SLIPKNOT and STONE SOUR frontman Corey Taylor will release his debut solo album, "CMFT", on October 2 via Roadrunner Records. Taylor recorded the solo effort with his band consisting of Jason Christopher on bass, Dustin Schoenhofer on drums, and Zach Throne and Christian Martucci (STONE SOUR) on guitar. The LP was completed at Kevin Churko's The Hideout Recording Studio in Las Vegas with producer Jay Ruston, who has previously worked with ANTHRAX, STEEL PANTHER and STONE SOUR, among others.

Speaking to Dave "Higgo" Higgins of Australia's MMM Hard N Heavy radio station, Taylor stated about the musicians on his solo album (hear audio below): "I've played with all of these guys in one form or another, but never all at the same time, and I knew not only that they'd all be able to crush it talent-wise and creatively, but we would all be able to get along and really have a great time.

"I just got to the point in my life where I don't care about the romance of tension making a great album," he continued. "I don't even believe in that anymore. I believe that a great album comes from great material. And when you have good songs and great people playing it, you can have a great time and you're still gonna get a great album.

"I've reached a point in my life where I'm tired of being miserable making music, and I only wanna do music with people who love it just as much as I do."

Corey also talked about "CMFT Must Be Stopped", one of the first two singles from the LP, which was released on Wednesday. On the track, Taylor's rhymes run alongside bars from multi-platinum artist Tech N9ne and U.K. MC Kid Bookie. The track is joined by a Djay Brawner-directed music video, which sees Taylor taking the CMFT championship belt as friends such as Marilyn Manson, Lars Ulrich, Rob Halford, Chris Jericho, ZillaKami and more making cameos.

"You know what's crazy, man — when I wrote that and when I demoed it, I did not have a clue how big that song was gonna be, to be honest — how blown away people were going to be by that song," Taylor said. "It was something that I really wanted to put on there because I just had this great idea for a song. I had my verse and the choruses, those ideas, probably for about 15 years, and I just never really had taken the time to really flesh it out and do whatever until I was putting this solo album together, and I just realized it was just time for me to do something like that. And it's got that throwback kind of Rick Rubin-meets-RUN-D.M.C. vibe. That's what I was really trying to go for, and yet I really exceeded that and did something really, really special."

Taylor previously worked with Tech N9ne on a song called "Wither" in 2015, and with Kid Bookie on a reworked version of the rapper's track "Stuck In My Ways" last year.

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

FROM ASHES TO NEW has debuted a new version of "Scars That I'm Hiding" that was created for the soundtrack for the Better Noise Films release "The Retaliators" (out on demand in late October 2020). With guest vocals from Anders Fridén of IN FLAMES, this version of "Scars That I'm Hiding" is the newest focus track from "The Retaliators Original Motion Picture Soundtrack". A version without Fridén's vocals will be included on the band's upcoming release titled "Panic", due out August 28.

Of the track and film, frontman Matt Brandyberry says: "There is nothing more badass than being able to act alongside so many talented artists, and 'The Retaliators' gave us that opportunity.

"As kids, we grew up with dreams to be musicians and actors, and we are beyond grateful to be able to bring both dreams to fruition through this project.

"We can't help but feel that all of this is building the hype we know our new album, 'Panic', deserves. This is only the beginning for what FATN is about to do!"

The video for "Scars That I'm Hiding" features the members of FROM ASHES TO NEW, Anders and footage from the upcoming film. Horror spectacular "The Retaliators" will star, among many other prominent rockers, the members of FROM ASHES TO NEW. The film revolves around a single father and local pastor, John Bishop (Michael Lombardi; "Rescue Me") who serves as a righteous role model for his faithful flock and his two daughters. When tragedy strikes, detective Jed Sawyer (Marc Menchaca, "Ozark") offers him a secret chance for vengeance, forcing not only a reckoning with himself, but the unleashing of a terrifying underground horror. Also featured in the film are members of MÖTLEY CRÜE, FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH and PAPA ROACH, among others.

Fridén says of the collaboration: "We've had the pleasure of touring with FROM ASHES TO NEW a few times, so I was excited when they asked me to do a feature on their new song. The end result sounds awesome. Can't wait to hit the road together again hopefully soon."

The title track to FROM ASHES TO NEW's third full-length release, "Panic" has hit the Top 20 at active rock radio. The song has amassed over 1.5 million streams and 1 million video views in less than a month and has been featured on playlists like Rock Hard, Adrenaline Workout, New Metal Tracks, Kickass Metal, Metal Charge 180 BPM and Rock Rotation on Spotify as well as Apple's Breaking Hard Rock playlist.

"Panic" features the same lineup as FROM ASHES TO NEW's 2018 breakthrough release "The Future" — vocalists Brandyberry and Danny Case as well as guitarist Lance Dowdle and drummer Matt Madiro. Brandyberry credits the undeniable musical magnetism of these eleven songs to the enduring lineup.

"The chemistry between us is there and fans who have seen us recently have been very vocal about the fact that we are firing on all cylinders," he says.

That unified feeling was solidified on the road, performing songs like the Billboard-charting single "Crazy" and enabling the band to further refine their sound and move creatively to the next level.

"We know what our vision is and we know what we want to do, so we were able to really accomplish that on this album because the structure is there," he adds.

MEGADETH drummer Dirk Verbeuren spoke to MetalSucks's "The Quarantinecast" about the progress of the recording sessions for the band's follow-up to 2016's "Dystopia" album. He said (see video below): "What happened is, basically, last year, I would go back [to Nashville] a little bit for [the songwriting sessions]. We got together for about three months in the summer to work on a bunch of demos we had and put down some new ideas. So we were for three months together in Nashville [working on] music before we had to cancel our shows the rest of that year so [MEGADETH mainamn Dave Mustaine] could just really focus on getting better [after being diagnosed with throat cancer], doing the treatment, healing [and] resting — that needed to be done. And then the plan was, obviously, to finish that up earlier this year and get the album out and tour. But then the pandemic happened, so what we decided to do is just focus on the record. So, as soon as it was possible to kind of safely travel at this time — I'm talking a few months back — and if he didn't have a lot of cases where Dave Mustaine lives… So even though I was a little bit reluctant to travel, I decided to just make it a road trip. So since I didn't wanna fly, I just got a rental car and drove from L.A. to Nashville, spent about 10 days there recording the drum tracks for the record. David [Ellefson, bass] at the same time was there doing the bass, so we got that done. And now Dave Mustaine is working on the guitars. And Kiko [Loureiro, guitar] is in Europe currently, 'cause he went to see his wife's family in Europe after our last tour in February and kind of got stuck there. So as soon as he can come back to the States, as traveling is opening up hopefully soon — we'll see — he's gonna come and record his guitar parts. So that's where we're at."

Verbeuren confirmed that extra precautions were taken to protect Mustaine from contracting the novel coronavirus. The MEGADETH guitarist/vocalist reportedly underwent 51 radiation treatments and nine chemotherapy treatments before being declared "100 percent" cancer-free last October.

"We did get together in the studio, at Blackbird studios in Nashville, to do the drum and bass tracking, and Dave was also there, but we were all very cautious the whole time, and we made sure that if anybody felt anything whatsoever, they wouldn't show up," Dirk explained. "It was pretty much a closed session. So it was all set up to be especially cautious around him, but just in general. I'm sure you, like me, have been observing the strictest rules you possibly can. I don't go out without a mask. I mean, it's a time wjere you just have to do what's right."

Asked if there was any talk of MEGADETH possibly recording the new album remotely, Dirk said: "We definitely discussed the option of doing it remotely, but Dave is not a fan of that; he's never really worked that way. He's co-producing the album with Chris Rakestraw, who also worked on 'Dystopia'.

