Fan-filmed video footage of DOKKEN's July 19 concert at the Iowa Speedway in Newton, Iowa can be seen below (courtesy of YouTube users "John W Elkin" and "D C").

As with all of DOKKEN's recent gigs, DOKKEN's longtime member "Wild" Mick Brown did not perform with his bandmates in Iowa. He has since been replaced by BJ Zampa (HOUSE OF LORDS), who has filled in for Brown in the past.

During an appearance on "The Classic Metal Show", Don Dokken said about Mick's status with DOKKEN: "I think he's done. He's retiring, basically. We were actually on tour — I don't know — a month and a half, two months ago. I remember, we were at the airport, and we were getting on yet another freakin' plane flight, like we do four or five times a week, and he pulled me aside and he says, 'Bro, I can't do it anymore.' And I said, 'What's the matter?' And he said, 'No, I can't do it anymore. I can't do this. I can't keep flying and playing and [staying in] hotels and playing drums.' And I said, 'Is it a money thing? Or is it just the travel? We can cut the shows back. We can do less shows.' And he said, 'No. I just can't do it, man.' And he made a point. He said, 'Look, I started playing drums at 10 years old, and I'm 62.' He goes, 'I'm just worn out.'"

Don continued: "People don't realize, if anybody in the band — guitar player, singer, bass player… Singers lose their voice; bass players, whatever, get carpal tunnel, but a drummer, he's got the hardest gig in the band. And I told Mick years ago — years ago I told Mick — I said, 'Mick, you need to take it easy on the drums. You hit too hard. You're like John Bonham.' Anybody who's seen Mick knows he beats the hell out of those drums. And I said, 'Mick, just take it easy and just hit 'em softer and don't kill yourself.' And he said, 'I don't know how to play the drums any other way. I go out there and I just go for it and pound the drums as hard as I can. I don't know how to play like a jazz drummer. I'm a rock drummer.'"

Dokken added: "He said, 'I love you. We had 40 years together. It's been a great run. We had some good times. We went to the top of the mountain. And we sold millions of records and made millions of dollars, but it's time for me to stop.' That's what he said. It is what it is… He goes, 'I'm just burned out, man. I'm just toast. I'm tired of being on the plane.' He said the plane kicked his ass sometimes worse than playing."

Asked if Zampa is DOKKEN's permanent new drummer or just a temporary replacement, Don said: "For now, he's in the band. I don't know what his future holds for him. He's played with HOUSE OF LORDS for, like, eight, nine years. So you've got Chris [McCarvill, DOKKEN bassist] and BJ, our rhythm section, and they know each other's feel, they know each other's time. And I will be honest, it was a little shaky the first couple of shows he did, but to his defense, I just called him up and said, 'Hey, I have a show next week. Do you remember the songs?' We didn't rehearse with him; he just showed up and played and did the best he could. And he was kind of being the opposite of Mick, I will say. He plays really good, he's really solid, he knows all the parts, he never makes a mistake, he's super on time, he has great meter, but I thought he's a little too chill for DOKKEN. And I said, 'BJ, I can't tell you to be something you're not, but I need a Mick Brown,' is what I told him. 'I need a Mick Brown. I need somebody that's behind me, and they'd better be bashing the shit out of those drums, because you're the engine. And if that's what you can do, show me.'"

In addition to Dokken, Brown and McCarvill, DOKKEN's most recent lineup included guitarist Jon Levin.

DOKKEN is currently working on material on a new studio album, tentatively due in 2020 via Silver Lining Music, the label owned by Thomas Jensen, one of the founders of Germany's Wacken Open Air festival. It will mark the group's first disc since 2012's "Broken Bones".

The end of this month, July 26th, will see atmospheric post-rock unit Oh Hiroshima release their hotly anticipated, third studio album titled "Oscillation" with Napalm Records. After four long years since the band's critically acclaimed "In Silence We Earn," Oh Hiroshima return with their most epic record to date: Abstract guitar licks, dreamlike vocals as well as the hint of Electronica; this is a mesmerizing trip through diverse and dynamic soundscapes, like a beautiful fever dream that will hold you enthralled for a very long time.

Today the Swedish trio has released a third and final single to the haunting song "In Solar," before the album will be coming out by the end of this month on powerhouse label Napalm Records.

Listen below, and pre-order the new album here.

Tracklsiting:

"Neu"
"A Handful Of Dust"
"Simulacra"
"Moderate Spectre"
"Darkroom Aesthetics"
"In Solar"
"Molnet"

"In Solar":

"Darkroom Aesthetics" video:

Lineup:

Jakob Hemström - guitar & vocals
Oskar Nilsson - drums
Simon Axelsson - bass




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Alice Cooper will release a six-song EP, "Breadcrumbs", on September 13 via earMUSIC.

Described as a "tribute to the garage rock heroes from his hometown Detroit city," the EP includes covers of MC5's "Sister Anne", Suzi Quatro's "Your Mamma Won't Like Me" and MITCH RYDER AND THE DETROIT WHEELS' "Devil With A Blue Dress".

Joining Cooper on the recordings are MC5's Wayne Kramer, jazz singer Paul Randolph, former GRAND FUNK RAILROAD member Mark Farner, ex-DETROIT WHEELS drummer Johnny "Bee" Badanjek and Mick Collins.

"Breadcrumbs" will be made available digitally as well as on 20,000 numbered 10-inch vinyl copies.

Cooper spoke about the release earlier in the year, telling The Oakland Press: "There's a certain Detroit sound we're looking for. It's indefinable. There's a certain amount of R&B in it. There's a certain amount of Motown in it. But then you add the guitars and you add the attitude and it turns into Detroit rock. I feel like if we mine around with all Detroit players, we're gonna find that sound."

Cooper's next full-length album is due in 2020.

Earlier this week, the legendary rocker kicked off a North American tour with HALESTORM. The trek, which ends on August 16, will be followed by a run of Alice dates in November.

"Breadcrumbs" track listing:

01. Detroit City 2020

02. Go Man Go

03. East Side Story

04. Your Mama Won't Like Me

05. Devil With A Blue Dress / Chains Of Love

06. Sister Anne

"Betrayal", the new video from German thrash metal veterans DESTRUCTION, can be viewed below. The song is taken from the band's 17th studio album, "Born To Perish", which will be released on August 9 via Nuclear Blast. The disc was recorded in January and February 2019 with V.O. Pulver (PRO-PAIN, BURNING WITCHES, NERVOSA) at Little Creek Studios in Switzerland and is the first DESTRUCTION album to feature Randy Black on drums and second guitarist Damir Eskic.

