Check out Thomas Zwijsen’s classical acoustic fingerstyle cover of the rarely heard classic “The Duellists” featuring Wiki Krawczyk on violin. The track can be found on the new Nylon Maiden double CD available for pre-order here. 

“The Duellists appears on Iron Maiden's Powerslave album and was never performed live. 

The new Nylon Maiden Double CD has 18 Iron Maiden songs arranged for classical guitar. 

People who pre-order get: 
- Their names printed in the booklet
- The album signed
- Free digital download on the release date
- Free bonus album Uke 'Em All




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Metal band, Cultus Black, has released a new single in the form of an intense re-imagined version of the grunge classic “Negative Creep” by Nirvana. They take a track that was already aggressive and turn the dial all the way up! The band was quoted as saying “There have been lots of Nirvana covers recently, but we felt like we could do it heavier and better.”

Featuring former members of Motograter, Cultus Black is an aggressive hard-hitting band that identifies itself as a cult. Their music is unapologetic and intense, yet it is often marked with mesmerizing melodies that could draw in even the most cynical listener. Cultus Black is also identified by their strange appearance. The frontman who simply calls himself “L” stalks stages in ritualistic body paint as other cult members surround him in masks meant to signify their cult status. The band is currently recording their debut album with producer James Paul Wisner (Underoath, Hands Like Houses, Paramore). The album release date is yet to be announced. The band has shared stages with Static-X and Dope. They were set to tour with Hed PE prior to the Covid 19 outbreak, that tour is still planned to take place at a later date.

 




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New Jersey-based rock n' roll trio The Atomic Bitchwax released their new studio album, Scorpio, on August 28 via Tee Pee Records. The group, which originally formed in the mid-90s, consists of lead vocalist / bassist Chris Kosnik, drummer Bob Pantella, and guitarist Garrett Sweeny, all of whom are past or present members of the band Monster Magnet. Scorpio is the follow up to the group's 2017 full-length Force Field, and their eighth studio LP overall spanning more than two decades.

Order Scorpio here. Alongside the release of the album, The Atomic Bitchwax has dropped a video for the song "Easy Action".

Scorpio acknowledges the two-decades milestone in its opening revamp of the first song the band ever wrote with vocals, “Hope You Die,” the crash-in of which will be immediately familiar to anyone who’s seen them live. A generation later, it still gets the message across.

From then on, it’s all-go on nine fresh-made burners, founding bassist/vocalist Chris Kosnik, guitarist Garrett Sweeny, and drummer Bob Pantella toying with tempo subtly to lace songs like “Betting Man” and “Easy Action” and “Energy” with signature-style memorable hooks amid instrumentals “Ninja,” “Crash” and “Instant Death,” the head-spinning turns of which push ahead in the aggressive stance The Bitchwax began to present in 2015’s Gravitron while still remaining imbued with new character and the loyalty to classic heavy rock that underlies all their work.

Tracked in January 2020 at Sound Spa in Edison, NJ, with Stephen DeAcutis engineering, Scorpio is a righteous next stage of the momentum The Atomic Bitchwax have been building through hard touring and release after release of gauntlet-throwing-down rock and roll. This is a band that never stops moving, and only ever moves forward.

Tracklisting:

"Hope You Die"
"Energy"
"Ninja"
"Scorpio"
"Easy Action"
"Crash"
"Super Sonic"
"You Got It"
"Betting Man"
"Instant Death"

"You Got It" video:

"Scorpio" video:




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Austin Ingerman, a solo artist as well the lead guitar player for the band New Years Day, has
released a new single titled "Diesel Fuel" along with an accompanying video via Intercept Music Plus.

“Diesel Fuel” is the first release from a collection of instrumental songs recorded over the last three years in four different studios around the country. This particular one was recorded at the legendary Steakhouse Recording Studios in North Hollywood, California with “The Wizard” Chris Collier (Korn, Fear Factory, George Lynch).

Austin has toured with bands such as Halestorm, Godsmack, In This Moment, Falling In Reverse, and more. He has played some of the world's most famous venues and festivals such as the Alexandra Palace in London, and Download Australia.

Austin started playing guitar at age 7 in his hometown of Gainesville, Florida. At 17 he got the opportunity to start playing out professionally in working cover bands. He toured the southeast playing the hottest clubs, festivals, private parties, and arenas for about six years before moving out west.

At age 22, he moved to Los Angeles, California to attend the world famous Musicians Institute. After moving to L.A., he was chosen to do a video with BOSS to debut their brand new Katana amplifier line. BOSS also hired him as a demo artist at NAMM 2017, 2018, and 2020. In December of 2017 he graduated from Musicians Institute with an AA in guitar performance, and received the award for "outstanding player of 2017." He is currently recording, and releasing new solo material with the help of drummer James Renshaw and Producer / Engineer Chris Collier.

 




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American death metal upstarts Humanity Is Cancer have revealed their new track "Cancer Is Humanity (A Future Of Violence and Death)." The song, which can be heard below, is the first to be released from the band's self-titled debut EP, set for international release on November 6th via Redefining Darkness Records. 

Humanity Is Cancer acts as a reflection of society. The band have never proven so relevant as they do today. With the pandemic, racial tension, social injustice, politics, the world would almost be better starting over from scratch. Imagine if we, as a society, could undergo a sort of chemotherapy that would eliminate all of the horrible aspects of humanity and cleanse... This first track is a mirror to the present and future.

The EP was written back in 2014 / 2015 as Thomas Haywood was just about to launch Redefining Darkness Records and Seeing Red Records, respectively. Thomas briefly left the industry after exiting Abigail Williams in 2009, and aside from dabbling in bands like Aborted, the band has been waiting for a moment like this to be released... when the world is at its worst. Rounding out the band is Thomas' long-time friend and comrade Michael Wilson (ex-Abigail Williams / Aborted) on lead guitar, Noah Buchanan (Nunslaughter / From The Hellmouth) on bass and vocals, and Lyle Cooper (ex-The Faceless / Abhorrent). 

Cover, tracklisting, and pre-order info for Humanity Is Cancer's Humanity Is Cancer to be revealed shortly. For further details, visit Humanity Is Cancer on Facebook.

 




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Swedish heavy legends Torch have revealed a lyric video for their brand-new track "Collateral Damage". The song is the first to be revealed from the band's long-awaited comeback album, Reignited, set for international release on September 25th via Metalville Records. 

Faster, heavier and louder! That was the motto when Torch started in 1981. Five young metalheads from the small town of Eskilstuna in Sweden, equipped with a big dream and burning ambitions: Dan Dark on vocals, Chris J. First and Claus Wild on guitars, Ian Greg on bass, and Steve Streaker on drums. With this lineup, the EP Fire Raiser (1982) as well as the albums Torch (1983) and Electrikiss (1984) were recorded, followed by tours through Sweden and Europe. Torch even got kicked off a Motörhead tour once for smashing a drum kit. But, already in 1986, the band split up again.

"The Torch" only burned for a few years, but their influence was greater than the musicians themselves realized. Robb Flynn of Machine Head, for example, said the first song they ever played live was a Torch song. And Snowy Shaw of King Diamond said that he named his first band after a song by Torch.

Over the years, there were many requests from fans for a reunion. But it wasn't until 2013 that it finally happened. Four of the founding members brought their old friend and guitarist Håkky into the band to play on a rock cruise. The comeback gig was a huge success, and the musicians felt that the time had come to let Torch flare up again. More gigs followed, including one at the Sweden Rock Festival 2018, where the band was very well received.

But Torch was not satisfied with just living in the past. So in 2019, they started writing and recording new material. Responsible for the mix and mastering was none other than Grammy-nominated producer Jacob Hansen (Volbeat, U.D.O., Pretty Maids).

