Critically acclaimed Mongolian rock group THE HU has released a deluxe edition of "The Gereg" on July 10, available in CD, double vinyl and digital formats. This new version includes three tracks re-made with special featured artists, including Jacoby Shaddix (PAPA ROACH), Danny Case (FROM ASHES TO NEW) and Lzzy Hale (HALESTORM).

Alongside the deluxe album THE HU has shared a special film, "The Hu: Road To The Gereg", looking back at the making of "The Gereg", features and accomplishments along the way, plus unseen behind-the-scenes footage from tour life, video sets and live performances. The special also includes narrative from the band and collaborators on their music, Mongolian culture and the evolution of THE HU's customized traditional instruments, symbolism and presentation.

There are also three acoustic tracks on the deluxe release: "Shoog Shoog", "Yuve Yuve Yu" and "Shireg Shireg". The enchanting video for "Shireg Shireg" dropped on July 2, showing behind-the-scenes clips of THE HU in the studio, offering fans a real insight into their recording process and a closer look at their gorgeous traditional instruments.

Last week, THE HU put on a televised charity concert, filmed in the White Rock Centre in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. Through broadcast on Mongolian TV and their YouTube/Facebook pages, THE HU raised tens of thousands of dollars for the Mongolian COVID-19 relief. The concert was also the band's homecoming show after their sold-out world tour. THE HU was stuck in Australia for months when its world tour was cut short by the pandemic, but THE HU are a voice of courage, resilience and unity and they supported each other, even using their time in Australia to start working on their second album. Therefore, it was really important to them to give back, and have this concert to help those in Mongolia affected by the pandemic.

THE HU stands for the Mongolian root word for human being, inspiring the band's original style of music that it calls "Hunnu Rock." The group pulls inspiration from the Hunnu, an ancient Mongolian empire better known as The Huns in western culture. Their music is deeply embedded with their ancient culture, even integrating old Mongolian war cries and poetry into their lyrics.

The group was founded in 2016 in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia by their producer Dashka, along with band members Gala, Jaya, Temka and Enkush. Together they create rock music with traditional Mongolian instrumentation such as the morin khuur (horsehead fiddle), tovshuur (Mongolian guitar), tumur khuur (jaw harp), guttural throat singing built around the pillars of heavy rock: distorted guitars, bombastic drums, and aggressive rhythms. All four members have earned Bachelor's or higher degrees in classical music and have gained several years of touring experience throughout Asia and the Pacific Rim.

On Friday (July 10), SKID ROW bassist Rachel Bolan spoke to Groove Entertainment, LLC's "Live Music Happy Hour" about the progress of the recording sessions for the final chapter of SKID ROW's "United World Rebellion" trilogy. The disc is being tracked at a Nashville, Tennessee studio with producer Michael Wagener, who also helmed the group's 1989 self-titled debut and 1991's "Slave To The Grind".

SKID ROW's new LP will mark its first release with South African-born, British-based vocalist ZP Theart (DRAGONFORCE, TANK, I AM I), who joined the band in 2016 following the departure of Tony Harnell (TNT, STARBREAKER).

Bolan said (see video below): "We've been working on it for a while with Michael Wagener; he's producing it. We recorded a bunch of songs, and then the world went crazy. We have a bunch of stuff. And we're still writing, because we're, like, 'There's no rush to put a record out now. Let's keep writing stuff.' We're our own worst critics, so it's just, like, 'Ah, we liked this song yesterday. We don't like it today.' So we're just gonna keep writing and take our time, as we usually do."

SKID ROW's new album, which will be made available through Australia's Golden Robot Records, will feature collaborations with several outside songwriters, including Corey Taylor (SLIPKNOT, STONE SOUR) and Lzzy Hale and Joe Hottinger of HALESTORM, a group that covered the title track of "Slave To The Grind" on its "ReAniMate: The CoVeRs eP" in 2011. SKID ROW also worked with songwriter-for-hire Marti Frederiksen, who has previously collaborated with AEROSMITH, DEF LEPPARD, Jonny Lang and Sheryl Crow.

Unlike 2014's "Rise Of The Damnation Army - United World Rebellion: Chapter Two" and 2013's "United World Rebellion: Chapter One", SKID ROW's forthcoming release will be a full-length record.

SKID ROW's "The Big Rock Summer Tour", also featuring RATT, CINDERELLA's Tom Keifer and SLAUGHTER, has been canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic that is sweeping the globe.

Photo by: Chuck Arland


Live with Rachel Bolan from Skidrow and Ryan Spencer Cook - guitarist for Gene Simmons and Ace Frehley!

Welcome to Live Music Happy Hour with Rachel Bolan from Skidrow and Ryan Spencer Cook - guitarist for Gene Simmons and Ace Frehley!

Posted by Groove Entertainment on Friday, July 10, 2020

LINKIN PARK's Mike Shinoda has just released a new solo record, "Dropped Frames, Vol. 1", via his Kenji Kobayashi Productions label. The LP features the first batch of instrumentals inspired by Shinoda's live Twitch streams from his home studio, with assistance from his fans.

"'Dropped Frames' is just as much about the live channel as it is about the 'album," Mike said in a statement. "The collection of songs is a highlight reel of the tracks I make on the channel, but a big part of the experience is the stream itself.

"When I start, I usually have very little idea of where it will go. What comes out is a product of the viewers' suggestions, my spur-of-the-moment ideas, and whatever inexplicable magic is floating in between."

The official music video for the first single from "Dropped Frames, Vol. 1", a song called "Open Door", can be seen below.

"Dropped Frames, Vol. 1" track listing:

01. Open Door

02. Super Galaxtica

03. Duckbot

04. Cupcake Cake

05. El Rey Demonio

06. Doodle Buzz

07. Channeling Pt. 1 (feat. Dan Mayo)

08. Osiris

09. Babble Bobble

10. Session McSessionface

11. Neon Crickets

12. Booty Down

Mike's full-length solo album called "Post Traumatic", came out last year. Some of the disc was inspired by the death mnearly three years ago of LINKIN PARK singer Chester Bennington. The latter was found dead in his Los Angeles-area home on July 20, 2017 after hanging himself. LINKIN PARK headlined an all-star tribute concert for Bennington in October 2017 in Los Angeles but has not announced any future plans for recording or touring.

