ESCAPE THE FATE has released the new song "Invincible" to herald the start of the pre-order campaign for the band's upcoming album, "Chemical Warfare". The new single features critically acclaimed fan-favorite American violinist, songwriter, and dancer Lindsey Stirling.

"Invincible" will appear on the soundtrack to "The Retaliators", a high-octane horror/thriller due out in 2021. Vocalist Craig Mabbit also makes an appearance as an undercover cop in the film alongside some of rock's biggest names, including the members of FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH, Jacoby Shaddix of PAPA ROACH and Tommy Lee, among others.

With the addition of Sterling's expert musicianship which is brought to the forefront at the end of the song, ESCAPE THE FATE was able to create a softer touch to a high-intensity track. Ortiz speaks about having Stirling on the song: "She is an angel – she has so much light in her. But the primary reason I wanted to work with her… strictly speaking musically, she is gnarly — her music is epic." Lindsey is a multi-faceted artist who has billions of views on her popular YouTube channel.

Stirling said: "I loved working with the guys! I originally started out by playing with rock bands, so this took me back to some fond memories from my past times. As I've learned more about their stories as individuals and as a band, it's cool that they truly represent fighting through darkness to find and chose light."

"Invincible", is the perfect word to use in describing ESCAPE THE FATE, which has survived personnel changes and the cancelation of tours due to the pandemic. The band has been consistently releasing new music for well over a decade to its audience of over four million dedicated social media followers.

On November 20, ESCAPE THE FATE will do a streaming concert, live worldwide, performing their greatest hits and songs from their forthcoming album. Tickets can be purchased on www.escapethefate.com now.

ESCAPE THE FATE is a three-word phrase synonymous with heavy rock 'n' roll and hooks, post-hardcore with weight, and unrelenting genre-redefining anthems built for diverse audiences. Over a decade into their young career, they have proven to move crowds equally at major rock radio festivals, the legendary Vans Warped Tour, or on the road with FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH. Craig Mabbitt, Kevin Thrasher, TJ Bell and Robert Ortiz have each been making music, and on the road, before they were old enough to drive. It's what has made the band's message transcend any sense of "difference" in genre, all around the world, touring with AVENGED SEVENFOLD, GODSMACK, PAPA ROACH, I PREVAIL, BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE, HOLLYWOOD UNDEAD, HELLYEAH, ALL THAT REMAINS, and on multiple Vans Warped Tours.

With "Invincible" and "Chemical Warfare", ESCAPE THE FATE has created some of its best music to date. Made together with A-list producer John Feldmann (5 SECONDS OF SUMMER, THE USED), "Chemical Warfare" delivers an arsenal of driving bangers and melodic ballads that are among the best of the hard rock world. It's still about a good time, but with a deeper meaning. Each member of the band has grown as a musician over the years, from Craig's powerful vocals to Kevin "Thrasher" Gruft's production prowess,

"Invincible" as a song points to all of that and sends the message to the listener to stand up, move forward, and keep going. The new single follows the release of "Walk On", which was featured in the recently released "Sno Babies", made available via Better Noise Films.

Fans of classic hard rock will be delighted to hear that Voodoo Circle, the band lead by guitar wizard Alex Beyrodt, is rejoined by vocalist David Readman and drummer Markus Kullmann. Beside Alex and bassist/songwriter Mat Sinner (who is a constant in the band since day one), David and Markus returning to Voodoo Circle now sees the original lineup back together again!

The group has already finished work on the successor to 2018’s Raised On Rock. The new album, titled Locked & Loaded, will be released on January 15 via AFM Records. Once again, Voodoo Circle were able to secure the services of Jacob Hansen for mix and mastering. "Devil With An Angel Smile", the first single off Locked & Loaded, is expected to arrive on October 30.

David Readman comments: "After 5 long years, and always watching the guys from a distance, it feels great to be back and a part of the circle again! We got my favourite lineup, a new album that I'm very proud to be a part of. Looking forward to getting back out there on the road! See you soon!"

Also band leader Beyrodt is more than happy about the return of Readman and Kullmann: "It all fell into place the way it was supposed to be. The chemistry was there again right away and I can’t hide the big grin on my face."

Voodoo Circle lineup:

Alex Beyrodt - guitar
David Readmann - vocals
Mat Sinner - bass
Markus Kullmann - drums




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At the beginning of July, BraveWords confirmed that Norwegian doom / goth metal pioneers Theatre Of Tragedy, who called it quits in 2010 and played their final show on October 2nd of that year, are gearing up to release a special 25th anniversary vinyl edition of the band's self-titled debut through Cosmic Key Creations. Pre-order kicked of last Friday here.

Details are below.

"Cosmic Key Creations proudly presents the 25th anniversary deluxe double LP edition for the classic and cult debut album from gothic doom pioneers Theatre of Tragedy! This one comes on 180 gram vinyl in a deluxe gatefold, printed on the reverse side of the jacket, enriched with champagne gold hotfoil stamping and black flood inside. Additionally, this release comes with an 8 panel booklet on LP size and printed on raw recycled paper stock, containing exclusive liner notes by Dan Swanö and others, previously unpublished pictures, a recent and extensive interview with the band, plus the lyrics and artwork of the 'Demo 1994' and 'Promo Tape 1994' cassettes. The release comes with 8 (!) bonus tracks of which 4 tracks are completely unreleased! The ultimate edition for a very special and unique album that has stood the test of time. The entire release is mastered for vinyl by Andy Horn in 2012 and the D side is mastered for vinyl by Freek De Greef in 2020."

Check out the Cosmic Key Creations facebook page here.

Tracklist (original release)

"A Hamlet For A Slothful Vassal"
"Cheerful Dirge"
"To These Words I Beheld No Tongue"
"Hollow-Heartèd, Heart-Departèd"
"...A Distance There Is..."
"Sweet Art Thou"
"Mïre"
"Dying - I Only Feel Apathy"
"Monotonë"

Line-up:

Raymond I. Rohonyi - vocals, lyrics
Liv Kristine - vocals
Pål Bjåstad - guitar
Tommy Lindal - guitar
Eirik T. Saltrø - bass guitar
Lorentz Aspen - keyboards
Hein Frode Hansen - drums

The album was engineered  by Dan Swanö (Edge Of Sanity, Nightingale) at Unisound Studios.




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Vocalist Liv Kristine (ex-Leaves' Eyes, ex-Theatre of Tragedy) recently revealed that her forthcoming EP, which is currently in the works, will feature four brand new songs written with Theatre Of Tragedy bandmate Tommy Olsson, and five live tracks from her 2019 performance in Nagold, Germany. She has now confirmed it will be released in April 2021 and the tracklist is as follows:

"Serenity" 
"Have Courage Dear Heart" 
"Skylight" 
"Gravity" 
"Skylight Cathedral"  
"Panic" (live Nagold 2019)
"Siren" (live Nagold 2019)
"Skylight" (live Nagold 2019)
"Gravity" (live Nagold 2019)
"Ave Maria" (live Nagold 2019) 

On April 15th, 2016, fans of Leaves’ Eyes were shocked to learn the band had parted ways with vocalist and namesake Liv Kristine Espenæs. In the same breath, the band announced that Finnish singer Elina Siirala of the band EnkElination would take Liv’s place. Given that Leaves’ Eyes had centered around Liv Kristine and her husband / Atrocity frontman Alexander Krull since the band’s inception in 2003 – in the wake of Liv being fired from Theater of Tragedy – it was clear the issues leading to the split were personal as well as professional. It would take some time for the dust to settle, as both sides shared different accounts of what led to the split, but Leaves’ Eyes forged onward with Siirala up front and a significant wave of fan discontent on their tails. For her part, Liv gradually went quiet, making guest appearances on Cradle Of Filth’s “Vengeful Spirit”, Orden Ogan’s “Come With Me To The Other Side” in 2017, and Midnattsol’s album The Aftermath in 2018, but otherwise stayed away from putting out new music. In December 2019, however, she released a new solo single, “Skylight”, which was reminiscent of her Vervain solo record from 2014 and Theatre of Tragedy’s classic third album, Aegis.