Director Achilleas Gatsopoulos comments on the "Betrayal" clip: "It was my honor to be entrusted by such a historic band to create a fresh visual aesthetic for their new album.

"It was important for me to strip things down and start with the basic raw and powerful visual elements that derive from their trademark logo: sharp angular shapes, high contrast and a monochromatic color palette of red, black and white.

"Inspired by Dario Argento's horror masterpiece 'Suspiria' as well as by the existential portraits of Francis Bacon and mythology, we create a dark tableaus of archetypal forms of betrayal: two-faced/deceit, back-stabbing, infidelity, garden of eden, wartime snitch and we close with none other than the iconic kiss of Judas.

"It was an immense pleasure to work with the guys and I am really looking forward to next time. 'Til then, enjoy the audiovisual onslaught that is 'Betrayal'."

Says Schmier: "This is maybe my fave song from the new album 'cause of its classic thrash feel and the very catchy chorus. Randy is all guns blazing here and Mike and Damir have an awesome solo battle!

"We all have our experience with 'Betrayal' and wanted an emotional, atmospheric and different video!"

Damir is a Swiss guitar player of Bosnian decent who works as a guitar teacher, himself being a former pupil of Tommy Vetterli (CORONER). He also plays in a heavy metal band called GOMORRA and previously contributed three solos to DESTRUCTION's 2016 album "Under Attack".

DESTRUCTION previously played with two guitarists in the late 1980s (with the addition of Harry Wilkens) and then again throughout much of the 1990s (Michael "Ano" Piranio).

The cover artwork for "Born To Perish" was created by acclaimed artist Gyula from Hungary, who has also worked with ANNIHLATOR, GRAVE DIGGER, STRATOVARIUS, TANKARD and many more.

Frontman Schmier recently told France's Duke TV about the making of "Born To Perish": "It's a process that took us three months — writing, recording and mixing. The new influence of the guys is there, because there's more shredding leads. Randy is a very solid, very tight player — very groovy also. You can hear that. We tried to make songs this time that are hitting on the target faster — the songs hit you right away. It's brutal, but it's very catchy. So you hear the songs the first time, right away you will remember [them]. You don't write an album like this every time. Sometimes you write songs, and after a while, you're, like, 'It's maybe too complicated,' because you wanna be an artist, you wanna express yourself. I think this time we managed to write an album that's very punchy."

On September 6, Finnish melodic metal titans Sonata Arctica will release their tenth studio album, Talviyö (translated: Winter Night), including eleven new tracks. Today, the band kick off the pre-order for the record, and also reveal the tracklisting and formats in which the album will be available.

Formats:

- CD/CD-Digipack
- 2LP (black, blue, clear) Vinyl
- Box set: CD-Digipack, 2LP Marbled Vinyl, puzzle, poster + photo card

You can pre-order Talviyö here.

Tracklisting:

"Message From The Sun"
"Whirlwind"
"Cold"
"Storm The Armada"
"The Last Of The Lambs"
"Who Failed The Most"
"Ismo’s Got Good Reactors"
"Demon’s Cage"
"A Little Less Understanding"
"The Raven Still Flies"
"The Garden"

"A Little Less Understanding" lyric video:

The Raven Still Flies Over Europe tour will kick off on November 11th in Stockholm. On the tour, Sonata Arctica will be accompanied by Edge Of Paradise and Temple Balls.

Tour dates are as follows:

November
11 - Stockholm, Sweden - Kraken
12 - Oslo, Norway - Parkteatret
13 - Trondheim, Norway - Byscenen
15 - Trollhättan, Norway - Folkets Park
16 - Aarhus, Denmark - Train
17 - Berlin, Germany - Bi Nuu
18 - Mannheim, Germany - MS Connexion Complex
19 - Leipzig, Germany - Hellraiser
21 - Zvolen, Slovakia - Rates Arena
22 - Cluj Napoca, Romania - Form Space
23 - Sofia, Bulgaria - Music Jam Club
25 - Budapest, Hugary - Barba Negra
26 - Vienna, Austria - Szene
27 - Pratteln, Switzerland - Z7
29 - Padova, Italy - Hall
30 - Milan, Italy - Live Club

December
1 - Lyon, France - Le Ninkasi Kao
2 - Paris, France - La machine du Moulin Rouge
4 - Madrid, Spain - La Riviera
5 - Barcelona, Spain - Salamandra
6 - Limoge, France - Cc John Lennon
7 - Izegem, Belgium -Cultuurhuis De Leest
8 - Pagney, France - Chez Paulette
11 - London, UK - The Electric Ballroom
12 - Tilburg, Netherlands - 013
13 - Hamburg, Germany - Markthalle
14 - Bochum, Germany - Matrix




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New Jersey six-piece band FIT FOR AN AUTOPSY will release its fifth studio album, "The Sea Of Tragic Beasts", on October 25 via Nuclear Blast Records (Human Warfare in Australia).

The official music video for the disc's first single, "Mirrors", directed by Max Moore, can be seen below.


Producer, guitarist, principal songwriter and cofounder Will Putney comments: "You carry things with you, for better or worse. 'Mirrors' illustrates the darker side of this idea. It's also a testament to how the decisions you make can have a resonating effect on the ones around you. Clearly this song was born out of a personal struggle, but in end it's a reflection on the greater human condition of love and dependency; not being able to release yourself from the darkness around you. Our new record dives head-on into some difficult topics, 'Mirrors' is the the tip of the iceberg."

"The Sea Of Tragic Beasts" was once again produced, engineered, mixed, and mastered by Putney at Graphic Nature Audio in Belleville, New Jersey. The artwork was created by Adam Burke.

"The Sea Of Tragic Beasts" will be available in the following formats:

* CD Jewel

* Vinyl

* Clear with white splatter vinyl (limited to 1000 copies)

* Light blue/black swirl vinyl (limited to 750 copies)

* Blue merge splatter vinyl (limited to 500 copies)

"The Sea Of Tragic Beasts" track listing:

01. The Sea Of Tragic Beasts

02. No Man Is Without Fear

03. Shepherd

04. Your Pain Is Mine

05. Mirrors

06. Unloved

07. Mourn

08. Warfare

09. Birds Of Prey

10. Napalm Dreams

The band will hit the road this fall to support "The Sea Of Tragic Beasts". The 26-date U.S. tour will kick off on October 24 in Brooklyn and make stops in Atlanta, Austin and Los Angeles before concluding in Rochester on November 23.

FIT FOR AN AUTOPSY is:

Joseph Badolato - Vocals

Patrick Sheridan - Guitar

Timothy Howley - Guitar

Will Putney - Guitar

Peter Blue Spinazola - Bass

Josean Orta Martinez - Drums

GODSMACK has released a music video for its song "Under Your Scars". The clip, which was directed by Paris Visone, can be seen below.