Canadian progressive sci-fi metal innovators VOIVOD will play an online concert on August 9. The event, which will be livestreamed from Quebec, Canada's at RadicArt Studio, will coincide with the 56th birthday of the band's singer, Denis "Snake" Belanger.

VOIVOD has just released a new three-track 12-inch vinyl and digital EP titled "The End Of Dormancy" via Century Media Records. The EP is centered around a special "Metal Section" version of the title track (off VOIVOD's latest album, "The Wake") with added trumpets, saxophone and trombones. The complementary songs on this release are exclusive live versions of "The End Of Dormancy (Metal Section)" and the group's classic "The Unknown Knows", recorded at Montreal Jazz Fest 2019.

VOIVOD drummer Michel "Away" Langevin said: "It's always a great day for us when something we worked on gets to be released. These are strange times but we can still move forward!

"We are presently putting the final touch on an upcoming live LP, along with writing new material for a studio album. We are also planning an online performance at RadicArt Studio on August 9th, 2020, for Snake's birthday.

"We toured so much for 'The Wake', there is a lot of catching up to be done on various VOIVOD projects, including a book and a movie. In the meantime, enjoy our new 'The End Of Dormancy' EP!"

"The End Of Dormancy" EP comes with artwork by Langevin and is available on 180-fram 12-inch vinyl.

In March 2019, VOIVOD was honored with a Juno Award (the Canadian equivalent of the Grammy Award) in the "Metal/Hard Music Album Of The Year" category. VOIVOD won the award for "The Wake", which was released in September 2018 via Century Media Records. The disc was recorded and mixed by Francis Perron at RadicArt Recording Studio in Canada. The album's artwork was once again created by Away.

Chris "Motionless" Cerulli says that MOTIONLESS IN WHITE has completed work on "two projects" which will see the light of day in the coming weeks.

Earlier today, he tweeted: "Just received the final mixes for two projects we are releasing this summer. I can't wait for you to hear. All I'm going to say is ..... you should stock up on some Kleenex now ahead of time.

He added in a separate tweet: "I probably should have stated that they aren't new songs. Whoooops haha."

MOTIONLESS IN WHITE has spent the last few months writing material for the follow-up to 2019's "Disguise" album.

Last month, Cerulli told Finland's Kaaos TV that the next MOTIONLESS IN WHITE LP will contain "a usual mix of things on the record like we normally do, from stuff like 'Another Life' and 'Voices' all the way to stuff like 'Thoughts & Prayers' and 'Undead Ahead 2' and stuff that we've done everywhere in between." He went on to say that the stuff he has been working on so far has been "a little heavier. I don't know if that's out of frustration of what's going on; I don't know if it's just that that's where my creative interest is lying right now, where I'm wanting to write some heavier stuff," he said. "But we have a ton of stuff in the bank that I keep going back to and picking and choosing from, and a lot of that stuff is also the heavy stuff that I'm gravitating toward. So I don't know... You might hear maybe a few more heavy tracks on the album this time than anything else, but don't hold me to that."

"Disguise" was highlighted by a series of singles, including "Brand New Numb", "Undead Ahead 2: The Tale Of The Midnight Ride" and "Disguise", the latter joined by a companion video directed by frequent collaborators Jeremy Danger and Travis Shinn. In addition, "Another Life" and "Brand New Numb" were joined by official visuals, directed by Max Moore, who has previously worked with CODE ORANGE and THY ART IS MURDER.




Just received the final mixes for two projects we are releasing this summer. I can’t wait for you to hear. All I’m going to say is ..... you should stock up on some Kleenex now ahead of time.

— Chris Motionless (@ChrisMotionless) July 10, 2020








I probably should have stated that they aren’t new songs. Whoooops haha.

— Chris Motionless (@ChrisMotionless) July 10, 2020

QUEEN's official YouTube channel's behind-the-scenes "Lockumentary" series "Roadies In Lockdown", which explores the roles of various QUEEN + ADAM LAMBERT crew members on the road and catches up with them in lockdown continues its weekly outing with episode three.

Sam Augustus sheds light on his role as lighting BlackTrax engineer in the show production and in doing so helps us understand why he has earned the moniker of Harry Potter among the crew.

Conceived and produced by long-standing tour video director Steve Price, who is hardly ever seen on and off-show without a camera on his shoulder, the series captures illuminating insights into what it is like being a member of the "Rhapsody" road crew, no matter the weather conditions.

A limited series, "Roadies In Lockdown" continues to raise the stage drop on the people and complexities behind the huge production that is a QUEEN + ADAM LAMBERT live show, with background and concert footage filmed at stops around the world.

QUEEN + ADAM LAMBERT recently recorded a new version of "We Are The Champions" — retitled "You Are The Champions" — as a tribute to workers on the frontline fighting coronavirus.

All proceeds made from the song will go towards the COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund for the World Health Organization.

Since Adam Lambert first shared the stage with QUEEN for the 2009 "American Idol" final, his dynamic performances have reinvigorated the band and delighted fans worldwide. Starting as they meant to go on, their first full show together in June 2012 thrilled a crowd of half a million strong in the Ukraine capital city of Kiev. Since then, May and Taylor's musical fireworks have been matched by Lambert's vocal prowess and stage presence, making for an explosive combination. Over 200 gigs later, the partnership has remained a commercial and critical triumph, playing to enraptured full houses in every corner of the world.

Photograph by Xavier Vila

The official lyric video for BON JOVI's new single "American Reckoning" can be seen below. The song, written by Jon Bon Jovi, offers a deeply compelling look at current times.

"American Reckoning" will be included on BON JOVI's forthcoming album, "Bon Jovi 2020", which takes a critical view of this staggering and historic year. The song is available from Island Records on all digital platforms, with 100% of the band and Island Records' net proceeds from the download of "American Reckoning" supporting Bryan Stevenson's Equal Justice initiative through December 31, 2020.

"I was moved to write 'American Reckoning' as a witness to history," said Jon Bon Jovi. "I believe the greatest gift of an artist is the ability to use their voice to speak to issues that move us."

"America's on fire/There's protests in the streets/Her conscience has been looted/And her soul is under siege/Another mother's crying as history repeats/I can't breathe," Jon Bon Jovi sings in the track, before offering a description of George Floyd's death: "God damn those eight long minutes/Laying face down in cuff on the ground/Bystanders pleaded for mercy/As one cop shoved a kid in the crowd/When did a judge and jury/Become a badge and a knee on these streets?"