"Dave is a little bit of the conductor of the orchestra in the room, so he's not this annoying presence at all," the drummer said. "He's more just very involved with everything that's happening at the right time. So as an example, when we were doing the drum tracking, it's not like he was sitting there watching me play every beat, because sometimes he'd have other things that he'd have to go do. But as soon as I laid something down, [we'd tell him], 'Hey, Dave, the song is ready. Come check it out. What do you think?' And he'd come in and he'd give great feedback. Sometimes he'd be, like, 'This is awesome — keeper.' Other times, he'd be, like, 'Hey, how about you try this here?' He has a great vision, obviously, of MEGADETH, as we can all imagine. It's really something that's so close to his heart that he's so intimately familiar with every little detail of what everybody's played on each album throughout the years. So he knows exactly what works and what doesn't. And in that sense, as much as I was, like, 'Oh, for safety reasons, it might be better if I record here and we discussed it,' at the same time, it makes more sense, just the way this band has been its entire existence, to do it together. So we made it work."

MEGADETH's new album is tentatively due in early 2021.

Mustaine recently told SiriusXM's Jose Mangin that the upcoming MEGADETH album will be "up there with 'Countdown [To Extinction]', 'Rust In Peace' and probably 'Peace Sells' and 'Dystopia'."

The effort will be MEGADETH's first to feature Verbeuren (ex-SOILWORK), who joined the band four years ago.

As previously reported, MEGADETH's North American tour with LAMB OF GOD, TRIVIUM and IN FLAMES has been rescheduled for 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Speaking to Rock Candy magazine for the cover story of issue 21, DEEP PURPLE stalwarts Ian Gillan and Ian Paice have revealed what fuels their enduring passion for rock music — and it has nothing to do with money. It's their abiding love for being in DEEP PURPLE, not the pots of cash, that has ensured the legendary rock band has survived for more than 50 years — and it also means that PURPLE is still making exciting and creative music with new album "Whoosh!"

"The early days were fabulous," says vocalist Gillan in his interview with writer Dave Ling. "Everything was new and wonderful and shocking. Things got bigger and bigger and bigger, so we became very confident. But as young men, we were also wealthy. We had more money than we could ever imagine. In those circumstances, you can end up becoming surrounded by sycophants who tell you you can't do a thing wrong. At that age I thought I knew everything. How wrong I was."

Despite not knowing everything, the PURPLE singer has nevertheless navigated a tremendous career. The secret, says Gillan, is in remaining true to yourself.

"We never try to second-guess what the public wants, or what the business might desire from us in terms of the records we make," he says. "What we do is what pleases us, and we cross our fingers and put our hands together in prayer that the public will like it."

Given DEEP PURPLE's exalted position as a live draw even now, it appears that their public is still as excited about PURPLE performing as the band are about playing. The coronavirus pandemic put paid to the band's plans to undertake a major tour in 2020, "and that's a lot of time to sit around doing nothing," says an exasperated Paice. "Sitting on my arse until June next year really doesn't appeal to me." There are currently two dates pencilled in for September in Sweden, which may stop Paice getting itchy. But there's no doubt that PURPLE's loyal fans will turn out in droves to see them when they hit the road in earnest in 2021, especially given that the band acknowledge that they can't simply go on forever.

"If the skill or the energy should drop away then that's the end of it for me," insists Gillan. "I don't want to go out there and do anything that's sub-standard."

Read the whole of this revealing article in issue 21 of Rock Candy magazine.

For more information, visit www.rockcandymag.com.

Multi-camera fan-filmed video footage of AC/DC's entire last concert with GUNS N' ROSES singer Axl Rose, which took place on September 20, 2016 at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, can be seen below (courtesy of YouTube user markit aneight).

The setlist for the show was as follows:

01. Rock Or Bust

02. Shoot To Thrill

03. Hell Ain't A Bad Place To Be

04. Back In Black

05. Got Some Rock & Roll Thunder

06. Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap

07. Rock 'N' Roll Damnation

08. Thunderstruck

09. High Voltage

10. Rock 'N' Roll Train

11. Hells Bells

12. Given The Dog A Bone

13. If You Want Blood (You've Got It)

14. Live Wire

15. Sin City

16. You Shook Me All Night Long

17. Shot Down In Flames

18. Have A Drink On Me

19. T.N.T.

20. Whole Lotta Rosie

21. Let There Be Rock

Encore:

22. Highway To Hell

23. Riff Raff

24. Problem Child

25. For Those About To Rock (We Salute You)

AC/DC postponed the last 10 dates of its spring 2016 North American trek after singer Brian Johnson was advised to stop playing live or "risk total hearing loss." The band went on to complete the European and North American legs of its "Rock Or Bust" tour with the GUNS N' ROSES frontman as a "guest vocalist."

AC/DC's North American tour ended in Philadelphia in September 2016, and despite initial fan trepidation, Axl got generally good reviews for his performances. Guitarist Angus Young said at the time: "I mean, under the situation that we had, it was very good that he volunteered and said, 'Hey, if I can help, let me try.' So he's been very good. And he had to learn a lot of songs very quickly, and he's done a great job."

Duff McKagan, who is one-third of the reunited partial classic lineup of GUNS N' ROSES, got a chance to watch Rose and AC/DC play in June 2016 in London, England and in September 2016 in Cleveland, Ohio.

Duff spoke about Axl's collaboration with AC/DC during a 2019 appearance on "The Church Of What's Happening Now" podcast. He said: "The way [Axl] did that was amazing. He was, like, 'If you guys don't mind, I'm gonna go try out. They need a hand here.' [Late AC/DC frontman] Bon Scott's his all-time [hero]. [We said], 'Dude, you know you don't really have to try out for AC/DC.' But he was really nervous. 'I'm gonna go try out. It fits in with our touring perfect.' And Slash and I were, like, 'You've got the gig.' But he went to Atlanta and tried out, quote-unquote, and got the gig. I saw him twice on that tour. I flew to London to see him, and I flew to Cleveland to see that. It was great."

McKagan added: "I think what it did for [Axl]… We got to know Angus through that. Angus has now come out and played with us a bunch of times. That was that thing when he was 14 or 15, 'Man, one day, if I ever got to be in AC/DC…' He was singing with a broom, and he finally got to do it. Amazing."

Two years ago, Johnson and drummer Phil Rudd, along with guitarists Angus Young and Stevie Young, were photographed outside Vancouver's Warehouse Studios. Based on the pictures, the assumption was that AC/DC was in the midst of making — or at least planning — another album, with Rudd and Johnson both back in the lineup.

Ever since AC/DC completed the tour cycle for its 2014 album "Rock Or Bust" four years ago — a turbulent trek that weathered the forced retirement and eventual death of co-founder Malcolm Young, plus the departures of Johnson, Rudd and bassist Cliff Williams — fans have wondered whether sole remaining founding member Angus Young would keep the band going or decide it was time for AC/DC to pack it in.

In February 2019, a photo surfaced on social media suggesting that Williams has also returned to AC/DC and will appear on the rumored comeback album.

BREAKING IN A SEQUENCE (a.k.a. BIAS), the band featuring former KORN drummer David Silveria, has released a new single called "Delusional". The track was recorded at Mint Potion Studios in Santa Clarita, California and CMC21 Productions in Las Vegas, Nevada with producer Chris Collier.

The "Delusional" visualizer video, which was created by Rob Cisneros, can be seen below.

David is joined in the Orange County, California-based group by bassist Chris Dorame, guitarists Joe Taback and Mike Martin and singer Rich Nguyen.

