Kennedy Boulevard, the COVID supergroup featuring former members of Savatage, Graham Bonnet, Thor and Attacker, have released a video featuring a cover of the Deep Purple classic, "Perfect Strangers". Check it out below.

Kennedy Boulevard lineup:

Guitars: Jack Frost (ex-Savatage, Seven Witches, Lizzy Borden)
Keyboards: Eric Ragno (The Babys, Joe Lynn Turner, London, Graham Bonnet)
Bass: Scott Jackson (Steve Bello, Vick LeCar, Thor)
Drums: Mike Sabatini (Jersey Dogs, Attacker)
Vocals: Rich Galdieri (Zen Boy, Session extraordinaire)

What do four guys who grew up on the streets of Jersey City do during a COVID shutdown? They get a drummer from Hoboken and do a pandemic session.

About the guys: While Jack was touring with Savatage, Eric was recording his first Takara album with Jeff Scott Soto. While Scott was slaving away in NYC studios working with some of the top engineers and producers, Rich spent his days at Eddie Van Halen’s 5150 studio working on tracks for Zen Boy. All the while, Mike was powering through with Jersey Dogs & then Attacker.

Perfect Strangers: Over time, Eric played with Jack in Seven Witches, and Scott played with Richie at a few benefit shows. They have individually worked with groups whose sales total in the millions. They’ve performed multiple European & US tours with different artists, and with corporate bands at fancy hotels on tiny Caribbean Islands. They’ve played every dive bar/ juke joint you could think of. And they’ve each performed on the stage of the legendary Escapades club in Jersey City. And yet, they’ve never worked “together”.

These five guys left their hometown to explore musical adventures, achieving varying degrees of success. In this COVID lockdown, the time had come to do something with their hometown friends. Welcome to Kennedy Boulevard.

Kennedy Boulevard is the main artery that connects all of the neighbourhoods in their hometown of Jersey City, NJ. Kennedy Boulevard takes you where you need to go.  Take a ride with us on Kennedy Boulevard.




(function() {
var zergnet = document.createElement('script');
zergnet.type = 'text/javascript'; zergnet.async = true;
zergnet.src = (document.location.protocol == "https:" ? "https:" : "http:") + '//www.zergnet.com/zerg.js?id=70729';
var znscr = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0];
znscr.parentNode.insertBefore(zergnet, znscr);
})();

Los Angeles Times is reporting that Bret Michaels is making moves in the Conejo Valley. A month after selling his Mediterranean-style home in Westlake Village, the rock star just shelled out $4.8 million for a custom house in Calabasas.

His new place is a major upgrade, as the 6,000-square-foot home sits on half an acre with what Michaels calls “one of the best views I’ve ever seen in California.”

“This property was a unique find,” Michaels said. “When you walk in and look out almost any window, you get a view of the entire valley almost to the ocean.”

The home is in the guard-gated Oaks of Calabasas community, and for extra privacy, it boasts a second set of gates as well. Inside, two stories of living spaces pair wide-plank wood floors with white walls and clean lines.

Read more and view a photo gallery at Los Angeles Times.

(Photo - Jeff Elson)




(function() {
var zergnet = document.createElement('script');
zergnet.type = 'text/javascript'; zergnet.async = true;
zergnet.src = (document.location.protocol == "https:" ? "https:" : "http:") + '//www.zergnet.com/zerg.js?id=70729';
var znscr = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0];
znscr.parentNode.insertBefore(zergnet, znscr);
})();

Hailing from the shores of Santa Cruz, Calirnia, modern heavy metal revivalist James Durbin is on the verge of releasing his boldest, heaviest album to date with the announcement of the debut album from DURBIN, "The Beast Awakens". Coming February 12, 2021 via Frontiers Music Srl, fans can get their first taste of the album with the release of the single "Kings Before You" featuring Chris Jericho (FOZZY) and Phil Demmel (ex-MACHINE HEAD, VIO-LENCE).

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 Jericho and Demmel. 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.

Norwegian death metal beasts Insidious Disease, featuring current/former members from Dimmu Borgir, Morgoth, Nile, Susperia and Napalm Death, have released their new album, After Death, via Nuclear Blast.

Today, the band reveals a beautifully shot, ghastly new music video directed by Sandra Marschner for their song "Invisible War" which can be viewed below.

Says the band: "Today we are absolutely chuffed to announce the release of our 2nd album, After Death, with this new video-clip for the song 'Invisible War'. The video was shot in an old German World War 2 bunker near Berlin and captures the vibe of this song perfectly. It wasn't easy to realize the filming under the current circumstances, but we are pleased with the result and the whole filming and production. We really hope you will enjoy this clip and the album... It’s been a long time coming but it’s safe to say we’re excited to share our new art with you! Crank the volume!”

Order your copy of After Death in the format of your choice here.

After Death tracklisting:

"Soul Excavation"
"Betrayer"
"Divine Fire"
"Unguided Immortality"
"Invisible War"
"Born Into Bondage"
"Enforcers Of The Plague"
"An End Date For The World"
"Nefarious Atonement"
"Secret Sorcery"

"Betrayer" lyric video:

"Enforcers Of The Plague" visualizer:

Lineup:

Marc Grewe - Vocals
Silenoz - Guitar
Cyrus - Guitar
Shane Embury - Bass
Tony Laureano - Drums




(function() {
var zergnet = document.createElement('script');
zergnet.type = 'text/javascript'; zergnet.async = true;
zergnet.src = (document.location.protocol == "https:" ? "https:" : "http:") + '//www.zergnet.com/zerg.js?id=70729';
var znscr = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0];
znscr.parentNode.insertBefore(zergnet, znscr);
})();

Swedish rock band H.E.A.T have announced that lead singer Erik Grönwall will be leaving the band, and that his replacement will be original H.E.A.T vocalist Kenny Leckremo.

The news comes after the success of the band’s sixth studio album H.E.A.T II which featured the singles – ”Dangerous Ground”, ”Rock Your Body”, ”Rise”, ”Come Clean” and ”One By One”.

The original founding members of H.E.A.T issued the following statement about Erik leaving the group to pursue other interests.

“First of all, we want to thank Erik for all the crazy fun and epic travels around the world the past 10 years. Together we made H.E.A.T what it is today. Secondly, we want to welcome back founding member and original vocalist Kenny Leckremo to the band. We’re looking forward to write the next chapter of H.E.A.T story together.”

“It’s like a shot at redemption,” adds Leckremo. ”I’m thrilled to be back, and to be a part of what H.E.A.T is today. No longer just a shadow of the past, but a force into the future. The H.E.A.T legacy continues.”

Says Grönwall about his departure: “H.E.A.T has really been a place for me to grow as an individual, singer and frontman. The guys recruited this young Swedish Idol guy and believed more in me and my potential than I did myself. I am forever grateful for that. Gentlemen it’s been a pleasure touring the world with you. I’ve learned a lot from you and you’ve made me stronger. I look forward to build more memories with you, just not collectively as H.E.A.T.”




(function() {
var zergnet = document.createElement('script');
zergnet.type = 'text/javascript'; zergnet.async = true;
zergnet.src = (document.location.protocol == "https:" ? "https:" : "http:") + '//www.zergnet.com/zerg.js?id=70729';
var znscr = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0];
znscr.parentNode.insertBefore(zergnet, znscr);
})();

King Diamond has released a new Instagram filter which allows fans to appear as though they're wearing the legendary Danish heavy metal singer's face paint. Several fans have already posted selfies using the photo-editing tool, as seen in various tweets below.

