During a conversation with Ultimate Guitar's Justin Beckner, Devin Townsend talked about Frank Zappa, with whom he is occasionally compared to by some music fans, while also touching on the ongoing lockdown and how it's been affecting him.

On the new live album Order Of Magnitude - Empath Live Volume 1 

Devin: "If you've only participated in the audio version of this, that's really not what it was meant to be, it's the visual part of it that's important. The audio gets released (for preview) simply because the audio is done. The main purpose of the Order Of Magnitude is the visuals because we had tiki bars and visuals and costume changes and ten people on stage. The overhead for that is preposterous. If it was just a live album, that would be different. But the live record in this case, is just an afterthought."

UG: There will be some more volumes of that coming out in the future.

Devin: "Yeah, so two weeks ago I did a green screen concert that was Empath Volume II and I had Wes Hauch on guitar and Samus Paulicelli on drums and Liam Wilson on bass. It was a lot more heavy stuff - much more in line with how I've been doing stuff these past few years with click tracks and backing tracks. But the Volume I was just an anomaly for me because there was no click, there were no backing tracks, it was literally ten people on stage replicating this monstrosity. Volume II, I really liked it - it's good for my OCD to have things that tight. Next will be Volume III and that will be an entirely different thing altogether too."

Read more here.

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. August 28th saw the launch of the first clip from the release, and you can watch Devin and the Empath Volume 1 live band performing the track "Genesis"  below.

Devin comments: “Here is the first song we’ve chosen to release from the upcoming DVD concert, Order Of Magnitude, which was the first volume of my Empath touring band cycle.

This particular band consisted of ten people onstage, all without click tracks or backing tracks, with the aim of reproducing my work in a new and creative way. A lot of what I’ve done in the past has been very structured, and the opportunity to interpret the music with high degrees of improvisation and flow was a fantastic experience.

This song, 'Genesis' from my latest album Empath seemed an appropriate way to introduce this concert to the audience. It’s kind of an example of ‘musical anarchy’ in some ways- as the song is all over the place structurally to begin with.  But to have a chaotic piece of music, played by these extraordinary musicians I had the honour of being with, in a no-holds-barred production, was really cathartic. It was about being free to do whatever we wanted in a time where rigid ideas of what is acceptable or not are stronger than ever.

I hope you enjoy it. Volume 2 is next, and is in a lot of ways the polar opposite to this, but on my journey of musical exploration, I am grateful for all of it, so thanks again for the support."

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.

Look out for the first clip and pre-order start on August 28.

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"




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

JUDAS PRIEST singer Rob Halford says that the band's Parkinson's disease-stricken guitarist Glenn Tipton is "a wonderfully strong, beautiful man" who is continuing to fight against the illness.

Tipton was diagnosed with Parkinson's more than six years ago — after being stricken by the condition at least half a decade earlier — but announced in early 2018 he was going to sit out touring activities in support of PRIEST's latest album, "Firepower". He was replaced by "Firepower" album producer Andy Sneap, who is also known for his work in NWOBHM revivalists HELL and cult thrash outfit SABBAT. Tipton occasionally joins PRIEST onstage for its encores, performing "Metal Gods", "Breaking The Law" and "Living After Midnight".

Asked for an update on Tipton's health, Halford told BBC Sounds: "He's a wonderfully strong, beautiful man. And before this horrible pandemic closed everything down, we were working over at Glenn's, writing material for the next PRIEST album, which will come out when it's ready; we still have a long ways to go. But we were there, and Glenn was making contributions. He can still play the guitar, albeit in his own particular way.

"Parkinson's is a really cruel, terrible, horrible thing to happen to anybody —to see the physical debilitation that it creates," Rob continued. "But your brain is still there — you're still functioning as a person. But in a guitar sense, it's very, very difficult to play anything anymore. But like we [say] on this great song on the last PRIEST album, 'Firepower'. 'No Surrender'. You don't give in. You fight, fight, fight, and that's what Glenn's doing right now.

"Incidentally, he has this wonderful Glenn Tipton Parkinson's Foundation. We've raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for Glenn over the years, and we're still continuing to do that. Some of the advances that they have in Parkinson's now are extraordinary, but the funds and the finance to keep searching are vital.

"But he's doing great. He's beautiful. I can't to see him again and give him a hug."

In a separate interview with SiriusXM's "Trunk Nation With Eddie Trunk", PRIEST guitarist Richie Faulkner stated about Glenn: "He's doing okay. With this challenge that he's got, it's up and down. I've seen a picture of him, actually, recently — he FaceTimed with me. He's got a beard, which I don't think Glenn Tipton has ever had. He's like the new hipster 2020 Glenn Tipton. But he has good days and bad days. But he was in good spirits."

Tipton will turn 73 next month (October 25).

Bassist Ian Hill is the sole remaining original member of PRIEST, which formed in 1969. Halford joined the group in 1973 and Tipton signed on in 1974. Rob left PRIEST in the early 1990s to form his own band, then returned to PRIEST in 2003. Founding guitarist K.K. Downing parted ways with the band in 2011, and was replaced by Faulkner.

In light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, JUDAS PRIEST recently postponed most of its previously announced fall 2020 U.S. tour dates to the summer/fall of 2021.

Video of Sammy Hagar playing "improv" guitar over his CHICKENFOOT bandmate Joe Satriani's "Up In Flames" can be seen below.

Hagar said: "Joe having me play guitar amongst some of the greatest guitarist on earth is like me asking Joe to sing on one of my records with Robert Plant, Stephen Tyler [sic], Axl Rose.... I think you get the picture. When in doubt of what to do, just fucking do it!"

Added Joe: "Sammy is rock 'n' roll! One thing I miss about CHICKENFOOT is playing rhythm guitar on stage while Sammy rips up a few solos. Put a Les Paul in his hands, plug it into a Marshall amp, turn it up, and he delivers the goods. He's a natural. Watch him alternate between melodic phrases and face-ripping lines over 'Up In Flames'."

The backing track is from Joe's new release "Stripped x Three", three albums of songs with the lead and melodies removed. Full backing tracks from the complete "Shapeshifting", "Black Swans And Wormhole Wizards" and "Is There Love In Space?" albums are included, along with a special digital compilation booklet with original liner notes and credits and it is all packaged within a replica Joe Satriani Ibanez signature guitar USB stick and custom case.

Said Joe: "At the heart of it is my love for composing unique and moving music for the electric guitar. I love the journey as much as the end result. With this compilation of backing tracks, you get to peak behind the curtain a bit and experience that journey as I built the songs in the studio. And, of course, you can play along!"

CHICKENFOOT, which features Satriani, Hagar, ex-VAN HALEN bassist Michael Anthony and RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS drummer Chad Smith, has been largely inactive since 2012 when it toured with Kenny Aronoff on drums due to Smith's busy schedule with his main band.

In 2018, CHICKENFOOT reunited at the Fillmore in San Francisco during the fifth annual "Acoustic-4-A-Cure" benefit concert. The even marked the band's first performance together in just over two years.

Original VAN HALEN bassist Mark Stone has passed away after a battle with cancer.

Mark's death was confirmed by his brother, Brad Stone, who wrote on Instagram: "My beloved brother Mark passed this morning. #markstone #vanhalen #fanhalen".