Silveria, Dorame and Taback previously played together in CORE 10, which "imploded" in 2018 after releasing a couple of singles and playing a number of local shows.

Taback said about BIAS: "We received hundreds of submissions from all over the world and heard a lot of amazingly talented people. Rich came in and we just instantly vibed. The songs flowed without a hitch. We were able to get a lot done with him in a very short span of time."

Added Dorame: "I felt that he immediately connected with what we are trying to portray musically; he fit right in. His style is unique, yet familiar enough to be the perfect voice for our music."

Silveria concurred. "Rich's work ethic drives us all to work harder in the studio; it's amazing," he said.

BIAS made a big splash with its first single, "Pity", which came out in January 2019. The track rapidly reached No. 23 on the Billboard (BDS) Indicator chart and No. 9 on the Foundations (SMR) chart.

"The lyrics that I write are both personal and abstract. Every song I write has two meanings; mine and your interpretation," Nguyen told OC Weekly. "I try to write my lyrics vague enough for people to relate to and form their own opinions. However, if you know me personally, you may be able to figure what I'm talking about, maybe."

"This band doesn't feel like work; it feels like getting together with buddies and just having fun," Silveria added. "This is how it should be."

As for the name of the band, Silveria said: "We chose BIAS because everyone has their own opinions and preferences that influence their actions in some way or the other. Whether we know it or not, we all have our own version of bias." Nguyen added: "It's also short and simple."

MANOWAR bassist Joey DeMaio has told Sergi Ramos of Spain's The Metal Circus that the band is using the coronavirus downtime to work on several projects.

"We are currently completing a DVD and Blu-ray of our first-ever show in Mexico with an amazing 8K video production," he said. "We're in the studio recording songs for the next EP, 'The Final Battle II', and we are already preparing the massive production for our 40th-anniversary tour that will kick off in spring 2021."

Four years after announcing its "farewell" tour, only to later clarify that MANOWAR has no plans of calling it quits, DeMaio is not ruling out a 50th-anniversary celebration in 2030.

"No one can say what the future will bring, nor can we relive the past," he said. "I only know we are here now, and we are ready and willing, and when this next tour starts, we will once again kick ass all over the world."

DeMaio went on to express his optimism that things will eventually return to normal, even if it might take some time.

"Nobody would, of course, ever ask or want a worldwide crisis, but these challenging times are what bring out the best in all of us and make us stronger as individuals and the whole of the human race," he said. "We all have to focus on the things in our control."

MANOWAR released a new EP, "The Final Battle I", in March 2019. Parts II and III of the trilogy will arrive at a later date, inspired by MANOWAR's adventures on the remainder of "The Final Battle".

Last year, MANOWAR recruited Anders Johansson as the band's new drummer.

The Swedish musician made his live debut with MANOWAR in March 2019 in Brno, Czech Republic.

Johansson can be heard on "The Final Battle I", which was initially made available in an exclusive pre-sale at the merchandise booth of the band's "The Final Battle" world tour.

Former MANOWAR guitarist Karl Logan was arrested in August 2018 in Charlotte, North Carolina and charged with six counts of third-degree exploitation of a minor. He was jailed after pleading guilty to two child-pornography counts.

A few days after Karl's arrest was made public, MANOWAR issued a statement saying that he would no longer perform with the group. He has since been replaced by E.V. Martel, who previously played in a MANOWAR tribute band.

Sabaton has issued a live music video for "Swedish Pagans", taken from The Art Of War: Re-Armed album (2010). The clip was filmed on stage during 2020's The Great Tour in Gothenburg, Sweden

The Sabaton History Channel has released Episode 078, "Coat Of Arms" - The Greco-Italian War. Watch below.

A message states: "Morning of October 28th, 1940. The Italian ambassador to Greece had entered the house of Greek Prime Minister Ioannis Metaxas. An unacceptable ultimatum in hand, he demanded subjugation under Italian rule. Refusal would mean war. An ardent Ochi! was the answer. No, the Greek would not bow to fascist demands, but instead fight for the defense of their country and their honor. What followed were months of bitter fighting in the harsh environment of Epirus and the Macedonian mountains. The Greco-Italian War."




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

Finnish modern power metal band Dyecrest have released an official video for the acoustic version of the song "Winterblood", directed by Saara Leutola (Gallacas Films).
 
"Winterblood"'s acoustic version was recorded by Teemu Velin (Stam1na), mixed by Miitri Aaltonen (Stam1na, Mokoma) and mastered by Mika Jussila (Nightwish, Stratovarius). The song’s lyrics are based on a Finnish fantasy book "Talviverinen" ("Winterblood" in English - the book is not yet translated) by Helena Waris. The director Leutola has co-operated with Waris already earlier, when Leutola filmed a short film based on her books.
 
Dyecrest drummer Niko Takala: "I got to know Saara through Helena back in the days. As a band, we started to work with Saara on our video 'Fading/Reaching' (2018). Now we have kinda three artistic visions of the same source combined here in the video of 'Winterblood'. And this discussion was in a way the 'fire starter' to the acoustic version of 'Winterblood'. Saara and Helena asked us to 'create something out of 'Winterblood' that could be used on a soundtrack or something. Luckily, we decided to do it. The original version of the song is great, of course, but I think we managed to capture the spirit of 'Winterblood' even better in the acoustic version.

Leutola and Waris have been talking about making more short films and/or tv-series, even movies based on Waris’ books.
 
"Winterblood" was filmed completely in outdoor locations. The actors/actresses on video are Peik Carpelan, Pilvi Mäkeläinen and Minni Lilja. More than 20 people took part in the crowd funding of the video.
 
Takala: "We are enormously grateful for each and every person who were involved. This participation made the whole video – which is most of all our and Saara’s tribute to Helena’s mighty books – happen!"
 
Dyecrest is currently recording a new album, scheduled to be released in 2021. At the moment (in July 2020), six songs are done when it comes to the drums, bass and the rhythm guitars. The sessions are continuing in early September.




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

Toronto headbangers Superchucker have released their new video "Cloak Of Darkness", pulled from the band’s debut album, Widespread Panic!, which was released June 1st of this year independently. The track is the third video released from their debut and was produced by Clarence Poirier. The video version of the song is a remix from band guitarist Shawn Pegg.

Widespread Panic! cover art and tracklisting:

"Widespread Panic"
"Cartoon Nation"
"Liar" (2020)
"Bullets"
"Forgotten"
"Validate"
"We Like To Rock"
"Another Day"
"The Wait"
"Cloak Of Darkness" (2020)
    
"Widespread Panic" video:

"Liar" video:

Under the current pandemic situation, no shows are planned but a CD release show of some sort could be in the works for the not so distant future.

Superchucker is:

Dave Barrett (lead vocals)
Steve Macpherson (bass, vocals)
Shawn Pegg (guitars, vocals),
Robert Hassey (drums, vocals)
Stavros Theodorakopoulos (guitars, vocals)




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

Well known in their home country of Ecuador and South America for supporting bands like Judas Priest, Kreator, Firewind and more, heavy metal trio Black Sun will be releasing their new EP Silent Enemy on September 4, 2020, via Rockshots Records. The EP follows the band's three previous albums: The Pupetteer (2017), Dance Of Elders (2010), and Tyrant From A Foreign Land (2015).