Asked in a 2019 interview with Kerrang! magazine where the idea for his makeup came from, King said: "It started with Peter Gabriel. I'd seen photos of Alice Cooper, but it was when I saw GENESIS live that I thought, 'If I do something, I have to have a show to go with the music.' I saw Alice the next year, in 1975, and that blew my mind."

King also confirmed that KISS bassist Gene Simmons once threatened to sue him over the makeup. "They said, 'Your makeup is getting too close, you know,' which I never thought it was. I don't think they were ever threatened by anything we did. I think it was a business move, because they could get some good publicity out of saying, 'Hey, this is copyrighted.' And it was, I saw the patents, but I still didn't think what I was doing looked anything like what they were doing. Gene Simmons is very smart when it comes to business, and I think it was a business decision."

In a 2017 interview with "Talk Is Jericho", Gene defended his decision to send King a cease-and-desist letter over the makeup, saying: "The letter is cheaper than testing us in court. We've never lost a case. By the way, I'm a fan. I liked his stuff; I thought he was doing cool stuff. Make up your own stuff. Don't come into my house unless you're invited."

King recently confirmed that he is hard at work not only on the new album from his namesake band, but also the first LP in the 21st century from the reformed MERCYFUL FATE.

KING DIAMOND received a Grammy nomination in the "Best Metal Performance" category for the track "Never Ending Hill" off the band's last album, 2007's "Give Me Your Soul … Please".

KING DIAMOND released a DVD/Blu-ray, "Songs For The Dead Live", in January 2019 via Metal Blade Records. The set captures 1987's seminal "Abigail" album in its entirety, twice, and in very different locales: Belgium's Graspop Metal Meeting in June 2016 and Philadelphia's Fillmore in November 2015. The performances feature KING DIAMOND's current band, comprising of guitarists La Rocque and Mike Wead, bassist Pontus Egberg and drummer Matt Thompson.

MERCYFUL FATE's last studio album, "9", was released in 1999.




Just in time for Halloween I bring you the King Diamond face filter, click here to try it: https://t.co/ZOAtd1O7Ya | Stay Heavy... pic.twitter.com/dwfMZSCBJs

— King Diamond (@kingdiamond) October 30, 2020








STAY FUCKIN' HEAVY!! ? pic.twitter.com/7oLE8b0dj6

— Rashed I (@Rattlehead81) October 31, 2020








pic.twitter.com/1hzGMlqK9k

— Alberto (@necrophagggous) October 31, 2020








pic.twitter.com/WmVU1bm9sj

— Ron Ivanjack (@rskiss311) October 30, 2020








pic.twitter.com/8FC6M4hHJb

— METALxADDICT (@METALxADDICT) October 30, 2020








?? pic.twitter.com/m6UA8Xsy89

— Jason White (@jmwhite317) October 31, 2020








pic.twitter.com/bbHWT3gWbO

— Andrew Arment (@Gwarment) October 31, 2020

David Lee Roth has shared a song called "Somewhere Over The Rainbow Bar And Grill" from the unreleased album he wrote and recorded with guitarist John 5 several years ago. You can now listen to it below.

John 5 got his first big break playing on Roth's solo album, "DLR Band", before landing stints with Marilyn Manson and now Rob Zombie. His latest sessions with the iconic VAN HALEN frontman apparently took place at least six years ago, with John 5 unveiling a snippet of the album during an interview with Masters Of Shred back in May 2019.

Last year, Roth was asked by Meltdown of the Detroit radio station WRIF if his LP with John 5 will be made available at some point. He responded: "It will. There's been a revision of things, and I can start making real plans and start marching into the future. And, of course, you'll start hearing that material. This is material that we wrote variously for me solo and for VAN HALEN, and it's quite a bank of stuff."

Roth, who was promoting his Las Vegas residency at the time, didn't offer a possible time frame for the release of the record, explaining that his priority was "getting out on the road first. Let's see the band, let's show ourselves off, let's travel all over the world."

Back in 2015, John 5 told Guitar Player magazine that the sessions for his latest Roth album were remarkably relaxed. "I would just go to his house and I'd write these songs with him, and he would say, 'Let's go into the studio,'" John 5 explained. "So he would go to Henson studio and record these songs. They came out… They're so good. They're so good. And we've got Gregg Bissonette playing drums on it, and I played the bass, and they're really great songs."

The guitarist said that Roth's vocals on the album sound "like nothing you've ever heard. It's old VAN HALEN — sounds like 'Could This Be Magic?' or anything like that. It's just that sound, that tone."

In a 2014 interview, John 5 described the LP as "11 of the greatest songs you'll ever hear, and it's just me and Dave, and we had Gregg Bissonette play drums on it. And it's unbelievable," he said. "There's a song called 'Somewhere Over The Rainbow Bar And Grill'. And you know, just great, great songs."

This past March, Roth postponed the final six shows of his Las Vegas residency due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Roth performed as the opening act for the February/March North American leg of KISS's "End Of The Road" farewell tour.

Todd Kerns (Slash Featuring Myles Kennedy And The Conspirators, Toque, The Age Of Electric) has issued an art film set to his previously unreleased track "Little Grace". 

"It’s actually an old demo from the Static In Stereo days... beautiful little moody piece," says Kerns. "Little Grace" is available now on all streaming platforms, including iTunes and Spotify.

 




(function() {
var zergnet = document.createElement('script');
zergnet.type = 'text/javascript'; zergnet.async = true;
zergnet.src = (document.location.protocol == "https:" ? "https:" : "http:") + '//www.zergnet.com/zerg.js?id=70729';
var znscr = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0];
znscr.parentNode.insertBefore(zergnet, znscr);
})();

Thy Art Is Murder's earth-scorching fifth record, Human Target, was released unto the world on July 26, 2019 via Nuclear Blast (ROW) and Human Warfare (AU/NZ). The band has issued a drum playthrough from Jesse Beahler for "Atonement".

Jesse Beahler comments, "From the first time I heard the demo, I knew 'Atonement' was going to be one of my favorite tracks from the new record. I loved the dark vibes and the heavy breakdown that closes the song. The playthrough version we have recorded here has a bit more extreme double bass 16th notes to increase the intensity drum wise. Often I will have an idea in the studio while recording but, to better serve the song, vocals, or the riff, we will often change drum parts around. Recording a drum playthrough gave me an opportunity to redo some parts with the drums as the focus. I’m happy to present one of the most challenging and rewarding tracks I’ve ever worked on."




(function() {
var zergnet = document.createElement('script');
zergnet.type = 'text/javascript'; zergnet.async = true;
zergnet.src = (document.location.protocol == "https:" ? "https:" : "http:") + '//www.zergnet.com/zerg.js?id=70729';
var znscr = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0];
znscr.parentNode.insertBefore(zergnet, znscr);
})();

In 2016, the legendary David Bowie left this planet far too soon. In 2020, the live music industry was shuttered due to the coronavirus pandemic. On January 8, 2021, a star-studded group of musicians and vocalists — including those who grew up with his music as well as his friends and bandmates who worked with him and knew him best — will come together on the weekend of the fifth anniversary of Bowie's passing and what would have been his birthday to reconnect, heal, and share the music that has meant so much to so many.