"Under Your Scars" is taken from GODSMACK's latest album, "When Legends Rise", which came out last year. The disc was recorded at GODSMACK's headquarters (GSHQ) in Derry, New Hampshire and produced by Erik Ron and frontman Sully Erna.

Erna stated about the track: "'Under Your Scars' has become such an important song to me for so many reasons. It's the first time GODSMACK has decided to put this kind of a ballad on an album, which was pretty ballsy for us. I'm so happy that the fans have embraced it in the way they have, because the meaning behind it is so much bigger than any of us. It reminds me that taking all the credit without acknowledging the people or events that have touched our lives deeply enough to inspire songs like these, and so many others would just be wrong."

He continued: "So humbly I will say, this song came to me shortly after I had spent some quality time with someone who I consider a dear friend, and have grown to admire and respect as one of the smartest and most talented artists today, Stephanie Germanotta, who most of you may know as Lady Gaga. In the short amount of time we hung out, she made me realize that we all have these imperfections, these wounds that we carry (whether they’re physical or emotional) that cut so deep they can cripple us. These feelings leave us vulnerable, or embarrassed, or even unworthy at times. And our human nature — when they’re exposed — is to shut down, rather than embrace them and realize that not only can we overcome them, but we can also become an inspiration to inspire others to have a voice and find their inner strength to show their scars off loudly and proudly to the world. Our 'Scars' are nothing more than our battle wounds from life and they helped mold you into who you are today."

Erna added: "All of this is what drove us to create The Scars Foundation, our new non-profit organization battling everything from severe depression to addiction, bullying, suicide prevention and so on. Finding acceptance, that's what 'Under Your Scars' and what The Scars Foundation are about. We’re all imperfect — that's what makes us perfect!"

Just prior to the release of "When Legends Rise", Erna told Classic Rock that "Under Your Scars" was "probably the most important song on this record where comes to expanding, because it's the first time we've really put a legitimate ballad on a GODSMACK record. It was the first time we introduced piano to the brand," he explained. "It was taking a little bit of what I've done over the years with my solo stuff, and hybriding it to come up with a more classic ballad, like the 'Dream On's and the 'Stairway To Heaven's and the 'November Rain's. I can't say it competes with those songs — obviously it's too new, and those songs are legendary — but I feel like it kind of has those elements of an epic ballad. It starts off very slow and keeps on growing and growing and growing into this big epic finale, and it has some of the deepest lyrics on the record."

He continued: "I think the biggest craving a human being needs to satisfy is the need to be loved, and as corny as that sounds we all carry these scars. What's important is that the connection is strong, and as long as you understand that you're willing to live with these scars, then you don't have to run away when something scares you."

The cover artwork for LACUNA COIL upcoming album, "Black Anima", can be seen below. The disc will be released on October 11 through Century Media Records.

Comments singer Cristina Scabbia: "Black Anima is all of us. It's you and it's me, it's everything we hide and fiercely expose to a world that's halfway asleep. It is the fogged mirror we are peering into searching for the truth. It's sacrifice and pain, it's justice and fear, it's fury and revenge, it's past and future… Human beings in the magnificence of a disturbing ambiguity. The black core that balances it all… as without darkness light would never exist. We proudly present to you our new work and can't wait to welcome you in our embrace. We are the Anima."

This past March, Scabbia said that LACUNA COIL's next album would be "heavy and dark." Her comments echoed those she made two years earlier when she said that LACUNA COIL's next disc could see the band pursuing a more aggressive musical direction, just as was the case with 2016's "Delirium". "I believe that it could definitely be even way heavier, because that's what we like to perform on stage," she told Metal Wani. "Of course, we like the ballads and the mellow songs, but we like better to perform songs that are heavier. And we love that music."

2018 marked the 20th anniversary of LACUNA COIL's debut. To celebrate the occasion, they played an exceptional show in January 2018 in London at the O2 Forum Kentish Town. The unique, one-time event was filmed and recorded for "The 119 Show - Live In London", which was released last November.

LACUNA COIL will make a number of festival appearances in summer and will embark on an extended European tour in the fall with ELUVEITIE and INFECTED RAIN.

More rare Pink Floyd live footage has surfaced. This is a performance of "Cymbaline" from the special An Hour With Pink Floyd, which was broadcast live on KQED in San Francisco on April 30, 1970.

Watch "Atom Heart Mother" from the same broadcast, below:




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Nuclear Blast will release Dawn Of The Dragonstar, the new album from Swedish adventure metallers, Twilight Force, on August 16. You can pre-order the album here. Digital pre-orders get the track "Night Of Winterlight" instantly. A video for the title track can be found below.

After solving the mystical riddle leading us to its release date, a few days ago, the group has now unveiled the first musical glimpse of their third creation, "Night Of Winterlight". The glorious lyrical portrayal for the song can be witnessed below.

Keyboard summoner Blackwald states, "Mighty wizards and warriors of the human realms! We proudly present to you the first song from our third creation: 'Night Of Winterlight'. This is an ancient tale of a primordial and endlessly mighty mage with the power to control life and light itself. The unmaker of darkness and the healer of stars. He returns on the Night of Winterlight to bring order and a new dawn to the world of the living. The third album Dawn Of The Dragonstar, consists of 10 musical journeys throughout the Twilight Kingdoms, traversing both time and space, bringing you all closer to the stories, legends, and prophecies permeating the mythical world of the TTwilight Force. We tell tales of heroes, queens and kings, magical artifacts, legendary places, and ancient beasts; all engulfed by a fast paced and sparkling soundscape teeming with vivid content for the keen eared adventurer. So join us, partake in the adventure once again, and may the Power of the Dragon guide you!"

The record will be released as jewelcase CD, digibook, on vinyl and last but not least digitally. The vinyl as well as the limited digibook editions will include several bonus tracks. One is an exquisite cover version of the fellowship's 2014 song "The Power Of The Ancient Force", performed by skilled singer-songwriter Hanna Turi. Secondly, you'll be taken on an instrumental voyage through the western-most Kingdom Of Vhardas, with an orchestral version of "With The Light Of A Thousand Suns". Last but not least, the Knights Of Twilight's Might will for the first time be able to experience never before heard ancient rudimentary demo versions of two of the first ever recorded Twilight Force songs, namely "Forest Of Destiny" and "Enchanted Dragon Of Wisdom". Both of these were conjured as early as 2007, Human Era, long before Twilight Force was even an official entity or ever mentioned in the Book of Time.