During the production of Black Sun's new material, the band parted ways with their longtime lead singer. Under the guidance of the EP's producer Nino Laurenne (Hevisaurus, Amorphis, The Rasmus), Black Sun found ways to complete the EP with guest singers on all the tracks. Guests include Finnish metal legends and talents like Tony Kakko (Sonata Arctica), Lordi, Noora Louhimo (Battle Beast), Pasi Rantanen (Thunderstone), Elias Viljanen (Sonata Arctica), Netta Laurenne (Smackbound), Jukka Pelkonen (Omnium Gatherum), Asim Searah (Wintersun/Damnation Plan), Topias Kupiainen (Arion), Henning Basse (Firewind), Petri Lindroos (Ensiferum / Norther) and JF Aguirre (JF Aguirre Project). All come together to create a powerful and catchy metal hymn.

The band adds: "This EP is a new beginning for Black Sun, the tracks were written during the touring period for the last album. However, during the production and recording sessions, the former singer was removed from the band. Consequently, the songs changed, the band had more flexibility and freedom on where to take these songs. Hence, the featuring of many different singers is what makes this EP unique. We can't tell you exactly what will happen next, but we can guarantee this is only the beginning of an exciting new chapter, a rebirth that will bring much more music soon enough."

Today, Black Sun is sharing their third single "Terror Zone" featuring guest vocals from Henning Basse (Firewind, Mayan, Sons Of Seasons). The band comments: "An aggressive Judas Priest-like beat with energetic and thundering vocals from Henning Basse. This song illustrates what one might feel during a war-zone, even if that war-zone is inside your mind."

The Silent Enemy EP is a concept release of seven tracks, three of them being special music scores (intro, interlude, outro). The EP will also have a special short-film based on its storyline out on its release day that was written by Black Sun and Topias Kupiainen.

The EP was recorded at Hi NoiZ Studios and Sonic Pump Studios, mixed by Jens Bogren (tracks 2 and 3) and Nino Laurenne (tracks 1,4-7) and mastered by Svante Forsbäck. Pre-orders can be placed now at this location.

Silent Enemy artwork and tracklisting:

"Moebius"
"Resist" 
"Terror Zone" 
"Dark Mirror"
"No Return"
"Still Alive" 
"Finale" 

"Resist":

"Still Alive":

 




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

From Calgary, Alberta, metalcore is alive and rowdy thanks to Lost In Static. They have made a name for themselves locally and with the new single, “Jordan”, the band is continuing to entice listeners at home and abroad.

This single is going to be on Lost In Static’s debut self-titled album released later this year. The heartfelt and personal song has special meaning to the band, which they explain in their own words:

“Our new single 'Jordan' is our second track to be released from our upcoming debut record. 'Jordan' was a childhood friend who unfortunately lost his life from drinking and driving. This song was written in his honour. It's heavy, it's beautiful and we hope everyone is going to love it as much as we do!”

The combination of solid riffs and juxtaposed vocals show a somber and passionate side of Lost In Static while keeping with the heaviness that is the staple of the genre. Lost In Static takes their craft to a new level and will definitely be intriguing for heavy music lovers of all kinds.   

(Photo by: Joe Miles)




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

Ron Coolen has released his new single "Paradise" and accompanying videoclip on all streaming platforms. "Paradise" is dedicated to the victims of the 2018 Camp Fire, the worst wildfire in California's history that completely destroyed the city of Paradise. 

"Paradise" features intense and emotional guest contributions from vocalist Keith St. John (Burning Rain, Kingdom Come, Montrose) and guitarist Daniël Verberk (Physical Graffiti). This single edit version of "Paradise" is different from the version that is on the album Rise, which was released March 1st on RC Music. 

The images of destruction seen in the "Paradise" video are beyond imagination. The people went through terrifying times seeing their houses destroyed and not knowing whether their friends and families survived. They should never be forgotten. 

"The purpose of the video was to show the huge impact of this disaster and the total state of despair the victims in Paradise must have gone through," says Coolen. "I feel so sorry for them."

The Camp Fire was the deadliest and most destructive wildfire in California history. The fire started on November 8, 2018, ignited by a faulty electric transmission line. The fire originated above several communities and a an urban firestorm was formed in the densely populated foothill town of Paradise. 

The fire caused at least 85 civilian fatalities, and it covered an area of almost 240 sq. miles, destroying 18,804 structures. By January 2019, the total damage was estimated at $16.5 billion, a terrible disaster. Learn more at this location

The beautiful "Paradise" artwork was designed by Gustavo Sazes (Arch Enemy, Machine Head, Kamelot).

 

 




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

Every band is influenced by another, and today, Seattle's Draemora is excited to share a cover version of a group that they have admired very much over the years, Deftones and their infamous song "Minerva" from the 2003 self-titled album.

When asked why they chose this Deftones track to cover, Draemora guitarist Terry Jenkins explained:

"Deftones has been the single most important band to me as an artist from childhood to adulthood. It’s been there throughout my ups and downs and shaped me as a human for better or worse. The quarantine has given me a lot of time to reflect and think, this led to creating material. I revisited this song recently and it gave me chills listening to it, just like the first time I heard it. When Draemora released our Awakening EP, it was clear to me that it was unclear to our listeners what exactly are the influences of this band, so I thought it would be best to just cover some of our very favorite songs that we felt were important to us, this is the first one. We hope you enjoy it, it was a labor of love making it."

Listen to Draemora's cover version of Deftones' "Minerva" below.

Draemora's Awakening EP is nothing short of heavy, melodic metal infused with honest and heartfelt lyrics. This combination works perfectly with the band’s mission to evoke an intense emotional and spiritual experience that brings out the raw emotions that are suppressed all day in normal day to day lives.

Terry Jenkins elaborates the story behind the writing of Awakening: "It's intense and beautiful.  It's angry, sad, and uplifting and I think it is a reflection of a human living in modern-day society.  The majority of the lyrics are a culmination of direct excerpts from letters, poems, and life experiences from the period between May 2018 and August 2019.  It was a very intense time in my life.  A relationship I had been in for 10 years was falling apart due to my addiction problems and I had just got sober at the end of April 2018.  Being sober after being intoxicated and high for 16 years was like living in a different world all together.  I had to finally face all of the things I had put off for a very long time and it was like I was learning how to do everything in my life all over again.  I used lyrics and music to channel a lot of those feelings and get it out.  When I was in the beginning, I relied on listening to a few specific metal albums to keep me from slipping into the dark, and without those pieces of music, I may not be walking the earth right now.  I was going to keep this stuff to myself but, the realization that I needed to feel like I wasn't alone by listening to music that spoke candidly about the same things that I was going through almost forced me to share my stories and others stories on this EP with someone else who is going through the same stuff."

The artwork for the Awakening EP was created by Sarah Estrella.

Tracklisting:

"Home"
"Dead Inside"
"Guilt"
"Reckoning"
"Legion Of Scum"

“Legion Of Scum” guitar playthrough video:

"Guilt":




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

Guitar legend Steve Vai has uploaded two new clips to his official YouTube channel "The Animal Jam" live in Oslo, Norway, and "Mercy" live from Ukraine in 2014 during the Story of Light tour.

With regards to the "Mercy" clip, Vai says "This song was written during the Rodney King race riots in Los Angeles and was reflective of the frustration and sadness I was feeling while watching humans attack each other. I know that’s not who we really are."

Vai is featured in a new interview with Guitar.com discussing life as an artist in lockdown. Following is an excerpt from the chat.

Q: Have you shifted your focus to some other recording projects that were maybe on the back burner, things you can do at home?

Vai: "Absolutely. I’ve started working on some other things… it’s difficult for me to talk about them because my plans change. Once I let something out that I’m doing, people expect it right away. So I should preface this with, I don’t know what’s going to happen. My original plan was to record three trio-based instrumental guitar records that have no overdubs. One record was going to be all clean guitar tones. The second one was going to be my normal dirty tone. The third one was going to be this tuned-down eight-string stuff, like the heaviest of stuff I could possibly dream of. That was one project and I laid it all out, but then other things got in the way.

