Video of Bret Michaels and his solo band performing an acoustic cover version of the LOGGINS AND MESSINA classic "Your Mama Don't Dance" can be seen below. The track was previously covered by POISON on the 1988 album "Open Up and Say...Ahh!"

Michaels rose to fame in the 1980s as the singer of POISON, which still tours periodically. He later became a reality TV personality in such shows as dating contest "Rock Of Love" and on "The Celebrity Apprentice". Most recently, Michaels was one of the contestants on Fox's smash hit "The Masked Singer".

Michaels has just released his first book, titled "Bret Michaels: Auto-Scrap-Ography". The book, which is available in both e-book and hardcover formats, is handwritten by the artist, detailing his journey even up to and including his battle with diabetes and the coronavirus.

Earlier in the month, POISON, MÖTLEY CRÜE, DEF LEPPARD and JOAN JETT & THE BLACKHEARTS announced that "The Stadium Tour" has been postponed until the summer 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic.

"The Stadium Tour" was scheduled to kick off on June 18 at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville, Florida and run through September 5 in Los Angeles. The bands reportedly also booked time at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville to rehearse for the tour.

Legendary rocker Alice Cooper spoke to "The Afternoon Program" on the 102.9 The Hog radio station about how he is dealing with the coronavirus crisis and what the touring circuit might look like post-pandemic. He said: "It's so unusual for us to have more than two weeks off. I think we canceled over 120 shows. We were in Europe at the time, and they said, 'You have 24 hours to get out of Germany before we close the borders.' And I said, 'Well, I don't wanna be stuck here for three weeks.' So we got out of there.

"I expected this thing to go maybe a month or two months," he continued. "I had no idea that it was gonna go into next year. But in some ways, for us, we tour constantly — if I'm not touring with my band, I'm out with the HOLLYWOOD VAMPIRES, with Johnny Depp and Joe Perry and those guys, and that tour was a five-week tour in Europe. So everybody gets sort of like a forced vacation right now, and for me, it's kind of nice. I'm here at home with all my family, and all the kids are here. My daughter is expecting a baby in July — our fourth grandchild. So it's kind of nice to be off, but every band out there is sort of like racehorses ready to go — we can't wait to get back on the road again."

Last month, Alice released a new single, "Don't Give Up". Produced by Cooper's longtime collaborator Bob Ezrin using remote technology, the song is a spontaneous reaction to the challenges facing us all right now.

A strictly limited "Don't Give Up" seven-inch vinyl picture disc will be released on August 14 on earMUSIC.

Cooper recently completed work on his new album, "Detroit Stories". The LP, which was once again produced by Ezrin, features contributions by such Michigan talent as the MC5's Wayne Kramer, GRAND FUNK RAILROAD's Mark Farner and Johnny "Bee" Badanjek of MITCH RYDER & THE DETROIT WHEELS. They also used the Detroit Horns and Detroit background singers.

Last September, Cooper released a six-track EP called "Breadcrumbs", described as a tribute to the garage-rock heroes of his hometown of Detroit.

Jordan Rudess says that it was "very exciting" to perform with his former DREAM THEATER bandmate Mike Portnoy on a progressive rock cruise more than a year ago.

In February 2019, Rudess and Portnoy reunited on stage for the first time in almost nine years during the Cruise To The Edge to perform "Instrumedley" from DREAM THEATER / LIQUID TENSION EXPERIMENT. They were joined by NEAL MORSE BAND guitarist Eric Gillette and HAKEN bassist Conner Green.

Rudess spoke about his onstage reunion with Portnoy while filming a video message on Cameo, which lets users hire celebrities to record brief, personalized video messages about virtually any topic.

Asked what it was like jamming with Mike on "Instrumedley", Jordan said (see video below): "It was very exciting, actually, to get back together again and play. It was a lot of preparation, but all the vibes were really good. We had a good time, and the preparation was cool, because it was interesting to go back and learn that piece again; it's a hard piece, that's for sure. But the only challenge of it is when I got to the boat, it was difficult to do a proper soundcheck; that part was hard. But we had a great time and the audience loved it. It was really, really fun."

"Instrumedley" contains excerpts of DREAM THEATER's "The Dance Of Eternity", "Metropolis", "Erotomania", "A Change Of Seasons", "Ytse Jam", "Hells Kitchen" and LIQUID TENSION EXPERIMENT's "Paradigm Shift" and "Universal Mind". LIQUID TENSION EXPERIMENT is the instrumental progressive rock/metal project featuring Rudess, Portnoy and DREAM THEATER guitarist John Petrucci alongside progressive rock icon Tony Levin (bass) of KING CRIMSON and PETER GABRIEL fame.

In February 2019, Rudess discussed his Cruise To The Edge encounter with Portnoy during an appearance on SiriusXM's "Trunk Nation", which is hosted by Eddie Trunk. The keyboardist said: "I think it's really nice. People whose music you love, you wanna see them getting along. So, even from my perspective, I see John and Mike together, and I'm, like, yeah, that makes sense. They were so close. They made so much music together."

He continued: "I told Mike the other night. I said, 'The way I look at our relationship is that we've toured around the world together numerous times, we've written all this music together, we've been on tour buses everywhere. How many people in this lifetime that we're in can you be that close to and have that many experiences with?"

Although Portnoy and his former bandmates in DREAM THEATER engaged in a public war of words following his exit from the group, Rudess said that he harbors no resentment toward his longtime friend.

"When Portnoy left the band, there was tension — natural tension — because it was a big deal," Jordan told "Trunk Nation". "But what's really important to me is finding that… especially somebody who I care about, who I had so much life experience with. And he's a really great guy. There are so many wonderful things about him. So I wanna enjoy that.

"People will say, 'Oh my God! DREAM THEATER is gonna have Portnoy back in the band.' That's not what it's about," Rudess added. "This is about people and people who spent a lot of time together being able to be close together and be friends."

Rudess acknowledged that some of his other DREAM THEATER bandmates have "their own feelings" about maintaining a connection with their former drummer. "But Mike and I enjoyed hanging out and chatting about old times and all the stuff," he said. "So it was really cool."

In November 2017, Mike told Loud that he left DREAM THEATER because he wanted to expand his musical horizons. "[I didn't] want to go to my grave and just be the drummer from DREAM THEATER," he said. "I knew there was way more to what I had to offer."

Last month, Rudess said that "it looks very good" that LIQUID TENSION EXPERIMENT will regroup in the not-too-distant future.

LIQUID TENSION EXPERIMENT has not performed live since 2008, when it embarked on a brief tour commemorating the tenth anniversary of its self-titled debut.

Drummer Simon Wright spoke to the "Talking Metal" podcast about the status of the debut album from DIO DISCIPLES, which pays tribute to Ronnie James Dio and is fully supported by Dio's widow/manager Wendy.

DIO DISCIPLES is made up of former members of DIO, along with a rotating lineup of vocalists, including ex-JUDAS PRIEST singer Tim "Ripper" Owens and LYNCH MOB frontman Oni Logan.

Billed as a "celebration of the music and legacy of the greatest singer in the world, Ronnie James Dio," DIO DISCIPLES have been playing Ronnie's music on tour in a bid to keep their old bandmate's memory alive.

Asked by "Talking Metal" if it's true that the DIO DISCIPLES are planning to work on an album of original material, Wright said (see video below): "We'd done five or six good demos. They need figuring out, the songs. Me and Craig [Goldy, guitar] wrote some stuff; Bjorn [Englen, bass] brought in some stuff too. But we kind of took a right turn to deal with the hologram, so DIO DISCIPLES is kind of [on hold] at the moment. And also, if you're talking about a DIO DISCIPLES album, the way the demos are and the songs, they're kind of different to each other — they're different kind of styles. And it was a conversation that we were having with ourselves about which direction we should go in. So I think when we resume back to DIO DISCIPLES, we have to figure out the direction that we're going in, to create a DIO DISCIPLES sound. And there are a lot of touches of DIO in it, obviously, 'cause of the way that Craig spent so much time with Ronnie, and me as well — I've had my days as well. But we wanna try and create its own sound."

Several years ago, Goldy revealed DIO DISCIPLES were planning to start work on a project of original material, and they debuted three of the new songs during their May 2016 appearance at the "Ride For Ronnie" motorcycle rally and concert in Encino. Fan-filmed video footage of one of the tracks, which is apparently called "Till The End Of Time", can be seen below.

Craig previously told "Talking Metal" that he has been collaborating with fellow former DIO member Jeff Pilson on the material for the debut DIO DISCIPLES album.

Goldy joined DIO during the "Sacred Heart" tour in 1986 after original guitarist Vivian Campbell was fired from the band following a contentious business disagreement with the singer and Ronnie's management.

Pilson is best known for playing bass with DOKKEN and FOREIGNER, but he also toured with DIO in the 1990s and performed on three of the group's albums — "Strange Highways" (1993), "Angry Machines" (1996) and the group's tenth and final studio release, "Master Of The Moon" (2004).

Owens told Canada's The Metal Voice about DIO DISCIPLES' forthcoming LP: "We're not making a DIO record. We couldn't do that. The best thing is, we've all done different types of records, but there's always some similarity to the classic metal and classic rock format, because we have this in us. But we still always move forward a little bit. But that's what it's gonna be. JUDAS PRIEST, DIO, AC/DC — all these influences are in us, and they're not gonna leave us. It's just us writing songs. It's not us writing songs to sound like something; it's us going in and writing songs."

Two years ago, Wendy said that DIO DISCIPLES' debut album would be released via BMG.