Tracklisting:

"Dawn Of The Dragonstar"
"Thundersword"
"Long Live The King"
"With The Light Of A Thousand Suns"
"Winds Of Wisdom"
"Queen Of Eternity"
"Valley Of The Vale"
"Hydra"
"Night Of Winterlight"
"Blade Of Immortal Steel"

Bonus Tracks (Digibook & 2LP only):

"The Power Of The Ancient Force" (Hanna Turi Version)
"With The Light Of A Thousand Suns" (Orchestral Version)
"Enchanted Dragon Of Wisdom" (2007 Demo Version)
"Forest of Destiny" (2007 Demo Version)

"Dawn Of The Dragonstar" video:

"Night Of Winterlight" lyric video:

Once again recorded in the group's own Twilight Forge, the album will not only present ten new stories to their loyal Knights Of Twilight's Might, but also introduce the companions' new minnesinger, Allyon, who was called upon by the prophecies to join the fellowship in 2018.

The band let be known about the new record, "Lo and behold! We are beyond elated to finally unveil the third opus of Twilight Force: Dawn Of The Dragonstar. The absolutely magnificent artwork by the mighty Kerem Beyit once again brilliantly captures the adventurous and magical world of the Twilight Kingdoms; and a sparkling adventure it shall be indeed. Dawn Of The Dragonstar will be unleashed upon the realm of the living on August 16th, so we humbly ask for your patience for just a little while longer. In the meantime, practice your battle cries, sharpen your swords, and dust off your spell tomes. Make sure you are prepared to join and experience our triptych adventure."

Twilight Force lineup:

Allyon - vocals
Lynd - electric & acoustic guitars, lute
Born - bass
Blackwald - keyboards, piano, violin, cembalo
De'Azsh - drums
Aerendir - guitars

(Photo - Fotograf Heléne)




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Guitarist Thomas Zwijsen has released this new video, in which he performs the Scorpions classic, "Wind Of Change", on classical solo guitar. The track is featured on the new Nylon Metal II CD, available here.

Zwijsen previously released the video below, performing an acoustic version of Van Halen's "Jump" with Wiki Krawczyk.




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The Defiants are back with their sophomore album, Zokusho. Comprised of Paul Laine, Bruno Ravel, and Rob Marcello, The Defiants are three fabulous musicians who, as fans in the know will immediately recognize, all have ties to popular hard rockers, Danger Danger.

Pre-order Zokusho here, and listen to the song "Hollywood In Headlights" below.

On how the new album compares to their debut, bassist Bruno Ravel says, "I think the “sound” of the album, while very similar to the debut, is a bit more focused. I also think that the songs, as a collection, are stronger than the debut."

Vocalist/guitarist Paul Laine says, "I think the sound of the record is a natural progression from the first record. I think both Bruno and I felt pressure to deliver a record that we could feel as proud of as the first one. On a personal note, I feel the Bruno really outdid himself on the mix of the album. To me, it is sonically beautiful."

Guitarist Rob Marcello adds, "It’s basically more of the same. Why mess with a winning concept! Haha I’m very proud of the last one, but I feel the songs are stronger on the new album."

The songwriting process for Zokusho was, "the same as the debut. Paul and I sift through ideas, refine them and what you hear is the end result," tells Ravel. "Bruno and I tossed the idea ball back and forth until the album was completed. Discipline and hard work, with a focus on the same passion that we had making the first album," adds Laine. Marcello chimes in that, "Bruno and Paul have such a great formula for writing songs, so when I get to them they’re pretty much complete. Then I get to decorate them with some Scandinavian flavor!"

The Defiants debut album was greeted with a great acclaim as a glorious return to the “in your face” melodic hard rock that enraptured millions of fans back in the '80s and '90s and is currently enjoying a renaissance here in the 21st century, so a follow-up album was a no-brainer. The brand new album, Zokusho, a Japanese word meaning "sequel” or "the next chapter”, is now set for release on September 13. This album also features Steve West of D2 on drums. Needless to say, this album has all the ingredients to thrill D2 and The Defiants fans. A BIG melodic rock album with big choruses, hooks and soaring guitars and vocals.

Best known for being the D2 vocalist on four studio albums over the course of 12 years, Paul Laine came back to work with his former bandmates Bruno Ravel and Rob Marcello, who are the other two pillars of The Defiants, for the band’s self-titled debut album in 2015. The guys reunited at the suggestion of Frontiers' President Serafino Perugino, who really wanted these current and former Danger Danger members to offer fans of that band some new music. The resulting album was pleasing not only to the D2 fans, but also to ALL the fans out there who are into the classic sound of the era from which D2 emerged.

Tracklisting:

"Love Is The Killer"
"Standing On The Edge"
"Hollywood In Headlights"
"Fallin' For You"
"Hold On Tonite"
"Allnighter"
"U X'd My Heart"
"It Goes Fast"
"Stay"
"Alive"
"Drink Up!"

"Hollywood In Headlights":

"Fallin' For You" video:

Lineup:

Bruno Ravel: Bass
Paul Laine: Vocals, Guitar
Rob Marcello: Guitar
Steve West: Drums




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Riot V will release the new CD/DVD, Live In Japan 2018, on August 2 via AFM Records. Watch "Thundersteel" from the upcoming release below, and pre-order your copy here.

On March 11, 2018, Riot played Thundersteel in its entirety at Club Citta in the country with which they had been having a strong connection with - Japan. AFM Records is happy to bring this live concert to the screen (and stereo) of heavy metal fans around the world.

Riot (now named Riot V) have been a household name in the scene for over four decades and without a doubt left their mark, inspired countless emerging bands and artists worldwide and are still hungry for more. Don't miss the infectious live atmosphere and relive some of the bands most iconic songs throughout their career.

DVD tracklisting:

"Armor Of Light"
"Ride Hard Live Free"
"On Your Knees"
"Metal Soldiers"
"Fall From The Sky"
"Wings Are For Angels"
"Land Of The Rising Sun"
"Take Me Back"
"Messiah"
"Angel Eyes"
"Metal Warrior"
"Thundersteel"
"Fight Or Fall"
"Sign Of The Crimson Storm"
"Flight Of The Warrior"
"On Wings Of Eagles"
"Johnny’s Back"
"Bloodstreets"
"Run For Your Life"
"Buried Alive"
"Road Racin’"
"Swords And Tequila"
"Warrior"
 
CD tracklisting:

CD1
"Armor Of Light"
"Ride Hard Live Free"
"On Your Knees"
"Metal Soldiers"
"Fall From The Sky"
"Wings Are For Angels"
"Land Of The Rising Sun"
"Take Me Back"
"Messiah"
"Angel Eyes"
"Metal Warrior"
 
CD2
"Thundersteel"
"Fight Or Fall"
"Sign Of The Crimson Storm"
"Flight Of The Warrior"
"On Wings Of Eagles"
"Johnny’s Back"
"Bloodstreets"
"Run For Your Life"
"Buried Alive"
"Road Racin’"
"Swords And Tequila"
"Warrior"

"Thundersteel" video:

"Warrior" video:




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Bob Daisley has thanked fans for their support after Sharon Osbourne slammed him as a "sad old fuck" who "can't get over the fact" that he was fired from Ozzy Osbourne's solo band.