Mike Garson and producers Stacey Sher and Kerry Brown have joined forces with Rolling Live Studios to produce "A Bowie Celebration: Just For One Day!", bringing together dozens of Bowie alumni band members spanning Bowie's career from his 1969 self-titled album to his final album, "Blackstar", along with many of the world's most famous voices for a very special experience. The concert will feature performances from Trent Reznor (NINE INCH NAILS), Billy Corgan (THE SMASHING PUMPKINS), Bowie's good friend and Oscar-winning actor Gary Oldman, Gavin Rossdale (BUSH), Perry Farrell (JANE'S ADDICTION), Joe Elliott (DEF LEPPARD), Grammy-winning singer Macy Gray, Ian Astbury (THE CULT), Lzzy Hale (HALESTORM), Gail Ann Dorsey (David Bowie, Lenny Kravitz), Bernard Fowler (THE ROLLING STONES), Corey Glover (LIVING COLOR), Tony-winning rocker Lena Hall, vocal phenom Judith Hill (Grammy winner for "20 Feet From Stardom"), and many more to be announced.

As Bowie's longest and most frequent band member, Mike Garson played on dozens of Bowie albums and performed in 1,000 concerts with the rocker, including both Bowie's first and final performance in the United States. When Garson's most recent "A Bowie Celebration" tour was abruptly stopped mid-tour as the pandemic devastated the live music industry, Garson began looking for the best way to keep the music playing and to allow the celebration of Bowie and his legacy to continue. He began reaching out to artists and alumni about a very special virtual experience for the fans — despite the world looking so different than before.

"I reached out to friends who had played with David, people who grew up listening to him, those he inspired and influenced. Artist after artist I spoke with, each immediately understood my vision and enthusiastically said yes to taking part in this special show," Garson said.

"That's the magic of David's legacy. Like many of the great and timeless songwriters before him — George Gershwin, Cole Porter — David left the world with an amazing and enduring library of music and this is the perfect time to be able to share that music in such a unique and cathartic way."

Alumni members of Bowie's bands from throughout his career will join the event including David's final touring band of Mike Garson, Gail Ann Dorsey, Earl Slick, Sterling Campbell, Gerry Leonard and Catherine Russell along with Zack Alford, Carlos Alomar, Kevin Armstrong, Alan Childs, Robin Clark, Emm Gryner, Omar Hakim, Clare Hirst, Erdal Kızılçay, Tim Lefebvre, Martha Mooke, Holly Palmer, Mark Plati, Carmine Rojas, Charlie Sexton, Bowie's long-time record producer and musician Tony Visconti, and many more will collaborate with Garson's special guest vocalists for a setlist of some of Bowie's most memorable hit songs along with a collection of deep-cut Bowie gems.

"What we're planning is an amazing show with the most talented musicians from every period of David's career, as well as phenomenal artists from many different genres," said Garson. "We'll hear different interpretations of David's songs; some with totally new arrangements that have never been heard before."

Garson adds that additional vocalists and alumni band members will be announced soon and suggests that fans "stay tuned for more exciting announcements to come!"

Tickets are on sale now at this location, with early-bird pricing offered through Sunday, November 1. A variety of VIP ticket bundles are available offering fans a variety of exclusive opportunities and merchandise including everything from access to private rehearsals to access to a pre-show soundcheck and an after-show question-and-answer session with members of the band.

Former CRO-MAGS guitarist and songwriter Parris Mayhew has returned with a new instrumental hardcore/metal band, AGGROS, and a brand-new single, "Chaos Magic".

Fans who are accustomed to a big rock production sound from Mayhew's guitar sound and production will find that "Chaos Magic" is more streamlined and raw. The track was recorded live in one afternoon with little or no punches and feels alive and human, without today's modern digital stiffness, just a balls-out rocker.

"I believe that a song should be a journey; there should be a clear introduction to set up the listener for the ride, and a ceremonious feeling of arrival at a destination to be experienced and a few musical surprises along the way," Mayhew says. "And, of course, all great songs should have a feeling that the journey is complete, the catharsis, a lesson I learned from both MOTÖRHEAD and RUSH. MOTÖRHEAD, particularly, in that within their deceptively simple approach there always comes a thoughtful, surprising and very musical ending, songs should have great endings."

The video for "Chaos Magic", directed by Mayhew, can be seen below.

"I have been cultivating the idea for the 'Chaos Magic' video for a very long time and planned it in increments, saving up ideas for when it was time to make it," Mayhew explains. "I've been riding my bike over the Williamsburg Bridge all my life. It is unchanged from the first time I went up there, a perpetual NYC experience, above the skyline. It's a front row seat to the sprawling cityscape of Manhattan for the outer borough resident or a startling look back for the Manhattan resident who forgets the wonder of where they live, but the bridge is more than a vantage point for the view, it is a place of awe in its own right, and an enduring piece of the NYC of my youth."

Every time Mayhew road across the bridge, he would envision how he could shoot a video there someday, planning shots, angles and mentally collecting the puzzle pieces to complete the picture in his head and the representation of his music.

"Because I am a native New Yorker and my music and I are both a product of my life here, I wanted the video to represent that regional imprint," he says. "This bridge is very different than, say, the Brooklyn Bridge. The Brooklyn Bridge says NYC to the world, but the Williamsburg Bridge says NYC to New Yorkers."

Mayhew used the COVID-19 NYC lockdown and empty streets of Manhattan to his advantage, making nightly excursions to film anywhere from two to six hours a night. He shot close ups one night, guitar shots another and bike shots another. With clear ideas in his head, he knew exactly how he would make the video. But doing it with a crew of one became challenging and exhausting so Mayhew took his time.

"I'd love to say something mythical like 'The video was shot over one long summer night somewhere between Brooklyn and Manhattan under a full moon with a crew of 50 film professionals who came together to make the video a big Hollywood production,'" says Mayhew. "But it was an altogether different experience." He shot at night and didn't see people for hours, and often shooting until sunrise. The bridge was his, he would trek up the bridge night after night for 22 nights with a camera, tripod, lights, three guitars, stands, sandbags and wardrobe changes. Mayhew would set up the shots with his lone assistant — a young electrician named Scott, whom Mayhew had mentored into the film business — holding a guitar while Mayhew lit him, then two would change places, essentially making the video an elaborate selfie.

The video is peppered with nods and impressions to tell people who Mayhew is as a person and artist. He played roles, versions of himself, at different stages of his life over the years. He plays his trademark red B.C. Rich Bich guitar, wearing a leather jacket, high top Adidas sneakers, with tied his hair up and shoved it in a baseball cap to look like he did when he started the CRO-MAGS leading up "The Age Of Quarrel" era. Another character is with his hair out, playing the White G&L guitar, like his "Best Wishes" or "Revenge" stage in life. Then there is Mayhew of the present, on his bike, continuing to ride across the bridge, watching the video he envisioned unfold just as he saw it in his head as he rides past himself, but now he's also in the video.

AGGROS will release music in a true DIY hardcore style — no label, self-releasing one song at a time, accompanied by a video for each. The music will sound and feel familiar to anyone who knows Mayhew's previous three albums, as AGGROS is simply a continuation of his musical exploration.

"So much of what I've bottled up for years comes out in this song and video," the guitarist says. "For me, the song and video are inseparable. This video serves as a signal flare. It feels like my first record. The fire to make it was unconscious and natural and it wasn't on a timetable or for any other reason than that it was time."

Photo credit: Guy Furrow

Guitarist Gary Holt (EXODUS, SLAYER), drummer Dave Lombardo (SLAYER, SUICIDAL TENDENCIES, MISFITS) and vocalist Derrick Green (SEPULTURA) have joined forces under the BELOVED GHOULS banner to record a Halloween song called "Terrorized". The track, which was produced by Ross Robinson, features a guest appearance by TOUCHÉ AMORE's Jeremy Bolm.

Proceeds from "Terrorized" will benefit Save Our Stages, which aims to offer relief to independent music venues as they weather the current shutdown of the touring industry amid the coronavirus pandemic.