DIO DISCIPLES is:

* Tim "Ripper" Owens (JUDAS PRIEST, ICED EARTH) - Vocals

* Oni Logan (LYNCH MOB) - Vocals

* Craig Goldy (DIO) - Guitar

* Bjorn Englen (YNGWIE MALMSTEEN) - Bass

* Scott Warren (DIO, HEAVEN & HELL) - Keyboards

* Simon Wright (AC/DC, DIO, OPERATION: MINDCRIME) - Drums

ICED EARTH founder, songwriter, guitarist and producer Jon Schaffer has announced the release of his first book, "Wicked Words And Epic Tales". The book 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

Finland's Humavoid have checked in with a new update:

"Our new album will finally be released soon! We know you’ve been waiting for it for a while and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts for the patience. The first single from the album will be out this Friday (June 19th), so mark your calendar!"

Dual scream attack, haunting melodies and unexpected rhythms packed in a determined groove. Humavoid is a four-piece doomsday machine spits out a mix of high tech eight-string riffs by guitarist / vocalist Niko Kalliojärvi (ex-Amoral), the jazz fusion sound of keyboardist / lead vocalist Suvimarja Halmetoja, Heikki Malmberg’s (Diablo) polyrhythmic drumming, and the grinding bass tone of Mikki Rousi.

After a few smaller releases, the new album will present Humavoid as its most aggressive to date, but also further reveal the band’s experimental side.

Check out their latest single, "Monkey Trap", below. Check out the band's official Facebook page here, and their catalogue via Spotify.




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Earlier tonight (Monday, June 15), QUIET RIOT's Frankie Banali was admitted to the emergency room at the Kaiser Permanente Woodland Hills Medical Center in Woodland Hills, California. The drummer, who has been battling stage IV pancreatic cancer for the past 14 months, took to his personal Facebook page to share a photo of him on a hospital bed, and he captioned the picture: "Just admitted to the Emergency Room at Kaiser... It occured to me that this is just like Disneyland except the lines are shorter & the rides are painfully slow... and the price of admission... OMG!"

Banali was diagnosed with stage IV pancreatic cancer after going to the emergency room for shortness of breath, leg pain and loss of energy. A scan of his lungs caught an image of his liver, which is where the first spots were seen. Then came the discovery of a tumor on his pancreas.

He has been in treatment since last spring and recently started his 21st round of chemotherapy with the hopes of shrinking or controlling the cancer.

On June 10, Banali told SiriusXM's "Trunk Nation" about his cancer battle: "I'm still fighting the good fight. I'm still doing the chemotherapy. I switched to a different chemotherapy a few months ago. And the side effects on this one are pretty brutal, and they pretty much last into the next round of chemo. So you kind of don't get a break for about three weeks, and then you get about maybe 10 days off, and then the cycle starts again. But it's part of what I'm doing."

Asked if doctors are seeing positive results from the chemotherapy, Banali replied: "It really depends on any given cycle, whether things are going up or whether things are reducing. The situation that I'm in is not a sprint, really — it is the longest race I can possibly make out of my situation. So you have to be really, really careful how you read into some of these things, because something can look elevated, but then if you look at a scan — one of my internal scans — it's not as bad as the numbers say. But it's a deadly disease — there's no question about it — and I know that that's what eventually is gonna kill me. In the meantime, I'm just trying to put that day off as far back as I possibly can."

Banali also talked about how his latest chemotherapy sessions caused him to lose his trademark hair. He said: "I knew that when we were switching from the first chemo formula that we were doing for almost a year to the new chemo formula, I knew in advance that the different formula was really gonna wipe out the hair. So right now you probably wouldn't recognize me because not only did it take all the hair on the top of my head, but it took my beard, my eyebrows, my eyelashes. Let me put it to you this way: I have just really improved my Olympic swimming chances with the loss of body hair."

Banali went public with his diagnosis last October, writing in a social media post that the cancer treatment had forced him to miss several live shows with the band. He was replaced at those gigs by either Johnny Kelly (DANZIG, TYPE O NEGATIVE) or Mike Dupke (W.A.S.P.), depending on each musician's availability.

QUIET RIOT's shows last year with Kelly and Dupke marked the first time ever that the band performed without any of the members from its classic lineup: Banali, singer Kevin DuBrow, guitarist Carlos Cavazo and bassist Rudy Sarzo.

Banali played his first show with QUIET RIOT since he announced his cancer diagnosis in October at the Whisky A Go Go in West Hollywood, California.

The drummer resurrected QUIET RIOT in 2010, three years after the death of founding member DuBrow.

QUIET RIOT's latest studio album, "Hollywood Cowboys" was released in November via Frontiers Music Srl.

BATTLE BEAST singer Noora Louhimo is collaborating with Samuli Erkkilä on her first solo album. The sessions are taking place at JaBa Recording Studios in Hankasalmi, Finland.

Louhimo shared a photo from the studio Tuesday night (June 16), and she included the following message: "It takes sleepless nights, hard work for brain and long days to make rock music. Yes, we are at @jaba.studio with my co-writer and co-producer @samylee_erkkila making passionately some magic happen for my first solo album? Ps. Cool news to be released in couple of weeks?? Stay tuned and have a great day! #soloalbum #songwriting #nooralouhimoexperience #noexband #jabastudio #makingof #friends #bro"

Last fall, Noora spoke with Reality Check TV about her plans for a solo LP. She said: "Right now I'm in the songwriting process with my band. It's not gonna be heavy metal. It's gonna be more like going back to the musical roots of mine — going back to blues rock, country influences, a little bit of PINK FLOYD-ish vibe there. It's gonna be interesting.

"[I released] one [solo] single in 2011, maybe," she continued. "It was my first, and for now only [laughs], single… But now I'm really working to do a whole album. And, actually, that first single, called 'Relax', it wasn't even written by me, but it was custom made for me. It was a prize of this singing competition [laughs] that I was contributing. But this time, on this solo project, this is the first time I open up my soul to you people. So it's gonna be a very sensitive and personal album."

In 2012, Louhimo entered BATTLE BEAST with no previous experience as a metal vocalist but quickly acclimated herself as the replacement for Nitte Valo. She further expanded her vocal range the band's latest album, "No More Hollywood Endings", which was released in March 2019 via Nuclear Blast.
























View this post on Instagram


































It takes sleepless nights, hard work for brain and long days to make rock music. Yes, we are at @jaba.studio with my co-writer and co-producer @samylee_erkkila making passionately some magic happen for my first solo album? Ps. Cool news to be released in couple of weeks?? Stay tuned and have a great day! #soloalbum #songwriting #nooralouhimoexperience #noexband #jabastudio #makingof #friends #bro

A post shared by Noora Louhimo (@nooralouhimoofficial) on Jun 16, 2020 at 11:57pm PDT

In a recent interview with A&P Reacts, LAMB OF GOD guitarist Mark Morton was asked if it's important for him to use the platform that he has, including his Twitter account, to create awareness about the things that are happening around him. He responded (see video below): "I'm starting to. I've been pretty vocal, and, I guess, at times controversial. It's its own little bubble. And if you had asked me this a couple of years ago, I would have said that it's not important; it's just kind of what I do. But I'm starting to wonder if it's not important.

"When something's really wrong or there's a discussion not being had or there's something being ignored… I have a platform, and I have a platform in our music, in what we talk about lyrically, and social media, for better or worse, is a platform — I don't know if it's the best one, but it is one, and it's one I engage in.

"So I do speak my mind," he continued. "And I try to be open to other people's opinions and the fact that not everyone's gonna agree with me. I don't think my opinions can be put into a tight, neat little box, because there are things that I'm very liberal on, things that I'm very conservative on and things that I'm in the middle on. But lately, particularly in the last week or so, I've had a hard time keeping my mouth shut. And I don't make any apologies for that."

Addressing the fact that he has at times alienated some of the LAMB OF GOD fans with his views, Morton said: "Look, if I had a nickel for every time someone told on social media to just shut up and play guitar… I always actually take it as a compliment, because I'm, like, no matter how mad I made them, they're still saying that it's worthwhile for me to play guitar. [Laughs] So I'm doing something right; that's a compliment to me.

"I get to have an opinion too — I just do," he said. "Everybody does. And hopefully we can all start learning to respect each other's opinion and even maybe find some common ground. 'Cause a lot of that seems to be getting overlooked lately, and I hope we can plug into that.

"It's a trying time, man — there's so much going on — and everybody's really tense and anxious, and there's a lot of fear and a lot of anger," he added. "And I don't know what to do except to talk about when I see something that's wrong. And I'm not always great at not riling it up — sometimes I'm venting in anger myself; I'm a human being — but I'm trying to be a little more positive as I go. That's all I can do."

LAMB OF GOD will release its new, self-titled album on June 19 via Epic Records in the U.S. and Nuclear Blast Records in Europe. The follow-up to 2015's "VII: Sturm Und Drang" marks LAMB OF GOD's first recordings with Cruz, who joined the band last year.

"Lamb Of God" was recorded with longtime producer Josh Wilbur (KORN, MEGADETH, GOJIRA, TRIVIUM) and includes special guest appearances by Jamey Jasta (HATEBREED) and Chuck Billy (TESTAMENT).






For those interested ....Here are some companies that contribute large sums of money to the Trump campaign....just pure info!

Do with this whatever you like...or do nothing at all! ?@Marvel @wwe @ufc @tacobell @Wendys @LLBean @MolsonCoors @newbalance @EsteeLauder

— Mark Morton (@MarkDuaneMorton) June 5, 2020








You know...im gettin more & more conflicted about these bitch sessions with all these crazed white supremacy fuckers & closet klansmen & even the MAGA cultists.