Daisley, who played bass on Ozzy's early solo albums, sued the Osbournes several times over unpaid performance royalties. Daisley continues to get paid his songwriting royalties for the songs he wrote on Ozzy's "Blizzard Of Ozz" album and the follow-up, "Diary Of A Madman".

Last week, Sharon denied that Ozzy's first post-BLACK SABBATH album was initially intended as a band project, telling Celebrity Access Encore: "Never, never, never. The bass player, Bob Daisley, has said that over the years. He's a sad old fuck that played on two of the greatest albums in the [rock] genre, and he can't get over the fact that we didn't use him further. Like it was, 'Goodbye. See ya.' And he's never gotten over it. And several lawsuits later — he tried to sue us three times — each time thrown out of court. Thrown out of court three times. He's tried to change history, and it just won't fit. It was never a band. There's no way. It was Ozzy Osbourne."

Sharon also talked about her decision to remove the playing of Daisley and drummer Lee Kerslake from the 2002 reissues of "Blizzard Of Ozz" and "Diary Of A Madman", replacing the original recordings with tracks from Ozzy's then-current bassist and drummer, Robert Trujillo and Mike Bordin, respectively. Admitting that she is a "mean bitch," Sharon said the tracks were re-recorded with new players "just to teach [Bob] a lesson."

Last night, Daisley took to his Facebook page to address Sharon's comments while offering his gratitude to supporters. He wrote: "I have to say, I'm truly moved and impressed by the fans who have left messages and supportive words. It's good to know that so many of you valuable people know so much about my history and are aware of the actual truth. I'd simply like to say a heartfelt ‘thank you' to each and every one of you; I've read every single message that was posted. Love to you all, Bob Daisley."

Nine months ago, Sharon and Ozzy announced that Daisley had re-signed his U.S. publishing to their Blizzard Music Limited company after the 35-year reversion period. This new agreement encompasses songs co-written by Daisley from the first two Ozzy solo albums, which remain under the full control of Blizzard Music Limited worldwide.

Daisley has repeatedly said in interviews and in his memoir, "For Facts Sake", that he, Kerslake and guitarist Randy Rhoads were initially led to believe they would be part of a band called BLIZZARD OF OZZ, with Ozzy as the group's lead singer.

More recently, Daisley said that he harbored no ill feelings towards Ozzy.

"I don't burn bridges — I don't hate people," he told The Metal Voice in early 2018, when asked if he would work with Ozzy again. "If there was a way to do it where we could work something out in a sort of nice way, I wouldn't say it's completely out of the question. It's a possibility, I suppose, depending on the circumstances on how they sell and offer it."

Daisley's most recent lawsuit against Ozzy over unpaid royalties was dismissed in May 2017. U.S. District Judge Christina Snyder concluded at the time that Daisley's claims that Osbourne used a sham company, Blizzard Music Limited, to withhold royalty income from him were matters that should be settled through arbitration.

Daisley told journalist Joel Gausten in a 2016 interview that while he had received performance and publishing royalties for the songs, he had not received his share of what are known as synchronization fees, or "sync fees," which writers earn from the use of a song in an ad, TV show, movie, video game or other such media.

Daisley's lawsuit stated that the firm that conducted an audit at his request in 2014 estimated that at least $2 million in royalty income had been withheld, although it could not determine a precise amount.

He also explained in 2016 that Ozzy's publishing company had "been taking a higher percentage off the top" than his contract states, claiming, "The Osbournes have been taking 25 percent rather than the 10 percent I agreed to."

Ozzy issued a statement on the lawsuit at the time it was filed, saying that Daisley had routinely been royalties totaling in the "millions of dollars" over the past 36 years, adding that "Mr. Daisley has audited Blizzard Music accounts over the years using several different auditing firms who found no discrepancies. He has previously filed lawsuits in the U.K. and the U.S. and has lost on each occasion.

"We understand that Mr. Daisley is now in retirement and that these funds are his main source of income, so it is his right to be diligent with his money, but after 36 years, this is tantamount to harassment," the Osbournes said. "We would have hoped that after 36 years that Mr. Daisley would have lost his unhealthy personal obsession and resentment towards Mr. Osbourne's success."

This was not the first time that Daisley took legal action against the singer. Daisley and Kerslake, who also played on both records, filed suit against Ozzy in the early 2000s for unpaid performance royalties. Their suit was dismissed in 2002.


I have to say, I’m truly moved and impressed by the fans who have left messages and supportive words. It’s good to know...Posted by Bob Daisley on Monday, July 15, 2019

Promising to be one of the most ambitious projects in metal history, Blind Guardian’s upcoming release will be well worth the wait. The idea of recording an orchestral album originally formed in the minds of the two leading lights of the Blind Guardian universe - guitarist André Olbrich and singer Hansi Kürsch - during the 1990s when Blind Guardian started to use orchestral elements to enhance their opulent sound.

In recent years the giant project started to take shape, and parallel to its epic sound cascades, the lyrical concept was developed. For this, Blind Guardian was able to find support in German bestselling author Markus Heitz, whose latest novel Die Dunklen Lande was released on March 1 2019. The book is set in 1629 and contains the prequel to Blind Guardian’s opus Legacy Of The Dark Lands, which will be released November 8.

Watch the brand new trailer below to get a deeper insight.

Today, the pre-order for the upcoming album The Legacy Of The Dark Lands starts. The monumental album will be available in the below formats:

- 2CD Digipak
- 2LP Gatefold (different colours)
- 3CD Comic book (album, instrumental, no interludes version)
- 4CD Comic book (album, instrumental, no interludes version, audiobook)
- 5LP BOX (Album 2LP, Instrumental 2LP, Audiobook LP)

Pre-order the album here.

