On September 25, BMG will release SLADE's "Cum On Feel The Hitz", a superlative and comprehensive collection of SLADE singles from 1970 to 1991. "Cum On Feel The Hitz" is released as a double CD and a 2LP collection: the CD comprises of 43 singles, while the double vinyl features 24 singles.

"Cum On Feel The Hitz" includes all six of SLADE's U.K. No. 1 singles: "Coz I Luv You", "Take Me Bak 'Ome", "Mama Weer All Crazee Now", "Cum On Feel The Noize", "Skweeze Me, Pleeze Me" and "Merry Xmas Everybody" and a total of 16 Top 10 singles.

The affection for SLADE's music and attitude remains undimmed today, as 1973's "Merry Christmas Everybody" has gone on to become Britain's best loved Christmas song.

Formed in Wolverhampton in 1966, SLADE's chart career spanned three decades. SLADE was unstoppable throughout the 1970s, becoming one of Europe's biggest bands, releasing six smash hit albums, including three No. 1s, and their hit singles are synonymous with the era. The sensational songwriting partnership of Noddy Holder and Jim Lea provided a soundtrack to the glam generation and with a run of 17 consecutive Top 20 singles between 1971 and 1976. No other act of the period experienced such success.

In the 1980s, SLADE enjoyed a renaissance, buoyed by a spectacular appearance at the Reading Festival in 1980, their hits included "My Oh My", which reached No. 2 in 1983 and a year later with "Run Runaway", cementing their legacy as one of the UK's greatest bands.

The iconic SLADE is one of the most exciting bands to ever come out of Great Britain and this collection serves as testament to the high quality of SLADE's unique and distinctive talent.

"Cum On Feel The Hitz" track listing:

CD1

01. Cum On Feel The Noize

02. Skweeze Me, Pleeze Me

03. Mama Weer All Crazee Now

04. Coz I Luv You

05. Take Me Bak 'Ome

06. Gudbuy T'Jane

07. My Friend Stan

08. Far Far Away

09. My Oh My

10. Everyday

11. The Bangin' Man

12. Look Wot You Dun

13. Thanks For The Memory

14. Run Runaway

15. We'll Bring The House Down

16. In For A Penny

17. Let's Call It Quits

18. How Does It Feel

19. All Join Hands

20. Get Down And Get With It

21. Radio Wall Of Sound

CD2

01. Lock Up Your Daughters

02. My Baby Left Me: That's Alright

03. Gypsy Roadhog

04. (And Now the Waltz) C'est La Vie

05. Myzsterious Mizster Jones

06. Ruby Red

07. Do You Believe In Miracles

08. Wheels Ain't Coming Down

09. 7 Year Bitch

10. Still The Same

11. The Shape Of Things To Come

12. Know Who You Are

13. Nobody's Fool

14. Burning In The Heat Of Love

15. Give Us a Goal

16. Ginny Ginny

17. Sign Of The Times

18. Knuckle Sandwich Nancy

19. Ooh La La in L.A.

20. That's What Friends Are For

21. We Won't Give In

22. Merry Xmas Everybody

Upon its release in 1980, the Ace Of Spades album was nothing short of a game changer for all forms of hard rock. Like lightning in a bottle, it perfectly captured everything great about hard rock, heavy metal, and punk, amped it all up to 11, and came racing out of the gates at what felt like a million miles an hour, pushing at every musical boundary. Nothing was harder. Nothing was faster. And certainly nothing was louder.

Now, following on from last year’s fan and media acclaimed anniversary editions of the seminal Overkill and Bomber albums, comes the record that launched Motörhead into the stratosphere and carved their name into the walls of rock ‘n’ roll history forever; Ace Of Spades. To celebrate the 40th anniversary of this milestone album, it is being presented in new deluxe editions. There will be hardback book-packs in two CD and triple LP formats, featuring a previously unheard concert from the Ace Up Your Sleeve tour, the story of the album and many previously unseen photos. Also, the album will be released as an ultimate fan, collector edition Ace Of Spades box set, containing a bevy of era-specific treasures and some 42 previously unreleased tracks! Watch an unboxing video below.

Release is set for October 30, pre-order here.

The Ace Of Spades Deluxe box set contains:
- The Ace Of Spades album, half-speed mastered and created from the original master tapes.
- Two double-live albums of previously unheard concerts from the Ace Up Your Sleeve tour.
- A Fistful Of Instrumentals : A 10” EP of previously unreleased, instrumental tracks from 1980.
- The Good, The Broke & The Ugly. A double album of B-sides, outtakes and rare tracks.
- Ace On Your Screens: A DVD compilation of rare TV appearances from 1980-81, a live concert from 1981 and a 5.1 audio mix of the original album.
- The Ace Of Spades story. A 40 page book telling the story of Ace Of Spades through previously unpublished interviews with the people that were there. Includes never before seen photos and memorabilia.
- The Ace Up Your Sleeve tour programme
- The Motörhead Rock Commando comic.
- A set of 5 poker dice that can be played on the game board inside the box set lid.
- All encased in a classic Wild West dynamite box.
- A limited edition 7" reproduction of the Dutch Ace Of Spades, with a previously unreleased instrumental version on Side B. (while stocks last!)

In 1980, off the back of two essential albums, Overkill and Bomber the previous year, Motörhead continued to get bigger, better, louder and faster by the second. This time, on Ace Of Spades they teamed up with producer Vic Maile and came up with twelve songs; each and every one of which crams a regular band’s ten minutes of playing into an average of three. The song titles alone made ears bleed; “Love Me Like A Reptile”, “Shoot You In The Back”, “The Chase Is Better Than The Catch” and “The Hammer” were a few examples. This landmark album saw the three amigos of Lemmy, Fast Eddie Clarke and Philthy Animal Taylor at the helm of the juggernaut that was Motörhead, gaining phenomenal growth in popularity as they forged onward. The band’s and fans ideas, wants and inspirations, converged at a perfect tangent. Anyone disputing this fact need look no further than any heavy metal gig of the time and play ‘spot the Motörhead T-shirt and jacket’. They outnumbered anyone else by at least five to one. A statistic that is still accurate some forty five years since they first began!

The Ace Of Spades album release was a magical moment in rock ‘n’ roll history, an album which had enormous global impact and continues to resonate and inspire people worldwide. Fans to this day still remember where they were when they first heard it, and it immediately inspired bands worldwide to absorb the album’s energy, speed, and attitude into their own work. Ace Of Spades is ground zero for thrash, speed metal, and punk / metal crossover.

Tracklisting:

Ace Of Spades

Side One
“Ace Of Spades”
“Love Me Like A Reptile”
“Shoot You In The Back”
“Live To Win”
“Fast And Loose”
“(We Are) The Road Crew”

Side Two
“Fire Fire”
“Jailbait”
“Dance”
“Bite The Bullet”
“The Chase Is Better Than The Catch”
“The Hammer”

A Fistful Of Instrumentals

Side One
“Ace Of Spades (demo)
“Hump On Your Back” (demo)
“Shoot You In The Back” (demo)
“Fast And Loose” (demo)

Side Two
“Dirty Love” (demo)
“Love Me Like A Reptile” (demo)
“Dance” (demo)

Riders Wearing Black – Live At Whitla Hall, Belfast – December 23, 1981

Side One
“Ace Of Spades”
“Stay Clean”
“Over The Top”
“The Hammer”
“Shoot You In The Back”
“Metropolis”

Side Two
“(We Are) The Road Crew”
“No Class”
“Bite The Bullet”
“The Chase Is Better Than The Catch”

Side Three
“Jailbait”
“Leaving Here”
“Capricorn”
“Too Late, Too Late”

Side Four
“Overkill”
“Bomber”
“Motörhead”

Dead Man’s Hand – Live At Parc Expo, Orleans – March 5, 1981

Side One
“Ace Of Spades”
“Stay Clean”
“Over The Top”
“Metropolis”
“Shoot You In The Back”

Side Two
“The Hammer”
“Jailbait”
“Leaving Here”
“Fire Fire”
“Love Me Like A Reptile”

Side Three
“Capricorn”
“Too Late, Too Late”
“(We Are) The Road Crew”
“No Class”

Side Four
“Bite The Bullet”
“The Chase Is Better Than The Catch”
“Overkill”
“Bomber”