Mark was the bass guitar player in the pre-VAN HALEN band MAMMOTH from 1972 until 1974. Along with Stone, MAMMOTH featured Eddie Van Halen (lead vocals and guitar) and Alex Van Halen (drums). In early 1974, vocalist David Lee Roth joined the group, whcih shortly thereafter changed its name to VAN HALEN. By around mid-1974, Stone's VAN HALEN bandmates felt that his commitment to school outweighed his interests in pursuing music professionally, and decided to look for another bass player. Michael Anthony, from the Pasadena-area band SNAKE, was chosen as Stone's replacement. Stone remained on good terms with his former bandmates, and attended Eddie Van Halen's marriage to Valerie Bertinelli in 1981.

Stone was featured in the "Van Halen Story - The Early Years" DVD, which was released in 2003. In 2015 and 2016, Stone made guest appearances with FAN HALEN, a band paying tribute to the Roth-era lineup of VAN HALEN (see video below).




Just got the very sad news that Mark Stone, who played bass with the Van Halen brothers in Genesis, Mammoth, and Van Halen between 1970-1974, has passed away.

Mark helped lay the foundation the band we all love. RIP. Condolences to his wife and all those who loved him. pic.twitter.com/xKQ2f9sKcM

— Greg Renoff (@GregRenoff) September 27, 2020








Looks confirmed now. Original Van Halen bassist Mark Stone has passed away from cancer. Rest in Peace, Mark.@VanHalen @eddievanhalen@DavidLeeRoth @RealMadAnthony@WolfVanHalen https://t.co/pvbgsm0pPK

— Roth Army (@Roth_Army) September 26, 2020




























View this post on Instagram


































My beloved brother Mark passed this morning. #markstone #vanhalen #fanhalen

A post shared by Brad Stone (@balboabrad) on Sep 26, 2020 at 1:26pm PDT

Former TRIVIUM bassist Brent Young, who played on the band's debut album, 2003's "Ember To Inferno", has died.

The news of his passing was confirmed by TRIVIUM guitarist/vocalist Matt Heafy who wrote on Instagram: "We have just been given word on the passing of one of the early members of TRIVIUM, Brent Young.

"Having had a couple wonderful years with Brent in the Florida local band scene, doing the Blue demo and ETI together, the very first European mini-tour and first USA tour together - I have nothing but amazing memories of a wonderful person.

"Our hearts and condolences go out to all of Brent's family and friends."

Another former TRIVIUM member, drummer Travis Smith, also commented on Young's death. He wrote: "I will forever remember September 25th at 6:48pm. This is when I received the most saddening, heartbreaking phone call I've ever received. My brother and best friend for the past 27 years has past and is no longer with me.

"Brent you will forever be missed and loved," he continued. "I cherish every memory we have together. We shared so many great times and monumental moments in our lives together and I feel we still had so many more to go. You will forever be with me and so many others.

"Heaven received a beautiful person yesterday and you will forever be missed.

"I love you. Rest In Peace."

Several years ago, Young and Smith launched a new project called BLACKNOVA. At the time, the group's style was described as "hard rock, heavy metal, progressive rock and groove rock."
























View this post on Instagram


































We have just been given word on the passing of one of the early members of Trivium, Brent Young. Having had a couple wonderful years with Brent in the Florida local band scene, doing the Blue demo and ETI together, the very first European mini-tour and first USA tour together - I have nothing but amazing memories of a wonderful person. Our hearts and condolences go out to all of Brent’s family and friends.

A post shared by Matthew kiichichaos Heafy (@matthewkheafy) on Sep 26, 2020 at 12:04pm PDT

According to Realtor.com, RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS drummer Chad Smith has listed his house in Montauk, New York for $15 million. The gated property spans four acres and includes a main house with five bedrooms, 5.5 baths, and 4,750 square feet of living space. There is also a detached two-bedroom, two-bathroom guest cottage with its own entrance, as well as a kitchenette, and a heated saltwater pool in the backyard. Other notable outdoor features are a dining area, fire pit, and film screening area.

Smith and his wife Nancy also own a five-bedroom home in Malibu that they bought in 2006 for $8.6 million.

One of the most successful acts in rock history, RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS have sold more than 60 million albums, including five multi-platinum LPs, and won six Grammy Awards, including "Best Rock Album" for "Stadium Arcadium", "Best Rock Performance By A Duo Or Group" for "Dani California", "Best Rock Song" for "Scar Tissue", and "Best Hard Rock Performance With Vocal" for "Give It Away". The band was inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in April 2012.

Last year, RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS welcomed guitarist John Frusciante back after a 10-year absence. Frusciante has played on five of the band's 11 studio albums, including their most critically and commercially successful LPs "Mother's Milk" (1989), "Blood Sugar Sex Magik" (1991) and "Californication" (1999).

RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS are currently working on their 12th studio album.




Red Hot Chili Peppers Drummer Chad Smith Selling $15M Spread in the Hamptons https://t.co/tzTPlDM5z9 pic.twitter.com/fZuNaROKn8

— James Tan MBA Broker/ REALTOR -Bethany Real Estate (@jkdanu) September 24, 2020








Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith selling $15 million Hamptons spread https://t.co/cjufGmCnc6 pic.twitter.com/fZ3cevgTzz

— Mark B. Weiss Real Estate (@MarkBWeissRE) September 25, 2020

On September 20th, Dream Theater keyboardist Jordan Rudess posted a new piano livestream as a taste of what people who subscribe to his Patreon channel can expect to experience. Check it out below. Go to Rudess' Patreon page here.

Rudess recently posted another video from home with the following intro message:

"Going CRAZY with some HEAVY sounds! The ROCK experimentation will be continued on Patreon."

Rudess performed a solo concert from lockdown on May 8th, which was streamed on Dream Theater’s official Facebook page. As a part of The Mercury Insurance Concert Series, the show featured Dream Theater, Liquid Tension Experiment, and other prog rock classics.

Check out the entire show below.

The setlist was as follows.

"Hey You" (Pink Floyd)
"Act I: Scene Five: Through Her Eyes" (Dream Theater)
"Blood On The Rooftops" (Genesis)
"Moonchild" (King Crimson)
"Wait For Sleep" (Dream Theater)
"And You And I" (Yes cover - II. Eclipse)
"Hourglass" (Liquid Tension Experiment)
"Entangled" (Genesis)
"The Silent Man" (Dream Theater)
"Life On Mars?" (David Bowie)
"The Cinema Show" (Genesis - Part I)
"The Court Of The Crimson King" (King Crimson)
"Soon" (Yes)
"Tarkus" (Emerson, Lake & Palmer cover) (I. Eruption)
"Act II: Scene Seven: I. The Dance Of Eternity" (Dream Theater)
"Begin Again" (Dream Theater)
"Supper's Ready" (Genesis)
"Over The Rainbow" (Harold Arlen)




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

In a new interview with Terry "Beez" Bezer of Knotfest.com's "Mosh Talks With Beez", WHITECHAPEL guitarist Alex Wade spoke about the cancelation of the band's touring plans amid the coronavirus pandemic. He said (see video below): "I definitely feel like we got kind of cut short as far as the album cycle for 'The Valley' goes. But we're trying to make the best of it that we can. We had a lot of killer tours and everything lined up this year. But it is what it is, and we just kind of have to roll with the punches.