“After a few ups and down – a few roller-coaster rides to put it mildly, since I moved to Germany 20 years ago – I decided to start all anew,” Liv says of her comeback. “I practically left everything, cleared all relationships, situations, or ended them. In 2019, I felt the spirit again to continue working on my own music. It was Tommy Olsson (guitarist / ex-Theatre of Tragedy) who reached out in 2016 with a handful of songs that really blew me away. He’s been very patient and supportive throughout my journey, and I have the best composer by my side. I just want to do the music which I love, which I am fully in alignment with. My upcoming solo album is a collaboration with Tommy. It’s in the veins of Vervain, but not at all like it. It is inspired by Tommy’s masterpiece, Aegis.”

Liv has always been a live performer and she makes it clear she will continue to do so as things get back on track. This begs the question as to whether any Leaves’ Eyes material will make it into her set. It’s a painful subject to be sure, but she left behind a legacy of six studio albums that would not exist without her vision.

“My setlist consists of two thirds solo songs, one third Theatre of Tragedy songs,” Liv reveals. “I could play Leaves’ Eyes songs since the band carries my name, but it feels strange, like a loss, which I feel really sorry about. I was thrown out of my own band, period, and that is just not right, especially because I never received any compensation, nor did anybody ask me about name rights. I wish the remaining two members would change the band’s name and do their own thing. None of them ever created a concept and wrote lyrics based on their personal history and birthplace, passion for Norway, and Norse writings. That part was mine, and it was passion, heritage and so much of me in there. The latest brilliant idea the band’s manager had was sending my family a bill of thousands of euros for Christmas. Well, I wish them good luck. Karma is great, by the way. What you give is what will return to you. But, I can’t tell you how endlessly happy I am with what I have today. Everything was and is meant to be.”

Read the complete story here.




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Back in August, Dragonforce guitarists Herman Li and Sam Totman took a shot at writing a Sabaton song during one of Li's recent Twitch livestreams. Watch the step-by-step process below.

In the new clip below, Sabaton founding members Joakim Brodén and Pär Sundström join Li and Totman to review their work.




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The Night Flight Orchestra out of Sweden, featuring members of Soilwork and Arch Enemy, have checked in with the following update:

"Let’s Fly, Honey... 100% Swedish Night Flight Orchestra honey is now available for all our aeromantics out there. 20 euros + postage. Contact olof@skrikhult.se for orders. Limited seats available so get yours before this flight gets sold out. Design by Giorgia Carteri Music & Artworks."

In late September, The Night Flight Orchestra released a late summer anthem to extend the ease and joy of that season. Check out the latest masterpiece of Sweden's classic rock first class and watch the video for "Impossibile" below.

The band states: "Some bands might get depressed when the summer ends and the darkness is coming closer. But not The Night Flight Orchestra. Instead, they choose to celebrate the summers that were, the summers that might never come again, but will always be with you, like a tiny sprinkle of champagne to thaw your frost-bitten heart. 'Impossibile' is a song for all the hopeless romantics who are hanging on by a thread to the memories of their vivid summer escapades, hoping that it will help them survive the approaching winter.

We thank Bonnie Jean for some amazing dancing on the beaches of Caliifornia. Sebastian Forslund put several impressions together and created a wonderful video out of it.

The B-side is a cover of 'Reach Out' by Cheap Trick, and everything except the lead vocals and drums were recorded on tour, on tour buses and backstage rooms throughout Europe, before we had to head home because the the borders were starting to close down. But this is our love letter to you, from The Night Flight Orchestra, hoping that you’ll be with us through the rough winter months coming up."

The Night Flight Orchestra recently released a video for "Golden Swansdown", a track from their new album, Aeromantic, out now via Nuclear Blast. The video features dancer extraordinaire Ella Snellman. A remarkable fact about her performance: The dance was filmed in one take!

Guitarist David Andersson states: "'Golden Swansdown' is a classic  power ballad based around the themes of impossible attraction and the difficulties that arise when you let your heart rule your mind. The video was filmed in the pre-apocalyptic late summer of 2019 by René U. Valdes. This might be the last shot of Earth as we knew it. Featuring Rachel Hall on violin and John Lönnmyr on keyboards. Words and music by David Andersson."

Aeromantic was recorded at the Nordic Sound Labs using the same drum kit that was used during the recordings of ABBA's 1980 mega album, Super Trouper. Order the album in various formats here.

Aeromantic tracklisting:

"Servants Of The Air"
"Divinyls"
"If Tonight Is Our Only Chance"
"This Boy's Last Summer"
"Curves"
"Transmissions"
"Aeromantic"
"Golden Swansdown"
"Taurus"
"Carmencita Seven"
"Sister Mercurial"
"Dead Of Winter"

"Taurus" video:

"Transmissions" video:

"Divinyls" video:

(Photo - Harald Nilsson)




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Melbourne based band Shotgun Mistress has returned with another nose-to-the-grind indie hard rock onslaught, "Collide", out now via Crusader Records.

"Collide" highlights the band's now trademark style of combining stupefying guitar riff grenades, a combustible rhythm section and soaring vocals wrapped in a melodic maelstrom. Shotgun Mistress is as hard to define as it is difficult to ignore - Ignore them at your peril.

This quartet of consummate rock tune craftsmen is riding high on the success of their previous releases, including "Save Me From Myself", which bulleted to # 1 on the iTunes Australian Rock Charts and smashed into the Top 40 chart, and their last single "Glorious Machine", which left charts smouldering in its wake for weeks on end.

The new track is another fiery affair; a blistering tumult of distortion led full tilt with a heart on the sleeve lyric and sly, endearing hooks that don’t let up. "Collide" is one more tantalizing preview of their forthcoming debut album, due to set the rock world ablaze late in 2020.

An audio snippet of "Collide" can be heard below.

Stream / buy "Collide" here.

Shotgun Mistress was formed by Matt Wilcock (The Berzerker, Akercocke, Abramelin), internationally renowned death-metal demon guitarist best known for playing at light speeds. He hooked up with “Diamond” David Lee on drums to jam out LA Strip-era rock. Ben Curnow (Earth) joined on bass, along with vocalist Glenn Patrick (Collegians). 

Shotgun Mistress is the first Australian band to join Golden Robot’s new metal label Crusader Records.




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Buzzing Columbus, OH rock band South Of Eden released The Talk Sessions EP on October 16th.

As the perfect companion to their acclaimed The Talk EP, the brand new five-track collection features a blend of acoustic and live versions of songs from the original EP. They serve up acoustic takes of “The Talk” and “Morning Brew” and rip through live versions of “The Talk”, and “Dancing With Fire” which were recorded live at Sonic Lounge Studios. Check out the previously released live video performance of “Dancing With Fire".

