MEGADETH's Dave Mustaine has confirmed that he reached out to Bruce Dickinson after he was diagnosed with throat cancer nearly a year and a half ago. The IRON MAIDEN frontman himself had surgery to remove a cancerous lump on his throat back in 2015. He has since recovered and continues to sing with the band, although he said that his vocal cords were "cooked" due to the required cancer treatments.

Asked in a new interview with Forbes if he called Dickinson for advice on how to deal with cancer, Mustaine said: "After I was diagnosed with it, I thought, 'I want to call Bruce,' it's not like I have a whole Rolodex of rock friends that sing heavy metal music that have throat cancer [laughs], so my choices were limited.

"I was pretty proud of Bruce after speaking with him," he continued. "Although we're not super close, I consider him to be someone I look up to. He basically told me the same thing I just told you: surround yourself with good, upbeat, positive people, places and things and try not to cause any unnecessary stress on yourself.

"When you're a frontman in one of the biggest bands in the galaxy, you don't really have to tolerate the frontman of the other bands very much, but he's always been super kind to me and very, I don't want to say 'gentlemanly,' because I don't want anyone to think that he's not a bad motherfucker!"

Dave previously revealed he had spoken with Dickinson in a November 2019 interview with Rolling Stone. He said at the time: "[Bruce told me] when he had his disease [a cancerous tumor on the back of his tongue], after his treatment was done, he was told that he needed between three to six months of rest. He said to me that he didn’t listen and had a little bit of trouble, so then he realized he needed to listen. So he did and his voice came back stronger than ever. I care so much about Bruce; he was another really supportive brother to me during this whole thing. He explained to me how he did it, and it really helped. I'm just looking forward to if there's ever a circumstance where this happens to another one of my peers, I can return the favor and help them. It's a tricky disease, but they've got doctors all over the place that are figuring this shit out."

Mustaine was told he was cancer-free last October, five months after receiving his throat cancer diagnosis.

The 58-year-old MEGADETH guitarist/vocalist revealed his throat cancer diagnosis in June 2019 on social media, saying the doctors had given him a 90 percent chance of beating the illness. He later said that he underwent 51 radiation treatments and nine chemo treatments before being declared cancer-free.

Mustaine's new book, "Rust In Peace: The Inside Story Of The Megadeth Masterpiece", was released on September 8 via Hachette Books. It details the making of MEGADETH's iconic record "Rust In Peace".

KISS frontman Paul Stanley has criticized three-time Olympic volleyball gold medalist Kerri Walsh Jennings after she said she went to the grocery store without a mask.

Walsh Jennings posted on Instagram how she did not wear a mask while shopping over the weekend, which she referred to as "a little exercise in being brave."

"I read a quote the other day that shook me - - THIS HAS NOT BEEN ENFORCED, IT’S BEEN CONSENTED TO," Walsh Jennings wrote. "This statement woke me up & the truth of it has had me obsessing on the matter of how I can mindfully & compassionately stand up for my rights & for the freedoms our constitution has granted us all WITHOUT being reckless or putting anyone else in danger."

Walsh Jennings said she empathized with those who have lost a loved one to COVID-19, but also wrote "KNOW your immune system is designed to support you through any illness – we must work support our entire system. I want people to stop living in fear and start living in a way that strengthens themselves body, mind and spirit."

On Tuesday (September 8), Stanley shared a CNN article about Walsh Jennings's social media post, and he included the following message: "Sad when someone confuses stupidity and selfishness with bravery. How about showing 'bravery' by working in the ICU COVID Unit without PPE? Nothing 'brave' about driving a car into a crowd with a blindfold on. Let's stop the 'freedom' and 'hoax' nonsense. Wear a mask."

Most public health experts have repeatedly that wearing a mask is a preventive measure amid the coronavirus pandemic.

More than 188,000 U.S. deaths have been caused by COVID-19, according to the Centers For Disease Control And Prevention.

The day after her original post, Walsh Jennings offered an apology, writing: "I was not looking to do anything but express my belief that FREEDOM IS RIGHT WORTH FIGHTING FOR, and amidst the chaos, divisiveness, fear and undeniable emotion of these times, I believe we have to stay mindful of the FACT that our freedoms have slowly been taken from us with our consent."

STEEL PANTHER singer Michael Starr has has reflected on the passing of QUIET RIOT drummer Frankie Banali. Banali, who joined QUIET RIOT in 1982 and played on its breakthrough album, 1983's "Metal Health", the first heavy metal LP to top Billboard's album chart, died in August after a 16-month battle with pancreatic cancer.

Speaking to Anne Erickson of Audio Ink Radio, Starr said (hear audio below): "It was so sad to hear that news [of Frankie's death]. He was one of the founders of heavy metal. QUIET RIOT are the ones that were coined heavy metal back in the day. I don't know if you know that, but at least in America, in my experience, that's how it went down. And I knew Frankie. We weren't super-close friends, but we were professional friends. And I also toured with them. I played in a band for a while called L.A. GUNS, and we toured with QUIET RIOT. We did two legs with them, so we did a total of 12 weeks together. And I got to know him and Kevin [DuBrow, original QUIET RIOT singer] really well. Kevin was very helpful to me, 'cause I was just learning how to tour. And Frankie was really cool. And also SLAUGHTER was on that tour as well. It was great to get to know him, and then to hear of his passing was just like… I don't know. I don't know how to put it in words. It just sucks. Such a bummer."

QUIET RIOT announced on Wednesday that it will carry on touring following Frankie's death. The band, which now features drummer Johnny Kelly (DANZIG, TYPE O NEGATIVE), has announced a couple of shows for October as well as and a string of dates in 2021. "It was Frankie Banali's wish that the band continue and we keep the music and the legacy alive," the group wrote on Facebook.

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

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

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

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

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

DISTURBED has released a cover version of Sting's 1993 single "If I Ever Lose My Faith In You". The official music video for the track, directed by Matt Mahurin, can be seen below.

Said the band about the new cover: "We have loved this song for a long time, and even though it was released in 1993, it seems strangely applicable to today's world. The song is about losing faith, and might initially sound pessimistic, but it's about the importance and power of personal relationships, and how they can save you and provide solace in an increasingly confusing world."

DISTURBED had great commercial success with its last cover, an orchestral treatment of SIMON AND GARFUNKEL's 1964 song "The Sound Of Silence", which appeared on 2015's "Immortalized" album. The band also previously covered TEARS FOR FEARS' "Shout" in 2000 and GENESIS's "Land Of Confusion" in 2005, the latter of which landed at position No. 1 on the Mainstream Rock chart.

"The Sound Of Silence" earned DISTURBED its highest Billboard Hot 100 chart position ever (No. 42 in 2016).

This past June, DISTURBED confirmed the rescheduled 2021 dates for its "The Sickness 20th Anniversary Tour", co-produced by Frank Productions and Live Nation. The amphitheater tour, with very special guest STAIND and BAD WOLVES, will begin on July 7, 2021 at iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre and all previously purchased tickets will be honored for their rescheduled dates. "The Sickness 20th Anniversary Tour" celebrates the two-decade anniversary of the band’s seminal album "The Sickness". On this tour, the band will perform songs off the album, as well as tracks from their most recent studio release, "Evolution", and their extensive catalog.

Last September, DISTURBED's "No More" landed at position No. 1 on Billboard's Mainstream Rock Songs airplay chart. The track, which was the third single from "Evolution", marked DISTURBED's seventh straight No. 1 on the chart.

Atlanta progressive metallers MASTODON have released the official music video for a new song called "Fallen Torches". The clip, which features a guest appearance by NEUROSIS's Scott Kelly, was directed by Hey Beautiful Jerk and Machina-Infinitum.

"Fallen Torches" is taken from MASTODON's new rarities collection titled "Medium Rarities", which is being released today (Friday, September 11). The compilation also includes a bevy of classic covers, soundtrack contributions, instrumentals, B-sides, and live recordings on one complete package for the very first time.

