Killing Joke have announced that now, 40 years down the line, with the original line-up reunited, their current worldwide label Spinefarm Records is undertaking a series of official reissues.

These releases commence with four beautifully presented titles on December 11 – the Killing Joke album, the Pandemonium album, The Singles Collection: 1979 - 2012 set, and the” I Am The Virus” 12” single. 

All be available as vinyl packages (plus a Special Edition CD, in the case of Pandemonium), with the audio having been lovingly prepared for vinyl, and CD, by Tim Turan from Turan Audio Ltd., a hugely experienced and respected UK engineer. 

Artwork, meanwhile, has been provided by KJ’s regular, longstanding designer, Mike Coles.

Killing Joke – The classic, massively influential debut, featuring such key tracks as “Requiem”, “Wardance” and “The Wait” (covered by Metallica in 1987). The gatefold artwork has been lovingly recreated by Mike Coles, the sole addition being a striking silver pantone on the sleeve. Killing Joke will be released on Blackand& Bi-Colour vinyl.

Pandemonium – Originally released in 1984 and partially recorded inside the Great Pyramid of Giza, this is KJ’s most successful album to date. This Double LP version – featuring revised cover artwork from Mike Coles, plus lyrics and new sleeve-notes – stays true to the original track-listing, with both of the celebrated Cybersank remixes for “Pandemonium” and “Millennium” included. Pandemonium will be released on Black and Coloured vinyl, with a CD version (complete with slipcase) available in tandem.

The Singles Collection: 1979 - 2012 – Featuring 33 tracks, including “Wardance”, “Eighties”, “Love Like Blood”, “Millennium” and ‘”Pandemonium”, this chronological collection of the band’s singles has never previously been pressed onto vinyl. This 4 LP version will be available as a deluxe gatefold package, with Black and Coloured vinyl variations available.
 
“I Am The Virus” 12” Single – Given the amount of attention recently directed towards this track (from most recent studio album. Pylon, 2015), it’s now being made available as a Limited Edition Collector’s Single, complete with artwork from Mike Coles and previously unreleased Dub Remix by Youth – the ‘Apocalyptic Meltdown Dub Remix’.

Now standing in a peerless position when it comes to music, prediction & prophecy, Jaz Coleman, Geordie, Youth & Big Paul, the original Killing Joke personnel, are currently delivering the best and most relevant material of their career, with no mellowing or softening of the edges getting in the way.

With collective nostrils flared and righteous anger carried torch-high, Killing Joke continue to take their music of resistance to fresh levels. Preorder here.




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Royal Hunt will release a special edition of Clown In The Mirror at the end of November by Night Of The Vinyl Dead. The album will be available as a brow splatter featuring separate lyrics sheet and die cut cover with screen printed clown on a mirror paper.

The signed LP can be preordered here.

Clown In The Mirror was originally issued in 1994 by Teichiku Records and was the last album with vocalist Henrik Brockmann. 




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Jakko M Jakszyk (King Crimson), recently announced the release of his forthcoming new solo album Secrets & Lies on October 23rd. Today he releases the third track from the record, titled “Uncertain Times”, with a video starring Al Murray.

Recently Jakko had the chance to sit down with TV presenter, and previous Progressive Music Awards host Matthew Wright to talk in-depth about the new record. Watch Part 1 below:

Secrets & Lies will be released on October 23. The album contains 11 songs that explore topics suchc as obsession, betrayal, the shifting grounds of contemporary politics, and the tangled threads of family history, Secrets & Lies balances sensitive writing, musical technique, and accessible tunes cast in an impressively cinematic sound world. With three of the tracks, “Separation”, “Under Lock & Key” and “Uncertain Times” originating in King Crimson's writing sessions, the result is a mature work brimming with yearning melodies in symphonic or widescreen settings, fluid guitar work, and Jakko’s heartfelt, emotional vocals.

The album features Jakszyk joined by his King Crimson bandmates Robert Fripp, Gavin Harrison, Tony Levin & Mel Collins, as well as appearances from John Giblin (Peter Gabriel, Kate Bush, Simple Minds), Mark King (Level 42), Peter Hammill (Van der Graff Generator) and noted British comedian Al Murray.

Secrets & Lies will be released as a Limited CD+DVD Digipak (featuring 5.1 mix), Gatefold LP + CD & as Digital Album. The cover art was created by Sam Chegini, with design by Phil Smee.

Tracklisting:

“Before I Met You”
“The Trouble With Angels”
“Fools Mandate”
“The Rotters Club Is Closing Down”
“Uncertain Times”
“It Would All Make Sense”
“Secrets, Likes & Stolen Memories”
“Under Lock & Key”
“The Borders We Traded”
“Trading Borders”
“Separation”

"It Would All Make Sense" video:




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German power metal battalion Iron Savior will release Skycrest on December 4 via AFM Records. 

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”




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Horror-themed metalcore pioneers ICE NINE KILLS will release a live album, "I Heard They KILL Live!!", on Friday, October 30 via Fearless Records. The 19-song set was recorded live at the band's sold-out hometown show at the Worcester Palladium on November 30, 2019, while on the "Octane Accelerator" tour. It features tracks from ICE NINE KILLS's 2018 album "The Silver Scream", as well as fan favorites such as "Hell In The Hallways" and "The Fastest Way To A Girl's Heart Is Through Her Ribcage".

A live video of hit single "Stabbing In The Dark", shot at the show, can be seen below.

As if this wasn't enough, ICE NINE KILLS has also announced that it will be spoiling fans with an exclusive broadcast followed by a very special livestream event in conjunction with the release of "I Heard They KILL Live!!" on Thursday, October 29. SiriusXM Octane will present the first exclusive broadcast at 12 p.m. EST, with re-airs at 7 p.m. and midnight EST. The stream will be hosted by a special guest featuring live band interaction and will broadcast the full "I Heard They Kill Live!!" concert footage, shot with an eight-camera set up by David Brodsky of MyGoodEye and fully mixed audio recorded by Elmo Ortega, produced by Spencer Charnas and mixed by Steve Sopchak.

Speaking on the very special sold-out hometown show, Spencer Charnas, frontman and creative visionary of ICE NINE KILLS, says: "The Worcester Palladium holds a very special place in the heart of INK's history. On September 22nd, 2000, I attended a GOLDFINGER/MEST concert there that changed the course of my life. I knew after that incredibly high-energy show that I wanted to dedicate my life to writing and performing my own music. One year later, INK's first show would take place on the very same stage at a battle of the bands that we did not win. The concert is pictured in this album insert. 18 years later, we sold out the very same 3,000-capacity venue and recorded this live album there — a full-circle moment that I will never forget.

"This album is dedicated to the INK psychos who allow us to make murder and mayhem an actual career."