It’s like a strip club...it’s fun for a little while....but then it gets shitty. You just walk away feeling yucky. https://t.co/BEkMDg2SKf

— Mark Morton (@MarkDuaneMorton) June 4, 2020








I’ve always known that not all cops are bad.

But damn I never realized how many actually ARE.

— Mark Morton (@MarkDuaneMorton) June 5, 2020

SYSTEM OF A DOWN drummer John Dolmayan has defended his right to speak out in support of U.S. president Donald Trump, saying that he is "in no danger whatsoever" of losing his job because of his political views.

Two weeks after praising Trump, calling him "the most attacked president in history yet the greatest friend to minorities," Dolmayan returned to his Instagram to criticize those who think they are "coming from a morally superior position," saying that they "don't want" and "can't handle free speech" because they are "cowards and need to be herded along with the rest of the sheep."

John wrote: "The reason I post my opinions on this forum and open myself up to attack and ridicule is for you , the silent ones who think they are alone in a world where their thoughts are alien or wrong. You're not alone , millions are with you.

"For those of you who think you are coming from a morally superior position therefore any differing opinion or viewpoint is invalid think again. It's the easy path to think like you , it's in their best self interests for celebrities and politicians to support you but you will lose in the end because you are the very thing you pretend to fight against. The true fascist, the true bigots hidden in plain sight from the same party who fought to maintain slavery , Jim Crow , non voting rights for women , and who are directly responsible for 70 plus million abortions ,a large majority of whom were black.

"You don't want free speech , you can't handle free speech because you are cowards and need to be herded along with the rest of the sheep.

"I'm lucky , I'm in an industry where you CAN be honest about your views wherever they fall with little to no repercussions. I don't rely on a movie studio , label , media or anyone else who will bow down to pandering political correctness and am in no danger whatsoever of 'losing my job' because you don't like what I have to say .

"This is a dangerous time where free thought and speech is under attack but it will pass , the next generation is watching as they always do and they will overcome your insanity.

"Oh , happy birthday President Trump and good luck in November!"

Earlier this month, SYSTEM OF A DOWN singer Serj Tankian gave an interview to the "Side Jams With Bryan Reesman" podcast in which he said that he is surprised to see some SYSTEM fans taking issue with the fact that he is very vocal about his political views.

"When I get people on my socials that are, 'I love your music, but I don't wanna hear your political ideas,' that's fair enough — if they're nice enough, it's fair enough, but sometimes they're really mean," he said. "But what I don't understand, and a lot of other people that follow the music say the same thing — they're, like, 'Have you not listened to the fucking words in 20 years? He's been saying all this stuff through his music all this time. What are you, just dancing to it because it's groovy? You're not really getting the message?' And that's okay, too, obviously — people just like hard music; they wanna listen to hard music. They never even thought that [the SYSTEM OF A DOWN song] 'B.Y.O.B.' is anti-fucking-imperialist — maybe. I don't know — I don't know how you can, but I guess maybe. So it's very interesting to me, seeing that."

Tankian addressed Trump's pattern of false information and exaggeration during a separate interview with New Zealand journalist David Farrier.

He said: "[Trump is] obsessed about himself, and the economy is his barometer of his presidency, in his mind, so he doesn't want the economy to fail, and, obviously, it's going to fail. All the economy in the world is failing because of this involuntary cause," referring to the coronavirus pandemic.

"Everything that he says in his press conferences reverts back to him and how well his government is doing, or making fun of the press for… not making fun, but basically beating down on them, that they wanna replace him and this is all about his re-election," Serj continued. "It's all about him."

SYSTEM OF A DOWN has toured intermittently since ending its hiatus in 2011 but has yet to record a follow-up to its "Mezmerize" and "Hypnotize" albums, which came out in 2005.
























View this post on Instagram


































The reason I post my opinions on this forum and open myself up to attack and ridicule is for you , the silent ones who think they are alone in a world where their thoughts are alien or wrong. You’re not alone , millions are with you. For those of you who think you are coming from a morally superior position therefore any differing opinion or viewpoint is invalid think again. It’s the easy path to think like you , it’s in their best self interests for celebrities and politicians to support you but you will lose in the end because you are the very thing you pretend to fight against. The true fascist, the true bigots hidden in plain sight from the same party who fought to maintain slavery , Jim Crow , non voting rights for women , and who are directly responsible for 70 plus million abortions ,a large majority of whom were black. You don’t want free speech , you can’t handle free speech because you are cowards and need to be herded along with the rest of the sheep. I’m lucky , I’m in an industry where you CAN be honest about your views wherever they fall with little to no repercussions. I don’t rely on a movie studio , label , media or anyone else who will bow down to pandering political correctness and am in no danger whatsoever of “ losing my job” because you don’t like what I have to say . This is a dangerous time where free thought and speech is under attack but it will pass , the next generation is watching as they always do and they will overcome your insanity. Oh , happy birthday President Trump and good luck in November!

A post shared by John Dolmayan (@johndolmayan_) on Jun 14, 2020 at 8:27am PDT

SYSTEM OF A DOWN vocalist Serj Tankian has taken to his Instagram to share the lyrics to the band's early demo track "Temper". The song was originally demoed for SYSTEM's 1998 debut album, but ultimately didn't make the final cut. SYSTEM OF A DOWN ended up playing the track at several live shows in 2015.

In his Instagram post earlier today, Tankian wrote about "Temper": "A very early @systemofadown song that was on one of our demos-lyrics below: if you love this song or play along to it and love Trump, you're a hypocrite-just a simple fact :) 'Temper'" He added in the comments section: "Let me add that obviously the song was written in the 90s and refers to injustice in the US and injustice by the US via successive Democratic and Republican administrations. I just find the most current one the most repugnant."

Tankian's views are in sharp contrast to those of SYSTEM drummer John Dolmayan, who has praised Donald Trump on social media in recent weeks.

Over the weekend, Dolmayan wrote on Instagram that he is "no danger whatsoever" of losing his position with the band even though he and Tankian have wildly different stances.

Dolmayan blasted "cowards" who criticize those who think they are "coming from a morally superior position," saying that they "can't handle free speech" and "need to be herded along with the rest of the sheep." He also called Democrats "the true bigots" who "fought to maintain slavery" and were "directly responsible for 70 plus million abortions, a large majority of whom were black."

Dolmayan concluded his post by wishing Trump a happy birthday and "good luck" in this November's election. The drummer supports Trump's claim that his administration has done more for the African American community "than any president since Abraham Lincoln."

Tankian recently called for Trump to resign and described him as "completely useless" over his handling of the coronavirus outbreak.
























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A very early @systemofadown song that was on one of our demos-lyrics below: if you love this song or play along to it and love Trump, you’re a hypocrite-just a simple fact :) "Temper" We want peace with Patriot missiles, Blown to bits are civilian targets, Parade! Laugh! Rejoice! Sing! We’re the victors of...nothing, Spend more money on a war, Your people starving, turned to whores, Slaves of the chosen one paying millions for each bomb, Country without a race , Formed from people you disgrace , White right conservative might , Killers of Kennedy's with no fright , The American way! Freedom cried the marching man, Flags ripped out of their black hands , Beaten! Slain! Tortured! Killed! Their only mistake was being born here , Invade countries just for oil , Send your troops all down to boil , Iraq! Grenada! Nam and Chile! Truman doctrine our own way , Country without a race , Formed from people you disgrace , White right conservative might , Killers of Kennedy's with no fright , The American way! The Government (FBI-CIA) here can suck my balls , Policing the world in overalls , Armed rebellion minority , Disrespected race, color, mind , Crazed loonies all walk the streets , Missing children on milk cartons , Mother selling child for crack , Mr. President check your back , Country without a race , Formed from people you disgrace, White right conservative might , Killers of Kennedy's with no fright , The American way! The American way! The American way!

A post shared by Serj Tankian (@serjtankian) on Jun 16, 2020 at 12:57am PDT

San Francisco Bay Area metallers MACHINE HEAD have released "Civil Unrest", a two-song digital single featuring A-side "Stop The Bleeding" and B-side "Bulletproof", with the former featuring additional guest vocals from KILLSWITCH ENGAGE frontman Jesse Leach. This pair of fierce protest anthems were both written days after the back-to-back murders of George Floyd and Ahmaud Arbery. They are not for the faint of heart.

The gritty "Stop The Bleeding" performance video was directed and edited by Mike Sloat, shot on location on the streets of Oakland, California, with Jesse's part filmed in Kingston, New York with David Brodsky.

Vocalist/guitarist Robb Flynn shares the inspiration behind the release: "I wrote and sang the lyrics on Wednesday, May 27th 2020, the day that the four officers who murdered George Floyd were (originally) not charged with anything. This day was engulfed in protests and riots across America. I drove into Oakland past large demonstrations already happening and in a fury wrote down everything I was feeling after watching the horrific footage. Within hours, what I wanted to say, what I needed to say had been recorded in the song.

"I decided to sing it over a song called 'Stop The Bleeding', that we had recorded back in December. 2018 with Jared [MacEachearn, MACHINE HEAD bass guitar] and Carlos Cruz [WARBRINGER] on drums."

"Stop The Bleeding" features a guest appearance from KILLSWITCH ENGAGE frontman Jesse Leach, with Flynn and Leach trading lyrical lines that spit anger and frustration at current events.

