singer Sonny Sandoval stated about "Christmas Lullaby": "With limited time, we went into the studio under the impression we were supposed to record a rock and roll, novelty, holiday jingle. To our surprise, we came out with a Christmas lullaby that will prove, in time, to be a classic, timeless holiday song that will always be a part of your special Christmas memories from now on."

Added guitarist Marcos Curiel: "'Christmas Lullaby' inspires me, gives me hope during these uncertain times. It's a positive, beautiful Christmas vibration. Thought-provoking and heartfelt. It resonates from Southtown, San Diego, all the way to the North Pole."

P.O.D.'s latest album, "Circles", was released in November 2018 via Mascot Label Group. The disc saw the band collaborating with the Los Angeles-based production duo called the Heavy (Jason Bell and Jordan Miller), who ensured the album is contemporary sounding without losing any of the band's core sonic signifiers.

Sandoval told the "Mike James Rock Show" about the musical direction of "Circles": "I don't think it's a shock — like, a completely different direction — but we have so many different elements in our music, and I think with this record, it might be heavy-stacked on certain elements. We weren't trying to make this 'heavy' record. Sometimes, you're, like, 'I just want to make a heavy song,' or sometimes, 'I want to do something more reggae.' It's part of the writing process, but for us this time, after coming off the last record and just being so jaded by the music industry, it was, like, 'You know what? What do we have to lose?' If anything, we know that is true is that our loyal fan base has been there and will be there. [They've] been there so long, that's the only reason why we get to keep doing this. It's like, 'You know what? They're going to appreciate or understand whatever we put out,' so we kind of had this 'we-don't-have-nothing-to-lose' [sic] mentality. It wasn't trying to overthink it... [We] didn't really stick to a plan, [but] just had fun doing it."

King Diamond has released CD and LP versions of The Dark Sides via Metal Blade Records. Released in 1988, The Dark Sides contains five tracks and an outro, released on previous albums. Find a full audio stream below.

King Diamond states: "These are not remasters. These are the albums as they were originally done in the old days from the original production masters. They retain all the original dynamics that were captured at the time. It's very exciting to present these to fans as they were originally released."

The vinyl editions feature spined sleeves with a download card; the CD contains a mini-LP CD-insert. See below for an overview of available formats; order your copies via the links below:

- US
- Europe
- UK

The Dark Sides CD and LP formats:

- hardcover digisleeve "mini-LP" CD
- orange / white marbled vinyl (US exclusive)
- charcoal marbled vinyl (US exclusive)
- 180g black vinyl
- red / orange / white marbled vinyl (EU exclusive - limited to 500 copies)
- maroon marbled vinyl (EU exclusive - limited to 300 copies)
- peach skin brown marbled vinyl (EU exclusive - limited to 200 copies)
- black / white "melt" vinyl (EU webshop exclusive - limited to 100 copies)

Tracklisting:

"Halloween" (previously released on Fatal Portrait)
"Them" (instrumental track, previously released on Them)
"No Presents For Christmas" (previously released as the A-side of "No Presents For Christmas" single; later as a bonus track on the 2007 remastered version of Fatal Portrait)
"Shrine" (previously released as the B-side of "The Family Ghost" single; later as a bonus track on the 2007 remastered version of Abigail)
"The Lake" (previously released as a B-side of "Halloween" single and as a bonus track on CD versions of Fatal Portrait)
"Phone Call" (previously released on CD versions of Them)




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Rock icon Rob Zombie has announced his seventh studio album, "The Lunar Injection Kool Aid Eclipse Conspiracy", to be released March 12, 2021 via Nuclear Blast. The LP marks his first new album in nearly five years. "The Lunar Injection Kool Aid Eclipse Conspiracy" is a classic Zombie album to its core, with high-energy rages like "The Eternal Struggles Of The Howling Man" and "Get Loose" to heavy-groove thumpers like "Shadow Of The Cemetery Man" and "Shake Your Ass-Smoke Your Grass". The new album is produced by Chris "Zeuss" Harris.

Listen to the first single "The Triumph Of King Freak (A Crypt Of Preservation And Superstition)" below.

Rob Zombie has released an exclusive seven-inch, featuring the new single and B-side, "The Serenity Of Witches". Order the new single and pre-order "The Lunar Injection Kool Aid Eclipse Conspiracy" here.

"The Lunar Injection Kool Aid Eclipse Conspiracy" track listing:

01. Expanding The Head Of Zed

02. The Triumph Of King Freak (A Crypt Of Preservation And Superstition)

03. The Ballad Of Sleazy Rider

04. Hovering Over The Dull Earth

05. Shadow Of The Cemetery Man

06. A Brief Static Hum And Then The Radio Blared

07. 18th Century Cannibals, Excitable Morlocks And A One-Way Ticket On The Ghost Train

08. The Eternal Struggles Of The Howling Man

09. The Much Talked Of Metamorphosis

10. The Satanic Rites Of Blacula

11. Shower Of Stones

12. Shake Your Ass-Smoke Your Grass

13. Boom-Boom-Boom

14. What You Gonna Do With That Gun Mama

15. Get Loose

16. The Serenity Of Witches

17. Crow Killer Blues

In September 2019, Rob told NME that his new LP was "the best record" he had ever made. It's a very big, crazy and complex record that I'm really excited to finally be able to release," he said.

Asked if this is his favorite of ZOMBIE's records that he has played on, guitarist John 5 told told Revolver: "Well, this is definitely the most musical — meaning there are a lot of different changes, and it's very unorthodox how the structure is, you know? I have to be careful because I know people will take a little snippet of what I'm saying. So we'll go with a very heavy, hooky ROB ZOMBIE record."

Back in 2018, John 5 compared ROB ZOMBIE's upcoming album to THE BEATLES' groundbreaking LP "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band", saying that it is "by far the best Zombie record that he's ever done." He added: "A lot of people say, 'Oh, it's just our greatest record,' and I don't say that. Whatever I say is so honest when I'm doing interviews. So I think it's our best record."

2016's "The Electric Warlock Acid Witch Satanic Orgy Celebration Dispenser" was the second consecutive effort to feature Zombie and John 5 alongside bassist Piggy D. and drummer Ginger Fish.

Photo credit: Travis Shinn

DEFTONES will celebrate the 20th anniversary of their third album, "White Pony", by releasing a remix LP called "Black Stallion" on December 11 via Reprise/Warner. The first single from the effort, a remix of "Knife Prty" by Purity Ring, can be streamed below. DEFTONES also enlisted such producers and artists as DJ Shadow, Clams Casino, THE CURE's Robert Smith, LINKIN PARK's Mike Shinoda, Squarepusher, Blanck Mass and Salva for "Black Stallion" for reimaginings of other "White Pony" favorites.