I recorded one track, 'Candle Power', and that’s for the clean records. It’s on YouTube. It’s got this cool technique I was fooling around with that I call 'joint shifting.' It’s where you bend notes in different directions while you’re pulling off and fretting other notes. I discovered the only way to really do it accurately is to use the tip of your finger and then bend the joint at the tip, as opposed to conventional bending. I looked at it and thought, 'This is like joint shifting.' There are some pretty bizarre things in that piece. I wanted to challenge myself for my 60th birthday. I used a Strat-style guitar, which is not what I usually play. It’s a clean tone with no whammy – that’s like removing one of my limbs – and no pick.

I never developed my finger picking, but I thought, 'OK, let me try it. Something will come out of it.' It was an idea that I had in the back of my mind for this weird bending thing. It sounds almost like country bending. I did Alien Guitar Secrets Episode Eight, and that’s about an hour and a half where I play the video and I also explain the whole approach to the song.

I had never seen this technique being used quite this way, but I assumed it was done before by perhaps many players. After the track came out, some people had mentioned that Jerry Donahue did things like this, so I checked him out, and yes, he was doing similar-type things decades ago, although it was new for me.

There’s also the Real Illusions trilogy – I’ve already released two records, so I decided that I should do the third one. I’ve started to pull that together. On one of my Alien Guitar Secrets, I did an acoustic and vocal version for a song, 'The Moon And I'. The response was so great that I thought, 'You know what? I’m going to make an acoustic record.' Just solo acoustic guitar and vocals. But as mentioned, who knows how it will all turn out? That’s the surprise and delight.”

Read more here.

"Candle Power" is a new track Vai composed in celebration of his 60th birthday (on June 6th). He explains:

"I wanted to challenge myself for my 60th birthday and decided to record a simple trio track. I gave myself some parameters to work within. I told myself I would use a Strat style guitar (tougher for me to play then a Jem), use a very clean tone (not conventional for me), no whammy bar (that’s like losing a body part for me), and no pick, just fingers (way out of my comfort zone).

I also had this idea for a particular type of riff that can only really be played on a guitar with no whammy bar. It’s a technique that I call 'joint shifting'. This is where you bend a note while fretting another, but I wanted to do this technique with a combination of double and triple stop single note bends while fretting other notes and releasing bends. After considerable experimenting, I discovered it created a unique sounding passage. You can hear this technique on a few sections of the song. I certainly hope other ambitious guitar player see the potential in this technique and take it to the moon!

We shot this quick little video of me performing the track at my Harmony Hut studio.

During this period, the world is slowly starting to recover from the Covid-19 pandemic. Many people are still facing challenges and are eager to find entertainment on the internet. I have seen the best come out in many people during this challenging time. When people join together with a common positive intention, the power surge they create within the collective is the healing element that is most needed. Like many little candles coming together to burn as bright as a star.

I needed a title for the song, and with the above in mind, and the fact that it’s my 60th, I choose the title 'Candle Power'. We are even issuing a limited edition commemorative 'Candle Power' candle in the new vai.com merch store that also comes with a high-quality download of the song:

Enjoy!"




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

Swedish modern metal force, Amaranthe, announce their new album, Manifest. With this new album, Amaranthe set their mark with a vibrant, epic masterpiece to be released on October 2 via Nuclear Blast. They have posted a new trailer for the album featuring an introduction to the band members. Check it out below.

Pre-order Manifest here. Pre-save it for your DSPs here. A video for the song "Viral" can be found below.

"Manifest is the latest step in the evolution of Amaranthe, and across the board it is the boldest statement: We are here to stay, we are utterly passionate about what we do and we will take no prisoners in our strive for musical excellence! An all-out metal rollercoaster, Manifest does not hold back in any regard - from the first second to the last, it is brimful with some of the heaviest Amaranthe riffs to date, soaring and emotional vocals and unrelenting metallic fury. We hope you will enjoy this album as much as we enjoyed making it!"

Manifest is available in the following formats:

- CD
- Media Book With Four Bonus Tracks
- Media Book Bundle With Patch (Limited to 250 units)
- Vinyl
  Gold Vinyl (Limited to 300 units)
  Blue/Black Marbled Vinyl (Limited to 300 units)
  Cyan Vinyl (Limited to 1000 units)
  Band Exclusive Vinyl (Limited to 150 units per color)
    Red w/ Gold Splatter - Olof
    Clear w/ Red Splatter - Elize
    Green w/ Black Splatter - GG6
    White w/ Blue Splatter - Nils
    Pink w/ Green Splatter - Johan
    Orange w/ Black Splatter - Morten

Each band exclusive vinyl color was personally selected by the single band members and is a bold statement for which value is the most important to them: Creativity, independence, prudence, cleverness, single-mindedness and composure. All together, these values are the foundation to overcome obstacles and face difficult and uncertain situations. To symbolize that, every vinyl comes with a 5x7 "hero card" corresponding with the band member and their personally picked value. When all six cards are united, they form the album cover for Manifest.

Tracklisting:

"Fearless"
"Make It Better"
"Scream My Name"
"Viral"
"Adrenaline"
"Strong" (feat. Noora Louhimo)
"The Game"
"Crystalline"
"Archangel"
"BOOM!1"
"Wake Up And Die"
"Do Or Die"

Bonus tracks:
"82nd All The Way"
"Do Or Die" (feat. Angela Gossow)
"Adrenalina" (Acoustic)
"Crystalline" (Orchestral)

"Viral" video:

Amaranthe lineup:

Elize Ryd - vocals
Olof Mörck - guitars, keyboards
Henrik "GG6" Englund Wilhelmsson - vocals
Johan Andreassen - bass
Morten Løwe Sørensen - drums
Nils Molin - vocals

(Photo - Johan Carlén)




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

German metal core giants Heaven Shall Burn were the very first band to play Wacken World Wide's XR-Stage. Check out the clip below featuring "Endzeit", "Hunters Will Be Hunted" and "Combat".

Heaven Shall Burn’s new double album, Of Truth And Sacrifice, was released back in March via Century Media. Order the album here, and watch a guitar playthrough video for the song "Thoughts And Prayers" below:

On Of Truth And Sacrifice you can look forward to their trademark sound, more unusual tunes and atmospheric strings that the band fleshed out with Sven Helbig and recorded with conductor Wilhelm Keitel in Minsk. On top of roughly 100 minutes of music on the regular album the limited editions come with a 80min documentary, “Mein grünes Herz in dunklen Zeiten“ (“My Green Heart In Dark Times“), by renown producer Ingo Schmoll who followed the band for almost a year in order to get to the bottom of the phenomenon Heaven Shall Burn.

Tracklisting:

CD1
"March Of Retribution"
"Thoughts And Prayers"
"Eradicate"
"Protector"
"Übermacht"
"My Heart And The Ocean"
"Expatriate"
"What War Means"
"Terminate The Unconcern"
"The Ashes Of My Enemies"

CD2
"Children Of A Lesser God"
"La Résistance"
"The Sorrows Of Victory"
"Stateless"
"Tirpitz"
"Truther"
"Critical Mass"
"Eagles Among Vultures"
"Weakness Leaving My Heart"

"Übermacht" video:

“Eradicate” video:

“My Heart And The Ocean” video:

“Protector” / “Weakness Leaving My Heart” video:

Heaven Shall Burn lineup:

Guitar: Maik Weichert
Bass: Eric Bischoff
Guitar: Alexander Dietz
Vocals: Marcus Bischoff

New Jersey-based rock n' roll trio, The Atomic Bitchwax, will release their new studio album, Scorpio, on August 28 release 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.

