The NYChillharmonic prog-jazz-rock orchestra fronted by mastermind Sara McDonald. (vocals, composer, arranger) has released a new single "Mean", which can be heard below. It is available via Spotify here.

An official video for the track is due to be released in the coming weeks.

McDonald: "'Mean' was written in the middle of the night two days before a headlining show at (le) Poisson Rouge in NYC. The full orchestration, including vocal line and lyrics, was written in one sitting with the printed charts barely making it onto everyone's stands the next morning at rehearsal. 

'Mean' is a sonically massive, orchestral-rock piece that features chugging guitar and bass lines, anthemic vocals, swirling strings and horns, and thrashing drums. The lyrics are written from two perspectives, creating a conversation between the narrator and their own moral conscience. The line 'You're so mean to me' is repeated throughout the song, as the narrator's conscience struggles to convey the importance of self-respect to her literal self. 

'Mean' navigates through a fusion of genres while wildly yet, seamlessly moving from section to section, bounding through the narrative and sonic arc to an epic and emotionally catastrophic finish."

thenychillharmonic · Mean

 

The NYChillharmonic is a female fronted, Brooklyn-based, 18 piece, progressive-rock orchestra. The music fuses multiple genres including rock, pop, and jazz, which ultimately creates an ensemble sound that acknowledges the tradition of jazz as much as it sonically embraces experimental textures, arrangements, and harmonies. 

The group has performed at world renowned festivals such as The Montreal Jazz Festival, Perth International Jazz Festival, Buenos Aires International Jazz Festival, Melbourne International Jazz Festival, Keio University Jazz Fest (Tokyo), Moers Festival, Take The A Train Festival, Mazzstock Music Festival, The International Festival of Arts and Ideas, Northside Festival, CU Jazz Festival, Nublu Jazz Festival, and The East Village Music Festival. 

They regularly perform on the stages of premiere rock and jazz venues in NYC and have had notable performances at ASCAP’s Songwriters: The Next Generation Showcase at The John F. Kennedy Performing Arts Center in Washington D.C., Jazzclub Unterfahrt in Munich, Germany, The David Rubenstein Atrium at Lincoln Center, Joe’s Pub, The Sheen Center, National Sawdust, (le) Poisson Rouge, and The Iridium in NYC. The music of The NYChillharmonic has been performed across 5 continents, in 10 different countries with over 400 musicians. 

The main ensemble, comprised of premiere rock and jazz musicians from New York, also features YouTube star, Adam Neely - who has the largest music theory channel in the world. 

NYChillharmonic compositions have twice been awarded ASCAP’s coveted Herb Alpert Young Jazz Composer Award and once-awarded the ASCAP ‘Phoebe Jacobs Prize.' The group was also included in Brooklyn Magazines annual 30 Under 30 list, highlighting successful musicians, artists, and entrepreneurs in NYC.

Go to the official NYChillharmonic website here and check out their Facebook page.




(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);
})();

Disciples Of Verity (D.O.V.), the powerhouse newcomers fronted by vocalist Corey Glover, has revealed a new single and lyric video for the song “The Flow,” featuring a guest appearance by Sevendust drummer Morgan Rose, from the band’s upcoming debut, Pragmatic Sanction.

“The idea that the world isn't giving you what you deserve is universal,” Glover explains of the song’s concept. “Given the unrest in the world, today it’s more than an idea.”

Rose adds, “Any time you get an opportunity to track music with a legend, you jump. The track f’n rips. Corey sounds better than ever.”

“The Flow” is available today on all digital platforms. Visit here to download the single. Pragmatic Sanction is set for release August 7. Presales are available on Bandcamp.

Fueled by an insatiable urge to create and collaborate, D.O.V. combines the broad range of talent of its all-star lineup - which also includes drummer Corey Pierce (God Forbid) and George Pond (Negative Sky) - to forge a new breed of crossover metal. The band’s debut, scheduled for a late summer/early fall release via The Label Group, features guest performances from numerous Platinum-selling and Grammy-winning artists including Morgan Rose (Sevendust), Phil Demmel (Machine Head), Jeff Loomis (Arch Enemy), Tara McLeod (Kittie), JJ Sammataro (Negative Sky) and solo artist Joe Gareri.

Previous single, "Lying To Myself", features Vio-lence / ex-Machine Head guitarist Phil Demmel.

The band's first single, "Worthy", features Jeff Loomis (Nevermore, Arch Enemy) on guitar and is the first track off of new record.

"No matter what you go through as long as you're breathing and still here to see another day, it is another chance. Being worthy though, that is the rub you are always trying to figure out. The heart and mind play against each other. Your mind may says you aren't good enough, but your heart knows you are worthy. That said, I am here for a reason. I am ‘Worthy’." - Corey Glover




(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);
})();

UK symphonic metal band Damnation Angels have released their new lyric video for More Than Human featuring Lauren Francis (ex-Devilment). The track is taken from their impending third album 'Fiber Of Our Being', which is due for release on July 31.

The album is the first to feature vocal powerhouse Iggy Rod (Azeroth) and bassist Nic Southwood who joined after the release of the album The Valiant Fire. Alongside the release will be the band’s first ever music video, directed by Sitcom Soldiers (The Darkness, Feeder). 2020 promises to be their biggest year yet.

Fiber Of Our Being was mixed and mastered by Scott Atkins at Grindstone Studios (Cradle Of Filth, Vader, Amon Amarth). The cover art was made by Sabercore23art. Preorder the album here.

Tracklisting:

“More Than Human”
“Railrunner”
“Fiber Of Our Being”
“Our Last Night”
“Rewrite The Future”
“Fractured Amygdala”
“Greed And Extinction”
“Remnants Of A Dying Star”
“A Sum Of Our Parts”

"More Than Human" lyric video:

“Fiber Of Our Being”:




(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 two first albums from the Runaljod trilogy are out on new coloured reissue vinyl via Indie Recordings. Wardruna is a Nordic folk musical project by Einar Selvik. The first three releases are a unique interpretation of the Elder Futhark, and sung in Norwegian, Old Norse and Proto-Norse.

Runaljod - gap var Ginnunga is available on marbled white/blue 2LP. Runaljod - Yggdrasil is available on marbled olive green/black 2LP.

Order here.

After being forced to postpone the release of their upcoming album Kvitravn to January 22, 2021 due to extenuating circumstances throughout the world, traditional Nordic folk outfit Wardruna decided now was not the time to be silent and headed into the studio to write and record a new song, "Lyfjaberg." The title translates to English as a 'healing-hill' or 'healing-mountain' and is known from Norse mythology and the Eddic poem Fjölsvinnsmál as a place of comfort and cure for the sick and sore who manage to climb the mountain and bear offerings at its shrines. Wardruna filmed a music video for "Lyfjaberg" that was filmed in the mountains of the island Tustna in Norway.

The band shot the video in early May, when suddenly winter decided to return with full strength, and they ended up wading in half a meter of snow for three days and nights. On many levels, the process of making of this video reflected the meaning of the song itself. They all had to climb a few of their inner mountains to get it done.