The Good, The Broke & The Ugly

Side One
“Ace Of Spades” (Alternative Version)
“Dirty Love”
“Love Me Like A Reptile” (Alternative Long Version)
“Shoot You In The Back” (Alternative Version)

Side Two
“Hump On Your Back”
“Fast And Loose” (Alternative Version)
“(We Are) The Road Crew” (Alternative Version)
“Fire Fire” (Alternative Version)
“Jailbait” (Alternative Version)

Side Three
“Waltz Of The Vampire”
“The Hammer” (Alternative Version)
“Dirty Love” (Alternative Version)
“Bastard”
“Godzilla Akimbo”

Side Four
“Love Me Like A Reptile” (Alternative Version)
“Dirty Love” (Alternative Version)
“Please Don’t Touch” (Performed by Headgirl)
“Bomber” (Performed by Girlschool)
“Emergency”

Ace On Your Screens DVD
Part 1: Motörhead on TV 1980-1981
Part 2: BBC In The City; Live In Belfast ‘81
Part 3: 5.1 audio mix of Ace Of Spades

"Ace Of Spades" Live In Belfast:




(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);
})();

Finland's Memoira is set to release their third studio album, Carnival Of Creation, on September 25th via Inverse Records. The band has released a new single and music video for the title track. Check it out below.

The band comments:

"'Carnival Of Creation' must be one of the most epic songs we have ever written. The lyrical theme is about discovering the art, the music, literature and everything that requires creative thought process. How everything develops through history and how the styles vary in different cultures. It's a rollercoaster of a song that dives within creative thinking, where everything is like this huge market square where you can come across with a plethora of creative ideas. We are really happy how the song turned out and it describes the album perfectly."

Memoira hails from Pori / Jyväskylä, Finland, playing symphonic / gothic metal. They have released two albums worldwide (Memoira 2009 through Nightmare records and Memories, Tragedies, Masquerades 2012 as a self-release) and after a four-year hiatus, the band is releasing their third album, Carnival Of Creation, through Inverse Records. 

Tracklist:

"Dawn of Time"
"Carnival of Creation"
"Queen Element"
"Hunter's Moon"
"Dark Passenger"
"Shooting Star"
"Snowglobe"
"Crimson Bride Symphony"

 
Line-up:

Annika Jalkanen - Vocals
Jani Puusa - Guitar
Hannu Lindholm - Guitar
Lassi Nuolivaara - Keyboards & Piano
Niko Laaksonen - Bass
Matti Virtanen - Drums
 
Check out the official Memoira Facebook page here.




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

German brutal death metallers Cytotoxin have unveiled a new taste of their new LP Nuklearth, set for release on August 21 via Unique Leader Records. Stream “Dominus” below.

During the night of April 26 in 1986 a world-changing accident occurred at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant in Ukraine. Inspired by this catastrophe and its consequences, Cytotoxin first pulverized the death metal world in 2010.

In 2011 the band released their self-produced full-length album Plutonium Heaven, and the following year they entered Kohlekeller Studios (Aborted, Benighted) to forge their highly appreciated second record Radiophobia. Since the release of Radiophobia via Unique Leader Records in 2012, Cytotoxin continually toured the clubs and festivals of Europe. In January 2017 the band returned to Kohlekeller Studios to record their highly anticipated third album Gammageddon, which was released later that year. 

Ready to conquer the world with their new weapon Nuklearth, you better keep your gasmask at hand.




(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);
})();

Italian power metallers From The Depth are sharing their second single "Immortal" off their second full-length album Moments, set for release on August 28, 2020 via Rockshots Records. The track features guest keyboards by Dave Castro and Oreste Giacomini along with the ending choir vocal line by Alessandro Karabelas.

The band adds:

"This is the song that was the most ‘anticipated’ by fans during our latest live shows and then became a must in every setlist. It’s a real hymn with its solid main riff and keyboard melodies. During the last stages of production, we finalized everything with the choir, recorded with all our vocalist friends, and we got exactly what we were looking for... a majestic arrangement for a solid metal riffing.”

Punchy and aggressive, fans who have been waiting since 2014’s EP Perseverance, are now rewarded with From The Depth's new 10 track album. Entitled Moments, the full length is a series of personal occasions in the band members' lives that they are reliving through their music, from hard times to the anniversary of the group forming.

In the band’s own words: “Moments is a way to celebrate relevant memories and episodes of everyday life while time passes by. Each aspect of the production has been taken care of with extreme attention to detail from song structure to the final master; nothing has been left to chance and we did our best to get out the most from each session during songwriting.”

After years of hard times, they are now fully operational with a killer stable lineup, and with the new partnership with Rockshots Records, From the Depth is ready to show fans what they have been working on. Starting as a power metal cover band with a distinct “melodic mindset”, From The Depth has come a long way since 2008, and the maturity and refinement really show in this new chapter.

Pre-order Moments here.

Tracklisting:

"Immortal"
"Spread Your Fire"
"Ten Years"
"Streets Of Memory"
"Hypnos"
"Forget And Survive"
"Just Ice"
"Missed"
"A Matter Of Time"
"Somewhere"

"Immortal":

"Spread Your Fire" lyric 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);
})();

The long-in-the-works solo album from QUEENSRŸCHE singer Todd La Torre is currently being mixed for a late 2020 release via Rat Pak Records.

On Monday (July 27), La Torre tweeted: "Listening to latest mixes of my solo record, sounds awesome! @ratpakrecords #worldwidesoon"

This past March, Todd said he would use the coronavirus downtime to write or co-write a few more tunes and "shape up existing songs/demos" for his solo album with his lifelong best friend Craig Blackwell. He also said that he and his QUEENSRŸCHE bandmates would take advantage of the time away from the road "to work on new ideas" for the follow-up to 2019's "The Verdict".

La Torre previously talked about his plans to release a solo LP in a 2017 interview with Canada's The Metal Voice. He stated about the direction of the material that will appear on the record: "Musically, it is probably, like, FIGHT meets PANTERA meets BLACK LABEL [SOCIETY]. It's definitely got that kind of southern… You know, PANTERA had that certain power groove — not full-fledged [speed], but has thrash elements. And then vocally, I'm singing probably a lot more chest voice, and then I've got some brutal gutteral vocals on it… That'll be a lot more brutal and more thrash, but the vocals are definitely more a power-metal, operatic kind of a thing — very aggressive…"

QUEENSRŸCHE spent a year touring in support of "The Verdict", which was released in March 2019 via Century Media Records.

"The Verdict" marked QUEENSRŸCHE's third full-length release with La Torre, following the departure of original singer Geoff Tate in 2012.

The current QUEENSRŸCHE lineup features two original members, bassist Eddie Jackson and guitarist Michael Wilton, along with La Torre and guitarist Parker Lundgren.

QUEENSRŸCHE will support the SCORPIONS on the German hard rock legends' Las Vegas residency in May 2021 (rescheduled from July 2020).

KORN has released a cover of THE CHARLIE DANIELS BAND classic "The Devil Went Down To Georgia", featuring a guest appearance by rapper YelaWolf, exclusively via Bandcamp.

All proceeds from the track will be donated to Awakening Youth, a nonprofit organization devoted to young people faced with the loss of a parent due to divorce, addiction, death, being surrendered for adoption, or other reasons.

Over a galloping bounce, the band rip dueling guitar leads as distortion bleeds into eerie feedback. Frontman Jonathan Davis tears through this timeless story, trading off verses with YelaWolf as they take on the roles of "The Devil" and "Johnny." The fiddle battle for Johnny's soul has never sounded quite like this. Recorded during the sessions for the critically acclaimed chart-topping epic "The Nothing", the track honors the late Charlie Daniels.

"I've always said it, but country music is some of the darkest ever," said Davis. "Merle Haggard, Buck Owens, and, of course, Charlie Daniels all turned pain into some really powerful music that sounded alive. 'The Devil Went Down To Georgia' is a classic story, and we wanted to release it now to help others in need."

This continues the relationship between KORN and Awakening Youth. The organization figured prominently in the documentary "Loud Krazy Love" about guitarist and co-founder Brian "Head" Welch. Awakening Youth fulfills a mission to uplift at-risk young men and women in the wake of losing a parent. The team offers one-on-one individualized support to personally encourage and motivate and, ultimately, restore families.