"We made the best of a bad situation, and we ended up writing another album," he revealed. "So we're gonna be going into the studio this week, actually, and we're gonna start production on that. I think, truly, if we would have ended up going on all those tours that we wouldn't have had the time to dedicate to making the best album possible, but since we were all sitting at home on our ass, we were able to make a really killer record."

Wade also talked about Phil Bozeman's increased emphasis on clean vocals on "The Valley" gave him and his bandmates the confidence to pursue other musical areas on the upcoming LP.

"I definitely feel like 'The Valley' opened up kind of like a floodgate of options for us to be creative and new avenues that we can explore, so there's definitely gonna be quite a bit of that on the new record," he said. "But no worries — there's still gonna be tons of heavy material, classic kind of WHITECHAPEL sounds.

"I think that's what's great about the point that we're at in our career, is that not only can we kind of recreate those old sounds to keep the die-hard fans happy, but we can also venture into newer sounds that can potentially put us in front of a newer audience," he said.

According to Wade, WHITECHAPEL's move into a more melodic direction came about in a completely organic way and was something that he and the rest of the band had contemplated for some time.

"Whatever we do, we always to make sure that it comes from a genuine place," he said. "We never want to write something that feels forced. Like, if we write something and it's just not really fitting the vibe of what we're going for, we have no problem scratching it. We're not the type of band to try to create a sound like that to just try to get bigger, or something like that. For us, it was a very natural progression.

"Obviously, in the music that we're creating, you can hear heavy influences of TOOL and A PERFECT CIRCLE and stuff like that, which, those have been Phil's favorite bands since he was 14 or probably even younger ," Alex explained. "It's not like we're just coming out of the woodwork with this sound, saying, like, 'Oh, this is our new sound.' This is definitely something that we've been interested in for quite a while, so it's good to see us kind of bring it to fruition."

Earlier in the summer, WHITECHAPEL announced its rescheduled "Burn To Emerge" USA tour with AS I LAY DYING and SHADOW OF INTENT. Originally planned for May/June 2020, the trek was cancelled due to COVID-19; any tickets purchased for these initial shows will be honored at the rescheduled dates, which are now set to take place in February-March 2021.

Atlanta, GA's Dead Now, consisting of current and former members of Torche, Riddle Of Steel, Tilts and Day Old Man, are a veritable power-trio who play dynamic, melodic heavy rock that is best enjoyed LOUD! The band just released “Slow Beam”, their first new song since their self-titled 2018 debut EP. Listen to the track below.

The band commented on the new track:  “Recorded in early March with our main squeeze, Andrew Wiggins, we’re super stoked to share this track. Could’ve and should’ve been on the debut, had it been done, it sits in so well with the other jams. Please play as loud as possible.”

Dead Now are currently getting rad like never before, writing their full-length debut which is tentatively planned for a 2021 release via Brutal Panda Records. In the meantime, the new single has been paired with their debut EP for a limited edition cassette release which is available here.

Dead Now have shared the stage with Red Fang, Big Business, Metz, Monolord, Whores., High On Fire and many others. Stay tuned for more info and music from Dead Now.




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

Iron Savior frontman / founder Piet Sielck posted the following tease on social media over the weekend:

"Finally, I was able to mow the lawn and listen to the new album, which is finished since yesterday :-). Stay tuned for more updates on this..."

Back in February it was revealed that Iron Savior bassist Jan Sören Eckert had been diagnosed with cancer. He underwent surgery almost immediately and was told the odds for a complete recovery were almost 100%. He has checked in with the following message:

"I'd like to take the opportunity to thank all of you out there for your uplifting comments, good thoughts and sympathy during my 'Cancer-Drama' in the last six months. I mean this from the bottom of my heart and soul. I am 100% convinced that your mails and positive energy helped to cure that cancer big time!

It is really amazing,the cancer is gone completely and I'm officially cured.

I will spend the next few month to get rid of some side-effects of the chemo-therapy and looking forward to returning back to my life and stage as soon as possible!

Again: THANK YOU!"

Delta Mekong Concerts has posted multi-angle video from Iron Savior's February 21st show in Moscow, Russia at Arbat Hall. Check it out below.

The setlist on the night was as follows:

"Way of the Blade"
"Starlight"
"Roaring Thunder"
"Kill Or Get Killed"
"Gunsmoke"
"Stand Up And Fight"
"Beyond the Horizon"
"Break the Curse"
"Never Stop Believing"
"Hall of the Heroes"
"Legends Of Glory"
"Heavy Metal Never Dies"
"The Savior"
"Revenge of the Bride"
"Atlantis Falling"
"Breaking the Law"




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

US rockers Hydrogyn have released an official video for their new single, "Disappear". The song is taken from the forthcoming release, The Boiling Point, available on October 30th via RFL Records.

Hydrogyn founder and guitarist Jeff Westlake has surrounded himself with an all-new lineup for Hydrogyn’s latest release, the band’s first since 2017.

Westlake and bandmates Holly Hines Freed (vocals), Ryan Stepp (guitar) Jacob Freed (bass) and Scot Clayton II (drums) draw inspiration from all of their collective influences to create a fresh sound that will melt your speakers.

From the first single, "Hostage", featuring Hines Freed’s powerhouse vocals, to scorching rockers such as "Damaged Goods", "Wickedness" and "Bats In The Belfry", the band is sounding bigger, better and tighter than ever.

For information and updates on Hydrogyn check out their official Facebook page here.




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

Hard rock band The Lonely Ones has released their brand new single "Real Big Trouble" to all digital outlets.

"'Real Big Trouble' started simple - with all of us passing an acoustic guitar back and forth. It is the heaviest song we've written but showcases all of our influences from old Thin Lizzy swing to Beartooth. Songs like that are our favorite to write and we hope people dig it as much as we enjoyed making it," says the band.

The Lonely Ones released their reimagined version of Queen's classic song "Flash" in July of this year. The song/video has been met with rave reviews including those of Brian May (Queen) and Sam J Jones (Flash Gordon, The Highwayman).

Brian May was quoted as saying, “What a fantastic cover! I didn’t realise they were going to go into The Hero and the whole reprise... magnificent!"

Sam J Jones adds, "This is one of the best covers I have ever heard and seen. What a gifted group - The Lonely Ones are for everyone of us, from the 1980s to right now!"

For further details, visit The Lonely Ones on Facebook.

 




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

Las Vegas, NV based rock band Wicked Garden has released the official music video for their new single, "Home, Too Far". Written and directed by Dominick Muzio and Shawn Trojahn, the video for "Home, Too Far" was filmed by Stephy Hayward of Livewire Photography and edited by Nicholas Muzio at Die-Hearts Productions.

"This is a song about loss, and how you can never get back the time you have with someone once they are gone. And while the term 'Home' refers to an afterlife or another plane of existence, it's too far away for the people that have been left behind" - Dominick Muzio (lead singer / guitarist).

"I was frustrated by not having written anything in a while. Then when I came up with this riff, I knew it had something. It was different from our other songs, but still sounded like us" - Shawn Trojahn (lead guitarist).

For further details, visit Wicked Garden on Facebook.