"The song expresses that climbing a tough mountain, both in reality and metaphorically, is a mental as well as a physical effort," shares founding member and composer Einar Selvik. "I have tried to write this journey up the mountain as one for the mind and spirit as much as the feet and body. Anything of true value, comes at a true cost."

Pre-order options for Kvitravn are available via digital download here. The album is also available on CD and 180-gram 2LP gatefold vinyl (black or ltd. Edition white) here.

Tracklisting (with translations):

"Synkverv" (Turn-sight)
"Kvitravn" (White Raven)
"Skugge" (Shadow)
"Grá" (Grey)
"Fylgjutal" (Speech of the Fetch)
"Munin" (Memory)
"Kvit hjort" (White Stag)
"Viseveiding" (Song-hunting)
"Ni" (Nine)
"Vindavlarljod" (Song of the wind-bred)
"Andvevarljod" (Song of the Spirit-weavers)

"Grá" video:

North American tour dates listed below.

September
24 - Charlotte, NC - Ovens Auditorium
25 - Washington, DC - Warner Theatre
26 - Brooklyn, NY - Kings Theatre
28 - Boston, MA - The Orpheum Theater
29 - Montreal, QC - M Telus
30 - Toronto, ON - Meridian Hall

October
2 - Chicago, IL - Auditorium Theatre
3 - Minneapolis, MN - The State Theatre
6 - Calgary, AB - Jack Singer Concert Hall
8 - Vancouver, BC - Queen Elizabeth Theatre
9 - Seattle, WA - Moore Theatre
10 - Salem, OR - Elsinore Theatre
12 - Salt Lake City, UT - The Complex
14 - Oakland, CA - Paramount Theatre
16 - El Cajon, CA - Magnolia
17 - Los Angeles, CA - Orpheum Theatre
18 - Mesa, AZ - Ikeda Theatre
20 - Dallas, TX - The Majestic Theatre

(Photo - Kim Öhrling)




(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);
})();

Fleshwolf have teamed up with Vadim Chernyshov, a professional drummer living in Norway, for this lockdown collaboration of the classic Sepultura song “Troops Of Doom”, taken from 1986’s Morbid Visions.

Fleshwolf is a one-man death metal project from Northern Ireland, strongly influenced by old-school death metal. The self-titled album has received excellent reviews for its putrid licks reminiscent of early '90s Stockholm, combined with the dark delivery of early death metal.

The album is released digitally, along with a very limited run of cassette tapes for the true underground collectors.




(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);
})();

Sonically expansive, aurally depressive metal band Ether Coven release the music video for "When Quiet Fell".

Ether Coven frontman Peter Kowlasky states, "The video for 'When Quiet Fell' was the second video we filmed while on our winter tour earlier this year. I have been friends with Eric Boccio for nearly 2 decades from his time in Kid Georgous and we've been trying to work together for a long while so when we were in California we took no naps and just trucked it to L.A. over night. The explanation for the song, as per the record insert is as follows: In times of desperation and loneliness the only way out is seemingly through. The most trying moments are of negative silence and it is difficult to be comfortable in our own skin. Stagnation feels like betrayal. Trudging forward to exist outside ourselves is nearly impossible to navigate but it is often our only option, so we suffer."

"When Quiet Fell" is off Ether Coven's new full-length album, Everything Is Temporary Except Suffering out now. The album was recorded, mixed and produced by Erik Rutan (Cannibal Corpse, Morbid Angel, Goatwhore) with additional mastering done by Alan Douches (Cradle of Filth, Motorhead) at West West Side. Order the album 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);
})();

Canadian thrash legends Anonymus recently unleashed their 12th album La Bestia on June 12 via label Bam&co Heavy. Known for their discography of both French and English releases, La Bestia is their first full length that is completely in Spanish. You may be asking why a Spanish album? Well since 3/4 of the band speaks Spanish. Drummer Carlos Araya is Chilean born, and Oscar (Lead Vocals and Bass) and Dan Souto (Guitars and Backing Vocals) are sons of Spanish immigrants it was time to make one. A lyric video for the title track is streaming below:

The band reveals the story behind the track:

"This song is about a real story that happened here in Quebec. A father lost his mind over jealousy and killed his two kids for revenge. A very very sad story and still the father says he is not criminally responsible has he declared not remembering anything of it. He became the beast while doing this irreversible act of violence. The whole story had quite an impact on the population who were outraged with the verdict."

The album's tracks were produced mainly by guitarist Jef Fortin as well as Colin Richardson who also produced 1999's Instinct and Jean-Francois Dagenais (Kataklysm) who produced 2006's Chapter Chaos Begins. The album also features the bilingual song “Violencia Versus Violence” with the participation of Carlos Maldos of Lethal Creation (MX) and Arno Dhenain Le Bourhis of Black Bomb A (FR) along with a second bilingual track “Tierra” with Marco Calliari singing in Italian.

Anonymus explains their thoughts on the release: “We always try to surpass ourselves as musicians and we always try to write the best songs we can. It’s important to be loyal to what we do but we listen to the new bands and how the metal scene evolves. I think over the years we can feel an evolution in the band’s sound.”

Tracklisting:

“Bajo Presión”
“Bicho Loco”
“Sobrevivir”
“Violencia Versus Violence” (featuring Carlos Maldos of Lethal Creation (MX) and Arno from Black Bomb A)
“La Bestia”
“Máquinas”
“Cada loco con su tema”
“Tierra”
“Terremoto”

“Terremoto” video:

“Sobrevivir” video:

(Photo Credit: Dani Rod)




(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 Scorpions performing "Blackout" live at France's Hellfest in June 2015 can be seen below:

Previously released videos from the same show:




(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);
})();

Mercyful Fate is streaming a new official visualizer for "Evil", taken from the classic album Melissa. Watch below:

Mercyful Fate recently released CD and LP versions of the classic albums The Beginning and Return Of The Vampire via Metal Blade Records. The vinyl editions feature spined sleeves with an insert and download card; the CDs contain a mini-LP CD-insert with a small fold-out poster.

King Diamond comments, "These are not remasters. These are the albums as they were originally done in the old days from the original production masters. They retain all the original dynamics that were captured at the time. It's very exciting to present these to fans as they were originally released."

Order your copies now at the following links: North America, Europe, UK.

See below for an overview of available formats:

The Beginning CD and LP versions:

- hardcover digisleeve "mini-LP" CD
- amber marbled vinyl (USA exclusive)
- milky clear / black haze vinyl (USA exclusive)
- 180g black vinyl (EU exclusive)
- fluorescent orange white marbled vinyl (EU exclusive - limited to 500 copies)
- opaque flame yellow marbled vinyl (EU exclusive - limited to 300 copies)
- clear w/ red / yellow splatter vinyl (EU webshop exclusive - limited to 100 copies)
- white vinyl (High Roller Records exclusive - limited to 200 copies)

Return Of The Vampire CD and LP versions:

- hardcover digisleeve "mini-LP" CD
- blue smoke vinyl (USA exclusive)
- blue watercolor vinyl (USA exclusive)
- 180g black vinyl (EU exclusive)
- sheer violet blue marbled vinyl (EU exclusive - limited to 500 copies)
- strawberry red / white marbled vinyl (EU exclusive - limited to 300 copies)
- sky-blue / white marbled vinyl (EU exclusive - limited to 200 copies)
- blue / white split and splatter vinyl (EU webshop exclusive - limited to 100 copies)




(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);
})();

Norwegian rock band, Pristine, recently released their new digital EP, Fireball. Today, the band offers fans a music video for the track "Behind The Line".