"I Heard They KILL Live!!" track listing:

01. Thank God It's Friday

02. The Jig Is Up

03. SAVAGES

04. The Nature Of The Beast

05. The World In My Hands

06. Communion Of The Cursed

07. A Grave Mistake

08. Your Number's Up

09. Rocking The Boat

10. Merry Axe-Mas

11. Thriller

12. Hell In The Hallways

13. Stabbing In The Dark

14. The Fastest Way To A Girl's Heart Is Through Her Ribcage

15. Love Bites

16. Tess-Timony

17. Me, Myself and Hyde

18. The American Nightmare

19. IT Is The End

In a landscape littered with celebrity fakes and would-be influencers, ICE NINE KILLS stand apart. Visionary trailblazers and multimedia raconteurs, INK has steadily built a thrilling new underworld for a growing legion of devoted true believers, with theatrical shows, high-concept videos, and inventive band-to-fan communion. ICE NINE KILLS summon the most captivating elements of metal, punk and hard rock and combine it with melody, cinematic obsession, and a literary fascination.

"The Silver Scream" and the subsequent extended edition, "The Silver Scream: Final Cut", generated anthems for the disenfranchised and subculture obsessives, like "The American Nightmare", "A Grave Mistake" and "Savages" and broke them into Active Rock radio, with hit track "A Grave Mistake" peaking at No. 9.

Photo credit: Jason Walton

According to Syracuse.com, former METALLICA bassist Jason Newsted has bought a home on Skaneateles Lake in the village of Skaneateles, New York for $6.1 million.

The web site speculates that Newsted and his wife Nicole will use the home as a summer residence, seeing as they have been longtime residents of Jupiter, Florida.

Last November, Newsted sold his Walnut Creek, California house for $2.3 million.

Back in 2017, Newsted put up his Sula, Montana ranch for sale at $4.95 million. That price came down by $450,000 in July 2019 to $4.5 million. The property has since apparently been removed from the market.

Six years ago, the now-57-year-old Newsted canceled an appearance at Australia's Soundwave festival with his band NEWSTED, citing "private and personal circumstances." The cancelation followed more than a year of intense touring and promotional activity surrounding the release of NEWSTED's "Metal" EP and follow-up album, "Heavy Metal Music", both of which were positively received by the critics and fans alike.

After staying mostly out of the public eye for a couple of years, Newsted rejoined Canadian metal innovators VOIVOD on stage during June 2016 concert at Slim's in San Francisco, California. He has since formed a couple of new acoustic projects, one of which completed a short West Coast tour.

Jason left METALLICA back in 2001 but was inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame, along with guitarist/vocalist James Hetfield, drummer Lars Ulrich, guitarist Kirk Hammett, and the man who replaced him, bassist Robert Trujillo, in 2009.

KISS guitarist Tommy Thayer has sold his home in Southern California for $2.7 million.

The Mediterranean villa in the Lake Sherwood community of Ventura County was built in 2005 and was remodeled and upgraded after Thayer purchased the place in 2008 for $1.815 million.

The 4,497-square-foot house includes a gallery, a center-island kitchen, four bedrooms, five bathrooms, five fireplaces and a three-car garage.

During the question-and-answer portion of "An Evening With Tommy Thayer" in February at the Outtakes Bar & Grill in New Hope, Minnesota, Thayer was asked what his plans are for after KISS completes its "End Of The Road" farewell tour. He responded: "I get asked that question a lot in interviews these days. I don't really know. I'm sure most people here know we're on the 'End Of The Road' world tour right now. I don't really know exactly what my plans are at the end of this. KISS is not gonna go away, though, either. The band is not gonna tour, but the KISS music, the identities and the characters and the brand and the merchandise, that will all continue on. I think that KISS will continue on in some way. I can't imagine it not."

KISS's current lineup consists of original members Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons, alongside later band additions, Thayer and drummer Eric Singer (on and off since 1991).

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

In its 47-year career, KISS has accumulated 23 gold and platinum albums — more than any other U.S. band.




Moving day! pic.twitter.com/akAIqU7LLL

— Tommy Thayer (@tommy_thayer) October 6, 2020




























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New listing! Fired up to market this sensational authentic Mediterranean in Thousand Oaks, Ca. Nearly 4500 square foot custom with explosive panoramic views of world class Lake Sherwood. Magnificent setting with complete privacy. The 4 bedroom 4.5 bath estate boasts custom wood beamed and barreled ceilings, wood floors and so much more. Awesome character throughout!A very special offering! $2,750,000 #newlisting #luxury #comingsoon #luxe #lakesherwood #view #lakelife #lakeview #luxuryrealestate #lux #realestate #remax #picoftheday #views #instagood #amazing #thousandoaks #wow #mediterranean #custom #estate #home #luxurylife #socal #realtorlife #sherwood #golf #southerncalifornia

A post shared by Jordan Cohen (@jordancohen1) on May 18, 2020 at 11:26am PDT

In 2019, the Swedish power metal heroes Majestica released their debut album Above The Sky and it became a huge success within the metal community. Now in 2020, they are back with not only a new album but a special treat for their fans: a Christmas musical power metal album entitled A Christmas Carol. It’s pure symphonic power metal in the true Majestica spirit along with elements inspired by the likes of Twilight Force,  Rhapsody, Alan Silvestri, Danny Elfman and John Williams. The pre-sale of the album will start on October 23, along with the release of their first single.

What makes this a unique Christmas album is not just the inclusion of plenty of well‐known Christmas songs, but also because the theme is the well‐known story of Ebenezer Scrooge from the Charles Dickens novel “A Christmas Carol”. With many different voices for the many characters in the story alongside fitting music, people will not only hear a newly well‐written power metal album, but also a power metal musical that gives you a unique Christmas feeling,.

Tommy Johansson states, “A silly dream of mine has finally come true. For many years I’ve wanted to release a Christmas album because the atmosphere around Christmas is always so peaceful and music with a clear Christmas theme is always beautiful and very well‐written. The reason why we chose to make a musical album with the story of Ebenezer Scrooge is very simple – it's a great story to tell around Christmas and it works so well as a musical. And with the help of different voice actors and singers we made it possible for this to happen - we’re very happy with the result.” 

In regards to their musical direction he adds, “Once again people can expect real power metal, but this time it’s a bit more symphonic and epic compared to our previous album Above The Sky. When it comes to the symphonic parts we’ve taken it a bit further and included a lot more orchestral instruments, including tubular bells, glockenspiel, and sleigh bells to really get that Christmas sound to it.” 

The vocals are once again in the vein of Michael Kiske, Tobias Sammet, and Sebastian Bach, but this time together with guest singers from such bands as Veonity, Hot Beef Injection and all the members from Majestica doing lead vocals. The artwork is made by underground artist Madeleine Andersson. She’s previously created some fan art for Twilight Force and her style of painting is perfect for what the band needed for this project. Tommy adds: “We wanted to have a painted artwork that could really capture the dark, cold ghost‐like feeling that we sing about in the album. I’ve known Madeleine for a while and have seen what she could do, so when I asked her she was on board right away. We’re very impressed and very happy with what she created for this album.”