Watch the video for the second single, "You Got It", below. Pre-order Scorpio here.

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:




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

Stockholm’s Dead Lord has unleashed the third single from their upcoming fourth studio album, Surrender, called “Messin’ Up”.

The band comments: ”Here’s a lil’ rocknug o’suaveness for all us up-messers, wrong-steppers and hopeless cases. Remember, Rock now, cry later. Turn it up!”

Surrender (out worldwide on September 4 via Century Media Records) can be pre-ordered here and will be available in the following formats:

-CD Digipak (incl. 3 bonus tracks)
-Black LP
-Dark Green LP (200x, via Century Media EU & US Online Shops)
-Creamy White LP (300x, via Century Media EU Online Shop & other mailorders)
-Deep Blood Red LP (200x, via EMP & Nuclear Blast)
-Transparent Petrol Green LP (100x, via Dead Lord Webshop)
-Digital Album

Surrender is a one-stop shop of everything from sweet licks and stylish solos, to simply remarkable catchy songs that hit you in the feels and fill the gas tank to the brim.
Stellar guitar rock, fresh and unleashed, as Dead Lord reinvigorates and rewires a long-lost style, rocketing it into a new era with stone-cold future studio classics. Surrender conveys the sense, palpable at the shows, of the magnetic chemistry and rolling thunder the Dead Lord live extravaganza always floors you with. You can hear the fun and fever, feel the crackle and burn of the reels as they capture a rare rock and roll lightning strike, as if you were standing in the wings with the drug-dealers and crazed leather rebels of days gone by.

Humbucking their way into the mixing desk of Robert Pehrsson’s Studio Humbucker in Stockholm, Dead Lord couldn’t have found a more fitting sparring partner for their live burst of untamed rawk. Pehrsson has helped hone Dead Lord’s classy riffs and King Kong energy into a diamond-cut crystal of top-drawer rhythm and blues.

Tracklisting:

“Distance Over Time”
“Letter From Allen St.”
“Authority”
“Evil Always Wins”
“Messin’ Up”
“Dark End Of The Rainbow”
“Bridges”
“The Loner’s Way”
“Gonna Get Me”
“Dystopia”
“Hands Down” (Moon Martin cover)*
“Moonchild” (Rory Gallagher cover)*
“I staden som aldrig slumrar till” (“Letter From Allen St.” with Swedish lyrics)*

*Ltd. CD Digipak bonus tracks

“Distance Over Time” video:

“Evil Always Wins” video:




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

Ellefson, the eponymous solo band of Grammy-winning Megadeth bassist/co-founder David Ellefson, has announced the tentative tracklisting for No Cover, out October 2 via Combat Records, featuring 17+ cover songs including classic tracks from Motörhead, W.A.S.P., Def Leppard, Cheap Trick, Queen, Judas Priest, Twisted Sister, Fastway, Fight, Dead Kennedys, and more, with cover art by Melody Myers (Ellefson, Altitudes and Attitude, Escape The Fate), an homage to the legendary Def Leppard debut, On Through The Night.

Ellefson have also released the first single, an updated interpretation of the On Through The Night classic “Wasted”, featuring Frank Hannon (Tesla), Jacob Bunton (Mick Mars, Lynam), and Dave McClain (Sacred Reich, Ex-Machine Head). Listen below.

Ellefson, featuring Ellefson on bass, vocalist Thom Hazaert, guitarists Andy Martongelli and Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal (Sons Of Apollo, YES, ex-Guns N’ Roses), and drummer Paolo Caridi, will be joined by a laundry list of legendary guests including Charlie Benante (Anthrax), Eddie Ojeda (Twisted Sister), Dave Lombardo (ex-Slayer, Suicidal Tendencies), Brandon Yeagley (Crobot), Dirk Verbeuren (Megadeth), Frank Hannon and Troy Lucketta (Tesla), Mark Slaughter, Jason McMaster (Dangerous Toys, ex-Watchtower, Evil United), Greg Handevidt (Kublai Khan, ex-Megadeth), Chuck Behler (ex-Megadeth), Gus G, John Aquilino (Icon), Doro Pesch, Dave McClain (Sacred Reich, ex-Machine Head), Dave Alvin (White Trash), Todd Kerns (Slash & The Conspirators), Andrew Freeman (Last In Line), Jacob Bunton (Mick Mars), Al Jourgensen (Ministry), Russ Parrish (Fight, Steel Panther), Dead By Wednesday, and more TBA.

Tracklisting:

"Freewheel Burning" (Judas Priest) ft. Jason McMaster, Gus G, Andy James, Dave McClain
"Tear It Loose" (Twisted Sister) ft. Eddie Ojeda, Dave McClain
"Love Me Like A Reptile" (Motorhead) ft. Doro Pesch, Greg Handevidt, Chuck Behler
"Holiday In Cambodia" (Dead Kennedys) ft. Charlie Benante
"Rebel Yell" (Billy Idol)
"Wasted" (Def Leppard) ft. Frank Hannon, Jacob Bunton, Dave McClain, Bumblefoot
"Riff Raff" (AC/DC) ft. Jason McMaster, Dave Lombardo
"Nailed To The Gun" (Fight) ft. Andrew Freeman, Russ Parrish, Jimmy DeGrasso
"Not Fragile" (Bachman-Turner Overdrive) ft. John Aquilino
"Say What You Will" (Fastway) ft. Troy Lucketta, Mark Slaughter
"LOVE Machine" (W.A.S.P.) ft. Dirk Verbeuren, Dave Alvin
"Love Hurts" (Nazareth) ft. Brandon Yeagley, Chuck Behler, Tyson Leslie
"Sheer Heart Attack" (Queen) ft. Bumblefoot, Doro Pesch, Charlie Benante
"Sweet FA" (Sweet) ft. Todd Kerns, Bumblefoot, Shani Kimelman
"TBA"
"TBA"
"Auf Wiedersehen" (Cheap Trick) ft. Al Jourgensen, Brandon Yeagley, Charlie Benante

Bonus Tracks
18. Eat The Rich (Krokus) ft. Dead By Wednesday

"Wasted":

Produced by Ellefson and Hazaert, with guitarist Andy Martongelli, and engineers Alessio Garavello, Matt LaPlant (Nonpoint, Lil’ Jon, Skindred), and John Aquilino, and mixed by Alessio Garavello, Randy Burns, and more, Ellefson describes the process as a collaborative tribute, and a loving homage, to some of his favorite artists.

You can pre-order exclusive merchandise, experiences, and gear via Indiegogo here.

"Before any of us started writing our own songs, we all began playing cover songs by our heroes during our formative years as musicians. So, it’s fun to go back in time and revisit those songs which helped us to become the artists we are today, when, ironically, many of those artists have now become peers and friends.”

Ellefson continues, “A lot of our buddies have been playing covers and quarantine jams on the Internet during the pandemic, so this was really just an extension of that, but we took it the next level and actually recorded a full studio album. We’ve been working remotely anyway, as we’re all over the Globe, so it was easy to incorporate some guests jumping in with some outstanding performances of their own. It’s been a really fun nod to making great music with our friends, which is the whole reason we got into this in the first place!”

Says vocalist, and co-producer, Hazaert, “It’s all songs and artists that really mutually influenced both myself and David, especially a lot of early “Metal” and harder Classic Rock. Some stuff I picked, some stuff he picked, but for the most part is was all artists that we both loved."