Among an eclectic array of covers, the MASTODON members tackle "A Commotion" by FEIST, "A Spoonful Weighs A Ton" by THE FLAMING LIPS, "Atlanta" by BUTTHOLE SURFERS, and "Orion" by METALLICA. It also features soundtrack cuts such as "White Walker" (from the "Game Of Thrones"-inspired mix tape) and the soundtrack song "Cut You Up With A Linoleum Knife" ("Aqua Teen Hunger Force Colon Movie Film For Theaters"). Meanwhile, they get under the hood with instrumental versions of "Asleep In The Deep", "Toe To Toes", "Jaguar God" and "Halloween". 14 of these tracks have never been available on streaming services until now. The limited-edition double LP is pressed on pink vinyl.

Regarding "Fallen Torches", MASTODON said in a press release: "This classic MASTODON track was recorded in Atlanta in 2019, originally planned to be released in support of a European tour. The track was delayed so the band could focus on the release of 'Stairway To Nick John', a tribute to [MASTODON's] late, long time manager Nick John, with proceeds going to the Hirshberg Foundation for Pacreatic Cancer Research in his honor."

"Medium Rarities" track listing:

01. Fallen Torches

02. A Commotion (FEIST cover)

03. Asleep In The Deep (instrumental)

04. Capillarian Crest (live)

05. A Spoonful Weighs A Ton (THE FLAMING LIPS cover)

06. Toe To Toes (instrumental)

07. Circle Of Cysquatch (live)

08. Atlanta (feat. Gibby Haynes)

09. Jaguar God (instrumental)

10. Cut You Up With A Linoleum Knife

11. Blood & Thunder

12. White Walker

13. Halloween (instrumental)

14. Crystal Skull (live)

15. Orion (METALLICA cover)

16. Iron Tusk (live)

MASTODON's latest album, "Emperor Of Sand", debuted at No. 7 on the Billboard 200. That LP was nominated for the 2018 Grammy Award for "Best Rock Album," and its opening track, "Sultan's Curse", won the Grammy Award for "Best Metal Performance."

Earlier in the year, MASTODON wrote and recorded a new song called "Rufus Lives" for inclusion in the latest "Bill & Ted Face The Music" movie.

"Bill & Ted Face The Music", which reunites Alex Winter and Keanu Reeves in the title roles for the first time since 1991's "Bill & Ted's Bogus Journey", was released late last month.

BLUE ÖYSTER CULT has released the official music video for the song "Box In My Head". The track is taken from the band's upcoming album, "The Symbol Remains", which will be released on October 9 via Frontiers Music Srl. Coming nearly two decades after the release of the band's last studio LP, "Curse Of The Hidden Mirror", the effort showcases a band which hasn't been slowed by the time passed but is simply unfazed by it. "The Symbol Remains" is said to be one of BLUE ÖYSTER CULT's most spirited, diverse and inspired releases to date.

"The Symbol Remains" track listing:

01. That Was Me

02. Box In My Head

03. Tainted Blood

04. Nightmare Epiphany

05. Edge Of The World

06. The Machine

07. Train True (Lennie's Song)

08. The Return Of St. Cecilia

09. Stand And Fight

10. Florida Man

11. The Alchemist

12. Secret Road

13. There's A Crime

14. Fight

As the saying goes, "good things come to those who wait," and the 14 new songs on display here embody that. Fans will be delighted with an extremely inspired album which ultimately sounds like a band looking back at their storied catalog and giving the fans a bit of everything they've ever loved about BÖC, while simultaneously continuing to evolve.

For over four decades, BLUE ÖYSTER CULT has been thrilling fans of intelligent hard rock worldwide with powerful albums loaded with classic songs. Indeed, the Long Island, New York‐based band is revered within the hard rock and heavy metal scene for its pioneering work. BLUE ÖYSTER CULT occupies a unique place in rock history because it's one of very few hard rock/heavy metal bands to earn both genuine mainstream critical acclaim as well as commercial success. Now they have partnered up with Frontiers Music Srl to continue their amazing journey.

BÖC is often cited as a major influence by other acts such as METALLICA, and BÖC was listed in VH1's countdown of the greatest hard rock bands of all time.

Upon the release of BÖC's self-titled debut album in 1972, the band was praised for its catchy-yet-heavy music and lyrics that could be provocative, terrifying, funny or ambiguous, often all in the same song. BÖC's canon contains three stone‐cold classic songs that will waft through the cosmos long after the sun has burned out: the truly haunting "(Don't Fear) The Reaper" from 1976's "Agents Of Fortune", the pummeling "Godzilla" from 1977's "Spectres" and the hypnotically melodic "Burnin' for You" from 1981's "Fire Of Unknown Origin". Other notable BÖC songs include "Cities On Flame With Rock And Roll", "Then Came The Last Days Of May", "I Love The Night", "In Thee", "Veteran Of The Psychic Wars", "Dominance And Submission", "Astronomy", "Black Blade" and "Shooting Shark".

The intense creative vision of BÖC's original core duo of vocalist/lead guitarist Donald "Buck Dharma" Roeser and vocalist/rhythm guitarist Eric Bloom are complemented by Richie Castellano on guitar and keyboards, and the longtime rhythm section of bass guitarist Danny Miranda, and drummer Jules Radino.

Sweden’s Pain Of Salvation recently released their new studio album, Panther, via InsideOutMusic, and next to strong media acclaim, the release has also managed to enter various international sales charts as follows: Germany # 19, Switzerland # 18, Austria # 43, Belgium (Wallonia) # 42, France # 125 as well as # 21 in the “Current Hard Music Albums” chart in the US.

In order to further enhance the album’s release, the band are now launching a new drum playthrough clip showing drummer Léo Margarit going through the album’s opening track, “Accelerator”. Watch below:

Panther, the follow-up release to 2017’s In The Passing Light Of Day album, was recorded, mixed and produced by Daniel Gildenlöw with Daniel Bergstrand (In Flames, Meshuggah, Devin Townsend) and comes with a comprehensive artwork-theme with illustrations made by André Meister.

Order here.

Panther tracklisting:

"Accelerator"
"Unfuture"
"Restless Boy"
"Wait"
"Keen To A Fault"
"Fur"
"Panther"
"Species"
"Icon"

“Unfuture” lyric video:

“Panther” video:

"Restless Boy" video:

“Accelerator” video:

In other Pain Of Salvation news, a special 20th anniversary edition of the band’s third album The Perfect Element, Pt. I from 2000 will be released on November 20 via InsideOutMusic.

Following on from the widely praised remix of the classic Pain Of Salvation album Remedy Lane in 2016, this completely remixed and remastered new edition is entitled The Perfect Element, Pt. I (Anniversary Mix 2020) and will be out as limited 2CD Digipak and Digital Album (with a total of 8 bonus tracks) as well as in the Gatefold 2LP format on 180g vinyl with the entire remixed album as bonus CD.

Further details and a first single will be available on September 18, with the release’s pre-order start, so stay tuned for more news soon.




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On September 25, The Ocean will release their 8th full-length, Phanerozoic II: Mesozoic | Cenozoic, via Metal Blade Records (CD / digital) and the band's own Pelagic Records (vinyl).

In 2018, The Ocean released Phanerozoic I: Palaeozoic - the first half of a sprawling but superbly cohesive paleontology concept album. Now, the group is ready to release the concluding parts of the Phanerozoic journey.

For a preview of Phanerozoic II: Mesozoic | Cenozoic, a video for the new single "Pleistocene" (directed by Craig Murray) can be found below.

The new album can be pre-ordered here in the following formats:

- Deluxe edition CD (tri-fold digipak)
- Instrumental CD (Remus spine digipak w/ UV gloss)
- Box set completion bundle (tri-fold vocal version CD digipak, instrumental version CD digipak, 2 posters, pin, and sticker)
* Exclusive bundles with shirts and merch items, plus digital options are also available

Widely hailed as their finest work to date, Phanerozoic I brimmed with moments of wide-eyed melodic brilliance, alongside the expected warping and weaving of post-metal conventions. "The first part of Phanerozoic really is a 'no-regrets' album, which is quite rare," says guitarist Robin Staps. "Maybe even the first time I can ever say that."

In contrast with the compositional directness of Phanerozoic I, the new album - Phanerozoic II: Mesozoic | Cenozoic - is a vastly more progressive and perverse piece of work. "Phanerozoic II is more experimental, more eclectic in musical style and direction, and more varied in terms of tempos, beats, guitar work and the use of electronics," notes Staps. "This was an intentional choice: we wanted Part I to feel rather streamlined and to have a strong cohesion between the individual songs. We wanted to create a certain vibe to linger from the first until the last note throughout the whole record. We kept the weirder, more daring and more progressive material for Part II."