On the previous album Above The Sky people can hear the legendary drummer Uli Kusch (ex‐Helloween, ex‐Gamma Ray, Ex‐Masterplan). On this album, Majestica has the great drummer Joel Kollberg (Veonity) who doesn't only plays the drums like he was born to do it, he also loves power metal and knows exactly what is needed. “We are all very happy with Joel as a drummer, not only for the way he plays the songs and how fast he has learned all the previous songs together with the new material but also because he’s a great guy and we just love him. Great drummer, a great singer and a great friend.” closes Tommy. The music was written, recorded, and produced by Majestica at Nygård, Ekshärad during the summer of 2020. The mixing and mastering of this album was completed by Jonas Kjellgren (Scar Symmetry, Raubtier) at Black Lounge Studios.




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In a new interview with Cleveland.com, JUDAS PRIEST singer Rob Halford, who just put out his autobiography "Confess", was asked if his book was affected at all by the release of "Heavy Duty: Days And Nights In Judas Priest", the 2018 autobiography of his former bandmate, original PRIEST guitarist K.K. Downing. He responded: "I haven't read it. I wonder why I haven't read it? I have no clue. [chuckles] He probably won't read mine, y'know, because we know so much about each other. I may read [Downing's] at some point. It's the same way I haven't listened to 'Demolition' or 'Jugulator'," referring to the two albums PRIEST made with singer Tim "Ripper" Owens during a period in the late 1990s and early 2000s when Halford was out of the band. "Never listened to them. To be brutally honest, I'm just not interested."

Downing, who left PRIEST in 2011 amid claims of band conflict, shoddy management and declining quality of performance, was replaced by Richie Faulkner, nearly three decades his junior.

Two years ago, Downing revealed that he sent two resignation letters to his bandmates when he decided to quit JUDAS PRIEST. The first was described as "a graceful exit note, implying a smooth retirement from music," while the second was "angrier, laying out all of his frustrations with specific parties."

Downing later said that he believed the second letter was "a key reason" he wasn't invited to rejoin PRIEST after guitarist Glenn Tipton's decision to retire from touring.

Tipton was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease six years ago — after being stricken by the condition at least half a decade earlier — but announced in February 2018 he was going to sit out touring activities in support of PRIEST's latest album, "Firepower".

Owens joined PRIEST in 1996 after being discovered when the group's drummer, Scott Travis, was given a videotape of him performing with the PRIEST cover band BRITISH STEEL. JUDAS PRIEST at the time was seeking a replacement for Halford.

In a 2000 interview, Halford explained why he was reluctant to hear "Jugulator". "It's just too difficult for me to listen to the band when I'm not in it, and that's nothing to do with taking a shot at Ripper," he said. "I just can't listen to it. It's just psychological. I should just put it on and listen to the fucking thing, but then if I do, [interviewers] will say, 'Well have you heard it?', and I'll go, 'Yeah', and then you'll go, 'What do you think?', and I don't want to do that. I don't want to be put in that situation. I just love all the things that I've done with the band and I'm happy to be a part of that great legacy and that's all. You want to treat it with respect because that's what it deserves."

"Confess" was released on September 29 via Hachette Books.

TESLA guitarist Frank Hannon has paid tribute to Eddie Van Halen, who passed away on Tuesday (October 6) at the age of 65.

Frank took to his Instagram to share a photo of him with Eddie, as well as an autographed Van Halen picture, and he included the following message: "Thank You Eddie!!

"I've been reading so many great tributes to Eddie Van Halen since his passing yesterday. Like you all, I'm very sad...

"Eddie was and is the coolest and greatest! So many people were touched by his fire for music and spirit for innovation of guitar (keyboards too!!). He was a great songwriter who created the sound track of our youth with SO many great songs, making this world a fun place.

"Thank You Eddie Van Halen for the innovation and inspiration. You definitely influenced TESLA and Me as a guitarist and songwriter in every way with your albums filled with melodic songs, mind blowing riffs, hooks, awesome tone, choruses ...and overall passion pushing boundaries that were never heard before.

"Thank You Eddie... God bless".

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
























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Thank You Eddie!! “I’ve been reading so many great tributes to Eddie Van Halen since his passing yesterday. Like you all, I’m very sad... Eddie was and is the coolest and greatest! So many people were touched by his fire for music and spirit for innovation of guitar (keyboards too!!) He was a great songwriter who created the sound track of our youth with SO many great songs, making this world a fun place. Thank You Eddie Van Halen for the innovation and inspiration. You definitely influenced TESLA and Me as a guitarist and songwriter in every way with your albums filled with melodic songs, mind blowing riffs, hooks, awesome tone, choruses ...and overall passion pushing boundaries that were never heard before. Thank You Eddie... God bless” - Frank . . . . . #ripeddievanhalen #eddievanhalen #frankhannin #tesla #teslaband #vanhalen

A post shared by TESLA (@teslaband) on Oct 7, 2020 at 3:13pm PDT

Former VAN HALEN members Sammy Hagar and Michael Anthony paid tribute to Eddie Van Halen on Thursday (October 8) at Hagar's annual birthday bash, which was moved to Catalina Island in California due to the coronavirus pandemic. Prior to launching into a rendition of the VAN HALEN classic "Right Now" with the rest of THE CIRCLE band, Hagar led the audience in a moment of silence as they stood quietly for 20 seconds in memory of the late guitarist, who died on on Tuesday (October 6) at the age of 65 following a long cancer battle.

"We're about to do a very special song that means a lot to Michael Anthony and myself," Sammy told the crowd. "So I would like to ask for just a quick moment of silence, please. And you know why."

Check out video footage of the performance below (courtesy of YouTube user "Trojanvitty").

A day earlier, Hagar and Anthony filmed a short video message in which they talked about Van Halen's passing.

"For Mike and I, it was just like getting hit by a freaking Mack truck," Sammy said about learning of Eddie's death. "It kind of took the wind out of the sails. I just wanna say that I'm kind of devastated. A VAN HALEN song never felt so hard to sing and play in my life."

Anthony added: "It was hard. It's very surreal right now. It hasn't sunk in yet."

Hagar continued: "What I felt playing especially a song like 'Right Now' that is so timeless, that I felt, 'Wow, thank God for this.' We'll never play it with Eddie again, but thank God for this."

Anthony said: "We have the music, if nothing else."

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

VAN HALEN and Anthony had not been on good terms for more than a decade, with Anthony not invited to join the reunion with Roth that began in 2007. The subsequent two tours and studio album, "A Different Kind Of Truth", featured Eddie's son Wolfgang on bass.

Anthony took a pay cut and signed away all of his rights to the band name and logo in order to participate in VAN HALEN's 2004 tour, which featured Hagar.

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.

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.

Hagar's 2020 birthday bash was professionally filmed and recorded and will be available everywhere as a pay-per-view stream on October 17 in HD and 4K via nugs.tv. The concert took place on a specially erected stage on the beach of Two Harbors, Catalina Island in California and was captured by 7 Cinematics, the world's foremost producers of live-music broadcasts and video streams, exclusively for the pay-per-view event. The audience watched the show via the boat-in, a limited amount of socially distanced chartered boats that purchased mooring reservations in the bay at Two Harbors.

Wacken Open Air started the commitment to protect the world's forests in December 2019. Together with fans and WWF Germany an area of the size of the infield has already been reforested in the Brazilian rainforest. This cooperation for habitat conservation is currently being renewed.