Flynn continues: "I had been speaking with Jesse for maybe six months about singing on the song, as it always had a little bit of a KILLSWITCH vibe to me. Unfortunately (or fortunately), our schedules hadn't lined up, but with the subsequent lockdown from coronavirus, we had time to make it work. After what happened to George Floyd, I sent him the lyrics I'd written and he replied saying he was '100% on board.' Jesse is someone I consider to be a pioneer and in many ways, one of the men who changed the face of metal. His contribution to this song made it extremely powerful and it's an honor to have him be a part of it."

Jesse Leach mirrors the sentiment, stating: "Being asked to be part of this song is an honor. Yes, because it's MACHINE HEAD, but more importantly, this is a message that needs to be heard and spread. These issues concerning abuses of power and racism are timeless. I have written about these previously and I'll write about them again. I think Robb really nailed this one, both lyrically and sonically. My hope is this song helps awaken those who hear it. Robb has been a frequent voice of the voiceless in these times, so teaming up with him is a no brainer. We need more of our metal community to speak out on social issues and help raise awareness, especially during these crucial times. Music is the soundtrack to our lives; it transcends language and culture. This is the reason we as musicians need to do our part to spark thought and discussion on these types of issues. We can make a difference through music and we can help stop the bleeding."

MACHINE HEAD is donating a significant portion of the streaming proceeds from "Stop The Bleeding" to Grassroots Law Project, the organization representing George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery.

The B-side, "Bulletproof" is a new song, also recorded with Carlos and Jared back in December 2018.

Flynn adds: "The lyrics for 'Bulletproof' were finished in the aftermath of not only the Ahmaud Arbery murder at the hands of white supremacist, but everything twisting out of control in our world. The isolation and craziness of the pandemic, the lockdown protesters storming government buildings with AR-15s, as well as the blatant lies and conspiracies pouring out of our political leaders' mouths, hour by hour, day after day."

The songs needed something visually provocative as "sleeve artwork," so the band looked to longtime collaborator Strephon Taylor who hand illustrated various elements from this moment in time, to make a powerful statement about America and the World. Both tracks were produced by Flynn and engineered by Zack Ohren at Sharkbite Studios in Oakland, California, with the devastating mix being handled by longtime MACHINE HEAD collaborator and producer extraordinaire Colin Richardson, together with Chris Clancy at Audioworks Productions UK. The tracks were mastered by Ted Jensen at Sterling Sound.

"Stop The Bleeding" lyrics

The endless scroll of human tragedy

I swipe along as the days go by

Another brother murdered out in the streets

I connect to the shame, we don't know what it's like

Born lucky cause the color of skin

America your heart is caving in

Somehow I thought this was the land of the free

Where is our humanity?

Our humanity

Beating after beating

Throat choked under knee

Help me please

Because I can't breathe

Just stop the bleeding

Body after body

Piles up in the streets

Stand and fight

Not another life

Just stop the bleeding

And some will claim it's a conspiracy

The fake news out to undermine

When riots fight off white supremacy

Never given a choice, so they're drawing a line

I stare and look out at the world in disgust

These men are dying over nothing just

Good men stand up and show your bravery

For a lost democracy

Our democracy

Beating after beating

Throat choked under knee

Help me please

Because I can't breathe

Just stop the bleeding

Body after body

Piles up in the streets

Stand and fight

Not another life

Just stop the bleeding

Our strife

Our struggle

Fight through these open wounds

Beating after beating

Throat choked under knee

Help me please

Because I can't breathe

Just stop the bleeding

Body after body

Piled up in the streets

Stand and fight

Not another life

Just stop the bleeding now

Our strife

Our struggle

Fight through these open wounds

An EPK (Electronic Press Kit) for RESIST & BITE, the new band featuring former TESLA guitarist Tommy Skeoch, is available streamed below. Joining him in the group are ex-LYNCH MOB lead vocalist Nathan Utz, guitarist Steve Stokes, drummer David Parks and bassist Brian Powell.

During an appearance this past March on SiriusXM's "Trunk Nation" radio show, Skeoch spoke about his departure from TESLA nearly a decade a half ago. Asked if he exited the group of his own accord or if he was asked to leave, Tommy said: "I was fired. I was getting fucked up and I was definitely in the wrong about a lot of stuff, and they put up with it for a long time. But at the same time, none of us were angels, and we put up with a lot of stuff from the other guys for a long time too, and they're still there. So I felt like a little scapegoated by the thing. And the other thing is they didn't want people — I guess for the benefit of my family, so it wouldn't look bad — they said, 'Tommy's just gonna spend time [with his family].' That's why nobody knows, and that's why you're asking this question. Everyone's confused on even what happened. Basically, I was fired. I was getting fucked up, and I kept fucking up, and I kept telling 'em I wouldn't, and I just couldn't stop."

Skeoch added that he accepts responsibility for the circumstances that led to his departure from TESLA. "I do, of course," he said. "But I also believe we put up with a lot of shit for a long time from almost every other guy in the band, and they're still there. So I don't know what's up with that; that's a little weird to me."

Skeoch was dismissed from TESLA in 2006 and went on to receive treatment for substance-abuse issues. He has since been replaced by Dave Rude.

Skeoch left TESLA in 2006 to spend time with his family and to receive treatment for substance-abuse issues. He has since been replaced by Dave Rude.

In a 2011 interview with Noisecreep, TESLA singer Jeff Keith stated about Skeoch: "Look, everyone in TESLA has been through their own substance-abuse issues. But Tommy got in too deep again. So the band told him that the only way we would be able to make this work is if he was clean and sober. I felt like we couldn't ask him to do that if we weren't going to commit to it too. So I was the first one to say that I wouldn't drink, or do anything else, on the tour. The next thing you know, the other guys did the same thing. Troy [Luccketta, drums] has been clean and sober for over 20 years, so it wasn't even an issue for him... Tommy couldn't stay off the stuff he was doing. It broke my heart to see it, but we knew we had to replace him."

Last year, Skeoch announced the formation of a new project called SKIN SUIT. That band, which also features vocalist Rob McManus, released its self-titled debut album this past March.

In a recent interview with Spain's The Metal Circus, WITHIN TEMPTATION singer Sharon Den Adel was asked if she feels heavy metal got "too complicated" or "too dark and "too harsh" in the last few years and that the genre as a whole is missing a little bit of that "pop aspect" and "that easy-listening sort of feeling." She responded (see video below): "Well, maybe. I don't know. The only thing what I think is that there wasn't a lot of development in metal. I think the scene would be much bigger if it would have evolved a little bit more. I'm not making complaints or anything, but it's more like that's something that we're always trying to find.

"When you try to find a way to connect with the people who are growing up nowadays and also the same audience that you had for [all these] years, to do that, you have to [evolve] sound-wise also and it has to do with everything else that's happening in the world — also topics, but also the music — and you have to go along with certain kind of development," she continued.

"I think LINKIN PARK was the last band that did something for the scene — bring something new to the table. And everybody went, 'Woah! Amazing.' And they inspired a lot of other bands. And I don't see any bands who are so different from the majority of bands. There's missing some kind of development at the moment. I think it's coming, but it's not there yet. And I think a lot of bands, like BRING ME THE HORIZON, are experimenting a lot, and ASKING ALEXANDRIA — a lot of bands. And some of them are really trying to [experiment] and some of them are really content with what they're doing and how they sound, which is also okay, because there's a certain audience for that. But I think we are a band like some of the bands I just mentioned — we're always searching for, like, okay, what can we do to make it interesting for our music, and especially for ourselves, because we want to develop ourselves and find new ways to reconnect with all generations."

Last month, WITHIN TEMPTATION released the official music video for its latest single, "Entertain You". The song was a surprisingly quick follow-up to WITHIN TEMPTATION's seventh studio album, "Resist", which came out in February 2019.

"Resist" debuted in several Top 10 charts worldwide and was the first WITHIN TEMPTATION album to ever reach a No. 1 position on the official German chart.

"Entertain You" arrived one week after the last show of the "Worlds Collide" tour was supposed to happen. The co-headline tour with American rock band EVANESCENCE was originally planned for April, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it has now been postponed to September 2020. The trek, for which an impressive 150,000 tickets were sold in eight countries, will go ahead as planned across venues such as the O2 Arena in London, AccorHotels Arena in Paris, Velodrom in Berlin, and Palais 12 in Brussels.

During this past Thursday's (June 11) "All Access Hits" webinar with host David Frangioni, MÖTLEY CRÜE's Tommy Lee was asked which drummers really influenced him and got him excited about drumming when he first started playing. He responded (see video below): "The hands-down guy is John Bonham [LED ZEPPELIN], and you can probably hear it in my playing. That guy, most people will talk about how heavy his foot was and how laid back his snare drum was, but not a lot of people talk about his cymbal placement. He doesn't really play a ton of cymbals, but when he does, he always seems to pick that right moment. And you can hear it in the studio — they've got the cymbals mic'd and compressed really well, so that when he does hit it, it [sounds huge]. And if you were to do that the whole time, it would be messy sounding. But he really had this amazing ability to pick and choose when those moments were when he wanted that power and that big [cymbal sound]. That's something that a lot of people don't talk about. Other than his amazing timing and just his groove, man — the way he laid back on that big heavy foot and the snare drum way, way on the back side. I mean, that's money. The first time I heard that, I'll never forget it. I was sitting there. I must have played 'Physical Graffiti' nine million times, just flipping out, like, 'Jesus, listen to this dude.'"