Tracked in Iceland, Spain and Germany and produced by esteemed studio guru Jens Bogren, Phanerozoic II is underpinned by some of the most imaginative and challenging music that The Ocean - completed by drummer Paul Seidel, keyboard maestro Peter Voigtmann, bassist Mattias Hagerstrand and guitarist David Ramis Åhfeldt - have made yet. Divided into two sections - Mesozoic and Cenozoic - the album once again showcases the detail and depth that have become two of The Ocean's most enduring trademarks. While ostensibly delving into the extraordinary realities of the Earth's shifting temporal tides, Staps and his comrades have long drawn hazy parallels between their chosen subjects and the emotional experiences that their music strives to convey. Phanerozoic II is essentially an album about time, with some very poignant and pointed allusions to the modern world woven into the new music's spiritual fabric.

Staps explains, "The outcome is a record that is a real journey. It starts in one place, and concludes in a totally different place. In a way, it relates to 2013's Pelagial, which was similar in that it was also a journey: but a more guided, focused and predictable one. Phanerozoic II on the other hand is closer to the experience of free fall."

Tracklisting:

“Triassic”
“Jurassic | Cretaceous”
“Palaeocene”
“Eocene”
“Oligocene”
“Miocene | Pliocene”
“Pleistocene”
“Holocene”

"Pleistocene" video:

"Oligocene" video:

“Jurassic | Cretaceous” feat. Katotonia’s Jonas Renske:

(Photo - David Robins)




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

Guitarist Josh Rand states: "'Taciturn': The Human tries to bring everything back together, begging for some sort of compromise from all angles."




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Swedish melodic death metal formation, The Unguided, will release their new album, Father Shadow, on October 9 via Napalm Records.

Today, the band presents their second single, “Never Yield”. Along with a fantasy-inspired and rousing official lyric video, the four-piece presents a fast-paced banger that will pierce straight into your eardrums. A clean chorus exploding in deep, menacing shouts characterizes the new hard-hitting offering.

With their new full-length, these Nordic heavyweights prove that they can’t be pigeonholed. Eleven quick-tempered, high-voltage pieces indicate that The Unguided have liberated themselves from the shadows of the past but are still aware of their manifold roots. The intoxicating mixture of clean hooklines and classifying screams lead up to a unique symbiosis of pure harshness.

Pre-order Father Shadow here.

With Father Shadow, The Unguided - comprised of the brothers and founders from Sonic Syndicate - break down the barriers between melodic death metal, metalcore and fitting electronic sounds. Clean hooklines explode in classifying screams, leading up to a unique symbiosis of pure harshness. With brutal shouts, an unmistakably catchy chorus and a huge chunk of honest words, "Crown Prince Syndrome" unveils the burden of an innate identity. The perfect symbiosis of Richard Sjunnesson’s forceful vocal pitch and Jonathan Thorpenberg’s clean vocals convinces to the fullest extent. Tracks like the banger “Never Yield” and “War Of Oceans” pierce straight into your eardrums. Let yourself be drawn into the deep, dark underbelly of “Stand Alone Complex”, capturing your mind with ruthlessly harsh drums. “Gaia”, featuring Erik Engstrand, marks a new chapter in the era of The Unguided: harder, faster but always on point. With heavy handed cover versions of their own classic Sonic Syndicate tracks “Jailbreak”, “Denied” and “Jack Of Diamonds”, the four piece also thrives in reminiscence - and reveals a new musical entity. Follow The Unguided into the deep shadows of the past and the abyss of the future.

The Unguided on the new album: “We started to work on the follow up to And the Battle Royale by the end of 2018 after the tour was done. I think that particular album was a lot about figuring out the band’s new identity and writing together after boarding a new member and undeniably it was well received. Father Shadow is all about taking that experience, refining the process and push it to the next level. We have grown together solidly as a band and I think it shows a lot on this album. The songwriters in the band all comes from different schools and write a bit differently musically, on this album everyone got equal airtime just to pump the diversity without losing the feel of the band. Lyrically it pushes the story and concept forward and finally ties up some ends that have been loose since Fragile Immortality (2014), something I think the hardcore fans will appreciate. It was also fun to go back and revisit those old Sonic Syndicate tracks for the bonus material and I think we managed to do our own thing to honor the songs with a mint 2020 production. Utterly we created the songs and album we’d love to listen to ourselves and we succeeded with that and hope you’ll like it as much as we do!”
 
Father Shadow will be available in the following formats:

- 1 CD Digipak
- 2 LP Gatefold Vinyl Black
- 1 CD Digipak + Shirt Bundle

Tracklisting:

"Childhood’s End"
"Never Yield"
"War Of Oceans"
"Breach"
"Where Love Comes To Die"
"Crown Prince Syndrome"
"Fate’s Hand"
"Stand Alone Complex"
"Lance Of Longinus"
"Seth"
"Gaia" feat. Erik Engstrand
"Jailbreak" (Bonus Track / Sonic Syndicate Cover)
"Denied" (Bonus Track / Sonic Syndicate Cover)
"Jack Of Diamonds" (Bonus Track / Sonic Syndicate Cover)

"Crown Prince Syndrome" video:

Lineup:

Richard Sjunnesson - Vocals
Jonathan Thorpenberg - Vocals / Guitars
Roger Sjunnesson - Guitars
Richard Schill - Drums

(Photo - Patric Ullaeus)




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Jimi Hendrix Experience - Live In Maui will be available as 2CD+Blu-Ray or 3LP+Blu-Ray on November 20. Pre-order here, and watch the video for "Voodoo Child (Slight Return)" - Live In Maui, 1970, below.

Experience Hendrix announces a brand new collection that couples the new feature length documentary Music, Money, Madness . . . Jimi Hendrix In Maui with the accompanying live performances on both audio and video.

The film chronicles the Jimi Hendrix Experience’s storied visit to Maui, and how the band became ensnared with the ill-fated Rainbow Bridge movie and incorporates never before released original footage and new interviews. The Blu-ray will include the full documentary film plus all the footage from the two afternoon performances captured on July 30, 1970 mixed in both stereo and  5.1 surround sound.

Also included in the package will be Live In Maui - A two CD set featuring Hendrix, Billy Cox, Mitch Mitchell at the height of their playing powers, newly restored and mixed by longtime Hendrix engineer Eddie Kramer.




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Supergroup Flying Colors will be releasing their brand-new live album, Third Stage: Live In London, on September 18 via Music Theories Recordings. Pre-order here, and watch the video for "More" below.

Third Stage: Live In London was filmed during their 2019 US and European tour and the footage captures the exhilarating sold-out final night, on the December 14 at the iconic Grade II Listed, Shepherd’s Bush Empire, London. The album will be released on several formats including, orange transparent 3LP, Blu-ray, digitally, 2CD/DVD and a 40-page Earbook which includes 5 discs; 2CD album, 2DVDs and a Blu-ray. The Blu-ray and DVDs in the Earbook also include bonus material of music videos and concert footage of their Morsefest 2019 performance in Cross Plains, Tennessee.

When you combine the calibre of supergroup musicians - guitarist Steve Morse (Deep Purple, Dixie Dregs, ex-Kansas), drummer Mike Portnoy (Winery Dogs, ex-Dream Theater, Transatlantic), keyboardist/vocalist Neal Morse (Transatlantic, ex Spock's Beard, and a prolific solo artist in his own right), bassist Dave LaRue (Dixie Dregs, ex-Joe Satriani), and powerhouse vocalist and songwriter Casey McPherson (Alpha Rev, The Sea Within) - the results are going to be lightning in a bottle.

They had only played 9 exclusive shows on the tour, culminating at the sold-out show in London, which saw Portnoy stand up mid-set and quip, “Welcome to the rarest of all sightings, rarer than a UFO sighting, rarer than a sasquatch sighting. A Flying Colors sighting, here on stage in London. This is a very sad night for us because it is the last night of the tour and we don’t get to play together enough, so we’re going to savour every moment tonight and enjoy each and every moment here on stage.”