The result of this work are the first new Torch songs in 35 years, which will now see the light of day as Reignited. Cover and tracklisting are as follows:

"Knuckle Duster"
"Collateral Damage"
"All Metal, No Rust"
"Feed The Flame"
"In The Dead Of Night"
"Cradle To Grave"
"Snake Charmer"
"Intruder"
"To The Devil His Due"
 
Torch lineup 2020:
 
Dan Dark - vocals
Chris J First - guitar
Håkky - guitar
Ian Greg - bass
Steve Streaker - drums

 




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Wasteland speed metalpunks Children Of Technology have revealed their new track "The New Barbarians". The song is the first to be issued from the band's upcoming third album, Written Destiny, which will be released this November by Hells Headbangers on CD, vinyl LP, and cassette tape formats. Complete with a gritty VHS-style video, check out Children Of Technology's "The New Barbarians" now.

It's been six long years since Children Of Technology released their now-classic second album, Future Decay, through Hells Headbangers. In that time, the Italian speed metalpunks have been busy cruising the post-apocalyptic wasteland, searching for ammo and gasoline. In the interim, they released a career-spanning collection of singles and splits, Apocalyptic Compendium - 10 Years In Chaos, Noise And Warfare, preparing for an even crueler future. Indeed, in these days of the Coronavirus pandemic, that future has arrived...

All the more fitting, then, that Children Of Technology return to rule that wasteland with their third full-length, Written Destiny. The death squad firmly established by DeathLörd and Borys Crossburn (Barbarian) has seen the new entry of Dee Dee Altar (Bunker 66), thus shaping a power-trio in the most classic '80s way. And compared to the COT's already-considerable catalog, this Written Destiny dashingly and dangerously powers headlong into the '80s underground, more resolutely upping the metal in the crusty equation and spitting out eight new anthems that are equal parts gleam and grime. It's almost as if the power-trio took their well-worn tank, scrubbed some of the rust off, and gave it an engine pumped full of nitrous; this album simply charges! Not surprisingly, the band's influences this time around are squarely focused on early Onslaught, Warfare, Venom, Anti-Cimex, Nuclear Assault, and Sacrilege UK - but what results is 666% Children of Technology, with a charisma that's undeniable, and undeniably their own.

"Six years have passed since Future Decay," says DeathLörd, "a long period of time busy with raids all across the wasteland to scrape fuel for our supplies and records for our collections. Still loyal to our roots, we keep walking the ridge between metal and punk, careless whether that's trendy or not. With such a tight lineup, we have been able to deliver our most intense recordings ever. Harder. Faster. Stronger. Killer."

Well-suited for this occasion is the cover art courtesy of Velio Josto (Riot, Enforcer, Cruel Force, Vulture, Ostrogoth). Likewise, the vinyl version will come with a bonus 7" featuring an Onslaught cover and a reboot of an old demo song. If ever there was a time for Children Of Technology to return to rule the wasteland (or whatever's left of it), it's now - because it's Written Destiny!

Tracklisting:

"Soundtrack Of No Future" 
"Creation Through Destruction" 
"The New Barbarians" 
"Written Destiny" 
"Desert City" 
"Warpainted Nightcreatures" 
"The Days Of Future Past" 
"Wasteland Cratediggers" 

For further details, visidt Children Of Technology on Facebook.

 




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In December 2019, Toronto-based black metal band Astaroth Incarnate released a new EP, entitled Ascendance, which includes a cover of the Cradle Of Filth classic "Her Ghost In The Fog". A bass playthrough video of the track featuring Sergio Moyano in action can be viewed below.

Astaroth Incarnate released a video for their song "I Am Fire / I Am Death (Omega)", taken from the Ascendance EP.

The band comments: "'I Am Fire / I Am Death (Omega)' is the continuation of the first track ('Alpha') that we released, and it continues on with the apocalyptic story concept from where it left of at the end of 'Alpha'. If you paid close attention to 'Alpha', you would've noticed four different characters (who represent the four horsemen of the apocalypse and are color-coded accordingly) intertwined in Death with the primary Astaroth character who represents Life. Therefore, Omega continues the story as representing the Astaroth character as someone who is beyond Death and one who incites the outcome of the eventual demise of a human."

Watch the video below.




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Fretless / harp guitarist Tim Donahue - who released the self-titled Madmen & Sinners album with Dream Theater's James LaBrie in 2004 - has posted a classical guitar instrumental called "Dark Secrets", recorded with the Tokyo Philharmonic strings. It was written, orchestrated and conducted by Donahue for Nippon Crown Records and Shochiku Films in Japan

Donahue recently posted a remastered version of the epic Madmen & Sinners title track. It is prefaced with a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the song. Check it out below.

Donahue spoke exclusively with BraveWords about his activity over the last couple months, which has seen him revisiting music in his catalogue and remastering it to post on Facebook.

Donahue: "Since live performances are no longer possible, I've been keeping a pace with remastering older material, and material that has never been released. So much material... I wonder how I ever had the time to make so much music. So with the COVID crisis, I have the time to go back to hundreds of works and enjoy them while making simple vids to go along with each post on FB."




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Swedish veteran metallers IN FLAMES have released a special 20th-anniversary edition of their seminal, critically acclaimed album "Clayman".

"Clayman 20th Anniversary Edition" comes entirely remastered by Ted Jensen (PANTERA, DEFTONES, GOJIRA) and features all-new artwork in a 16-page booklet, a brand-new instrumental medley plus four re-recorded versions of fan favorites such as "Only For The Weak" and "Pinball Map". Re-recorded songs were produced by Howard Benson (MY CHEMICAL ROMANCE, MOTÖRHEAD) and mixed by Chris Lord-Alge (GREEN DAY, ROB ZOMBIE). The record will be released digitally as well as on CD digipak and a 2xLP colored vinyl packaged in a deluxe trifold that includes an oversized booklet, 11 remastered tracks on a 12-inch record and five bonus tracks on a 10-inch record in a printed sleeve.

Preceding the physical release of "Clayman 20th Anniversary Edition", IN FLAMES digitally released the "Clayman 2020 EP", which features the 2020 versions of "Only For The Weak", "Bullet Ride", "Pinball Map", "Clayman" and a new instrumental track, "Themes And Variations In D-Minor".

IN FLAMES has now unveiled a new music video for the re-recorded version of "Only For The Weak" which takes you through the evolution of IN FLAMES' career via live shows since the song's initial release. Check it out below.

Asked by Bandbond how IN FLAMES chose the songs to re-record for "Clayman 20th Anniversary Edition", guitarist Björn Gelotte said: "When we started thinking about this project, it was… There's a few ways you can do it — either you re-record the whole thing or you bring the old files back and remix them or you just remaster, or you do as we [did] — we picked the songs that we normally play live, or have played the last couple of years, 'cause they kind of fit into the live set that we have nowadays. So it was a matter of us picking a few, and then we just added and added, and it turned out to be, I think, four in the end, plus a little professional medley played by a real musician. [Laughs]

"We didn't wanna re-record the whole thing," he said. "I mean, it is what it is, especially at the time, and I think it sounds good the way it does."

Regarding what IN FLAMES did differently in the studio this time around, Björn said: "We've been working with Howard Benson and his team for two records now, so we kind of know each other pretty well. Technologies moved forward a lot. We saved a lot of time. We didn't have to go through 55 amps to find whatever we were looking for; we had sort of the sound in mind already. My guess is that we were way more efficient. And the songs were written, and that saves, obviously, a lot of time. We didn't wanna deviate too much from the original, but at the same time, we wanted to portray how they sound now, and also add a little bit something, just for fun."

Asked how the evolution of technology helped IN FLAMES in 2020 compared to the year 2000, Gelotte said: "Well, we used Pro Tools, I think, back then as well, so editing and cutting and all that stuff, it was pretty straightforward, pretty much as today. But I think soundwise, it's improved so much. Back then, I think we were still discussing if it was good enough or if we still wanted to do some stuff analog. I kind of like the new way of doing it, because it's really quick and it doesn't take away from the creative process, 'cause you don't have to sit and wait for shit to happen, and I like that. I'd rather be very inspired throughout the whole session than sit and wait for four hours between moving a mic, finding the right cab — all that stuff. So that has certainly improved. But there's something, obviously, if you wanna be romantic about it that a two-inch tape smells, feels and sounds a little bit different. The old desks and everything, they were actual desks — the sound went through it — not like today when they're basically big remote controls for the computer. I like the way you can really get the essence of what you wanna do and not be tired because of technical shit."