"Bon Jovi: 2020" was originally set for a May 15 release, has now been delayed until the fall. Jon Bon Jovi told Zane Lowe's of Apple Music's Beats 1 that it didn't feel right to release the LP amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, which has more than 12.3 million confirmed cases worldwide.

BON JOVI's tour in support of its "Bon Jovi 2020" was scheduled to launch in June.

"Bon Jovi 2020" makes a wry reference to an election year with the title, and album art featuring an American flag in the reflection of a pensive Jon Bon Jovi's sunglasses.

Jon previously said about the album's title: "The meaning behind it — there's the obvious. It's an election year, and I couldn't do any worse. And I also have clear vision. 'This House Is Not For Sale' dealt with a lot of personal matters, and now it's behind us. So, '2020' — of course, it's an election year, but more importantly, it's that I have clear vision going forward."

The official music video for Tommy Lee's remix of the song "Tommy Lee" from Tyla Yaweh can be seen below. The track, which also features Post Malone, is said to be an ode to the MÖTLEY CRÜE drummer and his lavish lifestyle.

Tommy told Army & Air Force Exchange Service's Facebook page about his involvement in "Tommy Lee": "They asked me to do a remix [of the song]. I don't know how much you know about remixes, but a lot of times, people will do a remix and you're, like, somebody changed a few beats here and a little bit of this and a little bit of that and called it a remix. Well, this is like a 'redo.' We put on heavy guitars, I smash drums on it, bass, there's some strings… It's crazy. It's like NIRVANA meets GREEN DAY meets THE BEATLES. It sounds like the same song, but it's like the next-level version. It's crazy. I cannot wait for everyone to hear it."

Malone says in the track: "Pull up wit a drum like I'm Tommy Lee/Yaweh got a stick came to rock with me. Living life like a rock star/Pulling up stretch limousines."

In a separate interview with SiriusXM's Debatable, Tommy said that Yaweh and Malone initially recorded the song with "demo drums" and sent it to Lee, who then recorded his contribution at his home studio while in quarantine.

Lee and Post Malone previously collaborated on the song "Over Now", which was featured on the rapper's 2018 album "Beerbongs & Bentleys".

Lee told Debatable about Malone: "I've known him for a while and that dude is a rock star, let me tell you. He's a freaking maniac."

Tyla told NME that "Tommy Lee" is about "living life and spreading positive energy." Explaining why he and Malone named the track after the MÖTLEY CRÜE drummer, he added: "Tommy Lee just doesn't give a fuck and I love that."

Last month, Lee released two new solo songs. "Knock Me Down" is a collaboration with Killvein, while "Tops" features South African rapper Push Push. Both tracks will appear on Tommy's new solo album, "Andro", which is due in October.

MEGADETH guitarist Kiko Loureiro has just released his fifth solo album, "Open Source". The disc can now be streamed in its entirety in the YouTube clip below.

The cover artwork for "Open Source" was created by Gustavo Sazes (MACHINE HEAD, AMARANTHE, ARCH ENEMY).

"Open Source" includes an instrumental titled "EDM (e-Dependent Mind)", which was released as a single last month. The track features Loureiro on guitar and keyboards, as well as Felipe Andreoli on bass and Bruno Valverde on drums.

"Open Source" is the follow-up to "Sounds Of Innocence", which was released in June 2012.

"Open Source" track listing:

01. Overflow

02. EDM (e-Dependent Mind)

03. Imminent Threat

04. Liquid Times

05. Sertão

06. Vital Signs

07. Dreamlike

08. Black Ice

09. In Motion

10. Running With The Bulls

11. Du Monde

"Imminent Threat" features a guest appearance by former MEGADETH guitarist Marty Friedman.

Kiko said: "For the last five years, I've always been compared to Marty Friedman, and Marty Friedman is a great musician — not only a great guitar player but an amazing musician. And I'm a big fan of his solo work and CACOPHONY and, of course, other MEGADETH years, and I had a chance to meet him two times and have great conversations about music and about life with him.

"I have some guest musicians, guest guitarists on my new album, and guess what? Marty Friedman is one of them.

"I'm so happy to have Marty Friedman. He did, of course, an amazing solo on one of my songs. So, thank you, Marty."

Loureiro stated about the album title: "By definition, 'open source' is related to softwares which the original source code is made freely available and may be redistributed and modified. It brings us a higher sense of community, enhances our creativity and creates new possibilities. So why not take this concept to our art, our music? How much richer a song could be if others had access to its source code? What if the song's original composition wasn't the final product? What if it was just the beginning? Something that could be constantly updated and evolve over time. And as well as a machine, we as humans are also minded to enhancements, being an open source ourselves, constantly moving and growing, through technology, science, spirituality… and art."

Kiko started composing his new solo album last year. The recordings started in September 2019 and he has been working on the LP ever since, in between MEGADETH's activities.

"Sounds Of Innocence" featured guest appearances by Virgil Donati on drums and Felipe Andreoli (ANGRA, ALMAH) on bass. One track also featured LIVING COLOUR bassist Doug Wimbish. The effort was produced by Kiko, mixed by Dennis Ward and mastered by Jürgen Lusky.

Kiko made his recording debut with MEGADETH on 2016's "Dystopia" album. The "Dystopia" title track was honored in the "Best Metal Performance" category at the 2017 Grammy Awards.

MEGADETH leader Dave Mustaine told Revolver magazine that finding Loureiro "was really a mind-blower. It was the first time since Marty Friedman joined the band that I was really intimidated as a player," he said. "He's such an amazing talent, and he's been coming in with all of these fresh ideas." Mustaine has also called Loureiro the "best guitarist we've ever had," adding that he was a good fit personality wise. "Chris [Broderick] and I had a good chemistry, but we weren't really as close as I would have wanted us to be," Mustaine explained. "Kiko, I feel like I've known him for years."

Canadian rock group FALSET will release its debut album, "We Follow Or Lead The Way", on October 16. The band is comprised of Zach Copeland (vocals/guitar), Braeden Kozy (guitar), Riley Fields (bass) and Chance LaBrie (drums), son of DREAM THEATER singer James LaBrie.