The band’s title track “The Talk” has been making waves as it debuted Top 40 at Active Rock Radio this week and climbing as the Top 5 most added track. The song already captured top spots at Spotify’s New Noise, Apple’s Breaking Rock, and Amazon Music’s Breakthrough Rock and Fresh Rock playlists. The official music video shows the band in their element on the road and showcases their unparalleled performance ability. 

To celebrate the release, the band played two Ohio shows that sold out immediately and delivered a livestream event that aired on YouTube – not one to miss!  

South Of Eden — Ehab Omran (lead vocals, acoustic guitar), Justin Young (lead guitar, vocals), Tom McCullough (drums), and Nick Fratianne (bass) — channel timeless rock ‘n’ roll energy through a modern perspective. Making waves as they shared bills with Puddle Of Mudd and Red Sun Rising, graced the stage of rock mecca Sonic Temple and Epicenter in 2019, and recently performing with everyone from Foo Fighters to System Of A Down. Lava founder Jason Flom caught wind of the band and signed them the same year. Now, the group reinvigorate rock on their forthcoming 2020 debut for Lava/Republic Records.

The Talk Sessions artwork and tracklisting:

"The Talk" (Acoustic)
"Morning Brew" (Acoustic)
"Show Me How To Live" (Audioslave Cover Live At Sonic Lounge Studios)
"Dancing With Fire" (Live At Sonic Lounge Studios)
"The Talk" (Live At Sonic Lounge Studios)

Get your copy of The Talk Sessions now at this location.

 




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Eddie Van Halen played his final concert with VAN HALEN on October 4, 2015 at at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles. It was the last show of the band's summer 2015 tour, which marked VAN HALEN's third time hitting the road since David Lee Roth rejoined the group in 2007.

Newly uploaded fan-filmed video footage of VAN HALEN's entire last performance, featuring a soundboard audio recording of the concert, can be seen below (courtesy of YouTube user Greg L).

Setlist:

01. Light Up The Sky

02. Runnin' With The Devil

03. Romeo Delight

04. Everybody Wants Some!!

05. Drop Dead Legs

06. Feel Your Love Tonight

07. Somebody Get Me A Doctor

08. She's The Woman

09. I'll Wait

10. Drum Solo

11. Little Guitars

12. Dance The Night Away

13. Beautiful Girls

14. Women In Love...

15. Hot For Teacher

16. Dirty Movies

17. Ice Cream Man (John Brim Cover)

18. Unchained

19. Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love

20. Guitar Solo

21. You Really Got Me (THE KINKS Cover)

22. Panama

23. Jump

Eddie died on October 6 at St. John's Hospital in Santa Monica, California at the age of 65. His wife, Janie, was by his side, along with his son, VAN HALEN bassist Wolfgang Van Halen, and Alex Van Halen, Eddie's brother and VAN HALEN drummer.

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

Eddie and Alex formed VAN HALEN in 1972 in Pasadena, California, with Roth on lead vocals and Michael Anthony on bass.

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.

After undergoing hip replacement surgery in 1999 due to a chronic joint problem, Eddie was diagnosed with mouth cancer in 2000 and had to have part of his tongue surgically removed. He later battled throat cancer and reportedly had been receiving radiation treatment in Germany. It is believed that his heavy smoking over the years led to his long battle with cancer.

Fan-filmed video footage of QUIET RIOT's first concert after drummer Frankie Banali's death can be seen below. The group, which now features drummer Johnny Kelly (DANZIG, TYPE O NEGATIVE), played on October 9 at at the Grand Stage Amphitheater near Urich, Missouri.

Banali, who joined QUIET RIOT in 1982 and played on its breakthrough album, 1983's "Metal Health", the first heavy metal LP to top Billboard's album chart, died in August after a 16-month battle with pancreatic cancer.

The surviving members of QUIET RIOT said it was "Frankie Banali's wish that the band continue and we keep the music and the legacy alive."

Asked in a recent interview with the "Music Mania" podcast how Johnny came to be involved with QUIET RIOT, guitarist Alex Grossi said: "When Frankie got sick, one of the first phone calls he made to me was regarding getting a substitute drummer. And Johnny and I had worked together, and still work together, in that band HOOKERS & BLOW, that cover band we do for fun. And he just made perfect sense on so many levels, because he's not totally intertwined in the L.A. music scene and doesn't really get involved with the gossip and this and that. Because keep in mind, Frankie wasn't public about his cancer until several months after his diagnosis."

He continued: "Johnny, he's family to me, and Frankie and him were friends. And he can definitely fill the role onstage and off; he's a total pro and he's a friend. It worked out great, because the first show that Frankie was gonna miss was in Dallas, Texas, which is when Johnny Kelly lives. So we were able to fly in, do one song for soundcheck, and then trial by fire, do the whole show. He had never played with us before. And Chuck [Wright, bass] and our singer had never even met him. So it was definitely a fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants-type moment, but Johnny rose to the occasion, and we're thankful he's onboard to help us out."

Speaking about the discussions that Frankie and the other members of QUIET RIOT had about continuing without him, Alex said: "There really wasn't any one specific conversation. It was just, 'Keep it going. Business as usual.' We're not gonna miss any dates. We're not gonna make a thing of it. We're gonna keep the band rolling.

"Frankie put so much of his life into building, helping to build, keeping the band going through good times, through bad — '80s, '90s, 2000s — if you think about it, and that's his baby; that's his legacy. And when the reality is that you're not gonna be around anymore, you still want your baby to grow and your legacy to grow, and that basically was always this unwritten thing. And I'm really glad.

"I always tell people I wish I could have found a way to fix his ailments, if you will, but, obviously, no one can do that," Grossi added. "But I take a lot of pride in knowing that we pulled it off last year and we're moving forward the way he wanted to and delivering a great show to people. So that I find comfort in. So that's been a positive."

At some of QUIET RIOT's 2019 and 2020 shows, Banali was replaced by Kelly or Mike Dupke (W.A.S.P.), depending on each musician's availability.

QUIET RIOT's shows last year with Kelly and Dupke marked the first time ever that the band performed without any of the members from its classic lineup: Banali, singer Kevin DuBrow, guitarist Carlos Cavazo and bassist Rudy Sarzo.

QUIET RIOT initially featured the late guitar legend Randy Rhoads and went through some early lineup shifts before securing the musicians that recorded "Metal Health".

Wright has been a part of QUIET RIOT, on and off, since 1982, having initially been involved in the "Metal Health" recordings (he played bass on the tracks "Metal Health" and "Don't Wanna Let You Go"). Grossi was in the last version of the band, from 2004 through 2007, before Kevin passed away, and was asked by Banali to return in 2010.

QUIET RIOT went through two vocalists — Mark Huff and Scott Vokoun — before settling on Jizzy Pearl in 2013. Pearl announced his exit from QUIET RIOT in October 2016 and was briefly replaced by Seann Nichols, who played only five shows with the group before the March 2017 arrival of "American Idol" finalist James Durbin. Pearl returned to QUIET RIOT in September 2019.

Two-time Grammy Award-nominated Pennsylvania quintet AUGUST BURNS RED is celebrating the 15th anniversary of its debut album, "Thrill Seeker", in a major way. The band will perform the 2005-released classic in its entirety during a livestreamed show set for Saturday, November 14 at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT. The encore will be comprised exclusively of songs from the 2007 follow-up "Messengers". The show will feature the band's biggest stage production to date and will be broadcast from six camera angles.