"Clayman 20th Anniversary Edition" track listing:

01. Bullet Ride

02. Pinball Map

03. Only For The Weak

04. …As The Future Repeats Today

05. Square Nothing

06. Clayman

07. Satellites and Astronauts

08. Brush The Dust Away

09. Swim

10. Suburban Me

11. Another Day In Quicksand

12. Themes and Variations in D-Minor (instrumental)

13. Only For The Weak (Re-recorded)

14. Bullet Ride (Re-recorded)

15. Pinball Map (Re-recorded)

16. Clayman (Re-recorded)

IN FLAMES' latest album, "I, The Mask", was released in March 2019 via Nuclear Blast (worldwide, excluding North America) and Eleven Seven Music (North America).

IN FLAMES guitarist Niclas Engelin has been sitting out the band's recent tour dates to focus on "personal matters." Filling in for him is former MEGADETH and current ACT OF DEFIANCE guitarist Chris Broderick.

Photo credit: Stephanie Cabral

Heavy rockers Lucifer have released a cover of Tom Waits’ “Dirt In The Ground”. The 7” single is available exclusively via worldwide shipping through the Lucifer merch shops: North America / Europe.

The band comments: "We were cranking Tom Waits’ Bone Machine album in the car one day. When ‘Dirt In The Ground’ came on it sounded like he had written it just for Lucifer and we felt an ethereal urge to play it. Nothing beats the director of doom but here’s our interpretation of one of the heaviest songs ever." 

With the Corona pandemic affecting bands and artists worldwide, heavy rockers Lucifer have to postpone the first leg of their EU tour, which was supposed to happen in May to 2021. More info to follow soon.

On a brighter note the band has announced the dates for the second leg of their Third Commandment Tour for November 2020.

The band comments: “Lucifers Friends! Due to the current virus crisis we are postponing our European May tour for February 2021 (dates to be announced shortly). Please hold on to your tickets as they remain valid. The London show however will already take place during our additional European November tour that we are happy to announce here today. Stay safe, people!"

Dates:

November
7 – Hard Rock Hell, UK
8 – London, UK – Underworld
10 – Pratteln, Switzerland – Z7
11 – Stuttgart, Germany – Universum
12 – Munich, Germany – Backstage Halle
13 – Vienna, Austria – Arena
14 – Budapest, Hungary – Instant
15 – Graz, Austria – Explosiv
17 – Frankfurt, Germany – Das Bett
18 – Bielefeld, Germany – Movie
19 – Bremen, Germany – Tower
20 – Kiel, Germany – Raucherei
21 – Kolding, Denmark – Godset
22 – Oslo, Norway – John Dee 

Lucifer recently released their third studio album Lucifer III and entered the charts worldwide as follows:

German Album Charts: #17
Swedish Album Charts: #10
North American Charts:
#8 Current Hard Music Albums
#27 Current Rock Albums
#92 Top Current Albums
#153 Billboard Top Albums

Lucifer III can be ordered here.

“Leather Demon” video:

"Ghosts":




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Progressive metal act, Redemption, led by guitarist Nick van Dyk and fronted by legendary Tom S. Englund (the charismatic frontman of Swedish dark melodic metal band Evergrey), have released Alive In Color on Blu-Ray/2CD and DVD/2CD sets via AFM Records. An official live video for the song "The Suffocating Silence" can be seen below.

Co-headlining the ProgPower USA festival, Redemption's Alive In Color captures the perfect musicianship of all members in the band, making this concert a real treat for fans of progressive metal.

Alive In Color is available to order here.

BluRay/DVD tracklisting:

Intro / "Noonday Devil"
"The Suffocating Silence"
"The Echo Chamber"
"Damaged"
"Someone Else’s Problem"
"Little Men"
"Long Night’s Journey Into Day"
"Threads" (feat. Ray Alder)
"Black & White World"
"Indulge In Color" (feat. Chris Poland)
"Walls"

+ Extras

2CD tracklisting:

CD1:
Intro / "Noonday Devil"
"The Suffocating Silence"
"The Echo Chamber"
"Damaged"
"Someone Else’s Problem"
"Little Men"
"Long Night’s Journey Into Day"

CD2:
"Threads" (feat. Ray Alder)
"Black & White World"
"Indulge In Color" (feat. Chris Poland)
"Peace Sells (But Who’s Buying)" (feat. Chris Poland)
"Walls"
"Threads" (feat. Tom Englund)
"Indulge In Color" (Simone Mularoni Solo)

"Indulge In Color" video:




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Metal Blade Records has reissued Job For A Cowboy's 2014 Sun Eater album on vinyl. See below for an overview of all versions; order your copy now at IndieMerch or Kings Road.

Versions:
- Orange in yellow sunburst vinyl (US exclusive)
- Aqua / white melt vinyl (US exclusive)
- 180g black vinyl (EU exclusive)
- Blue / black galaxy vinyl (EU exclusive - limited to 200 copies)
- Neon yellow / orange spinner vinyl (Kings Road exclusive - limited to 100 copies)




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Lancashire’s soaring hard rock sect, Wytch Hazel, will release its shimmering new album, Wytch Hazel III: Pentecost, on October 30 via independent underground label Bad Omen Records (Satan's Satyrs, Spell). Recorded by ex-Purson multi-instrumentalist Ed Turner, the quadruple-tracked record imbues a rich, anthemic late night drivetime vibe, passionately embracing the most high-end, smash-hit classic rock and heavy metal circa its late 1970's heyday. 'Wytch Hazel III: Pentecost' succeeds the band's 2018 sophomore release, II: Sojourn, and 2016 debut, Prelude.

Within moments of pressing play on III: Pentecost, there are gorgeous self-professed touches of Black Sabbath, Blue Öyster Cult, AC/DC and early Scorpions. “With the soloing I was trying to go for Michael Schenker,” beams vocalist/guitarist Colin Hendra. As a child, Hendra, the band's founding member and guiding light, played drums in brass bands and orchestras, studied classical piano and sang in the school chamber choir, but at 16 the direction of his life changed forever, after a revelation we can all relate to: "Iron Maiden was the main reason I started playing electric guitar," he reveals. "I remember borrowing The Number Of The Beast off a friend and was just blown away – heavy metal was an obsession from that point on!"

Among many savvy touchstones, the new album’s concerted hike in professional quality across production, songwriting and performance was inspired by one especially lofty exemplar of the form: “What I had in mind was a singalong album, the album full of hits, a little bit like Fleetwood Mac's 'Rumours',” confesses Hendra. “I’ve never believed in filler - there’s no point recording something unless it’s the best it can be - so it was just striving for as much excellence as possible.” The almighty effort shines bright in the smooth, diamond-hard sound and immersive layers (acoustic guitars, synthesized strings, haunting piano, rainfall samples, Bible readings, rampant Hammond organ work on "I Am Redeemed", and Colin’s dad's harrowing cello rendition of Chopin’s "Funeral March") of the recording. “This album has been an absolute obsession,” stresses the band leader.

With the LP’s title offering the most unambiguous statement yet of Hendra’s Pentecostal Christianity, the man’s lyrics are even more nakedly devotional, his sincere, sensitive voice bristling with even stronger conviction; an avenue of inspiration that Wytch Hazel pretty much has to themselves in the modern metal scene. "I play in a heavy metal band and I write songs about God - it's actually quite a rebellious thing!" chuckles Colin. Perhaps the most lateral comparison is to a band from the opposite spiritual realm, with the track "Archangel" an explicit homage to Swedish faux-Satanic devil cult Ghost. “I find them fascinating, Ghost; musically great, the songwriting is spot-on,” enthuses the frontman. “We share an intrinsic connection, with [Bad Omen honcho] Will Palmer being the person who discovered us both, that’s a special thing in some way. I’m really happy with that song. I wanted to write a song about Lucifer, but it had to be done right; I didn’t want it to be a song glorifying Satan, so it’s a song about, why does he get all the glory?!”