Their latest studio album, Third Degree, had only been released two months previously, and songs from that record make up just under half to the night’s setlist with the rest of the songs coming from the 2012 self-titled Billboard Top 10 debut and 2014s worldwide Top 10, Second Nature. Backed with a HD projector screen, the five take the stage in the darkness amidst a rumble of applause and immediately groove into opener "Blue Ocean", and from the outset, their technical virtuosity, joyous melodies and reflective lyricism wash over the crowd proving to be the cornerstones of the Flying Colors sound.

Talking about walking out on the stage, McPherson recalls; “I remember how I felt right before the show in London. I was excited because my oldest daughter and her grandmother was there, whom I love dearly, and felt like I had the show, down by then. It's always a good feeling to take the stage when the material is ingrained enough to just let go and let it out!”

They flow into the melodic progressive wonderment of 'A Place In Your World', featuring guitar heroics from Steve Morse before they shift up a gear further for a duo of thunderous new songs, 'The Loss Inside', and the almost rousingly apocalyptic sounding 'More' - it’s this that makes them so special, the ability to weave through several genres simultaneously.

The sight of LaRue and Portnoy bouncing off one another is a gloriously effortless sight to behold, whilst the wizardry of Neal Morse throughout is hypnotic. The band flit nimble-fingered through complex yet musical treasure-trove of accessible and sophisticated pop songs, jazz-fusion, progressive-rock and multi-layered vocals from Macpherson, Neal Morse and Portnoy - giving the band added dimensions, many can only dream of. ‘Kayla’ lights up the room and makes the 100-year-old theatre feel like the most intimate of settings.

From its opening in 1903 as a Music Hall, hosting variety performances and revues from the likes of Charlie Chaplin the venue has been a captivating one. The Shepherd’s Bush Empire was designed by architect Frank Matchem, who also designed the world-famous Palladium, Victoria Palace Theatre and London Coliseum. Its mix of stunning Art Nouveau and Baroque style creates a luscious backdrop to the spiralling psychedelic progressive pop stylings of this supergroup. “The Shepherd's Bush Empire is a classic theatre. Little nooks and crannies backstage, and that ornate vibe in the hall. Great people to work with which always makes for a fun gig,” says McPherson.

As the camera weaves from cascading light effects and a captivating video backdrop to the view from the stage, sweeping above the crowd and along the lavish balconies, it’s visually stunning and as the band journey through their back catalogue it at times creates an almost spiritual awakening and has you hooked through further crowd favourites such as "Geronimo", "Infinite Fire" and new songs alike until it reaches its triumphant finale "Mask Machine".

“Playing in Flying Colors is like being in a movie,” says the singer. “It’s so incredibly powerful emotionally, and to think this was going to be the last show was a bittersweet feeling. I love the other guys in the band and we always have such a good time on the road together. Our Chemistry is like really good sushi. There's not one ingredient you could replace and it taste that good. It is one of the kindest and uniquely unified band's I've ever been in.”

Third Stage: Live In London captures the band in all their uncompromising glory, five musicians that when they come together prove that they have a special and breath-taking connection. In the words of Mr. Portnoy, it’s the “rarest of all sightings,” but what a sight to behold.

Tracklisting:

“Blue Ocean”
“A Place In Your World”
“The Loss Inside”
“More”
“Kayla”
“Geronimo”
“You Are Not Alone”
“Forever In A Daze”
“Love Letter”
“Peaceful Harbor”
“Crawl”
“Infinite Fire”
“Cosmic Symphony”
“The Storm”
“Mask Machine”

"More" video:

“Kayla” video:

"Mask Machine" video:

Unboxing video:

Trailer:

On September 18, Flying Colors will also reissue the Flying Colors and Second Nature albums on Light Blue 2LP, both limited to 1000 units.




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Spanish metallers Lords Of Black have announced that their new album, Alchemy Of Souls, Pt. I, will be released on November 6 via Frontiers Music Srl. Pre-order/save Alchemy Of Souls, Pt. I here, and et a first taste of music from the album with the powerful new single, "Dying To Live Again". A music video for the song can be found below.

"'Dying To Live Again' is the opening track for our new album Alchemy Of Souls, Pt. I, and it is a song of HOPE. In these difficult times we're living in, it's very important to reflect on what we are, what we want to be and where we are headed, not only as individuals, but as a society and humanity as a whole. It is okay to feel confusion, fear, and uncertainty, but we must be aware of what's at stake right now because this might be a turning point in history. I just hope the outcome is not only that we'll win over this pandemic, but we'll still stand and fight for the right reasons, celebrating liberty and the joy of life...we're definitely DYING TO LIVE AGAIN!" says guitarist Tony Hernando of the first single from the album.

Lords Of Black is a metal band originally formed by the artistic union between two world class Spanish musicians, vocalist Ronnie Romero (Rainbow, Vandenberg) and renowned guitarist Tony Hernando. Their new album, Alchemy Of Souls, Pt. I showcases the band’s fondness for the legendary artists and albums that are the blueprint of the genre, while also highlighting their songwriting that incorporates modernity into the overall sound.

Alchemy Of Souls, Pt. I also represents a reunion of sorts as Romero took a hiatus from the band during 2019. Hernando auditioned several new singers and even appeared live with a lineup featuring two well respected singers, Diego Valdes (Dream Child) and Dino Jelusick (Animal Drive). Simultaneously, Hernando kept working on new songs for the next LOB album, working incredibly hard to create music that pushed him past the boundaries of anything the band had done in the past. In 2020, Hernando decided to send the music he was working on to Romero and such was the quality of the material that he immediately wanted to be part of it and agreed to come back and front LOB once again. Alchemy Of Souls, Pt. I represents a rejuvenated, inspired, and hungry Lords Of Black, who are ready to ascend to the upper tiers of European melodic metal.

Upon their formation, Lords Of Black’s vision was to form a metal band with a modern approach blended with catchy, melodic, and progressive elements. After months of intense hard work on the songs, the band independently released their acclaimed self-titled debut in 2014, which was co-produced by Roland Grapow. The band supported the release with a series of successful live shows, some of them as “very special guest” for high profile international acts.

Legendary guitarist Ritchie Blackmore became aware of Romero and invited him to front his, at the time, newly reformed Rainbow. This brought the band to the attention of international music media and in particular, the words from Blackmore describing Romero’s voice like “a cross between Ronnie James Dio and Freddie Mercury” piqued the curiosity of journalists and fans alike.

While enjoying this new found attention, Romero and Hernando continued work on Lords Of Black and signed a worldwide deal with the Frontiers label. The first global release from the partnership was "II", an album which did and continues to blow the minds of fans of modern melodic metal! Once again co-produced, mixed, and mastered by Roland Grapow (Masterplan, ex-Helloween), the album created a stir in the scene and is still regarded as a true classic.

The band played several European shows in support of the release and then headed back to the studio to create the follow up album, "Icons of the New Days". Upon its release, the album once again set a new standard for melodic metal with outstanding epic tracks mixed with glorious power/progressive metal songs.

Alchemy Of Souls, Pt. I somehow manages to best the seemingly unbeatable predecessors it follows and is a new gold standard for melodic metal. An album not to be missed if you love bands like Masterplan and legends of the genre like Queensrÿche, DIO, Savatage, and the like. An absolute delight for the ears and another classic in the making.

Tracklisting:

"Dying To Live Again"
"Into The Black"
"Deliverance Lost"
"Sacrifice"
"Brightest Star"
"Closer To Your Fall"
"Shadows Kill Twice"
"Disease In Disguise"
"Tides Of Blood"
"Alchemy Of Souls"
"You Came To Me" (Piano Version)

"Dying To Live Again" video:

Lineup:

Ronnie Romero - vocals
Tony Hernando - guitars
Jo Nunez - drums
Dani Criado – bass




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Finnish melodic death metal strikers, Marianas Rest, have officially signed a worldwide contract with Napalm Records.

Hailing from the coastal town of Kotka, Marianas Rest pool the full extent of their musical expertise to raise their gloomy symbiosis of melancholic melodic death metal spiced with significant doom elements to the next level. Founded in 2013, Marianas Rest released their first full-length, Horror Vacui, back in 2016, followed by the critically acclaimed long player Ruins (2019).  With their further creative output, the Finns - with Jaakko Mäntymaa on vocals and Omnium Gatherum’s Aapo Koivisto on keys - have already proven their ability to master the tightrope act between despair and darkness along with a spark of hope. The six-piece is currently working on a new studio album. More to be announced soon.
 