"We Follow Or Lead The Way" was produced by Zach Copeland and mixed by Nolly Getgood (PERIPHERY, DEVIN TOWNSEND). The album combines metalcore, modern rock, djent, and prog elements highlighted by heavy-hitting breakdowns, soaring melodic vocals, and virtuosic guitar solos for a collection of exciting and memorable material.

Chance LaBrie said: "This album was made at my uncle david's cottage. It was nice to get away from all of of life's distractions and have a relaxing environment to write this album in with the boys. Then Nolly just brought it up a whole other level with the huge mix."

Added Copeland: "We were just experimenting as we were writing and this is what came out of it. It was a lot of fun to make."

Track listing:

01. Kingdom

02. Give

03. Fire At Will

04. We Follow Or Lead The Way

05. Rock Bottom

06. Hollow Saints

07. Dear Heaven Dear Saints

08. Without A Trace

09. 9 Minute Drive

10. Smoke & Mirrors

A teaser video can be seen below.

Hard rock legends Def Leppard have posted a High N’ Dry Album Facts Video below. Singer Joe Elliott called the 1981 album produced by Robert John "Mutt" Lange (AC/DC), an “enormous learning curve, but it sounded punchy and professional and generally speaking, it was the start of where we wanted to go.” 

High N’ Dry sits at double platinum (2 million copies sold) in the US and platinum (100,000 copies sold) in Canada. 




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Author and music fan(atic) Vince Palamara recently contacted Dream Theater keyboardist Jordan Rudess via Cameo, asking him to perform "Spacve Dye Vest" from the band's 1994 album, Awake, and asking his thoughts on predecessors Kevin Moore and Derek Sherinian's playing.

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

Check out the entire show below.

The setlist was as follows.

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




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

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

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

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

Again: THANK YOU!"

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

The setlist on the night was as follows:

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




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On the latest episode of Talking Metal, host Mark Strigl interviews legendary rocker Dee Snider of Twisted Sister fame. Topics include touring with Iron Maiden, the new release For The Love Of Metal Live, the song "Prove Me Wrong", his band, the new film he is working on, AC/DC, meeting Angus Young, Twisted Sister, Come Out & Play, Skid Row, being a writer, Rob Zombie’s Halloween, performing on Broadway in Rock Of Ages, and much more.

On Twisted Sister supporting Iron Maiden on the World Slavery Tour

Dee: "When men were men and tours were tours. That was, for me, the ultimate metal tour. It was right before we had 'hair metal.' Up to that point it was just metal, and you could have Iron Maiden and Twisted Sister on the same stage, you could have Motörhead and Twisted Sister on the same stage. People said 'Okay.' We toured with Metallica - they opened for Twisted - and nobody thought 'What are those bands doing together?' It was just metal. We were a weird metal band that wore make-up, they were a metal band that didn't. That was a great tour. It was not an opening situation. (The venues) were filled from 7:00pm. I don't remember there being an empty seat in the house. People were there: 'We want to see Iron Maiden and we want to see Twisted Sister.' It was an event."

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

Snider has revealed a new live video cut from For The Love Of Metal Live - featuring his energetic performance of "I Am The Hurricane". The seductive, metallic first notes of the track combine with ominous guitar-driven atmosphere as Dee Snider dominates the powerful lyrics of the track - denying opposition at his every turn and leaving doubters in his wake. The track takes on a whole new level of confidence in its live setting, as it transforms into an even more heartfelt rallying cry to all to rise above hostility.

Dee says about “I Am The Hurricane” Live: "If there is ever a repeated message in my songs it's this: Stand up, fight back, don't take any sh*t from anybody, and f*ck anybody who gets in your way or tries to put you down. It's a message that constantly needs to be reinforced in us all, myself included. 'I Am the Hurricane' is that reinforcement!"

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

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

Dee Snider says about the state of live music in 2020: "While live entertainment has been curtailed for now, we cannot let the spirit of live entertainment die within us. Any music I’ve ever loved and listened to, I always imagine what it would be like live. When I was young and couldn't go to shows, all I had was what I thought the bands would be like live. We must keep our desire to see and hear the great new music out there in concert, because that's its true habitat.  Bands on stage with fans cheering them on in the audience is the way the rock gods intended it to be."

For The Love Of Metal Live will be available in the following formats:

- Deluxe Earbook Edition: CD, Bonus CD, DVD, Blu-Ray & 7" Single with Lyric etching - Limited to 500 copies worldwide
- Shirt & Deluxe Earbook Edition Bundle - USA Napalm Webstore Only
- 8 Page Digipack with Sleeve (CD, DVD, Blu Ray)
- 8 Page Digipack with Sleeve (CD, DVD, Blu Ray) & Shirt Bundle
- 2LP Black Gatefold & DVD
- 2LP Black Gatefold & DVD & Shirt Bundle - USA Napalm Webstore Only
- 2LP Silver Gatefold & DVD - Limited to 200 copies worldwide (Napalm Webstores Only)
- 2LP Silver Gatefold & DVD & Shirt Bundle - USA Napalm Webstore Only
- Digital Full Length Album

Pre-order For The Love Of Metal Live here.

For The Love Of Metal Live tracklistings:

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

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

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

"Prove Me Wrong" lyric video:

(Photo - John Raptis)




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Keratoma, featuring Mushroomhead's Tommy Shaffner and Steve Rauckhorst, have checked in with the following update: 

"It took a pandemic, four months of quarantine, major civil unrest, and a nearly unbearable amount of heartbreak, but here it is! 'It's (Not) Over' is the first new song from Keratoma in 13 years and is a seething, blistering, industrial metal anthem! Recorded completely following social distancing guidelines and done entirely in house, available across all streaming and music purchasing platforms! It’s a face melter! We hope you’re as excited as we are!"

Keratoma is a metal/ industrial machine. It manifested from the filthy banks of the Cuyahoga River (yes, the one that caught fire in 1969) near Cleveland, Ohio in 2002 to destroy what music was becoming: a force fed, format driven, mind control, created by middle-aged record executives who's idea of artistic expression is limited to shag haircuts and the tightness of your pants. 

Keratoma is a middle finger, pointed right in the face of what is considered metal today. Like the bastard sons’s of Slayer and Marilyn Manson, birthed in the run down factory that is co owned by Trent Reznor, Al Jourgenson, Satan, and Christopher Walken respectively. They attack topics such as betrayal, loss, disgust, mass murder and what passes for government in the foul year of our lord, 2010.