He continued: "And then later on, other influences… Tommy Aldridge [OZZY OSBOURNE, WHITESNAKE] was another one — just the showmanship part of his playing, the stick spinning and the cymbal grabs and all that kind of stuff. Tommy was another one. And for pure just, like a metronome — Phil Rudd [AC/DC]. Dude, that guy is like a human drum machine. I mean, you could probably clock that guy and I'll bet you it doesn't move — he's that solid. So there's different guys for different things, but I've been inspired by many drummers. And more that I could mention, but we'd be for freakin' hours. [Laughs]"

A week ago, 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.

Earlier in the month, MÖTLEY CRÜE, DEF LEPPARD, POISON and JOAN JETT & THE BLACKHEARTS announced that "The Stadium Tour" has been postponed until the summer 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic.

"The Stadium Tour" was scheduled to kick off in a week — on June 18 at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville, Florida — and run through September 5 in Los Angeles. The bands reportedly also booked time at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville to rehearse for the tour.

When it happens, "The Stadium Tour" will mark the CRÜE's first live dates since wrapping its 2014/2015 farewell tour. CRÜE toured with POISON back in 2011 and DEF LEPPARD teamed up with POISON for a string of road dates in 2017 — but the upcoming jaunt marks the first time all four acts have hit the road together for an extended tour.


Hope you can join this webinar with Tommy Lee Thursday 3pm EST Modern Drummer Magazine

www.moderndrummer.com/webinar

Posted by David Frangioni on Wednesday, June 10, 2020

Frontiers Music Srl has released a statement denying that it was responsible for "ruining" MR. BIG's latest album, "Defying Gravity", which came out nearly three years ago and marked late drummer Pat Torpey's final recorded appearance with the group.

Late last month, MR. BIG bassist Billy Sheehan gave an interview to the "Music Mania" podcast in which he claimed that a "mastering problem" with "Defying Gravity" made the LP "unlistenable." He went on to say that "the label ruined the record" by insisting on having the album and "putting it out when it's not ready." He explained: "If we had another day to get it to proper mastering and get it done right, it would have been fine. 'Cause I was there for the final mixes — I went in there every day and listened to mixes. Pat was there with us too. We went through the mixes, and they were sounding great. And, unfortunately, we got screwed.

"I've seen it before in many other situations with many other bands," he added. "We've got the marketing department and they're ready to go and they've gotta have the record now. And then I've also seen other bands just say, 'No. The record is not done. You're out of luck.' And I wish we would have just said that, because I just don't think the record had the kind of life it had when I heard the final mixes."

Earlier today, Frontiers Music Srl released the following statement clarifying the label's involvement in the making of "Defying Gravity":

"Recently, there have been headlines circulating about an interview Billy Sheehan of MR. BIG did with the 'Music Mania' podcast and how Billy felt the record label 'ruined' their last release, 'Defying Gravity'.

"For those who took the time to listen to the actual interview, you'll have noticed that Billy never actually names Frontiers. He simply refers to 'the record label'. Blabbermouth, Ultimate Classic Rock, and other news outlets inserted Frontiers name into their stories about the interview. We can, of course, understand why they did this because Frontiers released the album in most, but not all, of the world. It was an understandable assumption that they made, but unfortunately, an incorrect one.

"The reality is that MR. BIG had signed a separate, unrelated recording agreement with a Japanese label for the release of 'Defying Gravity'. To reiterate, this had nothing to do with Frontiers. To the best of our knowledge, said label wished to release the album one month prior to the rest of the world. Based on this, we had planned to release the album on June 21, 2017 due to a proposed May release date from the Japanese label. Ultimately, we moved the album to July 7, 2017 and finally to July 21, 2017 due to delays in delivery of components of the album. June 21, 2017 was the Japanese release date, per Discogs database.

"We really don't know what happened between the Japanese label and MR. BIG. Frontiers can only say that we had nothing to do with the circumstances that led to a rushed delivery of the final album master.

"There is no ill will or hard feelings towards anyone on our end, we simply wanted to set the record straight that we are not the label that was rushing/pressuring the band here, nor were we the ones who made final decisions on what version of the album was turned in to be manufactured and released. We always have been and remain HUGE fans of MR. BIG and the musical talents of each individual member. It's been an honor to release the records we have for them."

"Defying Gravity" was released via Wowow Entertainment, Inc. in Japan and Frontiers Music Srl in most of the rest of the world.

After announcing his Parkinson's diagnosis in 2014, Torpey continued to write, record and perform with MR. BIG, who also recruited Matt Starr to share drum duties.

MR. BIG, formed in 1988, produced numerous hit songs that ranged across a wide array of rock genres — be it ballads, heavy metal, or blues rock. Their hits include "Alive And Kicking", "Just Take My Heart" and the chart-topping ballad "To Be With You".




Regarding @mrbigmusic 'Defying Gravity'... @BLABBERMOUTHNET @UltClassicRock @EddieTrunk pic.twitter.com/QVjSiJF0VH

— Frontiers Music srl (@FrontiersMusic1) June 1, 2020

Everyone remembers their first time... What was the first album you bought? What was the first concert you attended? Everyone has an answer to these questions, including Brian Johnson of AC/DC. A new video from AXS TV in which Johnson discusses his "rock and roll firsts" can be seen below.

Earlier in the year, prior to the coronavirus outbreak, it was rumored that AC/DC was about to announce a world stadium tour. The trek will apparently include Johnson, who was forced to leave the band mid-tour four years ago due to a dangerous level of hearing loss. He was eventually replaced on the road by GUNS N' ROSES vocalist Axl Rose.

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

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

In February 2019, a photo surfaced on social media suggesting that Williams has also returned to AC/DC and will appear on the rumored comeback album which is expected to be released in the coming months.

In a brand new interview with the "Music Mania" podcast, MR. BIG bassist Billy Sheehan was asked how he looks back on the band's latest album, "Defying Gravity", which came out nearly three years ago and marked late drummer Pat Torpey's final recorded appearance with the group. He responded (hear audio below): "We fell into a trap again with the label [Frontiers Music Srl], [where they] had to have the record by a certain day. And that has ruined so many records. If the label would just realize, 'The record isn't ready to go yet. You've gotta give us more time.' Instead, they insist on having it and putting it out when it's not ready. 'Cause we had a problem with mastering. We took it to a mastering place. I was there for the final mixes, and they were killer. The mastering came back, [and I thought], 'What in the world happened?' It was unlistenable. And so they tried to do a second mastering, and that didn't quite work, but then they had to ship it off.

"The label ruined the record, because they insisted on having it," he continued. "If we had another day to get it to proper mastering and get it done right, it would have been fine. 'Cause I was there for the final mixes — I went in there every day and listened to mixes. Pat was there with us too. We went through the mixes, and they were sounding great. And, unfortunately, we got screwed.

"I've seen it before in many other situations with many other bands," he added. "We've got the marketing department and they're ready to go and they've gotta have the record now. And then I've also seen other bands just say, 'No. The record is not done. You're out of luck.' And I wish we would have just said that, because I just don't think the record had the kind of life it had when I heard the final mixes.

"I thought there were some great songs on the record," Billy said. "I thought 'Be Kind' was a great piece of music. I thought that could be kind of a hit anywhere — really, really great. And there was some good stuff on there. Some stuff I didn't really… I thought the title track, 'Defying Gravity', didn't do much for me. I wouldn't have picked that as the title track. That little oddball time signature thing didn't work for me as a regular straight-up rock song. So it's certainly not my favorite MR. BIG record, but I think if we wouldn't have gotten screwed on the mastering, it would have been a lot better. We had to defend it — a couple of people were commenting right away, 'Oh, man. This record sounds horrible.' And what am I gonna do? Agree with them? I've gotta defend it and stick up for the record, but in our hearts, we knew — I knew it didn't sound like the final mixes I had. So the producer, Kevin [Elson], was heartbroken, because we couldn't get the label to give us more time to get it mastered properly. So there went that record."

Sheehan also once again addressed the possibility of MR. BIG carrying on following the passing of Torpey. The drummer died in February 2018 at the age of 64 from complications of Parkinson's disease.

"I don't know," Sheehan said when asked if there is a chance of MR. BIG embarking on a "proper" farewell tour. "There's no reason why myself, Paul [Gilbert, guitar] and Eric [Martin, vocals] couldn't go out — get a drummer and go out again, or just go out on our own. But I don't know what Paul thinks and I don't know what Eric thinks about it. I'm open to going out and taking care of the fans as best as we can, because they really put their hearts and souls into this band and we'd love to go see them again."

In a recent interview with "Music Mania", Martin was also critical of "Defying Gravity", saying that he didn't enjoy "the pressure and [being] thrown against the wall to hurry up and do this… We only had, like, six to 10 days to write, record and mix it, because of some… I don't know why. Maybe some of the guys had some tours that they had to go on, or the producer had some other projects… I just felt a little pressured."

"Defying Gravity" was released in July 2017 via Frontiers Music Srl.

After announcing his Parkinson's diagnosis in 2014, Torpey continued to write, record and perform with MR. BIG, who also recruited Matt Starr to share drum duties.

MR. BIG, formed in 1988, produced numerous hit songs that ranged across a wide array of rock genres — be it ballads, heavy metal, or blues rock. Their hits include "Alive And Kicking", "Just Take My Heart" and the chart-topping ballad "To Be With You".

Bass player Phil Buckman (FUEL, PETTY CASH, ex-FILTER), guitarist Phil Demmel (VIO-LENCE, BPMD, ex-MACHINE HEAD), drummer Brian Tichy (SILVERTHORNE, ex-WHITESNAKE, FOREIGNER, BILLY IDOL), and vocalist Lukas Rossi (ex-ROCK STAR SUPERNOVA, THE HALO METHOD) have teamed up for an "At Home/Collab-A-Jam" cover and video of the MUSE song "Hysteria".