 




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

Megadeth singer / guitarist Dave Mustaine's House Of Mustaine Winery is releasing three new wines in their latest collection: 2017 Almost Honest Cabernet Sauvignon, 2017 Darkest Hour Syrah, and a new vintage 2019 She-Wolf Merlot Rosé. These are available for pre-order now until October 5, 2020.

2017 Almost Honest Cabernet Sauvignon: This House of Mustaine Cabernet Sauvignon is almost honest to its class, but with meticulous nuances of its own. Aged in a combination of French/European Oak (80%) and American Oak (20%) barrels for twenty-six (26) months this upfront red wine with herbal and cassis aromas; savory blackberry and plum flavors compliment the velvety tannins and nuanced vanilla oak characters of this limited production Cabernet.

2017 Darkest Hour Syrah: The Syrah for the House Of Mustaine Darkest Hour was sourced from Wild Horse Peak Mountain Vineyards, located in southern Riverside county. The geography and geology of Wild Horse Peak is an intricate part of the unique microclimate in these mountain vineyards. And it is the earthly aspects that combine with the heaven sent rain, sun and wind to form the terroir that is distinctive to the high plateaus in the Agua Tibia Mountains. Lone Boulder Ridge Block is located at the highest point in these vineyards and the 2017 represents the fifteenth vintage of Syrah to be produced from these mountain vineyards. Aged exclusively in French oak from Girard and Demptos cooperages for 18 months, this Syrah is tight and structured for cellaring. The tannins are melting into the dark, velvety finish and the intensity of fruit and oak are harmonious in the glass. This wine still has several years of aging potential, but it is rich with beautiful varietal character  and delicate nuances of berries, lavender, spice and earthy botanicals. 

2019 She-Wolf Merlot Rosé: Delicate Merlot rosé with fruit forward characters of watermelon and strawberry, deliciously crisp and refreshing! This sweet pink enchantress will hold you spellbound, sip after sip, until you surrender to her mystic charms.

 




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

Josh Klinghoffer's band PLURALONE's second album, "I Don't Feel Well", will be released on October 16 via Org Music. The disc's first single, "The Night Won't Scare Me", can be streamed below.

"I Don't Feel Well" is singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Klinghoffer's first album since leaving the RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS, and his second full-length since the critically acclaimed "To Be One With You" was released in late 2019. It comes out after a series of cover singles and viral videos brought him much solo success, including an appearance on Marc Maron's "WTF" podcast.

"The Night Won't Scare Me" is a sprawling bit of piano-driven rock, cut with blazing guitars and anchored by a gripping vocal performance from Klinghoffer. Klinghoffer tells Rolling Stone that the track began with a chord progression he originally wrote while still with RHCP, but that he completed in a burst of creativity after his departure.

"This is a wild time," Klinghoffer said about the new release. "This album was made during and amongst some very new experiences. I hope it captures some of how it felt during this period. I'll feel better when this is behind us."

Amidst the backdrop of a global pandemic, political unrest, and wildfires raging across the western United States, Klinghoffer hunkered down and found the inspiration to complete the sophomore release.

Coming on the heels of "To Be One With You", the follow-up seems like a natural progression, just as dynamic and fluid in its arrangements, but more lyrically and stylistically focused in its execution. Similar to the avant-garde pop of "To Be One With You", Klinghoffer leans heavily on piano and keyboards for the foundation of most songs, with some surprising outliers such as the anthemic, guitar-heavy track "Mother Nature". The album weaves sparse rhythmic moments with grandiose arrangements of strings and layered vocals, showcasing Klinghoffer's impressive range and signature falsetto. Beneath its gorgeous playing are crepuscular ruminations about sufferings behind the narrator and wise lyrics about enduring the days ahead, wrapped in various points of view.

Listeners may find "I Don't Feel Well" to reflect the fears and hopes in their own lives, as Klinghoffer weaves sparse rhythmic moments — on first single "The Night Won't Scare Me", as well as key tracks "The Report", "Carry" and "Plank" — with grand arrangements of strings and layered vocals, showcasing Klinghoffer's impressive range and signature falsetto. By all accounts, "I Don't Feel Well" is a reflection of the trying times we find ourselves in; often dark and reflective, but with a glimmer of hope and underlying themes of solidarity, something we could use a bit more of these days.

At just 40 years old, Klinghoffer has amassed a resume which dwarfs even the most seasoned musical veterans. He became the youngest Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame inductee at 32 as a member of the RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS. While best known for his decade long role with that band — which came to an unexpected end in December 2019, just after the release of PLURALONE's "To Be One With You" — Josh's credentials extend back to his teenage years. He's been a member of groups like ATAXIA, WARPAINT and THE BICYCLE THIEF, he's toured and recorded as a session musician with notable artists, including PJ Harvey, Beck, BUTTHOLE SURFERS and Gnarls Barkley, he also fronts the group DOT HACKER, with frequent collaborators and musical heavyweights Jonathan Hischke, Clint Walsh and Eric Gardner.

Recording and releasing music in the age of COVID-19 provides some unique challenges. PLURALONE was set to perform publicly for the first time by supporting PEARL JAM on their North American "Gigaton" tour, one of the first major tours to be postponed due to the virus.

While live events are still on hold, seemingly indefinitely, Klinghoffer has kept himself busy during his time in quarantine; recording videos of various covers and stripped down versions of tunes from "To Be One With You", sitting in with PEARL JAM for a live-stream performance, and paying tribute to Joe Strummer with an acoustic cover of "Rudie Can't Fail" during a virtual fundraiser event on Strummer's birthday.

"I Don't Feel Well" track listing:

01. Red Don't Feel

02. The Night Won't Scare Me

03. Carry

04. The Report

05. Steal Away

06. Mother Nature

07. Knowing You

08. Plank

09. Don't Have To

10. I Hear You

Philip Anselmo says that a PANTERA-branded beer "might" be announced soon.

The singer hinted at the possible availability of the alcoholic beverage while commemorating the 17th anniversary of "The Best Of Pantera: Far Beyond The Great Southern Cowboys' Vulgar Hits!", a compilation featuring an audio CD of 15 previously released tracks and one previously unreleased track, plus a DVD with 12 music videos, two of them live.

Anselmo took to his Instagram on Wednesday (September 23) to write: "The Best of Pantera was released on this day 17 years ago! What’s your favorite track? The beer bottle in this pic was a special promo item. We just might have a PANTERA beer announcement coming soon.."

Drummer Vinnie Paul Abbott and his brother, guitarist "Dimebag" Darrell Abbott, formed PANTERA in the mid-eighties in Texas. The band recorded four independent albums before its 1990 major label debut, "Cowboys From Hell", introduced a heavier sound and made them a favorite with metal fans. 1994's "Far Beyond Driven" debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 without benefit of a commercial hit single.

When PANTERA broke up in the early 2000s due to tensions between the Abbotts and Anselmo, the brothers started a new band called DAMAGEPLAN. But that came to an end on December 8, 2004, when Darrell Abbott was shot dead onstage at the age of 38 by a deranged gunman as the band performed at the Alrosa Villa nightclub in Columbus, Ohio. Vinnie never spoke with Anselmo again after his brother's death, reportedly feeling that some things Anselmo said about Darrell in the press may have set the killer off.
