"The Nothing" was released last September via Roadrunner/Elektra. The follow-up to 2016's "The Serenity Of Suffering" was once again produced by Nick Raskulinecz.

KORN guitarist James "Munky" Shaffer told Dread Central about "The Nothing": "We put a whole year into this record. That's something we hadn't done since 'Untouchables' in 2002. So, we really sat with these songs, lived with them, had time to reflect on them, and then went back and worked on them some more. We didn't rush it through just to put something out in order to get back on tour. I know a lot of bands do that; we've done it in the past too — I'm guilty. But this time we wanted to spend time with our families and take our time to make some great music. So, we spaced things out and really enjoyed being in the moment."

The Devil Went Down To Georgia (Cover Song) by Korn Feat. Yelawolf

Jeff Scott Soto says that he left Yngwie Malmsteen's band more than three decades ago because he realized "you don't really work with Yngwie; you work for Yngwie."

Soto, who sang on Yngwie's first two albums, 1984's "Rising Force" and 1985's "Marching Out", discussed his relationship with the legendary Swedish guitarist during a recent interview with "That Metal Interview With James".

Asked if Malmsteen was "difficult to work with," Soto said: "One thing I had to learn early on is you don't really work with Yngwie; you work for Yngwie. And this is one of the reasons why I left early on.

"I'm so used to working with people — we craft, we build, we formulate together. And I realized I was joining a situation where the main focus was the guitar player — it was his career, it was his band, it was his vision," he continued. "But I really thought his vision would start with getting the best people he can surround himself with and then we would grow together and we would build his vision together, and it would become our vision. That was my first mistake.

"As we went along, I realized you don't work with Yngwie; you work for Yngwie. And when I realized I really don't wanna work for somebody, even back then when we were getting very little credit when we were not even getting paid the really tiny salary that we were promised, all of my delusions of grandeur just went right out the window. I just said, 'This is not for me. I don't have respect…' I'm not talking about just Yngwie; I'm talking about overall. There was no focus from the record company or management. There was no focus even from the fans — everything was Yngwie, Yngwie, Yngwie. And I'm, like, 'I'm putting the same effort as I put into any band that I would be in, and I am getting zero return from it.'"

Jeff added: "I wanted something where I can get out of it what I'm putting into it, and that's the main reason why I left him. It had nothing to do with I didn't like the music or we had a fight. It just basically came down to, I missed being in a band, I missed sharing everything — even in the fact that I was the only American in the band. You get off stage and you normally get backstage, you're sweaty and you're laughing about what happened in the show — 'Hey, did you see that girl when she lifted her top?' — all that kind of stuff that you're used to. But with his band, we'd get off stage and the four of them start speaking in Swedish and I felt left out. 'Man, can we talk in English just so I can [understand] the conversation?'

"So, yeah, it kind of sucked for me in that sense. I was young, I was green, I was inexperienced. I deal with those situations way differently now."

Three years ago, Soto engaged in a war of words with Yngwie over the fact that Malmsteen claimed in an interview that he "always wrote everything," including the lyrics and melodies, and simply hired various vocalists to sing his material. Soto later told the "US American Made Guitars" show that "it's false information" to suggest that he contributed nothing to Yngwie's early albums "because we co-wrote [some of] those songs together. I actually authored those songs," he said. "For him to say, 'I wrote every lyric, every melody,' it's absolute falsity. And he's speaking out of whatever anger or whatever throwaway conversation he might be having, but when it's put on text, it comes across as very crude and very arrogant. So, of course, I don't take that kind of stuff too personally."

MEGADETH's Dave Mustaine took part in a "Virtual Mega Happy Hour" on Friday, July 24 from his home in Franklin, Tennessee via the Instagram account of Megadeth Beer. You can now watch video of the entire session below.

Asked by one viewer how the new MEGADETH album is coming along, Mustaine said: "The new record's coming along great. We've had a lot of setbacks, like cancer, but I think that we're doing great. I'm sure you guys will be surprised, and hopefully you'll like what you hear."

As for a possible release date for the LP, Dave said: "I don't know. We're still working on it. We're trying to decide how many songs are supposed to be on the record. We've got about eight songs, and then a couple of cover songs."

Mustaine also talked about MEGADETH's touring plans, saying: "Hopefully this corona stuff will be over soon and we'll be piecing together our tour routing. We've got dates set up for next year, and we'll be hopefully seeing a lot of you guys and bringing along a lot of MEGADETH beer too. So I'm sure you guys are looking forward to us getting out there and touring as much as we are."

He continued: "It's been a long time since we've toured, and just seeing all these people out there that wanna be entertained, and all this stuff with virtual concerts from their homes and stuff like drive-in movie concerts and stuff, yeah, that's all great, but I think us, as musicians, we wanna play, we wanna be in front of you and have that feeling. We wanna see you drinking the beers and we wanna see you raising your fist in the air and saying, 'Hell yeah.' So be smart, you guys. Wash you hands, wear your mask, keep your social distancing and drink lots of MEGADETH beer."

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 early sessions for MEGADETH's new LP took place last year with co-producer Chris Rakestraw, who previously worked on "Dystopia".

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

Guitarist Kiko Loureiro made his recording debut with MEGADETH on "Dystopia", whose title track was honored in the "Best Metal Performance" category at the 2017 Grammy Awards.

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.


























View this post on Instagram


































Want to “have a beer” with @DaveMustaine? Well... he wants to have one with all of you! Join us on our @MegadethBeer IG LIVE at 5pm CST, 7/24 for a virtual happy hour with MUSTAINE from his home to yours + a chance to grab some killer giveaways for a select number of fans who tune in!!

A post shared by Megadeth Beer (@megadethbeer) on Jul 20, 2020 at 9:01am PDT






























View this post on Instagram


































?Got yer beers cold? See ya tomorrow! #MegaVirtualHappyHour with @davemustaine 5pm CT HERE on our insta LIVE!

A post shared by Megadeth Beer (@megadethbeer) on Jul 23, 2020 at 6:46pm PDT

This past Thursday (July 23), SEPULTURA guitarist took part in a question-and-answer session with fans at Nuclear Blast's "[email protected]" event on Twitch.

Speaking to a Polish fan about how the current global political situation can be used as a source of musical and lyrical inspiration, Kisser said: "The whole world, pretty much, is going through this right-wing type of point of view, whatever you wanna call that, for our society and politics and stuff. In Poland, they are going through the same kind of situation — I guess in the [United] States and here in Brazil as well. It's really a very sad situation, because it seems that we are going backwards.

"There were a lot of gains historically in human rights and the battle against racism and the women movement and feminism and all that, so it's really insane that we are going through this again, and more insane that there's a lot of people who still believe and really support that type of point of view or type of idealogy," he continued.

"But music's here and metal saves. [Laughs] We have tons of stuff to talk about, and it really inspired us. You see around the '80s, when Ronald Reagan was the president of the United States and also very right wing, conservative and stuff, and all the battle and the war against drugs, which was a complete failure and a complete stupidity. But you see thrash metal and punk music, it really grew up a lot during those days. You see DEAD KENNEDYS and even METALLICA, you had the political themes that really inspired the musicians and they made great albums, which inspired me to be a musician and be in a band. So I think we have to take advantage of situations like that and be a little more positive and not really go down. The news is really depressing — it's really hardly some good news that we hear nowadays during this whole quarantine and everything. So it's really something that music really helps you to go through this kind of situations.

"It is a transitional period in our life, and we are going through this," Andreas added. "It's very difficult, but things will go back — we're gonna have shows, we're gonna have concerts, we're gonna have sports events and stuff, but in a different way. We don't know how exactly it's gonna be, but I think in the end, something positive — a lot of things positive — will come out of it."

SEPULTURA's latest LP, "Quadra", was released on February 7 via Nuclear Blast Records. It is a concept effort created at Sweden's Fascination Street Studios with renowned producer Jens Bogren.

SEPULTURA comprises Kisser, vocalist Derrick Green, bassist Paulo Xisto Pinto Jr. and drummer Eloy Casagrande.

SEPULTURA was formed in Belo Horizonte by brothers Max and Igor Cavalera, who are no longer with the band.