With the purchase of a forest located on the festival site in Wacken, W:O:A recently extended this endeavour in Germany. As an important contribution to the future, the plan sees to prepare the approximately 8 hectares of forest for the effects of climate change and at the same time integrate it carefully and sustainably into the festival.

For W:O:A, the additional investment in native forests is not only an expansion of the festival ground with an exciting additional area, but also the significant protection of a valuable ecosystem for the future.

Sustainability matters! In cooperation with Forest Gum, a special W:O:A chewing gum has been produced, which is made from renewable, biodegradable raw materials and is not only environmentally friendly, plastic-free and tasty. On top it also makes another valuable contribution to the future: For every pack sold, a new tree is being planted. Forest Gum online.

More information about Wacken Open Air can be found at wacken.com.

(Photo - ICS Festival Service GmbH)




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Japanese pop-metal band BABYMETAL has released a music video for the song "BxMxC". The track originally only appeared on the Japanese version of the band's third studio album, "Metal Galaxy", which was released in October 2019 via earMUSIC/Edel. The follow-up to 2016's "Metal Resistance" is based on the concept of "The Odyssey Of Metal Galaxy".

"Metal Galaxy" contains 14 songs, including four singles that were released prior to the LP's arrival: "Pa Pa Ya!!", "Starlight", "Distortion" and "Elevator Girl". The album expresses light and darkness, emotions like duality and ambivalence, and "new metal" created by various chemical reactions as other entities evolved and expanded in this album.

The album includes five songs that feature guest appearances from worldwide musicians who were perfect to the character of each song. Vocalist Joakim Brodén from SABATON is featured on "Oh! Majinai". Guitarist Tim Henson and Scott LePage from POLYPHIA are featured on "Brand New Day". Vocalist Alissa White-Gluz from ARCH ENEMY is featured on "Distortion". Rapper F.Hero is featured in "Pa Pa Ya!!"

"Metal Galaxy" hit No. 19 in the U.K. official album chart, No. 1 No. 1 on Billboard's Top Rock Albums chart, becoming the first Asian act to land at No. 1, and No. 18 on the German chart.

In the U.S., "Metal Galaxy" earned 28,000 equivalent album units (of which 27,000 were in album sales) in its first week of release. The album also topped the Hard Rock Albums chart.

"Metal Galaxy" entered the all-format Billboard 200 chart at No. 13. The group's previous disc, 2016's "Metal Resistance", peaked at No. 39.

BABYMETAL released two live albums in September. Captured on its "Metal Galaxy" world tour, the "Extra Show Legend - Metal Galaxy" was a two-day event held at Makuhari Messe (Japan) on January 25 and January 26, 2020. "Legend - Metal Galaxy [Day 1]" and "Legend - Metal Galaxy [Day 2]" will both arrive on Wednesday, September 9 via Cooking Vinyl.

Slash has paid tribute to Eddie Van Halen, calling him "an amazing musician, guitar player, innovator and a hell of a guy."

The GUNS N' ROSES guitarist offered his comments on Tuesday (October 6) — the day of the legendary VAN HALEN guitarist's death — while he was in Elk Grove Village, Illinois to promote the new GN'R pinball game he helped design with Jersey Jack Pinball, a leading game designer that recently moved its factory to suburban Chicago.

"I'm just a little shocked," Slash told WGN News (see video below). "It's hard for me to verbally say anything, other than I'm just devastated. Eddie was really cool. And I've been talking to him — we've been texting. And I knew he was sick, but I didn't wanna ask him how sick he was. But he was in a hospital in L.A. for a while. And I knew [expletive] was up, but I didn't expect that today at all. So I'm floored."

Asked what he thinks Eddie's legacy will be, Slash said: "Eddie changed guitar playing. I picked up the guitar, I guess it was 1979, 1980. The first VAN HALEN record came out, and Steven Adler, who was GUNS N' ROSES' original drummer, when we were kids, we used to just hang out and ditch school and go to the pizza place and whatnot. And we used to listen to that first VAN HALEN record, and it was just insane. It was, like, 'What the [expletive]?'

"He changed guitar playing," Slash continued. "He was such an amazing musician, amazing guitar player, amazing innovator and just a hell of a guy. And we really lost a major contributor to rock and roll today."

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

. Four of the songs appeared on the band's '95 debut album, Herzeleid; "Feuerräder" the second song on the single "Engel" (Fan-Edition), "Schwarzes Glas" has appeared previously in demo form on different tapes but has never been officially released.



"Feuerräder"
"Das Alte Leid"
"Weißes Fleisch"
"Rammstein"
"Schwarzes Glas"
"Seemann"

To celebrate Rammstein's first indelible impact on global hard rock history, the band and Vertigo/UMe will release limited, remastered editions of the band’s groundbreaking debut on December 4.

Herzeleid (XXV Anniversary Edition - Remastered) will feature the album’s original tracklist on a single CD, housed in a lavish, cross-shaped digipak with deluxe slipcase, and, for the first time ever, the remastered album with HD sound will be available digitally.

In addition, there will be a 2LP version with a slipcase containing two 180 gram heavyweight black vinyl discs with blue splatter effect. The creator of the original artwork, Dirk Rudolph, is also responsible for the Anniversary Edition packaging. The booklets also contain the original band portraits shot by Praler. Both the CD and vinyl editions are strictly limited.

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

"The clip below features Leather Leone (vocals) David T. Chastain (guitar), Mike Skimmerhorn (bass), Les Sharp (drums) and special guest Pat O'Brien (guitar) live in the US supporting their The 7th Of Never album. The last night of the tour they played Harpo's in Detroit. Unbeknown to the band someone was shooting an unsanctioned video of the band. That tape was traded and sold in the metal underground for years. We decided to take that tape, remaster it and put it in HD so it could be officially available for viewing. 'I've Seen Tomorrow' is a track off Mystery Of Illusion."

Leviathan Records has just released the video below, along with the following message:

"Chastain - 'Bullet From A Gun' was originally shot in 2004. This is a remastered version of the original. Features Kate French on vocals, David T Chastain on guitar, Larry Howe on drums and Dave Starr on bass. Produced by 880 Entertainment and directed by John Lucasey."




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Relapse Records, the label for death metal pioneers Incantation, have posted a bass playthrough video for the song "Guardians From The Primeval", taken from the band's new album, Sect Of Vile Divinities. Check it out below.

Incantation recently shared the third single and official “Entrails Of The Hag Queen” music video from Sect Of Vile Divinities, released August 21st. Watch the Nader Sadek (Morbid Angel) directed video below.

Says the band: "We present another offering unleashed from Sect of Vile Divinities, aptly named ‘Fury’s Manifesto'. A more crushing choice from the album to express blasphemy towards religious ethics and its failure to the very evil that the faiths themselves created.”

Sect Of Vile Divinities is available on CD/LP/Digital. Physical orders are available here, and Digital Downloads/Streaming here.

For over 30 years Incantation has consistently remained one of the underground's most influential and respected artists in the genre. True to form, Sect Of Vile Divinities sees the legendary band adhering to the ways of the old school, unleashing twisted, mangled, and utterly disgusting death metal once again.

