SEVENDUST drummer Morgan Rose will release his debut solo EP, "Controlled Chaos", on November 27. The disc's first single, "The Answer", can be streamed below.

"Controlled Chaos" track listing:

01. Intro

02. The Answer

03. Faster Man

04. Clarity

05. Come Alive

06. Exhale

Last December, Rose underwent surgery for an undisclosed ailment, causing the cancelation of the band's U.K. shows as the support act for ALTER BRIDGE and SHINEDOWN.

In a 2018 interview with CrypticRock.com, Rose admitted that he no longer parties as hard as he once did while on the road with SEVENDUST. "We are not the way that we used to be as far as the self-inflicted damage we put on ourselves with extracurricular stuff," he said. "Some of the guys are in tip-top shape. Me, I tend to have a few more beers or cocktails maybe than the other guy, but I get my rest."

In a 2018 interview with Drummer Visions Magazine, Morgan stated about what got him to play drums to begin with: "My dad basically started me. He played guitar and he wanted someone to jam with, so he bought me a kit when I was really young. Then I got into sports and kind of deserted playing drums, but it was always something I wanted to do. I had a buddy of mine that said, 'I have a band that plays parties and stuff,' so I got a kit and started playing covers at parties, no venues or anything. But I liked it so much that I wanted to learn something. I went to MI for six months and never went to school, I just partied, but I met up with some people who were in the scene and I basically played the whole role of being in a band without ever playing. I went back to Atlanta and started playing at parties again, and a band that was from Atlanta came to one of the parties and asked if I'd be interested in playing in their band. I got the gig but they broke up pretty quick. My name was getting around a little more. Then I started another band by myself, and we didn't have the best band but we were determined. The singer wasn't quite good enough. We got rid of almost everyone in the band and put together another band. That one lasted a few years. But there just wasn't a good vibe in that band. So then we started this band."

SEVENDUST's 13th studio album, "Blood & Stone", was released on October 23 via Rise Records. The follow-up to 2018's "All I See Is War" was once again tracked at Studio Barbarosa in Gotha, Florida with producer Michael "Elvis" Baskette, who has previously worked with ALTER BRIDGE and SLASH, among others.

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)

A visualizer video for the stripped-down version of "Most Of All", taken from "Traces (Alternative Versions & Sketches)", can be seen 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.

Sweden’s symphonic metal pioneers Therion are proud to unleash the first single and title track from their upcoming 17th studio album, Leviathan, which is set to be released on January 22nd, 2021 via Nuclear Blast.
 
Balancing ominous atmosphere and powerful, seducing chants, “Leviathan” succeeds in virtually conjuring the mythical sea creature the song has borrowed its name from. You can watch the animated lyric video for the track below. 

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

When Therion came into being in 1988 by changing name from the already existing band Blitzkrieg, which was founded a year earlier, Christofer had rather taken inspiration from Slayer's Reign In Blood among other classic metal albums. At the beginning, the Swedes were firmly rooted in death metal, a genre which they helped to define, as witnessed by their debut album Of Darkness.... (1991). Yet even back then, there were hints of "something else" lurking beneath the rough surface.
 
The use of female vocals is another core ingredient of Therion today, which developed gradually. Celtic Frost had basically introduced the female element to extreme metal on To Mega Therion in 1985. Therion began with both a female and male vocalist emulating a church like choir already in their sophomore full-length, Beyond Sanctorum (1992). With Symphony Masses: Ho Drakon Ho Megas (1993) and Lepaca Kliffoth (1995), Christofer continued to developed his trademark sound by gradually drifting towards cleaner vocals and more keyboards. With Theli, the Swedes had firmly established a reputation of pushing the boundaries of metal in the 90s – among such acts as their compatriots Tiamat, The Gathering, and Moonspell that were often referred to as "gothic metal" at the time.

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

When Christofer faced the question of where to go next after the dramatic Beloved Antichrist (2018) had finally fulfilled his musical mission, his answer is Leviathan, named after a giant sea monster from Judeo-Christian myth that has roots in Babylonic lore: Therion have created a giant hit album – and for the first time in the history of the Swedes, their fans are not asked to explore something new, but simply to lean back and enjoy the best from their band!
 
Leviathan is available in the following formats:
- CD Jewelcase
- CD Digipak
- Ltd. CD Digipak + Patch (Ltd. to 500 / Mailorder only)
- Black LP
- Clear LP (Ltd. to 300)
- Gold LP (Ltd. to 300 / Mailorder only)
- Silver LP (Ltd. to 600 / USA exclusive).
 
Pre-order the album here. Album details will be revealed soon.




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Frontiers Music Srl announces the formation of one of their most exciting new projects, a collaboration between powerhouse Finnish vocalists Noora Louhimo (Battle Beast) and Netta Laurenne (Smackbound).

Laurenne/Louhimo are currently hard at work recording music for their debut album for the label. Guitars will be handled by Nino Laurenne and drums by Sampo Haapaniemi. Bass duties will be determined soon and guest guitar solos are also being plotted. The album is currently tentatively planned for release in 2021.

Comments Netta Laurenne, ”I’ve had the idea about a possible collaboration with Noora incubating for a few years. Once the pandemic started and cleared out calendars for both of us, it felt like a perfect time to reach out to Noora and start this project. She is such a talented singer who masters various styles and on top of that, simply an awesome person. We are both initially from the same town, so it feels extra special to get us, two metal singers from Tampere, working together on an album full of kick ass metal. This is also a collaboration with my husband, music producer, and guitarist (Thunderstone) Nino Laurenne, with whom I’ve written the songs for the album. We’ve already started recording the album and just can’t wait for it to find its way to you in 2021 as it’ll be FANFUNTASTIC!”

Comments Noora Louhimo, "When Netta asked me to join in this project I was happily surprised. I had followed her as a singer for years and always admired her soulful and powerful vocals and her way of expressing herself. Now that we have gotten to know each other a bit better through this project, it's been amazing to realise how much in common we have as singers and as people. We both have similar idols and influences music wise and we both love singing with soul, blues, edge, and power. She's definitely my long lost soul sister and I'm super excited singing with her on an album filled with our explosive passion for music.”

Adds Frontiers President/Head of A&R Serafino Perugino, "I believe Netta is a truly gifted and talented artist and this is one of a few records besides Smackbound that we will start a fruitful creative and artistic cooperation with her on. To pair her with Noora [Louhimo], who literally blows everyone away with her smashing vocals in not only her main band Battle Beast, but also on Magnus Karlsson's Free Fall record, and another very special record we have coming, is incredibly exciting and an honor."

Stay tuned for more news on the debut Laurenne/Louhimo album.




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German power metal battalion Iron Savior will release Skycrest on December 4 via AFM Records. They have released the official video for second single, "Souleater", which can be viewed below.

Skycrest features the unbroken of playing that even the pandemic can’t suppress: tight guitar solos, catchy choruses, and the exceptional vocals by Piet Sielck.

Tracklisting:

“The Guardian”
“Skycrest”
“Our Time Has Come”
“Hellbreaker”
“Souleater”
“Welcome To The New World”
“There Can Be Only One”
“Silver Bullet”
“Raise The Flag”
“End Of The Rainbow”
“Ease Your Pain”
“Ode To The Brave”

"Our Time Has Come":




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Norway’s Chris Wicked is releasing a brand-new single, entitled “Aleine”, on November 13. The song, which features Gaahl (Gaahls Wyrd, ex-Gorgoroth) on guest vocals and V’gandr (Taake, Helheim) on bass, is the title track of the upcoming debut album, scheduled to drop early next year through Apollon Records.

"Aleine" which means "Alone" is a catchy dark rock song where you'll hear Gaahls haunting vocals underneath Chris' melodic voice. You can now listen to the song via the lyric video below.

Chris Wicked is best known for his work with Malice In Wonderland, where he released several albums, EPs and singles and toured the world. Now, Chris is reinventing himself, composing dark atmospheric, yet melodic songs and singing in his own language. Together with guitarist Rune Nordahl-Pedersen, bassist Eskil Sæter and drummer Marius Mathisen, Chris Wicked is now ready to release brand new music. Helping on the recordings the band invites friends, like Gaahl (Gaahls Wyrd), Hoest (Taake, Gorgoroth), Niklas Kvarforth (Shining) and V’gandr (Helheim) to collaborate, and the sound is quite stunning.

(Photo - Mathis Backe)




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Michigan rockers POP EVIL have debuted their third single of the year, "Breathe Again", and revealed the title of their sixth album, "Versatile", due out in 2021.

After surprising their fanbase with the most significant stylistic shift in sound to date with "Work", POP EVIL championed that success into the explosive catharsis found on their new single. More dialed in than ever, Leigh Kakaty flexes his songwriting growth and vocal capabilities across one of the band's most uplifting and soaring choruses to date. Channeling the groove of their latest Top 10 single "Work" and the chugging riffs of its companion track "Let The Chaos Reign", "Breathe Again" marks one of POP EVIL's most diverse and captivating releases to date. The band continues to bridge their heaviness with cinematic melody, indicating what's to come on their forthcoming album due out next year via Entertainment One (eOne).