"Black Stallion" track listing:

01. Feiticeira (Clams Casino remix)

02. Digital Bath (DJ Shadow remix)

03. Elite (Blanck Mass remix)

04. Rx Queen (Salva remix)

05. Street Carp (Phantogram remix)

06. Teenager (Robert Smith remix)

07. Knife Prty (Purity Ring remix)

08. Korea (Trevor Jackson remix)

09. Passenger (Mike Shinoda remix)

10. Change (In the House of Flies) (Tourist remix)

11. Pink Maggit (Squarepusher remix)

DEFTONES announced their plans for a "White Pony" remix album during a virtual press conference in June. At the time, singer Chino Moreno stated: "We're going to be releasing later in the year a reissue of ['White Pony'] and we're going to do sort of a split side of the record, a remixed version of it titled 'Black Stallion'. So we have a bunch of different people on it, some that actually inspired some of the writing of the record itself, the original album. So it's kind of come full circle."

DJ Frank Delgado revealed that "Black Stallion" was in the works before "White Pony" even saw the light of day.

"We would talk about ['White Pony' before it came out], how good it was going to be, and we'd immediately jump to, 'It's going to be so good, we're going to have [DJ] Shadow remix it and we'll call it 'Black Stallion'. I think one time we actually hit him up. He was playing here in town and I was opening DJing and me and Chino kind of cornered him."

"White Pony (20th Anniversary)" is available in three physical formats: 2 CD + digital download; limited-edition deluxe box set (2 double LPs + 2 CDs); and a vinyl box set (2 double LPs).

DEFTONES' ninth album, "Ohms", arrived in September.

Volbeat have released a video for "Lonesome Rider" (Live In Stuttgart) from the upcoming Rewind, Replay, Rebound: Live In Deutschland release, available digitally worldwide on November 27 via Republic Records. Watch below and get the track here.

The new 27-song set features songs recorded during the sold-out German leg of last year’s Rewind, Replay, Rebound World Tour, along with two additional tracks recorded earlier on the tour. The album marks the first official live recordings of 11 songs from the band’s latest studio release, Rewind, Replay, Rebound as well as fan favourites from throughout the band’s career played in front of the their die-hard German fans in cities such as Stuttgart, Cologne, and Hamburg. The set, mixed by long time Volbeat collaborator Jacob Hansen, will be available for streaming and download from your favourite digital service. Click here to pre-save.

Germany holds an important place in the story of Volbeat. From playing their first note on German soil at the Rock Hard Festival in Gelsenkirchen 14 years ago, Germany has embraced the band and lovingly christened themselves the band’s “second home.” Says vocalist/guitarist Michael Poulsen, “the German audience has always had a special place in our hearts, since the very beginning. They have always supported us and still do. It’s amazing to see the impact the fans have had on Volbeat, we’ve become fans of theirs, too.”

Recently, Volbeat announced their Record Store Day Black Friday release, Hokus Bonus: a vinyl-only compilation of ‘bonus tracks’ from special and international editions of the band’s previous albums. Limited to 3,000 copies, the LP features brand new cover art from long-time Volbeat illustrator Karsten Sand and will be pressed on “Magician’s Smoke” coloured vinyl. Hokus Bonus will also be available November 27 at independent record stores participating in Record Store Day.

Rewind, Replay, Rebound: Live In Deutschland tracklisting:

Intro/"Lola Montez"
"Pelvis On Fire"
"Doc Holliday"   
"Sorry Sack Of Bones"   
"The Garden's Tale"
"Ring Of Fire"    
"Sad Man's Tongue"                
"When We Were Kids"  
"Slaytan"                       
"Dead But Rising"
"Fallen"
"Die To Live"
"Seal The Deal"
"For Evigt"
"7:24"
"Cheapside Sloggers"
"Lonesome Rider"         
"Parasite"
"The Everlasting"
"Cloud 9"
"Last Day Under The Sun"         
"The Devil's Bleeding Crown"   
"Leviathan"
"Let It Burn"      
"Pool Of Booze, Booze, Booza"
"Boa [JDM]"
"Still Counting"

"Cheapside Sloggers" (Live In Stuttgart) video:

Trailer:




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The CJSS track "No Man's Land" is a track from the band's debut album, World Gone Mad. The video below features a live version recorded at Bogart's in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Lineup:

David T. Chastain - guitar
Russell Jinkens - vocals
Mike Skimmerhorn - bass
Les Sharp - drums

Previously released live videos for the CJSS tracks, "Hell On Earth", "World Gone Mad", "Destiny", "Welcome To Damnation" and "Praise The Loud", also recorded at Bogart's in Cincinnati, can be seen below:




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Another masterclass in the kind of extremity that's elevated Thy Art Is Murder to one of Australia's top-heavy exports, today the band unveils the lyric video for their new single, “Killing Season”. The song is rooted in the band's sonic origins with its classic bone-crunching death metal paired with a relentless ferocity that takes a wrecking ball to all in its path.

In keeping with the band’s tradition of shining a floodlight on socio-political trauma and history’s atrocities, the lyrics for "Killing Season" are inspired by the whitewashing of colonialism, and the song tackles the brutal reality of systemic racism in the western world head-on. Written on Thanksgiving 2019, "Killing Season" examines the genesis of the national holiday and its lesser-known bloody history that’s far from the sanitized version celebrated annually.

Guitarist Andy Marsh explains: “'Killing Season' is a crushing old school sounding Thy Art track that we put together towards the end of 2019, to be used somewhere in 2020 for a release or tour promo. We wanted to release it now as a gift to our fans who have supported us throughout this year by continuing to listen to our music, buying merch, or simply sending us messages of support. It means the world to us! 'Killing Season'' touches on the darkness surrounding the origins of Thanksgiving, and while that subject is relevant at this time of year, we want you to think of the atrocities both past and present that deserve acknowledgment.”

Watch the lyric video for "Killing Season" below, and purchase/listen to "Killing Season" here.

"Killing Season" is the first taste of new music from the masters of brutality since the release of their earth-scorching fifth record, Human Target. Originally intended for another release, the band decided to release the track to say thank you to all the fans who have stood by them during the global pandemic and the chaos of 2020.




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On today's (Wednesday, November 18) episode of her talk show "The Talk", Ozzy Osbourne's wife and manager Sharon announced that she is self-quarantining after being in contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19.

"I'm home today because one of the ladies that I work with at home has come down with COVID. So we're all on lockdown," Osbourne said (see video below). "She's doing okay, but can you believe it? This is my second lockdown. Second time around, girls."

Just three months ago, Sharon revealed that two of her and Ozzy's granddaughters, five-year-old Andy Rose and three-year-old Minnie, had been infected with the novel coronavirus. At the time, Sharon said that Minnie contracted the virus "from somebody who works for my son." She said her granddaughter's diagnosis "just goes to show you … that children can get COVID."

In September, Ozzy said he won't have a coronavirus vaccine despite his Parkinson's disease putting him at greater risk. Speaking on Rock Classics Radio on Apple Music Hits, he said: "I'm trying to recover so I can get... The only good thing about this pandemic, I couldn't work anyway because of my injuries. I'm hoping that I'll be booking 2022, I think.