A pitch-black mix of unrelenting death metal and imposing funeral doom, each track on Sect Of Vile Divinities is a dirge dedicated to different ancient evils across various cultures. At a point where the world's most vile converge, tracks such as "Propitiation" see the band's driving riffs and pummeling drums crush the very foundations of religious zealotry, while standouts such as "Entrails Of The Hag Queen" and "Fury's Manifesto" champion no-frills death metal in its purest form.

Tracklisting:

"Ritual Impurity (Seven Of The Sky Is One)"
"Propitiation"
"Entrails Of The Hag Queen"
"Guardians From The Primeval"
"Black Fathom’s Fire"
"Ignis Fatuus"
"Chant Of Formless Dread"
"Shadow-Blade Masters Of Tempest And Maelstrom"
"Scribes Of The Stygian"
"Unborn Ambrosia"
"Fury’s Manifesto"
"Siege Hive"

"Entrails Of The Hag Queen" video:

"Fury's Manifesto" video:

"Propitiation" lyric video:




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Devin Townsend will release Order Of Magnitude - Empath Live Volume 1 on October 23, a document of his Winter 2019 European tour that saw him taking on possibly his most ambitious live show to date.

The Blu-Ray edition of this forthcoming release features a behind the scenes feature, taking a look at the preparation for this tour and the filming of the live album. Watch a teaser below:

Recorded in December 2019 in London, UK on the penultimate night of the tour in support of his latest album Empath, this run of shows saw Devin joined by an incredible lineup of musicians. The band was made up of guitarists Mike Kenneally (ex-Frank Zappa) and Markus Reuter (Stick Men, The Crimson Project), drummer Morgen Agren (Kaipa, Mats & Morgan, Frank Zappa), bassist Nathan Navarro, Haken keyboard player Diego Tejeida, and guitarist/vocalist Ché Aimee Dorval, as well as vocalists Samantha & Anne Preis and Arabella Packford.

Devin’s plan for the Empath touring cycle was to divide it up into three ‘Volumes’, and this was Volume 1. The idea behind the shows was a simple one: none of the backing tapes or click tracks that had long been necessary to bring the kaleidoscopic cacophony in his head and on his records to life in the flesh. This would just be Devin Townsend and a band of genius-level musicians getting up there and trying to keep it from spinning off into outer space. Or maybe just letting it spin-off into outer space for the sheer hell of it.

“The whole objective was that I wanted to make that statement: This is by the seat our pants,” he says. “Because it's important to me to represent this hyper anal-retentive music that I've made over the years, but in a human way. Rather than it just being, ‘Well, here it is, perfectly done.’”

“I was overwhelmed by the fact that all these brilliant people that I have so much respect for were willing to come together and play this weird shit with me,” says Devin. “I had these unique players and this interesting instrumentation that allowed us to interpret the music in different ways. It was clear to me that I could just have fun and be me and know that they would be effortlessly be able to follow that.”

That sense of fun and freedom was evident to anyone who was there on the night. Visually, it was an assault on the senses in the best possible way. A digital screen projected vivid images throughout the show. A giant gleaming mirrorball hung from the ceiling. There were multiple costume changes and a tiki bar onstage (a tiki bar!).

Order Of Magnitude - Empath Live Volume 1 will be released as a Limited Deluxe 2CD+Blu-Ray+DVD Artbook (including expanded artwork & photos), Limited 2CD+DVD Digipak, Standalone Blu-Ray, Gatefold 3LP+2CD vinyl box-set & as a Digital Album. The Blu-Ray disc includes a bonus behind the scenes documentary, and both DVD & Blu-Ray feature a 5.1 surround sound mix.

Pre-orders are now available here.

Tracklisting:

"Borderlands"
"Evermore"
"War"
"Sprite"
"Gigpig Jam"
"Coast"
"Gato"
"Heavens End"
"Ain’t Never Gonna Win"
"Deadhead"
"Why?"
"Lucky Animals"
"Castaway/Genesis"
"Spirits Will Collide"
"Disco Inferno"
"Kingdom"

"War" video:

"Genesis" video:




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Acclaimed prog rocker, Neal Morse, returns with a new live set, Jesus Christ The Exorcist (Live At Morsefest 2018), on December 4. As the title suggests, this new live album and DVD/Blu-ray was captured at the annual Morsefest in 2018, where Neal and band performed his then new album, Jesus Christ The Exorcist, in its entirety.

Watch a performance of "Love Has Called My Name" from the set below, and pre-order/save Jesus Christ The Exorcist (Live At Morsefest 2018) here.

“Performing Jesus Christ the Exorcist with this extraordinary cast of singers and musicians was an absolute dream come true for me as a composer and musician. The way it came together was nothing short of miraculous! One of the greatest events of my life," says Morse of the performance.

This unique live album presents the entire Jesus Christ The Exorcist story set as a progressive rock musical. Here, the biggest change from any typical Neal Morse performance was that he was the musical director and not the main performer. The backing band included some of his usual collaborators like Bill Hubauer and Randy George, of course. Eric Gillette, usually the guitarist, was the drummer for the musical and showed off his incredible skills while Paul Bielatowicz was on lead guitar for the show. The orchestra included a horn section, a choir, backing singers, and a string quartet. The staging and lighting was nothing short of impressive, with the visuals by Christian Rios and sound by Jerry Guidroz (Sons of Apollo, Neal Morse Band, Haken) taking things to the next level.

The lead role of Jesus was taken by Ted Leonard of Enchant and Spock’s Beard. Leonard’s voice is one of the best in rock music and he sounded stellar throughout the night. Joining Leonard was a fantastic collection of singers that included Nick D’Virgilio (Spock's Beard, Big Big Train) along with Jake Livgren (Protokaw), Matt Smith (Theocracy), John Schlitt (Petra), Rick Florian (White Heart), Mark Pogue, and Wil Morse. However, perhaps the one that stole the show was newcomer Talon David, a local Nashville singer who took the role of Mary Magdalene. She has an incredible voice and brought many to tears during the finale duet with Ted Leonard. A highlight moment during the show was in the first act with the song “Madman Of The Gadarenes,” where Morse introduced his Gentle Giant influenced vocal medley with multiple vocalists all singing different lines in unison.

Whether or not an audience member knows or appreciates the subject matter might influence their opinion on the show, but it is impossible not to be impressed by the spectacle of this performance. What Neal Morse was able to write and produce with limited time and rehearsals is nothing short of amazing. The music is the definition of epic prog and certainly will delight any Morse fan.