POP EVIL has been a staple at major festivals and in theaters and clubs for over a decade, despite the group's relative youth. As they've ruled the roost with No. 1 Billboard Rock singles like "Trenches", "Deal With The Devil", "Torn To Pieces", "Footsteps" and "Waking Lions", they've taken their inspired message to the people, on tours with modern rock titans and veteran acts alike. The band bunkered down in Los Angeles in the winter of 2019 to put the finishing touches on the LP. POP EVIL also enlisted new creative teams of producers and collaborators to emphasize the band's sound's uniquely varied aspects.

As "Breathe Again", "Let The Chaos Reign" and "Work" might suggest, the contrast and fearless genre-defying cross-cultural pollination have never been more pronounced than on album number six. The pre-production process yielded close to 30 songs, whittled down to the most potent 12 representing everything about POP EVIL.

Collectively, POP EVIL's previous five albums account for over 600 million worldwide streams.

POP EVIL is: Leigh Kakaty (lead vocals), Nick Fuelling (lead guitar), Dave Grahs (rhythm guitar), Matt DiRito (bass) and Hayley Cramer (drums).

Photo credit: Amber Paredes

"Death Of A Dream", the new video from GONE IS GONE, the project featuring MASTODON's Troy Sanders, AT THE DRIVE-IN's Tony Hajjar, QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE's Troy Van Leeuwen and guitarist-keyboardist Mike Zarin, can be seen below. The song is taken from GONE IS GONE's upcoming album, "If Everything Happens For A Reason…Then Nothing Really Matters At All", which is due on December 4 via Clouds Hill. The LP was produced by Hajjar and Van Leeuwen and is the culmination of ideas and seeds of songs that the band has been working on over the last three years. Lockdown has allowed the band to hone in on these cinematic, dark but also uplifting songs and led to them releasing a number of singles throughout 2020, ahead of this release.

Hajjar says: "I definitely had some strong ideas coming into this record. My idea was to make a record that could be played by all of us in a certain fashion or even just one of us with some electronics. I really wanted the record to live in many forms. We feel that we accomplished that… It is a record that pushed us creatively. We expressed ourselves fully without any barriers or fear of what people would think."

Sanders adds: "I feel it is our most solid and interesting release to date. As musicians, we always seek to explore new sounds and push ourselves to create unique moods and atmospheres. In our eyes and ears, we have achieved this."

"If Everything Happens For A Reason…Then Nothing Really Matters At All" track listing:

01. Resfeber

02. Say Nothing

03. Everything Is Wonderfall

04. Wings Of Hope

05. Sometimes I Feel

06. No One Ever Walked On Water

07. Death Of A Dream

08. Crimson, Chaos and You

09. Breaks

10. Payoff

11. Force Of A Feather

12. Dirge For Delusions

GONE IS GONE's debut album, "Echolocation", entered Billboard's Heatseekers Chart at No. 3 back in January 2017.

Hailed by Clash as "a crisp, compact document, one laced with energy and sweeping songwriting," "Echolocation" was produced by the band and mixed by Ken Andrews (BECK, A PERFECT CIRCLE).

GONE IS GONE was formed by multi-instrumentalist Zarin and Hajjar, who previously collaborated on various film trailer projects for Sencit, Zarin's music production, licensing and supervision company. Together they've put together a wildly diverse sound production resume that includes trailers for the Internet-breaking television series "Stranger Things", Christopher Nolan's 2010 sci-fi thriller "Inception", multi-Emmy-winning television series "Game Of Thrones" and the Marvel Comics blockbuster film "X-Men Apocalypse", to name but a few. They brought in Troy Van Leeuwen, known for his work with QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE, FAILURE, A PERFECT CIRCLE, EAGLES OF DEATH METAL and SWEETHEAD, who, in turn, brought in Troy Sanders from multi-Grammy nominees MASTODON.

SMASHING PUMPKINS have released the official Charlotte Kemp Muhl-directed music video for the song "Wyttch" from their upcoming double album, "Cyr".

"Cyr" will be issued on November 27 via Sumerian Records. The 20-song follow-up to 2018's "Shiny And Oh So Bright, Vol. 1 / LP: No Past. No Future. No Sun." was produced by singer-songwriter Billy Corgan.

"'Cyr' is dystopic folly," Corgan said in a statement, "one soul against the world sort of stuff, set against a backdrop of shifting loyalties and sped up time. To me it stands as both hopeful and dismissive of what is and isn't possible with faith."

"Cyr" track listing:

01. The Colour Of Love

02. Confessions Of A Dopamine Addict

03. Cyr

04. Dulcet In E

05. Wrath

06. Ramona

07. Anno Satana

08. Birch Grove

09. Wyttch

10. Starrcraft

11. Purple Blood

12. Save Your Tears

13. Telegenix

14. Black Forest, Black Hills

15. Adrennalynne

16. Haunted

17. The Hidden Sun

18. Schaudenfreud

19. Tyger, Tyger

20. Minerva

Corgan recently told Apple Music about "Cyr": "I think this is the music that's coming out now is the things that have taken root. We've gone back to just being ourselves.

"We're good pop assassins, and I think as long as we're sort of in that space, we're good. Anybody can ascribe anything they want to it as far as stylistically, but it bears repeating that what most of the general public knows of the band is really only one small slice of the band's music. The band's sort of width was a lot wider. So this falls quite comfortably in the music that we've made through the years."

"Shiny And Oh So Bright, Vol. 1 / LP: No Past. No Future. No Sun." was SMASHING PUMPKINS' first album in over 18 years to feature founding members Corgan, Jimmy Chamberlin and James Iha, along with longtime guitarist Jeff Schroeder.

Alice Cooper has released "Rock & Roll" today as a first taste of the upcoming studio album "Detroit Stories", coming February 26, 2021 on earMUSIC.

"Rock & Roll", a classic song by THE VELVET UNDERGROUND from the album "Loaded", is not a casual choice: It's a song of joy and celebration of that magical moment when we all first turned on rock and roll radio …and it saved our lives.

Here are some interesting Detroit Stories for the fans of rock and roll trivia and for those who believe that nothing happens by chance (especially in Detroit).

In 1971, the ALICE COOPER GROUP was working in Detroit, with producer Bob Ezrin. Around the same time, also in Detroit, a band called… DETROIT, which featured Mitch Ryder, Johnny Bee and Steve Hunter, recorded a heavy new arrangement of Lou Reed's "Rock & Roll" also produced by… Bob Ezrin.

It was when he heard that version that Lou Reed decided to work with Ezrin on the follow-up to his monster hit album "Transformer". Their collaboration produced the seminal and fascinating classic album "Berlin".

But wait, there is more!

Steve Hunter, the amazing guitar player who created the iconic main riff that drives DETROIT's cover of the song in 1971, ended up working with Ezrin on many of his productions. He toured and recorded with Alice and with Lou Reed as well…and that same riff is the backbone of this new recording of the song which was done in… Detroit, of course.

Alice Cooper and Lou Reed shared a relationship of mutual respect and friendship over the years. Bob and Lou collaborated several other times and were dear friends for 40 years. Alice and Bob can't remember how many albums this is and have been creative partners for 50 years.

Listen to Alice's powerful new version of "Rock & Roll" featuring Johnny "Bee" Badanjek (DETROIT WHEELS), Steve Hunter (DETROIT), Paul Randolph (legendary Detroit jazz and R&B bassist) and special guests Joe Bonamassa and Tommy Henriksen (for this occasion, crowned "Honorary Detroiters").

"Detroit Stories" follows last year's "Breadcrumbs" EP as a modern-day homage to the toughest and craziest rock and roll scene there ever was.

In 1970, fledgling producer Bob Ezrin walked into a farmhouse on the outskirts of Detroit to work with the Alice Cooper band. Abandoning flower power Los Angeles, because they were the opposite of the hippie peace and love ideal, Alice had brought his decidedly darker gang back to his birthplace to the legendary rock scene that gave birth to hard rock, garage rock, soul, funk, punk...and more.

Ezrin drilled the band for 10 hours a day to define their signature sound. Whenever they nailed a song, the inmates at the hospital for the criminally insane across the road cheered and thus the classic Alice Cooper sound was born.

"Detroit was heavy rock central then," explains Alice, "You'd play the Eastown and it would be Alice Cooper, Ted Nugent, THE STOOGES and THE WHO, for $4! The next weekend at the Grande it was MC5, BROWNSVILLE STATION and FLEETWOOD MAC, or SAVOY BROWN or the SMALL FACES. You couldn't be a soft-rock band or you'd get your ass kicked."