Tracklisting:

"1618 Ouverture"
"The Gathering"
"War Feeds War"
"Comets And Prophecies"
"Dark Cloud’s Rising"
"The Ritual"
"In The Underworld"
"A Secret Society"
"The Great Ordeal"
"Bez"
"In The Red Dwarf’s Tower"
"Into The Battle"
"Treason"
"Between The Realms"
"Point Of No Return"
"The White Horseman"
"Nephilim"
"Trial And Coronation"
"Harvester Of Souls"
"Conquest Is Over"
"This Storm"
"The Great Assault"
"Beyond The Wall"
"A New Beginning"

“It's incredible, that after 20 years we can actually finish this really exciting project. I am so happy and more than satisfied with it. Every single track unveils spectacular worlds and tells its very own story. With this album our biggest creative dream finally becomes reality,” says frontman/singer Hansi Kürsch, whose favourite author was equally excited about the collaboration: "It's really crazy: As Pen&Paper role players we used to listen to Blind Guardian whilst playing. And years later I get to work together with the band, which was incredible. It's amazing, the things that can happen sometimes“, Markus remembers. "Of course I immediately agreed to join! This creative collaboration is very special for me."

The two protagonists have actively cultivated their creative exchange over the last five years. “Markus is a great story teller; with "Die Dunklen Lande" he created the perfect setting and with the mysterious Nicolas the perfect character for our complex works. His inventiveness seems to be almost infinite. Absolutely impressive and very inspiring” praises Hansi Kürsch regarding the fruitful cooperation with the highly renowned fantasy author. Both sides tell in their own way the story of the mercenary Nicolas and his involvement in the Thirty Years’ War. Author Markus Heitz starts the story off in his book and Blind Guardian follow suit with Legacy Of The Dark Lands.

What is the secret surrounding Nicolas? Will he be able to cast off the chains of war and how will his loved ones fare? On Legacy Of The Dark Lands via Blind Guardian's Twilight Orchestra, André Olbrich and Hansi Kürsch fulfil their long-time wish of emphasising imposing choral singing and classical orchestral arrangements. It promises to be an opus unlike any other that the German quartet has ever released, or rather: an opus, as has never been heard ever before.

The novel, Die Dunklen Lande is available here.

(Photo - Dirk Behlau)




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LAMB OF GOD has officially parted ways with drummer Chris Adler. His replacement is Art Cruz, who has previously played with PRONG and WINDS OF PLAGUE, and filled in for Adler in LAMB OF GOD on tour for the past year.

LAMB OF GOD announced Adler's exit from the band in a statement earlier today. The band wrote: "Dear LAMB OF GOD fans, we returned last week from a great European festival run and our final tour with SLAYER in North America. We are excited to keep the momentum going and dive into the next record.

"We'd like to officially welcome Art Cruz, who has been playing drums with us on tour for the last year, as the new drummer of LAMB OF GOD. Art will be joining us in the studio as we begin pre-production and recording of a new album.

"We're very proud of everything this band has accomplished over the last two decades. We would like to thank Chris Adler for his contributions over the years and wish him the best in his future endeavors."

When Adler's absence from LAMB OF GOD summer 2018 tour was first announced, he put out a statement saying that he had been undergoing physical and occupational therapy for injuries he sustained in a motorcycle accident in late 2017.

This past January, Art was asked by American Musical Supply what it has been like making a transition between playing his own drum parts to reproducing somebody else's material. He responded: "Chris is my buddy, so to be sitting in his place while he situates his stuff, it's been tough, because it's my favorite band ever — that was my dream to even be up next to them. But it's been a little bit of challenge, because it's big shoes to fill. But I'm having fun with it, the band is having fun with it, and it's been great — it's been phenomenal."

Art went on to say that he didn't have to alter his playing style in order to accommodate LAMB OF GOD's music. "I've been looking up to the band, like I said, since day one, so they inspired me from the get-go," he said. "So I didn't have to change too much. I think I had to focus a little bit more. 'Cause I'm usually just kind of whaling. But I would say it's a little bit more focused and intense. Especially when there's, like, fifty thousand people staring at you, in relation to two thousand or five hundred."

Cruz made his live debut with LAMB OF GOD in July 2018 in Gilford, New Hampshire.

Earlier this month, it was revealed that Adler will join forces with EXODUS vocalist Steve "Zetro" Souza, VIO-LENCE/ex-MACHINE HEAD guitarist Phil Demmel and former MEGADETH/BLACK LABEL SOCIETY bassist James LoMenzo for a run of shows in October under the HAIL! banner.

LAMB OF GOD is scheduled to play at the Aftershock festival in Sacramento, California and Exit 111 festival in Manchester, Tennessee in October.

In addition to LAMB OF GOD, Adler has played drums with a number of metal artists, including MEGADETH, NITRO, BLOTTED SCIENCE and PROTEST THE HERO. He has also launched an artist management agency, Kintsugi Management.


Dear Lamb of God fans,

We returned last week from a great European festival run and our final tour with Slayer in North...Posted by Lamb of God on Friday, July 19, 2019

Neonfly recently returned to the fray in serious style with the release of their incendiary new single “This World Is Burning” which droped May 24th via Absolute Label Services. A taster from their forthcoming third album, The Future, Tonight, the song and album will be produced by Romesh Dodangoda, whose work with Motörhead, Bullet For My Valentine, Funeral For A Friend and most recently Bring Me The Horizon's #1 album Amo speaks for itself and have made him one of the most exciting & in-demand producers in the world of heavy rock/metal. On "This World Is Burning", Romesh has brilliantly crafted the first steps of Neonfly's journey into the new sonic territory that will characterise The Future, Tonight.

Watch the official video for "This World Is Burning" below.

In the four years since their last release, Neonfly have consolidated their live reputation storming festival main stages, and touring as openers for some of rock’s biggest names: Alice Cooper, Dragonforce, Anvil, Gamma Ray and Magnum, to name but a few.

Eagle-eyed fans will have noticed Neonfly have been performing live with the stunning new drumming talent of Dec Brown. The band have been working with Dec since 2016 and are now pleased to officially announce him as Neonfly's new drummer. The band have also taken the decision to move forward as a 4-piece, with an extra touring guitarist, following the amicable departure of Andy Midgley in 2018.

With their new material, Neonfly have taken a more modern and contemporary approach, reflecting the band’s musical maturity and evolution. Neonfly guitarist & songwriter Frederick Thunder says, “I wanted this album to be an artistic statement that would define what Neonfly represents today. It was my intention to write something modern and contemporary that would present a definitive departure from our classic/traditional metal roots, creating a new sound that’s both musically exciting and artistically engaging. We want to release an album that stands out today, reflecting the times that we are living in, both musically and lyrically, with the aim to create and innovate.”

"This World Is Burning" marks a welcome return to the recording world from a band that never really went away. The songs blistering lyrics, co-written by Frederick and singer Willy Norton deal with the tumultuous current political and social climate. This new material marks a true development in sound and attitude and serves as a bridge between the first two albums, and what’s coming up on The Future, Tonight.