Tracklisting:

CD1
Introduction
"Overture"
"Getaway"
"Gather The People"
"Jesus’ Baptism"
"Jesus’ Temptation"
"There Is A Highway"
"The Woman Of Seven Devils"
"Free At Last"
"The Madman Of The Gadarenes"
"Love Has Called My Name"
"Better Weather"
"The Keys To The Kingdom"
"Get Behind Me Satan"

CD2
"He Must Go To The Cross"
"Jerusalem"
"Hearts Full Of Holes"
"The Last Supper"
"Gethsemane"
"Jesus Before The Council And Peter’s Denial"
"Judas’ Death"
"Jesus Before Pilate And The Crucifixion"
"Mary At The Tomb"
"The Greatest Love Of All"
"Love Has Called My Name" (Reprise)
Morsefest 2018 End Credits

DVD / BR:
Introduction
"Overture"
"Getaway"
"Gather The People"
"Jesus’ Baptism"
"Jesus’ Temptation"
"There Is A Highway"
"The Woman Of Seven Devils"
"Free At Last"
"The Madman Of The Gadarenes"
"Love Has Called My Name"
"Better Weather"
"The Keys To The Kingdom"
"Get Behind Me Satan"
"He Must Go To The Cross"
"Jerusalem"
"Hearts Full Of Holes"
"The Last Supper"
"Gethsemane"
"Jesus Before The Council And Peter’s Denial"
"Judas’ Death"
"Jesus Before Pilate And The Crucifixion"
"Mary At The Tomb"
"The Greatest Love Of All"
"Love Has Called My Name" (Reprise)
Morsefest 2018 End Credits

"Love Has Called My Name" video:

MorseFest 2018: Behind The Curtain

Lineup:

Musicians:
Neal Morse: Guitars, keyboards
Paul Bielatowicz: Guitars
Bill Hubauer: Keyboards
Eric Gillette: Drums
Randy George: Bass

Cast:
Ted Leonard: Jesus
Talon David: Mary Magdalene
Nick D’Virgilio: Judas
Rick Florian: The Devil
Matt Smith: John the Baptist
Jake Livgren: Peter
John Schlitt: Caiaphas
Neal Morse: Pilate, Demon 1, Disciple 1
Mark Pogue: Israelite 1, The Madman of the Gadarenes, Pharisee 2
Wil Morse: Israelite 2, Demon 3, Pharisee 1
Gabe Klein: Demon 2, Pharisee 4
Gideon Klein: Demon 4
Julie Harrison: Servant Girl

Additional musicians:
Wil Morse: Percussion, keyboards
Gabriel Klein: Percussion
Violin I: Laura Epling
Violin II: Jake Tudor
Viola: Michael Lucarelli
Cello: Maggie Chafee
Double Bass: Gideon Klein
Horn: Holly Smith
Trombone: David Cooper
Trumpet: Dominique Caster
Sax/Flute: Gabriel Collins

Choir director: Gideon Klein

Background vocals: Amy Pippin, April Zachary, Debbie Bresee and Julie Harrison

Choir: Bill Gilliam, Lisa Gilliam, David Klein, Laurie Klein, Jerry Klein,
Rosie Klein, Robin Hanloh, Martin Wilde, Joanie Howard, Kathy O’Keefe, Brant Pippin, Levi Pippin, Josh Turrentine, Trevor Larkin, Elizabeth Turrentine, Pamela George, Dominic D’Virgilio and Marie-Claire Toussaint




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UK-based thrash metal trailblazers, Onslaught, have released a lyric video for "Strike Fast Strke Hard", featured on their brutal new album, Generation Antichrist. Watch below:

Onslaught’s new album was recorded at Dugout Studios in Uppsala, Sweden, with Grammy Award winning Daniel Bergstrand (Behemoth, In Flames, Meshuggah) at the helm, capturing the innovative band’s classic sound with a pristine modern production.

Generation Antichrist is the first album to feature new vocalist Dave Garnett, replacing longtime frontman Sy Keeler. Garnett, who has stepped in on occasion to perform live with Onslaught, delivers a vocal performance on par with the brutal musical attack that is Generation Antichrist.

Order Generation Antichrist at this location.

Tracklisting:

"Rise To Power"
"Strike Fast Strike Hard"
"Bow Down To The Clowns"
"Generation Antichrist"
"All Seeing Eye"
"Addicted To The Smell Of Death"
"Empires Fall"
"Religiousuicide"
"A Perfect Day To Die"

“Bow Down To The Clowns" video:

“Religiousuicide” lyric video:




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The Rise Of Heresy, the pummeling new EP frpm Brazilian death metal unit The Troops Of Doom, will be released Friday, October 9th via Nuclear Blast's digital subsidiary, Blood Blast Distribution. You can stream all 22 minutes of the EP now, ahead of street date.

The Troops Of Doom features guitarist Jairo "Tormentor" Guedz, a current member of The Mist as well as a former member of Sepultura's original lineup, playing author and co-author to the band's classic albums Bestial Devastation and Morbid Visions. He also collaborated on some of the compositions that appear on Schizophrenia. Joining Guedz is bassist/vocalist Alex Kafer (Enterro, Explicit Hate, Necromancer), drummer Alexandre Oliveira (Southern Blacklist, Raising Conviction), and guitarist Marcelo Vasco (Patria, Mysteriis, acclaimed graphic artist for the legendary likes of Slayer, Kreator, Machine Head, Soulfly, and Hatebreed). The Troops Of Doom's goal is to revisit the essence of '80s style death metal, exploring a more primitive sound that takes listeners back to that era, while remaining fresh and genuine.

Comments Guedz, "I don't speak only for myself, but on behalf of the band, when I say that this moment of this first EP release is one of the most anticipated of our lives. It's something really special for us and the result of a lot of dedication and sweat, especially when it comes to this critical and unusual moment for the entire world, when The Troops Of Doom was born. It was something I've dreamed to do for many years and now, and the project is finally a reality, concrete and wonderful, where I can dedicate myself entirely. We hope everyone enjoys the record and I can say that this debut EP is just a small sample of what is to come. We are incredibly excited about this work and all the awesome feedback we got, even beyond of what we excepted, with thousands of great reviews and support, that gave us a killer boost. We are already working on new songs for the full-length album, scheduled for the second half of next year 2021. Stay tuned! For now, listen the EP loud and I hope we can see on the road soon!"

The Rise Of Heresy, which features four original songs and two cover versions of Sepultura classics, "Bestial Devastation" and "Troops Of Doom," was mastered by Øystein G. Brun (Borknagar) at Crosound Studio in Norway.

The Rise Of Heresy will be released digitally. For pre-orders, head here.

The Rise Of Heresy tracklisting:

"Whispering Dead Words"
"Between The Devil And The Deep Blue Sea"
"The Confessional"
"The Rise Of Heresy"
"Bestial Devastation" (Sepultura Cover)
"Troops Of Doom" (Sepultura Cover)

"The Confessional" video:

"Between The Devil And The Deep Blue Sea" lyric video:

The Troops Of Doom lineup:

Jairo "Tormentor" Guedz - guitar
Alex Kafer - bass, vocals
Marcelo Vasco - guitar
Alexandre Oliveira - drums




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AC/DC will release its long-awaited comeback album, "Power Up", 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.

"Power Up" will be 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 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.

The first look at the deluxe "Power Up" lightbox, courtesy of Angus and Brian, is available below.

Angus told Rolling Stone about the LP's first single, "Shot In The Dark": "It's got that great AC/DC vibe about it, great swagger, and a good AC/DC rock and roll chant. The title is a little bit cheeky because we all like a little nip [of alcohol] in the night or a few shots in the dark. I was very glad when the record company heard it [that] they felt it was a very strong song and should be the first one that people hear."