Lest any heathen headbanger start to fear any kind of evangelical conversion agenda, Hendra expands on his position: “Music is created for all, it’s a common grace for everyone,” he affirms, “which is why the music that shows the glory of God the most, in my opinion, is not music created by Christians. It’s Black Sabbath, you know!”

Tracklisting:

“He Is The Fight”
“Spirit And Fire”
“I Am Redeemed”
“Archangel”
“Dry Bones”
“Sonata”
“I Will Not”
“Reap The Harvest”
“The Crown”
“Ancient Of Days”

“I Am Redeemed”:

(Photo by: Sam Scott Hunter)




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Neal Morse will release Sola Gratia, his new solo progressive rock concept album, on September 11. Originating from a seed planted in his mind about writing a record based on the apostle Paul, Sola Gratia quickly came together at the beginning of 2020. The album sees Neal working with long-time collaborators Mike Portnoy, Randy George, Eric Gillette, Bill Hubauer and Gideon Klein.

Watch the lyric video for the third single, "Building A Wall", below.

Neal comments: “This song sounds like a political commentary, but really it is not. I wrote this thinking about the apostle Paul being at Stephen’s trial and also about the wall of separation at that time between the Jews and the Gentiles. Very biblical stuff. But, people can take it however they would like... My thought is that many times we humans desire to divide and separate, but God is looking to join all things together in one with him. How’s that for a quote for a rather heavy rock song! Oh, by the way… I played drums on this one! :-)“

The title Sola Gratia of course has echoes of Morse’s 2007 epic Sola Scriptura, about the life of Martin Luther, but was in fact originally the result of a simple marital misunderstanding: “I was talking to my wife Cherie about debuting this new piece at Morsefest 2020 (Morse’s annual fan convention in Nashville) and she said she thought it would be good for me to do a solo album. However, I thought she said ‘Sola album’ and – because some of the new ideas involved Paul’s aggressive pursuit of the early Christians, I could see a link to some of the themes of persecution in ‘Sola Scriptura’.”

The music was recorded “virtually” in April 2020 at the height of the Coronavirus lockdown with long term collaborators Mike Portnoy (drums) and Randy George (bass): “It’s the first album we have ever made remotely: I sent them the basic tracks and asked if they wanted to rearrange things, but they just said ‘No, it’s great!’, so they just played to it and sent their parts back over. It wasn’t an easy way to make an album, but creating always has its challenges, no matter how you do it.”

As Morse explains, it was this process that decided that Sola Gratia was to be a Neal Morse album, rather than being credited to The Neal Morse Band: “With the Neal Morse Band, the whole band works together on the writing, and while Eric Gillette plays some guitar and Bill Hubauer has added some keyboards on this one, neither of them wrote – or is singing – on this album.”

Sola Gratia will be released as a limited CD/DVD Digipak (featuring a ‘Making-Of’ documentary), Gatefold 2LP + CD, Standard CD Jewel Case and as a Digital Album. The cover art was created by another longtime collaborator, Thomas Ewerhard. Pre-order here.

Neal Morse will debut Sola Gratia live at his annual Morsefest convention on September 18 and 19, 2020. A very limited number of people will be able to attend in person, with the event also being streamed online. More details and tickets are available here.

Tracklisting:

“Preface”
“Overture”
“In The Name Of The Lord”
“Ballyhoo (The Chosen Ones)”
“March Of The Pharisees”
“Building A Wall”
“Sola Intermezzo”
“Overflow”
“Warmer Than The Sunshine”
“Never Change”
“Seemingly Sincere”
“The Light On The Road To Damascus”
“The Glory Of The Lord”
“Now I Can See/The Great Commission”

"Seemingly Sincere" video:

"In The Name Of The Lord" video:

(Photo - Jim Arbogast)




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More video of Vic And The Rattleheads, aka Megadeth, performing at a secret show at Saint Vitus Bar in Brooklyn, NY on December 12, 2016, has been released. Watch the band perform "Holy Wars... The Punishment Due", as well as the previously posted "Peace Sells", "Symphony Of Destruction", "Dystopia", "Sweating Bullets", "Tornado Of Souls", "Rattlehead" and “Hangar 18”, below:

Rust In Peace: The Inside Story Of The Megadeth Masterpiece, by Dave Mustaine with Joel Selvin, will be released on September 8. Pre-order in a variety of limited edition autographed bundles here, and watch a short video trailer below.

A new book by the lead vocalist, guitarist, and primary songwriter of Megadeth, the original lead guitarist of Metallica, and the author of the New York Times bestseller, Mustaine.

Rust In Peace: The Inside Story Of The Megadeth Masterpiece details the making of Megadeth’s iconic record, Rust In Peace, which was released in 1990, at an incredible time of flux and creativity in the rock world. Relayed by Dave Mustaine, the book covers the process of hiring the band and supporting cast, of trying to handle the ensuing success, and ultimately the pressure of fame and fortune - which caused the band to finally break-up. In short, it’s a true story of groundbreaking anti-pop that was moving toward the mainstream (or the mainstream that was moving toward the band), at a time of great cultural change, power, ego, drugs, and other vices that went hand-in-hand with rock n' roll, circa the late eighties-early nineties.

Little did Mustaine know that the birth pangs of the record were nothing compared to the oncoming pain and torment that would surround it. Alcohol, drugs, sex, money, power, property, prestige, the lies the band was told by the industry - and the lies they told each other - were just beginning, and much like rust in real life, these factors would ultimately eat away at the band’s bond until only the music survived.

Rust In Peace: The Inside Story Of The Megadeth Masterpiece is a story of perseverance, of scraping off the rust off that builds over time on everything: ourselves, our relationships, pop culture, art, and music.




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In the spring of 2019, Manowar toured across Russia. From Krasnodar on the Black Sea all across the country to Vladivostok almost 10,000 km east and many places in between, this was Manowar's biggest tour of Russia to date.

“The welcome we received was overwhelming!" said Joey DeMaio. "We had dreamed of playing these cities for the first time to make new friends and revisit other places. We can't wait to return and bring more true metal to the strongest fans in Russia, the Manowarriors!"

Manowar recently released a sneak peek at their upcoming new Blu-ray, DVD And Digital release, The Final Battle, coming soon. Watch below.

In the spring of 2020, Manowar played their long-awaited first ever concert in Mexico, headlining Hell & Heaven Fest 2020. This historic event was recorded in highest definition, with over 15 8k and 4k cameras, a drone and immersive audio set up and will soon be released on Blu-ray, DVD and digital platforms.

Manowar will return to Spain as the headliners for Rock Fest Barcelona, on Thursday, July 1, 2021. This will be the band's only concert in Spain next year.

Manowar will celebrate its 40th anniversary with the largest production they've ever brought to Spain, with epic sets, impressive visuals, Viking figures and a powerful setlist full of their immortal classics.

"We can't wait to go back to Spain," says Joey DeMaio. "Our Spanish fans always fought for Manowar and true metal. We have never failed, and we will never fail big fans in Spain. Our motto is LOUDER HARDER BIGGER - STRONGER - this says it all!!"

Tickets are now available. More info at Rock Fest Barcelona.

In 1980 a new band exploded on the metal scene that would change the world of music and create history; with songs that have become battle hymns, with a sound like no other, and a passion and determination that has defied any obstacles since. Their name: Manowar.

Now, 40 years later, these founders and defenders of the true metal movement have the most loyal army of followers that continues to grow bigger and stronger than ever; and these fans from all over the world have demanded more. Manowar have heard the call of their devoted Army Of Immortals and will return with their 40th Anniversary Tour.

Scheduled for April 2021, Manowar will first return to Germany, the land of true metal, and for the first time in many years to The Netherlands.