"To be honest with you, I don't think it's gonna get ship shape until the end of next year. I think this winter is gonna be fucking bad, because you're gonna have the flu. People are, 'I'm not taking the flu shot.' You know what?

"You can give me anything, but I'm not gonna be number one on that fucking new vaccine. I don't know want to be the first one to wake up with a set of fucking antlers in the morning."

This past July, Ozzy said that he was still "not back to 100 percent" after suffering from several medical issues last year, including a fall, neck surgery and hospitalization for the flu. Ozzy also said that he was looking forward to performing again once he has regained his health and the coronavirus pandemic has subsided.

In August, Ozzy blasted Donald Trump's coronavirus response, saying that America's 45th president is "acting like a fool." In an interview with Rolling Stone, Ozzy said: "In my lifetime, I've never known anything like this. It's getting worse, not better. And this guy's acting like a fool. I don't really like to talk politics that much, but I've got to say what I feel with this guy. There's not much hope left. Maybe he's got a trick up his sleeve and he's going to surprise us all, and I hope he has. [Recently], over a thousand more people died in one day [in America]. That's fucking crazy. People got to get with this social distancing and mask-wearing or else it's never gonna go away."

When the pandemic struck, Ozzy had just released his first solo album in a decade, "Ordinary Man", which he recorded late last year while recovering from surgery and related illnesses. The BLACK SABBATH singer had previously canceled all his 2019 tour plans, and the rescheduled 2020 shows have also been scrapped.

On November 20th, Hamburg-based Tragedian released an official video for their new single, "Aloneness". Following is a comment from guitarist / founder Gabriele Palermo:

"So I guess this is our Corona song. Hard times for a band to produce an album. I came up with the lyrics due to my interest in meditation. It's weird what it does to ones mind. Thoughts become unearthed that one would not like to emerge, yer they're there. There is no chance in suppressing them. However, by simply contemplating them without judgement, they lose their grip upon our souls."

Tragedian recently revealed the cover artwork and tracklist for their forthcoming album, Seven Dimensions. It features guest appearances by Zak Stevens (Savatage, Archon Angel), Wade Black (ex-Crimson Glory, ex-Seven Witches), Jules Down (Sleeping Child) and Zebrahead guitarist Dan Palmer.

The tracklist is as follows:

"Rising Rage"
"Aloneless"
"Out Of The Dark" (first guitar solo by Dan Palmer, backing vocals featuring Jules Down)
"Darkest Of My Days"
"Bringer Of Dreams" (guest vocals Wade Black)
"Crying In The Rain" (backing vocals featuring Jules Down)
"Enlightened"
"Forevermore"
"Destiny"
"Para Siempre (Forever)"
"The Journey"
"Forces Of The Light"

Bonus Tracks
"Crying In The Rain" (duet version featuring Jules Down)
"Forces Of The Light" (full orchestra version featuring Zak Stevens)




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Leviathan Records, the label run by guitarist David Chastain, has posted more live footage from the archives. A message states:

"Chastain exploded onto the metal scene with the release of their epic debut album Mystery of Illusion in 1985. Shortly after the release of that album the band met up in Cincinnati, Ohio to play a concert at Bogart's. The band for the show was David T. Chastain on guitar, Leather Leone on vocals, Mike Skimmerhorn on bass, Russell Jinkens on second guitar and Les Sharp on drums. The concert was actually a showcase for a major label that Mike Varney had arranged. We recently found this concert on a Beta tape and had it transferred to digital format. Considering the show was 35 years ago and shot on one camera by a fan, it obviously has some technical flaws but we decided to release it for its 'historical' importance. Leather's performance alone is worth the price of admission! 'The Winds of Change' follows a guitar solo by David T Chastain. Not sure what happened but there is some of the song missing on the tape. Mystery Of Illusion has just been reissued on CD by Divebomb Records."

Watch "I've Seen Tomorrow", "The Black Knight", "Endlessly", "I Fear No Evil", and "Mystery Of Illusion" from the same show below:




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In support of their upcoming livestream event, Trans-Siberian Orchestra have released a new visualizer featuring "Christmas Jam" from The Lost Christmas Eve' (2004) with narration. Watch below.

In August, Trans-Siberian Orchestra (TSO) was forced to make the heartbreaking announcement that, for the first time in more than 20 years, the group will not be able to tour during the holiday season. The multi-platinum, critically acclaimed, progressive rock group, is proud to make an exciting announcement today - to keep its rock holiday tradition alive, TSO will bring a performance right into fans' homes with the world premiere of its first-ever livestream event, Christmas Eve And Other Stories Live In Concert, on Friday, December 18.

TSO performing an all-new staging of its beloved album Christmas Eve And Other Stories, means that fans, despite missing so much in 2020, won't have to miss their favorite holiday tradition. This electrifying livestream will bring some much-needed rockin’ Christmas spirit to fans everywhere. In addition to the full album concert, fans will view special pre-show content including behind-the-scenes footage and classic interview segments.

General public on sale begins today. Keeping the TSO tradition of offering huge entertainment value for a low ticket price, advance tickets for TSO’s “Christmas Eve and Other Stories Live In Concert'' will be offered as a family-friendly $30 all-in ticket. For fans unable to view the livestream’s debut on Fri., Dec. 18, TSO will make the performance available for streaming on demand through midnight on Sun., Dec. 20.  In addition to purchasing the stream, fans will have the option to purchase gift packages, including T-shirts, ornaments, and masks, plus livestream tickets can be sent digitally to friends and family as presents. For more details and to purchase tickets and packages, visit trans-siberian.com.

TSO’s Music Director & lead guitarist Al Pitrelli said, “So many things have changed in 2020. Masks, social distancing, home schooling, and of course live entertainment. What will not change is all of us being able to celebrate the holidays together. It will just be in a different way.  For 21 years we’ve had the privilege of bringing our tours, including Christmas Eve And Other Stories, to hundreds of cities and millions of people. This year we will bring this timeless story to your living rooms. We will miss seeing all of you in person, but like Paul O’Neill always said, ‘adapt, overcome, and improvise.’ That’s exactly what we are going to do. This will be an opportunity to see your favorite holiday story up close and personal. We can’t wait to share this with all of you. In the meantime... Stay safe. Stay healthy. We’re on our way!”

This special event will bring together members of both the East and West bands for the first time since 2000 when TSO first began touring with two full groups. For the livestream, Bryan Hicks will narrate and Al Pitrelli (guitar) and Derek Wieland (keyboards) will serve as musical directors. The band will feature Chris Caffery (guitar), Mee Eun Kim (keyboards), Johnny Lee Middleton (bass), Asha Mevlana (violin), and Jeff Plate (drums). Vocalists will be Russell Allen, Nate Amor, John Brink, Erika Jerry, Chloe Lowery, Georgia Napolitano, and Jeff Scott Soto.