"Quadra" is the follow-up to "Machine Messiah", which was SEPULTURA's fourteenth studio album and the eighth since Green joined the ranks.

Dee Snider says that AC/DC's much-anticipated new album "has been recorded" but had to be "delayed" because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The TWISTED SISTER singer told ABC Audio: "I haven't heard anything, but… it's AC/DC, man. You can't go wrong! Four chords and a dream, baby! That's it!"

Last December, Snider confirmed that he had dinner with Brian Johnson and that the AC/DC frontman was doing "good," four years after he was forced to leave the band mid-tour due to a dangerous level of hearing loss. He was eventually replaced on the road by GUNS N' ROSES vocalist Axl Rose.

Regarding his previous comment that the surviving members of AC/DC were working on a new studio album which will reportedly be dedicated to the band's late rhythm guitarist Malcolm Young, Snider told ABC Audio: "This is gonna be a miracle of technology. What will be achieved, the reuniting of the band that we know for one more album, is gonna to be uplifting and heartbreaking at the same time. Because nothing goes on forever. But this is the ultimate 'one more time.'"

Snider's latest comments seem to corroborate a September 2018 report from JAM! magazine, which cited a "reliable source inside the AC/DC camp" as indicating that the band was recording a new LP which will utilize previously unreleased guitar tracks from Malcolm Young on all the songs.

This past February, Snider said that AC/DC's upcoming album will feature "some surprises" related to Malcolm Young that will blow the minds of the band's diehard fans.

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.

Ace Frehley has released the official music video for his cover version of the DEEP PURPLE classic "Space Truckin'". The track, which was recorded at The Creation Lab in Turlock, California with drummer Matt Starr and keyboard player Rob Sabino, will appear on "Origins Vol. 2", the sequel to Ace's 2016 collection of cover songs that inspired the former KISS guitarist, due on September 18 via eOne. The animated video was directed by eOne's Ken Gullic and animated by Chris Fequiere.

"'Space Truckin' was recorded years ago, and then I just re-recorded some parts and changed it a little," Frehley said in a statement. "We never ended up putting it on a record, so it was just sitting around. It turned out very well. Rob Sabino is a very accomplished studio musician, and we actually grew up in the Bronx together, so we go way back."

Track listing:

01. Good Times Bad Times (LED ZEPPELIN)

02. Never In My Life (MOUNTAIN)

03. Space Truckin' (DEEP PURPLE)

04. I'm Down (THE BEATLES)

05. Jumpin' Jack Flash (THE ROLLING STONES)

06. Politician (CREAM)

07. Lola (THE KINKS)

08. 30 Days In The Hole (HUMBLE PIE)

09. Manic Depression (THE JIMI HENDRIX EXPERIENCE)

10. Kicks (PAUL REVERE & THE RAIDERS)

11. We Gotta Get Out Of This Place (THE ANIMALS)

12. She (KISS) (bonus track)

It was previously reported that "Origins Vol. 2" would feature guest appearances by Lita Ford (on THE ROLLING STONES' "Jumpin' Jack Flash"), CHEAP TRICK's Robin Zander (on HUMBLE PIE's "30 Days In The Hole", former KISS guitarist Bruce Kulick (on Jimi Hendrix's "Manic Depression") and ROB ZOMBIE's John 5 (on BEATLES' "I'm Down" and CREAM's "Politician").

Last year, Frehley told The Weekender that "Origins Vol. 2" will once again feature a LED ZEPPELIN tune, "Good Times Bad Times". He also revealed that he wanted to lay down the vocals for "30 Days In The Hole" himself, but that he "just couldn't cut it, vocally, because [Steve] Marriott's just too good of a goddamn singer. I just couldn't do justice to his vocals," he explained. "But I remembered that I had bumped into Robin Zander years ago at a meet-and-greet and he had mentioned to me that he'd like to sing on one of my upcoming records, so I remembered that and gave him a call. And he killed it as well. He sounds like a young Marriott."

Released in April 2016, "Origins Vol. 1" debuted at No. 23 on The Billboard 200 with first-week sales of 16,000 equivalent album units. The CD featured KISS frontman Paul Stanley joining Ace on FREE's hit "Fire And Water"; Slash trading leads on THIN LIZZY's classic "Emerald", Ford singing and playing lead on THE TROGGS staple "Wild Thing", ROB ZOMBIE guitarist John 5 playing guitar alongside Ace on the classic KISS composition "Parasite", and PEARL JAM's Mike McCready playing guitar with Ace on KISS's "Cold Gin".

In a 2016 interview with The Aquarian Weekly, Frehley admitted that doing the first covers album was "the record company's idea. To be honest with you, initially, I wasn't that excited about the project, because I had just come off the high of the success of 'Space Invader', which is all originals except for a cover of 'The Joker'," he said. "It was almost, like, 'Okay, I'm going to go through the motions and get this out of the way and then jump into the studio for my next real studio album.' But I've gotta tell ya, man, once I started the process and started remembering the groups that influenced me, narrowing down which songs I thought were going to be best for the record, and then started the recording process; I really started getting more excited about it."

Frehley's latest album, "Spaceman", was released in October 2018 via eOne. KISS bassist/vocalist Gene Simmons co-wrote two tracks on the disc, "Without You I'm Nothing" and "Your Wish Is My Command", the latter of which also features Simmons's bass playing.

GREAT WHITE singer Mitch Malloy says that he "never apologized" for playing a concert in Dickinson, North Dakota amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Video footage of GREAT WHITE's July 9 outdoor performance — which was part of the town's "First On First: Dickinson Summer Nights" series — showed there were no safety restrictions at the event, with attendees standing shoulder to shoulder and not a single person wearing a mask.

On Sunday (July 26), Malloy took to his Facebook page to share a photo of three women apparently standing in a crowd of people while sporting face coverings, and he included the following message: "Front row Great White show @first_on_first in my home town of Dickinson ND. Fake news said no masks no social distancing. I keep saying otherwise and this pic proves my point. I never apologized. And never will. It was an awesome gig at my good buddies festival for my hometown crowd."

Although North Dakota health officials recommend social distancing and wearing masks when possible, there is no legal requirement to do so in the state.

Steven Peterson, a GREAT WHITE fan who attended the Dickinson concert, told CNN: "They definitely were crowding the stage up there. I think up front, you know how it is, a couple of beers and they're ready to rock.

"I would say the percentage of people wearing masks, I would say maybe 5%. There were some people wearing masks, but not many," he said.

Three days after the Dickinson concert, GREAT WHITE released a statement to BLABBERMOUTH.NET via the band's publicist in which it said: "We assure you that we worked with the Promoter. North Dakota's government recommends masks be worn, however, we are not in a position to enforce the laws. We have had the luxury of hindsight and we would like to apologize to those who disagree with our decision to fulfill our contractual agreement. The Promoter and staff were nothing but professional and assured us of the safety precautions. Our intent was simply to perform our gig, outside, in a welcoming, small town. We value the health and safety of each and every one of our fans, as well as our American and global community. We are far from perfect."

While numerous events have been imposing restrictions, such as wearing masks and social distancing, "First On First" has no such rules in place.

"We do not have restrictions, believe it or not, we don't have any," April Getz, an event coordinator for Odd Fellows, which organizes, runs and comes up with the funding for the events, told The Dickinson Press. "It's one of those things where if people feel comfortable coming down and mixing and mingling, that's their personal choice. We're leaving it up to everybody that chooses to attend."

Singer Jack Russell and guitarist Mark Kendall founded GREAT WHITE in 1982. Both musicians were present at the 2003 show in Rhode Island where a fire caused by a pyrotechnic display claimed 100 lives. At the time of the incident, the group that was on the road was called JACK RUSSELL'S GREAT WHITE. Kendall said he was asked to join Russell and his solo band on the tour to help boost attendance. Kendall later explained that the name GREAT WHITE was displayed on the marquee outside The Station nightclub because the owner of the venue wanted to "sell more tickets."

The GREAT WHITE lineup that performed in North Dakota consisted of Malloy, Kendall, keyboardist/guitarist Michael Lardie, drummer Audie Desbrow and bassist Scott Snyder.