“All of us, everywhere in the world, are living in a very challenging time right now” said Joey DeMaio. “But we will get through this, standing together, stronger than ever! Music is a universal power! It guides us through tough times and unites us! And when it is time to celebrate again, we will raise our hands in victory, with the greatest fans in the world!”

The 40th Anniversary Tour 2021 will be a celebration of everything metal fans love about Manowar: Songs that unite and inspire, epic imagery, outstanding sound and a gathering of like-minded friends under the Sign Of The Hammer.

For tour details and ticket links go to Manowar.com/tour.

Confirmed dates so far:

April
6 - Zwickau, Germany - Stadthalle
8 - Rotterdam, Netherlands - Rotterdam Ahoy
9 - Oberhausen, Germany - König Pilsener Arena
10 - Mannheim, Germany - SAP Arena
12 - Bremen, Germany - ÖVB-Arena
13 - Berlin, Germany - Velodrom
16 - Ulm, Germany - Ratiopharm Arena
17 - Nuremberg, Germany - Arena Nürnberger Versicherung

July
1 - Barcelona, Spain - Rock Fest Barcelona




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Foreigner have released the video for "Headknocker", from their 2019 release, Double Vision: Then And Now, which was released on CD+DVD, Blu-Ray+CD, Limited 2LP+Blu-Ray, and Digital. Order the title here, and watch the video below.

Album tracklisting:

"Cold As Ice"
"Head Games"
"Waiting For A Girl Like You"
"Headknocker"
"The Flame Still Burns"
"Urgent"
"Juke Box Hero"
"Feels Like The First Time"
"Double Vision"
"Blue Morning, Blue Day"
"Long, Long Way From Home"
"Dirty White Boy"
"I Want To Know What Love Is"
"Hot Blooded"

DVD / Blu-Ray tracklisting:

"Cold As Ice"
"Head Games"
"Waiting For A Girl Like You"
"Headknocker"
"Say You Will"
"Urgent"
"Starrider"
"Juke Box Hero"
"Feels Like The First Time"
"Double Vision"
"Blue Morning, Blue Day"
"Long, Long Way From Home"
"Dirty White Boy"
"I Want To Know What Love Is"
"Hot Blooded"

Bonus:
"The Flame Still Burns"
"Fool For You Anyway"

"Headknocker" video:

"Waiting For A Girl Like You" video:

"Double Vision" video:

"Cold As Ice" video:

"I Want To Know What Love Is" video:




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"A Pair Of Questions", the new video from Greg Puciato, the wildly adaptive musician whose resume ranges from the unpredictable THE DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN to the pop-infused electro outfit THE BLACK QUEEN and the metal supergroup KILLER BE KILLED, can be seen below. The track is taken from Greg's debut solo album, "Child Soldier: Creator Of God", which will be released on October 23.

"I'd been writing for so many different projects, DILLINGER, then THE BLACK QUEEN, and KILLER BE KILLED...and I just kept on writing,” explains Puciato of the 15-song album that sees him singing and performing all instruments, save the drums. "It felt as if I had more to say, but nothing that necessarily filled the script of those bands, so I ended up with something that I found to be intensely personal and super satisfying, but also confusing as far as what to do with it. When I realized that it was a solo release, it was sort of an 'oh that's interesting' moment, both terrifying and exciting at once, and challenging, and new, and that combo is almost always a good sign, so I committed to it.

"It's important to continue taking risks in order to grow both your creativity and your future possibilities, to create new avenues and freedoms for yourself, and it also felt like a good time for me to integrate and own everything that I am into one thing, without fragmentation or limitation. I needed to come out from telling myself that I always have to be 'guy in a band,' and to release this as my own name."

"Child Soldier: Creator Of God" was recorded in Los Angeles from the halcyon days of 2019 throughout the early, tumultuous months of 2020. The album was produced by Nick Rowe (VAMPIRE WEEKEND, HAIM) and mixed by Steve Evetts (THE DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN, THE CURE). Participating drummers are Ben Koller, Chris Pennie and Chris Hornbrook.

"Child Soldier: Creator Of God" track listing:

01. Heavy Of Stone

02. Creator Of God

03. Fire For Water

04. Deep Set

05. Temporary Object

06. Fireflies

07. Do You Need Me To Remind You?

08. Roach Hiss

09. Down When I'm Not

10. You Know I Do

11. Through The Walls

12. A Pair Of Questions

13. Evacuation

14. Heartfree

15. September City

Pre-orders are available now via Bandcamp.

Former MACHINE HEAD and current VIO-LENCE guitarist Phil Demmel has teamed up with singer Dino Jelusick (TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA, DIRTY SHIRLEY, ANIMAL DRIVE), bassist Rudy Sarzo (QUIET RIOT, OZZY OSBOURNE, WHITESNAKE, THE GUESS WHO) and drummer Mike Portnoy (SONS OF APOLLO, THE WINERY DOGS, DREAM THEATER) to record a "quarantine" cover version of the OZZY OSBOURNE song "Revelation (Mother Earth)" as part of Phil's new series "Collab-A-Jam".

Phil uploaded the video to his YouTube channel, writing in an accompanying message: "This series wouldn't be complete without this song included. It's my favorite [Randy Rhoads]-era Ozzy song/solo so when Mike told me it was one of 3 songs on his 'to do' list, it was time to tackle this song. Dino and I had been waiting for a song to do with MP and since the BPMD record had come out and I wanted to wait a bit before doing another with him.

"This needs to be epic and although having Marta handle the piano/synth bells/vocoder parts was going to be legit, I wanted something filling more space and immediately asked Julie (who killed it on 'Falling' for us) to add as much as she wanted and see what she would come up with. Having these 2 on this song with their ideas and performance makes it incredible.

"We needed a Bass player and I shot for the moon. Rudy is the most professional, courteous, polite, capable and compassionate musician I've worked with and as he said 'of course, I'd be honored' I knew it was going to be special, in many ways.

"It's no secret Randy is my favorite musician. His passion for not only music but also for performing has struck something with me and I'm paying tribute in this way to maybe inspire others to follow his life's work.

"With some of my earlier Jams I recorded single/pass tracks, but with this one I wanted it to respect it as he would. 2 rhythm, 2 6-string acoustic, 2 solo, 1 12-string and 1 nylon-string tracks later, I hope you all enjoy what the 6 of us accomplished.

"RIP RR"

* Dino Jelusick (TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA, DIRTY SHIRLEY, ANIMAL DRIVE) - Vocals

* Rudy Sarzo (QUIET RIOT, OZZY OSBOURNE, WHITESNAKE, THE GUESS WHO) - Bass

* Mike Portnoy (SONS OF APOLLO, WINERY DOGS, BPMD, DREAM THEATER) - Drums

* Marta Demmel (BLEEDING THROUGH) - Keyboards, Piano, Vocoder

* Julie Belanger Roy (GONE IN APRIL) - Violin, Viola

* Phil Demmel (VIO-LENCE, MACHINE HEAD) - Guitar

Mixed by Juan Urteaga

Video by Grey Haven Media

Rock powerhouse I PREVAIL has shared the impactful and topical video for its new single "Every Time You Leave", which is currently ascending the rock radio charts.

"Every Time You Leave" is I PREVAIL unlike you've ever heard them. The track demonstrates the band's songwriting prowess and shows a more contemplative side of their musical style. The video takes a close, hard and unsettling look at the difficulties and traumas faced by the people and the families who are on the frontlines of both sides of war.

Previously, I PREVAIL shared an intimate performance video of the song, which was recorded during quarantine. The song and video feature Juno-nominated Canadian vocalist Delaney Jane, showcasing the rich element of male-female vocal interplay that highlights the rawness of the heartfelt lyrics. Watch the stripped down and quietly powerful performance here.

I PREVAIL continues to grow at an exponential pace. The band has generated nearly 500 million streams on last year's sophomore blockbuster "Trauma". The group also received nominations for two Grammy Awards in 2020 — in the categories of "Best Rock Album" for "Trauma" and for "Best Metal Performance" for the single "Bow Down". The band's accomplishments have been lauded by mainstream media, including Variety, NPR, Psychology Today and SPIN.