"Los Angeles had its sound with THE DOORS, LOVE and BUFFALO SPRINGFIELD," he says, "San Francisco had the GRATEFUL DEAD and JEFFERSON AIRPLANE. New York had THE RASCALS and THE VELVET UNDERGROUND. But Detroit was the birthplace of angry hard rock. After not fitting in anywhere in the U.S. (musically or image wise) Detroit was the only place that recognized the Alice Cooper guitar-driven hard rock sound and our crazy stage show. Detroit was a haven for the outcasts. And when they found out I was born in East Detroit... we were home."

50 years later, Alice and Ezrin gathered some legendary Detroit musicians in a Detroit studio to record "Detroit Stories", Alice Cooper's new album that celebrates that spirit for a new era. If 2019's "Breadcrumbs" EP laid down the trail to the city, "Detroit Stories" drives like a muscle car right down Woodward Ave.

"We recorded with Wayne Kramer (guitarist and writer from the MC5), Johnny "Bee" Badanjek (drums; from the legendary DETROIT WHEELS), Paul Randolph (legendary Detroit jazz and R&B bassist) as well as the Motor City Horns and other local musicians," explains Ezrin, "We had musical ideas and encouragement from John Varvatos, the support of the folks at Shinola, and we recorded at Rustbelt Studios in Royal Oak. This was made in detroit for Detroit by Detroit denizens!"

"Detroit Stories" will be available on CD, CD+DVD digipak, CD box set (including CD, Blu-ray, t-shirt, face mask, torch light and 3 stickers), and 2LP gatefold.

The DVD and Blu-ray will show the incredible live performance "A Paranormal Evening At The Olympia Paris" for the first time on video. With the whole concert culture being shut down due to covid-19, Alice Cooper felt the need to share one of his latest shows with his fans as he cannot wait to get back on the road — better than ever.

Track listing:

01. Rock 'N' Roll

02. Go Man Go (Album Version)

03. Our Love Will Change The World

04. Social Debris

05. $1000 High Heel Shoes

06. Hail Mary

07. Detroit City 2021 (Album Version)

08. Drunk And In Love

09. Independence Dave

10. I Hate You

11. Wonderful World

12. Sister Anne (Album Version)

13. Hanging On By A Thread (Don't Give Up)

14. Shut Up And Rock

15. East Side Story (Album Version)

Photo credit: Jenny Risher

MÖTLEY CRÜE drummer Tommy Lee has teamed up with Machine Gun Kelly and 24kGoldn on a new explosive track titled "Climb". The song, written and produced by Audio Up CEO Jared Gutstadt, from four-part, smash Halloween podcast "Halloween In Hell", has been released today through Sony Music and Audio Up Music.

Taking homage from music horror hits like "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" and the dark comedy of "The Nightmare Before Christmas", "Halloween In Hell" is set during Halloween, where 24kGoldn and metal mistress Dana Dentata find themselves trapped on a soundstage reminiscent of Hell, with a sadistic host who has lured them into a singing competition. It is there they must impress a jury of the damned (R. Kelly and Phil Spector) and rescue themselves from the clutches of evil. With each of the main cast playing fictional versions of themselves, these acclaimed musical, cross-genre performers beckon listeners to follow them on a journey to hell and back. The star-studded cast includes multi-platinum Interscope Records recording artist, actor and Billboard chart topper pop culture icon Machine Gun Kelly, Lee, acclaimed musician and performance artist Dana Dentata, multi-platinum 10K Projects recording artist Iann Dior, multi-platinum / recording artist 24kGoldn, and musician/writer Phem.

The podcast was conceived and produced by Gutstadt, and executive produced by Machine Gun Kelly, and was written by Jimmy Jellinek. Original music (penned and produced by Gutstadt, alongside the cast) debuted in every episode and is now available across all digital and streaming platforms.

"Climb" is available on all digital and streaming platforms today.

On June 5, it was announced that Lee had spent two years writing and recording his new album and it is about to challenge virtually everything you thought you knew about him and his musical proclivities. True, he hinted at some of the complexity behind the chaos, when he formed METHODS OF MAYHEM and when he toured with Skrillex, Zedd and Deadmaus, but Lee's new set of tracks seem to truly represent the music that's he was meant to make — and that definitively reveals the depth and range of his musical fascinations. They also represent the male and female sides of music — equally important and equally powerful, thus the name of the album, "Andro". Androgyny is a combination of the essences of male and female genders and the album is the manifestation of the concept.

The passion is evident right from the start of "Andro", as the album opens with the first of his two singles "Knock Me Down", a paint-stripping industrial-metal stormer (as close as "Andro" gets to what Lee is best known for) featuring the up-and-coming rapper Killvein, who gives a scorching performance. Other features on the record include a Prince cover from Lukas Rossi (ROCKSTAR SUPERNOVA), plus guest appearances by Josh Todd (BUCKCHERRY), Push Push, Brooke Candy and Mickey Avalon.

The official music video for MACHINE HEAD's new single, "My Hands Are Empty", can be seen below.

Says MACHINE HEAD: "Shooting a music video in Northern California during the one of the strictest lockdown times of COVID-19-era proves to be quite a challenge. After getting shut down by health officials 24 hours before shooting, director Mike Sloat scrambles to arrange an alternate outdoor locations, and in the end, Robb [Flynn, MACHINE HEAD guitarist/vocalist] and him rewrite to video treatment on the spot, to great results."

"My Hands Are Empty" is the latest in a line of singles to be released by MACHINE HEAD, which issued "Do Or Die" in October 2019, "Circle The Drain" in February, and the two-song digital single "Civil Unrest", consisting of "Stop The Bleeding" and "Bulletproof", in June. "Stop The Bleeding" featured guest vocals from KILLSWITCH ENGAGE frontman Jesse Leach, and was written and recorded just days after the murders of George Floyd and Ahmaud Arbery.

This past June, MACHINE HEAD frontman Robb Flynn said that there is no pressure for the band to release a full-length album anytime soon. "I'm all about dropping singles right now," he told Knotfest.com's "Mosh Talks With Beez". "I think an album will definitely show up, and some of these songs may end up on that album, but, to me, it's all about just a constant stream of music dropping all the time.

"We're pretty slow with albums — it's already been two and a half years since our last album [2018's 'Catharsis'] — so I just don't wanna wait another year to get music out. The music's here, the music's done; a lot of the lyrics that I've written are very much now, and they need to be heard now, in this moment.

"I do a podcast, and I can record a podcast and have it up an hour later. That's fucking crazy to me. I can finish a song and have it up six hours later on all the fucking digital service providers," he said. "That's fucking amazing. Never in history have we been able to do something like that. And we need to do more of that, especially with songs that are written about this moment and these times. It's important to put 'em out now, not a year and a half from now."

This past July, MACHINE HEAD canceled its previously announced rescheduled 2020 tour dates for Europe and Australia due to the coronavirus pandemic which is sweeping the globe.

Each show on MACHINE HEAD's "Burn My Eyes" 25th-anniversary tour consisted of two parts: part one saw Flynn and bassist Jared MacEachern performing alongside new recruits, guitarist Wacław "Vogg" Kiełtyka (DECAPITATED) and British drummer Matt Alston (DEVILMENT, EASTERN FRONT); while part two featured "Burn My Eyes" played in its entirety for the first time ever, with original "Burn My Eyes"-era drummer Chris Kontos and guitarist Logan Mader joining in.

After teasing fans for days on social media, Los Angeles rockers BLACK VEIL BRIDES have released a new single and video for the track "Scarlet Cross". The song comes from their upcoming 2021 concept album "The Phantom Tomorrow" — the band's sixth full-length effort. The LP tells the story of the antihero character "The Blackbird" and a group of societal outcasts known as simply as "The Phantom Tomorrow". "Scarlet Cross" — produced by Erik Ron (GODSMACK, DANCE GAVIN DANCE, BUSH) and guitarist Jake Pitts — is available via all digital partners today.

The video for "Scarlet Cross" was directed by longtime collaborator Patrick Fogarty and based on a concept written by frontman Andy Biersack. The video was filmed on the Santa Clarita Studios backlot and is the first in a series of videos that will follow the story of the main character "The Blackbird". The video opens as a female member of "The Phantom Tomorrow" takes to the streets only to be discovered and followed. As things get dire, the "The Blackbird" arrives only to fade to black. Shot to look like an old school comic book serial, the video ends with the cliffhanger tease leaving the viewer unsure of the fate of the heroine or her attackers.

BLACK VEIL BRIDES are hard at work putting the finishing touches on "The Phantom Tomorrow", scheduled for release next year via Sumerian Records.

BLACK VEIL BRIDES say: "We are incredibly excited to share not only this new song 'Scarlet Cross', but also our vision for the world of 'The Phantom Tomorrow' and its characters. We are in the final stages of writing for this record and have begun work on our forthcoming 'The Phantom Tomorrow' graphic novel. We intend to continue to share elements of the story in the coming months and can't wait for everyone to see what we have been working on!"

BLACK VEIL BRIDES celebrated the 10th anniversary of their debut, "We Stitch These Wounds", with a brand new, reimagined, re-recorded 2020 edition of the album titled "Re-Stitch These Wounds", released in July via Sumerian Records.