Malloy joined GREAT WHITE in July 2018 as the replacement for Terry Ilous, who was with the band for eight years.

Photo credit: Neil Zlozower


Front row Great White show @first_on_first in my home town of Dickinson ND. Fake news said no masks no social...

Posted by Mitch Malloy on Sunday, July 26, 2020

After building a large online fan base with multiple viral videos, New Delhi based Indian metal band Bloodywood decided to take to the road in the summer of 2019 with their Raj Against The Machine Tour, not only the band's first ever tour, but the first time they played live as a band. Bloodywood had no idea what to expect on their first ever tour but the response was far greater than they ever imagined selling out 12 shows on the three week tour, culminating in the band's set at Wacken Open Air.

Bloodywood further documented the tour through footage shot across a GoPro strapped to guitarist/flautist Karan Katiyar's chest, frenzied mobile phone footage shot by the audience and the band themselves, as well as world class footage shot at Wacken Open Air.

The documentary tells the story of how the band formed and their surreal Raj against the Machine tour. After an action packed opening sequence that captures the essence of the film within the span of a minute and a half, you witness the birth of Punjabi/dhol metal, its fusion with lyrically focused rap music, the natural progression into original compositions from covers and the solidification of a musical agenda that's hell bent on creating a positive impact on the planet.

After receiving an invitation to perform at the Mecca of heavy metal: Wacken Open Air, the band sets out to answer a burning question: can an Indian folk metal band, an online sensation that's never performed live before cut it on the biggest stage of them all? You have to see it to believe it.

In preparation for the tour, the first time that two of the seven members had ever traveled abroad, Bloodywood spent around 200 hours preparing. Fans flew from Zurich, drove from Belgium, and biked from the Czech Republic to watch them perform in Germany and England; at one show, an Indian fan proposed to his German girlfriend with the help of the band in the middle of their set. In Germany, their midday set at the Wacken Open Air was packed to full capacity; the audience was 15000 strong. Bloodywood also became only the second band in 2 years and the only non-headliner to be asked to play an encore at the Dong Open Air.

The tour, however, wasn't all smooth sailing though, with two members of the band falling sick after the first show of the tour and playing through the illness for the next seven shows. Bloodywood also got stuck in a hurricane on their last day of the tour, their only day off. They were drunk when it hit and carried $1000s of dollars’ worth of equipment on their backs to escape.

The soundtrack for the documentary consists of only Indian independent music, including everything from metal to acoustic. The different kinds of footage will tell fans a lot about the documentary itself, with the GoPro footage showing the story from the band's side, the audience footage capturing the energy of the moment, and the professional footage at the end showing the evolution of the band over the course of the tour in all its cinematic glory.




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

Las Vegas-based heavy metal band, Invidia, have released their impactful lyric video for the single "The Other Side". The song features guest vocalist Aaron Nordstrom of Gemini Syndrome.

"With everything that has gone on with recent events, I feel this song has even a stronger meaning than the day I wrote it, love prevails," says Travis Johnson.

Invidia is an American heavy metal band from Las Vegas, Nevada, consisting of Brian Jackson formerly of Skinlab on lead guitar, Matt Snell formerly of Five Finger Death Punch on bass, Marcos Medina Rivera of Skinlab on rhythm guitar, Darren Badorine of Six Ounce Gloves on drums, and Travis Johnson of In This Moment on lead vocals.

(Photo - Fred Morledge)




(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);
})();

Brazilian death metallers and recent Agonia Records signees, Rebaelliun, today preview their upcoming, as-yet-unannounced album with a new song, titled "Vile". The song is available in the form of a lyric video, which can be seen below.

The band had this to say about the track: "'Vile' talks about a very recurrent subject - the human selfishness and the false ideas people have about money and being better than others. The lyrics say a lot about what we see here in Brazil; more and more people with no sense of reality, who justify their twisted morality, but in truth are nothing more than hypocrites."

The new album is tentatively slated for release in fall 2020.

Rebaelliun was founded in 1998 and is considered among the most important death metal bands to emerge from Brazil. Despite being formed more than twenty years ago, the band faced a considerable hiatus, which translates into less than a decade of actual activity and not more than three full-length albums under the belt.

Until Rebaelliun's dissolution (in 2002), the trio celebrated its most potent period, having released two studio albums, Burn The Promised Land (1999) and Annihilation (2001), via Hammerheart Records. They also played several tours - most of which took place in Europe - and shared the stage with Cannibal Corpse, Deicide, Vader and Behemoth.

In 2015 the original lineup decided to reunite and release its third and last album, The Hell's Decrees (2016), followed by a European co-headlining tour with Pestilence, alongside shows at Party.San Open Air (Germany) and Brutal Assault Open Air (Czech Republic). Unfortunately tragedy struck shortly after, and took the life of guitarist Fabiano Penna in 2018. Amidst all the hardness, remaining members decided to keep the band alive.

In 2020 Rebaelliun is ripe for a new album. The band is also gearing up to perform at Netherlands Deathfest (which have been postponed due to the virus outbreak) with more exciting news to follow.

Rebaelliun commented on the singing: "Last year, we started talking about a new album. With two new songs we got in touch with our previous label [Hammerheart Records]. The response was good, but not sufficient to our needs. After sending promo material to other companies and reviewing several offers, we decided to team up with the Polish label Agonia Records. Since our first encounter, we felt a good understanding, that reflects the band's needs. We're currently composing new songs. The energy is great and we are expecting nothing less than the best album of our career."

Lineup:
Lohy Fabiano - bass and vocals
Evandro Passos - guitars
Sandro Moreira - 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);
})();

Frontiers Music Srl has announced the signing of Sweden's Seventh Crystal to the label for a multi-album deal.

This new band was put together by singer Kristian Fyhr (Perpetual Etude), who initially wanted to pursue a solo project; however, when the songs started to take form, he realized he wanted to involve more musicians. So, he moved to vocals only and brought in Johan Älvsång (Pinstripe Conspiracy, Lamashtu) on keyboards and piano and Olof Gadd (Osukaru) on bass to start. The lineup was then rounded out by Anton Roos on drums and Emil Dornerus on guitar.

Seventh Crystal's music can be described as arena rock with melodic rock influences. In the words of Kristian Fyhr, “I would describe the band’s music as an “intelligent” rock style, but still very melodic. My songwriting is very varied. I like starting a song in a pop style and then beefing it up and making it rock. I am a big admirer of the Cheiron Studio and Max Martin, so my influences come mainly from there. Then of course all the other guys in the band bring their own influences and the result is totally Seventh Crystal!”

The band is currently residing in Nordic Sound Lab in Sweden, recording drums for the debut album. Updates to follow.




(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);
})();

Professionally-filmed footage of Alestorm's full set from France's Hellfest in 2015 can be seen below.

Setlist:

"Walk The Plank"
"The Sunk'n Norwegian"
"Shipwrecked"
"Magnetic North"
"That Famous Ol' Spiced"
"Nancy The Tavern Wench"
"Keelhauled"
"Rumpelkombo"
"1741 (The Battle Of Cartagena)"
"Drink"
"Rum"

The notorious Pirate Kings, Alestorm, hit the worldwide charts with their new long-player, Curse Of The Crystal Coconut. Order the album here.

Tracklisting:

"Treasure Chest Party Quest"
"Fannybaws"
"Chomp Chomp"
"Tortuga"
"Zombies Ate My Pirate Ship"
"Call Of The Waves"
"Pirate’s Scorn"
"Shit Boat (No Fans)"
"Pirate Metal Drinking Crew"
"Wooden Leg Pt. 2 (The Woodening)"
"Henry Martin"

“Shit Boat (No Fans)” video:

“Pirate Metal Drinking Crew” video:

“Fannybaws” video:

“Tortuga” video:

“Treasure Chest Party Quest” video:

Alestorm are:

Christopher Bowes - vocals, keytar
Gareth Murdock - bass
Mate Bodor - guitar
Peter Alcorn - drums
Elliot Vernon - keyboard




(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);
})();

Zee Productions will release eleven classic album covers as 1000-piece jigsaws in September via its Rock Saws imprint.

The iconic arts of some of rock's most influential and highly regarded albums is presented in puzzle form for the first time ever. All puzzles come in a vinyl-box-set-sized box, perfect to fit alongside a vinyl record collection.