"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".

"What I like about Brendan is that he keeps you working when you're doing a project with him," Angus said. "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" 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




ANGUS AND BRIAN POWER UP THE DELUXE LIGHTBOX https://t.co/S6rFge7cA9 pic.twitter.com/bgzqmuNYHy

— AC/DC (@acdc) October 10, 2020

Fresh off of their recent Grammy nomination for "Best Metal Performance", veteran San Fancisco Bay Area metallers DEATH ANGEL descend to unveil their autumn 2020 EP: "Under Pressure".

Containing four tracks of both new and reinvented melodies, the variety emitted from this next addition to the DEATH ANGEL catalog is electrifying to the ears while remaining acoustic and intimate in its presentation. A dynamic cover of QUEEN + David Bowie's "Under Pressure" initiates the sonic journey, followed by a refreshing new track titled "Faded Remains". Engrossing acoustic versions of "Act III"'s classic "A Room With A View" and "Humanicide"'s "Revelation Song" finish off this satisfying sojourn showcasing the vocals of Mark Osegueda and Rob Cavestany, with Cavestany on guitar.

Mixed by Max Norman (OZZY OSBOURNE, MEGADETH, BAD COMPANY) and mastered by Ted Jensen (LAMB OF GOD, MACHINE HEAD, HALESTORM), the already-experienced team involved with making these songs come to life augmented their talents through the wake of the COVID-19 crisis, and in doing so, shaped a beautiful and soulful extension of the DEATH ANGEL essence.

The "Under Pressure" EP is out NOW via Nuclear Blast Records.

Track listing:

01. Under Pressure

02. Faded Remains

03. A Room With A View (2020 Acoustic Version)

04. Revelation Song (2020 Acoustic Version)

WARRIOR SOUL will release a covers album called "Cocaine And Other Good Stuff" on November 13 via Livewire/Cargo Records. The LP is preceded by a single, "Elected", available now.

"Cocaine And Other Good Stuff" is an incendiary compilation of songs that everyone in the band, both current and previous members, had some input choosing, and it shows true honesty in the recordings, making it a fresh take on some very listenable rock jams.

Says singer Kory Clarke: "We wanted to make a record that was not about all the crap we are all living in, as it seems like a well-worn path for. So, I had to think out of the box."

The album was recorded all over the western world (Edinburgh, Scotland; Newcastle, England, Copenhagen, Denmark; Los Angeles; New York; Chicago; Detroit; Sheffield, England; Costa Blanca, Torrevieja, Spain) in home studios.

Track listing:

01. Good Times Roll (Ocasek)

02. Cocaine (Cale)

03. Crosstown Traffic (Hendrix)

04. Cold Gin (Frehley)

05. D.O.A. (Van Halen, Van Halen, Anthony, Roth)

06. Elected (Cooper, Buxton, Bruce, Dunaway, Smith)

07. Outlaw (Kilmister, Campbell, Dee)

08. Firehouse (Stanley)

09. Get Down Tonight (Casey, Finch)

10. We're An American Band (Brewer)

11. Living After Midnight (Halford, Downing, Tipton)

The idea for a covers album started when Clarke was contacted by legendary rock photographer, Alex Ruffini's brother, enquiring if WARRIOR SOUL would record a cover of a KISS song, which was Alex Ruffini's favorite band, for a tribute in aid of cancer research. WARRIOR SOUL recorded "Cold Gin". Once the band started recording, it sounded really positive and they decided to assemble a complete record of covers ranging from MOTÖRHEAD to KC AND THE SUNSHINE BAND.

Says Clarke: "I contacted many of the musicians who have played with WARRIOR SOUL recently and asked if they wanted to be part of it. Everyone was very much up for it and ready to go. We called John Dryland at Livewire/Cargo Records, and he said, 'Of course, go for it. The irony of recording 'Good Times Roll' during a global pandemic really works as you can hear the sneer of sarcasm right through every chorus."

WARRIOR SOUL is known for recording some electrifying covers previously, including songs by JOY DIVISION, Iggy Pop and David Bowie. Kory Clarke has performed on several compilation and tribute albums singing other acts songs but this is the first complete album of its kind from WARRIOR SOUL.

Recording lineup:

Kory Clarke - Vocals

Dennis "El Guapo" Post - Guitar

Adam Arling - Guitar

John Hodgson - Guitar

Christian Kimmett - Bass

Kath Edmonds - Drums

Ivan Tambac - Drums

John Besser - Drums

Geoff Yeaton - Horns, Sax

Freedom Call mastermind, Chris Bay, has released his new single and video, "In The House Of Broken Love". Watch the clip below.

The single is available on all digital platforms but also as a bundle exclusively at the Steamhammer shop, here.

Says Chris: "I'm very proud to introduce you to my brand new single, 'In The House Of Broken Love', in which I get to express my thoughts and feelings during these crazy times. Would be great if we all stick together now so that music can continue to sound."




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Drummer Mike Portnoy (Flying Colors, ex-Dream Theater) is celebrating what would have been John Lennon’s 80th birthday today, with a cover of “Gimmie Some Truth”, first released on his 1971 album, Imagine. Watch the video below

Portnoy simply states: "Happy 80th Birthday John Lennon. Love, MP"

Portnoy has been walking us through his latest vinyl collection in a series of eight videos. Watch the first six episodes below:

Episode #1 new reissues, A - B:

Episode #2 new reissues, B - F:

Episode #3 new reissues, F - L.:

Episode #4 new reissues, L - M:

Episode #5 new reissues, M - O:

Episode #6 new reissues, P - S:




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Pride Of Lions, the revered melodic rock band featuring the legendary "Eye Of The Tiger" songwriter and The Ides Of March member Jim Peterik, together with powerhouse vocalist Toby Hitchcock, are back with their sixth studio album, Lion Heart, out today via Frontiers Music Srl. OrderLion Heart here, and listen to the single "Heart Of The Warrior", below.

Jim Peterik has never lost his verve for melodic rock, a style of music he inarguably helped forge. Pride Of Lions showcases everything that you should love about the genre: powerful vocals, thanks to Toby Hitchcock, and unforgettable melodies. And the new songs and performances truly show what a “lion heart" Peterik still is. The opening cut, the title track, blazes from the speakers gaining steam with every chorus. Future classics like “Carry Me Back” with a truly unforgettable hook, to the mesmerizing magic of “Unfinished Heart”, and the majesty of an epic song like “Rock And Roll Boomtown” illustrate why this record has everything to please all the melodic rock fans out there.

Powerhouse American vocalist Toby Hitchcock came to the attention of melodic rock fans on the now legendary debut album from Pride Of Lions. Often compared to Bobby Kimball (Toto), Jimi Jamison (Survivor), and Lou Gramm (Foreigner), Hitchcock’s voice has the depth, feeling and extension of each of them, while still keeping his own trademark. His brilliant voice makes him an absolute star in the current melodic rock scene.