I PREVAIL is:

Brian Burkheiser - clean vocals

Eric Vanlerberghe - harsh vocals

Steve Menoian - lead guitar

Dylan Bowman - rhythm guitar

ASCENSION OF THE WATCHERS, the project led by FEAR FACTORY vocalist Burton C. Bell, will release its second full-length album, "Apocrypha", on October 9 via Dissonance Productions. The recording will be available on CD, two limited vinyl formats and through all major digital outlets.

The official music video for "Ghost Heart", the first single from "Apocrypha", can be seen below.

Comments Bell: "I am very proud to present the first single, 'Ghost Heart', from our latest recording, 'Apocrypha'. The song was recorded exactly the way I wanted it to sound; powerfully mysterious, which also describes the video created by Victor Hugo-Borge. A surreal landscape for the cinematic tones that is the moving track 'Ghost Heart'."

Born of life, love and spirituality, Bell's unmistakable, harmonious inventory once renowned in one of metal's finest pioneering acts has brought life to a new concept, a genre of its own.

Ambient atmospheres, melodies and introspective lyrics shed light of Bell's visions, as seen in their purest form. An intimate nature that ASCENSION OF THE WATCHERS envisioned, to draw the minds, hearts and aspirations of a people to a higher level of thinking to a feeling with cohesive celebration and reflection in the beauty of existence.

In early 2002, Burton retreated to the quiet, simplicity of rural Pennsylvania for seven months with his friend and musical confidant John Bechdel, escaping the onslaught of Los Angeles, and industry alike. A mentor in music, philosophy and demeanour, Bechdel unwittingly guided Bell along the creative path of this new conceptual movement.

With Burton's unprecedented vocal sound and style, coupled with the brilliantly orchestrated musical compositions of both Bell and Bechdel (synonymous with pioneering tags to the industrial/metal genre), the pair began experimenting with textured melodies of melancholic tones, best attributed to the 1980s and 1990s underground scene. ASCENSION OF THE WATCHERS echoes the sounds of a prophetic hallucination, fears and dreams with remorse of things lost and forgotten; but with a hope of redemption and light in the future.

In 2004, ASCENSION OF THE WATCHERS independently released "Iconoclast", printed only on CD and vinyl to a limited number.

In 2008, with the help John Bechdel and Paul Raven, Burton brought ASCENSION OF THE WATCHERS to MINISTRY legend Al Jourgensen's label, 13th Planet. With the guidance and special collaborations with Jourgensen during the recording and mixing in El Paso, Texas, ASCENSION OF THE WATCHERS added the guitar talents of Eduardo Mussi. It also featured Paul Raven's last contribution as a bass player on the track "Mars Becoming".

That same year, ASCENSION OF THE WATCHERS' debut LP, "Numinosum", came out through 13th Planet. Upon release, ASCENSION OF THE WATCHERS performed special, intimate shows, including the album release performance at Alex Grey's Chapel of Sacred Mirrors in New York. They also had the honor of supporting KILLING JOKE for their reunion tour in honor of their fallen friend, Paul Raven.

In 2017, the friendship between renowned U.K. solo artist Jayce Lewis and Burton brought in the essential camaraderie, talents and studio that perfectly suited the recording of "Apocrypha".

Northstone Studios, based in the countryside of South Wales, connected to the 250 year old Court Colman Manor, the studio built by Lewis's own hands using the ancient stones of the monastery that once stood there, the rustic detail proved a perfect setting for ASCENSION OF THE WATCHERS' very own Jayce Lewis to record, produce and mix the "Apocrypha" album, a recording process that literally stirred the souls that remain within the stone walls of Lewis' Northstone Studios. During the vocal recordings of the title track, a recording was inadvertently captured from the aether; an eerie, unrecognizable and untranslatable, syllabic phrase whispered within the vocal booth. The event is now the intro to the title track, "Apocrypha".

In truth, the making of "Apocrypha" has been a decade-long journey of writing and recording, from California, Pennsylvania, New York and Wales. In 2018 the band decided to utilize the crowdfunding platform PledgeMusic to jumpstart the project. After a very successful campaign, raising 124% of their goal, PledgeMusic went into administration, eventually declaring bankruptcy. and in turn, would never release any of the funds dedicated to ASCENSION OF THE WATCHERS. Nevertheless, ASCENSION OF THE WATCHERS persevered to complete the album.

After ten years of writing and recording, along with reflection on the very personal nature of this project, ASCENSION OF THE WATCHERS will renew its journey in 2020.With plans of conceptualized touring, ASCENSION OF THE WATCHERS continues to grow as Bell's main creative endeavor, well into the future.

"Apocrypha" track listing:

01. Ghost Heart

02. The End Is Always The Beginning

03. Apocrypha

04. A Wolf Interlude

05. Honorée

06. Stormcrow

07. Cygnus Aeon

08. Key To The Cosmos

09. Bells Of Perdition

10. Wanderers

11. Sign Your Name

"Apocrypha" recording credits

Burton C. Bell - Vocals, Guitar

John Bechdel - Keyboards

Jayce Lewis - Drums, Backing Vocals, Programming

In a new interview with PopMatters, Dee Snider discusses a range of topics, including filmmaking, the future of live music, and his appreciation for artists such as UFO and Thin Lizzy. An excerpt follows:

PopMatters:You've made the bulk of your living as a live performer and there was the recent article suggesting that live performance won't return on any large scale until 2022. What do you make of all of this?

Dee Snider: "It's scary on many, many levels. As far as the live concert experience, who knows when that will get back to normal. But I'm a spoiled old dude. [There are] those shared moments that were why I went to concerts, why I wanted to be onstage, those moments where we are one, the song, the band, the audience, is joined together. It can be 90,000 people, when it's on, it's a shared experience that's like no other. It cannot happen with social distancing, it cannot happen with people literally being afraid of screaming, "Rock!" for fear of spraying COVID on the person next to them.

"My biggest fear is the long-term ramifications of what impact this is having on creativity and the industry. Not just music but art, filmmaking, painting, any kind of art. It's killing the alternative, independent scene, which is where everything begins. Where new ideas come from. Independent labels, independent studios, independent venues, independent producers, all the people with no money. That's being destroyed. The ones who will survive this are the corporate entities. The idea of having our art decided upon and provided by the corporate world, to me, is terrifying.

"I don't think it will kill it. I think it will be in basements, bedrooms, and garages. But right now the places that bring it out of the basements and into the local venue or the local gallery [is being hurt]."

PopMatters: Right.

Snider: "I was supposed to start directing my first feature film in May. It's an indie film. Who's going to insure the movie? Netflix can afford to self-insure, Disney can afford to self-insure, they can survive a 100 million dollar loss. Independent filmmakers can't afford a one million dollar loss. Those are my real concerns for art in general post-COVID."

PopMatters: There are those places, those tiny rooms where people pack in and soak up the new acts. I fear them going away.

Snider: "If there was COVID pre-1970 something there would be no CBGB. If CBGB didn't happen where would these bands like the Talking Heads, the Police, Blondie, the Ramones, the Dictators, gone? That was the only place they could play. That place couldn't survive. That's what I'm talking about, the loss of these places. How could they survive this?

"But I also believe that you can't stop rock 'n' roll. So, one venue might shut down but somehow, they'll scrape together money for another hole in the wall and then they'll piece it together and make it happen again once the dust settles. In the meantime, it's going to be a really, really difficult transition period."

PopMatters: How are you occupying your time, knowing that your film probably won't go into production for a while?

Snider: "I was in Belize for four months and I'd wake up every day and say, "I don't have enough time!" I wrote my first novel, which is out being shopped right now, 56,000 words. I started on a second one. I had my movie that was supposed to go into production and there are certain business aspects of that that even now are still slowly moving forward because there are certain things that you can still put in place. You can still slowly work through production elements and everything.