A product of the vision and imagination of TSO’s late founder, composer, and lyricist Paul O’Neill, Christmas Eve And Other Stories gave birth to the unique format O’Neill called “Rock Theater.” The story is set on Christmas Eve when a young angel is sent to Earth to bring back what is best representative of humanity.  Following favorite TSO themes of “strangers helping strangers” and “the kindness of others,” “Christmas Eve and Other Stories” takes listeners all over the world to help reunite a young girl with her distraught father. The album features such fan-favorites as both of which have not been performed live in recent years. The rock opera also features such TSO classics as "Christmas Eve/Sarajevo 12/24," "O’ Come All Ye Faithful," "Good King Joy," "Promises To Keep," "This Christmas Day," “Ornament,” and the epic “Old City Bar.”

The debut studio album of Christmas Eve And Other Stories is available as a part of "The Christmas Trilogy," a three-album collection that also includes definitive TSO albums The Christmas Attic and The Lost Christmas Eve. "The Trilogy," which has been out of print for several years, will be available on November 20, and is available for pre-order now.

Since its historic touring debut, TSO has played approximately 2,100 concert dates for more than 17 million fans and has sold in excess of 12 million albums and DVDs.




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This is your weekly dose of Apocalyptica performing Metallica classics at With Full Force Festival 2018. Watch their take on "Nothing Else Matters" below.

This season’s last Tuska Utopia episode takes the torch bearers of cello metal, Apocalyptica, to perform at the ruins of the medieval Church of St. Michael. The episode premieres on Friday, November 27th at 9pm (UTC +2). Watch the trailer below and buy tickets here.

Eicca Toppinen: "Playing at Pälkäne church ruins for Tuska Utopia was such a unique experience for us. The atmosphere in this special location gave us such a deep and inspiring state of mind. The whole set up with lights and sound felt so intense and fitting into our music. We are super thrilled to share this experience with you!"

The episode is available for purchase worldwide at SemiLive's platform until November 29th at 9pm (UTC +2).

Each hour-long stream includes a concert, an interview with the artists and a tour of the location in the spirit of a travel show hosted by Samy Elbanna from the band Lost Society. The episodes are directed by Taku Kaskela, well-known for directing both TV shows and music videos. Tuska Utopia is a new concept created and produced by the team behind the Tuska Festival.

Before Apocalyptica, you have a chance to catch Turmion Kätilöt at the Suvilahti gas holder in Helsinki on Friday, November 13th at 9pm (UTC +2) and Battle Beast at a secret stone castle on Friday, November 20th at 9pm (UTC +2). Check out all Tuska Utopia trailers on Tuska’s YouTube channel and make sure you buy tickets to all three episodes here.




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Wardruna—who are widely known for their ability to transcend music genres, cultures and languages while introducing innovative and genre-creating renditions of ancient Nordic traditions and using a broad selection of both traditional and historical instruments-- have revealed the monumental music video for the title track of their upcoming fifth full-length album, Kvitravn—which translates to ‘White Raven.’ The album is set for release on January 22, 2021 via By Norse Music in the U.S. and Sony Music / Columbia Records (worldwide excl. U.S.). The album continues where their Runaljod trilogy left off in 2016 with Runaljod – Ragnarok--which charted at #1 Billboard’s World Music charts in the U.S. and Canada.

Check out the second episode in a documentary series about Wardruna and some of the ideas behind the new album below.

“Kvitravn” was released on October 16th across all digital platforms along with the exclusive premiere of its epic music video seen below. The video for “Kvitravn” was produced by Ragnarok Films--who also recorded the video for the single “Lyfjaberg” which the band wrote, recorded and filmed earlier this year amidst the pandemic. It was filmed at several locations across Norway and Russia.

“I am very excited to finally share this song with you,” states Wardruna founder/composer Einar Selvik. “‘Kvitravn’ is a song that explores traditions of animal-guides and the symbolism and legends of sacred white animals found in Nordic and other cultures all over the world. These highly regarded ghostly creatures, whether a raven, snake, bear, moose, reindeer, elephant or lion--are in animist traditions seen as prophetic, divine messengers, and guardians representing renewal, purity and a bridge between worlds.”

He continues with details on filming the “Kvitravn” music video: “Being fully aware of how rare it is to come across white ravens, we knew from the start that this would be an ambitious and challenging task to pull off. However, fate seemed to be on our side in this and the ‘impossible’ piece of the puzzle fell into place as if gifted from the divine. The video was shot in various locations in Norway and Russia and was produced by Ragnarok Film, the same team responsible for our previous video for the song ‘Lyfjaberg.’”

Selvik recently shared that he was enlisted to work on the score for the next installment of the Assassin’s Creed® franchise, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla (released November 17). His track “Hrafnsmál – The Words of the Raven” is included on the game’s soundtrack EP Assassin’s Creed® Valhalla—Out Of The North which is out now via Lakeshore Records.

The prestigious Egil Storbekken´S Music Prize 2020–a national honorary award that was created in memory of the Norwegian musician, composer and cultural bearer Egil Storbekken was awarded to Selvik this year due to his extraordinary efforts and works with Norwegian folk music, especially the older folk instruments.

Pre-order options for Kvitravn are available via digital download here. The album is also available on CD and 180-gram 2LP gatefold vinyl (black or ltd. Edition white) here.

Tracklisting (with translations):

"Synkverv" (Turn-sight)
"Kvitravn" (White Raven)
"Skugge" (Shadow)
"Grá" (Grey)
"Fylgjutal" (Speech of the Fetch)
"Munin" (Memory)
"Kvit hjort" (White Stag)
"Viseveiding" (Song-hunting)
"Ni" (Nine)
"Vindavlarljod" (Song of the wind-bred)
"Andvevarljod" (Song of the Spirit-weavers)

"Grá" video:

(Photo - Kim Öhrling)




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German legends Scorpions continue to roll out the classic footage - this time a performance of "Rock You Like A Hurricane" live in Berlin, 1990. Check it out below.

Scorpions are celebrating the 30th anniversary of their Crazy World album, released on November 6, 1990. The band have released the Fact Video below.

Says the band: "30 years and it's still a Crazy World. Thank you for helping to make this record so special."




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Rising New England death metal agitators Fuming Mouth have officially joined Nuclear Blast, and will release a new EP titled Beyond The Tomb on November 20. A new video for the title track is streaming below. The EP follows the band's critically lauded, breakout album The Grand Descent.

Commenting on their signing to Nuclear Blast, vocalist/guitarist Mark Whelan states: "The first time I spoke to Monte Conner at Nuclear Blast it clicked. We had finally found someone with the same exact goals as us. They're a label that strives to see their bands at their best and we're a band that thrives off that energy. WE HAVE SIGNED TO NUCLEAR BLAST RECORDS, and I want to scream it in your face until you hear me."

Preorder here.

"Beyond The Tomb" video:

"Master Of Extremity":




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Swedish avantgarde/melo-death veterans Loch Vostok - have issued another single/video track as a prelude, leading up to their coming 8th album, which is set for release in the spring of 2021.

This second single/video from the, as of yet, untitled coming album is called "Disillusion", and is staged as a live video, resembling the natural environment of the band - namely live...on stage!