"BELOVED GHOULS are all lifers who live to give back to the music that gave us all so much," Robinson told Loudwire, which premiered the song. "Hopefully this track resonates for you like it did for each of us while making it. Just laughing and being fully stoked while swimming in our thrash metal roots... We are all excited to donate to Save Our Stages; it's such an important cause. We must work to keep our music venues alive."

Green added: "It brought me an overwhelming amount of joy to collaborate with friends and colleagues who I have great admiration for to create such a kick-ass song. Truly a remarkable experience that I'm thankful to be a part of."

An original member of SLAYER, Lombardo was effectively fired from the band after sitting out the group's Australian tour in February/March 2013 due to a contract dispute with the other members of SLAYER. He was replaced by Paul Bostaph, who was previously SLAYER's drummer from 1992 until 2001 and who had recorded four albums with the band. Lombardo currently splits his time between crossover pioneers SUICIDAL TENDENCIES, horror-punk icons MISFITS and hardcore supergroup DEAD CROSS.

Holt began filling in for SLAYER guitarist Jeff Hanneman at live shows in 2011, and became the band's full-time co-guitarist as of 2013, while remaining a member of EXODUS. Holt played on SLAYER's final album, "Repentless", which came out in 2015. The band's other guitarist, Kerry King, told ArtistDirect how he worked with Holt during the recording of the record. "When I did leads, I probably did half of them," he said. "Gary came in and did his. Then, I probably did the other half of mine. He got to play off of mine on some songs. I got to play off of his on other songs."

Green replaced Max Cavalera as SEPULTURA's frontman back in 1997. Born in Cleveland, he had previously primarily played in hardcore bands: OUTFACE (with members of CIV, PRONG and FILTER); OVERFIEND (with members of ORANGE 9MM, JUDGE and YOUTH OF TODAY); and ALPHA JERK (with members of GORILLA BISCUITS and WARZONE).

Invictus Productions has set January 1st, 2021 as the international release date for the second album from Austria's Transilvania, Of Sleep And Death. The brand-new track "Hekateion" can be enjoyed now:

While it'd be fairly accurate to say that no great changes have been made since their celebrated debut album, here do Transilvania sound braver and bolder, more swaggering and certainly more urgent. The uptick in tempo sacrifices not an ounce of feel nor dynamics; if anything, these largely-more-attacking songs sound more swinging, the songwriting more seamless. Of Sleep And Death is thus a more ghastly experience, more stridently metal, spanning not just black metal but also more than a bit of death metalled muscle, all ably highlighted by the mix & master courtesy of The Devil's Mark Studio. Put another way, whereas The Night Of Nights lovingly / luridly maintained a more self-consciously '80s aspect, the Transilvania on Of Sleep And Death perfectly blends Storm Of The Light's Bane-era Dissection, early Emperor, and Ancient God Of Evil-era Unanimated with a whole lot of classic Nifelheim, Tormentor, and Mercyful Fate - in other words, Godly.

Fitting for such a grand monument, Of Sleep And Death is graced with gorgeous cover art courtesy of Jaime Pascual Sanz, fully reflecting the thematic concepts throughout the album. Beware the strigoi of Transilvania as they ensnare you within Of Sleep And Death!

Tracklisting:

"Opus Morbi"
"Hekateion"
"Of Sleep And Death"
"Lycanthropic Chant"
"Vault Of Evening"
"Heart Harvest"
"Mortpetten"
"Underneath Dying Stars"

For further details, visit Transilvania on Facebook.




(function() {
var zergnet = document.createElement('script');
zergnet.type = 'text/javascript'; zergnet.async = true;
zergnet.src = (document.location.protocol == "https:" ? "https:" : "http:") + '//www.zergnet.com/zerg.js?id=70729';
var znscr = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0];
znscr.parentNode.insertBefore(zergnet, znscr);
})();

Ahead of Orange Goblin's 25th anniversary gigs next month in The UK, bassist Martyn Millard has announced that, "These two shows will be my last in this amazing band." 

"I've been thinking about it for a couple of years, and the 25th anniversary, the end of this year, seemed like the right time," says Martyn. "It hasn't happened that we can play the 25th anniversary set this year; we were due to do all sorts of festivals and gigs and had all these plans, but it hasn't happened. And if I wait until there's some sort of normality, then that could be this time next year at least. I'd just be holding the band back. There's no hard feelings, I love them and I always will. I'll always support this amazing band!" 

"The changeover with the new bass player, which will be announced in due course, will be as smooth as I can possible make it," continues Millard. "Now's as good a time as any to have that changeover when there's no shows and it can be done properly. So, that's what I want to do. And, it gives me a little chance right now to say thank you to everybody who's helped the band in all sorts of ways - driven us, put us up, fed us, wiped our asses, everything. All the crew, and everyone who's worked for the band in that way. All the fans for supporting us, and some people going way, way, way beyond the call of what is normal, getting the band tattooed on you, and traveling abroad to see us, and following us on tour. You guys make it worth the while, and I wouldn't change that for the world. So, thank you to all you people who have helped us in any way. And thank you to the three guys: Ben, Joe, Chris. I wouldn't do it with any other people."

"As you know, we have been forced to postpone all the planned 25th Anniversary shows which we had scheduled for this year," says UK bruisers Orange Goblin. "However, we have decided to try something different so that we can mark the occasion and we are proud to announce - Two Live Shows Are Happening!"

"We will perform two nights in London (England) in November - you can watch these shows online OR attend in person (if you're quick):"

November 15th - From Planet Ten…. To The House Of God
A set that will concentrate solely on material from the band's early, Rise Above Records era.

November 16th - They Come Back…. The Filthy & The Damned
A set that will focus on songs from post-Rise Above years, right up to and including material from the latest album The Wolf Bites Back.

How do you watch these shows? Both shows will be streamed globally and for tickets go to: hotel-radio.com/landing/orange-goblin-xxv-anniversary.

If you want to attend the shows in person there are VERY LIMITED physical tickets available via old-empire.co.uk.

Orange Goblin vocalist Ben Ward explains: "There hasn't been much for people to get excited about this year but we hope that this will give the Orange Goblin fans something to look forward to and we promise that there will also be other little treats both online and at the shows for those that get involved! We look forward to welcoming you all to our 25th Anniversary celebrations! Tickets on sale now, both will be available for 48 hours afterwards if you can’t make it."

 




(function() {
var zergnet = document.createElement('script');
zergnet.type = 'text/javascript'; zergnet.async = true;
zergnet.src = (document.location.protocol == "https:" ? "https:" : "http:") + '//www.zergnet.com/zerg.js?id=70729';
var znscr = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0];
znscr.parentNode.insertBefore(zergnet, znscr);
})();

No Life On Earth is a metal band that started during the COVID-19 quarantine with the collaboration of guitarist Alan Wallace (Eminence) and drummer Jay Arriaga (Scattered Storm). From there, bassist PJ (Jota Quest) joined, as did vocalist Andre Acosta (Hereafter The Wave). Together, they decided to write an EP called, Into Fire We Burn. Each of the four songs features a guest solo.

The artwork for Into Fire We Burn, created by Marco Pimentel, and tracklisting are as follows.

"Into Fire We Burn" – (featuring Hector Camarena of Hereafter The Wave)
"The Gravity" – (featuring Andreas Kisser of Sepultura)
"Nothing Is Real" – (featuring Cesar Soto of Ministry)
"Time Is Blind" – (featuring Tue Madsen of Antfarm Studios)

Quarantine videos for "The Gravity", featuring Sepultura guitarist Andreas Kisser, and "Nothing Is Real", featuring Ministry guitarist Cesar Soto, have been filmed and can be seen below.