Marianas Rest vocalist Jaakko Mäntymaa states: “It is amazing to get to be a part of such a fine label. We want to leave our mark in a long line of tradition. Can’t wait to be working together and to let you all hear what we have been cooking up!”

”For years we have been doing our best to perfect our vision of what Marianas Rest should and will be. Now with great relief we can say that we have found a partner in Napalm Records to truly fulfill this vision.” - Aapo Koivisto, keyboardist
 
“Finland´s Marianas Rest is one of the most exhilarating bands in melodic death metal, and delivered a brilliant album in 2019, entitled Ruins. The new album will be a mandatory purchase for fans of Insomnium, Ghost Brigade and Swallow The Sun. Welcome to the Napalm family!“ - Sebastian Muench, Napalm Records A&R

Marianas Rest are:

Jaakko Mäntymaa - vocals
Aapo Koivisto - keys
Nico Mänttäri - guitar
Harri Sunila - guitar
Niko Lindman - bass
Nico Heininen - drums

(Photo - Jari Heino)




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Basque's Song of Anhubis will be unleashing their sophomore album Reversed Reflection via Rockshots Records on October 23, 2020. The band creates a passionate, introspective, intense, and diverse gothic metal that was first introduced to the world on their 2016 debut full length Revenge As Redemption. Not quite following in the exact musical footsteps of their preclusive album, their second record takes a 180-degree turn as it experiments with electronic elements and sounds more akin to rock and metal along with their staple gothic influences. 

Featuring ten tracks, Reversed Reflection is a journey between two opposing worlds, light and darkness, the instinctive, and the rational. Blunt guitars and arpeggios are combined with electronic elements, very melodic passages even melancholic in some cases, with the strength of double bass drumming and simpler fragments with the addition of some extra ingredients that will surprise listeners. All of the emotion on the record is felt through the diverse vocal range of frontwoman Rei Reych.

Reych adds:

"I have always been passionate about music and singing since I was very young, so music has been present in my life all the time, both in good times and bad. That's why I always wanted to create my own soundtrack for my feelings and experiences, to be able to express everything that is sometimes difficult to define with words alone. When I met Paul (the guitarist of 'Song of Anhubis') collaborating with my voice in a concert of the band in which he played, and after having already been the vocalist of two bands, he offered me to start a project together. We had the same musical interests, a very similar taste and we connected great from the beginning, so when he showed me the riffs he had composed, I accepted immediately, we started this adventure called 'Song Of Anhubis'…"

Taking four years to write and record, Song of Anhubis experimented with different styles for their second full-length offering. There is nothing on this album that they have not composed with all the dedication, attention, and care. Each part of each song had to give the band the feeling they were looking for to represent what Song of Anhubis is and what they wanted fans to experience as a sonic journey.

"We wanted to combine ethereal passages on the one hand with forcefulness on the other to create a perfect mix between the two worlds, the primitive and strong alongside the melodic and introspective. On this album, we talk about rage or anger, the fight against the injustices we see, or live every day. We also speak about the moments when surrender is tempting, about the life force inherent in each one of us, the resilience, the struggle between routine and the stereotyped against what is really transcendental and authentic, the deepest feelings, etc. In conclusion, it's an album full of lights and shadows that we hope the listener will enjoy and connect with. Something that Francisco Plazas (our graphic designer) has captured perfectly for the album artwork too." adds the band.

In celebration of announcing the release of Reversed Reflection, the band is sharing with fans the music video for the first single "Teratos". The track is melodic featuring double drums, edgy guitars, and incredibly high operatic vocals.

Vocalist Rei Reych explains the single:

"'Teratos' is a simple yet complex song that we composed in order to bring out the wildest and most heartbreaking part of us. 'Teratos' came at a time in my life when I needed to let off steam about certain personal issues, so I turned to it completely. The constant self-demanding and non-conformist attitude led me to rehearse every day in whatever little free time I could find to increase my vocal range and explore new voice techniques. This track is actually a small internal conversation about emotional awakening, that inherent force that at one point comes out like a beast that had been locked up. Of course, it is based on my own experiences and it is a track in which I gave extreme importance. Let's say that what I wanted at that moment more than anything else in the world was to express myself to the fullest with my voice and this track is one of those."

Tracklisting:

“Lonely Echoes”
“Misantropia”
“Persephone’s Call”
“Suicide Nation”
“Vestiges Of A LifeHypersomnia”
“Progressive Spiral”
“Hypersomnia”
“Teratos”
“Lethal Lens”
“My Own Enemy”

“Teratos”:




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Mysterious rock/metal band Supreme Unbeing, led by vocalist/prophet Zac Red, have released their third “message”, “Solutions”, available now on all digital outlets. After observing the world for many years, Zac Red has set out on a quest with fellow prophets D. Vine, Unknown and Al Mytee, to shed light over our present existence through the medium of heavy riffs, shredding solos, and philosophically intriguing lyrics addressing issues in modern-day life.

The anonymous group’s only physical representation came in the form of the animated visual for “You’ll Never Make It", created by renowned visual artist Balázs Grof.

Following up the success of the band’s first two messages, “You’ll Never Make It” and “Animals”, “Solution", released on Friday on all digital outlets, questions the human search for answers which only seem to be found in their Gods, making people blind and unappreciative of the simplicity of everyday life.

The band signed earlier this year with Megadeth’s David Ellefson’s EMP Label Group when a strange cassette tape arrived at the desk of EMP Label Group’s Thom Hazaert. When pressed for comment, Ellefson replied, “Who?”

Supreme Unbeing is set to release the final single “Dreaming” October 2, prior to the release of the band’s debut full-length LP Enter Reality, set to release on 10102020 (October 10, 2020).




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Katla have revealed the first track “Villuljós” ("false light") from their forthcoming sophomore album Allt þetta helvítis myrkur, which will be released on November 13. Preorder here.

Katla comment on the single: "When I wrote 'Villuljós', which means 'false light', I was in a depressive period of my life", tells multi-instrumentalist Einar Thorberg Guðmundsson. "Everything happened in such a dark haze that I cannot even remember the actual process of creating the demo. When we finally recorded the album, it was done with a more positive energy. Actually caring about what I was doing helped a lot to get it right. Although the track has not lost its original sonic darkness, I feel very good about the final outcome. Guðmundur Óli has perfectly translated this musical feeling into lyrical darkness. This is the light that represents a false hope."

Tracklisting:

“Ást orðum ofar”
“Villuljós”
“Líkfundur á Sólheimasandi”
“Sálarsvefn”
“Vergangur”
“Hvítamyrkur”
“Húsavíkur-Jón”
“Allt þetta helvítis myrkur”
“Svartnætti”

“Villuljós”:




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Finnish melodic metal band Agonizer's Halo saga, which started in the spring of 2019, has come to its second part. The Halo II (digital release), which sees the light of day on September 11, 2020, includes two new Agonizer tracks. Halo II is also the first recording that the band will release together with guitarist Samu Väisänen.

“Originally, Halo was supposed to be a full-length album that was to be divided into two parts (Halo I and Halo II). We recorded the drum tracks to five songs of this Halo I at the Electric Fox studio in Jyväskylä in February 2019. After that, unfortunately, our guitarist Jari-Pekka “Jasso” Perälä left the band. With the boys (singer Markku Kuikka and drummer Atte Palokangas) we thought for a while how this thing will be handled, and only three songs composed by me were released as an emergency solution,” says Agonizer bassist Jussi Tikka.

The songs “Halo” and “Fool”, which are now being released, are Jasso Perälä's compositions left over from the January 2019 sessions. With suitably meandering structures and rich melodies, the songs represent guaranteed Agonizer quality.

“At the end of the ‘Sadness’, I dared to ask Jasso for permission to run these two other songs to the finish line, ‘cause the drums were already finished. Permission came and the band was happy. These two songs thus became Halo II. Of course, this also means that Halo III is coming someday,” Tikka states.

Jussi Tikka is satisfied with the contribution of his band's new guitarist.