View this post on Instagram


































The Best of Pantera was released on this day 17 years ago! What’s your favorite track? The beer bottle in this pic was a special promo item. We just might have a Pantera beer announcement coming soon... ?

A post shared by Philip H Anselmo (@philiphanselmo) on Sep 23, 2020 at 6:48am PDT

Drum-cam footage of ANTHRAX performing the song "Be All, End All" in 2018, with Jon Dette filling in for Charlie Benante, can be seen below.

For the past few years, Benante has been forced to miss certain shows on the band's tour due to his continuing battle with carpal tunnel syndrome.

Charlie told San Antonio Metal Music Examiner about his inability to make all the dates on ANTHRAX's tours: "Unfortunately, we're like athletes, and like athletes, they suffer from certain things. I suffer from carpal tunnel problems. But I try and do as much as I could when I can. So we still wanna keep the band… We don't wanna disappoint people. So that's why we do it that way."

Charlie told San Antonio Metal Music Examiner about his inability to make all the dates on ANTHRAX's tours: "Unfortunately, we're like athletes, and like athletes, they suffer from certain things. I suffer from carpal tunnel problems. But I try and do as much as I could when I can. So we still wanna keep the band… We don't wanna disappoint people. So that's why we do it that way."

Dette first stepped in for Benante during ANTHRAX's appearance at the Soundwave festival in 2013 and at a number of European shows in 2014. Jon told "The Blairing Out With Eric Blair Show" how he initially got the call to sub for Charlie: "Actually, Jason Bittner from SHADOWS FALL, who was filling in for Charlie on [the 2012] ANTHRAX run, couldn't do one of the tours that was coming up and called me and asked me if I would be available to do it. And I said, 'Of course. It would be great.' And the next day Charlie called me — which, Charlie is one my biggest influences ever, next to [Dave] Lombardo [of SLAYER], so it was kind of a surreal moment for me to get a call like that, saying, 'Hey, can you help me out?' Which, of course, I said, 'Absolutely.'"

Asked how it felt to be playing with ANTHRAX, Dette said: "It's amazing, man. The first day that I started playing drums — a lot of people may or may not know this — the first album I ever got from the day I got my drum set was 'Fistful Of Metal' [by ANTHRAX], and literally, the first song I ever tried playing on drums was 'Metal Thrashing Mad'. Actually, I [was] hanging out with Charlie and I told him that this morning, and he was, like, 'Really?' And I'm, like, 'Yeah, really.' [laughs] ANTHRAX, METALLICA and SLAYER, they were such a foundation of my style growing up, and I've been privileged now to actually play for two of those bands [ANTHRAX and SLAYER]. It's a very natural thing for me to play, but at the same time, seeing the back of their heads on stage, and Joey [Belladonna] is looking at me and he's singing, and I'm just, like, 'This is great.' I guess you can say that I play with a lot of passion when I'm with those bands, 'cause it's just absolutely passion and just an amazing experience."

Sammy Hagar and his CIRCLE bandmates have once teamed up via the Internet to record music.

After previously connecting via their smartphones from four separate locations to lay down a brand new song titled "Funky Feng Shui", as well as covers of THE WHO's "Won't Get Fooled Again", VAN HALEN's "Good Enough", BOB MARLEY & THE WAILERS' "Three Little Birds", BUFFALO SPRINGFIELD's "For What It's Worth", Little Richard's "Keep A-Knockin'" and AC/DC's "Whole Lotta Rosie", among others, they have now regrouped — in a virtual sense — to cover SAMMY HAGAR AND THE WABORITAS' "Sympathy For The Human". Check out video of the performance below.

Hagar said: "This song has always been one of my favorite's from the WABO era. Whenever we started a show with this song it always ended up being a great one. Sympathy for the Human — ain't it the truth."

This past May, SAMMY HAGAR & THE CIRCLE's U.S. tour with NIGHT RANGER was officially canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic which is sweeping the globe. Produced by Live Nation, the outing was scheduled to kick off July 9 in West Palm Beach, Florida at iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre and make stops in Tampa, Cincinnati, Dallas, Phoenix and more, before wrapping September 20 in Chula Vista, California at North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre.

Joining Hagar in THE CIRCLE are bassist Michael Anthony (VAN HALEN, CHICKENFOOT), drummer Jason Bonham (BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION, JASON BONHAM'S LED ZEPPELIN EVENING) and guitarist Vic Johnson (THE WABORITAS).

THE CIRCLE's first album of all-original material, "Space Between", was released in May 2019 via BMG.

Death metal legends OBITUARY have announced a three-part "live stream concert series", featuring full-album performances of "Slowly We Rot", "Cause Of Death" and rare classics. The first two streams — a "Slowly We Rot" set on Saturday, October 17; and a "Cause Of Death" set on Saturday, October 24 — will be live from the ESI Streaming Studio in Tampa, Florida. The third stream, featuring rare classics and special tracks, will be broadcasted live from OBITUARY's recording studio in Gibsonton, Florida.

Tickets are on sale, including various bundles for all three concerts and exclusive merch at obituarylive.com.

OBITUARY comments: "The World Health Organization has announced an earth-shattering advisory... they've tried to develop a vaccine... they're employing any treatment they can think of... but upon repeated examination and the indisputable death toll it has been confirmed... THERE IS NO CURE FOR METAL!!!!! And with that in mind, we aim to deliver you from the pain within... the pain withOUT this intangible substance your soul survives to crave....and present you with a trifecta of infectious disease that is sure to please your senses...socially distanced, WE WILL ROT TOGETHER!!!!!!"

OBITUARY's latest, self-titled studio album was released in 2017 via Relapse.

In a recent interview with Heavy Culture, OBITUARY bassist Terry Butler stated about how he and his family are coping with the coronavirus crisis in their home state of Florida: "We're still practicing social distancing. And here at our house, we don't really go out unless we need to get food or something. We're still being as safe as possible.

"It's horrible," he continued. "The whole world is experiencing this. It's shut down a lot of stuff, but the music industry has been completely shut down. And I just hope soon we can get a vaccine or something and get back to some kind of normalcy on the planet.

"Everything we had scheduled for this year has been postponed, and it's gonna be rescheduled for 2021. So hopefully that will go through — festival dates and some tours we had lined up."

Asked how things are going with OBITUARY at the moment, Butler said: "Things are going good. Things are starting to kind of move along a little bit. We actually started writing some new material for a new album. We have a handful of songs kind of written — a lot of rhythms getting kicked around. We're gonna start practicing soon.

"For about three or four months, we kind of didn't do anything, just because the world was crazy. I mean, it's still crazy. So we're kind of starting to pick the instruments up right now and do some stuff and get the blood flowing again.

"Our hope is in 2021, maybe in the first half of the year, put a new record out."

Photo credit: Stefan Schippe

Guitarist/vocalist Richie Kotzen has just released a new solo single, "Raise The Cain". The track, the official lyric video for which can be seen below, features a guest appearance by Kotzen's THE WINERY DOGS bandmate, drummer Mike Portnoy.

"Raise The Cain" marks the first new solo music from Kotzen since the release of his 22nd solo album, "50 For 50", which came out in February via his own custom label, Headroom-Inc. That three-disc set was just what the title implies: a collection of 50 previously unreleased compositions produced, performed and written by Kotzen in honor of his birthday.