Frontwoman Heidi states" "Finally! The summer is here and we are releasing our third music video. 'Behind The Line' is a psychedelic song about a pretty destructive relationship I had some time ago. I had to work hard not to let him kill my positivism. The song is about knowing your personal line of boundaries, and figuring out how to stay on the right side of the line."

The release of the Fireball EP surfaces in an unexpected time from the Norwegian rock band Pristine. When the world has closed down because of the COVID-19 virus and this pandemic has reached every border, creating confusion and changes that we never would have imagined only a few months ago, Pristine wanted to press the pause button and reflect around who we are. This digital EP release is perhaps the most untypical release from the Norwegian rock band and consists of three songs.

Download and stream the EP here.

Tracklisting:

“Fireball”
“Lucid Dream”
“Behind The Line”

"Lucid Dream" lyric video:

“Fireball” video:

(Photo - Daniel Lilleeng)




(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);
})();

Whether it’s in music or in life: clarity is always the best argument if you want to convince people. Everybody knows where they stand, nobody is left in the dark, reliability and dependability are characteristics that everybody appreciates. Mad Max are musically unambiguous and have been for almost forty years. Their deeply melodic hard rock, driven by haunting guitar riffs, catchy vocals and a rhythm section with an infallible timing, has never lost its contours and honesty. Virtues that apply not only to all previous releases by the band consisting of Michael Voss (vocals/guitar), Jürgen Breforth (guitar), Axel Kruse (drums) and Thomas "Hutch" Bauer (bass), but also to their latest offering, Stormchild Rising.

Stormchild Rising celebrates a musical direction that has never lost its significance, despite all trends and short-lived fashions, and that’s also what Mad Max’s fans demand vociferously. “On our last tour we talked to fans from lots of different countries every night and found out that they don’t want us to experiment, they want to hear exactly the kind of songs that Mad Max have been known for since 1981,” says Breforth, looking back at the important insights gained during their tour supporting their previous album, Thirty 5.

How exactly this unambiguousness sounds in 2020 is revealed by the first single release "Hurricaned", supported by a lyric video clip and socio-critical message. “We’re all subjected to a veritable hurricane of media overkill every day and can hardly process that flood of information,” Breforth explains the lyric, which was written before the Corona crisis and hence has almost prophetic traits. “With the relentless coverage of the pandemic since spring 2020, the media overkill has grown even worse.” Musically, ‘Hurricaned’ is Mad Max’s homage to Rainbow and their frontman Ronnie Romero, whom they met during their joint tour with CoreLeoni and who shares the vocals on ‘Hurricaned’ with Michael Voss. You can watch the lyric video below.

Stormchild Rising will be released as a CD DigiPak, limited vinyl, CD/LP bundle with shirt (exclusively in the Steamhammer Shop) download and stream on August 21 via SPV/Steamhammer. Pre-order here.

Tracklisting:

"Hurricaned"
"Talk To The Moon"
"Eyes Of Love"
"Ladies And Gentlemen"
"Mindhunter"
"Rain Rain"
"Gemini"
"Kingdom Fall"
"The Blues Ain't No Stranger"
"Take Her"
"Busted"
"Ladies And Gentlemen" (Single Edit, Bonus Track) (Feat. Detlev Jöcker And The Rock And Roll Children)

"Hurricaned" lyric video:

(Photo - Sebastian Stumpe/Affen.Auf.Ruhr)




(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);
})();

Progressive metal act, Redemption, led by guitarist Nick van Dyk and fronted by legendary Tom S. Englund (the charismatic frontman of Swedish dark melodic metal band Evergrey), will release Alive In Color on BluRay/2CD and DVD/2CD sets on August 28 via AFM Records. An official live video for the song "Indulge In Color" featuring Chris Poland can be found below.

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

Alive In Color is available for pre-order here.

BluRay/DVD tracklisting:

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

+ Extras

2CD tracklisting:

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

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

"Indulge In Color" video:




(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);
})();

Arctic Rain, the new Swedish melodic rock band featuring Pete Alpenborg, Magnus Berglund, Tobias Jonsson, Gert Daun, and Jonas Jönsson, have released a lyric video for "Friends", a track from their debut album, The One, which will be released via Frontiers Music Srl on August 7.

Preorder/save The One here, and watch the new lyric video below.

Arctic Rain is, quite simply, a new melodic rock sensation from Sweden. The band is a result of the collaboration between songwriter/keyboardist Pete Alpenborg, guitarist Magnus Berglund, and singer Tobias Jonsson. Later on, bassist Gert Daun and drummer Jonas Jönsson joined forces with Arctic Rain for the recording of their upcoming debut album, ‘The One’. The aim for the band was to write songs with strong melodic rock vibes based around the type of tasteful instrumental harmonies typical for a lot of bands in the '80s and '90s. A revival of sorts, but with a modern touch, both melodically and for the overall sound.

"With influences like Whitesnake, Mr Big, Foreigner, Talisman, Def Leppard, TOTO, Treat, Dokken, White Lion, Journey, and so many other great bands, we believe the result of our album is somewhat a distillation of our combined interpretation of that era of music,” says guitarist Magnus Beglund. "In late 2018, a demo recording was made and sent out to a number of record labels, and the response was very promising and we ended up signing with the label that was on top of our list!"

While the core of Arctic Rain is undoubtedly Pete’s songwriting - he has an impressive track record of working with reputable acts such as Revolution Saints, House Of Lords, Issa, All 41, Toby Hitchcock, Sunstorm, Kee Of Hearts, and many more - Magnus' tasteful guitar playing and Tobias’ amazing voice create an outstanding final product, which shows once again why Sweden is the golden land of melodic rock.

Tracklisting:

“Love Of My Life”
“Lost”
“Friends”
“Night After Night”
“Free My Mind”
“Give Me All Of Your Love”
“Lift Me Up”
“The One”
“Breakout”
“Madeleine”
“Take Me To Your Heart”

“Friends” lyric video:

“Lost” 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);
})();

On the heels of the announcement of his first-ever book "Wicked Words And Epic Tales", ICED EARTH founder, songwriter, guitarist and producer Jon Schaffer releases the debut lyric video from the audio CD that accompanies the book. The video for the track "Dracula (A Narrative Soundscape)" is a collection of public domain footage that provides the perfect visual bed for the haunting re-imagining that Schaffer has created for the song. The original version of "Dracula" can be found on ICED EARTH's 2001 concept album "Horror Show". The video is the first of three that Schaffer will release as part of his Kickstarter campaign to promote "Wicked Words And Epic Tales". The video can be seen below.

"Brothers and sisters, I hope you dig the new lyric video for 'Dracula (A Narrative Soundscape)'," explains Schaffer. "I was stoked to find out that 'Dracula' featuring Bela Lugosi was in the public domain. He was the ultimate Dracula to me, and it made this a lot of fun. Enjoy!"