(Photo by: Paul Harries)




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Long Island metal / hardcore band, Sanction, has premiered their new single and video, "Paralysis". The song comes off of the group's sophomore full-length album, Broken In Refraction, due out July 26th via Pure Noise Records.

"This is one of the most important songs on the record, standing in the third track spot. The song takes on the physical form of sleep paralysis," the band shares.

Regarding Sanction's upcoming record, members of Knocked Loose, Stick To Your Guns, and Stray From The Path shared their thoughts: 

"I love this band," says Bryan Garris of Knocked Loose, "Their last record was one of my favorites of that year, I can't wait for this one. After touring with them and now being able to call them friends, I'm even more excited for their future."

Jesse Barnett of Stick To Your Guns continues, "Sanction is one of those bands that have let me see into their world not just through their sound, but through the overall aesthetic of their band. The whole thing reeks of anxiety and depression and I don't think I know of a band who better drives home the point of how fucked it can be to navigate a world so hell-bent on destruction."

Tom Williams of Stray From The Path finishes with, "Being from Long Island, the word spread quick about Sanction, and they made an instant impression on me. Their EP, Infringement Of God's Plan, was exactly what I needed to hear from metal core and after hearing the new singles, it sounds like this band has already elevated their game on Broken In Refraction."

Sanction will be joining Stick To Your Guns, Counterparts, Terror, and Year Of The Knife on the Pure Noise Tour, kicking off today, July 18th in Los Angeles; it will make its way through numerous cities including Denver, Chicago, Toronto, Philadelphia, New York City, Austin and more, before wrapping up on August 24th in Santa Ana. For a full list of dates, click here. 

Broken In Refraction cover art and tracklisting:

"...An Empty Thought"
"The Final Fraction"
"Paralysis"
"Answers From A Syringe"
"Radial Lacerations"
"Mirror Syndrome"
"Conscious In A Coma"
"Infants In Plastic"
"Cordia"
"Shattering Man"
"Creation..."

Pre-order your copy of Broken In Refraction now at this location.




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ARTE Concert has posted footage of hardcore/thrash guitarist/vocalist Billy Graziadei (Biohazard, Powerflo), aka BillyBio, performing at Full Force Festival 2019. Watch below:

BillyBio is now on tour in the US. Find the tour itinerary here.




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Blackened death juggernaut, Blood Of The Wolf, have released a video for "The Sword Is My Light And My Salvation", a track from the album, II: Campaign Of Extermination.

Film and Cinematography recording by Frank G. and Christopher G. Video editing and production by Christopher G.

II: Campaign of Extermination was mixed and mastered by Joe Tiberi, February through August of 2017. All songs written and arranged by Blood of the Wolf. Cover art created by Agus Wibowo.

Tracklisting:

"Thunder The Drums of War"
"Campaign Of Extermination"
"Beneditio Ultionis: Their Blood For My Glory"
"Erupting Volcanic Wrath"
"The Sword Is My Light And My Salvation"
"Scorched Earth Ceremony"
"With Fire And A Thousand Flashing Blades"
"A Sermon Of Slaughtered Foes"

"Scorched Earth Ceremony":

"Campaign Of Extermination":

Campaign of Extermination by Blood of the Wolf




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KORN's Andzej Gavriss-directed music video for the song "You'll Never Find Me" can be seen below. The track is taken from the band's upcoming album, "The Nothing", which will be released on September 13 via Roadrunner/Elektra. The follow-up to 2016's "The Serenity Of Suffering" was once again produced by Nick Raskulinecz.

KORN guitarist Brian "Head" Welch told The Pulse Of Radio about the band's 13th studio LP: "I would say that it's like a continuation of our last record. It's really guitar-heavy and energetic — there's a lot of energy. We came back to the root of what KORN is, in our sound, in the lyrics and in the feel of the songs. And so what KORN started out to be, I feel like we're doing that right now."

KORN frontman Jonathan Davis told Kerrang! magazine that he is "really, really, really proud" of "The Nothing". "I worked really hard on it," he said. "The rest of the members worked hard and really did a great job. It's a very dark record."

Davis, whose estranged wife Deven died last August, said that the album reflected events in his life, explaining: "It's basically me dealing with all the stuff that happened to me last year. Very emotional for me, but it is what it is. I can't wait for people to hear it. I really spent a long time on doing what I wanted to do this time."

While he shied away from calling "The Nothing" a concept album, Davis did say making the album was both difficult and therapeutic. He remarked: "It sucked. I'm not gonna say it didn't. It was just really hard. But that's how I've always dealt with all my problems — just throwing my heart and soul into my art."

KORN will embark on a co-headlining amphitheater tour across North America this summer, starting on July 18 in Del Valle, Texas and hitting nearly 30 cities before wrapping on September 4 in Mountain View, California.

A two-minute video in which OPETH vocalist/guitarist/songwriter Mikael Åkerfeldt discusses the band's recently released single "Heart In Hand", can be seen below. The track is taken from the band's 13th album, "In Cauda Venenum", which will be released on September 27 via Moderbolaget / Nuclear Blast Entertainment.


Recorded last year at Stockholm's Park Studios, "In Cauda Venenum" will be released in two versions, in both Swedish and English languages. Various physical and digital formats will be available.

Commenting on the new song, Åkerfeldt says: "'Hjärtat Vet Vad Handen Gör' or 'Heart In Hand' as it's called in English is one of the first couple of songs I wrote for 'In Cauda Venenum'. I immediately knew that it would probably be favoured by 'the powers that be' when talks of future singles for the record would commence. And I was right. I generally leave it up to the labels or managements to pick the so-called singles. I'm indifferent as I put an equal amount of dedication into all songs, so it doesn't matter all that much to me. I guess it's one of the more straightforward songs on the album. A rather rocking little thing. It's got one of the 'happy mistakes' in it too. Mendez's bass broke down in the middle of recording. At the time he played an old Hofner BEATLES-esque bass guitar that started humming real bad, but it sounded so good we immediately decided to keep it in there. I'd be putting myself down if I said that noise is the best part of the song, but it's up there. I like when stuff happens out of your control, and it actually adds to the piece. This is the first full taster of the new OPETH album, and of course I hope you like it. All the songs on the new album are different from each other and therefore equally representable in my view. Enjoy!"