The following titles will be available as 1000-piece puzzles on September 18:

* AC/DC – "Highway To Hell"

* DAVID BOWIE - "Let's Dance"

* ELTON JOHN - "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road"

* ELTON JOHN - "Captain Fantastic"

* IRON MAIDEN - The Number Of The Beast"

* KISS - "Destroyer"

* METALLICA - "Master Of Puppets"

* NIRVANA - "Nevermind"

* QUEEN - "News Of The World"

* QUEEN - Queen II"

* THE ROLLING STONES - "It's Only Rock 'N Roll"

Back in April 2019, Zee Productions launched its new range of rock and metal jigsaw puzzles, Rock Saws.

The first collection included jigsaws based on some of the greatest albums in heavy metal history from IRON MAIDEN, MOTÖRHEAD, JUDAS PRIEST and SLAYER.

Released in September 2019 were the first four classic METALLICA album covers as 500-piece jigsaws ("Kill 'Em All", "Ride The Lightning", "Master Of Puppets" and "…And Justice For All") as well as four classic RUSH album covers ("Fly By Night", "A Farewell To Kings", "Permanent Waves" and "Moving Pictures").

For more information, go to this location.

STATIC-X bassist Tony Campos says that he is "not opposed" to making new music with the group's current lineup once he and his bandmates have finished touring in support of "Project Regeneration".

STATIC-X's latest album "Project Regeneration Vol. 1", came out on July 10. The first of two volumes, it features 12 brand new tracks, containing many of the final vocal performances and musical compositions of late STATIC-X frontman Wayne Static, along with the original "Wisconsin Death Trip" lineup of Campos, drummer Ken Jay, and guitarist Koichi Fukuda. Both volumes are being worked on by longtime STATIC-X producer Ulrich Wild.

Asked in a recent interview with "The Classic Metal Show" what's next for STATIC-X and whether the band would consider creating fresh music from scratch after the completion of the "Project Regeneration" touring cycle, Tony said (hear audio below): "I don't know, man. It's really up to the fans. If they wanna see us continue doing this, I'm not opposed to it. I still wanna go do other things. I'm working on another ASESINO record right now. Right now, the goal is to finish 'Vol. 2'. Once that's done, then we'll figure it out. We've got a couple of more shows on the books as of right now, but seeing the way things are going [with the coronavirus pandemic], those are probably gonna get canceled too. So, who knows? Everything's so up in the air right now, it's really hard to say anything with any level of certainty."

In total, "Project Regeneration" volumes one and two will consist of more than 20 brand new or previously unreleased STATIC-X songs and will feature all of the remaining works left behind by Static, along with Campos, Jay, and Fukuda.

Last year, STATIC-X wrapped up a world tour comprised of nearly 100 mostly sold-out dates in celebration of the 20th anniversary of its platinum-selling debut album "Wisconsin Death Trip". The shows also served as a traveling memorial for Wayne, who passed away more than five years ago.

While the identity of STATIC-X's touring singer Xer0 has not been officially revealed, strong rumors suggest that DOPE frontman Edsel Dope is the one performing with Jay, Fukuda and Campos and appearing in all of STATIC-X's promotional videos.

Static died after mixing Xanax and other powerful prescription drugs with alcohol, according to the coroner's report. The 48-year-old Static, whose real name was Wayne Richard Wells, was found dead in his Landers, California home on November 1, 2014.

Static founded STATIC-X in 1994 and achieved commercial success with "Wisconsin Death Trip", which included the rock radio hit "Push It".

The group issued five more studio albums before disbanding permanently in June 2013. Static had been pursuing a solo career at the time of his death.

Symphonic power metal band, Ravenword, have released a lyric video for "Purity", featured on the Transcendence album, out now via Rockshots Records. Watch the clip below.

Inspired by the Edgar Allan Poe’s novel The Raven, the Milan-based band was originally formed in 2007 by keyboardist and composer Davide Scuteri (Choirs Of Veritas). After several years of activity, which included a self-titled demo, the band went on a brief hiatus, re-grouping in 2016 when singer Chiara Tricarico (Temperance, Sound Storm, Moonlight Haze), drummer Michele Olmi (Chronosfear, Skeleeton) and bass / guitar player Cesare Ferrari (Choirs Of Veritas) joined the band, in order to create a one-time studio album that embodies the whole history of the band.

With Transcendence, Ravenword captures the romantic and decadent poetic themes typical of Edgar Allan Poe’s period, combined with an equally decadent symphonic metal sound. In line with Ravenword's ode to poetry, the title Transcendence was chosen to symbolize the idea of always going beyond one’s perception of reality and seeking deeper meanings.

Tracklist:

"Blue Roses"
"Life Is In Your Hands"
"No More"
"Lullaby Of The Last Petal"
"Purity"
"Rain Of Stars"
"The Queen Of Darkness"
"What I Need"
"The Swansong"
"Dylan"
"Crimson Lake"
"The Distance"
"Bleeding Moon"

"Purity" lyric video:

"Blue Roses" lyric video:

"No More":




(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);
})();

Dark progressive rock outfit, Crippled Black Phoenix, will be releasing the full-length, Ellengæst, on October 9 via Season Of Mist. The band has shared the emotional first single, "Cry Of Love", which features guest vocals from Ryan Michael Patterson (Fotocrime, ex-Coliseum). The song is available along with an official music video, which is created by Guilherme Henriques. Watch below.

Several prominent guest vocalists lend their considerable talents to Ellengæst: Anathema’s Vincent Cavanagh, Gaahls Wyrd’s Kristian “Gaahl” Espedal, Coliseum/Fotocrime/one-time Crippled Black Phoenix touring bassist Ryan Patterson, up-and-coming UK solo artist Suzie Stapleton and Tribulation's Jonathan Hultén. The album art and tracklisting can be found below.

Mastermind Justin Greaves comments on the track "Cry Of Love": "This is a song about losing a loved family member, but not a human one, it’s about our feline companions. Ryan [Patterson] came back with the words and vocals after I sent him the song and it blew us away. We already connected with Ryan when on tour and being fellow animal lovers and vegans, he, Belinda and myself have a deep appreciation for speaking out about our animal friends.

"The song lyrics are about Ryan’s cat Willie who sadly passed away. Coincidentally, at the same time we (Belinda and myself) lost two of our cat family, Nell and Tigger (the old three-legged dude who starred on the cover of Horrific Honorifics). So this song is like a coming together to celebrate the love we have for the cats, how we miss them and how they influence our lives.

"Joining Ryan on 'Cry Of Love' is our friend and previous collaborator Suzie Stapleton. Putting her distinctive voice on, giving it another dimension. The video for this fried my brain, I love it so much and so do the rest of the band; Guilherme [Henriques] totally understood what the feelings of the song are about, and he made a beautiful and simple narrative which will touch even the coldest heart. If you love your cat, or lost one you love, then be prepared to grab the tissues.”

'Ellengæst' can be pre-ordered in various formats here.

The artwork for 'Ellengæst' was created by artist Thanasis Stratidakis (Erebus Art) and graphic designer Benedikt Demmer.

Tracklisting:

"House Of Fools"
"Lost"
"In The Night"
"Cry Of Love"
"Everything I Say"
"(-)"
"The Invisible Past"
"She’s In Parties"

"Cry Of Love" video:

Lineup:

Justin Greaves - Guitars, Drums, Bass, Samples, Saw.
Belinda Kordic - Vocals, Percussion
Helen Stanley - Grand Piano, Synthesisers, Trumpet
Andy Taylor - Guitar

Recording lineup for Ellengæst:

Justin Greaves
Belinda Kordic
Helen Stanley
Andy Taylor
Ben Wilsker
Rob Al-Issa

Friends & Guests:

"House Of Fools" - Vincent (lead vocals) with Belinda (backing vocals)
"Lost" - Belinda (lead vocals) with Vincent (backing vocals)
"In The Night" - Gaahl and Belinda (duet)
"Cry Of Love" - Ryan (lead vocals) with Suzie (backing vocals)
"Everything I Say" - Belinda (vocals)
"The Invisible Past" - Jonathan (vocals)
"She’s In Parties" - Belinda (vocals), Suzie (Guitar)




(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);
})();

Scarlet Aura, in association with Silver City Records, announces signing of the Global Digital Distribution Deal with Universal Music.