For further details, visit No Life On Earth on Facebook.

 




(function() {
var zergnet = document.createElement('script');
zergnet.type = 'text/javascript'; zergnet.async = true;
zergnet.src = (document.location.protocol == "https:" ? "https:" : "http:") + '//www.zergnet.com/zerg.js?id=70729';
var znscr = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0];
znscr.parentNode.insertBefore(zergnet, znscr);
})();

Arthur Brown is a truly groundbreaking rock music icon who pioneered a theatrical approach to musical performance that has been cited as an influence on Rock Hall Of Famers Alice Cooper and KISS. Going under the memorable moniker The Crazy World Of Arthur Brown, the British-born singer achieved breakthrough success with a blockbuster hit single in 1968, the colossal freakout “Fire,” which he used as a launching pad for an incredible career that continues to this day! And today he releases a superb new track, “Zombie Yelp,” just in time to get all the groovy ghoulies, young and old, in the mood for the Halloween season.

Written by Brown and Alan Davey, formerly of British space rock kings Hawkwind, who not only produced the track but performs on it as well, “Zombie Yelp” rides a distinctively spooky retro groove laid down by the vintage keyboards of Vanilla Fudge founder Mark Stein as well as Davey’s driving bass guitar, all of which set the stage for the Brown’s unearthly vocal delivery that ranges from piercing howls to demonic growls. It’s the perfect mix of psych rock ecstasy and campy fun.

Davey shares these thoughts about working on the track, “It was great fun writing this new song with Arthur, he’s always a hoot to work with and his lyrics on this are funny as feck! I’m proud to have mixed and produced it too. Take your Zombie Yelp this Halloween and see what happens!”

Stein reflects on his own history with Brown, saying “The Crazy World of Arthur Brown and Vanilla Fudge shared the stage back in the late ‘60s. Arthur is still crazy after all these years and still killin’ it! ‘Zombie Yelp’ is a wild tune with great grooves and lyrics. I had a blast playing organ on it. Just wait till you hear this track…lovin' it!”

And Brown sums it up perfectly, in his typically enigmatic fashion, “Spirits lagging? Need some help? Dive right in to the ‘Zombie Yelp’!”

Stream the single here, listen below:

 




(function() {
var zergnet = document.createElement('script');
zergnet.type = 'text/javascript'; zergnet.async = true;
zergnet.src = (document.location.protocol == "https:" ? "https:" : "http:") + '//www.zergnet.com/zerg.js?id=70729';
var znscr = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0];
znscr.parentNode.insertBefore(zergnet, znscr);
})();

In a new interview with "That Jamieson Show", JUDAS PRIEST singer Rob Halford spoke about the fact that the band still does not own the rights to its first two albums, "Rocka Rolla" (1974) and "Sad Wings Of Destiny" (1976), even though it's been four and a half decades since they were released.

"We've gone back and forth with the owners of those records," he said. "And it's a shame. I hope one day we can bring them back into the PRIEST fold, because they're valuable — they're like treasures, really. And I think that's probably why the people that still own them understand that, because they're keeping [the albums] rehashed and so forth.

"Like any band that's been privileged enough to have a long life like PRIEST — 50 years now — some extraordinary things happen in your first one, two, three albums. Especially the difference between 'Rocka Rolla' and 'Sad Wings Of Destiny' — it's just like this Grand Canyon effect in the way that the band really grew exponentially in such a short space of time.

"And yeah, we would love to get them back. We never say never. We keep going back to 'em every so often and say, 'Look, what's it gonna take?' Because they're important to us. And I'd like to feel that one day we'll own those masters again."

"Rocka Rolla" and "Sad Wings Of Destiny" were released through the independent U.K. company Gull Records. PRIEST broke its contract with Gull to sign with CBS Records for its next album, 1977's "Sin After Sin".

Halford is promoting his autobiography, "Confess", which arrived on September 29 via Hachette Books. The book has been described by the U.K.'s The Telegraph as "one of the most candid and surprising memoirs of the year."

In September, JUDAS PRIEST and Rufus Publications announced the publication of the first-ever official JUDAS PRIEST book documenting the band's extensive history over the last 50 years. Titled "Judas Priest - 50 Heavy Metal Years", the book has been put together by David Silver, Ross Halfin and Jayne Andrews.

Prior to being canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic, JUDAS PRIEST's spring/summer 2020 European tour was scheduled to kick off on May 30 in Helsinki, Finland and conclude on July 28 in Tilburg, the Netherlands. The band was also slated to headline the U.K.'s Bloodstock Open Air festival on August 9 at Catton Park, Derbyshire.

The U.S. leg of PRIEST's "50 Heavy Metal Years" tour was due to launch September 9 in Oxon Hill, Maryland and wrap up on October 17 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Slash has praised the new AC/DC album "Power Up", calling it "a really inspired" effort.

The GUNS N' ROSES guitarist was asked for his opinion on AC/DC's latest LP during a new interview with Consequence Of Sound.

He said: "I obviously have a long history with AC/DC, and then Axl [Rose, GUNS N' ROSES frontman] was singing with them for a minute when Brian [Johnson] was out, so we got reacquainted during that period. So, the first bit of great news, I talked to Brian and he was telling me about this hearing [device] that he got, and that he's back in AC/DC. And that was just fucking awesome news."

He continued: "And the tragedy of losing Malcolm [Young, AC/DC's founding rhythm guitarist]… the fact that Angus [Young] and company would survive that and keep it going, in the spirit of probably what Malcolm would have done, was great. I just love those guys because as far as rock 'n' roll is concerned, they just are driven.

"They're a great influence on people who think that rock 'n' roll is sort of just fun and games, and then as soon as any kind of mishap happens, [bands] break up or they fall apart or they quit," he said. "AC/DC is a great example of longevity. They're a great example of tenacity and perseverance, a great example of talent, and a great example of what rock 'n' roll is all about. So, I'm so stoked that they just continue to do it."

Touching upon "Power Up" specifically, Slash said: "Then, on top of it, they make such a great fucking record at this point in the game. It's a really inspired album. I've had it in the car for the last couple of days and it's probably gonna sit there for a while. It's exciting for me. I'm happy for them, and I can't wait for this virus situation to end so we can go check them out on tour somewhere."

AC/DC postponed the last 10 dates of its spring 2016 North American trek after Johnson was advised to stop playing live or "risk total hearing loss." The band went on to complete the European and North American legs of its "Rock Or Bust" tour with Rose as a "guest vocalist."

"Power Up" was released on November 13. The follow-up to 2014's "Rock Or Bust" was recorded over a six-week period in August and September 2018 at Warehouse Studios in Vancouver with producer Brendan O'Brien, who also worked 2008's "Black Ice" and "Rock Or Bust".

Although AC/DC originally planned on releasing "Power Up" earlier this year, the pandemic forced the band to reconsider.

URIAH HEEP guitarist Mick Box has blasted Sharon Osbourne for removing the original drum and bass tracks from Ozzy Osbourne's first two albums, saying it is about "as low as you can get."

The 2002 re-releases of "Blizzard Of Ozz" and "Diary Of A Madman" featured FAITH NO MORE drummer Mike Bordin and METALLICA bassist Robert Trujillo — both then members of Ozzy's solo band — in place of Lee Kerslake and Bob Daisley.

The controversial move was spearheaded by Sharon after Kerslake and Daisley sued Ozzy over royalties and songwriting credits. Daisley and Kerslake's original performances were restored in the 2011 reissues of the albums.