"Wicked Words And Epic Tales" is the debut release from Schaffer's new publishing company Wicked Words, LLC and is the first of many original concepts planned for future release by Schaffer.

"Wicked Words And Epic Tales" is a collection of lyrics, interviews and pages of artwork that Schaffer's work has inspired throughout the years. The book is an anthology of lyrics from Schaffer that span his 35 years in making music in various projects, including ICED EARTH, DEMONS & WIZARDS, SONS OF LIBERTY and PURGATORY. The book comes in two unique covers: one created by Jonboy Meyers, and another by Jim Balent and Roy Young, and is over 200 pages. The coffee-table art book also features original drawings from some of the most notable artists, including Todd McFarlane, Greg Capullo, Monte Moore and numerous others. The book also features an audio CD of 15 tracks that is exclusively available with the purchase of the deluxe edition book. Dubbed "A Narrative Soundscape" by Schaffer, these recordings are a completely re-imagined delivery of the lyrics of ICED EARTH songs created exclusively for this release. Longtime collaborator Jim Morris worked with Jon Schaffer of these versions.

Fans can pre-order "Wicked Words And Epic Tales" at this location.

"I wanted to put something together that would be a truly unique experience not only for the fans of my bands, but for newcomers as well," explains Schaffer.

Featured tracks in "Wicked Words And Epic Tales" are:

01. Dystopia (A Narrative Soundscape)

02. Declaration Day (A Narrative Soundscape)

03. Wolf (A Narrative Soundscape)

04. Dante’s Inferno (A Narrative Soundscape)

05. Melancholy (Holy Martyr) (A Narrative Soundscape)

06. Dracula (A Narrative Soundscape)

07. Raven Wing (A Narrative Soundscape)

08. Angels Holocaust (A Narrative Soundscape)

09. The Clouding (A Narrative Soundscape)

10. Something Wicked Trilogy (A Narrative Soundscape)

11. Watching Over Me (A Narrative Soundscape)

12. Seven Headed Whore (A Narrative Soundscape)

13. Damien (A Narrative Soundscape)

14. A Question of Heaven (A Narrative Soundscape)

15. Come What May (A Narrative Soundscape)

Artists that have contributed pieces for "Wicked Words And Epic Tales":

Jim Balent

Jonboy Meyers

Roy Young

David Newman-Stump

Todd McFarlane

Greg Capullo

Tim Vigil

Monte Moore

Danny Miki

Sun Khamunaki

John Gallagher

Emile Levaique

Richard Ortiz

John Giang

Felipe Machado

Jamie Tyndall

Dylan Andrews

Lucio Parrillo

Travis Smith

Nathan Perry

Leo Hao

Eliran Kantor

Axel Herman

Photo credit: Tim Tronckoe

In a brand new interview with Anne Erickson of Audio Ink Radio, DESTRUCTION frontman Schmier was asked for his opinion on the state of heavy metal music in 2020. He responded: "I hear all those interviews with people saying heavy metal is dead and rock is dead. I've been in the scene for almost 40 years, and most of the time, people were talking like this about our music. When we started the music, there was no scene, and the scene was very little. Of course, there were some years in the '80s, metal was huge for a while, but I didn't like that so much, because it brought a lot of people into the scene that didn't belong there. Then in the '90s, the scene died again, because all the hipsters went to listen to grunge music and techno music. I think this whole discussion that heavy metal is kind of dying and rock is dying, for me, it's not true. I see a lot of heavy metal fans wherever we go. We play all over the world, and nowadays, it's possible to play a lot of crazy countries where you never through you could go back in the day. I think heavy metal doesn't need to be the super-hip stuff, and I don't want that to happen also. I think metal should stay underground, and the scene is healthy... I think we're in a really good position, actually. I think 20 years ago, it looked a lot worse than now."

Schmier also weighed in on heavy metal bands becoming very commercially successful and attracting a whole new audience in the process. "Yeah, I don't know if I really want that," he said. "I don't know if I really want that to happen, that the masses are listening to my favorite band. Because what usually happens is that the band gets more commercial and the band loses the edge, and then it's not my favorite band anymore. I used to be a big fan of METALLICA, and with 'The Black Album,' they became a new band, basically. They became much more successful. People always think successful means better, but for me, it's not all about the money. Sometimes it's also about integrity and honesty and not selling out just for the money. That's why I don't really want metal to become the new hipster thing, because what happens then would be that metal, at one point, would kind of fall apart again, because trends come and go. I thought that in the '80s little bit, at the end of the '80s, when metal was really big, and all my friends started to listen to metal all of a sudden. But they came quick and became metalheads and a couple of years later, were all gone again, and they cut their hair and listened to the next trend. I don't think metal needs that. I think, for me, it's good the way it is. It's okay that METALLICA became more commercial for them, I guess. It was their way of doing things. I think in a different way."

Last month, DESTRUCTION delivered a treat for fans stuck at home and unable to attend live shows: "Born To Thrash - Live In Germany", the band's first live album with the current lineup, is out now digitally on all streaming and download platforms.

DESTRUCTION's latest album, "Born To Perish", was released in August 2019 via Nuclear Blast. The disc was recorded in January and February 2019 with V.O. Pulver (PRO-PAIN, BURNING WITCHES, NERVOSA) at Little Creek Studios in Switzerland and is the first DESTRUCTION album to feature Randy Black on drums and second guitarist Damir Eskic.

"Baby On Fire", the latest video from PSYCHOSEXUAL, the new rock band fronted by former FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH drummer Jeremy Spencer, can be seen below. Joining Spencer's alter-ego, Devil Daddy, in the group are guitarist Crucifier, bassist Astaroth and drummer Volac. The moody clip sears the senses, with Devil Daddy provoking controversial church burning imagery, a powerful and disturbing theme that's not out of place in the turbulent whirlwind that is 2020.

"Baby On Fire" and the previously released singles "Lady Killer" and "Let The Sin Begin" are taken from PSYCHOSEXUAL's debut album, "Torch The Faith", which will be released on July 31 through Spencer's own independent label 6ex Records. The effort was co-produced by Spencer with DROWNING POOL producer Shawn McGhee.

Spencer notes that fan response to the music has been overwhelmingly positive, with "Lady Killer" and "Let The Sin Begin" steadily tracking over 200,000 streams and video views with little-to-no radio airplay.

"It's been a great feeling to have fans of my previous band follow me on this new journey and respond so enthusiastically," says Spencer of his new passion project. "Thank you to everyone who is supporting us."

PSYCHOSEXUAL has already completed six music videos so far, offering up one every month prior to the release of "Torch The Faith".

A late fall/early winter tour is currently in the planning stages, and Spencer "can't wait to tour whenever the climate permits and get out and meet as many new people and see as many old friends as possible."

Spencer left FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH at the end of 2018, but in his mind the persona of Devil Daddy had occupied part of his creative consciousness for several years. Never one to rest on his laurels creatively, he released a series of '80s-like new wave originals in early 2019 as a precursor to the band — including some arresting and entertaining videos such as a remake of TYPE O NEGATIVE's "Love You To Death".