“When the smoke had landed after Jasso, I dared to put a guitarist search notice on the muusikoiden.net. There were a surprising number of contacts and from a wide variety of people. When I saw Samu’s video,that was it. Samu plays all the guitars on Halo II, also the solos are his handwriting.”

And does Agonizer have gigs planned, if only the current corona situation allows it?

“The world is living in a strange time, and perhaps right now I consider it a priority to offer people experiences in the form of a new audio recording. It is hoped that the world will somehow recover from this and that Agonizer will also be met from the stages sometime,” Tikka says.




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Greek metal masters, Nightfall, have shared a brand new performance video for the song "Ishtar (Celebrate your Beauty)", which was recently performed live at the Sierra Studio's in Athens (GR). The track is taken from the band's 1995 release, Athenian Echoes. The record will be reissued by Season Of Mist in the future. The video can be seen below.

Vocalist Efthimis comments on the video: "We are crushingly excited by the fact we are here playing these old classics again. We have spent a hell of a time in the studio to prepare ourselves to be ready to offer nothing less but the absolute best to all of you! We sincerely hope you will enjoy every single moment in this performance and support our Nightfall cult.  More visual and audio samples will follow. This is a song about Ishtar, Queen of Heaven, Inanna, Star of Venus, Goddess of Sex, Goddess of War, Goddess of Justice and Power; This is a song about thee, sung by the almighty adorers of your beauty, the Athenian devotees of thy name."

Moreover, Nightfall will release a brand new album early 2021 via Season Of Mist, making it the band's debut to the label. Recently, Season Of Mist released Nightfall's back catalog on all digital platforms. Find the official Nightfall albums on Spotify here.

Lineup:

Efthimis Karadimas: Bass, vocals
Mike Galiatsos: Guitar
Kostas Kyriakopoulos: Guitar
Fotis Benardo: Drums




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Ace Frehley says that Donald Trump is "the strongest leader that we've got."

The former KISS guitarist gave his opinion of America's 45th president while discussing his rendition of the CREAM classic "Politician" which appears on his upcoming covers album "Origins Vol. 2".

"I don't think politics and rock and roll mix — in my opinion," Ace told "The Cassius Morris Show" in a new interview (see video below). "And I try to stay away from that as much as I can. I mean, once in a while, I'll make a crack. I will say I'm a Trump supporter.

"All the politicians have had skeletons in the closet," he continued. "But I think Trump is the strongest leader that we've got on the table."

Frehley previously expressed his support for Trump during a December 2018 appearance on the "Juliet: Unexpected" podcast. At the time, he said: "I hate politics. I don't like talking politics, and I don't think politics and music mix. I really frown on musicians who get up on a platform and start talking about the president or complain about... I just don't think it belongs. I'm an entertainer. There's no reason to bring up politics. Let me play my guitar and write songs and entertain people. That's my job."

He continued: "Let me say this about Trump. Whether you love him or hate him, if you're an American and you're a patriot, you should get behind your president. He was elected. We live under the Constitution of the United States, and you're supposed to support your president. Love him or hate him, you're supposed to support him, or go move to another country.

"Being American, we have the right to free speech, and I'm all for everybody putting their two cents in on everything," he added. "But when musicians or actors get really verbal and jump on a bandwagon against our government, I don't agree with that."

"Origins Vol. 2", the sequel to Ace's 2016 collection of cover songs that inspired the former KISS guitarist, will be released on September 18 via eOne.

Frehley has released two songs from "Origins Vol. 2" thus far: a cover of the classic THE BEATLES track "I'm Down", featuring a guest appearance by ROB ZOMBIE guitarist John 5, and a rendition of DEEP PURPLE's "Space Truckin'".

"Origins Vol. 2" also features cover versions of LED ZEPPELIN's "Good Times Bad Times", THE ROLLING STONES' "Jumpin' Jack Flash", THE KINKS' "Lola" and THE JIMI HENDRIX EXPERIENCE's "Manic Depression", among others. A cover of the 1975 KISS tune "She" also appears as a bonus track. Guests on the set include CHEAP TRICK's Robin Zander, Lita Ford and former KISS guitarist Bruce Kulick.

LAMB OF GOD guitarist Mark Morton says that President Donald Trump's core base will support him "no matter what."

The musician, who has been an outspoken critic of America's 45th president, made the comment on the day that audio recordings were released of Trump acknowledging the severity of the COVID-19 crisis months before he would ever admit its seriousness in public.

In a February interview with legendary journalist Bob Woodward for his new book "Rage", Trump admitted he knew weeks before the first confirmed U.S. coronavirus death that the virus was dangerous, airborne, highly contagious and "more deadly than even your strenuous flus," and that he repeatedly played it down publicly. "This is deadly stuff," Trump said. A month later, Trump acknowledged downplaying the threat, telling Woodward: "I wanted to always play it down. I still like playing it down because I don't want to create a panic."

Earlier today, Morton took to his Twitter to write: "Democrats all high fiving & doin cartwheels about the Woodward tapes as if it's gonna change anyone's mind.

"You're ignoring a fundamental truth. TRUMP SUPPORTERS DONT CARE WHAT HE DOES. They're all in no matter what. He told you that from the jump. It simply does not matter."

This is not the first time Morton has publicly weighed in on the political situation in the U.S. Back in July, Morton blasted Trump over his claim that the United States is only seeing a spike in new coronavirus infections because more testing is being carried out. At the time, Mark tweeted: "It must be so insulting for the people that make up his actual base of support to see shit like this. He really thinks y'all are this stupid?? To have your intelligence so grossly underestimated over & over, I would imagine it's got to be exhausting to stay loyal to this regime."

Morton recently told A&P Reacts that it's important for him to use the platform that he has, including his Twitter account, to create awareness about the things that are happening around him.

He said: "When something's really wrong or there's a discussion not being had or there's something being ignored… I have a platform, and I have a platform in our music, in what we talk about lyrically, and social media, for better or worse, is a platform — I don't know if it's the best one, but it is one, and it's one I engage in.

"So I do speak my mind," he continued. "And I try to be open to other people's opinions and the fact that not everyone's gonna agree with me. I don't think my opinions can be put into a tight, neat little box, because there are things that I'm very liberal on, things that I'm very conservative on and things that I'm in the middle on. But lately, particularly in the last week or so, I've had a hard time keeping my mouth shut. And I don't make any apologies for that."

Addressing the fact that he has at times alienated some of the LAMB OF GOD fans with his views, Morton said: "Look, if I had a nickel for every time someone told on social media to just shut up and play guitar… I always actually take it as a compliment, because I'm, like, no matter how mad I made them, they're still saying that it's worthwhile for me to play guitar. [Laughs] So I'm doing something right; that's a compliment to me.

"I get to have an opinion too — I just do," he said. "Everybody does. And hopefully we can all start learning to respect each other's opinion and even maybe find some common ground. 'Cause a lot of that seems to be getting overlooked lately, and I hope we can plug into that.

"It's a trying time, man — there's so much going on — and everybody's really tense and anxious, and there's a lot of fear and a lot of anger," he added. "And I don't know what to do except to talk about when I see something that's wrong. And I'm not always great at not riling it up — sometimes I'm venting in anger myself; I'm a human being — but I'm trying to be a little more positive as I go. That's all I can do."

SYSTEM OF A DOWN drummer John Dolmayan has pushed back against people who don't want him to publicly voice his controversial political views.

The musician, who also owns a high-end comic shop called Torpedo Comics in Las Vegas, took to his Instagram earlier today (Tuesday, September 5) to share a screenshot of what appears to be a review of Torpedo from someone going by the name "Jeff Jones". In his "review," Jeff attempts to discourage others from patronizing the store, saying that the business is "owned by fascist sympathizer who pedals [sic] in racist conspiracy theories."

Dolmayan, who has praised Donald Trump in recent months and has accused Democrats of "demonizing" the president and "blaming him for everything under the sun," included the following message with his post: "This is 'Jeff Jones' , he doesn't like my comic book company torpedo comics because I have views that differ from his ( if he exists at all). This is of course his right , what 'Jeff' fails to understand is that the tactics he's employing including cancel culture and shaming based on a false moral high ground are simply fascist tactics being employed by someone who doesn't understand or care that I have over 20 employees of all genders ,political affiliations, sexual orientations , races etc, and that they choose to work for me because they are free to be whoever they want to be so long as they do their jobs and are happy .