"I've also been asked to write a reimagining of another classic '80s horror film that I can't mention by name. I was working on the treatment for that. That's been greenlit, so they're putting together deals with that and I'll start writing the screenplay, even though we don't think we're going to get to start until 2021. That's going to eat up 2021 for me. Hopefully my book will be released then. I don't see recording any new music until 2022."

Read the complete interview at PopMatters.

Snider recently released For The Love Of Metal Live, a larger than life live album and DVD/Blu-Ray set, via Napalm Records.

Music lovers around the world are craving the return of live concert experiences, and For The Love Of Metal Live is just the thing to keep live music where it belongs - with the fans! Combined behind-the-scenes footage, various detailed interview clips, insightful personal commentary and electrifying live performances make this release an entertaining experience that every heavy metal fan needs in their collection.

The For The Love Of Metal Live DVD/Blu-Ray and accompanying live album (available in various formats) features audio captured from several Dee Snider festival performances worldwide - from the United States to Europe, Australia and beyond. In addition to tracks from Snider’s solo catalog like “I Am The Hurricane” and “For The Love Of Metal”, Twisted Sister favorites such as “I Wanna Rock” and “We’re Not Gonna Take It”, and even a cover of AC/DC’s “Highway To Hell”, the audio portion of For The Love Of Metal Live also features a brand new original studio track, “Prove Me Wrong” - a thrashing, confident metal hit.

Select audio editions and the DVD/Blu-Ray also feature additional bonus live material and personal footage, with the DVD/Blu-Ray including even more special bonus interview content. The interviews feature Snider himself discussing his famed PMRC hearing, opening for Motörhead and more. Dee Snider fanatics won’t want to miss For The Love Of Metal Live!

Order For The Love Of Metal Live here.

For The Love Of Metal Live tracklistings:

Digital Album
"Lies Are A Business"                     
"Tomorrow’s No Concern"                              
"You Can’t Stop Rock ’N’ Roll"              
"The Beast"                                                     
"American Made"                                           
"Under The Blade"                                          
"The Kids Are Back"                                         
"Become The Storm"                             
"We’re Not Gonna Take It"                             
"I Am The Hurricane"                                     
"Burn In Hell"                                                 
"I Wanna Rock"                                                      
"For The Love Of Metal"                                 
"Highway To Hell"                                         
"Ready To Fall"                                             
"The Fire Still Burns"                            
"Roll Over You"                                              
"Prove Me Wrong"  

CD
"Lies Are A Business"
"Tomorrow's No Concern"
"You Can't Stop Rock 'N' Roll"
"The Beast" Live
"American Made"
"Under The Blade"
"The Kids Are Back"
"Become The Storm"
"We're Not Gonna Take It"
"I Am The Hurricane"
"Burn In Hell"
"I Wanna Rock" Live
"For The Love Of Metal"
"Highway To Hell"
"Prove Me Wrong"

DVD/Blu-Ray
"Lies Are A Business"
Pain of Traveling (Interview)
"Tomorrow's No Concern"
"You Can't Stop Rock 'N' Roll"
New Record (Interview)
"The Beast"
"American Made"
"Under The Blade"
Song Writing (Interview)
"The Kids Are Back" Live
"Become The Storm"
"We're Not Gonna Take It"
WNGTI (Interview)
"I Am The Hurricane"
"Burn In Hell Live"
Rock of Ages (Interview)
"I Wanna Rock"
"For The Love Of Metal"
AC/DC (Interview)
"Highway To Hell"
Credits
"Ready To Fall" (Bonus Track)
"The Fire Still Burns" (Bonus Track)
"Roll Over You" (Bonus Track)
Suzette (Interview)
Hearing (Interview)
Strangeland (Interview)
Lemmy (Interview)

"For The Love Of Metal" (live) video:

“I Am The Hurricane” (live) video:

"Prove Me Wrong" lyric video:

(Photo - John Raptis)




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In a recent interview with Drumtalk, the video podcast by German drummer and videographer Philipp Koch, MAYHEM drummer Hellhammer (a.k.a. Jan Axel Blomberg) spoke about the concept of being "true" in black metal and how genre purists sometimes police subcultural boundaries in relation to the stylistic choices of black metal bands.

"Well, this black metal attitude is really something that was invented by somebody else that really has no clue about anything, I would say," Hellhammer said (see video below). "Black metal, for me, is about thinking for yourself — not following anything. And certainly not this following some idiot that says you have to do this to be true. I never did that, and I never stood behind that at all. I always was doing my own shit, thinking my own thoughts, listening to my own music. For me, that is black metal."

This past March, MAYHEM was forced to cancel its participation in on "The Decibel Magazine Tour" due to the COVID-19 pandemic which is sweeping the globe.

Shortly before the tour's cancelation, it was announced that Hellhammer would sit out the trek due to a severe shoulder infection caused by osteoarthritis that had plagued him for quite some time.

MAYHEM's latest album, "Daemon", was released in October 2019 via Century Media.

Iceland's Kontinuum have released a new music video for the track "Two Moons", taken from 2018's No Need To Reason album. The dark and thought-provoking video can be seen below.

The band comments: "Much like every other artist on the planet, we were faced with this new reality. Forced to think outside the box we decided to revisit this song from 'No Need To Reason,' which we always thought deserved a visual artistic expression."

No Need To Reason can be streamed, downloaded, and purchased here.

(Photo - Lilja Draumland)




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ANTHRAX drummer Charlie Benante has teamed up with DEATH ANGEL singer Mark Osegueda and METAL ALLEGIANCE bassist Mark Menghi to record a cover version of MOTHER LOVE BONE's "Chloe Dancer/Crown Of Thorns", filmed while they were in quarantine.

Benante uploaded a video of the performance to his YouTube channel, writing in an accompanying message: "What if? I always ask that when I listen to MOTHER LOVE BONE, Would Andrew Wood have sung 'Release' or 'Why go'? Would that TEN album have been the next MLB album?

"I remember sitting in Lonn Friend's @instadude74 office when he got the Call that Andrew Wood had Died. I couldn't believe it, WTF?? I thought that band was going to have a long career...well some of them did.

"What A great album; to this day it's one of my favorites. The Chloe/Crown Of Thorns song is a stand out, it's so perfect.

"A few years ago I did a version of Chloe Dancer with Mark Osegueda @bonsloth and Mark Menghi @markmenghi at a @metalallegiance show. I think they both capture the feel and emotion on this song .

"I always thought I never really finished or felt fulfilled and I wanted to do a better cover of it. Since I've been doing these jams this song has always been on my mind. I get goosebumps when I play it, it's weird and emotional.

"I hope you Dig it!"

Benante has been using his coronavirus downtime to connect virtually with other metal musicians and share videos of them covering various pop, rock and metal tracks, including those by RUSH, IRON MAIDEN, Billie Eilish and Tom Petty.

ANTHRAX has spent most of the last four years touring in support of its latest album, "For All Kings", which was released in February 2016. A follow-up effort is expected in 2021.

Protest The Hero recently released their new album, Palimpsest. Watch a drum playthrough video for the track "All Hands" below:

Order Palimpsest here. The album features 10 new tracks and is the first music from the band since Pacific Myth in 2016.

Tracklisting:

"The Migrant Mother"
"The Canary"
"From The Sky"
"All Hands"
"The Fireside"
"Soliloquy"
"Reverie"
"Little Snakes"
"Gardenias"
"Rivet"

"The Fireside":

"From The Sky" video:

"The Canary" video:




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METALLICA has posted the final video as part of its concert series "#MetallicaMondays", where the band is streaming a complete live show for fans on the group's YouTube channel and on Facebook every week. The latest concert to be shared was recorded on March 3, 2017 at Foro Sol in Mexico City, Mexico.

In introducing the show, drummer Lars Ulrich said: "This is a big week in the METALLICA world. We’ve got 'S&M²' rolling your way on Friday. Then, on Saturday, if you're in North America, METALLICA will be appearing at your local drive-in theater! How cool is that?