After six years of rocking international stages with their heavy metal style, Scarlet Aura signs again with Universal Music. Universal Music Romania will handle an exclusive worldwide digital distribution as well as physical distribution in band’s home country for the upcoming release, while Silver City Records will take care of the international physical distribution and production.

The deal includes the sixth studio album from Scarlet Aura, that will be released in 2021 alongside a tour with Primal Fear. This is the new phenomena that the Romanian band brought to the metal stage - a trilogy of metal albums followed by fantasy book volumes written by the singer Aura Danciulescu. The upcoming album will continue a conceptual trilogy called The Book Of Scarlet that started in 2019 and already includes two critically acclaimed albums Hot’n’Heavy (2019) and Stormbreaker (2020) together with accompanying fantasy books.

Scarlet Aura on the signing: “Alongside Silver City Records, we are putting our shoulder into strengthening the metal stage after an almost devastating year and we are happy to have Universal Music as partners. Life is now, music is forever! See you at the shows!”

Universal Music Romania statement:” We are happy to join forces again with Scarlet Aura, a band that proved throughout the years its talent, innovation, hard work and dedication for what they love the most: metal music!”

Lineup:

Aura Danciulescu - Lead Vocals
Mihai Danciulescu - Lead guitar, Vocals
Rene Nistor - Bass guitar, Vocals
Sorin Ristea - 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);
})();

Arizona's Realize channels Godflesh, Nailbomb, and Meathook Seed with their sophomore full-length, Machine Violence, assembling an abrasive and hyper-aggressive take on industrial metal. The band, featuring Kyle Kennedy (Sex Prisoner), Matt Underwood (Sex Prisoner), and Matt Mutterperl (North, Languish), amalgamates crushing metal riffs with driving, yet often unorthodox industrial rhythms and dissonant noise.

Machine Violence will be released via Relapse Records September 25 on CD, LP, and digital formats. Physical pre-orders are available here and digital downloads/streaming services here.

View the band's "Disappear" video below, and listen on all streaming services here.

The pace of Machine Violence is unrelenting throughout. Realize tackles stark themes such as isolation, altered reality, simulations, and anxiety, taking inspiration from science fiction writers such as Phillip K. Dick and Frederik Pohl. Redefining "heavy," tracks such as "Disappear" and "Slag Pile" see the band unleashing menacing riffs against in-your-face, confrontational vocals, while "Alone Against Flames" and "Melted Base" thrash the listener straight away with faster tempos and a hardcore swagger.

Adhering to an old-school approach to writing and recording, Realize and Machine Violence reflect on the advancing convergence of organic life and machines. No amps or drums were used in the recording process; vocals, guitars, and bass all used computerized amps and effect modulations, and drums were programmed on an Alesis machine. With Machine Violence, Realize leaps forward and showcases industrial metal at its most ferocious and uncompromising.

Machine Violence tracklisting:

"Alone Against Flames"
"Melted Base"
"Ghost In The Void"
"Long Stare"
"Hypermech"
"Disappear"
"Simulated World Down"
"Slag Pile"
"Gateway Trial"
"Heavy Legs In The Mansion"

"Disappear" video:

(Photo - Kiley Kennedy)




(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);
})();

Lord Of The Lost return with the newest offering in their classic ensemble album series: Swan Songs III, the long-awaited successor to Swan Songs II, will be released via Napalm Records on August 7. Watch an unboxing video below:

The standard version of Swan Songs III consists of new songs, all recorded with The Lord Of The Lost-Ensemble, and brand new versions of a hand-picked selection of Lord Of The Lost classics, including the standout 18-minute-long song “Letters To Home”.

For all dark metal connoisseurs, Swan Songs III comes with a high quality deluxe box, including the instrumental Swan Symphonies III-versions of all songs and previously unreleased demo versions of eight new songs. As a special bonus, there is a full live set, recorded at their 10th anniversary show in 2019 in their hometown of Hamburg. More than five hours of Lord Of The Lost in all facets on seven CDs.

Swan Songs III will be available in multiple formats, including a high-class Earbook, a box set and a 2LP Gatefold Vinyl. The album is a gift to all music fans and marks the next highlight in Lord Of The Lost's musical career. Pre-orders available here.

Lord Of The Lost on the album: "The Swan Songs project started as a musical infidelity, continued in a beloved carry-on and became like a second musical DNA. Meanwhile, we feel at home in our second musical facet, as well as in our classifying Lord Of The Lost sound / shell. Swan Songs III has a musical depth that even surprises ourselves with a certain distance to its finishing. It is by no means the last part of a trilogy, but so far our personal highlight of Lord Of The Lost’s classical-career.”

Swan Songs III CD1 tracklisting:

“A Splintered Mind”
“A One Ton Heart”
“Dying On The Moon” (feat. Joy Frost)
“Zunya”
“Unfeel”
“Deathless”
“Agape”
“Hurt Again”
“Amber”
“We Were Young” (feat. Heaven Can Wait Choir)
“4’33””
“Dying On The Moon” (Joyless Version)
“We Were Young” (feat. Heaven Can Wait Choir - ZDF Version)

Swan Songs III CD2 tracklisting:

“Loreley” (Swan Songs III Version)
“Morgana” (Swan Songs III Version)
“Black Halo” (Swan Songs III Version)
“Cut Me Out” (Swan Songs III Version)
“In Silence” (Swan Songs III Version)
“Seven Days of Anavrin” (Swan Songs III Version)
“My Heart Is Black” (Swan Songs III Version)
“Letters To Home” (Swan Songs III Version)

Swan Symphonies III CD1 tracklisting:

“A Splintered Mind” (Swan Symphonies III Version)
“A One Ton Heart” (Swan Symphonies III Version)
“Dying On The Moon” (Swan Symphonies III Version)
“Zunya” (Swan Symphonies III Version)
“Unfeel” (Swan Symphonies III Version)
“Deathless” (Swan Symphonies III Version)
“Agape” (Swan Symphonies III Version)
“Hurt Again” (Swan Symphonies III Version)
“Amber” (Swan Symphonies III Version)
“We Were Young” (Swan Symphonies III Version)

Swan Symphonies III CD2 tracklisting:

“Loreley (Swan Symphonies III Version)
“Morgana” (Swan Symphonies III Version)
“Black Halo” (Swan Symphonies III Version)
“Cut Me Out” (Swan Symphonies III Version)
“In Silence” (Swan Symphonies III Version)
“Seven Days of Anavrin” (Swan Symphonies III Version)
“My Heart Is Black” (Swan Symphonies III Version)
“Letters To Home” (Swan Symphonies III Version)

Swan Songs Demos tracklisting:

“A Splintered Mind” (Demo)
“A One Ton Heart” (Demo)
“Dying On The Moon” (Demo)
“Zunya” (Demo)
“Unfeel” (Demo)
“Hurt Again” (Demo)
“Amber” (Demo)
“We Were Young” (Demo)

Opus X CD1 tracklisting:

“Lament For The Condemned” (Live In Hamburg 2019)
“Morgana” (Live In Hamburg 2019)
“Prison” (Live In Hamburg 2019)
“Sex On Legs” (Live In Hamburg 2019)
“I.D.G.A.F.” (Live In Hamburg 2019)
“Die Tomorrow” (Live In Hamburg 2019)
“Black Lolita” (Live In Hamburg 2019)
“Dry The Rain” (Live In Hamburg 2019)
“One Day Everything Will Be Okay” (Live In Hamburg 2019)
“Credo” (Live In Hamburg 2019)

Opus X CD2 tracklisting:

“Raining Stars” (Live In Hamburg 2019)
“Full Metal Whore” (Live In Hamburg 2019)
“Loreley” (Live In Hamburg 2019)
“Voodoo Doll” (Live In Hamburg 2019)
“Forevermore” (Live In Hamburg 2019)
“Blood For Blood” (Live In Hamburg 2019)
“Six Feet Underground” (Live In Hamburg 2019)
“La Bomba” (Live In Hamburg 2019)
“Trisma” (Live In Hamburg 2019)
“Drag Me To Hell” (Live In Hamburg 2019)

The Lord Of The Lost Ensemble 2020:
Chris Harms: Vocals, Violoncello, Semi Acoustic Guitar
π: Acoustic Guitar
Bengt Jaeschke: Acoustic Guitar
Class Grenayde: Acoustic Bass
Gared Dirge: Grand Piano
Corvin Bahn: Organ, Harpsichord, Celeste
Maline Zickow: 1st Violin
Felicitas Fischbein: 2nd Violin
Ida Luzie Phlipp: Viola
Miriam Göbel: Violoncello
Julia C. Pfänder: Contrabass
Niklas Kahl: Percussions
Daniel Möhrke: Percussions
Henrik Petschull: Percussions




(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);
})();

Brazilian spattergore / goregrind revelation band, Goat Necropsy, debuts their first official video, "The Collector". The clip, which was recorded in São Paulo, features horror scenes from the British short film Pretty Little Dead Thing 2, written and directed by Anthony Wilson, from independent producer Mr. Stitch Films.