He adds, “And we were able to work in a lot of nods to David’s history, getting Chuck Behler to play with us, bringing in original Megadeth guitarist Greg Handevidt to play on “Love Me Like A Reptile”, a song they used to play in cover bands together before they moved to LA (which we wrote about in MORE LIFE WITH DETH). These are literally all of my favorite bands, and as a vocalist, these are literally artists and songs I’ve covered all my life, so, it’s truly an honor to put together something so fun, and really as effortless as this was. It truly is a love letter to Rock N’ Roll.”




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

US prog metal outfit, Oceans Of Slumber, will release their new and self-titled album, Oceans Of Slumber, on September 4, via Century Media Records worldwide. To give their fans another glimpse on the album, the band unveil the ballad “The Colors Of Grace”, a duet featuring Mike Moss of Antimatter. Watch the video below:

 

Oceans Of Slumber is available as Standard CD Jewelcase, Gatefold black 2LP+CD, Digital album and can be pre-ordered here.

Oceans Of Slumber tracklisting:

"Soundtrack To My Last Day"
"Pray For Fire"
"A Return To The Earth Below"
"Imperfect Divinity"
"The Adorned Fathomless Creation"
"To The Sea"
"The Colors Of Grace"
"I Mourn These Yellow Leaves"
"September (Those Who Come Before)"
"Total Failure Apparatus"
"The Red Flower"
"Wolf Moon"

"The Adorned Fathomless Creation":

"A Return To The Earth Below" video:

Lineup:

Cammie Gilbert - Vocals
Jessie Santos - Guitar, Backing Vocals
Alexander Lucian - Guitar, Backing Vocals
Semir Ozerkan - Bass
Dobber - Drums, Piano/Synths
Mat Aleman - Keyboards




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

Dynamic rock band, Weapons Of Anew, has announced the addition of Chad Szeliga (Breaking Benjamin, Black Label Society) as the band’s new drummer.

“We left no stone unturned, we auditioned a ton of great drummers but we had to make certain that whoever we decided on was the perfect fit,” said guitarist Freddy Ordine, “They needed to be the total package. Chad brings an incredible amount of experience and his musicianship is so much deeper than just his drumming, which speaks volumes in itself. Chad is true talent. We look forward to showing the world what we’ve created.”

Szeliga aded, “When I first heard the music, I knew this band had a tremendous amount of talent, song writing, and creativity. We have the drive to play the best music that we possibly can.”

Szeliga replaces drummer Chris Manfre, who played on the band's debut, The Collision Of Love And Hate, who is parting on good terms to focus on his family. "All is good,” Ordine said. “We love Chris.”

Weapons of Anew is currently in the studio with Mike Ferretti (producer) and David Benedeth (mixer) working on a sophomore release, tentatively scheduled for 2021.




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

A big congrats to Primal Fear as they have achieved the highest chart entry ever in Germany with their 13th studio album, Metal Commando!

Bassist Mats Sinner comments: "Position #7 in the German Album Charts is simply overwhelming (Media Control on #6) and it’s our highest chart entry ever in Germany! Especially in a very difficult release week with many mainstream & German Schlager releases, we placed ourselves on a top position and sold the most albums in the first week in our sales history. A huge ‘Thank You’ from the band to our fans for the great support and the fantastic feedback! Thanks to Markus Staiger, Markus Wosgien, Nuclear Blast and everyone who helped to realize this album and believed in us!”

The title of the album is self-explainatory - Metal Commando contains 110% Primal Fear and is full to the brim with their signature power and energy.

In celebration of the release, last week the band has issued the new single and video "Hear Me Calling". Watch the clip below.

Bassist Matt Sinner comments: "The special thing about 'Hear Me Calling' is, that we are combining the vibes of the first PF albums with the new Primnal Fear of 2020. It's great, because Tom (Naumann) was a part of the song-writing and the basis of the song was made in my studio. Ralf (Scheepers) made the lyrics, perfectly interpreting all the emotions and with a really strong chorus. Far away from home, in a shady plane somewhere between Peru and Bolivia, thinking about home... a strong combination of powerful guitar riffs, awesome melodies, groove and a great hook!"

Metal Commando was produced by Mat Sinner and mixed by Jacob Hansen - an experienced dream-team. The album will contain 11 tracks.

Tracklisting:

“I Am Alive”
“Along Came The Devil”
“Halo”
“Hear Me Calling”                                     
“The Lost & The Forgotten”
“My Name Is Fear”
“I Will Be Gone”
“Raise Your Fists”
“Howl Of The Banshee”
“Afterlife”
“Infinity”

Bonus CD (Ltd. Edition 2-CD Digipak):

“Rising Fear”
“Leave Me Alone”
“Second To None”
“Crucify Me”

"I Am Alive" video:

"Along Came The Devil" lyric video:

Lineup:

Ralf Scheepers - Lead & Backing Vocals
Tom Naumann - Guitars
Alexander Beyrodt - Guitars
Magnus Karlsson - Guitars
Michael Ehré - Drums
Mat Sinner - Bass & Vocals

(Photo - Heiko Roith)




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

With over 100 million streams and views of "Vodka" racked up, making this arguably the most popular song about vodka, it comes as no surprise that Korpiklaani is launching their own unique Finnish spruce flavored craft Vodka. They'll be collaborating with one of Finland’s largest independent breweries and distilleries, Pyynikin who also produced the Korpiklaani Lager.

Korpiklaani Vodka is a premium grain-based vodka from the land of a thousand lakes. Distilled, handpicked spruce, together with the purest water in the world, form a product with a unique forest aroma and perfect smoothness. No other word would describe it better: refreshing.

Samuli Peltonummi, the head distiller of Pyynikin Distilling Company is excited and proud of being able to distill Korpiklaani Vodka into an actual vodka. In his opinion, spruce gives a powerful and authentic Finnish flavor that fits well with Korpiklaani's music and spirit.

To celebrate, Korpiklaani will fulfill everyone’s dream of having a “piss up in a brewery” and will perform live from inside the brewery on Saturday, August, 29 at 8 PM, CEST.

Bringing along with them a full production, stage, lights, and LED screens all built in front of the Beer tanks, this will be the event of the year. The livestream will stay available on the website for an unlimited time, so you can even watch a year later!

Today, the band releases a trailer for the live stream spicing up the waiting time until late August:

Tickets can be bought from their new website, korpiklaani.live where you can also get exclusive merch and also pre-order the Vodka.

The new website is designed for the new world we live in and will host more live streaming events and other live content in the future.

(Photo - Jani Mahkonen)




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

Lucy Burns is the fresh project from Rafał "Rasta" Piotrowski, frontman of Polish death metal band, Decapitated, and his friend Mr. G - electronic music maker.

The beginning of Lucy Burns reaches back to 2019. The idea was to create something totally different from what both members of the band used to do in past projects. Their aim was to experiment with music genres as much as possible.

The band is about to release their first music video and single, " Occoltica", on August 7. The song is a mixture of dirty electronic sounds, hip hop, tribal rhythms and melodic rock attitude.

"Ocooltica" tells the story about powerful hex of music, music that has the ability to pierce through hearts, possess minds, and take the listener on a freaky trip through the oneiric world of Lucy Burns. The tale of Lucy Burns will gradually continue to develop in the next single releases, which will ultimately lead you to the full-length album.

Watch a first trailer below, and stay tuned for updates.




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

Swedish rock band, Thundermother, have released their new album, Heat Wave, via AFM Records. A music video for the song, "Dog From Hell", can be found below.

Tracklisting:

“Loud And Alive”
“Dog From Hell”
“Back In ‘76”
“Into The Mud”
“Heat Wave”
“Sleep”
“Driving In Style”
“Free Ourselves”
“Mexico”
“Purple Sky”
“Ghosts”
“Somebody Love Me”
“Bad Habits”

“Dog From Hell” video:

“Sleep”:

“Driving In Style”:




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

Alcatrazz have released their brand new full-length, Born Innocent, via Silver Lining Music. Order here, and watch a video for the title track below.