Richie explained his decision to release "Raise The Cain" in a social media post earlier today. He wrote: "So after releasing a 50 song original album at the start of 2020 I had absolutely no intention of releasing any more new music at any point this year. At least after doing some touring to support the '50 for 50' release… Well, That didn't happen…LOL. Suddenly I found myself like all of us locked up wondering what now? As one could have easily predicted I started receiving some new musical inspiration and new ideas from who knows where…

"The nucleus of this song came out of a phone conversation I had with my fellow Winery Dog band mate @MikePortnoy at the start of our Covid quarantine. He mentioned his drums were miked up and that he had been doing some recording. I said 'hey Mike, I've got an idea for you if you're up for it… Take 4 or 5 different tempos and different grooves and lay down a few song forms. Pretend I'm jamming with you and record as if it were a song. Once you get them sorted send them off to me and I'll see if I can edit some of your beats and possibly write them into songs.'

"I ended up writing the riff to Mike's 7/8 drum groove which then lead me down the road to completing a song which is 'Raise The Cain'.

"Initially I thought of sitting on the track to include on a full length album down the road but then reality sank back in. Why bother? Why bother sitting on a finished track and letting it sit on a hard drive until who knows when? No good reason to do that so here we are with yet another RK single release featuring some badass drumming from Master @mikeportnoy.

"I hope you all dig it!"

THE WINERY DOGS were founded in 2012 after Portnoy and bassist Billy Sheehan — who initially aimed to collaborate with former WHITESNAKE and BLUE MURDER guitarist John Sykes — reached out to Kotzen, who played with Sheehan in MR. BIG from 1997 to 2002. The group's 2013 self-titled debut reached No. 27 on the Billboard 200 after selling more than 10,000 copies in the U.S. during its first week of availability. The initial sales of follow-up effort "Hot Streak" were even better, as the album debuted at No. 30 in late 2015 after shifting 13,000 equivalent album units in America during its first week of availability.

A 20th-anniversary reissue of LINKIN PARK's debut album, "Hybrid Theory", will be made available on October 9 via Warner Records. The set comes in multiple physical and digital formats, including a super deluxe box set, super deluxe vinyl box set and deluxe CD that all come with the original "Hybrid Theory" as well as the "B-Side Rarities" with 12 previously released tracks from the album era.

A 12-minute video of LINKIN PARK's Mike Shinoda unboxing the "Hybrid Theory" super deluxe box set can be seen below.

The limited-edition super deluxe box set will consist of five CDs, three DVDs, three vinyl records, an 80-page illustrated book featuring previously unseen photos, a replica tour laminate and a poster of late frontman Chester Bennington, and three lithographs of new art by Mike Shinoda, Joe Hahn and "Hybrid Theory" art director and reissue art director Frank Maddocks. The vinyl box set will feature "Hybrid Theory", "Reanimation" and "B-side Rarities" on vinyl.

One of the never-before-heard demos, "She Couldn't", can be streamed below.

Super deluxe box set:

5 CDs

01. Hybrid Theory

02. Reanimation

03. B-Side Rarities

04. LPU Rarities

05. Forgotten Demos

3 DVDs

01. Frat Party At The Pankake Festival

02. Live Projekt Revolution 2002 (never-before-released)

03. Live At The Fillmore 2001 // Live At Rock Am Ring 2001

3 LPs

01. Hybrid Theory

02. Reanimation

03. Hybrid Theory EP

Extras:

* 80-page book featuring contributions from the band and previously unseen photos

* Cassette reproduction of original 2-track street team sampler

* 18x24 Poster of Chester Bennington

* 3 Lithographs featuring new art by Mike Shinoda, Joe Hahn, and Frank Maddocks

* Replica tour laminate

Super deluxe vinyl set:

3 LPs

01. Hybrid Theory

02. Reanimation

03. B-Side Rarities

Side A

01. One Step Closer (Rock Mix)

02. It's Goin' Down

03. Papercut (Live from the BBC)

04. In The End (Live BBC Radio One)

05. Points Of Authority (Live BBC Radio One)

06. High Voltage

Side B

07. Step Up (1999 Demo)

08. My December

09. A Place For My Head (Live at Docklands Arena, London)

10. Points Of Authority (Live at Docklands Arena, London)

11. Papercut (Live at Docklands Arena, London)

12. Buy Myself Remix (Marilyn Manson)

Deluxe CD:

2 CDS

01. Hybrid Theory

02. B-Side Rarities

Digital:

All audio tracks on the album will be available to stream or download.

"Hybrid Theory" — the band's original name before it was changed to LINKIN PARK for legal reasons — was issued in October 2000 and was a breakout success for the group, which had formed in 1996 and had played the Los Angeles club scene for several years. The album yielded four massive hit singles — "One Step Closer", "Crawling", "Papercut" and "In The End" — while going on to sell more than 10 million copies in the U.S. alone.

LINKIN PARK singer Chester Bennington and Shinoda spoke to The Pulse Of Radio a while back about some of the challenges of making their debut album.

"We walked into every song with a fresh, you know, outlook on it and we focused equal amounts of energy on every song," Bennington said. "And that at times was quite interesting, and also difficult at the same time. So we really learned how to push ourselves to new levels, and that was an accomplishment."

"Our biggest obstacle was putting something together that we felt was strong from beginning to end and doing our best to give each song its proper attention," Shinoda added.

Bennington was found dead in his Los Angeles-area home on July 20, 2017 after hanging himself. LINKIN PARK headlined an all-star tribute concert for Bennington in October 2017 in Los Angeles but has not announced any future plans for recording or touring.

The official music video for Corey Taylor's new song "Culture Head" can be seen below. The track is the latest single from Taylor's debut solo album, "CMFT", which will be released on October 2 via Roadrunner Records. Taylor recorded the effort with his band consisting of Jason Christopher on bass, Dustin Schoenhofer on drums, and Zach Throne and Christian Martucci (STONE SOUR) on guitar. The LP was completed at Kevin Churko's The Hideout Recording Studio in Las Vegas with producer Jay Ruston, who has previously worked with ANTHRAX, STEEL PANTHER and STONE SOUR, among others.

"I love what I've done in the past, I love the projects that I've been attached to, but this, honestly, was probably the most enjoyable album that I've done since the first SLIPKNOT album," Corey told Kerrang! magazine. "There was such a sense of, 'We're doing it together.' I hadn't felt anything like that for a really long time, man. People grow apart, relationships become fractious… people stop liking each other sometimes, in certain bands, you know? But with this, it was totally different, because we were all friends before that. We just happened to all play together, and then we formed a band around that friendship, and it all really galvanized it.

"This has definitely made me appreciate making music again, let's put it that way," he added.

The first three singles from the album, "CMFT Must Be Stopped", "Black Eyes Blue" and "HWY 666", were released in July and early September and are available on all streaming platforms now.