Spencer said: "I've been such a fan of so many types of music from Bowie to DEVO to black metal bands, PSYCHOSEXUAL really is the outlet I've needed to bring all these things together in one big Evil Stew."

Spencer, who co-founded FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH with guitarist Zoltan Bathory, underwent back surgery in the fall of 2018 that required a significant recovery period. Asked in a recent interview with Music Mayhem Magazine for an update on his condition, Jeremy said: "I had degenerative discs in my back from years of physical drumming forcing me to get disc replacement surgery and fusion. That surgery was a setback and really took a toll on me mentally as well as physically. I'm so much better now. A year has gone by and I'm back to working out with a trainer and can actually be mobile again, which is something we all take for granted."

Spencer's replacement in FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH is Charlie "The Engine" Engen. Engen made his recording debut with the band on the "F8" album, which came out in February.

As the "Black Lives Matter" movement prompts reckonings about race and skin color around the world, SLAVES have announced plans to change their name.

On Thursday, the Sacramento, California-based outfit released a statement explaining that it "cannot continue to tie [its] music and [its] positive message to a word associated with such negative weight and hurt."

"As individuals, as well as a collective, we hold certain virtues close to our hearts — honesty and transparency with our fans being some of the most important," the group wrote.

"Early on in the process of writing and recording the new album 'To Better Days', we discussed what this new iteration of our band should sound like, what it should look like, as well as what it should be called. We decided then, this would be our last release under the name 'SLAVES'.

"The name 'SLAVES' was conceived as a reference to the band's battle with substance abuse in the past, to the idea that we become enslaved by our addictions and by our own demons. our goal has always been to tackle these difficult subjects head on, as well as to build a community and share stories of hope to let others know that their inner demons can be defeated. However, this definition of the name neglects to take ownership of its racial connotations. As obstinate supporters of the BLM movement, we cannot continue to tie our music and our positive message to a word associated with such negative weight and hurt.

"'To Better Days' will represent the closing of one chapter and the beginning of another for the band. This is something we have been planning for a while and are excited to start unveiling new music, new name, later this year.

"We are thankful to our fans that continue to stick by us and we look forward to sharing this new era with you moving forward.

"With love and gratitude, Colin, Felipe, Matt, Weston, Zack"

"To Better Days" will be released on August 7 via SBG Records.

Also on Thursday, country music band THE DIXIE CHICKS dropped "Dixie" from its name. The trio will now go by THE CHICKS. "Dixie" is a nostalgic nickname for the South.

The move followed a decision by another country group, LADY ANTEBELLUM, to change to LADY A after acknowledging the word's connection to the Civil War era and slavery.


An announcement:

Posted by Slaves on Thursday, June 25, 2020

Horror-themed metalcore icons ICE NINE KILLS have released "Undead & Unplugged Live From The Overlook Hotel", a five-track acoustic EP recorded at their very special fan event in association with Colorado's 107.9 KBPI at the Stanley Hotel, more famously known as the Overlook Hotel from classic horror movie "The Shining".

For a taste of what to expect from "Undead & Unplugged Live From The Overlook Hotel", ICE NINE KILLS has released the video for the stripped down version of "Enjoy Your Slay", which was inspired by "The Shining" and shot at the event.

Amid a successful run on 2019's "SiriusXM Octane Accelerator Tour", ICE NINE KILLS stopped at the Stanley Hotel to play a set for small group of fans in Colorado. The hotel was immortalized as the Overlook Hotel in the 1980 horror classic "The Shining", directed by Stanley Kubrick based on the novel by Stephen King written after he stayed there as a guest. For the very special fan event, the band transformed several songs into acoustic sing-alongs, including rock radio favorites "A Grave Mistake", "Savages" and "The Shining"-inspired "Enjoy Your Slay". The "Undead & Unplugged Live From The Overlook Hotel" EP is a live recording of this intimate acoustic show.

Speaking about the release of "Undead & Unplugged From The Overlook Hotel", frontman and creative force behind ICE NINE KILLS, Spencer Charnas says: "We decided to release this EP now to celebrate the 40th anniversary of 'The Shining', one of the most influential horror movies of all time. As a life-long horror fan, I was thrilled when we were able to enlist the help of Stanley Kubrick's grandson Sam to provide guest vocals on the original version of our track, 'Enjoy Your Slay', and we were equally thrilled when the Stanley Hotel invited us to play in their infamous ballroom for this special, intimate, sold-out fan event. The biggest highlight for me was getting to see the real Room 237 (217 in the book), the setting for one of the most terrifying scenes in 'The Shining'. We got some intel from an employee who told us that whilst shooting 'Dumb And Dumber', which also features the Stanley Hotel, Jim Carey had insisted on staying in room 217 but got so freaked out on the first night, he had leave the room.

"We'd like to thank 107.9 KBPI for helping to make this show a possibility and all the Colorado Psychos that came out to make this intimate, unplugged show so special."

"Undead & Unplugged Live From The Overlook Hotel" track listing:

01. Savages

02. Thank God It's Friday

03. A Grave Mistake

04. Love Bites

05. Enjoy Your Slay

To celebrate the release, ICE NINE KILLS will be doing a live stream question-and-answer session on Saturday, June 27 on Soundrink Live. The event will be hosted by Beez and will start at 5:30 p.m. PST / 8:30 p.m. EST. Fans can join the live stream by clicking here.

SEVENDUST has unveiled a new lyric video for its cover of the SOUNDGARDEN classic "The Day I Tried To Live". The song is the first piece of new music from SEVENDUST since 2018's critically acclaimed "All I See Is War" album. The band chose the track to return to the airwaves with after seeing the societal changes happening around the globe. The lyrical message of learning to live a better life is as relevant today as they were when the song was first released in 1994.

SEVENDUST's version of "The Day I Tried To Live" was produced Michael "Elvis" Baskette, who first worked with the band on "All I See Is War". The lyric video for the song was created by Wayne Joyner (known for his work with DREAM THEATER). It features a lone figure walking down a road thinking about his life with clips of the band woven throughout.

"SOUNDGARDEN is such an important band to all of us in SEVENDUST and this love for them goes all the way back to when we were starting," explains vocalist Lajon Witherspoon. "We discussed trying to do one of their songs and our producer Elvis suggested 'The Day I Tried To Live'. I would have been fine with any of those songs personally. When I first heard it, I thought the lyrics were timeless. The lyrics are about trying to experience new things and change the way you live, and we see examples of that every day with what is happening around the world. To have the chance to cover this song and release it is so special to all of us. Thank you, Chris Cornell and SOUNDGARDEN."

SEVENDUST guitarist Clint Lowery told the 96.7 KCAL-FM radio program "Wired In The Empire": "Cornell, man, is definitely in the top five artist, singer, songwriters. I love everything that he's ever done. In terms of musicianship from Kim [Thayil] and everyone else, there was a unique pot of talent in that band that just created some amazing material… Just overall, SOUNDGARDEN just could do no wrong — still can't do no wrong. From the first release to the last, I just love everything."