Since the start of Pride Of Lions, Jim Peterik wanted to take listeners back to the glory of his best, most successful songs. His name is rightfully in the pantheon of great songwriters in melodic rock due to his love for melody and driving rock. His phenomenal rise to the top was borne on the back of amazing songs he co-wrote like “Eye Of The Tiger” from the film Rocky III , “The Search Is Over”, “High On You”, and “I Can’t Hold Back”. Further hits from films followed like “Burning Heart” from Rocky IV and Jim co-wrote the theme song of the seminal animation classic Heavy Metal with Sammy Hagar. A long lasting and fruitful relationship started in 1980 between Jim and the southern-rock group .38 Special, where he co-wrote their platinum hits “Hold On Loosely”, “Caught Up In You”, “Wild-Eyed Southern Boys”, “Fantasy Girl”, and “Rockin’ Into The Night”. Their collaboration continues to this day. Jim has also written with the beloved Lynyrd Skynyrd.

Tracklisting:

"Lion Heart"
"We Play For Free"
"Heart Of The Warrior"
"Carry Me Back"
"Sleeping With A Memory"
"Good Thing Gone"
"Unfinished Heart"
"Give It Away"
"Flagship"
"Rock & Roll Boomtown"
"You’re Not A Prisoner"
"Now"

"Heart Of The Warrior":

"Lion Heart" lyric video:

"Carry Me Back" video:

Lineup:

Toby Hitchcock - lead vocals
Jim Peterik - lead vocals, background vocals, keyboards, electric and acoustic guitar, percussion
Ed Breckenfeld - drums and percussion
Klem Hayes - bass
Mike Aquino - lead and rhythm guitar
Colin Peterik - drums on "Lion Heart"
Kevin Campbell - bass on "Lion Heart"
Christian Mathew Cullen - Synths & Programming




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VAN HALEN manager Irving Azoff has confirmed to Pollstar that a reunion of the band's classic lineup — featuring bassist Michael Anthony — very nearly happened for a 2019 stadium tour. Special guests like FOO FIGHTERS and METALLICA were tentatively scheduled to join VAN HALEN in select cities. Unfortunately, due to Eddie Van Halen's cancer-related health complications, the trek never materialized.

"We had lots of stops and starts, but there was every intention of doing a summer stadium tour [in 2019], and as the cancer moved around, [Van Halen] was physically unable to do it," Azoff said.

Irving also addressed the possibility of previously unreleased recordings from Eddie seeing the light of day, saying: "Wolf [Eddie's son] and Alex [Eddie's brother] will go up to 5150, the studio in Ed's house, but there’s been a lot of recording over the years. I can't predict that for sure there will be anything new, but for sure they're going to look at it."

In early 2019, a rumor surfaced that the classic VAN HALEN lineup would reunite that summer for a run of stadium shows. This would have been the first time that the four founding members of the band, including Michael, Eddie, Alex and singer David Lee Roth, performed together since 1984.

The rumors originally started with Roth, who hinted to Vulture that VAN HALEN would be playing stadiums with Anthony back in the lineup.

VAN HALEN and Anthony had not been on good terms for more than a decade, with Anthony not invited to join the reunion with Roth that began in 2007. The subsequent two tours and studio album, "A Different Kind Of Truth", featured Wolfgang on bass.

Anthony's THE CIRCLE bandmate Hagar — himself a former VH member — was the first to publicly confirm that Michael was contacted in 2018 by VAN HALEN's management about reuniting with the group for a tour.

Anthony took a pay cut and signed away all of his rights to the band name and logo in order to participate in VAN HALEN's 2004 tour, which featured Hagar.

During a June 2019 appearance on SiriusXM's "Trunk Nation With Eddie Trunk", the former VAN HALEN bassist — who spent much of the last few years on the road with SAMMY HAGAR & THE CIRCLE — confirmed that he was approached by VAN HALEN's management two years ago about re-teaming with the group.

"I spoke with Irving Azoff [in] October [2018] — that's when I first heard from him — and he asked if I would be interested in any kind of a reunion, and I told him, I said, 'Yeah.' I was finishing up a couple of shows with Sammy and I said, 'Yeah, I'd be interested to hear what you guys have going on," Michael recalled. "I've got these few dates left, and give me a call.' And I never heard a call back. And then, right after the first of the year, I got… David Lee Roth's, Dave's business manager or lawyer, or something, got ahold of me about a meeting or something. And so at that point, I gave it over to our manager, because I didn't wanna start getting in this whole thing — I wanted to do it the correct way, especially after the way things went for me in 2004.

"From what I've heard, and I haven't spoken to any of the guys, they were gonna try to plan a thing for [that] summer," Anthony added. "And for whatever reason… I was never… My people were never… They never got in touch with us about any kind of a contract or any kind of a meeting to discuss or whatever. And the next thing I knew, the plug got pulled on it."

Italian progressive metal masters, DGM, have released their 10th studio album, Tragic Separation, via Frontiers Music Srl. OrderTragic Separation here, and watch a new video for the song "Surrender" below.

DGM started writing new music in the spring of 2019, with the overall process taking almost one year. This was a longer writing process than normal for them since it was the band’s desire to push themselves beyond any boundaries set by their previous work. Truly no small feat given the band’s catalog. The end result is Tragic Separation, an album where the band ticks all the boxes of the progressive metal genre, but adds more and more of their own personal identity and approach.

Long-time fans need not worry as you can still find all the trademark elements of DGM’s sound with sweeping choruses, technical passages, lightning fast fretwork, big vocals, and bombastic transitions. But the care and dedication to the songwriting emerges in phenomenal songs which carefully encompass everything that goes from traditional progressive metal to a more classic hard rock sound (even giving a nod to Kansas' sound in the title track). The playing is faultless as usual and the melodies are perfectly woven into killer guitars, epic keyboards, and pounding drums.

Not only are the songs presented here simply great music, but lyrically, Tragic Separation is a concept album told through the eyes of a protagonist about life and the paths we can go down between the choices we make, plus the subsequent consequences those choices bring to our lives. Among the doubts and second thoughts about the choices made, there is one that echoes in the protagonist’s soul: what if the answer for everything was the path itself? An unanswered question, which is another starting point for a new quest... another beginning.

Tracklisting:

"Flesh And Blood"
"Surrender"
"Fate"
"Hope"
"Tragic Separation"
"Stranded"
"Land Of Sorrow"
"Silence"
"Turn Back Time"
"Curtain"

"Surrender" video:

"Hope" lyric video:

"Flesh And Blood" video:

Lineup:

Marco Basile - Vox
Simone Mularoni - Guitars
Andrea Arcangeli - Bass
Emanuele Casali - Keyboards
Fabio Costantino - Drums




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Anthrax drummer, Charlie Benante, has released the new video below, featuring a cover of the Fleetwood Mac smash hit, "Rhiannon". He's joined by guitarist Alex Skolnick, keyboardist Randy McStine, bassist Mark Menghi, and vocalist Jennifer Cella.

Says Charlie: "I’ve been a fan of Fleetwood Mac for many years, there is something about that Rumors lineup that just excites me. When Mark Menghi asked me about doing this song I immediately was down. It’s personal to him and I understood why. I think it came out really good."




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