Loch Vostok lineup:
Teddy Möller - Guitars
Jonas Radehorn - Vocals
Niklas Kupper – Guitars
Lawrence Dinamarca – Drums
Patrik Janson – Bass
Fredrik Klingwall - Keyboards




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Multi-platinum-selling rock band Puddle of Mudd return with the world premiere of their brand new lyric video for the song "Go To Hell." The track comes from Puddle of Mudd's 2019 album, Welcome To Galvania, which is available via Pavement Entertainment.

"Go To Hell" has always been a personal favorite of Puddle Of Mudd frontman, Wes Scantlin. The song has taken on an exceptionally poignant meaning with the passing of Wes' cousin, Sean Scantlin, and serves as a tribute to him. "Go To Hell" touches on drug addiction and loss in these trying times.

Wes says, "'Go To Hell' is a song about being between Heaven and Hell in your mind. Kind of like when the angel is on one shoulder and the devil is on the other. You turn to God to figure it all out for you and he will! It’s the crossroads in our life. We make a choice about which way we’re going."

Even in the wake of tragedy, Wes' faith stays strong. He says, "My cousin Sean battled demons for a long time and he lost the battle. I know he is in Heaven taking care of me and living his best life! We will see each other one day! We all miss him! He was so young and full of life. So keep your loved ones close and never give up on them. Because no one gave up on me!"

Puddle Of Mudd's newest album, Welcome To Galvania, is available now through Pavement Entertainment. Frontman Wes Scantlin shares the meaning behind the name of the album: "My dad measures my songwriting by the galvanic skin response, which is an electric current. It's when you get goosebumps and you feel this insane, awesome sensation in your body." The album features the top 10 hit single "Uh Oh."

Welcome To Galvania is available to order here. 

“Uh Oh" video:

“Sometimes in life you come across people who want to bring you down and rip apart your soul. Well, those days are gone,” says Scantlin. “I have surrounded myself with a great team of people. They believe in me and I believe in them. I’d like to thank each and every one of them for their hard work and perseverance. I would also like to thank all of my fans for their patience. This is just the beginning. I have a lot more rock ‘n’ roll in me to share with the world!”

Pavement Entertainment’s President Mark Nawara and Vice President Tim King have to say, "We are thrilled to be working with Puddle of Mudd. We are proud to say that Wes and company have officially inked the deal with Pavement." They also add, "Wes is a great songwriter with an extremely unique and iconic voice and the new album is a monster. The band has been selling out large venues around the world. Now it's time to bring new music to the ever growing and hungry fanbase."

Puddle of Mudd will be supporting the new album touring the country this summer and fall into 2020. Click here for more information and tour dates.




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Dark Angel’s legendary singer Don Doty has joined forces with old school thrash metal band from Chile, Nimrod BC to do their version of the classic song "Merciless Death". The track is featured on Dark Angel’s classic record, Darkness Descends (1986).

Lineup:
Don Doty (Vocals) 
Chris Ira (Guitars)
Fernando F González (Bass) 
Álvaro Barraza (Guest Drums of Dekapited)




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As the gum slogan and Steel Panther life motto states, it is always better to “double your pleasure.” Now, Steel Panther announce 2 tickets to their upcoming virtual concerts for $20.00 (deal valid until December 5) – Doublemint twins not included. The band will be performing live from the Viper Room on December 5th for Gobblefest - Gobbling Isn’t Just For The Holidays Livestream and the Almost Live - Formal As Fuck New Year’s Eve Special. Both shows will start at 2:00PM PST and the 2 for $20 tickets as well as exclusive merch can be purchased here.

Gobblefest – Gobbling Isn’t Just For The Holidays comes on the heels of the band’s successful Halloween show. That show saw guests such as Rob “Blasko” Nicholson from Ozzy Osbourne’s band play the classic “Over The Mountain” with a more forgetful-than-usual Ozzy Starr. Jesse Hughes from Eagles of Death Metal threw down on Judas Priest’s “You Got Another Thing Coming” and Billy Idol’s “White Wedding.” After that show, Steel Panther thought they would make Gobblefest a festival livestream, but after co-headliners Corn, Mashed Potatoes and Sloppy Seconds along with all of the support bands canceled, the band changed plans. In the meantime, Bobby Blotzer of RATT has stepped in to help on December 5 with other surprise guests to be announced in the near future. The band will debut their new anthem about this year, “Fuck 2020” – a reimagining of their crowd favorite hit “Fuck Everybody” from their latest album Heavy Metal Rules.

On December 31, The Almost Live – Formal As Fuck New Year’s Eve Special will be the perfect way to ring in your New Year. We are saying up front that this is “Almost Live.” With a global celebration unlikely in these current times, Steel Panther have decided to replace the stuffy “Auld Lang Syne” with their new anthem “Fuck 2020.” Also, the band has tapped Slipknot frontman Corey Taylor and Fozzy frontman Chris Jericho to join in the celebration. 

* Tickets for each show individually are $15 US dollars each. All fans will be able to purchase the 2 for $20 tickets up until December 5.

(Photo by: David Jackson)




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Finnish folk metal Superstars Korpiklaani have unveiled “Mylly” as the second single from their upcoming album Jylhä (out February 5, 2021, on Nuclear Blast). The song is accompanied by a stunning and darkly atmospheric music video, which manages to capture the song’s rather melancholic tone quite perfectly. As of today, Jylhä can officially be pre-ordered in various physical formats here.

"Mylly" (engl. “Mill”) was influenced by the story of a working man’s journey to a mill, causing him to cross paths with what seems to be the devil: “Finnish folklore tells the story of a man’s journey to the mill. Along the way, he sees a figure sitting on a fence, a “devil” with a hoof as one foot. The man is frightened at what he sees and freezes in place. The character disappears and the man remembers hearing the story of the devil living in the mill. Eventually, the man continues his journey and overcomes his fears. At the mill, he feels he is finally equal to the past and the present. Fences rot, fall, but the spirit and stories remain, over generations and over ages. The video tells us about our character's journey to the mill with the last of his grains. "Devil" is the deceiver, who is tempting the man to give up his grains by appealing to his weaknesses."

Musically the song continues a more serious, restrained and also slightly melancholic approach which suits Korpiklaani very well.

Jonne Järvelä states: “'Mylly' started taking shape when our ex-accordion player Juho Kauppinen told me he had some song ideas that might fit Korpiklaani. The main riff caught my ear immediately, so I was happy to start working on the track. After just a couple of days the song was ready, and Tuomas Keskimäki wrote the lyrics right away as well. 

The video saga that started with 'Leväjuhta' will continue, with actor Yrjänä Ermala returning to the main role. Ermala's looks and the sound of his name might give you the impression that he's a mean version of the Finnish 'devil' aka 'perkele', but the man's heart is pure gold. Yrjänä is not only an actor, but also a luthier of traditional instruments, a blacksmith etc... is there anything he can't do?!

“Also acting in the video are my 10-year-old daughter Tinja Järvelä (who was featured in our 'Henkselipoika' video a couple of years ago) and actor/musician Toni Koskipuro, who nailed the role of the cunning devil!”