In November 2019, BLACK VEIL BRIDES announced the addition of bassist Lonny Eagleton to the group's ranks. He joined the band as the replacement for Ashley Purdy, who exited the group earlier that month.

Eagleton previously played with BLACK VEIL BRIDES singer Andy Biersack (a.k.a. Andy Black) on his solo tour.

Last year, BLACK VEIL BRIDES released the first in a series of "duologies," essentially two-song singles that will be released with greater frequency. The first duology consisted of the songs "The Vengeance" and "Saints Of The Blood".

Photo credit: Jonathan Weiner

Steve Lukather (a.k.a. "Luke") and Joseph Williams will release individual solo albums on February 26, 2021 via The Players Club / Mascot Label Group. Both artists have made significant contributions to the other's album. Earlier this year, the label presented "Run To Me" from Luke's forthcoming release "I Found The Sun Again". Today, the first reveal from Williams's album titled "Denizen Tenant" has hit streaming platforms globally. The "Never Saw You Coming" video, produced by the artist himself, can be seen below.

Williams shares: "'Never Saw You Coming' is my first opportunity in ages to show my true sound. Although my album is an eclectic collection of songs, this one tells you what you need to know to get a real sense of the whole. You can see where I'm going vocally, for sure. It all starts with 'Never Saw You Coming', plus I thought it was time we had a cool sexy song about death! Enjoy…"

"I Found The Sun Again" was co-produced by Ken Freeman, who also both engineered and mixed the new collection of repertoire. The players feature many dignitaries that have been in Luke's life for decades. Amongst those are drummer Gregg Bissonette, keyboardist Jeff Babko, and bassists Jorgen Carlsson and John Pierce. Lifelong friend and TOTO bandmate David Paich performs piano and organ across the album, while Joseph Williams sang on multiple tracks alongside writing string and horn arrangements and tracking keys on the aforementioned "Run To Me". Both Paich and Williams co-wrote that specific composition, while friend and band leader of the ALL-STARRS, Ringo Starr makes a special appearance on the recording and in the video. Other co-writers include Stan Lynch, Jeff Babko, and, of course, Joseph Williams.

Luke shares: "Never had so much fun recording in my life. Painless, fun and easy — and it just flowed." The repertoire features five new original compositions, and three covers personally selected by Luke. Those are TRAFFIC's "Low Spark Of High Heeled Boys", Joe Walsh's "Welcome To The Club" and Robin Trower's "Bridge Of Sighs". Lukather offers in the liner notes: "ALL these tracks were cut LIVE — no clix — no fix — No rehearsal — one run-thru — and record and the whole record was take 2. I did double a few guitar parts and 'produced up' a few tunes that are obvious but in the same time frame. I recorded the lead vocal right after we got the take same day. One song a day. Joe took it home and did some BG vocals but that's it.

"I wanted to make as honest a record as I could in 2020 with 1970s inspiration, and recording values, and techniques with a modern sound. Ken did that!"

A portion of the proceeds from this album will be directed to The Ed Asner Family Center for Autism.

"Denizen Tenant" was produced by Williams outside of the compositions "Black Dahlia" and "No Lessons" which were arranged and produced by Jay Gruska and mixed by Dave Way. The musicians and singers who made contributions in the studio reads like a who's who of players that have been in the artist's life over the past four decades. Amongst these contributors are bandmates from TOTO, David Paich and Steve Lukather. Simon Phillips, Leland Sklar, Lenny Castro, Nathan East, all of whom enjoyed tenures in TOTO, are also featured players on the album. Additional contributions include performances by Oscar Bugarin, Jay Gruska, Mike Landau, Barbara Gruska, Steve Overton, Dylan Ronan, Hannah Ruick, Steve Tavaloni, Weston Wilson, Ray Williams and Mark T. Williams. The album was produced and mixed at Digbyroad Studios in Sherman Oaks, California.

"Denizen Tenant" features a dozen new recordings. Amongst these are a cover of THE BEATLES' "If I Fell", which Williams cites as the one specific song that taught him about the power of harmonies and vocal arrangements. On Peter Gabriel's "Don't Give Up", a very special guest performance is featured in his daughter Hannah laying down a vocal track. Across the recorded repertoire, there is a consistent presence of performances by guitarists Steve Lukather and Mike Landau alongside percussionist Lenny Castro. Williams reflects: "Mike Landau has been playing on my music since I was a teenager and he just knows what to do. His parts always inspire me. They help move me to the next step in the writing process. Steve Lukather is like this as well." In reference to Lenny, he offers: "He knows exactly what is needed and he will give me so many choices. I always get what I want. Like Mike Landau, I've been working with Lenny since I was a kid." The record is a part of the continual, ongoing collaboration of the triumvirate of Lukather/Paich/Williams. Williams co-wrote "Liberty Man" with Paich, while the keyboardist performed Hammond B3 on "Black Dahlia", and shares: "I love writing with Dave. On this tune, like many others, we spent hours talking about history, religion, music, literature, movies etc. Always leading us like excited kids to a subject or concept for the song. Then we start throwing out phrases, collecting and discarding ideas. Shaping and reshaping melodies along the way." There are so many contributors with deep connections and history with the artist, all of whom have a significant footprint on "Denizen Tenant".

The recordings will be available individually on both CD and LP, alongside all streaming services globally. A limited-edition deluxe edition is available with the two titles bundled together.

TOTO will stage a global livestream event on November 21.

British hard-rock heroes THUNDER will release their 13th studio album, "All The Right Noises", on March 12, 2021. The official music video for the disc's first single, "Last One Out Turn Off The Lights", can be seen below.

"All The Right Noises" is a return to the full-throttle sound of THUNDER that has seen them create a hugely successful 30-plus-year career at the forefront of British rock, all built around the lifelong friendship of vocalist extraordinaire Danny Bowes and songwriting genius and guitarist Luke Morley.

"All The Right Noises" is an intense confection of illicit charms that reasserts their authority as the number one band in the land. Recorded in the months leading up to the first COVID-19 lockdown, it was originally due for release in September 2020. Strange to reflect then on how much of the new material appears to address the challenging new world we now inhabit.

On the album, Luke says: "All the songs were written and recorded pre-COVID. But it is interesting how if you look at some of the tracks through the prism of COVID, they still make a lot of sense.”

The volcanic lead single from the album, "Last One Out Turn Off The Lights", could easily be mistaken for world-ending lockdown rage. But, says Luke, "That was directly about Brexit, but you could apply it to everything else."

The track is indicative of both the ferocity and message of the album as a whole, with subjects tackled including depression, mental health, and diversity. With their knack for imaginative songwriting, "All The Right Noises" also takes aim at Donald Trump in a song written from his perspective, as well as a song Luke describes as "like the opposite" of "My Generation" by THE WHO in its message.

"All The Right Noises" will be available in 1CD, 2CD, 2LP, and 4LP formats, with the 2CD and 4LP releases containing bonus tracks. The LP versions feature a stunning pop-out of the "Singing Ringing Tree", which appears on the album's glorious artwork. The photo cover art was shot by the band's long-term collaborator Jason Joyce. The sculpture, which also appears in the video for "Last One Out Turn Off The Lights", is set in Burnley, Lancashire, and resembles a tree which harnesses the energy of the wind to create a choral, discordant sound.

"All The Right Noises" follows on from 2019's stripped back and reimagined album "Please Remain Seated", which continued THUNDER's consecutive Top 10 U.K. album chart run since their ecstatically received comeback six years ago.

With their most recent success, THUNDER have proven themselves as vital now as when they emerged with their debut album in 1990, "Backstreet Symphony", and their hit follow-up in 1992, "Laughing On Judgement Day", which was only kept off the top spot by Kylie Minogue.

Track listing

01. Last One Out Turn Off The Lights

02. Destruction

03. The Smoking Gun

04. Going To Sin City

05. Don't Forget To Live Before You Die

06. I'll Be The One

07. Young Man

08. You're Gonna Be My Girl

09. St George's Day

10. Force Of Nature

11. She's A Millionairess

In a new interview with the "Appetite For Distortion" podcast, RATT singer Stephen Pearcy spoke about how the coronavirus pandemic has affected the band's plans for new music as well as the progress of the songwriting sessions for his next solo album.

He said (hear audio below): "RATT was going to go into auditions for a rhythm guitar player and try to record a song or two and welcome in the new year, but there's all time to do that. So we'll now put that on the backburner until everything is really back into the norm. But as far as me and my solo career, I've been working on my sixth solo record for the last year and a half, ready to go, ready to go and record it. And I'm also releasing a legacy record of songs from my career, 1977 till 2021. So I've got a lot on the plate. So I'm good here. And we'll see what happens. Hopefully everything will be back to normal soon."

According to Pearcy, his decision to focus on a new solo album was born out of necessity, not preference.