SEVENDUST is known for its high-energy live shows, and even though the COVID-19 crisis has stalled most touring globally, the band has some dates announced. They are scheduled to be part of the Rebel Rock 2020 festival in Orlando this September and has dates in Australia booked for February 2021.

"All I See Is War" was released in May 2018. It marked the group's first album for Rise Records, the Oregon-based metal and hard rock label which was purchased by BMG in 2015.

SEVENDUST released four singles and videos from "All I See Is War": "Dirty", "Not Original", "Medicated" and "Risen".

In 2016, SEVENDUST received its first-ever Grammy nomination after two decades together as a band. "Thank You", the debut single from 2015's "Kill The Flaw", got the nod for "Best Metal Performance".

Sugarbowl, the debut album by Shadow & The Thrill will be released August 14th thru Deko Entertainment (ADA/Warner Music Group). The band is currently riding high off the success of two tracks that have netted the band 75,000+ Spotify spins and videos that have hit the 100,000 mark via YouTube, Facebook, IG and Vimeo. Fans of Aerosmith, Rival Sons, Dirty Honey, Chris Cornell and guitar legend Gary Moore will gravitate to Shadow & The Thrill’s use of blues, rock and emotionally driven arrangements.

Recorded in New Orleans, the band embraced the city’s influences to help guide its flavor, with the majority of the production handled by both Tony Cardenas-Montana (guitars, vocals, bass and harmonica) and Brentt Arcement (drums, B3 organ), with Jack Miele and Cedrick Courtois engineering the album, and the iconic Grammy award winning Sylvia Massey (Johnny Cash) overseeing the mix. Tracks like the moody and melodic “Sugarbowl” coexists with rockers like “Just Enough” and the acoustic “Ready To Roll” while a heavy blues take on the groundbreaking Gnarls Barkley’s track “Crazy” will cement the band’s wide-ranging abilities.

The first single “Just Enough”, takes a rolling blues rock riff and pairs it with soaring vocal harmonies and super charged guitar solo. It’s an extraordinary time in the world, so it’s the right time for this extraordinary new act to enter our lives. Tony states, “‘Just Enough’ is one of my favorite songs to play live. It’s got an aggressive riff and groove, with attitude.”

The band talks about the subject of “Just Enough”: “I view the song as a rallying cry, rising up out of something that is harmful, into the unknown, with conviction. This track is ostensibly about trying to regain one’s freedom and individual identity – the lyrics outline the end of an affair, and the tendency of both parties to put in ‘just enough’ effort in a waning relationship.”

BraveWords is premiering the electric new video from these exciting rockers:

Fans pre-ordering the entire album will receive a bonus track not available on CD or digital versions of the record, while the LP version will feature an additional bonus track exclusive to the vinyl copy. There are also autographed bundled items available (while supplies last) which can be ordered via their store link here.

Shadow & The Thrill will continue live-streaming chats, performances and special engagements until the touring industry re-opens, when the band will find itself taking Sugarbowl on the road.

Shadow & The Thrill’s future is largely dictated by the past of the two men behind the band. Tony, as a Grammy Nominated (Great White), certified multi-platinum, Billboard charting writer and musician, and Brentt (Fiona Apple, LIVE, Bullet Boys, Black Molly’s) as a tireless and sought after touring and session drummer and producer. Together they have created an album experience that rivals their iconic rock and pop influences.

Tracklisting:

“Lovesong”
“Misery”
“The Grind”
“Sugarbowl”
“Ready To Roll”
“Just Enough”
“Crazy”
“Mississippi”
“Unaware”
“Sugarbowl” (acoustic, LP only)




(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);
})();

Swiss folk metallers Eluveitie have checked in with the following update:

"Hey everybody! Legends don’t die! We're excited our dear friends, fellow countrymen and thrash / death metal icons Messiah are back! They’re not only back, but just finished recording some brutal music for all of us. Their first releases in 26 years!

Their upcoming EP, Fatal Grotesque Symbols - Darken Universe, will be out on August 7th and, among other treasures, contain a re-recording of the unparalleled Messiah classic 'Extreme Cold Weather' sung by none else than our Chrigel Glanzmann together with Messiah‘s Andi Kaina.

Watch the EP trailer below. Their full-lenght album, Fracmont, will follow on September 11th.

Don’t forget to check them out! You can pre-order both releases here here.

A heartfelt & brutal cheers!"

 

 

 

 



Sieh dir diesen Beitrag auf Instagram an

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And yet another nice collaboration to be announced! Quite exciting news! 😊🤘🏻 I hope you‘ll enjoy! Have a nice evening you all! . . https://www.hrrshop.de/messiah #eluveitie #messiahthrashingmadness #deathmetal #metal #oldschooldeathmetal #oldschoolthrashmetal #metalvocalist #metalsinger #guestappearance #guestvocalists #extremecoldweather

Ein Beitrag geteilt von Chrigel Glanzmann (official) (@chrigelglanzmann_official) am Jun 25, 2020 um 8:50 PDT

 




(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);
})();

Edmonton death metal duo Tales of The Tomb have been a two-man wrecking crew for a while now with Trez Thomas (guitar, vocals) and Corey Skerlak (guitar, vocals), but earlier this month they announced they have become a trio with the addition of bassist Jonnii Guns. Over the last few months, the band has been unleashing guitar and bass playthrough videos in support of their latest EP, Volume Two: Mendicium, released in September 2019. 

The band reveals their next duo guitar playthrough for the track "The Nightmare Hall", which can be viewed below.

Tres Thomas comments:

"'The Nightmare Hall' is one of the most technical songs we have written as of yet. It’s so amazing to finally release the playthrough for this song to showcase the merciless riffs in this duo playthrough. The video also features every guitar that was on the album, and more!"

Painting their canvas of extreme music with inspirations of real-life stories of murder, conspiracy, supernatural horror, and terror, Tales Of The Tomb's new EP Volume Two: Mendicium is a vicious bite of grinding blast beats, technical shredding accompanied by venomous guttural lows. Inspired by true events, the duo offer up gore-filled lyrics with a quivering soundscape. The EP was mixed and mastered by Cryptopsy guitarist and head engineer/owner at The Grid Studios Christian Donaldson along with featuring artwork by Tony Midi of Tonymidi Artworks.

Tracklisting:

“The Nightmare Hall”
“Faul”
“Sinful Messiah”
“Dyatlov Pass Incident”
“Nine Eleven”
“Mermaid In A Manhole”

"Mermaid In A Manhole" lyric video:

"Dyatlov Pass Incident" video:

“Nine Eleven” 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);
})();

Influenced by the upbeat, party rock n roll of the '80s (yet mixed with a refreshing soulful sound), Sacramento’s Red Voodoo are ready to take on the world with their debut single, “Rise Up”, produced by Tesla guitarist Frank Hannon.

Comprised of members Dino McCord (lead vocals, rhythm guitar), Davin Loiler (guitar), Andrew Edwards (bass), and Nick Pesely (drums), the group is working on a full-length debut album – also under the guidance of Hannon.