"I saw one of Phil's 'Collab-A-Jam' videos," said Buckman. "I had been wanting to do some of these with some of my bandmates and friends, so I texted Phil and said, 'I want in!' He said, 'Cool! Pick a song!' and 'Hysteria' was my first thought." Demmel then called their mutual friend Brian Tichy, and he jumped on board. For vocals, Buckman knew that his STOWAWAYS bandmate (ShipRocked's "all-star" band) Lukas Rossi would be the perfect guy to crush these vocals.

The guys recorded their parts in their own home studios — Buckman and Tichy in Southern California, Demmel in Northern California, and Rossi in Nashville. The files were then sent to Gabe Lopez for the final mix.

Buckman said: "Gabe is a friend of mine, who is best known for working with Belinda Carlisle and NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK, as well as producing my wife's band, BETTER OFF BLONDE. I knew that, with his background in the pop world, his mix would make the song sound amazing."

The foursome also shot their own video footage.

"I've gotten really into photography and videography in the last year or so, and I knew I wanted to edit the video myself, so I told the guys how I wanted them to shoot, and they did a great job. Especially because Demmel and Tichy only had access to iPhones," added Buckman. Considering it's the first music video I've edited, and my biggest project to date, I'm pretty happy with the outcome."

Buckman, who is also an actor and voiceover artist, can be seen as Nick Murray on the CBS show "Broke" this Thursday, June 18 at 9:30 p.m. He is currently working on new FUEL material and is looking forward to making up a lot of cancelled FUEL and PETTY CASH dates as soon as possible.

Demmel's debut BPMD album, "American Made", is now available through Napalm Records, and a new VIO-LENCE self-titled record is slated to be released on Metal Blade.

Tichy's band SILVERTHORNE's new EP, "Tear The Sky Wide Open", is now available everywhere through Golden Robot Records.

Rossi's new single "Lock 'N Load" from his forthcoming album "Summertime", is available now on Apple Music/iTunes.

According to Deadline, MOTÖRHEAD frontman Lemmy Kilmister will get the biopic treatment.

The upcoming film, "Lemmy", will be directed by Greg Olliver, who previously helmed the 2010 documentary of the same name, "Lemmy".

"Lemmy" will go into production next year, with VMI introducing the film at the Cannes virtual market. It will follow Kilmister's life growing up in Stoke-on-Trent, becoming a roadie for Jimi Hendrix and a member of seminal psychedelic rock band HAWKWIND before forming MOTÖRHEAD.

VMI Worldwide's Andre Relis will produce, alongside Damon Lane. The screenplay was written by Medeni Griffiths, with additional writing by Greg Olliver. MOTÖRHEAD's manager Todd Singerman and Steffan Chirazi will serve as executive producers. Production will likely start in early 2021, depending on COVID-19 restrictions.

"Everything you've heard about Lemmy is probably true… not because he was embracing rock 'n' roll clichés, but because he was creating them," said Olliver. "Marlboro Reds and Jack Daniel's for breakfast, speed for dinner — all true. But behind that steely-eyed façade of rock 'n' roll was also a compelling, complicated and lion-hearted man who stayed the course and never gave up playing the music that made him happy. We've been carefully developing this biopic since 2013, making sure to stay true to Lemmy, MOTÖRHEAD band members Phil Campbell and Mikkey Dee, and all the other folks that played important roles in Lemmy's life. This will be a film they'll be proud of.”

"It is a story of immense cultural importance," added Chirazi and Singerman, "If the last five years of his absence has taught us anything, it is that he was more unique than anyone could ever have known because no one touches the quality and sheer freedom of the man. Greg is a deeply trusted part of our circle, and we are delighted to see this film coming to fruition."

"Lemmy and MOTORHEAD's music had a major influence on my life and music experience. They were the band that started the crossover of metal and punk, VMI couldn't be more excited to bring this story to the big screen," said Relis.

Lemmy died in December 2015 at the age of 70 shortly after learning he had been diagnosed with cancer.

He had dealt with several health issues over the last few years of his life, including heart trouble, forcing him to cut back on his famous smoking habits.

MOTÖRHEAD had to cancel a number of shows in 2015 because of Lemmy's poor health, although the band did manage to complete one final European tour a couple of weeks before his death.

Alessandro Del Vecchio has released Sounds From The Notebook - The Demo Sessions, a collection of the original versions of tracks later recorded by Hardline, Revolution Saints, Find Me, Edge Of Forever, Place Vendome, Sunstorm, and more.

Fans can hear the original version of "Back On My Trail" by Revolution Saints, below:

The music video for the Revolution Saints “Back On My Trail” is, as of this writing, just about to surpass 5 million views:

Alessandro Del Vecchio has become a household name in the modern rock scene, associated with bands like Hardline, Jorn, Revolution Saints, Edge Of Forever, and more. From producing to songwriting, Alessandro’s journey with Frontiers Records has brought the melodic rock world an undeniably vast and successful catalogue of songs. Either as a band member and producer or as an outside writer, Alessandro has helped to shape some of today’s names and very much loved albums from the likes of Hardline, Jorn, Edge Of Forever, Revolution Saints, Find Me, and more. 

Alessandro’s songwriting contributions and wide range of musical talents is highlighted in the singles that he has penned for the artists who performed the songs, so the idea of creating a compilation of songs of Alessandro’s in their original demo form was born. "Sounds From The Notebook - The Demo Sessions" sheds a light on his creative process and the birth of these songs.

Sounds From The Notebook - The Demo Sessions is a glimpse at Alessandro’s original vision of these songs while also digging into his songwriting process, providing a means to understand how his creative mind works. He creates a song all-round, playing all instruments and arranging all parts, and these demos see him playing and recording all instruments, singing all lead and backing vocals and producing. Only “Edge Of Tomorrow” features the song's co-writer, fellow producer Simone Mularoni on guitars, bass and drums.

For those who know Alessandro only for being a producer, or singer, or keyboard player, this compilation will give a complete view of him as an artist.

“I’m a songwriter by nature. When I was a kid I wanted to become a musician to write my own songs. I was never attracted to just singing or playing, I wanted to find my own voice and sound through the songs I could write. I just sit down and write....I could write any day, any time. It’s a very natural process for me, like a catharsis. I see and hear sounds and stories everywhere....for me life and the world are endless inspirations. Obviously when I write for myself I’m telling my stories, singing my vision, but when I write for somebody else I try to stay true to the artist themselves. But always try to write songs that are a positive outlet. I am not the kind of songwriter with a bunch of ideas always "in the drawer" as to me creation is a moment. I sit, write, record, and complete things as they come to me. When Frontiers came up with the idea of a demo collection of my songs, I was on one hand humbled because I’m a band guy, a team person, but on the other hand, very enthusiastic as I could release some of these songs as they were in their original forms. All these demos have been written, arranged and recorded in a matter of very few hours. When I write I don’t sit on an idea. It’s like I hear the whole song finished in my head and I just channel that creative instinct out. In some places you will hear a one take vocal line, raw angles on guitars, myself playing guitar solos, but the purpose of this album is exactly this: to show the true, raw, real nature of these songs. Picture me, alone in my studio, surrounded by my instruments, a microphone and a notebook and then close your eyes and push play. You’ll be there with me, in that moment when out of a sound in my head, these songs became music.”

Tracklisting:

“The Road To Nowhere” (Find Me)
“Through” (Gioeli-Castronovo)
“Back On My Trail” (Revolution Saints)
“Set The World On Fire” (Gioeli-Castronovo)
“Edge Of Tomorrow” (Sunstorm)
“Fever Dreams” (Hardline)
“Take You Home” (Hardline)
“Turn Back Time” (Revolution Saints)
“Power Of Music” (Place Vendome)
“Who Did You Run To” (Resurrection Kings)
“Promised Land” (Edge Of Forever)
“Where Will We Go From Here” (Hardline)




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EN MINOR, the new "depression core" project of Philip Anselmo (PANTERA, DOWN), will release its full-length debut, "When The Cold Truth Has Worn Its Miserable Welcome Out", on September 4 via Housecore Records in the U.S. and Season Of Mist in Europe. The first single from the LP, "Blue", can be streamed below.

EN MINOR comment on the track: "We picked 'Blue' to release first because it features the whole band, as some songs don't have percussion. Also, the title of the record, 'When The Cold Truth Has Worn Its Miserable Welcome Out', is from a line in the song. Very fitting and haunting."

"When The Cold Truth Has Worn Its Miserable Welcome Out" track listing:

01. Mausoleums (4:57)

02. Blue (5:07)

03. On The Floor (5:22)

04. Dead Can't Dance (2:38)

05. Love Needs Love (3:39)

06. Warm Sharp Bath Sleep (4:20)

07. Melancholia (3:19)

08. This Is Not Your Day (3:03)

09. Black Mass (4:40)

10. Hats Off (2:52)

11. Disposable For You (4:27)

A project inadvertently in the making since Anselmo's earliest days as a child in the French Quarter, EN MINOR is an experimental and eclectic musical endeavor that finds the legendary frontman exploring a softer, graver vocal style, delivering brooding tales of pain, remorse, and sorrow. The band released a self-titled seven-inch EP this summer via Housecore Records, with a proper full-length to see official unveiling in the New Year.