Tickets and merch bundles are available now at this location.

The "Thrill Seeker" live performance is being recorded, professionally mixed, and mastered for a special vinyl release. It will serve as the first time that there will be a recording of Jake Luhrs (lead vocals) and Dustin Davidson (bass) performing "Thrill Seeker", as both joined the band post-release. The live vinyl is available for pre-order on two different colors with reimagined artwork. A new line of "Thrill Seeker" merchandise will also be available.

Additionally, the "Thrill Seeker" studio recording has been repressed on special 15-year anniversary vinyl, featuring a new album cover and retrospective 15-year anniversary insert. This vinyl is limited to 1,000 copies.

"Being stuck at home for the past six months has given us a lot of time to think and plan what we wanted to do next," JB Brubaker (lead guitar) reveals. "It's been such a strange year and I have never gone this long without playing music with my friends.

"When we realized that this November marks the 15-year anniversary of 'Thrill Seeker', we wanted to do something special for our debut album. We decided to get together and perform the entire thing on the Internet.

"We are going all in on production — from lighting to video to audio. Our goal is to push the envelope on what people have come to expect from a livestream performance. Mark your calendars for November 14. In the meantime, we'll be practicing..."

AUGUST BURNS RED's latest full-length, "Guardians", is out now through Fearless Records. The album debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hard Music Albums chart, the Rock Albums chart, and the Vinyl Albums chart upon release.

Swedish heavy metal band LION'S SHARE has made a new song, "Aim Higher", available on streaming services and digital service providers.

LION'S SHARE singer Nils Patrik Johansson commented: "In these strange days of COVID-19, we feel the time is right to give you a song with a positive touch. This is a song about you deciding your own destiny and that you can achieve whatever you want if you never give up, never take shit and believe in yourself."

In late 2018, LION'S SHARE released a new five-track EP, plus its complete catalog — remastered with new artwork — on streaming services and digital service providers for the first time. The band has since released a few more digital singles, some of which will and some of which won't end up on the forthcoming full-length album.

LION'S SHARE guitarist Lars Chriss says: "We had big plans for 2020, with a new album and everything. We had just done our first couple of live shows in many years this past March in Germany when the COVID-19 put stop to it all."

Both Johansson and Chriss remark that they have always worked very well together, and at this point it feels the most natural to keep LION’S SHARE as a duo, with friends helping out wherever needed.

The LION'S SHARE catalog features appearances by members and ex-members of KISS, MEGADETH, KING DIAMOND, HAMMERFALL, SYMPHONY X, CHIMAIRA, THERION, YNGWIE MALMSTEEN, CANDLEMASS, etc. Mixers include top engineers such as Jens Bogren (ARCH ENEMY, OPETH, SYMPHONY X, AMON AMARTH), Niklas Flyckt (one-time Grammy Award winner and four-time nominee) and Ronny Lahti (ROXETTE, EUROPE, Glenn Hughes).

LION'S SHARE has toured with bands like MOTÖRHEAD, MANOWAR, DIO, SAXON, ICED EARTH, NEVERMORE, U.D.O., Dee Snider (TWISTED SISTER) and has played many of the major rock and metal festivals.

PRETTY MAIDS singer Ronnie Atkins has taken to social media to inform his fans that his cancer has returned.

The 55-year-old Danish musician was diagnosed back with lung cancer last year and underwent at least 33 radiation and four chemotherapy treatments last fall before being declared cancer-free.

Earlier today, Atkins released the following statement via his Facebook page:

"As promised a little while ago here's an update on my health situation.

"I'm not gonna go into details, but just state that unfortunately I'm still battling cancer!

"After some pain issues and following a scan just before Easter this year I was told that the cancer had spread and I was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer, which in principle means incurable!

"Now there were two paths I could go by! I could sit down in a corner and feel pity for myself (which I guess I did for a while) or I could try to carry on living and do what I do best and I chose the latter. So with great back up from my family and true friends I decided to keep on writing and recording, plus the fact that I had a lot of ideas/songs that I wanted to get out of my system.

"So that's what I’ve been doing on/off for the last couple of months. That eventually means that some new music is coming from me in the immediate future, but more details on that later.

"All that said, I must state that I feel good these days and have for a while. I still get treatments, mainly immune therapy. I have some permanent pain issues and other sequelaes that I have to deal with! And mentally, I have my good days and my bad days, so be it ! But I feel that I'm in good hands with the doctors and staff who's treating me, so everything considered I'm in good spirits! It is what it is and I can't change that whatsoever, so I simply aim to get the best out of life.

"Finally another huuuuge thank to all of you out there who have been rooting for me and cheering me up through this process ! Means a lot to me".

All of PRETTY MAIDS' previously announced shows were canceled and all of the group's plans were put "on hold" while Ronnie underwent treatment for his cancer last year.

Formed in early 1982 by Atkins and guitarist Ken Hammer, PRETTY MAIDS quickly established itself as a band to be taken seriously. In April 1987, "Future World", the band's third album recorded in the USA, was released to great acclaim and is still today regarded as a "classic."

After the release of the follow-up album "Jump The Gun" (produced by DEEP PURPLE's Roger Glover), PRETTY MAIDS in 1991 were on the verge of a breakup. However, Hammer and Atkins found a new rhythm section and in 1992 released the "Sin - Decade", a record that would reveal that PRETTY MAIDS was still a force to be reckoned with, despite the fact that the metal scene now was overrun by the grunge movement. "Sin - Decade" became a huge success in Japan and gave the band a big radio hit with the single "Please Don't Leave Me", laying the foundation for the band in the East that would last for the next decade.

During the ensuing years, PRETTY MAIDS continued to release albums usually followed by European and Japanese tours.

In a 2013 interview with Myglobalmind, Atkins joked that the secret to keeping his voice in shape was "twenty cigarettes a day and little drink now and then."

PRETTY MAIDS' latest album, "Undress Your Madness", was released in November 2019 via Frontiers Music Srl.


As promised a week ago here’s a little update on my current health situation.

I’m not gonna go into details, but just...

Posted by Ronnie Atkins Official on Sunday, October 18, 2020

Gordon Haskell, who played bass and sang for KING CRIMSON nearly five decades ago, has died. He was 74 years old.

Haskell's death was confirmed in a post on his official Facebook page. "It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Gordon, a great musician and a wonderful person who will be sadly missed by so many," the statement read.

A separate statement on KING CRIMSON's official Facebook page read: "Gordon Haskell's Facebook page is reporting that Gordon has died. His time in KC wasn't a particularly happy part of his long career but his work on In The Wake Of Poseidon and in particular, Lizard is much admired in the CRIMSON community."

Haskell made his KING CRIMSON debut on "In The Wake Of Poseidon" (Island, 1970), singing on the song "Cadence And Cascade", and playing bass and singing most of the vocals on follow-up album "Lizard" (Island, 1970).

Haskell has dipped in and out of the music scene for more than 50 years. He has played all over the world as part of very successful groups, then as a solo artist, then as a jobbing drifter, enjoyed Top 2 status and massive radio support.

English by birth, he set up home on the Greek island of Skopelos in 2008 stating that he had "finally given up on England as a lost cause." In 2016, he returned to the U.K. because of the financial crisis in Greece.