Formed in 2018, Red Voodoo features the lead vocal skills of 17 year old Dino (who is influenced by Sam Cooke, Mark Farner of Grand Funk, and Otis Redding, thus bringing a very unusual vocal ability to a band of this age group), the band places a huge emphasis on quality vocals. This is also heard in the harmony backing vocals of Davin and Andrew to enhance the band’s sound. Nick’s drumming however leans more to the progressive influences of Neil Peart, and this brings a colorful melodic tom tom approach to his drumming which is also a rarity in today’s music.

Being fans of '80s music and local icons Tesla, Dino had heard about Frank’s skills as an engineer and producer of studio recordings from his father. As it turns out Frank had recorded demos for Dino’s father in local bands 30 years ago. Dino and his dad attended a Frank Hannon solo concert and Dino sat in to sing the Tesla classic “Getting Better”. The guys then discussed the idea of having Frank coach the band on songwriting and recording a debut single for Red Voodoo. Now the team is working on developing the band even further.

And concerning the composing of their lead-off song, the band explains its creation as, “We wrote ‘Rise Up’ to express our confusion and our feelings during this recent pandemic that turned the world upside down. With the Coronavirus COVID-19 affecting everyone in different ways, we wanted to have a message of hope for all human beings and make people feel better. We feel that music should be a positive uplifting experience and we hope this song will help anyone ‘Rise Up’ from feeling down.”

And what about the story behind the band’s name? “We heard the song ‘Red Voodoo’ by Sammy Hagar & The Waboritas. We thought it had a good ring to it for a band name. Even though Sammy may have his own meaning to the term ‘Red Voodoo’, for us it describes the magic of creating fun rock and roll music and the energy we put into it in during our live show. Red Voodoo prides ourselves in being a high energy live band in concert.”

Prior to the social distancing and lockdown of live concerts due to COVID-19, Red Voodoo had been performing regularly around the Northern California club scene and building a local following. Turning heads with their unusual talents for their age, nightclubs such as Holy Diver and Ace Of Spades were bringing the band in as direct support for national shows with Uli Jon Roth, Enuff Z’ Nuff, and Faster Pussycat.

For further details, visit Red Voodoo on Facebook.




(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);
})();

Phil X needs no introduction, having been an integral full-time member of Bon Jovi since 2016, after also filling in for Richie Sambora on the 2011, 2013 and 2015 Bon Jovi tours. Phil and his band The Drills recently released their new single "Right On The Money" via Golden Robot Records. 

Now Phil along with  Daniel Spree (bass/backing vocals) and Brent Fitz  (drums/backing vocals) who recorded the song together, have put together an official Quarantine / Fan Video for "Right On The Money". Fans sent in videos of themselves singing the chorus to ROTM and a lot made the cut.

The story behind "Right On The Money"  is that Phil  X  (guitar/lead vocals),  Daniel Spree and  Brent Fitz went into the legendary Capitol Studios with Chris Lord Alge so Chris could do a 'Mix  With The Masters' master class on how to track a band. "Right On The Money" was one of three songs recorded that day.  With an uncertainty of the arrangement and very few overdubs,  an incredible energy and urgency was captured by the band with Chris' direction and here it is as a single for you, the fans.

"Right On The Money", the latest instalment from Phil X & The Drills, is an explosive and dynamic addition to the band’s already legendary discography, featuring fast, punchy guitars, and vocal energy impossible to ignore.

Stream or purchase the single here.

Phil X & The Drills have finished their fifth album, Stupid Good Lookings Vol. 2, which will be released in the near future on Golden Robot Records. Featuring a different drummer on every song, which reads like a who’s who with the likes of Tommy Lee, Liberty Devitto, Kenny Aronoff and Ray Luzier, the music promises to be extremely diverse.

 




(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);
})();

Behold Dream Theater keyboardist Jordan Rudess' classical rock fusion based on Chopin's Nocturne Opus 27 No. 1 (arranged and all tracks performed by Jordan Rudess).

"I've always wanted to work on a collection of classical / rock fusion pieces," admits Rudess. "Here is my first track based on Chopin's Nocturne, Opus 27, No. 1. I love all of Chopin’s nocturnes and it was great fun to fuse it into my musical brain and see what evolved." 

"The video is by Wayne Joyner, who also created the video for my solo album, Wired For Madness, and all of the video from the last Dream Theater tour."

Rudess recently launched a new page on Patreon.

Rudess states: “First of all, thanks so much for listening to my music and supporting my musical life.

“This time at home has been the longest stretch that I can remember ever going without having to pack a suitcase. I've been keeping myself really busy working on new music, playing livestreams and enjoying my Steinway piano. THE MUSIC NEVER STOPS!

“Today, I launched my Patreon page. If you aren't familiar with Patreon, it's a really great platform for creators to connect directly with the people who support their work. There are membership options for listeners and learners. All of my Patreon tiers include behind-the-scenes content, early access to my new music and other ways to directly connect with me. You can choose to have access to my livestreams or join the new Wizdom Music Academy… or both!”

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)




(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);
})();

Season Of Mist has announced the signing of Dutch extreme metal outfit, Autarkh. The band will release its debut album in 2021. A small glimpse of what's to come can be found below.

From the fertile grounds of Tilburg rises new contemporary metal outfit Autarkh, a group of musical extremists that keep pushing the boundaries. Autarkh is the brainchild of Michel Nienhuis, founding member and composer/guitarist of Dodecahedron. He comments on the signing:

"We are very glad to announce our signing to Season Of Mist - a record label with an excellent staff that continues to be a true flagship of underground culture. I have been collaborating successfully with Season of Mist and Doomstar bookings for many years with Dodecahedron so it was an easy choice to continue both relationships in this new form. We are currently in the final stage of producing our debut album and are looking forward to release it in 2021."

Death and illness was closing in on Dodecahedron, revealing that a transformation of concept was necessary in order to effectuate artistic development. Autarkh is built on the artistic foundation of Dodecahedron but expands on new horizons in regard to vocal and rhythmic content.

Teaming up again with record label Season Of Mist and booking agent Doomstar bookings, the band is bound to carve their own path and ignite a new flame within the landscape of the heavy music industry. Embracing a clear vision on extravert and introvert expressions Autarkh desires to speak to their audience on multiple levels.

Autarkh is currently working on a 10-track debut album that explores the implementation of electronic beats within the spectrum of extreme metal and revolves around spiritual growth and the inner self.

(Photo - Steph Byrn)




(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);
})();

Germany's Rising Insane have released a metal cover of Michael Sembello's "Maniac", taken from the film Flashdance. Watch the video below.




(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);
})();

Sylosis released their fifth studio album, Cycle Of Suffering, earlier this year via Nuclear Blast. Today, guitarist and frontman Josh Middleton has premiered a playthrough video for the title track of the album. Watch below:

You can find Cycle Of Suffering order options here.

Cycle Of Suffering tracklisting:

"Empty Prophets"
"I Sever"
"Cycle Of Suffering"
"Shield"
"Calcified"
"Invidia"
"Idle Hands"
"Apex Of Disdain"
"Arms Like A Noose"
"Devils In Their Eyes"
"Disintegrate"
"Abandon"

"Calcified" video:

"I Sever" video:

Sylosis lineup:

Josh Middleton - Vocals/Guitars
Alex Bailey - Guitars
Conor Marshall - Bass
Ali Richardson - Drums

(Photo - Jake Owens)




(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);
})();

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 will launch on June 25, where digital will go live on July 16. 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.