While the future of the music industry is uncertain, the future of these cynical assholes is. They will continue to make the music they want to hear, with no cares but for what they want it to be. Not dressed up for radio, and too damn ugly for TV. Bound and determined to piss on the parade of pop culture until they are revered as either the saviors or martyrs of the new millennium’s metal movement, whichever comes first.  

Keratoma is comprised of Tommy Shaffner and Steve Rauckhorst (Mushroomhead), Jon Vinson (Axioma, Child Bite), Christopher Simmons and William Pawul.

Check out their official Facebook page here.




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Gone In April, the symphonic melodic death metal ensemble have just released a new video featuring bass legend Steve Di Giorgio (Death, Testament, Gone in April) performing the song “Empire of Loss”, taken from their newest album Shards of Light. The clip was filmed by Shady Shades and edited and color-graded by Above the Sky 

Studios.

Gone In April features musicians from Testament, Death, Quo Vadis, Märchenbilder and Vivaldi Metal Project and combines elements of symphonic, death, speed and folk metal in a compelling and aggressive blend sure to please a wide audience.

“Our Future Line” video:

“As Hope Welcomes Death" video:

Photo by Joshua Winstead Photography




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Enterprise Earth unveils another quarantine-filmed video clip, this time for their instrumental rendition of latest track, "Foundations Of Bones". The tune appears on the band's recently issued EP of the same name, out now on Entertainment One (eOne).

Featuring one new song, "Foundation Of Bones", two cover tunes - Necrophagist's "Fermented Offal Discharge" and Lamb Of God's "Now You've Got Something To Die For" - an acoustic version of "There Is No Tomorrow" from their Luciferous LP, and this instrumental edition of the title track, the surprise EP serves as a bridge piece from Luciferous into the work being laid down for their forthcoming LP. Foundation Of Bones also marks the band's first ever self-produced output.

Comments Enterprise Earth guitarist, Gabriel Mangold, "After deciding to do this impromptu EP we began sifting through current demos for our winner. The decision was made unanimously fairly quickly. After a short, mysterious, and unsettling intro it gets straight to the point by exploding into the first chorus and doesn't let up until it's over. This song also features new sounds that we have been developing in a condensed format, namely combining modern deathcore parts and structure with thrash and death metal influences. This sound will be expanded upon in our coming full length."




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Tokyo Motor Fist’s self-titled debut scratched an itch for music fans who have been starving for new albums from Trixter or Danger Danger (and who also happen to love Def Leppard) and now the band delivers another fix with their sophomore album, Lions, released on July 10. Check out an audio stream of the song "Mean It" below.

On the making of the new album, Steve Brown says, “From day one when I put together Tokyo Motor Fist, I knew that this was a genuine rock group, not a fake cash grab project, a so-called super-group or imaginary band that makes one record and never plays live... TMF is the REAL DEAL! Our debut release proved that, our live shows cemented that fact, and the worldwide response and success to the debut was so overwhelming that a follow-up record was a sure thing. Here we present you with Lions... next level stuff for the band, as you will hear. It’s a great feeling after 30 years of making records to be at the top of my game as a writer, singer, player, and producer. So proud of my band... Ted, Chuck and Greg all delivered incredible performances and took my songs to a higher ground. I brought in my rock 'n roll brother, the great Bruno Ravel, to mix Lions. He is without a doubt one of the most talented all around musicians/producers I know. His expertise and ears took this album over the top. It was mastered by Maor Appelbaum, who did a fantastic job. It sounds brilliant! Lastly, we are on the best label in the business, Frontiers Records! My friend, Serafino Perugino allowed TMF the extra time and the support needed to make the record of our dreams. I can’t wait for you all hear this... Lions is the positive & feel good record the world needs right now... It’s gonna Blow Your Mind!!!”

Ted Poley adds, “Couldn’t be prouder to be a part of such an amazing band! The new album is absolutely stunning! Steve Brown‘s songwriting has hit a new high. Lions contains some of my favorite songs that I have ever sung on in my career. The TMF rhythm section of Chuck and Greg are an unstoppable dream team. This record should come with a warning label because you will be singing along with it for days! The hooks just keep coming! And we hope that you will too!”

"Our new album Lions  is by far and away the BEST album I've ever had the pleasure to play on! Each and every song is outstanding and this new record reaches new sonic and songwriting heights yet achieved in my career!! A-a-a-a-and you can quote me on this!!!!" adds Chuck Burgi.

"I absolutely loved our first album, but this one is a game changer for this band! The songs, playing, and soul of this group are definitely captured on this record. It was an absolute pleasure to be there when the legendary Dennis DeYoung recorded his cameo on the album's namesake tune, Lions. He took an already great song to the next level. I can’t wait to perform these tunes with my TMF brothers in the hopefully near future! I hope you all enjoy this album as much as I did playing on it!," says bassist Greg Smith.

The album's title track features a guest keyboard solo by none other than rock legend Dennis DeYoung and a guest saxophone spot from Mark Rivera (Billy Joel, Ringo Starr) on "Sedona".

Written and produced by Steve Brown, Lions was mixed by Bruno Ravel (Danger Danger, The Defiants) and mixed by Maor Applebaum (Faith No More, Yes, Dokken).

You don’t need to be a die-hard '80s/’90s hard rock fan to know that the fruits of an artistic alliance between Danger Danger singer Ted Poley and guitarist/producer Steve Brown of Trixter was going to make melodic rock fans rejoice! Featuring Ted Poley (vocals), Steve Brown (guitar), Greg Smith (bass), and Chuck Burgi (drums), Tokyo Motor Fist was birthed out of Ted and Steve’s long standing friendship. They were playing the same club circuit with their respective bands, Danger Danger and Trixter, when both bands were starting their careers. Over the years, they had a great personal relationship and the idea of doing a record together has been in the cards for many years. With some help from Frontiers the concept became a reality. Rounded out by Greg Smith (Ted Nugent, Rainbow, Alice Cooper) and Chuck Burgi (Rainbow, Blue Oyster Cult, Bon Jovi) on bass and drums, respectively, TMF’s self-titled debut was met with the high praise and enthusiasm one would expect from fans of the genre. The fact that the music delivered was even better than what it looked like on paper has had fans clamoring for a follow-up. And now, with Lions on the way, those fans have much to look forward to!