"I'm always prepared to do RATT music, but if my partner is not into it, then I just switch tracks and move forward. Anything I write for myself, or just write — period — is thought of as RATT music, and I pretty much bring it [to RATT first]. If I know it's really RATT sound and has that schematic, then I'll bring it to… The only partner here left is Juan [Croucier, RATT bassist], and if there's no interest in recording from the guy, then I just move forward and record it for me."

Stephen went to say that the solo song "All That I Want", which he released in April, was originally meant to be a RATT track. "It didn't happen [with RATT] — we didn't get in the studio before we went on the road last summer; that's how old that song is, but it's new — it's still a new song," he said. "I just recorded it solo and put it out, so people have something to listen to until I get the solo record finished. But it's written — ready to go.

"Anything I write, people expect it to be RATT, and why am I not writing RATT music," he continued. "It's, like, well, I do — all the time.

"At the end of the day, for me, it's all good, no matter where the songs go. But I pretty much offer 'em to my band RATT first, obviously, and if it doesn't go down, then, sure, I'll keep 'em for me."

Pearcy also lamented the fact that so many of his peers have no penchant for putting out new music because they believe that most fans of classic rock bands don't always like to listen to fresh material.

"Some of your own bandmembers don't wanna work these days," Stephen said. "They don't think they have to write new music. You could live off your, per se, legacy, and you can play your songs — classic rock, which it is now. And believe me, it's a very good thing, what we've accomplished.

"A lot of my peers from the '80s, they don't think they need to do records; they don't think records are important," he added. "I can honestly say my bass player, Juan, doesn't think it's important. But to me, music is always important… My bass player is not breaking down any walls trying to get music out with me for RATT. And I can say it, because I'm the one that's having to end up doing a solo record, and the songs sound like RATT, because I know people wanna hear new music, and I happen to be the singer guy. But you literally can just be a jukebox — just going through the motions."

Pearcy's fifth solo LP, "View To A Thrill", came out in November 2018 via Frontiers Music Srl. The follow-up to 2017's "Smash" was produced by Matt Thorne and Pearcy and was mixed and mastered by Thorne and guitarist Erik Ferentinos.

Pearcy and Croucier are the sole remaining original members in RATT's current lineup, which made its live debut in July 2018 in Mulvane, Kansas. Joining them in the band are drummer Pete Holmes (BLACK 'N BLUE, RATT'S JUAN CROUCIER) and guitarist Jordan Ziff (RAZER).

RATT hasn't released any new music since 2010's "Infestation" album.

LOVE AND DEATH, the project featuring KORN guitarist Brian "Head" Welch, will release its sophomore album, "Perfectly Preserved", on February 12 via Earache Records. The LP features guest appearances by ex-FLYLEAF singer Lacey Sturm, BREAKING BENJAMIN guitarist/backing vocalist Keith Wallen and RIGHTEOUS VENDETTA frontman Ryan Hayes.

The official lyric video for the album's first single, "Down", can be seen below.

"Perfectly Preserved" track listing:

01. Slow Fire

02. Infamy

03. Down

04. Death Of Us

05. Lo Lamento

06. The Hunter (feat. Keith Wallen)

07. Tragedy

08. Let Me Love You (feat. Lacey Sturm)

09. Affliction

10. White Flag (feat. Ryan Hayes)

Welch's last non-KORN release was the "Lo Lamento" single from LOVE AND DEATH, which came out in March 2016. Joining Welch on the track were BREAKING BENJAMIN guitarist Jasen Rauch, who produced the song, JR Bareis (from ISLANDER) and Dan Johnson from RED. Head shared vocal duties on the track with Bareis.

"Lo Lamento" was given away as a free download to everyone who purchased Welch's "With My Eyes Wide Open: Miracles And Mistakes On My Way Back To Korn" book.

Welch's first solo album, "Save Me From Myself", came out in 2008.

LOVE AND DEATH's debut full-length, "Between Here & Lost", was released in 2013.

KORN's latest album, "The Nothing", was released in September 2019 via Roadrunner/Elektra. The follow-up to 2016's "The Serenity Of Suffering" was once again produced by Nick Raskulinecz.

PAPA ROACH will release its second collection of hit singles, titled "Greatest Hits Vol. 2 - The Better Noise Years", on March 19, 2021. The effort includes 12 of the band's top 10 hits released between 2010 to 2019 as well as three previoulsy unreleased remixes and two unreleased acoustic recordings recorded live at the YouTube Studios in New York City. "Greatest Hits Vol. 2 - The Better Noise Years" also features a guest appearance by Danny Warsnop (vocalist of ASKING ALEXANDRIA) on the track "Broken As Me". The original version of the song was recorded for PAPA ROACH's 2015 album "F.E.A.R."

The band noted: "We wanted to commemorate the last 10 years of our journey with this special collection of the music that got us here."

First single and video "The Ending (Remastered 2020)" is also released today. The song will be featured in the motion picture "The Retaliators". The film is a horror thriller, and the music video includes footage from the movie. Jacoby Shaddix, PAPA ROACH's lead singer, makes his acting debut in a crucial role in the 2021 picture.

"When I heard about this film last year, I spoke to the creative team and I felt I had a vehicle to see if I could expand my range as an artist," Jacoby said. "Truly, I couldn't have imagined how much I enjoyed this experience and can't wait to find another film in the future." He appears alongside a diverse cast, which includes Michael Lombardi (FX's "Rescue Me", "The Deuce"), Marc Menchaca ("Ozark", "Black Mirror", "The Sinner") and Joseph Gatt ("Ray Donovan", "Game Of Thrones", "Banshee", "Dumbo") in the high-octane horror thriller.

Lombardi, who is also a co-producer on the film, says of Shaddix's acting in the role of Quinn Brady: "I wasn't sure what to expect. I thought he might be good because he's a great storyteller with his songs, but I was truly blown away by his performance as an actor. I found Jacoby to be incredibly focused and committed! He was never afraid to jump off that cliff. For example, he and I had a scene together where his character has to slap me, pull my hair and lick my face. Lucky for me, we only needed two takes, because he 100% went for it. I had a red, smacked, wet face when the director yelled cut. He's a beast!"

PAPA ROACH has remained relevant since its debut in 2000. Now 20 years in, the band currently has over eight million monthly listeners on Spotify with total streaming numbers into the billions.

PAPA ROACH has released 21 Top 5 singles over the course of its distinguished career — 12 of which are included in the new greatest-hits collection from the past 10 years. "Help", the band's 2017 release, has just been certified gold by the RIAA, selling over 500,000 copies in the United States alone.

"Greatest Hits Vol. 2 - The Better Noise Years" track listing:

01. Born For Greatness (Remastered 2020)

02. Help (Remastered 2020)

03. Elevate (Remastered 2020)

04. Come Around (Remastered 2020)

05. Broken As Me (feat. Danny Worsnop of Asking Alexandria)*

06. Falling Apart (Remastered 2020)

07. Who Do You Trust? (Remastered 2020)

08. Gravity (feat. Maria Brink) (Remastered 2020)

09. American Dreams (Remastered 2020)

10. Face Everything And Rise (Remastered 2020)

11. Periscope (feat. Skylar Grey) (Remastered 2020)

12. Still Swingin' (Remastered 2020)

13. The Ending (Remastered 2020)

14. Burn (Remastered 2020)

15. Kick In The Teeth (Remastered 2020)

16. Elevate (Aelonia Remix)*

17. Help (Aelonia Remix)*

18. Born For Greatness (Cymek Remix) *

19. Top Of The World (Aelonia Remix)*

20. Face Everything And Rise (Live Acoustic) *

21. Leader Of The Broken Hearts (Live Acoustic)*

* previously unreleased

Former GUNS N' ROSES and current SIXX:A.M. guitarist DJ Ashba creatively combines multiple genres with EDM into one unique, explosive sound as he continues his adventurous journey into an exciting genre. Now, ASHBA brings holiday cheer to the dance floor with his new single "A Christmas Storm". An instrumental mashup of holiday classics such as "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen", "Carol Of The Bells", "Joy To The World" and "Hark The Herald Angels Sing", the song is mixed and mastered by three-time Grammy nominee Luca Pretolesi of Studio DMI (Steve Aoki, Diplo, Lil Jon).

Ashba told the Las Vegas Review-Journal about the musicial approach of his new effort: "I would go to a lot of EDM concerts, and their shows are so over the top and, you know, all these young kids just losing their minds, right? And the one thing that I've noticed is … it lacks guitar, you know, and I saw an opportunity, like five years ago, going, 'If I could take what I do and somehow inject it into this world.' A lot of kids are not being exposed to a lot of guitar in that world."

Previously released singles "Hypnotic" and "Let's Dance" will appear on ASHBA's first full-length effort. According to DJ, he will promote the LP by embarking on a tour on which he will be joined only by a VJ.

"The one thing I've noticed is the lack of performance. Now, that excludes a lot of the good ones, like Aoki — there's nobody like him, and Diplo, and Calvin Harris's brilliance is amazing," Ashba told Las Vegas Review-Journal. "But I'm but I'm talking about performances as far people bringing an instrument onstage."