Like many people of his era, it was hearing The Beatles and Pink Floyd that sparked Lucassen’s youthful musical imagination. And in turn, it was hearing Ritchie Blackmore’s incendiary performance on Deep Purple’s ‘Made In Japan’ album that made him want to pick up the guitar. From then, there were several early musical forays before his first big break came in 1980 when he joined Dutch metal band Bodine. Four years later he was poached by fellow metallers Vengeance, where he stayed for eight years and four studio albums, before deciding to try things his way.

It was the Ayreon albums, centered on conceptual themes from their creator’s vast imagination that began to attract the attention of a burgeoning audience interested in new progressive sounds. Having set out his stall with the first two Ayreon albums The Final Experiment (1995) and Actual Fantasy (1996), it was 1998’s Into The Electric Castle where Lucassen began what is now his standard MO of working with an array of popular artists from the prog and metal worlds, namely Fish, Anneke van Giersbergen, Sharon den Adel, Edward Reekers, Damian Wilson, Thijs van Leer, Ton Scherpenzeel and Clive Nolan. This was the masterstroke that would bring his musical vision the wider acclaim he so clearly sought.

Since then, Lucassen has hardly looked back. The two-part Universal Migrator albums, released in 2000, saw the likes of Bruce Dickinson, Floor Jansen, Russell Allen and Neal Morse join the ever-impressive list of musicians featured on Ayreon albums. Later on, he would add such luminaries as Mikael Akerfeldt, Devin Townsend, Steve Hackett, Keith Emerson and Rick Wakeman on albums like The Human Equation (2004), 01011001 (2008), The Theory Of Everything (2012) and The Source (2017).

He launched the more reflective, Celtic flavored Ambeon project with the album Fate Of A Dreamer in 2001. The prog metal meets space rock of Star One saw the light of day in 2002 with Space Metal. His next side project was putting together Stream Of Passion, who released Embrace The Storm in 2005. In 2009 Lucassen’s Guilt Machine released their sole album, On This Perfect Day. He even found time in 2012 to release a second solo album, Lost In The New Real, and his Gentle Storm project with Anneke van Giersbergen released The Diary in 2015.

Through all the extravaganzas that flow through his discography, 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.

Continuing he adds; “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.

Although best known as a studio-based musician, Lucassen slowly countered his fear of performing live when he first joined long-time collaborator Anneke van Giersbergen for some live dates in 2015, before tackling the more elaborate theatre staging of his 2004 Ayreon album The Human Equation in Rotterdam over four nights the same year (on which he served as special advisor). He went even further in 2017 when he appeared on stage with his star-studded ‘Ayreon Universe’ shows at Tilburg’s 013. Electric Castle Live And Other Tales followed in March 2020, the set of last year’s spectacular live performance of the third Ayreon album Into The Electric Castle. Over four nights at Tilburg’s 013 venue (the scene of Lucassen’s Ayreon Universe series of live shows in 2017) Lucassen, his band and one of modern progressive music’s most emphatic of casts celebrated the 20th anniversary of Into the Electric Castle in front of 12,000 adoring fans from 64 different countries who had flown in from around the world.

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:

(Photo - Lori Linstruth)




(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);
})();

Tel Aviv’s dark metal band Tomorrow's Rain is making waves in underground doom circles with their recent track “Fear” (feat. Aaron Stainthorpe of My Dying Bride). Now the band returns with their follow-up single “In The Corner Of A Dead End Street,” which features guests Greg Mackintosh (Paradise Lost) and Sakis Tolis (Rotting Christ). The impressive collaborations are found on Tomorrow's Rain’s forthcoming, debut album, Hollow out September 11th via AOP Records. Watch the new lyric video below.

Commenting on the new song, vocalist Yishai Swearts states: “‘Corner Of A Dead End Street’ is one of the first songs we wrote as a band and the first song we ever played live, this song is like a scene from a film to me, we tried to capture the vibe of a dead end dirty street in evening hours, the cars pass you by as you cross the street alone, everybody's at home watching the screen, and you keep on walking, thinkin' and diggin' in your own painful thoughts... and yes, i used the word YOU but in fact it's ME and i remember myself going through this many times... We felt that the song needs a long solo so i invited Greg Mackintosh from Paradise Lost to write the solo for this song as he always been a huge influence since the Gothic album, and i called my Athenian brother Sakis Tolis from Rotting Christ to do some vocals as well, so i will not feel so lonely in the Corner Of A Dead End Street...”

Hollow boasts an assortment of guest musicians including Aaron Stainthorpe (My Dying Bride), Greg Mackintosh (Paradise Lost), Jeff Loomis (Arch Enemy/Nevermore), Fernando Ribeiro (Moonspell), Spiros Antoniou (Septicflesh), Sakis Tolis (Rotting Christ), Mikko  Kotamaki (Swallow The Sun), Kobi Farhi (Orphaned Land), Anders Jacobsson (Draconian), Shlomi Bracha (Mashina) and Lisa Cuthbert (live session vocalist for Sisters Of Mercy).

Available formats:

- Black Vinyl LP
- Limited Vinyl LP color versions through AOP Records, EMP and Napalm Records
- Cross Shape Digipak CD
- Wooden Box Set w/Bonus CD & Patch (Limited to 300)

Pre-order links below:

- Europe
- North America
- Digital

Hollow tracklisting:

"Trees" feat. Shlomi Bracha (Mashina)
"Fear" feat. Aaron Stainthrope (My Dying Bride)
"A Year I Would Like To Forget"
"In The Corner Of A Dead End Street" feat. Greg Mackintosh (Paradise Lost), Sakis Tolis (Rotting Christ) & Kobi Farhi (Orphaned Land)
"Misery Rain" feat. Fernando Ribeiro (Moonspell) & Mikko Kotamaki (Swallow The Sun)
"Into The Mouth Of Madness" feat. Jeff Loomis (Nevermore/Arch Enemy) & Kobi Farhi (Orphaned Land)
"Hollow" feat. Spiros Antoniou (Septicflesh)
"The Weeping Song" feat. Kobi Farhi (Orphaned Land), Anders Jacobsson (Draconian) & Lisa Cuthbert (Live Female vocals of The Sisters Of Mercy)
"Fear" (Acoustic Version)

"In The Corner Of A Dead End Street" lyric video:

"Fear" lyric video:

Tomorrow's Rain was formed by Yishai Sweartz and The L.A Mastering Engineer Maor Appelbaum (Mayhem, Sabaton, Cynic, Abbath), present and past band members have previously played in acts such as Nail Within (Listenable), Distorted (Candlelight), Salem (Morbid Rec/System Shock) and Orphaned Land (Century Media).
 
Band lineup:

Yishai Sweartz - Vocals
Raffael  Mor - Guitars
Yoni Biton - Guitars
Yaggel Cohen - Bass
Shiraz Weiss - Keyboards
Nir Nakav - 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);
})();