The hard-hitting, melodic heavy metal band Alcatrazz unleash Born Innocent, their first studio venture since 1986’s Dangerous Games. Alongside the unique vocal prowess and range of star frontman and founding member Graham Bonnet, Born Innocent also features fellow founding members Jimmy Waldo and Gary Shea. Debuting on Born Innocent is the latest of the illustrious Alcatrazz guitarists to bring their extreme six-string talents to the band, with Boston-based Berklee College of Music Assistant Professor of Guitar, and one-man metal impresario Joe Stump.

Mixed and mastered by Andy Haller, Born Innocent also sees former stars from Bonnet's long career making guest appearances, from Chris Impellitteri, who wrote the music and played all guitars on the arpeggio-powered "Born Innocent" with Bonnet's vocals soaring to old-school heights, and Bob Kulick who wrote and laid down guitar for "I Am The King". Virtuoso Japanese guitar maestro Nozomu Wakai - a new invitee to the party- similarly wrote and played guitars on the double-kick steel-plated Irish warrior ode "Finn McCool", while Steve Vai wrote "Dirty Like The City". Meanwhile, "Something That I Am Missing" and "Warth Lane" were written by - and feature the guitar work of- Italian six-string hero Dario Mollo, with Riot bassist Don Van Stavern playing bass on the title track, "Polar Bear", "Finn McCool", "London 1666", "Dirty Like The City" and "Paper Flags". Add D. Kendall Jones’ writing and guitar work on "We Still Remember" and even a quick solo by another new invitee to the Alcatrazz mega-sound, Annihilator's Jeff Waters on "Paper Flags" (the second one to be precise), and it’s clear that studio Alcatrazz 2020 is one giant piece of rock for sure.

Tracklisting:

"Born Innocent"
"Polar Bear"
"Finn McCool"
"We Still Remember"
"London 1666"
"Dirty Like The City"
"I Am The King"
"Something That I Am Missing"
"Paper Flags"
"The Wound Is Open"
"Body Beautiful"
"Warth Lane"
"For Tony"

"Dirty Like The City" video:

"London 1666" video:

"Polar Bear" lyric video:

- Produced by Giles Lavery and Jimmy Waldo
- Mixed, mastered and edited by Andy Haller

Alcatrazz is:

Graham Bonnet - Vocals
Joe Stump - Guitars
Jimmy Waldo - Keyboards
Gary Shea - Bass
Mark Benquechea - Drums




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

This month, Def Leppard guitarist Phil Collen took on a 30-Day Fitness Challenge. Tune in below for the final days of Phil’s challenge - including recap, final results, and health advice from Phil.

Week 1:

Week 2:

Week 3:

Week 4, Part 1:




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

Former The Rods, Picture and Guardians Of The Flame singer Sammy Shmoulik Avigal sadly lost his battle with cancer yesterday (July 30th) at the age of 65. Sammy’s wife writes on Facebook :

“I wanted to let you all know that at 4:58 he lost his battle and passed away. Please celebrate the man, the legend. Goodbye my love — we all love you.”

According to Encyclopedia Metalium, Sammy "Shmoulik" made his name with Dutch bands Picture, Horizon and Hammerhead. He later moved to the United States and recorded the album Heavier Than Thou with The Rods. In 2003, Sammy moved to Florida to record the album Under a Savage Sky under the banner of Jack Starr's Guardians of the Flame. After recording that album, he started his own band called Avigal. 

Picture has issued the following statement:

“Needless to say we are heartbroken by this terrible news. Sammy was a great friend, a great performer and vocalist. We are very proud that he was the singer in our band in 1982 with whom we recorded one of the best Dutch metal albums ever: Diamond Dreamer. We will miss you and would have really wanted to do some tours with you to celebrate this album but it wasn’t to be. Our thoughts and prayers go to your wife and next of kin. Godspeed Sammy Shmoulik Avigal!”

The Rods drummer Carl Canedy:

“Sad news today about losing our friend and former bandmate Shmoulik Avigal.  David Rock Feinstein and I met Shmoulik when Jack Starr brought him to my house in Cortland. Smoulik and I proceeded to start working with Craig Gruber, Andrew Duck Mac Donald and Tom Inamorato. David loved Shmouliks voice as much as I did so we decided that he would be the lead singer for The Rods on the Heavier Than Thou album. He was an amazing talent and brilliant man who will be missed by those of us who knew him. The link below is for a song I wrote, that he really loved, called ‘Heat of the Night’. He did the song with another band he was in called Harpo, with John Hahn. I saw them live and they played this song. It was a huge honor to hear him sing one of my songs live. RIP Shmoulik! Condolences to his family.”

Guardians Of The Flame guitarist Jack Starr (also Virgin Steele, Burning Starr):

“It with sadness that I learned today that Shmoulik Avigal former singer of the Rods and Picture and our former band Guardians Of The Flame passed away. Shmoulik was a great singer who really was one of the best in the world of metal. Ned Meloni and I will always be proud of the great album we did with Shmoulik and have nothing but love and respect for this talented person who was taken away from us Sammy Shmoulik Avigal just passed away. One of the greatest vocalists in history, recorded one of the top 10 records ever made. Shone on Picture, The Rods, Horizon, Guardians of the Flames.... legend of legend. R.I.P.”




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

Conflict is far from picture perfect, it is harsh, relentless and some even say treacherous. One thing is certain though, those who have been tasting the true foundation of heavy metal, have the ability to tell its awful tales and lessons to be learned.  Who are those veterans you ask? The answer is right here, hanging over your face - The Heroes.

Today, RFL Records announces the signing of the Philadelphian warmongers, Corners Of Sanctuary, and the upcoming release of the band's seventh album, Heroes Never Die, to be released on October 3.

Heroes Never Die is where the building blocks of heavy mtal meet, melodies and hard hitting riffs, ol' US metal merged with European metal, Riot meets Judas Priest & Satan, Malice meets Accept & Blitzkrieg and the list goes on and on.

RFL Records' CEO, Jon Marchewka, commented: “I am personally thrilled to have Corners Of Sanctuary as part of the RFL family. Our goal is to be a diverse label that appreciates the different styles in the hard rock / metal genres and with Corners Of Sanctuary we have a band that delivers an amazing, classic metal style. We want to bring the very best to our fans and with us being such big Corners Of Sanctuary fans, we fully believe that these guys are going to be a major player in the industry for many years to come.”  

Corners Of Sanctuary's guitarist & founder, Mick Michaels commented: "We are thrilled to be working with RFL Records for the release of our next album, Heroes Never Die. From the beginning, the connection has been undeniable... their support of our particular style and sound has been overwhelming and we could not have asked for more. The band is confident this partnering will produce nothing but positive results."

Heroes Never Die was produced by Mick Michaels, recorded & Mixed at Magic Ears Studios, PA. The album was mastered by Bill Metoyer (Slayer, Fates Warning, W.A.S.P., Armored Saint, Sacred Reich) at SkullSeven Studio, CA

Tracklisting:

"We Never"
"Someone Else's War"
"The Truth In Lies"
"Combat Shock"
"Heroes Never Die"
"Into The Fight"
"I Will"
"We Won't Back Down (Do Or Die)"
"Best Of The Best"
"We Are The Dead (Dead Man Walking)"
"Remember The Dawn"
"Fight The Good Fight"

Lineup:

Stacey Lee - Vocals
Mad T - Drums
James Pera - Bass & Backing Vocals
Mick Michaels - Guitars & Keyboards




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