Although Ashba initially started work on the project as a collaboration with Michael — under the band name PYROMANTIC — it has since evolved into an Ashba solo venture, with Michael announcing in 2018 that he was stepping away from the group.

Photo credit: Michael Pool

MEGADETH bassist David Ellefson has set a December 18 release date for his first venture as a fiction thriller novelist.

"The Sledge Chronicles: Rock Star Hitman" is the first chapter in the action-packed saga of Sledge; an up-and-coming musician who uncovers a startling quid pro quo: in exchange for achieving his dreams of rock stardom, he must enlist as a ruthless killer for a clandestine agency. Filled with twists, turns, screams, and even laughs, "Rock Star Hitman" is the cult thriller you've been dying for.

Ellefson states: "I've been on a quest to create an original thriller fiction book for some time now, and I’m beyond thrilled to announce it with 'Rock Star Hitman'. I wanted there to be familiarity to my fans in an almost autobiographical way, but with characters and storyline which are clearly fictional. I think metal and horror/thriller fans are going to like it!"

Adds Fortier: "David and I clicked really well when creating this story, because we've both lived the rock and roll tale ourselves. That's why 'Rock Star Hitman' starts out like an autobiography from almost any musician but then takes a sudden and unexpected turn into a world of suspense, dark humor, and bloody brutal situations. As a horror/thriller fan myself we could almost write ourselves into our own story line. Plus, I think most everyone will relate to the daunting tales of selling one's soul for a rock and roll aspiration… a story that in and of itself is close to me as well."

David's canon of published literary work includes four non-fiction titles with his two memoirs, "More Life With Deth" (Jawbone Press, 2019) and "My Life With Deth" (Howard/Simon & Schuster, 2014), an independently published lyric and poem offering "Unsung: Words & Images" (Blurb, 2012) and his debut how-to book "Making Music Your Business….A Guide For Young Musicians" (Hal Leonard, 1997).

The novel will be released through The Ellefson Book Co. imprint and was co-written with musician, filmmaker, actor Drew Fortier; known for his work with such artists as BANG TANGO, Chuck Mosley (FAITH NO MORE), and ZEN FROM MARS. Fortier also released his autobiography "Dark, Depressing, And Hilarious" in 2018.

"Rock Star Hitman" is currently up for pre-order at Barnes And Noble as well as Amazon and can be purchased in hardcover format, paperback, and ebook.

Ellefson and Fortier are no strangers to collaboration; on top of their forthcoming novel, they also have an independent found-footage horror film due out in 2021 titled "Dwellers", which was written by, directed by, and starring Fortier with Ellefson producing alongside Thom Hazaert via their Ellefson Films imprint.

Former ILL NIÑO members Cristian Machado (vocals), Ahrue "Luster" Ilustre (guitar) and Diego Verduzco (guitar) have finished recording the debut LP from their new project.

Machado, who released his debut solo album, "Hollywood y Sycamore", on September 25 via Chesky Records' sub-label Coconut Bay, discussed his renewed collaboration with Ilustre and Verduzco in a new interview with Hablas Rockas. He said (see video below): "There's an entire album done. The album is completely done — 100 percent done. 12 songs finished. They're not mixed or mastered. We have rough mixes.

"We're all trying not to talk too much about it, just because until we can put out the album, should we really talk too much about it? I don't know," he continued. "I will say this… The things that are reasonable to say is the songs are fucking awesome.

"As far as me focusing as just a vocalist and not having to be involved mentally in some kind of other way with the instrumentation, as far as me thinking as a vocalist, it's definitely the best work I've ever done. And I have to thank Ahrue and Diego — Diego, who really began this whole thing by writing some songs, putting them together, getting a producer, starting to move the ball. He was, basically, like, 'I'm gonna start working. I'm gonna start writing songs. I'm gonna start doing this and see where it goes. No pressure. Let's just make sure we're all having fun.'"

Asked if the new band's music follows the same "Latin metal" approach as ILL NIÑO, Machado said: "No, because we're not tied to that. We wouldn't wanna do that. It would be dumb to do that, I think. Now, will there be other things that I do that are more like Latin metal? Yeah, there are things, but not with this other thing we're doing, which is really focused on writing an album where every single song could sound like it was a hit or a single — in a metallic way, obviously."

As for when the new music might see the light of day, Machado said: "We're probably gonna try to seek some label interest. And, like I said, the songs are really phenomenal, so I think it's not gonna be hard to do that. But we would like to seek somebody that gets it and that knows how to grow it, how to bring it to the next level. We don't wanna do things on the level we were at, which, for many years, was a level of struggle, to be honest with the whole world. There was no grace and glamor at the level we were at. The thing that really was the rewarding thing was the fans, the shows. That's what was the most rewarding."

This past March, Machado, Ilustre, Verduzco, drummer Dave Chavarri and bassist Laz Pina announced that they "have reached a mutual, amicable and binding agreement" that will allow Chavarri and Pina to continue with ILL NIÑO while Machado, Verduzco and Ilustre will move on with new projects. According to a joint statement release by the five musicians, "No party has admitted fault and there has been no court judgment on the merits. The parties entered into a confidential settlement agreement."

Back in January 2019, Chavarri and Pina said that they had recruited vocalist Marcos Leal (SHATTERED SUN), lead guitarist Jes DeHoyos (SONS OF TEXAS) and rhythm guitarist Sal Dominguez (UPON A BURNING BODY) to be in their new incarnation of ILL NIÑO. The Chavarri-led ILL NIÑO also issued a new single, "Sangre". A day later, Machado, Ilustre and Verduzco dismissed reports that they had left ILL NIÑO and vowed to continue with their own version of the band. Two months later, the trio filed a lawsuit against Chavarri and Pina, accusing the drummer and bassist of failing to pay the band's tour rental company and engineers, slandering Machado by spreading rumors that he has a drug problem, collecting and spending the band's money without consulting in all of the members and refusing the members access to the group's financial records.

In a statement announcing the launch of his new version of ILL NIÑO, Chavarri said about the split with his former bandmates: "Being in a band is much like being married, and sometimes people grow apart, and no longer see eye to eye, and a separation becomes inevitable."

Seduce is a heavy metal/power trio formed in Detroit in the 1980s. Seduce is best known for their appearance in Penelope Spheeris’ cult film The Decline and Fall of Western Civilization Part II, where they were the only band not based in Los Angeles to be featured in the documentary. Their unique sound integrates the weightiness and authenticity of classic rock, unabashed brassiness of glam, danger of Detroit grit, and the ferocity of power metal.

With influences ranging from Van Halen to Motorhead, Led Zeppelin to New York Dolls, Seduce emanates an unrelenting energy both in their onstage presence and their longevity as a group. Seduce consists of singer and bassist Mark Andrews, guitar player David Black and drummer Chuck Burns. Seduces’ 1985 self-titled first album has become a highly sought after album among the underground metal community and has never seen major worldwide distribution until now through Prudential Music Group/ Rouge Records with distribution through Sony Orchard. December of 2020 brings the reissue of Seduce's 1988 classic record Too Much Ain't Enough (which features the bonus track "Homicide”) on special limited edition purple vinyl. 32 years after Seduce's last release they still have a strong hardcore cult like following worldwide.




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More than a month after Eddie Van Halen's tragic passing, Sammy Hagar has shot down Internet chatter that he will take part in a VAN HALEN reunion that would feature him, Michael Anthony on bass, Alex Van Halen on drums and Eddie's son, Wolfgang, on guitar.

"There's no talk of reunion or a tribute with me, that's for damn sure," Sammy told ABC News Radio. "When [Wolfie and Alex] want to do something, when they think it's time, if they get together and said, 'Hey, would you come out and sing some songs?,' you're damn [right] I would…But [for me] to talk about that, hell no."

Late last month, Wolfgang also dismissed a rumor that a new version of VAN HALEN was being assembled featuring him on guitar in place of his late father.

A rumor had started to make the rounds via a Wolfgang Van Halen private group on Facebook that the VAN HALEN "camp" was discussing the possibility of the band carrying with a revamped lineup that would consist of Hagar, Anthony, Alex Van Halen and Wolfgang on guitar. Furthermore, it was suggested that Eddie Van Halen told his son and brother "I give you my blessing" with regard to the prospect of VAN HALEN continuing without him.

After several fans reached out to Wolfgang on Twitter to ask him about the validity of the above-mentioned rumor, he responded: "This is just a shitty lie attempting to capitalize on these awful times. Please stop with this."

He added: "Anyone peddling this shit is not only hurting the fans, but hurting me and my family."

Hagar replaced David Lee Roth in VAN HALEN in 1985 and recorded four studio albums with the band — "5150", "OU812", "For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge" and "Balance" — all of which topped the U.S. chart.

Sammy, Eddie, Alex and Michael last teamed up in 2004 for a U.S. summer tour. In exchange for taking part in the tour, Anthony reportedly had to agree to take a pay cut and sign away his rights to the band name and logo.