Haskell's first record, "Circles", was with the hugely influential FLEUR DE LYS in 1966. He was the bassist and songwriter. His first solo album was with CBS in 1969.

After a brief spell with KING CRIMSON as bassist/vocalist in 1971, he was signed to Atlantic by Ahmet Ertegun. Arif Mardin (of Norah Jones fame) produced his second album, "It Is And It Isn't".

Gordon has made many albums since and all of them, along with his work with FLEUR DE LYS, still attract attention, steadily selling throughout the world. His mainstream breakthrough came in 2001 with the single "How Wonderful You Are" and the album "Harry's Bar" in 2002. Both hit the No 2 spot and continue to sell to this day.

The following album, "Shadows On The Wall", marked a sea change as Gordon took a well-earned break and wrote his autobiography.

Haskell's latest solo LP, "The Cat Who's Got The Cream" (Zoo Records), was released earlier this year. It came after a decade-long recording hiatus following the arrival of "One Day Soon" (Fullfill Records, 2010).


It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Gordon, a great musician and a wonderful person who will be sadly missed by so many.

Posted by Gordon Haskell on Sunday, October 18, 2020



Gordon Haskell's Facebook page is reporting that Gordon has died. His time in KC wasn't a particularly happy part of his...

Posted by King Crimson on Sunday, October 18, 2020

Last week, AC/DC released "Shot In The Dark", the first single from the band's long-awaited comeback album, "Power Up", which is due on November 13. The follow-up to 2014's "Rock Or Bust" features AC/DC's reunited lineup of Brian Johnson (vocals), Phil Rudd (drums), Cliff Williams (bass), Angus Young (guitar) and Stevie Young (guitar). Johnson and Williams both left in 2016 for health reasons; and Rudd was sidelined in 2015 with various legal issues.

In a recent interview with Keith Roth, host of SiriusXM's Ozzy's Boneyard, Angus stated about how "Power Up" came together: "Our management people had contacted us around 2018 and ahd said, 'Are you up for making an album?' I had a lot of material together from [late AC/DC rhythm guitarist] Malcolm [Young] and myself, which we had worked on through the years, and we had quite a bit, so I thought, yeah, 'I'll put together a whole heap of these ideas and we'll see who wants to be a part of it and get in the studio.' It was great, because everyone wanted to be on board to do the project — Brian and Cliff and Phil and Stevie and myself. It was all great that we could get back together and do some new rock and roll tunes for the world to hear."

Asked if "Power Up" was originally supposed to arrive earlier in the year before the coronavirus pandemic hit in March, Brian said: "We shot the video in Holland, and then we spent about two and a half weeks — maybe even more — rehearsing with a full backline, the whole bit. We got such a buzz playing together for the album, it was just too good an opportunity to miss. And we all got together and it was like lightning. It was fantastic. And then, straight after that, the album was supposed to get ready to come out and all that, but then, honestly, within the space of about four days of us all leaving, the COVID hit and stopped everybody dead in their tracks. So, out of respect for the disease and all that, they held it back a bit to see what was gonna happen. We thought it was all gonna be over in five to six weeks, but that hasn't been the case."

Regarding which other AC/DC album "Power Up" is most musically similar to, Angus said: "When you hear it, it's AC/DC — you hear it straight away. Most of what we do, that's the thing we've always aimed for. You want people to hear it for the first time and go, 'That's them. There's no one else like [them].'"

Angus also set the record straight about a rumor that Malcolm's guitar playing can actually be heard on "Power Up". He said: "Malcolm's contribution is mainly the song ideas, which he did with me. So that's basically what Malcolm's contribution is to the whole album. He was there in spirit, and you always feel him. He's there, especially with me — he's always part of my thoughts. I'm always thinking of him. As [is] everyone else."

According to Angus, there is no end in sight for AC/DC, and fans can expect a lot more activity from the band going forward.

"I keep doing it," he said. "It's part of me. That's from my perspective. I like making AC/DC music and playing it. And I've been doing it so long now. I think I know that more than anything else. I even think I know that better than what I learned in my shool years."

"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 2014's "Rock Or Bust".

"Power Up" will be available in multiple configurations, 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 will be pressed on 180-gram vinyl and housed in a gatefold jacket. Limited-edition variants of the LP will be available at select retailers nationwide, as well as the band's online store. The album will be 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

Photo credit: Josh Cheuse

Malcolm, who co-founded AC/DC with Angus in 1973, died in November 2017 at the age of 64 after suffering from dementia and failing health for several years. His condition forced him to leave the band in 2014, with his nephew Stevie Young stepping into Malcolm's position.

JUDAS PRIEST members Rob Halford (vocals), Scott Travis (drums) and Richie Faulkner (guitar) spoke to Metal Hammer magazine about the progress of the songwriting sessions for the band's follow-up to "Firepower" album. Released in March 2018, "Firepower" was the second LP to feature Faulkner, who was selected to fill the void left by founding guitarist K.K. Downing following his exit in 2011.

"We started the year prepping the next JUDAS PRIEST metal masterpiece," Rob said. "We had one massive writing session together and we've got an enormous amount of material stacked up, which is really thrilling after the glorious response we had to 'Firepower'."

"It's gonna be good," added Travis. "Rob's always excited about new music, which is great, because he's such a creative guy and when you are that creative, naturally you never rest on your laurels. You always want to do something new and get it out there."

Faulkner talked in more detail about PRIEST's songwriting process, saying: "We compile all our ideas and get together and throw them in the pot and see what sticks, then see what lights up the room, see what Rob grabs hold of. It might be a riff that Rob really gets his teeth into that inspires a lyric or an intro, verse or chorus and suddenly you've got the nucleus of a song."

Last month, Faulkner told SiriusXM's "Trunk Nation With Eddie Trunk" that the creative process for PRIEST's next LP was halted by the coronavirus outbreak, which disrupted global travel.

"We started on the new record earlier in the year — me, Glenn [Tipton, guitar] and Rob — and we all went home for the summer," Richie said. "We were all gonna reconvene later on. 'Cause we really wanna get back together and do it all together — that's the way the magic happened on 'Firepower' — and we just haven't had the chance to be able to do that. But as soon as we can, and as soon as we get back to some sort of normality, we'll get back in the studio and continue with it."

Halford resides in Phoenix, Faulkner in Nashville and Tipton still calls his native United Kingdom his home.

"Firepower" entered the Billboard 200 chart at position No. 5, making it PRIEST's highest-charting album ever. "Redeemer Of Souls" debuted and peaked at No. 6, while 2008's "Nostradamus" landed at No. 11 and 2005's "Angel Of Retribution" came in at No. 13.

"Firepower" moved 49,000 equivalent album units in first week of release. Of that sum, 48,000 were in traditional album sales, just shy of the 54,000 copies sold by "Angel Of Retribution" in that album's first week. The "Firepower" chart position was bolstered by sales generated from a concert ticket/album sale redemption offer in association with the band's spring 2018 North American tour.

Across the pond, "Firepower" landed at position No. 5 on the U.K. album chart. It marked the band's highest ranking, and first time in the Top 10, since "British Steel" reached No. 4 in 1980. Elsewhere, "Firepower" also became PRIEST's first-ever No. 1 in Sweden.

"Firepower" was recorded by British producer Andy Sneap, the band's longtime collaborator Tom Allom and engineer Mike Exeter (BLACK SABBATH). The cover artwork for "Firepower" was created by the Chilean/Italian artist Claudio Bergamin.