The music video for "Mylly” was again directed by Markku Kirves who also shot the video for the first single "Leväluhta”.

Korpiklaani is unique. Their blend of Finnish folk music and heavy metal is like no other. Like traditional folk music that tells tales of joy, heartbreak, and stories of old, Korpiklaani brings new life to these tales adding the high energy of rock ‘n roll and heavy metal. What you hear on the record is what you hear live; authentic, honest, and a lot of fun. Korpiklaani is a natural representation of our journey in this life, bringing music and emotions that can have you dancing all night, to quiet moments of melancholy.

Jylhä continues this journey with a collection of tales of folklore, nature, celebration, and three stories of murder, including the infamous Lake Bodom murders.

Singer Jonne states: "Jylhä is not just a battering heavy metal record, it's also our most volatile full-length album to date. For example, some of the new songs feature energetic punk rock influences and there are even some audible laid-back reggae-rhythms, like our first single, 'Leväluhta'."

Leväluhta (or Levänluhta) is a spring in Isokyrö. The remains of approximately a hundred Iron Age bodies have been found buried there, and it remains unclear why the deceased were laid to rest in the spring. In the story, the narrator himself is one of the buried, floating in the lap of clear water beyond time and knowledge. The video tells us a fictional story about what may have happened in the mystical Leväluhta...

Jylhä tracklisting:

"Verikoira"
"Niemi"
"Leväluhta"
"Mylly"
"Tuuleton"
"Sanaton maa"
"Kiuru"
"Miero"
"Pohja"
"Huolettomat"
"Anolan aukeat"
"Pidot"
"Juuret"

"Mylly" video:

"Leväluhta" video:




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The moon, an autumnal atmosphere, fog in the woods, vampires, and a wicked storyteller – as an '80s horror fan, you'll get everything you desire by watching the cinematic new "As I Lie Awake" video by Witherfall.

The video was shot by the renowned director Zev Deans, who didn't just do spectacular videos for the likes of Ghost, Behemoth, or Chelsea Wolfe — but also Denzel Curry and St. Vincent.

"'As I Lie Awake' is the catchiest Witherfall song to date," the band says. "It was created with much arguing and loud, drunken chicanery. Early on, the band and producer Jon Schaffer agreed that this should be the lead single. Zev Deans, who had directed Ghost's 'Dance Macabre,' was enlisted for the job and the video for 'As I Lie Awake' features a great Lost Boys-styled treatment. Thanks again to Duff's in Brooklyn. We didn't mean to spill blood and wine on your carpet..."

"When Joseph sent me the song, it immediately transported me to an era when both heavy metal and horror movies were all about sex, blood, and ultimately, a good time," says Deans. "Movies like The Lost Boys were in the movie theaters and long-format music videos like 'Thriller' were on MTV."

"As I Lie Awake" is the second single from Curse of Autumn, the upcoming album from L.A.'s Witherfall. It is scheduled for a worldwide street date of March 5, 2021, with the U.S. vinyl available April 2. Preorders will be launched shortly.

Witherfall are:
Joseph Michael - Vocals/Keyboards (also in Sanctuary)
Jake Dreyer - Acoustic and Electric Guitars (also in Iced Earth/Demons And Wizards)
Anthony Crawford - Bass (Chon, Shalmor, Allan Holdsworth, Justin Timberlake, Kirk Whalum)
Marco Minnemann - Drums (The Aristocrats, Joe Satriani, Steven Wilson, Tony Levin, Jordan Rudess, Necrophagist)
Alex Nasla - Live Keyboards

"The Last Scar":

(Photo by: Stephanie Cabral)




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Spain-based thrash metal band, Angelus Apatrida, returns with their seventh self-titled album, which is set for release worldwide on February 5 via Century Media Records.

Angelus Apatrida ("/ˈan-je-lus - a-ˈpa-tri-da/") was produced by the band, recorded with Juanan López in September and October at Baboon Records, in Albacete, Spain and then mixed and mastered by Christopher "Zeuss" Harris (Rob Zombie, Overkill, Hatebreed, Municipal Waste, Shadows Fall) at Planet-Z in Wilbraham, MA, US. The album features 10 songs, sounding more determined, versatile and ferocious than ever before and on the verge of the group's 20th Anniversary.

To celebrate the album announcement, the band have released the first single and music video off the forthcoming release, "Bleed The Crown". Watch the video directed by Fernando Morales (www.micocographics.com) below.

"It's really hard to choose what's gonna be the first single of an album, which is a complete single by itself! 'Bleed The Crown' maybe is one of those classic Angelus Apatrida songs that unites energy, awesome riffs and catchy vocals that once you listen to it will stay in your head the whole day! Powerful song, screaming against dark powers pulling strings from above. A perfect appetizer of what's coming next with our new album," states Angelus Apatrida about the release of "Bleed The Crown".

The band adds, "How to make a cool, straight-to-the-face video during a pandemic lockdown? Just call some friends who actually own an awesome graphics studio, buy tons of beers and let's get to work! We really wanted to support some local professionals in our town, especially if they're friends of us and incredible pros; that's been one of the better points of this. No story, no big deal. Since we cannot perform on stage, we wanted to reflect the real sweat, blood and tears of a real show, so that's it! The incredible work on lights of Jorge and Juanan made every shot fit perfectly with the rage and attitude of the song itself. No kidding, I think you'll feel the energy through the screen! We want to thank Fer, Antonio, George, Juanan, Baboon Records, Capitán Denim, Ayeres Antiques, Albeniz Albacete and Arenas Audio for their great work and invaluable help!"

Angelus Apatrida's artwork was created by Gyula Havancsák (Annihilator, Destruction, Stratovarius) and is available as limited CD Jewelcase in O-Card or as a 180g. vinyl LP with the album on CD as a bonus on either black vinyl or in limited edition colored runs (Creamy White vinyl: 100x copies from CM Webshop, Yellow vinyl: 200x copies from CM Distro and Red vinyl: 300x copies for Spain).

Pre-order the album here.

Tracklisting:

"Indoctrinate"
"Bleed The Crown"
"The Age Of Disinformation"
"Rise Or Fall"
"Childhood's End"
"Disposable Liberty"
"We Stand Alone"
"Through The Glass"
"Empire Of Shame"
"Into The Well"

"Bleed The Crown" video:

Angelus Apatrida is:

David G. Álvarez (lead and rhythm guitars)
José J. Izquierdo (bass guitar)
Víctor Valera (drums)
Guillermo Izquierdo (vocals and lead/rhythm guitars)




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Europe recently launched a special series of audio visual delights via the band’s YouTube channel and social media sites under the banner "Friday Nights With Europe The Band".

The fifth performance, of the song "Dance The Night Away" from the band's 1984 album Wings Of Tomorrow, can be seen below:

Check out the first four performances below:

The band’s own film footage was compiled and edited by the band’s long-time video director Patric Ullaeus at rEvolver.se, with all audio mixed by famed producer Kevin Shirley. Also featured is a cameo voice-over by Scott Gorham.