Early last year, rumors were rampant that the classic-era lineup of VAN HALEN would reunite for the first time since 1984. It's unclear why the tour didn't happen, though there has been online chatter that a health setback involving Eddie might have been responsible.

Eddie died on October 6 at St. John's Hospital in Santa Monica, California. His wife, Janie, was by his side, along with Wolfgang and Alex.

The iconic VAN HALEN axeman died from complications due to cancer, his son confirmed.

VAN HALEN was inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in 2007.

Rolling Stone magazine ranked Eddie Van Halen No. 8 in its list of the 100 greatest guitarists.

"Power Up", the long-awaited comeback album from AC/DC, can be streamed in its entirety below. The follow-up to 2014's "Rock Or Bust" features AC/DC's 2020 lineup of Brian Johnson (vocals), Phil Rudd (drums), Cliff Williams (bass), Angus Young (guitar) and Stevie Young (guitar).

"Power Up" 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".

"What I like about Brendan is that he keeps you working when you're doing a project with him," Angus told Rolling Stone. "He's talented himself. He knows his bass and his guitar and a bit of drums. And piano. He covers the spectrum for what we can do musically. It's very good because you’re working with a musician, since he can apply that musical knowledge."

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

"We were hoping to get the album out before all this happened," Angus said. "They were getting ideas together for packaging and video promo things. And then that virus thing came along. It kind of put everyone on hold."

"Power Up" is available in multiple configurations that will excite collectors and die-hard fans alike, including digital, CD, and deluxe versions. The limited edition, one-of-a-kind deluxe "Power Up" box is the ultimate fan package. Hit the button on the side of the box and watch the flashing neon AC/DC logo light up while the opening bars of "Shot In The Dark" blast out of the built-in speaker. Inside the box is the full CD package in a soft-pack with a 20-page booklet that features exclusive photos and USB charging cable allowing the box to remain powered up and on display. The vinyl LP is pressed on 180-gram vinyl and housed in a gatefold jacket. Limited-edition variants of the LP are available at select retailers nationwide, as well as the band's online store. The album is available on all digital platforms.

"Power Up" track listing:

01. Realize

02. Rejection

03. Shot In The Dark

04. Through The Mists Of Time

05. Kick You When You’re Down

06. Witch's Spell

07. Demon Fire

08. Wild Reputation

09. No Man’s Land

10. Systems Down

11. Money Shot

12. Code Red

Ever since AC/DC completed the tour cycle for its 2014 album "Rock Or Bust" four years ago — a turbulent trek that weathered the forced retirement and eventual death of co-founder Malcolm Young, plus the departures of Johnson, Rudd and Williams — fans have wondered whether sole remaining founding member Angus Young would keep the band going or decide it was time for AC/DC to pack it in.

The legendary hard rockers postponed the last ten dates of their North American tour in 2016 after doctors told Johnson he faced a total loss of hearing if he did not stop touring immediately. He was eventually replaced on the road by GUNS N' ROSES vocalist Axl Rose.

Rudd was ousted from AC/DC when he was sentenced to eight months of home detention by a New Zealand court in 2015 after pleading guilty to charges of threatening to kill and drug possession.

On November 20, 2020, Dutch heavy rockers WITHIN TEMPTATION will release their brand new single "The Purge", the follow-up to "Entertain You".

"The Purge" is a high-energy rock song that shows the diversity of WITHIN TEMPTATION's musical progression. Now that all 2020 shows have been canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the band remains productive by focusing on writing and releasing new songs. Therefore, more singles are to come.

"Entertain You" kicked off of a series of digital single releases and exceeded all expectations. "Entertain You" was No. 1 most added on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Indicator chart, with airplay on at least 40 radio stations, including Music Choice, SiriusXM Octane, WZOR and KQXR, No. 5 in the Contraband Metal chart, and at No. 18 in the Billboard Mainstream Rock Indicator chart in USA.

WITHIN TEMPTATION released the official music video for "Entertain You" In May. The song was a surprisingly quick follow-up to WITHIN TEMPTATION's seventh studio album, "Resist", which came out in February 2019.

"Resist" debuted in several Top 10 charts worldwide and was the first WITHIN TEMPTATION album to ever reach a No. 1 position on the official German chart.

"Entertain You" arrived one week after the last show of the "Worlds Collide" tour was supposed to happen. The co-headline trek with American rock band EVANESCENCE was originally planned for April, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it has now been postponed to September 2021. The trek, for which an impressive 150,000 tickets were sold in eight countries, is slated to take place across venues such as the O2 Arena in London, AccorHotels Arena in Paris, Velodrom in Berlin, and Palais 12 in Brussels.

EN MINOR, the new "depression core" project of Philip Anselmo (PANTERA, DOWN), has confirmed a special livestream later this month.

Set to take place on November 25 at 6:00 p.m. Central/7:00 p.m. Eastern with on-demand replays through November 29, the eight-camera, cinematic experience will find the ensemble performing at the historic Orpheum Theater in New Orleans, Louisiana. Built in 1918, and opened for Vaudeville in 1921, the magnificent Beaux-Arts-style building went on to host silent movies, "talkies," live music, and much more. The auditorium is currently the home of the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra and is prized for its acoustical purity. The theater is an example of "vertical hall" construction, initially built to provide perfect sight lines and acoustics for Vaudeville shows which didn't have the benefit of amplifiers or modern lighting.

Comments Anselmo: "To play a beautiful room like The Orpheum with all my guys in this particular band, and for the rest of the world to be able to watch, is a dream come true. This is honestly a once-in-a-lifetime gig."

EN MINOR released its full-length debut, "When The Cold Truth Has Worn Its Miserable Welcome Out", in September via Housecore in the U.S. and Season Of Mist in Europe.

A project inadvertently in the making since Anselmo's earliest days as a child in the French Quarter, EN MINOR is an experimental and eclectic musical endeavor that finds the legendary frontman exploring a softer, graver vocal style, delivering brooding tales of pain, remorse, and sorrow. The band released a self-titled seven-inch EP this summer via Housecore Records, with a proper full-length to see official unveiling in the New Year.

"The initial strains — in the most primitive sense — came about when I was given my first guitar at nine-years old," relays Anselmo of the EN MINOR project. "I didn't have the patience to learn other people's music, so I wrote my own. And some of those early parts are still prevalent in the songs we're working with now. Fast forward to 1988 when I bought my first four-track recorder; those old songs took on a new life and newer songs were written. Heavy metal was at the forefront of my performance-based output, but these little four-track songs were always there. I always had an apprehension about allowing them to be heard though, because they were so different; only a small circle of close friends got to hear them."

By 1993, Anselmo moved back to his hometown of New Orleans and his home became an instant magnet for local musicians and artists. "At ungodly hours, these old four-track songs took on an even newer life jamming with these cats," he says. "We learned a few of the songs and wrote several more, and soon we were recording under the moniker BODY & BLOOD. We wrote more songs, all recorded on a newer model four-track. It was fun. We did it for the vibe. And it was pleasing to break away from multi-tracking studios and heavy metal. Metal music consumed most of our time and lives. Those 'B&B' sessions were damned-near therapeutic."

Without a clear plan for the band, the project remained a periodic therapy session. "We kept things simple and just jammed when everyone was home and played our recordings for friends," he says. "Then I eventually moved again, Hurricane Katrina hit, and life sent all of us in different directions."

In 2012, Anselmo met Stephen "Schteve" Taylor and EN MINOR truly took shape. "He and I began experimenting with some vibey stuff, and soon after began recording the sessions," Anselmo says. "This led to the current incarnation of EN MINOR. Together, we re-worked a few of the old four-track songs and wrote several new ones in short order. These sessions are hypnotic and pulling. And we continue to write songs suitable for this project to this day. Ugly and beautiful, EN MINOR, isn't 'party music.' This is 'kill the party music.'"

EN MINOR is:

Philip H Anselmo: Guitar, Vocals

Stephen Taylor: Guitar

Kevin Bond: Guitar

Steve Bernal: Cello

Jimmy Bower: Drums

Calvin Dover: Keyboards, Backing Vocals

Joiner Dover: Bass

Jose Gonzalez: Additional Percussion

THEORY OF A DEADMAN (a.k.a. THEORY) has released a new version of its single "Strangers" featuring Zero 9:36. It is available now on all streaming platforms now.

"Strangers" originally appeared on THEORY OF A DEADMAN's acclaimed studio album "Say Nothing" (Atlantic Records)— which arrived at the top of this year. Widening the scope of the song with yet another dimension, the group recruited Philadelphia alternative genre-bender Zero 9:36 to guest on this recharged rendition. Locking into an airy melodic flow, he provides a counterpoint to the chantable chorus from THEORY singer and guitarist Tyler Connolly. Sharpened with this edge, the song packs an even bigger and bolder punch than before

Connolly said: "Man, I've been excited for a while now for people to hear this song! The 'Strangers' remix is heavier and more driving and with Zero 9:36 featured, it adds a new perspective to it that I think brings the song to another level."