"I was talking to my wife about this the other day — I was, like, 'Fuck! There's nobody for me to hide behind!'" Corey told Kerrang! "It's easy to take risks when you have the benefit of a well-established name — and by that, I mean the bands that I've been in for 20 years. But I also feel like I've earned the right to put something out there and throw people for a loop — not only with the things that I've done with both bands, but the guest spots that I've done with several bands: everybody from TONIGHT ALIVE to Zakk Wylde to Tech N9ne. I mean, I've really spread out, in a cool way. I've never sequestered myself to one corner of the genre; I've never allowed myself to be painted into a corner. And I think because of that, people's minds are a lot more open when they hear that I'm putting something out. They're gonna come into it with this mindset of, 'Okay, I don't know what the fuck I'm about to hear. This should be interesting. I think by doing that, that really sets the tone for your career."

SLIPKNOT recently canceled all of its previously announced summer 2020 tour dates, including the "Knotfest Roadshow", Knotfest UK and Knotfest At Sea, due to the coronavirus pandemic which is sweeping the globe.

Drummer Joel Maitoza (24-7 Spyz, Seventrain, Shockhead) has just released the second video from his new project, The Frequency Conspiracy. It’s a cover version of "Carry On Wayward Son" by Kansas, from the soon to be released Quarantine Covers album featuring vocalist Andrew Freeman (Last In Line, Lynch Mob, Offspring), guitarist Christophe Godin (Mörglbl, The Prize, Wax In), bassist Jaimie Scott (Tyketto, Vaughn), and drummer Joel Maitoza (24-7 Spyz, Shockhead, Seventrain).

Maitoza states: “It’s been a blast remaking all of these cover songs and working with such extraordinary musicians. The final nine songs for the album have been selected which will include some surprise cameo appearances. I’m super excited for this album to be completed so I can share it with you all. We’re shooting for a January 2021 release date if all goes as planned.”

The album is currently being recorded at Exum Studios by Scott Exum (Stabbing Westward, Unwritten Law), Room 9 Studios by Jerry Whiting and AJP Studios by Alex Pappas (Finch).

The video for "Carry On Wayward Son" can be found below:

The Frequency Conspiracy previously released a cover of “Rock Candy” by Montrose. Watch the clip below:




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

With the success of the Kickstarter campaign for the launch of Wicked Words And Epic Tales, Iced Earth founder, songwriter, guitarist and producer Jon Schaffer returns with another lyric video, for the track “Dystopia" (A Narrative Soundscape). The video for the track is a compilation of footage from various points of history with pages from the book interspersed. Images of the world in strife provide the visual bed for Schaffer’s haunting reading of lyrics from “Dystopia”. The video can be seen below.

“If you're a long time Iced Earth fan ‘Dystopia’ is definitely one of the tracks that you'll want to check out off Wicked Words And Epic Tales! There has never been a more appropriate time for this song, I don't think anyone is experiencing the utopia we've all been promised!,” declares Jon Schaffer.

Wicked Words And Epic Tales is a collection of lyrics, interviews and pages of artwork that Schaffer’s work has inspired throughout the years. The book is an anthology of lyrics from Schaffer that span his 35 years in making music in various projects including Iced Earth, Demons & Wizards, Sons Of Liberty and Purgatory, and is the first from his new publishing company Wicked Tales, LLC.

The book comes in two unique covers: one created by Jonboy Meyers (above) and another by Jim Balent and Roy Young (below), and is over 200 pages.

The coffee table art book also features original drawings from some of the most notable artists including Todd McFarlane, Greg Capullo, Monte Moore and numerous others.

The book also features an audio CD of 15 tracks that is exclusively available with the purchase of the deluxe edition book. Dubbed “A Narrative Soundscape” by Schaffer, these recordings are a completely re-imagined delivery of the lyrics of Iced Earth songs created exclusively for this release. Longtime collaborator Jim Morris worked with Jon Schaffer on these versions.

Fans can pre-order Wicked Words And Epic Tales here.

“I wanted to put something together that would be a truly unique experience not only for the fans of my bands, but for newcomers as well,” explains Jon Schaffer.

The tracklisting for Wicked Words and Epic Tales is:

"Dystopia" (A Narrative Soundscape)
"Declaration Day" (A Narrative Soundscape)
"Wolf" (A Narrative Soundscape)
"Dante’s Inferno" (A Narrative Soundscape)
"Melancholy (Holy Martyr)" (A Narrative Soundscape)
"Dracula" (A Narrative Soundscape)
"Raven Wing" (A Narrative Soundscape)
"Angels Holocaust" (A Narrative Soundscape)
"The Clouding" (A Narrative Soundscape)
"Something Wicked Trilogy" (A Narrative Soundscape)
"Watching Over Me" (A Narrative Soundscape)
"Seven Headed Whore" (A Narrative Soundscape)
"Damien" (A Narrative Soundscape)
"A Question of Heaven" (A Narrative Soundscape)
"Come What May" (A Narrative Soundscape)

“Wolf" (A Narrative Soundscape) lyric video:

“Dracula" (A Narrative Soundscape) lyric video:

Artists that have contributed pieces for Wicked Words and Epic Tales: Jim Balent, Jonboy Meyers, Roy Young, David Newman-Stump, Nathan Perry, Leo Hao, Eliran Kantor, Axel Hermann, Todd McFarlane, Greg Capullo, Tim Vigil, Monte Moore, Danny Miki, Sun Khamunaki, John Gallagher, Emile Levaique, John Giang, Felipe Machado, Jamie Tyndall, Dylan Andrews, Lucio Parrillo, Travis Smith, Richard Ortiz.

(Photo - Tim Tronckoe)




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

Sepultura recently premiered the official music video for "Guardians Of Earth", the fourth single taken from their latest album, Quadra. The band have now released an "alternate audio" version of the clip. Watch both below:

"Guardians Of Earth" (Alternate Audio) video:

"Guardians Of Earth" video:




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

September 25th saw the release of the debut single from Donna Cannone. A gloriously hooky slice of melodic rock n roll featuring two former Thundermothers as well as the Soilwork / The Nightflight Orchestra main man, the track backs up the band’s statement of intent that music should be fun, and "Cross The Line" most certainly is!

And with that, Donna Cannone was born. Former Thundermother member Giorgia Cateri (guitars) and her fellow Italian colleague Luca D’Andria found themselves heading to a rehearsal room a short while ago to play some music and, in their own words, "have some fun." Giorgia’s former Thundermother bandmate Tilda Nilke Nordlund was brought in on drums as the trio began putting together a number of new songs. A knock at the door brought a surprise as, guitar in hand, Bjorn ‘Speed’ Strid (Soilwork, The Nightflight Orchestra) had heard what the band were up to and wanted in. Soon the quartet were recording demos, and one of these demos fell into the hands of Swedish label Despotz Records and a deal was soon done.

"It is with great excitement we announce our signing with Despotz Records. We believe we can achieve some amazing things together and this unit is currently brewing something very interesting. - Something real, wicked, and fiery, that will both cross bridges and cross lines."

The first fruits of this collaboration is the band’s debut single, "Cross The Line", taken from their upcoming album scheduled for early 2021.

The band comments: "'Cross The Line' is a  song for the outcasts. A song for those still brave enough to follow their dreams and to stand for their beliefs. For those who are not afraid to face reality and find their path in life, no matter the cost!"