50 Years Of Judas Priest. The new issue of Metal Hammer: on sale tomorrow ? #JudasPriest #Metal #HeavyMetal #MetalHammer pic.twitter.com/y5AVeHxTci

— metalhammer (@MetalHammer) October 14, 2020

Former FEAR FACTORY singer Burton C. Bell recently spoke to Eonmusic about "Apocrypha", the second album from his long-running project ASCENSION OF THE WATCHERS. A couple of excerpts from the chat follow.

On "Apocrypha":

Burton: "It's something that I've been working on for literally ten years. ASCENSION OF THE WATCHERS, to me, is the most personal and the most representational piece of work I've ever done in my entire career. So, FEAR FACTORY fans can actually get an in depth look into the sounds that were created for FEAR FACTORY. So, there are a lot of similarities, and there are a lot of differences as well."

On working with BLACK SABBATH's Geezer Butler on 1995's "Plastic Planet" album (which is being re-released on October 30 via BMG):

Burton: "Obviously I was a fan of BLACK SABBATH already, and to be working with... It's fucking Geezer Butler, you know what I mean? So he took me up to his studio which was an attic, and it was like a BLACK SABBATH museum, and my heart was just, like, eek! I was looking at everything, trying to hold my jaw up. I saw the 'Sabotage' platinum record on the wall, and I said, "Goddamnit, that was the first record I loved by BLACK SABBATH. It's my favorite record by BLACK SABBATH.' And he looked at me like I was crazy, and he, was, like, 'Really?! That record?!'"

On not being asked back to work on Geezer's "Black Science" album in 1997:

Burton: "I was disappointed that I wasn't used again, but they wanted someone that had more of an open schedule, I guess. 'Demanufacture' did very well right after that, and I was touring that and G/Z/R, so I was busy. But yeah, I'm not really sure why I wasn't on the second record. But regardless, I am very proud of the work that we did on 'Plastic Planet', and I'm just honored to have the opportunity."

On not being able to play FEAR FACTORY's planned "Obsolete" anniversary shows due to legalities:

Burton: "There was things that happened that just kept us from doing that, so yeah, I'm very sad that that never happened, because that would have been really cool.Yeah, I was totally stifled, and it was beyond my control in that FEAR FACTORY camp."

Read the entire interview at Eonmusic.

Late last month, Bell issued a statement officially announcing his departure from FEAR FACTORY, saying that he "cannot align" himself with someone whom he does not trust or respect.

Bell's exit from FEAR FACTORY came more than two weeks after FEAR FACTORY guitarist Dino Cazares launched a GoFundMe campaign to assist him with the production costs associated with the release of FEAR FACTORY's long-awaited new album.

METALLICA guitarist Kirk Hammett has collaborated with music director Edwin Outwater two horror-themed instrumentals that were supposed to be played with the Vancouver Symphony next month. Outwater previously worked with METALLICA and the 70-piece San Francisco Symphony on the chart-topping album "Metallica And San Francisco Symphony: S&M²".

Speaking to the METALLICA fan-club magazine So What!, Hammett said: "I recorded those tracks with Edwin, a small chamber orchestra and some other musicians." Adding that the songs "feel like the best fucking things I've ever done," he said: "One of them is called 'High Plains Drifter' and the other one's called 'The Incantation'. They're not done yet. [They are] still in the rough mix stages. I mean, I have to get the rough mixes, but I have four tracks now. And the four tracks are like four different movies, man. They're not movie soundtracks; they're like movies. They tell a story."

"Metallica And San Francisco Symphony: S&M²" documents METALLICA's September 2019 sold-out shows with the San Francisco Symphony. The package was made available in various formats, ranging in price from $17 to $300, in August.

The "S&M²" concerts were historic on multiple levels: They served as the grand opening of San Francisco's Chase Center, reunited the band and Symphony for the first time since the 1999 performances captured on the Grammy-winning "S&M" album, and featured the first-ever symphonic renditions of songs written and released since those original "S&M" shows.

In a recent interview with WaterlooChronicle.ca, Outwater stated about his collaboration with METALLICA: "I'm just so amazed at how METALLICA has cultivated their fan base.

"There are superfans in every genre. The thing that really struck me from this experience is that for people not used to this kind of music, who find it intimidating, violent and negative, the vibe in the concert was so positive and uplifting.

"When you walk in, it's a welcoming environment. You're part of a family."

Regarding his pre-concert strategy sessions with drummer Lars Ulrich and singer James Hetfield, Outwater said: "They're the most lovely people to work with. They were all up for this adventure. My job was translating ideas for classical jargon to metal jargon."

He added: "They're incredibly supportive of each other and comfortable," comparing the founding duo's interactions to "an old married couple."

"They've done all that craziness and reached the point of maturity."

In a new interview with USA Today, MÖTLEY CRÜE drummer Tommy Lee spoke about the recent passing of legendary VAN HALEN guitarist Eddie Van Halen. He said: "I'm still in shock about that. Three weeks ago, I was hanging out with [former VAN HALEN singer] Sammy Hagar and he didn't mention anything about it. I assumed he had gotten the cancer taken out, and he was on the up and up. But man, what a sad thing. We literally lost one of the most innovative, incredible guitar players of our time. By far."

Asked if it's true that MÖTLEY CRÜE singer Vince Neil once bit Eddie, Tommy replied: "Yes. We were all on the 'Monsters Of Rock' tour [in 1984]: AC/DC, VAN HALEN, MÖTLEY CRÜE. We were all partying, and MÖTLEY had this thing we would do if we really loved you: Some people high five, other people hug, we would bite you. Vince went over and just chomped on Eddie and Eddie was so mad. He was, like, 'What the (expletive) is wrong with you?' He wasn't very receptive to it. I bit Malcolm Young [of AC/DC], and he hated it, too. We did that for a couple of years until we were either over it or realized it might be a little dangerous."

Eddie died on October 6 at St. John's Hospital in Santa Monica, California at the age of 65. His wife, Janie, was by his side, along with Wolfgang, and Alex, Eddie's brother and VAN HALEN drummer.

A few hours after Eddie's death was announced, Tommy took to his Instagram to share a few photos of him with the guitarist, and he included the following caption: "RIP to my friend and man who changed guitar playing forever ...FUCK!!! no words".
























View this post on Instagram


































RIP to my friend and man who changed guitar playing forever ...F?CK!!! no words

A post shared by T?ɱɱ¥ ᒪEE (@tommylee) on Oct 6, 2020 at 2:26pm PDT

MÖTLEY CRÜE drummer Tommy Lee has fired back at Ted Nugent after the outspoken conservative rocker called him "a convicted felon, domestic violence heroin addict."

In an interview with Blunt Force Truth, Nugent discussed his recent appearance on Sammy Hagar's AXS TV reality series "Rock & Roll Road Trip With Sammy Hagar". The avid hunter said: "The producers wouldn't let [Sammy] near me, even though he and I go way back; we're dear friends. They thought I was dangerous, that I'd come out with a machine gun or I'd slaughter an innocent fawn on television. This is stupidity! I said, 'So your producers were afraid of me, but they did a show with Tommy Lee, who's a convicted felon, domestic violence heroin addict.' They're okay with this guy, but not with the Ted Nugent 'Kamp For Kids' charity, teaching kids to be clean and sober. I said, 'Sammy, coldcock those sons of bitches and get out and let's do the show.' So, finally, they dangerously acquiesced, and we did the number one Sammy Hagar 'Rock & Roll Road Trip' show."