TMF anticipates hitting the road in support of the album once the world is back up and running.

Tracklisting:

"Youngblood"
"Monster In Me"
"Around Midnight"
"Mean It"
"Lions"
"Decadence On 10th Street"
"Dream Your Heart Out"
"Blow Your Mind"
"Sedona"
"Look Into Me"
"Winner Takes All"

"Around Midnight" video:

"Youngblood" video:

Lineup:

Ted Poley - Vocals
Steve Brown - Guitar,Vocals & Keyboards
Chuck Burgi - Drums
Greg Smith - Bass & Vocals




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"Rehearsals of the new album are going great," says Swedish death metal outfit The Crown. "We begin to feel warm and ready for the studio. A lot of kickass tracks has been written and we can't wait to share the next chapter of The Crown with you all. Here's some cuts and pieces from yesterday. Cheers!"

The Crown is scheduled to enter Studio Fredman in October to record their as yet untitled eighth album.

In other news, guitarist Marko Tervonen says, "Four weeks of corona-vacation coming up! Me and Mateo were thinking of recording an EP of cover songs. Daddy on guitars and Mateo handling the drums + vokills. Driller Killer - 'Scream Suffer Die' has to be one of the tracks though, here’s our first attempt. Let us know your song suggestions."




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At the beginning of June, Norwegian hard rock icons Vreid streamed a unique live performance that took place against the backdrop of the mountains in their hometown of Sogndal, Norway. The stream was an immense success with over 130,000 people viewers across the globe! Now, the band has partnered with Ghost Cult Magazine to release the video clip for the song "Milorg," which is the titled track from their WWII themed record of the same name. The video can be viewed below.

In addition to the video, Vreid will be reopening the concert scene in Oslo (NO) on August 15, 2020. The historic performance will take place at the legendary Rockefeller venue and will be the first metal show in the city since the Covid-19 closure. The show sold out immediately and due to the demand, a second show has been added.

On this night, Vreid will also launch their very own signature beer, which has been crafted by the band’s guitarist Stian “Strom” Bakketeig and Balder Brewery. 

Moreover, the band has finished material for the follow up to 2018's Lifehunger! The new record will be released via Season of Mist during the first half of 2021. The band will enter the studio in early autumn and reports that the spirit in the band is stronger and darker than ever before. The Nordic flame burns stronger year by year.

The band comments: “It’s strange and weird times for everyone. For Vreid, we have done as we always do, march onwards. I have been working hard on new material for the last months. Started working new stuff last year, but in the last few months things have fallen into place, and we will go into studio soon. I have such a great feeling for the new material, expect an early 2021 release and expect a dark and raw brew.

Talking about brew, in August we launch our own Vreid Beer. It’s a cooperation with our local Balder Brewery, and its crafted by our own beer wizard Stian. We launch the beer when we do 2 shows at Rockefeller in Oslo on August 15. This will be the first metal show they do as part of their reopening, and we can’t wait to get back out that stage.

But already this week things are happening as we release a video from the streaming session we did at my mountain farm. The response was completely overwhelming, so we decided to release a video for the track ‘Milorg’ for you. During autumn and winter we will have plenty of new and old (::wink::) news for you all. Fingers crossed that we can return to touring in 2021 as well. Stay strong, act reasonable and enjoy metal.” 




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Lamb Of God have checked in from COVID-19 quaratine with three new live performance videos. Check them out below.

"New Colossal Hate"

"Laid To Rest" 

"Checkmate"

Lamb Of God marked the release of their eponymous album with a video for the album’s fourth single, “Gears”. In addition to the “Gears” video, lyric videos for five of the album’s tracks are also available. See all below.

The fact that the band’s eighth studio effort would warrant ‘self-titled’ status is a testament to the band’s pride and satisfaction with these songs and this period in their creativity.

A true collaboration between all members of the band, Lamb Of God’s eighth studio album is an amalgam of each individual’s contributions, blended to create a singular style. Guitarists Mark Morton and Willie Adler fuel the album with a mountain of riffs, taking what Lamb Of God are known for, and unbelievably, upping the ante to new levels. The rhythm section of John Campbell, looming large as a rhythmic shadow, and drummer Art Cruz, who makes his studio debut with Lamb Of God here on this record, underpin the proceedings with passion, sweat and expansive dynamics. Vocalist D. Randall Blythe is as angry, insightful, and informed as ever. Never one to shrink from facing the darker aspects of our nature head-on, Blythe delivers with no punches pulled, and as only he and Lamb Of God can in 2020.

Audiences got a taste of the first new Lamb Of God music in nearly five years with “Checkmate” back in February, followed by “Memento Mori” and the most recent single, “New Colossal Hate.” All four songs will appear on Lamb Of God, the follow-up to VII: Sturm und Drang (2015). The album was once again produced by collaborator Josh Wilbur (Gojira, Korn, Megadeth, Trivium), fueled by a mountain of riffs and looming rhythmic shadows. It is also the band’s first record with Cruz, who sat behind the kit with Lamb Of God in 2018 and became an official member the following year. In addition to Chuck Billy, the new album features a guest appearance from Jamey Jasta (Hatebreed). Blythe sounds more driven and insightful than ever on Lamb Of God, offering up the angriest and most comprehensive diatribes, addressing modern life in the current landscape, of his storied career thus far.

Lamb Of God tracklisting:

"Memento Mori"
"Checkmate"
"Gears"
"Reality Bath"
"New Colossal Hate"
"Resurrection Man"
"Poison Dream" (feat. Jamey Jasta)
"Routes" (feat. Chuck Billy)
"Bloodshot Eyes"
"On The Hook"

"Gears" video:

"Reality Bath" lyric video:

Lamb Of God is:

D. Randall Blythe - Vocals
Mark Morton - Guitar
Willie Adler - Guitar
John Campbell - Bass
Art Cruz - Drums




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Sweden’s HammerFall have returned with another episode of HammerFall TV (Episode 11). This time, guitarist Oscar Dronjak and vocalist Joacim Cans look back on their Legacy Of Kings album from 1998.

Episode 10 focused on 2016's Built To Last.




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Finland's Tolkien-inspired metallers Battlelore, who announced they were taking an an indefinite break in 2011 and made a one-off appearance at the Metal Female Voices Fest XIII in October 2016, have confirmed they are gearing up for a return. 