"The Collector" closes the promotion cycle of the first EP, Bloody And Fresh. The duo continues to finalize work to launch the first full-length, which will be released soon. Although labeled as deathgrind, the style of the band is pleasantly extreme, but also digestible, incorporating characteristics of deathcore to standardize the intensity.

In addition to precursors of style, the duo also draws attention for being DIY (Do It Yourself), producing, directing and recording all their material. From the beginning, the idea was to do everything and be in control to show a quality and professional project. Another detail that the band likes to emphasize is the importance of the partnership with Reverbera Music Media, for dissemination, communication and image care, which makes it possible to work more on the particular things of the band and focus on the entire production.

Goat Necropsy was formed by W. Johann and Vic Ferreira in November 2019. Two insane minds making extreme metal with dirty, bloody and putrid themes, mixing goregrind lyrics with sonority death metal, slam and splatter. Their influences range from Carcass, Dying Fetus, and Aborted to Cannibal Corpse and Napalm Death.
 
Vic Ferreira, owner of a powerful and unique voice, coming from guttural to inhale, studied extreme vocal technique and music production at MI (Musicians Institute) in Los Angeles. W. Johann is known for his work with KroW - one of the biggest bands in the Brazilian death metal scene, performing at Rock In Rio, and also part of the Brazilian death metal band, NervoChaos, and Victorizer with renowned vocalist Vitor Rodrigues (ex-Torture Squad).

 




(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);
})();

WoR, groove metal hailing from Raleigh, North Carolina have a new single out “VI Kings”, from their debut album Prisoners, which will be released August 7th.

WoR has been working on this first offering over the course of the last few years, in which they have seen all the members of the band improving drastically at their respective instruments and songwriting capabilities. Their experience of togetherness on every artistic level has allowed them to write technically and musically more complex new material. The band shares their thoughts on how their debut will be received:

“We are positive that our first album will be received well by fans. Every song is unique with regard to its sound and arrangement. Some songs are straight-up brutal while others present with an extreme sense of groove or even melody. There is furthermore a lot of raw emotion and anger that is captured very well on our record. For this reason, there’s a little something for everyone to enjoy.”

What starts with a riff evolves into an amalgamation of elements from various different subgenres of metal, leading to an array of very unique sounds, and the single “VI Kings” is no exception. Opens with dual guitar harmonies that build up into one of the catchier choruses in any WoR song. Tied together in the middle with a melodic solo, VI Kings ends on a straight forward but equally brutal breakdown. 

Groovy, raw, and old school, WoR is suitable for all fans of metal especially those with an interest in Machine Head, Sepultura and Gojira.

Prisoners artwork and tracklisting:

"Kill You" 
"Caged" 
"VI Kings" 
"Sirens" 
"A Place To Die" 
"Predator" 
"T.G.S.O.A.T"
"Come Out And Play" 
"Hiraeth" 
"Freedom Suicide" 

"Predator" video:

(Photo credit - Matthew Wonderly)




(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);
})();

Matriarchs has teamed up with Upstate Records and Blood Blast Distribution (Nuclear Blast) to set their upcoming album, Year Of The Rat, on maximum overdrive.

Matriarchs is a metallic hardcore band, formed originally in Los Angeles in 2014. Starting out as studio project by founding member Ben Levi, Matriarchs has established themselves as a recognizable name in the metal/hardcore community.

Drawing inspiration for their affinity for modern European Beat Down and ‘90s New York metallic hardcore, Matriarchs assembled a team of veteran metal and hardcore musicians to release their first studio release, Scandalous Jointz, on Eulogy Records in 2015. Produced by Nick Jett of Terror and mastered by Matt Hyde (Lionheart, Hatebreed, Deftones), the sonic ferocity and energizing success of Scandalous Jointz immediately brought them to the national touring level, ultimately sharing the stage with such acts as Soulfly, Harm's Way, Disgrace, Bane, Backtrack, Sworn Enemy and Vision Of Disorder.  

After a brief hiatus in 2018 to reflect on the future strategy of the band, Matriarchs went for an overhaul and parted with ways with Richard Barthel then recruited vocalist K Enagonio and guitarist Carlos Pagan to complete their new studio full-length release, Year Of The Rat. 

Year Of The Rat will hit the streets this fall.

(Photo: Danny Palacios)




(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);
})();

Kansas have released their new album, The Absence Of Presence, via InsideOut Music. In this new video trailer, the band members discuss the title track:

The Absence Of Presence album follows-up 2016’s The Prelude Implicit, which debuted at #14 on Billboard’s Top 200 Albums chart. Kansas has sold more than 30 million albums worldwide, and is famous for classic hits such as "Carry On Wayward Son" and "Dust In The Wind" to the progressive epic "Song For America".

The Absence Of Presence, released by InsideOut Music, features nine all new tracks written by the band, produced by Zak Rizvi, and co-produced by Phil Ehart and Richard Williams. Kansas's signature sound is unmistakable throughout. The album showcases Ronnie Platt’s towering vocals, David Ragsdale’s searing violin, Tom Brislin’s dazzling keyboards, Williams and Rizvi’s electrifying guitar riffs, Ehart’s powerful drums, and Billy Greer’s rocking bass.

“We are really proud of the album The Absence Of Presence,” comments Kansas guitarist, producer, and songwriter Zak Rizvi. “Making a new Kansas album sets a very high musical standard that is expected from our fans. From rockers, to progressive epics, to ballads, there is something on this recording for everybody.”

The Absence Of Presence is available on CD, Double LP 180 Gram Vinyl, Limited Edition Deluxe CD + 5.1 Blu-Ray Artbook, and digitally on iTunes, Google Play, Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, and all other streaming services. Order the album here.

The Absence Of Presence tracklsting:

"The Absence Of Presence"
"Throwing Mountains"
"Jets Overhead"
"Propulsion 1"
"Memories Down The Line"
"Circus Of Illusion"
"Animals On The Roof"
"Never"
"The Song The River Sang"

"Jets Overhead" video:

"Memories Down The Line" video:

"Throwing Mountains" video:

Sampler:

Kansas recently issued the following update regarding their Point Of Know Return Anniversary tour:

"Due to the uncertainty surrounding COVID-19, the Point Of Know Return Anniversary European Tour scheduled for October & November 2020 has been postponed until October & November 2021. New dates are listed below.

"While we are disappointed at the need to reschedule, Kansas is excited to bring the Point Of Know Return Anniversary Tour to our European fans in 2021.

"Keep your tickets. Tickets for 2020 concerts will be honored for the rescheduled concert in 2021."

New 2021 dates:

October
12 - Frankfurt, Germany - Jahrhunderthalle
13 - Hamburg, Germany - Docks
15 - Helsinki, Finland - Culture House
16 - Tampere, Finland - Tamperetalo
18 - Stockholm, Sweden - Cirkus
20 - Oslo, Norway - Sentrum Scene
22 - Berlin, Germany - Tempodrom
23 - Bochum, Germany - RuhrCongress
27 - Munich, Germany - Circus Krone
28 - Heilbronn, Germany - Harmonie
30 - Amsterdam, Netherlands - Carre Theatre
31 - Brussels, Belgium - Cirque Royal

November
2 - Paris, France – L’Olympia Theatre
4 - London, England - Palladium

(Photo - Emily Butler Photography)




(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);
})();