On Wednesday night (October 14), Lee took to his Twitter to write: "Ted Nugent? ....Is that guy even still alive? ..... I thought he shot himself like 20 yrs ago". Tommy also included two middle finger emojis as well as a crying laughing emoji.

Lee was one of the featured guests in the first season of "Rock & Roll Road Trip With Sammy Hagar", which premiered in 2016.

The "Rock & Roll Road Trip With Sammy Hagar" episode featuring Nugent originally aired this past May.

Nugent is a longtime supporter of President Donald Trump, while Lee has repeatedly made his anti-Trump sentiments very clear. The MÖTLEY CRÜE drummer even said in a recent interview that he would leave the United States if Trump wins re-election.

Back in 1998, Lee was arrested for spousal battery and he served six months in jail after pleading no contest to assaulting his then-wife Pamela Anderson.




Ted Nugent? ....Is that guy even still alive? ..... I thought he shot himself like 20 yrs ago?????

— T?mmy L33 (@MrTommyLand) October 15, 2020

In a new interview with Blunt Force Truth, Ted Nugent discussed his recent appearance on Sammy Hagar's AXS TV reality series "Rock & Roll Road Trip With Sammy Hagar". The outspoken conservative rocker, who is also an avid hunter, said (see video below): "Sammy Hagar just came out, and [we shot footage for] his 'Rock & Roll Road Trip' on AXS TV. The producers wouldn't let him near me, even though he and I go way back; we're dear friends. They thought I was dangerous, that I'd come out with a machine gun or I'd slaughter an innocent fawn on television. This is stupidity! I said, 'So your producers were afraid of me, but they did a show with [MÖTLEY CRÜE drummer] Tommy Lee, who's a convicted felon, domestic violence heroin addict.' They're okay with this guy, but not with the Ted Nugent 'Kamp For Kids' charity, teaching kids to be clean and sober. I said, 'Sammy, coldcock those sons of bitches and get out and let's do the show.' So, finally, they dangerously acquiesced, and we did the number one Sammy Hagar 'Rock & Roll Road Trip' show."

He continued: "Sammy's first question to me in the interview was, 'Ted, I've gotta tell you. I know all these rock and rollers. I'm in the industry all my life. And I was in the number one band in the world with VAN HALEN. I do 'Rock & Roll Road Trip's and I get intimate and interview all these people. You're the happiest guy I've ever known. Why are you happy all the time?' And my first response, that he didn't understand at first, my first response is 'I've been clean and sober all my life, Sammy, so I pick up on positives, and I choose to go with positives. And positive, intelligent stuff makes you happy.'

"Now, here's a guy" — referring to Sammy — "who produced the number one tequila on planet earth, and he's hanging around with all the people that indulge — not all, but 99 percent of 'em — and he finally had to admit, live on his program, yeah, there's a buoyancy to what I call life radar, that sensual stimuli appreciation of your surroundings. I talked about the bird songs that I can hear with my hearing aids — the tastebud orgy that gives a happy culinary pursuit."

Nugent added: "Clean and sober is the foundation of the happiest life in the world, 'cause you can make clever choices."

Lee was one of the featured guests in the first season of "Rock & Roll Road Trip With Sammy Hagar", which premiered in 2016.

The "Rock & Roll Road Trip With Sammy Hagar" episode featuring Nugent originally aired this past May.

Two years ago, Nugent defended trophy hunting, caling it "the ultimate discipline and test and sport on Earth." However, he stressed that it is most important that nothing is wasted and that the hunter uses every part of the animal. He also said that hunters get a bad rap thanks to the media. "Trophy hunters don't cut off the head and leave the body there [like] the media and the fake-news punks have perpetuated," Nugent said.

Back in 2015, Nugent drew the ire of animal rights activists after he posted a photo of fellow rocker Kid Rock posing with a cougar he'd presumably killed.

Nugent, a longtime board member of the National Rifle Association, fanned the flames with a comment that both insulted animal welfare supporters ("braindead squawkers") and boasted about their "trophy."

That same year, Ted defended the killing of Cecil the lion by American trophy hunter Walter Palmer, saying people were "stupid" for being outraged about the animal's death. He called lions "a renewable resource."

On Facebook, he commented: "All animals reproduce every year & would run out of room/food to live [without] hunting. The animals have more animals EVERY year!! Where would liars propose they live!!"

To celebrate Friday's reissue of their 2017 debut full-length, The Gravity Of Fall, Pacific Northwestern phenoms Vintersea - whose unique fusion of majestic progressive metal, harsh blackened death and post-metal beauty has received extensive critical acclaim - have unveiled an appropriately ambitious new music video for the album's epic centerpiece, "The Holy Procession". The clip - produced, edited, and directed by bassist Karl Whinnery - can be viewed below.

"'The Holy Procession' is the first song we wrote as a band,” says vocalist Avienne. “We wanted to produce a video that captured the magic in the room when we wrote that song. All the stops were pulled to make this video in terms of dramatism and performance from both the band and actors in the video. We are happy to show how much we have matured in both our performances and video production quality. 'The Holy Procession' has been a band- and fan-favorite, and we are proud to release a music video for it as an accompaniment to the reissue."

The music video for “The Holy Procession” is a sprawling concept video that matches the artistic ambition of Vintersea, complementing the 10-minute sonic journey through musical twists and turns, all of them showcasing the group's thrilling combination of hooks and heaviness. Portions were shot on location at the Historic Cumberland Church in Albany, Oregon. The music video is part of an ongoing community effort to restore the building, originally constructed in 1892.

“I came into the band after the first album was released and 'The Holy Procession' was my favorite track,” says bassist Karl Whinnery. “This video was tricky. Our initial filming dates were canceled due to the biblical fires that hit Oregon and choked our skies. Some of the outdoor shots were before the air quality went off the rails and everything had a red overtone. We decided to incorporate that into the video as an undercurrent theme. On a more positive note, we were lucky enough to film at a beautiful turn-of-the-century church in Albany, Oregon. A group is working hard to move it to a new location and make it a community, event and music center. You can see their progress and help their mission at albanycumberland.org!"

M-Theory Audio will shine a brighter light on the acclaimed predecessor to Illuminated, 2017's The Gravity Of Fall, with a limited-edition double-LP release that will spread Vintersea's initial full-length blast of sonic power – as well as their debut five-track 2014 EP, Constellations – across four sides of blackened wax. A CD reissue featuring expanded artwork and the Constellations material as downloadable bonus tracks will also be offered. Both formats are available now for preorder here.

Originally self-released in 2017, the album was recorded by Justin Phelps (The Mars Volta, Joe Satriani) and mixed by Evan Sammons (Last Chance To Reason). A taste of the group's nascent sound of the time can be found in the chilling music video for “The Host,” which has received more than 500,000 views on YouTube, and was produced, directed, and edited by Vintersea bassist Karl Whinnery.

Fronted by Malaysian-born singer Avienne, whose vocal range spans from haunting melodies to fierce growls, Vintersea delivers heavy, emotionally powerful and technically intriguing music that is undeniably inspired by the majesty of the Pacific Northwest. The band's compelling combination of progressive metal, black metal and post-metal has been showcased live alongside groups such as Ne Obliviscaris, Jinjer, The Ocean, Sirenia and Arkona. The group – which recently released a “quarantine playthrough video” for the “Illuminated” track “Fiery Tongue” – is currently putting the finishing touches on another new music video, which will be released in the coming weeks.