Donna Cannone is: 

Luca D’Andria - vocals, bass
Giorgia Carteri - guitar
Björn "Speed" Strid - guitar
Tilda Nilke Nordlund - drums

Photo by Linn Cavalli




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

During the Summer of 2020, Blood Incantation filmed and recorded a live performance of their Hidden History Of The Human Race album, which was released in November 2019 through Century Media Records and Dark Descent Records.

Filmed by James Hansen, with audio recorded by Aaron Rosano, it can be enjoyed below.

Recorded completely analogue at World Famous Studios in Denver, CO, Hidden History Of The Human Race expands the sonic cosmos explored on Blood Incantation’s critically acclaimed debut Starspawn.

The album is available as Limited Edition CD Digipak with green logo patch, Gatefold LP with 20 page pamphlet, lyric sheet, CD and poster as well as on all digital platforms. Order here.

Tracklisting:

"Slave Species Of The Gods"
"The Giza Power Plant"
"Inner Paths (To Outer Space)"
"Awakening From The Dream Of Existence To The Multidimensional Nature Of Our Reality (Mirror Of The Soul)"

"Slave Species Of The Gods" video:




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

Following the release of debut album Origin Of Species in early 2019, DarWin is set to release the follow up album, DarWin 2: A Frozen War, on November 6th.

“Eternal Life” is the new single from DarWin’s second album DarWin2: A Frozen War. Guitarist Guthrie Govan joins DarWin with amazing solo work on this epic song; the lyric video can be seen below.

Once more DarWin has assembled a stunning ensemble of musicians. DarWin II: A Frozen War continues the core collaboration with Simon Phillips (drums, Toto/The Who/Jeff Beck), Matt Bissonette (Elton John, David Lee Roth, Ringo Starr) and DarWin. Joining them are powerhouse players Billy Sheehan (bass, Mr Big/ Steve Vai/Winery Dogs), Guthrie Govan (guitar, Aristocrats/Asia/Hans Zimmer/Steven Wilson), Greg Howe (guitar, Michael Jackson/Justin Timberlake), Derek Sherinian (keyboards, Dream Theater/Alice Cooper/Black Country Communion) and more.

The second album builds on the themes of Origin Of Species - first single “Nightmare Of My Dreams” features a stunning video (watch below) centred around the theme of the recent wildfires and filmed in areas of Australia directly affected. The other tracks build on DarWin’s sound - drawing the best elements of progressive rock with a depth of vocal sound scapes and  songwriting. There is a generous amount of guitar shred and heavy grooves on display for the rock faithful who demand athletic performances.

DarWin 2: A Frozen War tracklisting:

"Nightmare Of My Dreams"
"Future History"
"Eternal Life"
"A Frozen War"
"Another Year"

"Nightmare Of My Dreams" video:

The album is also be available in spectacular Double Coloured Eco-Vinyl Gatefold LP with 30cm x 20cm poster. LP1 will be the standard album tracklisting, as above. LP2 features new interpretations of various songs from the first two albums, highlighting  the orchestral or unplugged performances of the earlier tracks.  They were all mixed and rearranged by mastermind Simon Phillips, and show a more delicate and emotional side to the DarWin recordings.  

The full tracklisting for LP2 is as follows

Side A:
"Escape The Maze" (Orchestral)
"Nightmare Of My Dreams" (Orchestral)
"Slowly Melting" (Unplugged)
"Forever" (Orchestral)
 
Side B:
"One Horizon" (Unplugged)
"Rise" (Orchestral)
"Last Chance" (Orchestral)
"Another Year" (Acapella)

DarWin says. “We completed this album under extraordinary circumstances. The writing for the album continued as we wrapped Origin of Species in 2018, and our worlds were turned upside down by wildfires and viral pandemics. We’re grateful to the amazing group of musicians, artists and professionals who participated in this project. Almost no aspect of the creative process was “typical,” with team members spread out around the world, and often under lock down. We had our instruments, our technologies, and a passion for musical creativity. We hope that the emotion and resilience of this time period will come through these recordings.”

DarWin 2: A Frozen War was produced by DarWin and Simon Phillips and recorded primarily in Iceland and the US.

DarWin’s debut Origin Of Species was the first instalment in an epic saga that addresses the challenges of mankind in our coming era. It depicts the role of a changing planet, and the potential, as well as limitations, of technology to help solve mankind’s greatest challenges. A complex project that’s eschews the hollow immediacy of much contemporary art. A story that demands attention and imagination. With music sweeping in scope, at times evoking hard rock virtuoso shredding, alongside grand orchestral compositions, warm harmonies and soaring choruses. A project that is even more relevant in the strange times we live in.




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

Nylon Maiden Lives On, the new double album by Thomas Zwijsen featuring 18 acoustic Iron Maiden arrangements is available now at Zwijsen's offcial website here. The album features Wiki Krawczyk on violin.

The video clip below previews some of the songs, including "Empire Of The Clouds", and shows Zwijsen signing the 250 pre-orders.

Tracklist: 

"The Evil That Men Do"
"Sun and Steel"
"No More Lies"
"The Clansman"
"Be Quick Or Be Dead"
"The Loneliness Of The Long Distance Runner"
"Coming Home"
"Brave New World"
"Mother Russia"
"Caught Somewhere In Time"
"Running Free"
"Sign Of The Cross"
"Quest For Fire"
"Can I Play With Madness?"
"Transylvania"
"Hallowed Be Thy Name"
"The Duellists"
"Empire Of The Clouds"

Nylon Maiden Lives On by Thomas Zwijsen




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

Video footage of Scorpions performing their classic "The Zoo" in Berlin, Germany in December 1990 has been posted by the band. Watch the clip below:

Scorpions are celebrating the 30th anniversary of the first release of “Wind Of Change” with an exclusive box set, out October 3. Pre-order here.

Wind Of Change: The Iconic Song includes an 84-page hardcover book with rare and previously unseen photographs, vocal and piano arrangements and five versions of the song - including one unreleased - on CD and 12" LP.

Heart and centrepiece of the box set is a handcrafted unique piece of the Berlin Wall, customized with the red “Wind Of Change” star and a handwritten lyric by Klaus Meine.

Deluxe box set includes:

- 12“LP & CD
- 84-pages hardcover book with story written by Dr. Edgar Klüsener former editor-in-chief of Metal Hammer and close confidant of the band
- Rare und exclusive photographs by Didi Zill, band photographer during that period
- Interview with Klaus Meine
- Material from Klaus Meine‘s private archive
- Vocal and piano arrangement
- Handcrafted unique piece of the Berlin Wall customized with the red “Wind Of Change” star and a handwritten lyric by Klaus Meine.

Tracklisting:

CD
"Wind Of Change" (Crazy World Version)
"Wind Of Change" (Scorpions & Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra Version)
"Ветер перемен" (Russian Version)
"Viento de Cambio" (Spanish Version)
"Wind Of Change" (Unreleased Demo Version by Klaus Meine)

LP
Side A
"Wind Of Change" (Crazy World Version)
"Wind Of Change" (Scorpions & Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra Version)

Side B
"Ветер перемен" (Russian Version)
"Viento de Cambio" (Spanish Version)
"Wind Of Change" (Unreleased Demo Version by Klaus Meine)

A worldwide retail version of the box will be available in an altered form in November 2020, 30 years after the release of the album"Crazy World with an 84-page book, vocal and piano arrangement and Vinyl & CD.




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