Box, who had played with Kerslake in URIAH HEEP for three and a half decades between 1971 and 2007, was asked in a new interview with Radio Forrest if Lee ever mentioned anything to him about not getting credited for the Ozzy albums. Mick responded (hear audio below): "Of course he did. It was a big bone of contention with him. 'Blizzard Of Ozz' and 'Diary Of A Madman', I think Sharon took off Bob and Lee from both those albums and put on Tommy Aldridge and whoever. It's just as low as you can get, really, isn't it?

"The versions of the albums with Bob and Lee on, and Randy [Rhoads] and Ozzy, were just immense," he continued. "They're rock history. Anything else that Sharon did to replace that is just bad news bears, mate, in my book. And in Lee's, it really hurt him. He got the platinum [plaques from Ozzy before he died], but he didn't get the financial reward that should have gone with it. And that's very sad. But sometimes that's how it goes in our business. If I got paid for everything I did correctly, I would be in a different position. [Laughs]"

Kerslake and Daisley were fired before "Diary of A Madman" was released and in the process had their names removed from the album. Bassist Rudy Sarzo and drummer Tommy Aldridge are credited in the original LP's liner notes and featured in the photo on the inner sleeve.

Kerslake died in September following a battle with cancer. He was 73 years old.

In January 2019, Kerslake was inducted into the Hall Of Heavy Metal History in Anaheim, California. During his induction, Kerslake was presented with two platinum discs for his work with the BLACK SABBATH frontman. The presentation was filmed for Kerslake's documentary.

During an interview with The Metal Voice in December 2018, the drummer revealed that after all these years, he just wanted platinum album certifications for both "Blizzard Of Ozz" and "Diary Of A Madman", so he could feel some acknowledgement for his work before he died.

"I really wrote a nice letter to them and I hope they will come to terms with it and say yes," he told The Metal Voice of his appeal to Ozzy and Sharon.

Kerslake was eventually granted his wish as Ozzy shared a photo on social media of Lee sitting on a sofa and holding the "Blizzard" and "Madman" platinum discs, a handwritten letter from Ozzy placed on his chest.

"I'm so glad that Lee Kerslake is enjoying his Blizzard and Diary platinum albums," Osbourne wrote in an accompanying caption.

According to the Recording Industry Association Of America (RIAA), 1980's "Blizzard Of Ozz" has been certified quintuple platinum for shipments in excess of five million copies, while 1981's "Diary Of A Madman" has been certified triple platinum for more three million units sold.

Kerslake and Daisley's multi-year legal battle with the Osbournes had taken a massive financial toll on the drummer.

"I went belly-up bankrupt when I lost the case to Sharon and Ozzy Osbourne in the courts," Lee told The Metal Voice. "It cost me hundreds of thousands and I had to sell the house and then started to get ill. I never managed to get back up, but a platinum certification on my wall for these albums would be fantastic and it would say I helped create those albums."

Scour - the extreme metal supergroup featuring Philip H. Anselmo (Pantera, Down, En Minor, et al), John Jarvis (Agoraphobic Nosebleed), Derek Engemann (Philip H. Anselmo & The Illegals), Mark Kloeppel (Misery Index), and Adam Jarvis (Pig Destroyer, Lock Up) - will release their long-anticipated The Black EP on Black Friday, November 27. A music video for the song "Propaganda" can be found below.

Forged in 2015, Scour made its debut with the ferocious single "Dispatched". The Grey EP, released via Anselmo's Housecore label, dropped in 2016, followed by The Red EP in 2017. Faster and tighter than ever before, this year's The Black EP serves as the final release of the EP trilogy and is inarguably the band's most ferocious effort to date. Mixed and mastered by Ryan Vincent at Apollo Audio Alternative with vocals and drums engineered by Stephen "Big Fella" Berrigan (Down, Philip H. Anselmo & The Illegals, Eyehategod), The Black EP includes guest appearances from Erik Rutan of Hate Eternal, Pat O'Brien of Cannibal Corpse, and actor Jason Momoa (Dune, Game Of Thrones, Aquaman, et al).

"The latest Scour is the best Scour," proclaims Anselmo. Adds Engemann, "This is our most fierce and ripping album to date. Completing the EP trilogy, The Black EP brings a more mature musical approach without comprising the utter relentless brutality. We've got a few special gems as well that I'm stoked for people to hear."

The Black EP will be released on CD, LP, cassette, and digital formats via Housecore Records (North America) and Nuclear Blast Entertainment (internationally). Find pre-order options at the Scour Bandcamp page at this location, the Housecore Store here, and Nuclear Blast here.

The Black EP tracklisting:

"Doom"
"Nail"
"Propaganda"
"Flames"
"Microbes"
"Subprime"

"Propaganda" video:

"Doom" video:

(Photo - Lefty Rob Rasillo)




(function() {
var zergnet = document.createElement('script');
zergnet.type = 'text/javascript'; zergnet.async = true;
zergnet.src = (document.location.protocol == "https:" ? "https:" : "http:") + '//www.zergnet.com/zerg.js?id=70729';
var znscr = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0];
znscr.parentNode.insertBefore(zergnet, znscr);
})();

Finnish symphonic extreme metal band Plaguebreeder have released their Annihilation EP via Inverse Records. A music video for "The Root Of Extinction" can be viewed below.

The band comments: "The song on 'The Root Of Extinction' music video is an epic one, filled with ripping rage. We filmed the video with harsh approach because we wanted to assault the viewer with the raw aggression of our music. The Root of Extinction is an ode to nuclear devastation."

 

The Annihilation EP combines crushing blastbeats, fast guitars and brutal vocals with the doomsday atmosphere of a symphonic orchestra. In addition to the intro, video tracks "The Root Of Extinction" and "I Believe In Misanthropy" there is an older war themed track, "Children Of War", which is extremely fast and brutal. The last track on the EP is the longest and most epic Plaguebreeder track to date, "The Arrival Of Fire". In "The Arrival of Fire" there is, alongside with the aggressive stodge, melancholic melodies and a Finnish chorus. The track is about the end of the world caused by eco catastrophe.

Tracklist:

"Dawn Of The Thermonuclear Era" (Intro)
"The Root Of Extinction"
"I Believe In Misanthropy"
"Children Of War"
"The Arrival Of Fire"




(function() {
var zergnet = document.createElement('script');
zergnet.type = 'text/javascript'; zergnet.async = true;
zergnet.src = (document.location.protocol == "https:" ? "https:" : "http:") + '//www.zergnet.com/zerg.js?id=70729';
var znscr = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0];
znscr.parentNode.insertBefore(zergnet, znscr);
})();

Famous Underground / Creeping Beauty guitarist Darren Michael Boyd  has checkefd in with the following update:

"I’m beyond excited to hold this actual CD in my hands. So excited that I want to share it with you - for FREE!
 
Have I been drinking? Don’t change the subject. 

Yes, free from my website until December 14th; then it goes back to the unreasonable price of $10 CDN. You just pay S&H of course, and hey, maybe you see something else you want on my site for more than free, eh?

Seriously, we could all use some new music in a beautiful package. Enjoy my holiday gift to you!"

The album is also available (for purchase) via the Bandcamp player below.

Wonders of the Invisible World by Darren Michael Boyd

Tracklist:

"Wonders of the Invisible World"
"Earth Pads"
"Night of the Neurotoxins"
"Making a Homunculus"
"Disciplinary Measures"
"Ghost Notes"
"Ice Storm"
"Slithering"
"Arachnochakra"
"The Law of Three"




(function() {
var zergnet = document.createElement('script');
zergnet.type = 'text/javascript'; zergnet.async = true;
zergnet.src = (document.location.protocol == "https:" ? "https:" : "http:") + '//www.zergnet.com/zerg.js?id=70729';
var znscr = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0];
znscr.parentNode.insertBefore(zergnet, znscr);
})();

Bay Area natives, Aenimus, have released a guitar playthrough video for "Caretaker", a track from the band's most recent offering, Dreamcatcher. Watch below:

Order your copy of Dreamcatcher now.