"The initial strains — in the most primitive sense — came about when I was given my first guitar at nine-years old," relays Anselmo of the EN MINOR project. "I didn't have the patience to learn other people's music, so I wrote my own. And some of those early parts are still prevalent in the songs we're working with now. Fast forward to 1988 when I bought my first four-track recorder; those old songs took on a new life and newer songs were written. Heavy metal was at the forefront of my performance-based output, but these little four-track songs were always there. I always had an apprehension about allowing them to be heard though, because they were so different; only a small circle of close friends got to hear them."

By 1993, Anselmo moved back to his hometown of New Orleans and his home became an instant magnet for local musicians and artists. "At ungodly hours, these old four-track songs took on an even newer life jamming with these cats," he says. "We learned a few of the songs and wrote several more, and soon we were recording under the moniker BODY & BLOOD. We wrote more songs, all recorded on a newer model four-track. It was fun. We did it for the vibe. And it was pleasing to break away from multi-tracking studios and heavy metal. Metal music consumed most of our time and lives. Those 'B&B' sessions were damned-near therapeutic."

Without a clear plan for the band, the project remained a periodic therapy session. "We kept things simple and just jammed when everyone was home and played our recordings for friends," he says. "Then I eventually moved again, Hurricane Katrina hit, and life sent all of us in different directions."

In 2012, Anselmo met Stephen "Schteve" Taylor and EN MINOR truly took shape. "He and I began experimenting with some vibey stuff, and soon after began recording the sessions," Anselmo says. "This led to the current incarnation of EN MINOR. Together, we re-worked a few of the old four-track songs and wrote several new ones in short order. These sessions are hypnotic and pulling. And we continue to write songs suitable for this project to this day. Ugly and beautiful, EN MINOR, isn't 'party music.' This is 'kill the party music.'"

EN MINOR is:

Philip H Anselmo: Guitar, Vocals

Stephen Taylor: Guitar

Kevin Bond: Guitar

Steve Bernal: Cello

Jimmy Bower: Drums

Calvin Dover: Keyboards, Backing Vocals

Joiner Dover: Bass

Jose Gonzalez: Additional Percussion

"Sowing Discord", the new video from NOT MY GOD, the project featuring two leaders of hardcore industrial music, Tim Sköld (ex-MARILYN MANSON, SHOTGUN MESSIAH) and Nero Bellum (PSYCLON NINE), can be seen below.

The pair are no strangers to working together, having both served as live bandmembers for the other's projects — Sköld as the guitarist for PSYCLON NINE and Bellum as the keyboardist for SKOLD. However, NOT MY GOD marks their first artistic collaboration, writing and recording together on a studio album.

NOT MY GOD's self-titled release features 13 all-new compositions and while some might brand this release as industrial, Sköld and Bellum have crafted a majestic new take on electronic music that showcases experimentation while perverting pop sensibilities. The duo also teamed with renowned video director, Vicente Cordero of Industrialism Films, for a spectacular video for the lead-off single, "Fiction".

"Not My God" is available on digital platforms everywhere as well as on digipak CD and a very limited (only 300 made) 2LP clear vinyl pressing via Cleopatra Records.

Track listing:

01. Fiction

02. Until The Pain Is Gone

03. Sowing Discord

04. Murder Suicide

05. Equalizer

06. Birthright

07. Decay, Decay

08. First Blood

09. Nevermore

10. Right Now

11. Persephone

12. Cold Black

13. 13

Sköld has been one of few lasting Swedish music exports since the 1980s as frontman for one of that country's earliest and more successful metal bands, SHOTGUN MESSIAH. After the suspension of that outfit in the mid-90s, Sköld struck out on his own and released the debut album for his industrial metal project, the self-titled SKOLD album, in 1996. The album was hailed as a triumph with songs such as "Chaos" and "Hail Mary" landing in major motion pictures as well as mainstream video games. Since then, Sköld has gone on to work in a numerous other major bands, becoming a member of KMFDM and MARILYN MANSON as well as playing live with Taime Downe's THE NEWLYDEADS and Nivek Ogre's OHGR, all the while composing, performing, and producing for other artists, for example MOTIONLESS IN WHITE, as well as several SKOLD albums.

Helix frontman / founder Brian Vollmer has checked in with the following:

"The Live At Maxwell's show was so successful we're already thinking of our next show to launch on the internet. After all, who knows how long it will take to get back to normal? You hear about every other profession on the news and how they are taking the hit, but I have yet to hear about all the musicians and people associated with the business.

For most of the '90s and 2000+ years the band either made money or lost it, but somehow we kept it going. Last year was our best as far as making money was concerned, and now this year will be our worst in the history of the band. The bills don't stop, however. I still have to maintain our website, and right now we have a new compilation album (Eat Sleep Rock) that has been finished for a month but there's no one to press the CD or vinyl.

Even when things open up, the entertainment industry will be the last to come back. Not only is there the unknown of whether or not fans will come back as before, there's also social distancing. Flights to Alberta run nearly $1,000 per man when you consider luggage (guitars/clothes/etc.) so do the math----if we have 7 people travelling, that's almost $7,000, and that's not counting wages, rental vehicles, gas, and agent commission. So, think about how much the band needs to get paid to make the date make sense.

We WILL be back however. Helix has seen it's fair share of shit over the years but we've survived it all. We'll do the same here. Somehow we will survive and come back stronger than ever. We've already begun recording songs for our next full studio album. Look for it in 2021."

Originally planned for a Spring 2020 release, Helix will be issuing Eat Sleep Rock on their label Helix Records. The album will be limited to 300 units on vinyl.

Singer Brian Vollmer elaborates on the release:

“It'll contain one brand new song, some that have been released on CD before, some that have been released only on vinyl. Here's the song list:

‘EAT SLEEP ROCK’ (brand new song written by Sean Kelly & myself)
‘Wrecking Ball’ & ‘Shock City Psycho Rock’ (both from the Half-Alive album/1996)
‘I'm a Live Frankenstein’ (from my solo CD When Pigs Fly/1999)
‘Even Jesus’ (from the Bastard Of The Blues CD/2014)
‘Cyberspace Girl’ (from The Power Of Rock And Roll/2006)
‘When the Bitter's Got the Better of You’ (from Vagabond Bones/2008)
‘The Tequila Song’ (only released on a two song special vinyl single a couple of years ago w/The Devil is having a Party Tonight)
‘Gene Simmons Says (Rock Is Dead)’ Released previously as a bonus track on E.M.I.'s ICON album & on the CD Rock It Science
‘The Devil Is Having A Party Tonight’ (only released on a vinyl single)

“There will only be 300 units of this album released on vinyl, so it will become a collector's item once again. I'm presently contemplating what I'm going to do for the artwork and we'll probably stage a photo session much like we did when we did the photography for ‘The Devil Is Having A Party Tonight’ vinyl single. As for the vinyl itself, I'm going to do something special, but I don't quite know what yet.”




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METALLICA has posted another video as part of its new concert series, "#MetallicaMondays", where the band is streaming a complete live show for fans on the group's YouTube channel and on Facebook every week. The latest concert to be shared was recorded on March 1, 2013 at Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne, Australia.

The group's setlist was as follows:

01. Hit The Lights

02. Master Of Puppets

03. The Four Horsemen

04. Harvester Of Sorrow

05. Welcome Home (Sanitarium)

06. Leper Messiah

07. My Friend Of Misery

08. Sad But True

09. Fade To Black

10. All Nightmare Long

11. One

12. For Whom The Bell Tolls

13. Blackened

14. Nothing Else Matters

15. Enter Sandman

Encore:

16. Creeping Death

17. Damage Inc.

18. Seek And Destroy

The band said in a statement, "While we're all doing our part and staying home, we find ourselves missing live music, so how about we dive back into a few of our favorite shows at a socially responsible distance?"

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

Hetfield made his first major public appearance since entering rehab on January 30, when an exhibit featuring 10 of his classic custom cars opened at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles.

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

Guitarist Kirk Hammett told The Pulse Of Radio not long ago that METALLICA has to be in better than average shape to play its music live. "There's a physicality to our music that we cannot ignore, so we just kind of have to keep ourselves in a certain sort of physical sort of state where that we can't let ourselves get to a point where we can't play these songs," he said. "That's just not allowed. When we write this music, we have to make sure that we can play it and play it when we need to play it."

A week after RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE guitarist Tom Morello posted a photo of him wearing a parody shirt that read "Black Lives Matter" styled in the iconic BLACK SABBATH "Masters Of Reality" font, the legendary heavy metal band apparently decided to capitalize on the moment and release its own limited-edition version of the design, with 100% of the net proceeds going to the Black Lives Matter global network foundation.

The shirts are available for pre-order for $25 at this location and will be shipped around July 14.

A number of rock and metal musicians have voiced their support for the protesters in the wake of George Floyd demonstrations across the U.S.

The protests erupted after the Memorial Day killing of Floyd, an unarmed black man who died after a Minneapolis police officer pinned his neck to the ground with his knee for nearly nine minutes. In the weeks that followed, the "Black Lives Matter" movement has gone mainstream and has begun resonating with wider calls to address racism from Australia to Europe.

The "Black Lives Matter" movement was launched in the summer of 2013 by black organizers Alicia Garza, Patrisse Cullors and Opal Tometi after George Zimmerman was acquitted of the killing of Trayvon Martin. Following Floyd's death, the movement has gained even more attention. But some have tried to use a counterargument with the "All Lives Matter" label, which is seen as mocking the "Black Lives Matter" movement.