Zero 9:36 added: "I've been a fan of THEORY for a while now and when the opportunity to collaborate with them came up, it was a no-brainer. Getting to take 'Strangers', which is already a cool alternative rock song, and bring some heaviness to it was a lot of fun."

Of that message, Parade wrote: "'Strangers' vocalizes the frustrations and powerlessness many feel." Meanwhile, the official visualizer generated over 1.3 million YouTube views.

This past summer, THEORY OF A DEADMAN unleashed "Live From MTELUS" — a 30-minute concert stream on the band's official YouTube channel. Captured during the band recent headline tour at Montreal's MTELUS performing arts center, the historic performance sees THEORY delivering a career spanning set in front of a packed crowd. Culled from the show, they uncovered a live version of their single "World Keeps Spinning", which went Top 15 at Active Rock radio. The powerful single — a personal track written by Connolly about depression and anxiety — followed THEORY's No. 1 hit "History Of Violence", which became their sixth No. 1 on the Mediabase Active Rock chart and fourth No. 1 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart. Turning the tables on a story of domestic violence, "History Of Violence" was joined by a gripping official music video illustrating a searing snapshot of a woman enduring an abusive husband as she plans to fight back, eventually ending up in jail but free of her abuser.

Already being hailed THEORY OF A DEADMAN's best album to date, "Say Nothing", which debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard Alternative Albums chart and #3 on the Rock Albums chart and was produced by Martin Terefe (Jason Mraz, Yungblud), finds THEORY speaking up through timely lyrical commentary with the band's finger on the pulse of the current climate and the issues that our society is grappling with today, all threaded together with a message that's both a cautionary warning and a hopeful wish for our collective future. The title track offers up a stark, emotional confessional about a communication breakdown in a relationship that ultimately leads to its demise and "Strangers" addresses the current tense state of American politics and the divisive nature of our culture, calling out how nasty it has become between those with differing political affiliations and our society's increasing inability to openly listen and relate to one another. With undeniable anthems, scorching songcraft, experimental vision, rock 'n' roll attitude, and clever pop ambition, "Say Nothing" is a continuation of their musical and thematic evolution, displaying the band's powerful storytelling in full force and introducing fresh sounds and sonics.

Vision Films Inc. presents the definitive history of instrumental rock and roll, "The Ventures: Stars On Guitars", from director Staci Layne Wilson. The documentary will be available on DVD and VOD across cable and streaming platforms in the U.S. and Canada on December 8, 2020. A true labor of love, Wilson, daughter of THE VENTURES' founder Don Wilson, compiled over 35 interviews and assembled dozens of beloved and brand new music tracks to present the most comprehensive history of the band that still inspires generations of guitar players around the world. Filled with fascinating facts, humorous stories and poignant memories, "The Ventures: Stars On Guitars" is told from the point of view of Don Wilson, the last original member of the band.

Synopsis: THE VENTURES have been thrilling music lovers with songs like "Wipe Out", "Walk Don't Run" and "Hawaii 5-0" for over half a century. Started by Don Wilson and Bob Bogle in 1959, the band went from humble beginnings to worldwide acclaim, culminating as inductees into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame as the No. 1 Bestselling Instrumental Rock and Roll Group of all time.

Hear the history from those who know them the best: Billy Bob Thornton, music legends such as Jimmy Page (LED ZEPPELIN), Jeff "Skunk" Baxter (STEELY DAN), THE SURFRAJETTES, Lalo Schifrin (Academy Award-winning composer, "Mission Impossible" theme), Randy Bachman (BACHMAN-TURNER-OVERDRIVE), Josie Cotton, John Fogerty (CREEDENCE CLEARWATER REVIVAL), and more. Witness the rise and influence of the electric guitar and the relevance of the band in pop culture still today while rocking out to the soundtrack. The documentary features seven original tunes and several versions by THE SURFRAJETTES, THE NEPTUNAS, THE NINTH WAVE, Mick Radford and Michel Perillard.

Lise Romanoff, CEO and managing director of Vision Films, says: "Staci Wilson has delivered a passion project that is truly a creative and entertaining narrative that captures the nostalgia of the surf music scene and will have audiences of all ages dancing in their seats."

Director Staci Layne Wilson shares: "Three years ago, I realized I had to make a documentary about my dad's band, THE VENTURES. As their 60th anniversary approached, I wanted to make sure that there would be fanfare and celebration. This is my dad's story, and I am so proud to be able to bring it to the world."

"The Ventures: Stars On Guitars" will be available on: iTunes, Vimeo, Amazon, Google Play, Vudu and Vimeo, and across hundreds of U.S. cable providers, including Comcast, Spectrum, Charter, Cox, Dish, DirecTV and more. DVD retailers include Amazon and other major online retailers.

KREATOR, Germany's legendary thrash metal icons, return with the official reissue of their live album "Terror Prevails - Live at Rock Hard Festival 2010", which is available for the very first time as a 2xMC tape box limited to 444 copies worldwide via Reborn Through Tapes Records.

Witness one of thrash metal's most unrelenting bands at the height of their powers on the live stage.

Featuring:

* Silk-screened box with dedicated graphics

* Full and official audio recording of the KREATOR show at Germany's Rock Hard Festival in 2010, in high-definition audio on two colored and silkscreened cassettes.

* Free postcard

"Terror Prevails - Live at Rock Hard Festival 2010" is available December 20, 2020, on Reborn Through Tapes Records. Pre-Order at this location.

Part 1 - Tape One

Side A:

01. Choir Of The Damned (intro) (00:53)

02. The Pestilence (08:10)

03. Hordes Of Chaos (05:07)

04. Phobia (03:22)

05. Enemy Of God (05:50)

Side B:

01. Impossible Brutality (04:37)

02. Endless Pain (02:44)

03. Pleasure to Kill (03:18)

04. Terrible Certainty (05:16)

Part 2 - Tape Two

Side A:

01. Extreme Aggression (06:08)

02. Coma Of Souls (04:31)

03. Amok Run (04:32)

04. Violent Revolution (06:31)

Side B:

01. Demon Prince (06:00)

02. When The Sun Burns Red (06:20)

03. Flag of Hate (02:54)

04. Tormentor (04:21)

This past September, KREATOR guitarist Sami Yli-Sirniö confirmed to Italy's Poisoned Rock webzine that the band has entered a studio in Essen, Germany to begin writing, arranging and recording demos for its next album. The follow-up to 2017's "Gods Of Violence" will mark KREATOR's first album with bassist Frédéric Leclercq, who joined the group last year.

Yli-Sirniö described the sessions for the new LP as "a lot of fun," adding that the "mood" in the band "is great. And the general vibe and the atmosphere is very good," he said (see video below). "[These are] creative times for KREATOR at the moment."

Speaking about the KREATOR songwriting process, Sami said: "The main composer for KREATOR is for sure Mille [Petrozza, guitar/vocals]. And then he likes to send us some demos over. But then we all arrange them together and bring new ideas to it and try to enhance them and sometimes bring our own ideas, of course, as well. That's what we're doing right now, and just try to make the best possible result imaginable, because we really want to work hard on the next album."

On the topic of KREATOR's musical evolution, Yli-Sirniö said: "I like to think that there's a progression all the time and we're always looking for something new. That's always what you become most afraid of, with an older band like us, after doing so many albums together — is to find a new angle and a new perspective for every album. And that is the difficult part, but it's also the challenging part and the part that I like the most. And now that we have a new member in the band, Fred, he brings a lot of new ideas and a different angle, and it's fantastic. He's also an amazing guitar player."

According to Sami, there is no set release date for KREATOR's new album, which is not expected to arrive before next summer at the earliest.

"I wish that the time tables would be more clear, because of these COVID times and so on, but it's also giving us a chance to reinvent ourselves and make the best music possible and give it all we've got," he said.

This past March, KREATOR surprise-released a new single, "666 - World Divided". The song was produced by Andy Sneap and Markus Ganter and was recorded at Hansa Tonstudios in Berlin, Germany.

The music video for "666 - World Divided" was created under the direction of Jörn Heitmann, who was responsible for the music videos for "Radio" and "Ausländer" by RAMMSTEIN.

KREATOR played its first show with Leclercq last October in Santiago, Chile.

Before joining KREATOR, Leclercq rose to fame with U.K.-based extreme power metallers DRAGONFORCE for whom he handled bass duties from 2005 until August 2019.

KREATOR's previously announced "State Of Unrest" European tour with LAMB OF GOD has been rescheduled for 2021 in the wake of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

KREATOR released a new live set, "London Apocalypticon - Live At The Roundhouse", in February via Nuclear Blast. The effort was professionally filmed and recorded on December 16, 2018 at the Roundhouse in London, England.

Denver Doom-rock outfit Shepherd will release their debut studio EP, First Hand, next Friday (November 20) on Destruent Records. New track, “Persephone”, is streaming below.

First Hand is available for preorder via Bandcamp.

Tracklisting:

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

“Persephone”:




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