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Italian symphonic/melodic metallers, Eternal Idol, return with a revamped, re-energized lineup and an exciting new album, Renaissance, on November 6.

Featuring Fabio Lione (Rhapsody, Angra) and Claudia Layline on co-lead vocals, guitarist Nick Savio (Hollow Haze), bassist Andrea Burratto (Secret Sphere, Hell In The Club), and drummer Enrico Fabris, Eternal Idol’s sophomore album is an epic maelstrom of symphonic/melodic metal that will delight fans of the genre who treasure intense songwriting and impeccable vocal performances.

For a sample, watch a lyric video for "Dark Eclipse" below. Pre-order/save the album here.

Fabio Lione took care of most of the lyrics and vocal melodies together with new co-vocalist Claudia Layline, while Nick Savio worked hard on songwriting and arrangements. The album was produced by Nick Savio and Fabio Lione and mixed by Simone Mularoni (DGM, Sunstorm). Renaissance represents a promise and a statement from Eternal Idol: to be one of the absolute best symphonic/melodic metal releases of the year!

"This is the album I have dreamed of making my entire career. We had a vision and made it with no compromise. Claudia and Enrico are the perfect new additions to complete our symphonic/hard/melodic sound that we wanted to achieve. The first video, 'Into The Darkness', is the most epic video of the band thus far….simply fantastic and we love how it turned out. When the time comes, we are ready to hit the stage and share these new songs with all of you," says Nick Savio.

Fabio Lione adds, "This is a new step for the band. Great songs, production, and overall sound make this record really special. Each song is unique and I'm sure people will love it!!!"

"I'm glad to be part of this amazing project and this great band. With my bandmates, it was immediate cohesion, both artistic and musical. We quickly realized that we're going in the same direction and the creative process that led to the new album was very natural and the result is a real bomb! The video for 'Into The Darkness' is majestic, we really put our heart into it and I can't wait to share it with everyone," says Claudia Layline.
 
Eternal Idol is a symphonic/melodic metal band formed by Rhapsody and Angra vocalist Fabio Lione and Italian guitarist Nick Savio of Hollow Haze. Their plan was to create a new and original sound which could catch symphonic metal fans by surprise. In fact, Eternal Idol offers an intriguing mix of classic metal, symphonic rock, and a few progressive metal twists.

The band’s debut, The Unrevealed Secret, was released in December 2016 and received an overall excellent response. The band toured Europe and Italy in support of the release in early 2017. Original co-lead singer Giorgia Colleluori and drummer Camillo Colleluori left the band afterward to pursue different musical projects, but eager to keep Eternal Idol going, Nick and Fabio later regrouped. They brought in new members up-and-coming vocalist Claudia Layline and drummer Enrico Fabris to join themselves and original bassist Andrea Buratto (Secret Sphere, Hell In The Club) to complete the lineup. Re-energized and with a brand new album under their belt, the band is now ready to once again unleash its baroque metal sound on the world!

Tracklisting:

"Into The Darkness"
"Black Star"
"Dark Eclipse"
"Without Fear"
"Away From Heaven"
"Not The Same"
"The Edge"
"Flying Over You"
"Lord Without Soul"
"Renaissance"

"Dark Eclipse" lyric video:

"Into The Darkness" video:

Lineup:

Fabio Lione: Lead Vocals
Claudia Layline: Lead Vocals
Nick Savio: Guitars - Keyboards - Orchestral arrangements
Andrea Buratto: Bass
Enrico Fabris: Drums




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Mumbai-based death metal multi-instrumentalist, Sahil Makhija aka Demonstealer, is set to release his next solo EP, titled And This Too Shall Pass, on December 11. The 4-song EP is being self-released with the help of a crowd-funding campaign that Makhija personally set up in July earlier this year. Three years after The Last Reptilian Warrior, it was the COVID-19 pandemic and the resultant lockdown in the country that provided Makhija with a new perspective and the inspiration to write new music.

And This Too Shall Pass sees Makhija return to his absolute roots. He adds, “I guess this is me at my most vulnerable. It’s just me, no incredible musicians to back me up, just me putting my expression and feelings and thoughts into songs for the world to listen to”.

An extreme music old-timer, Makhija has long been a crucial part of the Indian metal scene; be it founding the country’s biggest extreme metal band (Demonic Resurrection), or starting up an independent record label (with releases by Behemoth, Dimmu Borgir) or setting up a premium recording studio dedicated to extreme metal - Makhija has had an enormous role in shaping the country’s heavy music landscape. After a successful third album, which saw collaborations with Kévin Paradis (Benighted, Svart Crown), Romain Goulon (Necrophagist), Kerim Lechner (Septic Flesh, Decapitated) and David Diepold (Obscura) amongst others, Makhija has resurfaced with a brand new Demonstealer release.

The release was mixed and mastered at the esteemed Hertz Studio (Behemoth, Decapitated, Vader), a first for Makhija who is otherwise known to mix all the Demonstealer releases. The glorious artwork for the EP was provided by Indonesian artist Adi Dechristianize (Embalmer, Disgorge). All music on And This Too Shall Passhas been written, played and recorded by Makhija - making it truly a solo effort - a feat he hasn’t performed since his debut album released in 2008.

Pre-orders for the digital release are now available here. The EP will be available on all streaming services including YouTube, Spotify and Apple Music.

Listen to the And This Shall Too Pass EP sampler below.

Hard rocking Scottish band, Heavy Pettin', will release their Best Of album on November 27 via Burnt Out Wreckords/Cherry Red. Featuring 14 tracks, this is a collection of songs chosen from their three albums re-released in November 2019. The songs reflect Heavy Pettin at their best... including the singles that charted: "Love Times Love", "In And Out Of Love" and "Rock Me". Pre-order here.

The cover is a previously unseen photo by David Plastik, taken at The Louder Sound festival in France in 1984. Other unseen photos of the band have been used to showcase HP at their prime. The Best Of Heavy Pettin album features liner notes from Ross Muir of FabricationsHQ.

Heavy Pettin (named after UFO's 1976 studio album) was formed in Glasgow in 1981 when guitarist Gordon Bonnar, drummer Gary Moat, bassist Brian Waugh, vocalist Steve 'Hamie' Hayman and lead guitarist Punky Mendoza joined forces to give the biggest and best rock bands at the time a serious run for their money.

Heavy Pettin gigged extensively before releasing their debut single, 1982's "Roll The Dice" on Neat Records. This was good enough to catch the eye of Polydor Records who soon extended a major-label deal to the band then, with Queen guitarist Brian May on board as co-producer along with Reinhold Mack, the group recorded their 1983 debut LP, the classic Lettin Loose. Opening slots supporting the likes of KISS, Ozzy Osbourne and Whitesnake followed, leading to the release of the band's second studio release, 1985's Rock Ain't Dead. The group dissolved in early 1988 with their third and final album was issued the following year under the title The Big Bang.

Stone Sour have released a demo version of "Black John", which is available for streaming below.

Guitarist Josh Rand states: "'Black John': An exultant look at The Selfish Side, now feeling lazy and over-confident, not realizing the fight was nowhere near at a conclusion."




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