Dreamcatcher tracklisting:

"Before The Eons"
"Eternal"
"The Ritual"
"My Becoming"
"The Dark Triad"
"Between Iron And Silver"
"The Overlook"
"Caretaker"
"Second Sight"
"Day Zero"
"Dreamcatcher"

"Between Iron And Silver" video:

"Eternal” lyric video:

"The Dark Triad":

"Before The Eons" video:

 




(function() {
var zergnet = document.createElement('script');
zergnet.type = 'text/javascript'; zergnet.async = true;
zergnet.src = (document.location.protocol == "https:" ? "https:" : "http:") + '//www.zergnet.com/zerg.js?id=70729';
var znscr = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0];
znscr.parentNode.insertBefore(zergnet, znscr);
})();

PUSCIFER, which recently released the critically acclaimed album "Existential Reckoning", has premiered a music video for "Fake Affront". The clip features performance footage from the band's recent record-breaking livestream event, "Existential Reckoning: Live At Arcosanti". The outing, which debuted on October 30 and was available for the following week, found PUSCIFER in the heart of the Arizona dessert, surrounded by the uniquely "utopian metropolis" that Architectural Digest described as looking like "the sublime set of a big-budget sci-fi movie."

The "Fake Affront" video arrives as PUSCIFER has enjoyed its most heralded album to date, with "Existential Reckoning" described by Stereogum as "funky" and "darkly playful," Billboard dubbed it "slinky," Consequence Of Sound saying the collection is "comparable to early '80s new wavers, as well as modern acts like RADIOHEAD," and SPIN said its "infectious enough to make you want to dance the blight away and ponderous enough to make your mind work up a sweat while doing so."

While the album was released on October 30, due to COVID-19-related manufacturing issues, the physical versions of the 12-song album will arrive on December 11.

A Record Store Day Black Friday-exclusive "Apocalyptical" seven-inch featuring "Rocket Man" as a b-side will be released is available via indie retail for the November 27 event. The release is limited to 2000 copies and available on cloud clear vinyl.

"Existential Reckoning" was produced by Mitchell and PUSCIFER. The album was recorded and mixed by Mitchell at Puscifer Studios in North Hollywood, California.

Born somewhere in the Arizona desert, PUSCIFER is an electro-rock band, multimedia experience, traveling circus, and alien abduction survivors. The group's catalog consists of three full-length studio albums — "'V' is for Vagina" (2007), "Conditions Of My Parole" (2011) and "Money Shot" (2015) — in addition to a series of EPs and remixes. Beyond the core trio of Keenan, Mitchell and Round, the group's ever-evolving ecosystem encompasses a cast of characters such as Billy D and his wife Hildy Berger, Major Douche, Special Agent Dick Merkin, and many more. Meanwhile, the moniker's origins can be traced to a 1995 episode of the HBO classic "Mr. Show" where Keenan first utilized the name "Puscifer." Entertainment Weekly christened them "exceptionally groovy" and Revolver fittingly described them as "indescribable." Renowned for an immersive live show, the group's performances blur the lines between concert and theater, traversing the dusty American Southwest with Billy D and Hildy or the sweaty squared circle with Luchadores. They've brought this to life everywhere from Coachella to Bonnaroo. On their 2020 debut for Alchemy Recordings/BMG, PUSCIFER track Billy D back to the desert and, just maybe, uncover the truth about aliens once and for all.

Photo credit: Travis Shinn

Ross Halfin and Rufus Publications have announced the publication of "Pete Way By Ross Halfin", a 240-page celebration of UFO's iconic bass player, containing classic and unseen images by music photographer Ross Halfin, and exclusive new interviews and with Phil Mogg (UFO), Andy Parker (UFO), Neil Carter (UFO), Ozzy Osbourne (BLACK SABBATH), Kirk Hammett (METALLICA), Geddy Lee (RUSH), Phil Collen (DEF LEPPARD), Joe Elliott (DEF LEPPARD), Rick Savage (DEF LEPPARD), Slash (GUNS N' ROSES), Steve Harris (IRON MAIDEN), Rick Neilsen (CHEAP TRICK), Michael Schenker (UFO), Phil Lewis (L.A> GUNS), Gerry Laffy and more, compiled by Mojo writer and author Mark Blake.

Halfin said: "Of all the people I've known over the years, Pete could be the funniest and also the most infuriating person. Of all the recent musicians to leave the stage, Pete's exit hit me the hardest, so I wanted to do this book in his honor with the people that really knew him also sharing their memories. The idea of this book is really to celebrate a friend of mine and for all his faults he was a very funny person and someone I always considered a true friend."

The book will ship in early December and can be pre-ordered at www.rufuspublications.com.

The Standard Edition: A 240-page book, A4 portrait, casebound with a choice of two printed, laminated covers. £59 plus delivery.

The Deluxe Edition: A 264-page book, A3 portrait, casebound with a recycled leather quarter bind and printed cover. Personally signed by Ross Halfin and complete with a limited-edition print. 150 numbered copies worldwide. £350 plus delivery.

The founder of UFO, WAYSTED and, more recently, THE PETE WAY BAND died on August 14 at the age of 69. He sustained life-threatening injuries in an accident three months ago but fought hard until finally succumbing to those injuries.

Pete had recently finished a solo album, "Walking On The Edge", with producer Mike Clink (GUNS N' ROSES' "Appetite For Destruction", among many more). He had a biography published, "A Fast Ride Out Of Here", in 2017, and an album, "Amphetamine", which is currently out on Cargo Records.

Way had dealt with a number of health issues in recent years. In 2016, he suffered a heart attack, two years after he was given the all-clear following a battle with prostate cancer with which he was diagnosed in 2013. Way was diagnosed during a routine check on his liver, which had been damaged over the years through hepatitis. The abdominal scan picked up the tumor on his prostate.

Pete is survived by two daughters, Zowie and Charlotte, and his younger brother, Neill.

In the fall of 2018, former JOURNEY singer Steve Perry made his long-awaited return with the release of "Traces", the legendary musician's first new album in 25 years. The LP's personal expression of love, inspiration and renewal resonated with both critics and fans around the world, thrilled to have their "voice of a generation" making new music once again.

Now, on "Traces (Alternative Versions & Sketches)", due December 4, 2020 via Fantasy Records, Perry revisits several of his favorite tracks, stripping away the grand production touches, taking the songs down to their essence. Presented acoustic and raw (including some in sketch form), tracks like "Sun Shines Gray", "No Erasin'", "No More Cryin'" and "Most Of All" take on new and richer meaning. In this setting, Steve's voice glides out-front vibrant, clear and warm while the lyrics take on greater significance, even more intimate than before.

Produced by Steve and his longtime collaborator and friend Thom Flowers, "Traces (Alternative Versions & Sketches)" offers a fascinating glimpse into Steve's creative process and a deeper understanding into an alredy treasured album.

Steve says: "When writing these songs, the original inspiration is always my first compass — where the songs should go. 'Alternate Versions & Sketches' is exactly that, and I'm very excited to have you hear the original seeds of these songs."