"Of course I do myself no favors expressing my opinions on social media but it is my opinion that it's important to have differing views especially when you consider the band I'm in and how polarizing some of our messages were though they didn't necessarily represent the opinions of all of us all the time," he continued. "If I simply kept my mouth shut as some of you would prefer there would be one less voice speaking against the willful destruction and hate that is consuming so many people , hate and anger that will only bring a stronger and more violent reaction from opposing ideals. This helps no one.

"Some of you would like my voice silenced and for me to lose everything I have and shutter my business up forever but I will defy you and continue to exercise my first amendment rights peacefully and support you or any opposing mindsets rights to freely voice those ideas I would spend a lifetime arguing against as long as you do so peacefully and without destruction ."

Dolmayan concluded: "My company is called torpedo comics and we welcome all of you irrespective of your politics."

This past June, Dolmayan blasted "cowards" who criticize those who think they are "coming from a morally superior position," saying that they "can't handle free speech" and "need to be herded along with the rest of the sheep."

He also called Democrats "the true bigots" who "fought to maintain slavery" and were "directly responsible for 70 plus million abortions, a large majority of whom were black."

Dolmayan supports Trump's claim that his administration has done more for the African-American community "than any president since Abraham Lincoln."

John's views are in sharp contrast to those of SYSTEM OF A DOWN singer Serj Tankian, who has called for Trump to resign and described him as "completely useless" over his handling of the coronavirus outbreak.
























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This is “Jeff Jones” , he doesn’t like my comic book company torpedo comics because I have views that differ from his ( if he exists at all). This is of course his right , what “Jeff” fails to understand is that the tactics he’s employing including cancel culture and shaming based on a false moral high ground are simply fascist tactics being employed by someone who doesn’t understand or care that I have over 20 employees of all genders ,political affiliations, sexual orientations , races etc, and that they choose to work for me because they are free to be whoever they want to be so long as they do their jobs and are happy . Of course I do myself no favors expressing my opinions on social media but it is my opinion that it’s important to have differing views especially when you consider the band I’m in and how polarizing some of our messages were though they didn’t necessarily represent the opinions of all of us all the time. If I simply kept my mouth shut as some of you would prefer there would be one less voice speaking against the willful destruction and hate that is consuming so many people , hate and anger that will only bring a stronger and more violent reaction from opposing ideals. This helps no one. Some of you would like my voice silenced and for me to lose everything I have and shutter my business up forever but I will defy you and continue to exercise my first amendment rights peacefully and support you or any opposing mindsets rights to freely voice those ideas I would spend a lifetime arguing against as long as you do so peacefully and without destruction . My company is called torpedo comics and we welcome all of you irrespective of your politics.

A post shared by John Dolmayan (@johndolmayan_) on Sep 7, 2020 at 3:21pm PDT

EVANESCENCE singer Amy Lee spoke to Meltdown of Detroit's WRIF radio station about why it has taken so long for the band to begin work on the follow-up to 2011's self-titled album. "Lots of reasons," she said (see video below). "I like to have an open mind about what I can be and what I can do in life.

"I love the music I've made with this band, and there are times that I have been more excited about it and passionate about it and in love with and wanting to pour into it than others. Sometimes you have to get away from it. It's such a full saturation.

"The way that our cycles have always gone, really — it started to change now; we found a way to really break it up — that is all you can do for that however many years period of your life with each cycle. Between writing the music and everything that goes along with that, to then going on tour and all the amazing stuff that goes along with that, and releasing the album, and promoting the album, and then at the end of it, I'm always, like, 'I quit' — almost every time. I'm, like, 'I don't know if I'm ever gonna do this again. That was amazing. I love it so much.' I don't feel like I'm gonna have that kind of a struggle anymore. A lot has changed on the inside. Our representation on every level has grown and changed, and we are fully supported by an awesome team that believes in us and supports us. And it doesn't feel so much like going to war to create an album anymore either, like it used to.

"But besides all of that stuff, the space between the third album and this one, a lot of it was I wanted to go down some different creative roads," she continued. "I had my first and only child, Jack. And I did some film-score stuff.

"I kind of thought that becoming a mom would make me not wanna work — like I'd just wanna focus only on being a mom, but it actually just gave me so much — I don't know — perspective. Like, you get a different perspective, and suddenly, as a creative person, you just think of different things that you wanna do, because your mind's working in a different way. I made a kids album with my family, worked on a couple of different movie things and some little solo things. And I just found other ways to be creative. And then by the time the band got back together, we got Jen [Majura, guitar], who's a beautiful, amazing addition to our band… We got Jen in 2015, and we started just touring again and really enjoying playing again. That was the first step back — just play shows and get into it and remember who you are and everything that this is and can be, with our fan community and just the whole world of what it is. And then we did the 'Synthesis' [2017] thing together, with a full orchestra and a lot of the electronic stuff, and just took our music into a different place with a different focus, which was challenging and fun and different. And then it was, like, 'Okay, we're ready.' So we just started doing writing sessions. So it's just been a long but natural road, just following what feels good.

"I can't tell you how much fire we all have, but I — I can speak for myself — really had about making this music right now with my band," Amy added. "It's coming at a time when I need it very much, and a lot of the feelings that I pour into the music for the band are about a struggle — about going through something that's difficult, and I'm processing it, or raging against. And this is a time where I feel those feelings, and I know a lot of people in the world do too. So I feel like I'm right where I'm supposed to be."

Last month, EVANESCENCE released a new single, "Use My Voice", which was written to celebrate the power of speaking out in order to promote more justice in the world. The track, featuring contributions from THE PRETTY RECKLESS's Taylor Momsen and HALESTORM's Lzzy Hale, was chosen by HeadCount in the USA to encourage voters to register, check their registration, or find out about their remote voting options amid the COVID-19 pandemic at UseMyVoice.org.

EVANESCENCE's long-awaited new album, "The Bitter Truth", will arrive later this year.

The band's new music is being produced by Nick Raskulinecz, who also worked on 2011's self-titled LP.

EVANESCENCE spent much of the last two years recording and touring in support of the aforementioned "Synthesis", which contained some of the band's best-loved songs — as well as a couple of new ones — reinvented with full orchestra over a deep electronic landscape.

Paul Stanley has wondered how "presidential" it is for Donald Trump to spend so much time on Twitter blasting his detractors.

Earlier today (Tuesday, September 8), the KISS frontman took to the social media platform to share a Mediaite article about President Donald Trump's latest Twitter rampage against his political enemies, and he included the following message: "Controversy... Is this what a president should be doing in the morning? Is it presidential? No opinion from me. I'm asking YOU! Tell me."

Trump reportedly tweeted and retweeted more than 50 times this morning, lashing out at the media, his former lawyer Michael Cohen, Democtratic presidential nominee Joe Biden, the NBA and Black Lives Matter, among others.

This is not the first time Stanley has weighed in on the current political landscape. Last month, he blasted Trump for claiming his opponents may steal November's election. In July, he also encouraged his social media followers to vote in November, saying that "we have a responsibility to our past and to our future." In April, Stanley blamed a shifting media environment for sharpening partisan divides, saying that Fox News and CNN viewers and live in "different realities."

"Any conversation I've had with somebody who feels contrary to [a particular point of view], they stick to their guns because their reality is based on information that they're getting from a source that has their own agenda," Stanley said during an appearance on Richard Marx's "Social Distancing" talk show. "I'm not saying that CNN is guiltless. It's really become the network of the Democrats versus the network of the Republicans, and your reality and what you see as the truth, not coincidentally, is based upon which network you watch. And that's terrible. We're living in separate universes. If you go from one channel to the other, you think you're in a different time.

"If I were to watch whatever network I watch that's called 'The News,' it's going to feed me what I believe to be reality," he added. "That's the basic truth of it. And, unfortunately, there seems to be different realities, alternate realities… There's gotta be a truth."




Controversy... Is this what a president should be doing in the morning? Is it presidential? No opinion from me. I’m asking YOU! Tell me. https://t.co/Yy6ERZNxVQ

— Paul Stanley (@PaulStanleyLive) September 8, 2020








Lol ?