"Since much of the world, thankfully, is in much better shape than it has been for quite some time — not everywhere, I know that — we figured that since there's such a big week happening in METALLICA, maybe we should sunset '#MetallicaMondays'.

"Unfortunately, this is the last one. Of course, there's a part of me that hopes '#MetallicaMondays' can return in some way, shape or form, but obviously, we don't want it to be because of COVID-19 returning again. So fingers crossed.

He continued: "Thank you for letting us help you a little bit through these crazy, surreal, challenging times. We're so grateful, appreciative and honored that these Mondays have gotten METALLICA friends and family all over the world together to share an experience and connect with each other in times of darkness and uncertainty."

METALLICA added in a statement: "When we started out with this little project, we thought we'd try something that would keep us busy and entertained in the face of the unknown. All of you made it something incredible. We watched you tune in week after week, and you blew us away, showing up to enjoy each show!"

Featured songs:

0:00:01 Lars Ulrich intro

0:09:22 Hardwired

0:13:11 Atlas, Rise!

0:19:51 For Whom The Bell Tolls

0:24:19 Fuel

0:28:26 Kirk Hammett solo #1

0:29:52 The Unforgiven

0:36:58 Now That We're Dead

0:47:55 Moth Into Flame

0:54:07 Harvester Of Sorrow

1:00:48 Halo On Fire

1:09:56 Robert Trujillo solo

1:12:46 Anesthesia (Pulling Teeth)

1:14:40 No Remorse

1:20:05 Sad But True

1:26:03 One

1:34:28 Master Of Puppets

1:42:49 Kirk Hammett solo #2

1:46:00 Fade To Black

1:54:57 Seek & Destroy

2:03:44 Battery

2:09:00 Nothing Else Matters

2:14:48 Enter Sandman

METALLICA will be the first rock band to be featured in the Encore Drive-In Nights series, with a full set showing August 29 at hundreds of drive-in and outdoor theaters across the United States and Canada. The show was shot specially for the Encore Drive-In Nights Series at a location near the band's Northern California headquarters and was subsequently edited and mixed by METALLICA's award-winning production team to the highest standards possible. The concert, the band's first show in nearly a year, will feature material from throughout their near-four-decade career and provide METALLICA fans with an intimate, unique and truly memorable concert experience.

In early May, the four members of METALLICA overcame social distancing to record a new version of their song "Blackened", with each member separated in his own home. The split-screen video was posted to the band's social media channels.

Back in April, Ulrich revealed in an online chat that the band could get together to write and record a new album while in quarantine.

METALLICA has been largely out of the public eye since last fall when the band canceled an Australian tour and announced that frontman James Hetfield was returning to rehab for the first time since 2002 to battle his addictions.

In March, METALLICA announced that its South American tour, which was originally planned for April, has been postponed until December. In addition, the band's appearances at five Danny Wimmer Presents-produced festivals in May, September and October have been canceled: Epicenter in Charlotte, Welcome To Rockville in Daytona, Sonic Temple in Columbus, Louder Than Life in Louisville and Aftershock in Sacramento.

Video of California rockers PAPA ROACH performing the song "Dead Cell" as part of their second live streaming experience iteration called "Infest In-Studio" can be seen below. The program was a special virtually ticketed, live HD broadcast, which took place June 20 from Sacramento, and it featured PAPA ROACH performing its multi-platinum, classic album "Infest", live in its entirety to celebrate the LP's 20th anniversary, along with exclusive discussions and reflections in a unique studio environment.

"We couldn't take not performing any longer," said frontman Jacoby Shaddix. "Having performed the 'Infest' album in full as a surprise one time before (during the band's sold-out 2015 gig at London's Roundhouse on the album's 15th anniversary), we decided to open this infestation to every living-room in the world to celebrate the 20th anniversary with us!"

PAPA ROACH's first live streaming event, "Infest In-Conversation", broadcast on the 20th anniversary of "Infest"'s release (April 25, 2020), drew 1.8 million live viewers on five platforms, including Twitter, Facebook, Twitch, YouTube and VK. That program featured the band showing rare videos and photos and reminiscing with each other for nearly four hours along with members of DEFTONES, LINKIN PARK, AVENGED SEVENFOLD, KORN, as well as with Dave Buckner (the band's original drummer and founding member) and director Marcos Siega (Grammy-nominated director of the "Last Resort" and "Broken Home" music videos).

"Infest In-Studio" was co-produced by Papa Roach Productions and 10th Street Entertainment and directed by Push. It is available for streaming exclusively via VierLive.com.

"Infest" peaked at No. 5 on the Billboard 200 chart and has been certified triple platinum by the RIAA (Recording Industry Association Of America) for sales in excess of three million copies in the U.S. alone. The album featured the iconic hits "Last Resort" and "Broken Home" plus fan favorites "Blood Brothers" and "Between Angels & Insects".

This past February, Shaddix said that plans were afoot for PAPA ROACH to mark the LP's two-decade milestone.

"We've done some really cool things in the studio around some of the previous recordings, and we have some awesome stuff to release here throughout the year, so we're going to celebrate this album for sure — one hundred percent, definitely," the singer said.

Shaddix also spoke about the enduring popularity of "Infest"'s rap-rock anthem "Last Resort", which recently passed 100 million views on YouTube.

"That's our classic," he said. "That thing, it's given us such a relevance, even in pop culture. People are making memes — 'Cut my life into pizza.' I love that. 'Cause now I don't take it all too seriously, because it's embedded itself into pop culture, but then also the reality is that it's spoken to a lot of people's hearts that have been in that darkness, and going, 'Hey, man, there's some hope. You can come out of this. You don't have to stay in there.'"

Earlier in the year, PAPA ROACH completed a European tour with ICE NINE KILLS and HOLLYWOOD UNDEAD.

THE PRETTY RECKLESS's Taylor Momsen teamed up with Alain Johannes, co-creator of the highly influential '90s alternative rock band ELEVEN as well as a key contributor on releases from QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE, THEM CROOKED VULTURES and Chris Cornell, to record a cover version of the Cornell song "The Keeper". The performance video, which can be seen below, made its online debut this past Saturday (August 15) during Morrison Hotel Gallery's (De)Tour, a daylong charity music festival featuring an all-star lineup of artists working in association with MusiCares, National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) and Spotify in support of fellow artists, crew members, and independent venues and promoters.

(De)Tour brought together the brightest stars of the music world in order to combat widespread tour cancelations and continued financial uncertainty faced by thousands of music industry professionals.

Last month, Momsen, who has repeatedly named SOUNDGARDEN as one of her favorite bands, spoke to "Offstage With DWP" about the influence of the iconic Seattle alternative rock act on her music career and her songwriting approach. She said: "Their level of artistry and songwriting and musicianship is so above what I can even comprehend. It's so intricate, it's so detailed, it's so good and it's so smart that it takes a minute to understand SOUNDGARDEN. They're catchy, and everyone's heart the hits, but when you really investigate SOUNDGARDEN and get into it, it's like a religion — it's so in-depth and it's just superior to so much music that's out there.

"I've based my whole career and identity off of THE BEATLES and SOUNDGARDEN. They're two bands that I put next to each other, and I know that might sound crazy to some people. But they're so important. There's very few bands, I think, that needed to exist, and SOUNDGARDEN is one of those bands that there'd be a hole in the music world without their records."

Just days after Cornell's passing, Momsen, whose band was the opening act for SOUNDGARDEN's spring 2017 run of dates, paid tribute to the legendary singer by performing a cover of AUDIOSLAVE's "Like A Stone" at the Rock On The Range festival in Columbus, Ohio.

SOUNDGARDEN's Kim Thayil and Matt Cameron guest on THE PRETTY RECKLESS's upcoming album, "Death By Rock And Roll", which will be released in early 2021. The song with Cameron and Thayil, called "Only Love Can Save Me Now", was recorded at Seattle's legendary London Bridge Studios, where seminal LPs like PEARL JAM's "Ten" and SOUNDGARDEN's "Louder Than Love" were laid down.