"Traces (Alternative Versions & Sketches)" track listing:

01. Most Of All (Radio Mix)

02. No Erasin' (Acoustic)

03. I Need You (Acoustic)

04. No More Cryin’ (Acoustic)

05. Most Of All (Stripped)

06. We’re Still Here (Acoustic)

07. You Belong To Me (Stripped)

08. Sun Shines Gray (Acoustic)

The stripped-down version of "No Erasin'", taken from "Traces (Alternative Versions & Sketches)", can be streamed below.

Perry recently told Rolling Stone that he been busy creating new music since the April release of his cover version of the BEACH BOYS classic "In My Room".

"I have a studio and I'm always writing and always recording stuff," he said. "I have lots of music, so much stuff."

Perry's first solo album in more than two decades, "Traces", was released in October 2018 via Fantasy Records (a division of Concord Records/UMG). He credited his late girlfriend, psychologist Kellie Nash, who died more than seven years ago, with helping him want to sing again; she'd made him promise he wouldn't go back into isolation when she passed.

Last year, Perry told "The Jim Brickman Show" that the response to "Traces" has been "really great. It's been an interesting experience to release a record in this age that we live in. Meaning, it's such a different landscape… Now we're streaming, now we've got everything… all this stuff. And so it's been such an interesting experience to release music into the new landscape of what it all means. We're streaming, we're still selling some on iTunes…. Nobody sells records anymore; everybody's streaming. But I didn't do this to sell records. If people wanna own it and take it with them, then that's beautiful. But if you wanna listen to it, that's also beautiful, 'cause all I wanted to do — and I said this to many of my friends… The reason I make music again was, number one, to keep a promise that I wouldn't go back into isolation. And number two, I wanted to just see if I was viable as a songwriter, singer, arranger, mixer, producer. I wanted to see if I could even remotely do some sort of creative involvement with all that. And in the beginning, it was challenging, because of the new technologies. But now I've embraced the living crap out of all of it. I have a great studio."

Perry dated Nash for nearly two years before she died in December 2012 after being diagnosed with breast cancer. He mourned for two years, and then began recording again.

Upon its release, "Traces" was met with wide acclaim and tremendous excitement from fans and critics all over the world. The album entered the Billboard 200 Albums chart at No. 6, Perry's highest debut as a solo artist and earned the Rock And Roll Hall Of Famer his best-ever chart entries in the U.K., Germany, Canada and Japan.

Perry reunited with JOURNEY for the first time in years as they were inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in April 2017. The iconic singer appeared onstage with his former bandmates as they each gave speeches, but did not perform with the group later in the event.

KISS will perform a virtual "Kiss 2020 Goodbye" concert on New Year's Eve.

To send off 2020 in their larger-than-life style on New Year’s Eve, the iconic Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame, multi-platinum-selling band is reigniting the fire and roaring back to life! In true KISS fashion, they are bringing the biggest and baddest concert event and pyrotechnics show of the year, proving once again, that KISS never does anything small. The massive stage production and free pre-show will be brought directly into your living room at 9 p.m. live from Atlantis Dubai on December 31.

Filmed with more than 50 cameras and 360-degree views, this show produced by Landmarks can be seen globally with ticketing technology and livestream powered by TIXR and experienced like no other virtual concert before. You're invited to spend New Year’s Eve with The Demon, The Starchild, The Spaceman, and The Catman as they rock out of 2020 and roll into 2021…all night!

"Frankly, I wasn't interested in doing a stream on the level of Live at the Troubadour in L.A.," frontman Paul Stanley tells Rolling Stone. "Not that those aren't good, but they aren't KISS. Either we do this right, or we don't do it. For us, size matters. We don't have to reinvent the wheel; we invented it and it runs real well. We're just making sure it's on a scale and a size that does justice not only to the situation we're in, but that it makes the people watching at home feel like they're a part of it."

Gene Simmons states: "We play big. There's not a lot of subtlety in what we do. It's like the Fourth of July. You don't want chaos. You can have the biggest, but it won't be the baddest because just random explosions everywhere and 300-foot fireballs going off, you can't tap your foot to that or sing along. You want to have something that has coordination. So everything that we're naturally doing onstage is going to be amplified — 10-to-100-fold bigger, oh my God.

"The best way to shut everybody up and get everybody to enjoy life right now is to make a big resounding noise and shake the heavens with some pyro," he adds.

Tickets to the event can be purchased at Kiss2020Goodbye.com, with prices starting at $49.99 and gong all the way up to $999 for a bundle that includes 14 "exclusive and limited edition items," including a Blu-ray of the concert.

In January 2019, KISS launched its "End Of The Road" farewell tour, which was previously scheduled to conclude on July 17, 2021 in New York City.

KISS's current lineup consists of original members Stanley (guitar, vocals) and Simmons (bass, vocals), alongside later band additions, guitarist Tommy Thayer (since 2002) and drummer Eric Singer (on and off since 1991).

Formed in 1973 by Stanley, Simmons, Peter Criss (drums) and Ace Frehley (guitar), KISS staged its first "farewell" tour in 2000, the last to feature the group's original lineup.

In its 46-year career, KISS has accumulated 23 gold and platinum albums — more than any other U.S. band.

10 time Juno nominee Lee Aaron has had a lengthy and musically adventurous career that spans rock classics, jazz, opera and more, but there’s one project she’s never taken on.

A Christmas Album. It’s an idea she has considered often but the timing was never right…until now. The first single from her Christmas album, Almost Christmas, is a cover of the Pet Shop Boys track, "It Doesn't Often Snow At Christmas", premiered exclusively through BraveWords!

Lee and her band (Sean Kelly-guitar, Dave Reimer-bass, and John Cody-drums) had tossed around the notion of a Christmas album over the years, but there was always something – tours/recording/life etc. – that kept the project on the back burner. And that’s where it stayed…until 2020 brought a whole new reality. With all shows cancelled and studios shutting down, there was suddenly time available. Over the summer, they began creating a series of Rockin' From Home videos, which whetted the appetite for more, so when the Christmas idea came up again in mid-September, it was a definite go.

"Each of us had upgraded our home studios, so we thought, why not? We only had a month to get it all done, but it became a fun mission - and it kept us all from going stir crazy during Covid!" says Aaron.

Almost Christmas containsten lovingly curated tunes - from the foot-stomping excitement of the feature track "It Doesn't Often Snow At Christmas" (Pet Shop Boys) to the classic "Baby Please Come Home" to a sassy version of Louis Armstrong’s "Zat You Santa Claus?” - winding down with the introspective "All I Ever Get For Christmas is Blue" (Over The Rhine) and an acapella rendition of Joni Mitchell’s timeless “The Fiddle And The Drum." You've never heard Christmas done quite like this.

She also presents a brand new version of her 1991 hit “Peace On Earth” which likewise, is as relevant now as it was when it was first released.

Aaron explains, "There's a lot of passion and joy that went into these recordings. The album represented something really positive and hopeful that we could focus on during this unprecedented down-time. It was a gift that lifted our spirits and we hope it has the same effect on others."

Physical copies and fan packs available exclusively here.

Tracklisting:

“Everything's Gonna Be Cool This Christmas”
“Baby Please Come Home”
“Run, Run, Rudolph”
“It Doesn't Often Snow At Christmas”
“Zat You Santa Claus?”
“Don't Believe in Christmas”
“Merry Christmas Everybody”
“Peace On Earth”
“All I Ever Get For Christmas is Blue”
“The Fiddle and The Drum”




(function() {
var zergnet = document.createElement('script');
zergnet.type = 'text/javascript'; zergnet.async = true;
zergnet.src = (document.location.protocol == "https:" ? "https:" : "http:") + '//www.zergnet.com/zerg.js?id=70729';
var znscr = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0];
znscr.parentNode.insertBefore(zergnet, znscr);
})();