A photo of vocalists Tomi Mykkänen and Kaisa Jouhki was uploaded via the band's official Facebook page back in February. When asked by a fan if a new album was in the works, they responded with a cryptic "Might be. Who knows?".

On July 8th the band posted the photo below online, and when asked by a fan if a new album was on the way Battlelore responded "At least some new music." Stay tuned for updates.




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Ayreon mastermind Arjen Lucassen has checked in with a new behind-the-scenes look at the forthcoming album, Transitus.

"And of course the mighty Joost van den Broek brilliantly handled all the Hammond, Steinway piano and Fender Rhodes piano work on the new album. He’s still a LUL though! Sorry for the silly inside joke... don’t even try to Google it :-) Just check out this little mini-special!"

Ayreon will be releasing a brand-new sprawling and epic studio album, titled Transitus, on September 25 via Music Theories Recordings.

The album will be available on 2CD, 2LP gatefold red transparent vinyl and a 48-page Earbook which includes 5 discs; 2CD album, 1CD instrumental versions, 1CD guide vocal versions, and a DVD with bonus footage which includes a behind the scenes video, a videoclip, trailer and a 5.1 audio and hi-def stereo mix of the album.

The release will be accompanied by a 28-page graphic novel which will be included in the Earbook as well as the 2LP. The physical pre-order was launched on June 25, where digital will go live on July 16th.

Ayreon mastermind Arjen Lucassen has checked in with the following update:

"Wow... the pre-sales of Transitus are going through the roof, thanks so much for your confidence and your nice comments!

Some of you have asked me about the different formats and what is for sale at which store. The good folks at Music Theories Recordings have put together these two images to give you a clear overview, this is their explanation:

The first image lists all products that are available from retail stores worldwide, the second image lists all products that are exclusively available from the official store. Of course, everything that’s available from retail stores is also available from the official store, such as for instance the Red Transparent 2LP.

So... thanks once again for being such amazing fans and never letting me down!"

Pre-order Transitus here. Watch a video trailer below.

In 2017 Ayreon released The Source, which revisited the Forever/Planet Y saga, but now three years later it is time for something completely different…

“The year is 1884, these are dark, troubled times, fraught with greed, envy and prejudice…” begins our narrator and storyteller, Tom Baker…

Transitus is built around an entirely new story, not connected to the Ayreon universe although as always it does have some subtle links. The sci-fi theme makes way for a gothic ghost story set (partly) in the 19th century with elements of horror and the supernatural. It’s on a dark thunderous night where our story of Abby and Daniel begins.

From the mastermind of Dutch multi-instrumentalist Arjen Lucassen, Transitus is inspired by supernatural movies such as The Others, The Changeling and Ghost along with the music of soundtrack composers John Carpenter (Halloween), Ennio Morricone (Once upon a Time in the West) and Jerry Goldsmith (Omen). “And of course, I revisited all my favorite rock operas such as JC Superstar, Tommy, War of the Worlds and the Wall,” Lucassen adds.

Transitus is narrated by one of the most iconic and recognizable voices in sci-fi history, most known from his eight-year stint as Doctor Who, Tom Baker. “I was looking for a real storyteller with a mature, deep, warm voice. As a kid, I was a huge Doctor Who fan and my favorite doctor was Tom Baker. I couldn’t believe my luck when he agreed to do it! We went to the UK to record him, and it was one of those unforgettable experiences.”

As with any Ayreon album, it is an explosive and expansive affair and features Tommy Karevik (Kamelot) as Daniel and Cammie Gilbert (Oceans of Slumber) as Abby. The all-star cast also features Simone Simons (Epica), Dee Snider (Twisted Sister), Joe Satriani, Marty Friedman, Johanne James (Threshold), Noa Gruman (Scardust), Marcela Bovio (MaYan), Caroline Westendorp (The Charm the Fury), Paul Manzi (Arena), Michael Mills (Toehider) and Amanda Somerville (Avantasia, Trilium) amongst many others.

“When I started this, I just had no idea that it was going to take me this long! It took about 3 years from start to finish, and it pushed me out of my comfort zone musically and creatively. But I always need that challenge, the harder it is, the more fun for me to work on it!,” comments Lucassen.

Transitus is Lucassen’s most ambitious work yet, "This is without a doubt the most cinematic and outrageous album I’ve ever done," he affirms.

"I always start with finding singers first before I write the vocal parts, because I write the parts specifically for their vocal strengths. Because I was going for a theatrical feel for this album, this time I picked the singers not just because they are amazing singers, but because they had a certain charisma and were able to act."

Transitus is accompanied by an amazing graphic novel drawn by the renowned artist Felix Vega. “Because Ayreon’s music is so visual, I’ve always wanted to do an Ayreon graphic novel/comic book,” he says.

Reflecting on the approach to Transitus he says, “I love my last Ayreon album The Source. I often say that it sounds so much like Ayreon... if someone else would have released it I could have sued them for copyright infringement and won easily! But “our genre” is called progressive, which for me means breaking new ground and experimenting musically. So, in the true prog spirit, I set out to try something entirely different than a “typical Ayreon,” I wanted to do something more theatrical, almost like a musical. “

Tracklisting:

CD1
"Fatum Horrificum"
  A] Graveyard
  B] 1884
  C] Daniel And Abby
  D] Fatum
  E] Why?!
  F] Guilty
"Daniel’s Descent Into Transitus"
"Listen To My Story"
"Two Worlds Now One"
"Talk Of The Town"
"Old Friend"
"Dumb Piece Of Rock"
"Get Out! Now!"
"Seven Days, Seven Nights"

CD2
"Condemned Without A Trial"
"Daniel’s Funeral"
"Hopelessly Slipping Away"
"This Human Equation"
"Henry’s Plot"
"Message From Beyond"
"Daniel’s Vision"
"She Is Innocent"
"Lavinia’s Confession"
"Inferno"
"Your Story Is Over!"
"Abby In Transitus"
"The Great Beyond"

Trailer:




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Theatrical metal band Raven Black has revealed a poignant new video for the song “Hear Me Cry,” from their upcoming third album, The Key.