Singer Joey Tempest, “We wanted to do something special for our fans and rock enthusiasts. We have re-recorded and filmed some uplifting songs from our back catalog, done during lockdown and over the summer in our home studios and rehearsal spaces. We had a blast just playing together again. Knowing we would start up our “Friday Nights With Europe The Band” on our social media this autumn made it extra special. We hope to keep these exclusive evenings going for our fans for a long time. At the same time, keeping our name out there during this non-touring era by streaming and posting exclusive material. Let the madness begin!”

Friday Nights With Europe The Band:

November
27 - The Final Countdown 30th Anniversary show 2016, captured at London’s Roundhouse. (featuring the albums War Of Kings & The Final Countdown in their entirety, live) - 11 AM, PT/ 2 PM, ET/ 7 PM, UK




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Following the release of their new studio album Panther, Sweden’s progressive metal innovators Pain Of Salvation now present a special reissue edition for The Perfect Element, Pt. I album from 2000. Celebrating the 20th anniversary of the band’s third album, the reissue is entitled The Perfect Element, Pt. I (Anniversary Mix 2020) and is out now via InsideOutMusic.

Listen to "Used" (Anniversary Mix 2020):

Watch drum playthrough clips by Pain of Salvation’s Leo Margarit for "Idioglossia" and "Used":

Following on from the widely praised remix of the classic Pain Of Salvation album Remedy Lane in 2016, The Perfect Element, Pt. I (Anniversary Mix 2020) comes completely remixed by Pontus Lindmark as well as mastered by Thor Legvold / Sonovo. The release, which features slightly revised artwork as well as new liner-notes, will be available as limited 2CD Digipak and Digital Album (with a total of 8 bonus tracks) as well as in the Gatefold 2LP format on 180g. vinyl with the entire remixed album as bonus CD.

The Perfect Element, Pt. I (Anniversary Mix 2020) 2CD tracklisting:

Main CD:
"Used" (Anniversary Mix 2020)
"In The Flesh" (Anniversary Mix 2020)
"Ashes" (Anniversary Mix 2020)
"Morning On Earth" (Anniversary Mix 2020)
"Idioglossia" (Anniversary Mix 2020)
"Her Voices" (Anniversary Mix 2020)
"Dedication" (Anniversary Mix 2020)
"King Of Loss" (Anniversary Mix 2020)
"Reconciliation" (Anniversary Mix 2020)
"Song For The Innocent" (Anniversary Mix 2020)
"Falling" (Anniversary Mix 2020)
"The Perfect Element" (Anniversary Mix 2020)
"Epilogue" (Anniversary Mix 2020) * Bonus Track

Bonus CD:
"Used" (Live 2018)
"Ashes" (Live 2017)
"Falling" (Live 2018)
"The Perfect Element" (Live 2018)
"Her Voices (And Only That)"
"Absolute Kromata"
"Ashes" [Your Language Here]

2LP Tracklisting:

Side A:
"Used" (Anniversary Mix 2020)
"In The Flesh" (Anniversary Mix 2020)
"Ashes" (Anniversary Mix 2020)
"Morning On Earth" (Anniversary Mix 2020)

Side B:
"Idioglossia" (Anniversary Mix 2020)
"Her Voices" (Anniversary Mix 2020)

Side C:
"Dedication" (Anniversary Mix 2020)
"King Of Loss" (Anniversary Mix 2020)

Side D:
"Reconciliation" (Anniversary Mix 2020)
"Song For The Innocent" (Anniversary Mix 2020)
"Falling" (Anniversary Mix 2020)
"The Perfect Element" (Anniversary Mix 2020)
"Epilogue" (Anniversary Mix 2020) (03:14) * Bonus Track

Note: The Gatefold 2LP comes with the entire remixed album (13 songs / 76 minutes) as bonus CD.

“Ashes" (Anniversary Mix 2020):




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On Friday. December 18 at 4 PM, PST / 7 PM, EST, The Black Dahlia Murder will kick off their "Yule 'Em All: A Holiday Variety Extravaganza" livestream, featuring live performances, special guests and more.

Presented by Night Shift Merch, fans can purchase tickets and merch bundles here, where the stream itself will take place. There will be a 48-hour video on demand restream period for ticket holders (you MUST buy a ticket before the livestream airs to have access to the VOD restream).

Trevor Strnad (vocals) comments: "We in The Black Dahlia Murder have been hard at work assembling what will surely be the most major holiday event since Tickle Me Elmo dropped. Live music from albums new and old, skits, cartoons, Ham Sanitizer...it's all here and waiting for your eager bloodshot eyeballs to blissfully consume! Clear your calendars for Dec 18!!! You won't want to miss it!"

The Black Dahlia Murder released their new album, Verminous, in spring of this year via Metal Blade Records. The band was set to take the album on the road and announced a full European tour for January of 2021. Due to the given circumstances and the band's regret the tour has to be pushed back for a full year to 2022. Find the new dates below.

Verminous European Tour 2022 (with Rings Of Saturn, Viscera)

January
14 - Essen, Germany - Turock
15 - Munich, Germany - Backstage
16 - Cham, Germany - L.A.
17 - Prague, Czech Republic - Nova Chmelnice
18 - Budapest, Hungary - Barba Negra
19 - Ljubljana, Slovenia - Kino Siska
20 - Paderno Dugnano, Italy - Slaughter Club
21 - Aarau, Switzerland - Kiff
22 - Lyon, France - Ninkasi Kao
23 - Nantes, France - Le Ferrailleur
25 - Madrid, Spain - Caracol
26 - Barcelona, Spain - Boveda
27 - Tarbes, France - La Gespe
28 - Paris, France - Petit Bain
29 - Vosselaar, Belgium - Biebob
30 - Bristol, UK - The Fleece
31 - Birmingham, UK - O2 Academy 2

February
1 - Sheffield, UK - O2 Academy
2 - Glasgow, UK - Classic Grand
3 - Belfast, UK - Limelight 2
4 - Dublin, Ireland - Voodoo Lounge
5 - Southampton, UK - The Loft
6 - London, UK - Islington Assembly Hall
8 - Enschede, Netherlands - Metropool
9 - Amsterdam, Netherlands - Q-Factory
10 - Hannover, Germany - Faust
11 - Wiesbaden, Germany - Schlachthof
12 - Hamburg, Germany - Kronensaal
13 - Copenhagen, Denmark - Vega
14 - Gothenburg, Sweden - Valand
15 - Stockholm, Sweden - Slaktkyrkan
16 - Umea, Sweden - Droskan
17 - Oulu, Finland - Hevimesta
18 - Tampere, Finland - Olympia-Kortteli
19 - Helsinki, Finland - On The Rocks
20 - Tallinn, Estonia - Club Tapper
21 - Riga, Latvia - Melna Piektdiena
22 - Vilnius, Lithuania - Vakaris
23 - Warsaw, Poland - Hydrozagadka
24 - Berlin, Germany - Hole
25 - Stuttgart, Germany - Wizemann
26 - Leipzig, Germany - Hellraiser




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Inglorious will release their new album, We Will Ride, on February 12. A video for the single, "She Won't Let You Go", can be found below.