100% of the proceeds to Black Lives Matter #BlackLivesMatter

blacksabbathapparelshop.com/products/black-lives-matter-t-shirt

Posted by Black Sabbath on Tuesday, June 16, 2020

























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My 96 yr old mom has been a tireless advocate for Black Lives her whole life. From being a foreign student advisor at the Univ. of Illinois, to teaching in Kenya and supporting the anti-colonial movement there, to teaching African Studies and bringing a radical perspective to a white conservative high school for 30 yrs, to being a member of the Illinois Urban League and campaigning for civil rights, to helping homeless African American men get their GED at the Salvation Army, to telling anybody who came at our family with any racist garbage to go straight to hell, to arming me with pride & confidence, to being a lifelong proponent of racial justice and ruthless critic of racist police. Proud to stand with her today, as always, in solidarity in the fight for a more just and humane country & planet. (Photo by Rhoads Morello)

A post shared by Tom Morello (@tommorello) on Jun 7, 2020 at 5:58pm PDT

David Lee Roth has shared several pieces of original artwork which were inspired by the COVID-19 crisis.

For the past two months, the VAN HALEN singer has been posting paintings on his Twitter account that reflect the times and channel the mass anxiety around the novel coronavirus. You can find them below.

This is not the first time Roth has shared some of his visual art with the public. Back in 2009, Roth released dozens of his own drawings and artwork, which he called at the time "authentic originals and incompetent imitations." He offered them up as "an official answer to the question 'what do you do in your spare time?'"

According to the Van Halen News Desk, the VAN HALEN frontman always been into art. Throughout his whole life, while touring the world, you could find him doodling on just about anything — setlists, tour riders, female body parts, etc. He was always a major part of the visual side of VAN HALEN, and always tried to make the stage show "look like the music sounds." He designed stage clothes, orchestrated photo shoots, came up with the stage choreography, etc. He also had a hand in designing VAN HALEN's early tourbooks and a few of their t-shirts.

This past March, Roth postponed the final six shows of his Las Vegas residency due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Roth performed as the opening act for the February/March North American leg of KISS's "End Of The Road" farewell tour.

Roth's Vegas residency isn't be the first time he has set up shop in Sin City. Back in 1995, Roth completed a Las Vegas engagement at Bally's Hotel and Casino and another short run at MGM Grand.

VAN HALEN has been inactive since it finished its U.S. tour in October 2015 at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles, California.

Back in September, Roth said that there were no plans for VAN HALEN to do anything for the foreseeable future. "I think VAN HALEN's finished and this is the next phase," he said, referring to his solo project.




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— David Lee Roth (@DavidLeeRoth) April 13, 2020








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— David Lee Roth (@DavidLeeRoth) April 20, 2020








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— David Lee Roth (@DavidLeeRoth) April 27, 2020








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— David Lee Roth (@DavidLeeRoth) May 4, 2020








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— David Lee Roth (@DavidLeeRoth) May 11, 2020








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— David Lee Roth (@DavidLeeRoth) May 18, 2020








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— David Lee Roth (@DavidLeeRoth) May 25, 2020








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— David Lee Roth (@DavidLeeRoth) June 1, 2020








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— David Lee Roth (@DavidLeeRoth) June 8, 2020








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— David Lee Roth (@DavidLeeRoth) June 15, 2020

FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH recently launched a new video series, "Guitar Zero: Legends Of The Fail", in which singer Ivan Moody embarks on a journey to learn to play guitar. In episode six, which can be seen below, Ivan gets a video lesson from TRIVIUM's Matt Heafy, who runs him through a couple of those all-important basic warm-ups.

FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH's latest album, "F8", was released on February 28. The follow-up to 2018's "And Justice For None" caps a turbulent period for FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH in which Moody finally got sober after a near-fatal struggle with addiction, while co-founding drummer Jeremy Spencer bowed out of the band due to physical issues.

Much of "F8"'s lyrical content deals with Moody's battle with addiction, its aftermath and his recovery. The singer celebrated two years of sobriety in March.

FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH's spring tour with PAPA ROACH, I PREVAIL and ICE NINE KILLS has been postponed and rescheduled for the fall. The trek was originally due to run from April 8 to May 20, but will now kick off on September 28 in Sunrise, Florida.

FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH has also launched the "Quarantine Theater 2020" series. Taking inspiration from "Mystery Science Theater 3000", it features Moody, guitarist Zoltan Bathory and bassist Chris Kael offering commentary on the band's past music videos.

Brazilian/Dutch death metal alliance CRYPTA has officially signed with Napalm Records and Napalm Events. Formed in June 2019, the four-piece consists of Fernanda Lira and Luana Dametto, both former members of Brazilian thrash metal force NERVOSA, plus the talented Sonia Anubis (COBRA SPELL, ex-BURNING WITCHES) and Tainá Bergamaschi (ex-HAGBARD).

The four powerful women of CRYPTA enforce a heightened level of potency and experience from their past and current projects, enhancing influences from classic death metal genres to create a new sound of their own. United in an energetic explosion of sound, CRYPTA is currently working on new music, to be announced soon.

Lira comments on the signing: "I feel really happy to work with Napalm Records once again, as I've always had a nice relationship with them during my previous ventures, and being able to keep working with them now is just great; it feels like family! Overall, the band is very excited and feeling so lucky for having the chance of such a big kick-start! We can't wait to get things going and we hope it's gonna be a fruitful path together."

Markus Jakob, product manager at Napalm Records, states: "Welcome to the family, CRYPTA! We're excited to be able to be working with this fantastic new band that’s set to take the world of extreme metal by storm! From what we could lay our ears on thus far, their debut album is going to be nothing but crushing and will offer a fresh outlook on old-school death metal! Keep your eyes peeled and follow us down into the CRYPTA…!"

CRYPTA is:

Fernanda Lira - vocals, bass

Luana Dametto - drums

Sonia Anubis - lead guitars

Tainá Bergamaschi - guitars

On June 29, former GUNS N' ROSES guitarist Gilby Clarke will release "The Gospel Truth", the second single lifted from his forthcoming album of the same title, and is about the concept of truth today.

The truth is whatever someone says out loud, no one is accountable and it’s puzzling. Reflecting on an upbringing within the Catholic church, Clarke touches upon the idea that honesty shouldn't come from fear, and encourages the listener to be brave, say what you mean, and mean what you say.

This past April, Clarke released the official music video for his previous single, "Rock N Roll Is Getting Louder". The Christopher C. Pearson-directed clip was shot in Palmdale, California and downtown Los Angeles, while the band performance footage was filmed in Hollywood club Oh My Ribs!

Gilby's live band members bass player EJ Curse (SILENT RAGE, WHITE LION) and drummer Jimmy D'Anda (BULLETBOYS, GEORGE LYNCH) both appear in the video, along with some great cameos by Slim Jim Phantom (STRAY CATS), Taime Downe (FASTER PUSSYCAT), Jimmy Herald (HILLBILLY HERALD) and Teddy "Zig Zag" Andreadis (GUNS N' ROSES, CAROLE KING, CHUCK BERRY, BO DIDDLEY, ALICE COOPER).

Gilby stated about the track: "The song is about having a rebellious spirit. Rock and roll means many things: rebelling, freedom and being who you are on your own terms — not following whatever's now in vogue. Therefore, 'Rock N Roll Is Getting Louder' means 'I am what I am, I won't change that, and I stand up for things that are important to me, even if it's not popular.'"

"The Gospel Truth" will be released later this year via Golden Robot Records. The disc was produced and written by Gilby at his Los Angeles recording studio, Redrum Recording, where he's also helmed records for such artists as L.A. GUNS, THE BRONX, BEAT ANGELS, BULLETS AND OCTANE and many more. The album was mixed by Grammy Award winner Chris Lord-Alge and mastered by Maor Appelbaum. Joining Gilby on the LP are Muddy Stardust on bass, Kenny Aronoff (JOHN MELLENCAMP, JOHN FOGERTY, CHICKENFOOT) on drums, along with Matt Starr (ACE FREHLEY, MR. BIG) and Chad Stewart (FASTER PUSSYCAT, L.A. GUNS) on backing vocals.

When asked how his new music may be different to his previous material, Gilby said: "I don't think it's very different at all. I'm not trying to reinvent the wheel. I have found the music that I like as an artist and a musician. It's important that I get better at it and try new things, but I like rock and roll, and loud guitars are good for the soul."

Clarke also discussed his songwriting process, saying: "I always start with a good guitar riff, then add the devil's drumbeat. It's good when you can put some interesting lyrics to it, too. I always try to find a new way of saying something simple. I don't like to complicate my lyrics, but I never duplicate them either."

At last year's NAMM show in in Anaheim, California, Clarke stated about the long delay in getting his new solo album completed: "For me, I can't do a record unless I feel good about the songs. I wanna make a record that I wanna listen to. So, these songs I'm really excited about. They're new songs. It really is classic rock. There's really nothing new on it — it's just a new version of what I like to do, which is loud guitars, man. So, I went in there. I used guys like Kenny Aronoff on drums, Steve Perkins — some really great players. I played all the guitars and did all the singing on it. But I think it's good — I think it's a good fresh approach on classic rock, really."

Clarke replaced founding guitarist Izzy Stradlin in the GUNS lineup in 1991, during the "Use Your Illusion" tour, and stayed with the band for three years. After exiting GUNS N' ROSES, Clarke continued as a producer and solo artist, while also playing in SLASH'S SNAKEPIT, ROCK STAR SUPERNOVA, HEART and other acts.

Clarke released his solo debut, "Pawnshop Guitars", in 1994.

Photo credit: Neil Zlozower