“‘Hear Me Cry’ is about the chaotic and deeply disturbing thoughts when I once attempted suicide,” Raven explains. “The inner battle of wanting to give up and yet wanting to fight and change your own life. The personal psychosis and finally calling out for help, which ultimately saved my life. This song hopefully inspires those who struggle with suicidal thoughts to speak up and seek help. Someone is always ready to help. Suicide is not the answer. You can change your life and you can survive.”

The Key, produced by Ulrich Wild (Static-X, White Zombie, Deftones), is scheduled for release this year via WurmGroup. Pre-orders for the album and an assortment of bundles are available via Raven Black’s webstore, here.

A new video for the track “Hear Me Cry” will be available soon. VIP packages for The In-Between Tour are also available at the webstore.

Prior to its cancellation due to COVID-19, Raven Black was slated to perform on the nearly two-month-long The In-Between Tour with In This Moment, Black Veil Brides and DED this spring.

Raven Black’s Dark Metal Carnival story began when a voodoo doctor, The Doctor, happened upon a lost and scared little girl named Raven. Using his magic, The Doctor attempted turned the girl into a doll. The Doctor’s attempt, however, was interrupted by the terrified girl’s screams, leaving her in a half-human, half-doll state. As Raven lived in the dark world of the Doctor, she secretly learned his magic and conjured up a demon named Muppet, whom she trapped inside of her heart and made her eternal protector. Together, The Doctor and Muppet created another character, Stitches, to help search for souls to join the Dark Metal Carnival in the 13th hour.

Together, the quartet has created a soundtrack to the Dark Metal Carnival, releasing the 2016 EP Seven Sins and the 2018 album 13. The band has toured extensively, perfecting a creepy live show that unifies the visual and aural aspects of Raven Black.

Raven Black is:

Raven - Vocals
Muppet - Drums/Vocals
The Doctor - Lead Guitar/Vocals
Stitches - Bass




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Black Crown Initiate have released a third single off of their upcoming album Violent Portraits of Doomed Escape with the issue of video “Holy Silence”.

The video was directed and animated by David Brodsky for MyGoodEye with music visuals and illustrations by Chris Bishop.

The band jointly said of the video: "We are proud to present to you the animated video for 'Holy Silence.' The track itself is the culmination of the story that runs through the album, and Dave Brodsky did a fantastic job interpreting the music visually. Enjoy!"

Violent Portraits Of Doomed Escape comes out on August 7 and will be available as a limited CD Digipak, black LP+CD, three limited edition colored vinyl variants and on all digital platforms, and can be pre-ordered here.

Tracklisting:

“Invitation”
“Son Of War”
“Trauma Bonds”
“Years In Frigid Light”
“Bellow”
“Death Comes In Reverse”
“Sun Of War”
“Holy Silence”
“He Is The Path”

"Holy Silence" video:

“Sun Of War” lyric video:

Lineup:

Vocals – James Dorton
Guitars – Andy Thomas
Bass – Nick Shaw
Guitars – Ethan McKenna

(Photo - Tyler Katsigiannis)




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With “The Adorned Fathomless Creation” US prog metal outfit Oceans Of Slumber release the second single off of their recently announced new and self-titled album Oceans Of Slumber, due to be released on September 4, 2020, via Century Media Records worldwide.

Oceans Of Slumber comment: “Violence, revenge, retribution, repeat. The adorned fathomless creation that is humanity, that is society, that is each of us. Warped and blinded by this eye for an eye mentality, we stumble along the path of this insidious and cyclical nature of violence and pain. Hate begets more hate. Fear a contagion. Compassion a lost art of emotional bending. Outcry, anger, rage, repeat. We long for the gentle embrace of compassion, hope to be soothed by a love that is no where to be found.  So the machine churns, spewing smoke along a degenerative wasteland. Victim, valor, vengeance, repeat. Our only hope is to remember that among ourselves is an ability to connect, an ability to heal, an ability to grow. To break the machine and free ourselves from its corrosive and cancerous nature. Teach, acknowledge, heal, repeat.”

 “We’d like to thank Giannis Nakos for the beautiful artwork that captures not only our imagination, but the depths and darkness of the story the album holds within. While there’s plenty more to come, we must be patient for the full album that’s set to release September 4th. For now please enjoy 'A Return To The Earth Below',” says Cammie Gilbert.

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




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French heavy/power metallers Nightmare are back with new album, Aeternam, set for release October 2 via AFM Records. 

2020 sees Nightmare back, unbowed, unbreakable and inspired, ready to take their music to a whole new level. They return with hugely talented female vocalist, Madie (Faith In Agony) on the mic, and have recorded their most ambitious album to date.

Tracklisting:

“Temple Of Acheron”
“Divine Nemesis”
“The Passenger”
“Downfall Of A Tyrant”
“Crystal Lake”
“Lights On”
“Aeternam”
“Under The Ice”
“Black September”
“Anneliese” 




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“Dying On The Moon” is a beautiful ballad, perfectly performed by Chris Harms and Joy Frost, who’s voices complement each other perfectly in a bittersweet duet. Underlined by the classical The Lord Of The Lost Ensemble, the German dark metal maestros deliver a soulful and slightly desperate track that goes straight into the listeners heartstrings - an ode to trusting one’s soul’s decision and believing in yourself. The freshly released song is accompanied by a music video, inspired by technical achievements of the '60s and the moon landing, kept in black and white.

After teaming up on multiple songwriting and composing collaborations with Lord Of The Lost in the past on tracks such as “Voodoo Doll” or “Ribcages”, for the first time ever, the voice of U.S. American singer / songwriter Joy Frost appears on a song by the band. “Dying On The Moon” is the third single taken off the new classical ensemble album Swan Songs III, to be released on August 7.

Chris Harms on the collaboration with Joy Frost on  “Dying On The Moon”: “After so many years of knowing each other and writing songs together, it was time to bring Joy in the spot light of the LOTL cosmos. I love her voice so much, I could listen to her all day. Whatever she sings, it sounds good. Anything.”

Joy Frost adds: "Chris and I have known each other since 2015. The summer when we first met, I was in the front row of his classroom as one of his audio engineering students. I remember dreaming about becoming a songwriter for his band during class, but at the time it was just a fantasy. Five years later, we’ve not only written several songs together but now he’s asked me to step out onto the stage with him as his duet partner. I feel sincerely thankful to have earned his trust in both music and friendship.”

Lord Of The Lost returns with their 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, 2020.

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. Preorders 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

Group photo by Jan Season




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