Early pre-orders for We Will Ride are available now from the Frontiers EU and US webstores, as well as the band's webstore, including limited edition color vinyl.

Tracklisting:

"She Won't Let You Go"
"Messiah"
"Medusa"
"Eye Of The Storm"
"Cruel Intentions"
"My Misery"
"Do You Like It"
"He Will Provide"
"We Will Meet Again"
"God Of War"
"We Will Ride"

"She Won't Let You Go" video:




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Iconic guitarist, Steve Hackett, releases his new acoustic album, Under A Mediterranean Sky, on January 22 as a Limited CD Digipak, Gatefold 2LP + CD + LP-booklet and Digital Album via InsideOut Music. Under A Mediterranean Sky is Steve Hackett’s first acoustic solo album since Tribute in 2008 and takes inspiration from Steve’s extensive travels around the Mediterranean with his wife Jo.

Today he has launched the first single from the album, titled "Andalusian Heart", and you can watch the video below.

Steve comments: “The beauty of Andalusia with its Moorish and Gypsy magic and the strains of distant guitars echoing through its ornate archways has to be experienced at least once in a lifetime. So many of the things that have inspired me about Spain are embodied in this romantic track, featuring Roger King’s orchestral arrangement, Franck Avril on oboe, Christine Townsend on violin and viola, and myself on classical guitar.”

The album is now available to pre-order as Limited CD Digipak, Gatefold 2LP + CD + LP-booklet and Digital Album, here.

Working closely with long-time musical partner Roger King, Hackett has used his time during 2020’s lockdown to take us on an extraordinary musical journey around the Mediterranean, painting vivid images of stunning landscapes and celebrating the diverse cultures of the region. Famed for his rock roots with Genesis, and through his extensive solo catalogue, Hackett demonstrates the exquisite beauty of the nylon guitar at times venturing into the exotic ethnic and often supported by dazzling orchestral arrangements.

“A lot of acoustic ideas had been forming over the years, and it felt like the perfect time to create this album,” notes Hackett, “a time to contemplate the places we’ve visited around the Mediterranean with the kind of music which evolved from the world of imagination.

“Because we can’t really travel, substantially at the moment, I hope that the album will take people on that journey. Whether you sit down and listen to it or drift off to it with a glass of wine…”

Tracklisting:

"Mdina - The Walled City" (Steve Hackett / Roger King)
"Adriatic Blue" (Steve Hackett)
"Sirocco" (Steve Hackett / Jo Hackett / Roger King)
"Joie de Vivre" (Steve Hackett / Jo Hackett)
"The Memory Of Myth" (Steve Hackett / Jo Hackett / Roger King
"Scarlatti Sonata" (Domenico Scarlatti)
"Casa del Fauno" (Steve Hackett / Roger King)
"The Dervish And The Djin" (Steve Hackett / Jo Hackett / Roger King)
"Lorato" (Steve Hackett)
"Andalusian Heart" (Steve Hackett / Jo Hackett / Roger King)
"The Call Of The Sea" (Steve Hackett)

"Andalusian Heart" video:

Our journey around the Med begins on the island of Malta, in Mdina - The Walled City.  It’s imposing strength is portrayed by Roger King’s dramatic orchestration while Hackett’s guitar weaves through the atmospheric streets describing the creativity, love and strength that held Malta together between all the waves of conflict.

With Hackett’s delicate guitar work, Adriatic Blue paints an enchanting view of stunning scenery as tall cliffs of forested mountains plunge into the deep blue sea along the Croatian coastline. Sirocco is altogether more atmospheric, inspired by the winds playing through the imposing structures of Egypt.

The lively Joie de Vivre expresses the unique sense of joy the French have through their wine, food and folk music, with paintings reflecting family gatherings, spectacular vistas and the vibrant colours of their cities. The art of dreaming is embodied in their sensual love of life.

“At first hand, I’ve marvelled at the mystical whirling Dervishes,” says Hackett.  Along with otherworldly beings such as the Djin (Genie) they sprang from Persia’s dreaming past. The Dervish And The Djin captures the extraordinary atmosphere of this most exotic of civilisations with the help of Hackett’s touring band regular - Rob Townsend’s soprano sax, the tar of Malik Mansurov (from Azerbaijan) and Armenian Arsen Petrosyan’s duduk. “Of course, those countries are virtually at war with each other,” Hackett adds, “and there has been something like a thousand casualties (at the time of writing) on both sides. Again, it’s a case of music being able to do things that politicians fail to do - something constructive.”

The Memory of Myth embodies the deep and rich history of Greece and features the violin of Christine Townsend (no relation) while Lorato - ‘love’ in the language of the African Tswana tribe - is a pretty folk tune.  Love is the force that heals and links all disparate peoples of the Mediterranean.

Hackett and his wife Jo were enchanted by the little Faun statue in the House of the Faun, Pompeii. “The villas there seemed to come back to life as we walked through those wonderful atriums and gardens,” inspiring Casa del Fauno and featuring the light and airy flute of Hackett’s brother John and Rob Townsend on flute.

The only non-original piece is Domenico Scarlatti’s Sonata. This embodies the Baroque music of Italy, a sensitive interpretation embellished with cross-string trills, a technique introduced to Hackett by the fine classical guitarist, the late Theo Cheng.

Hackett also expresses his admiration for the flamenco guitarists of Andalucía who are celebrated on Andalusian Heart. “One of the flamenco guitarists was showing me the extraordinary things they are able to do,” Hackett explains. “Seeing the gypsies playing and dancing in caves there, you get the feeling that these people are dancing for their lives.”

Our journey comes to an end with The Call Of The Sea, a gentle and peaceful reflection of the vast body of water that unites the many civilisations both ancient and modern.

Under A Mediterranean Sky features Steve Hackett playing nylon, steel string and twelve string guitars, charango and Iraqi oud. Keyboards, programming and orchestral arrangements are by Roger King. Featured musicians are John Hackett and Rob Townsend, flute (Casa del Fauno); Malik Mansurov, tar and Arsen Petrosyan, duduk & Rob Townsend, Sax (The Dervish And The Djin); Christine Townsend, violin (The Memory of Myth and The Call Of The Sea).  All tracks were produced by Steve Hackett and Roger King with all tracks recorded and mixed by Roger King at Siren.

“I had a great time doing this album, seeing it take shape, and I’m very pleased with the outcome. I’m very proud of it,” says Hackett. “The nylon guitar has a very individual sound but, within the compass of what the nylon-strung guitar can do, there are a lot of different tones. You can do the full-on attack, the kind of salvo that you expect from the flamenco players but, at the same time, it can also be very gentle, gentle as a harp. It’s shades of black and white.  It’s also exciting to play alongside instruments from around the world, as well as a wide range of orchestral sounds.”




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