— NEAL SCHON MUSIC (@NealSchonMusic) September 8, 2020

The popular vinyl collectible company Funko — best known for its big-headed Pop! figures — has released its latest artist collaboration: legendary heavy metal singer Ozzy Osbourne. The figure is inspired by Ozzy's latest album, "Ordinary Man", and is exclusive to Hot Topic.

Ozzy previously collaborated with Funko back in 2011, but that figure has been out of production for years, and reportedly fetches high prices on the secondhand market.

Other artists who have gotten the Pop! Rocks treatment in the past include KISS, IRON MAIDEN, METALLICA, GUNS N' ROSES, AC/DC, SLAYER, DEF LEPPARD, Rob Zombie, SLIPKNOT, GHOST and MOTÖRHEAD.

A Funko vinyl Pop! figure, or popularly known as a "Pop!", is packaged carefully inside a box with a transparent front. The figurine is made out of vinyl and may come as a bobblehead.

Funko reported that these figurines increased its sales by 38 percent in the second quarter of 2019. International sales spiked 65 percent to $68.5 million, while U.S. revenue grew 26 percent to $122.7 million.

This past June, Funko announced that it was cutting a quarter of its global workforce, laying off about 250 people as it coped with the economic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Headquartered in Everett, Washington, Funko is a leading pop culture consumer products company. Funko designs, sources and distributes licensed pop culture products across multiple categories, including vinyl figures, action toys, plush, apparel, housewares and accessories for consumers who seek tangible ways to connect with their favorite pop culture brands and characters.

Drummer Jean-Paul Gaster of Maryland rockers CLUTCH spoke to Full In Bloom about the band's plans to work on the follow-up to 2018's "Book Of Bad Decisions" album. He said (hear audio below): "It's tough now. The climate that we're in, with the way the world is going at this point, it's difficult to plan something like an album release. Speaking for myself, I would prefer to have a full, big collection of songs come out where we can actually go out and tour behind those songs. The idea of recording a record and not being able to play that record live is a little strange for us at the moment, just because we're very much a live band."

Asked if there are any new CLUTCH releases in the works for the coming months, Gaster said: "We're getting ready to put together a vinyl collection of all the 'Vault Series' material that we've released over the past, say, year and a half. These are songs that we recorded in batches in the studio — not necessarily with the intention of recording a full record, but mostly just going in and recording a few of the songs. So we've released each one of those as as single, and now we're gonna compile all those on to a piece of vinyl. And that's probably gonna be released sometime close to the end of the year or maybe shortly after the New Year. That's gonna be called the 'Clutch Weathermaker Vault Series Volume 1'. That's got some covers on it and some re-records of songs that we've recorded before."

CLUTCH released its twelfth studio album, "Book Of Bad Decisions", through its own Weathermaker Music in 2018. Rolling Stone described the album as "bathed in the grit and liberal fuzz tone that has made their live shows legendary." The band embarked on a successful co-headlining tour with DROPKICK MURPHYS in 2019, with support from HATEBREED, AMIGO THE DEVIL and Russ Rankin of GOOD RIDDANCE.

Two of the band's most recent albums, "Earth Rocker" (2013) and "Psychic Warfare" (2015), were included in Classic Rock magazine's 50 Best Rock Albums of the 2010s.

Back in late March, it was announced that all of WHITESNAKE's previously announced touring activities, including this summer's U.S. trek with SAMMY HAGAR & THE CIRCLE and NIGHT RANGER, were being canceled so that frontman David Coverdale could undergo surgery for bilateral inguinal hernia. In a new tweet, Coverdale offered an update on his condition, saying that he was able to get the operation at the Renown facility in his hometown of Reno, Nevada.

"Finally!!! I was able to have hernia surgery!!!" he wrote Tuesday night (September 8). "A 1,000 thanks to ALL the caring, loving & incredible professionals at Renown for taking such good care of me... & to YOU, my Beauties...have a blessed day/night Wherever You Are, Know You Are Loved. Stay Safe & Well!!!"

This past May, it was announced that Renown was resuming limited medical and surgical procedures following more than six weeks of suspension due to efforts to limit the spread of the COVID-19 virus pandemic.

In a June interview with the 107.1 The Boss radio station, Coverdale spoke about having to wait to undergo the procedure, describing his pain as "more than a hernia. It's like I have a fresh chicken pushed down my underpants. It's like I've got a backpack on the front.

"I haven't been able to have the surgery, as career-threatening as it is, 'cause I can't project loud and sing the kind of songs people know," he continued. "It's painful, and it actually gets me out of some of the domestic work here [at home], [because] I can't do too much heavy lifting.

"As it isn't a life-threatening situation, I'm not in line yet to have the surgery," he added. "It's an interesting time. And with my age, it's probably gonna be a three- or four-month recovery period."

Coverdale had both his knees replaced with titanium in 2017 after suffering from degenerative arthritis. He later explained that he was in so much pain with arthritis in his knees that it hampered his ability to perform live.

WHITESNAKE had been touring in support of its latest album, "Flesh & Blood", which was released in May 2019 via Frontiers Music Srl.

WHITESNAKE recently launched the "Red, White And Blues" trilogy, a series of fresh, new collections organized by musical themes that will include "Love Songs" (red), "The Rock Album" (white) and "The Blues Album" (blue).

"The Rock Album" was made available on June 19 on CD ($14.98), and as a double-LP set pressed on 180-gram, white vinyl ($31.98). The music is also available through digital and streaming services. The collection features the debut of "Always The Same", a previously unreleased song that was recorded during the 2019 sessions for "Flesh & Blood".




Finally!!! I was able to have hernia surgery!!! A 1,000 thanks to ALL the caring, loving & incredible professionals at Renown for taking such good care of me...❤️❤️❤️

& to YOU, my Beauties...have a blessed day/night Wherever You Are, Know You Are Loved. Stay Safe & Well!!! ❤️❤️❤️ pic.twitter.com/U2FbSvKUM4

— David Coverdale (@davidcoverdale) September 9, 2020

SEVENDUST has announced its first-ever livestream and its only show of 2020: "Sevendust: Live In Your Living Room". The event will take place on October 23 — the release date of its 13th studio album, "Blood & Stone", via Rise Records. The show will be live starting at 9:00 p.m. EDT/6:00 p.m. PDT and available globally at the corresponding hour for each territory. This will be a SEVENDUST show not to be missed as the band will not have any tour dates until 2021.

SEVENDUST states: "Yes, this show is the same day as the release of our new album, 'Blood & Stone'. We will be performing a livestream concert to celebrate, just for you! Get access now and you could enter a raffle which includes the first prize of a 7D signed acoustic guitar…and more. PLUS, shop for some brand new merch at our digital merch table. As you checkout, make sure you also grab our new 7D LIVE IN YOUR LIVING ROOM event t-shirt (limited to this show) and a copy of 'Blood & Stone' on CD. We hope to 'see' you all there!!!"

Tickets for the live stream are $17.00 and available here.

The follow-up to 2018's "All I See Is War", "Blood & Stone" was once again tracked at Studio Barbarosa in Gotha, Florida with producer Michael "Elvis" Baskette, who has previously worked with ALTER BRIDGE and SLASH, among others.

From the pulsating intro of opener "Dying To Live" to the album-closing cover of SOUNDGARDEN's "The Day I Tried To Live", SEVENDUST continues to push the sound it has made their own for more than 25 years. Tracks like "Love", "Blood From A Stone", "Kill Me" and "Against The World" showcases why the band has been adored by fans and critics alike. Lajon Witherspoon, Clint Lowery, John Connolly, Vince Hornsby and Morgan Rose have raised the bar with "Blood & Stone". The new music fits perfectly alongside with the bands most seminal tracks that have become the cornerstone of the band's live performances.

Lowery spoke about the new SEVENDUST LP in an interview with Front Row Entertainment Live. The guitarist/vocalist said: "I think this is one of our strongest records in a while. I'm proud of all the music we do. Every band likes to say, 'Oh, yeah, the new record is the best one we've ever done.' I think it's a very reflective record for where we're at musically, where we're at as a band. So that's always a goal. I think we just wanna be genuine. We don't wanna put out a dud record. Not everyone's gonna like it; we understand that. We just try to do what we do best. We're not the heaviest band in the world; we're not a pop-rock band at all either. We're just this aggressive band that has our own thing, and we stay true to that."