Regarding the sonic direction of the new record, Åkerfeldt adds: "For us, at this stage with 'In Cauda Venenum', heaviness isn't guitars tuned down with screaming vocals over the top. That's not necessarily what I call ‘heavy' music these days. I can listen to KORN and say, 'Okay, that's heavy.' But it doesn't really mean anything to me. I mean, I catch up on things in magazines or online. I read about bands that have the 'heaviest record ever,' and I'm not too impressed by that. Okay, it's cool but what does it say? What does it mean? It's an impossible mission, to be the heaviest. That's been done before. Over time, I got tired of that tag. Of course, when I was younger, it meant everything to me. I was always on the pursuit for heaviness in my youth, trying to find the next level of heaviness. First it was death metal, then it was bands like MESHUGGAH, but heaviness is now more about emotions, heavy chord progressions, music that has feelings. Heaviness doesn't mean MESHUGGAH anymore, although indeed they're a fucking heavy band. I'm not trying to tap into that anymore."


"In Cauda Venenum" track listing:

01. Livet's Trädgård / Garden Of Earthly Delights (Intro)

02. Svekets Prins / Dignity

03. Hjärtat Vet Vad Handen Gör / Heart In Hand

04. De Närmast Sörjande / Next Of Kin

05. Minnets Yta / Lovelorn Crime

06. Charlatan

07. Ingen Sanning Är Allas / Universal Truth

08. Banemannen / The Garroter

09. Kontinuerlig Drift / Continuum

10. Allting Tar Slut / All Things Will Pass

In anticipation for the impending release, OPETH will perform shows around the world through the end of the year.

OPETH's last album, "Sorceress", was released in September 2016. For the band's first effort for Nuclear Blast via OPETH's imprint label Moderbolaget Records, the group returned to Rockfield Studios in Wales, also home to pivotal releases from QUEEN, RUSH and JUDAS PRIEST, where the Swedes had tracked "Pale Communion" in 2014 with Tom Dalgety.

Last November, OPETH released a live album, "Garden Of The Titans: Live At Red Rocks Amphitheatre".

German melodic metal band, Freedom Call, have released an official video for the title track from their forthcoming studio album, M.E.T.A.L.. Check it out below.

The new album, M.E.T.A.L. will be released August 23 via SPV/Steamhammer as a CD, digipak version, 2LP gatefold version, download and stream. Pre-order here.

Tracklisting:

"111"
"Spirit Of Daedalus"
"M.E.T.A.L."
"Ace Of The Unicorn"
"Sail Away"
"Fly With Us"
"One Step Into Wonderland"
"Days Of Glory"
"Wheel Of Time"
"Ronin"
"Sole Survivor"
"Emerald Skies" (acoustic) (digipak bonus track)
"Warriors" (acoustic) (digipak and LP bonus track)

20th Anniversary Festivals:

August
2 - Rudno, Slovakia - Rockfest Nitrianske
3 - Ostrava, Czech Republic - Ostrava V Plamenech
17 - Hünfeld, Germany - Rhön Rock Open Air

20th Anniversary - M.E.T.A.L. European Tour:

September
27 - Nürnberg, Germany - Hirsch
28 - Landgraaf, Netherlands - De Oefenbunker

October
4 - Kosice, Slovakia - Kulturpark
8 - Hamburg, Germany - Knust
9 - Berlin, Germany - Musik & Frieden
10 - Aschaffenburg, Germany - Colos-Saal
11 - Prague, Czech Republic - MeetFactory
12 - Zlin, Czech Republic - Masters Of Rock Cafe
13 - Budapest, Hungary - Dürer Kert
15 - Munich, Germany - Backstage
16 - Cologne, Germany - Club Volta
17 - Stuttgart, Germany - Club Cann
18 - Erfurt, Germany - HsD
19 - Pratteln, Switzerland - Z7
20 - Bochum, Germany - Matrix
25 - Colmar, France - Le Grillen
26 - Vouziers, France - Festival de Vouziers

November
1 - Finspang, Sweden - Hugo
2 - Lulea, Sweden - Kuturens Hus
3 - Stockholm, Sweden - Nalen Klubb




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URIAH HEEP keyboardist Phil Lanzon will release his brand new solo album, "48 Seconds", on August 2 via Phil Lanzon Ditties/Cargo Records UK.

As with his first album, Phil has teamed up with producer Simon Hanhart and arranger Richard Cottle. With his love of film score, he has created a sometimes-cinematic backdrop to his songs enabling drama and emotion to fly hand in hand. With a journey from orchestral instrumental to hard rock, from ballad to the epic title track 48 seconds which commemorates the 1906 earthquake of San Francisco, the listener is in for a treat.

Track listing:

01. Azura's Theme (Instrumental)

02. In The Rain

03. Forty Line

04. Rock N Roll Children

05. Blue Mountain

06. Look At The Time

07. Road To London

08. You Can Make A Living

09. Face To Face

10. 48 Seconds

The cover painting and all artwork was created by Michael Cheval.

Recording lineup:

* Phil Lanzon - Keys and lead vocals

* John Mitchell - Lead vocals

* Andy Makin - Lead vocals

* Richard Cottle - Additional keys, Saxes

* Neal Wilkinson - Drums

* Adam Goldsmith - Guitar

* Mick O'Donohue - Giutar

* Miriam Grey - Lead vocals, background vocals

* Phoebe Street, Andy Caine, Andy Playfoot - Background vocals

* Tom Walsh - Trumpets

* Clare Mcinerney - Saxes

* Neil Sidwell - Trombones

* Chris Haigh - Violin solo

* Richard Harwood - Cello solo

* Levine Andrade - Viola solo

* London Telefilmonic Orchestra - Violin 1, Violin 2, Viola, Cello, Double Bass

Lanzon joined URIAH HEEP in 1986 by replacing John Sinclair.

"Nebula", the new video from CYNIC frontman Paul Masvidal, can be seen below.

A prominent player in the prog metal scene since he was a teenager, Masvidal reveals his songwriter roots with a solo acoustic album. Now available is the first of a trilogy of EPs, "Mythical Human Vessel", featuring a new direction that may earn the attention of a brand new audience in tune with his ethereal aesthetic and progressive point of view.

After an acclaimed career as the songwriter and guitar player for CYNIC and DEATH (whose album "Human" earned a spot among Rolling Stone's "The 100 Greatest Metal Albums of All Time"), Masvidal delivers his first solo effort under the moniker MASVIDAL.

Produced by three-time Grammy winner Warren Riker (LAURYN HILL, FUGEES, SANTANA), the album is a departure from what his legions of fans have heard from Masvidal before. Ben Ratliff of The New York Times described Masvidal as one who "can expand his own sense of calm into an aggressive, extravagant art." In this offering, Masvidal channels music that is quietly powerful. Drawing on influences from musicians John Lennon, Brian Eno, Chet Baker, Russill Paul and Elliott Smith to visual artists Mark Rothko, Ai Weiwei, Hilma af Klimt and Cai Guo-Qiang, the songs are concise and starkly arranged with Masvidal's acoustic guitar playing and vocals front and center. In spite of the songs often painful subject matters of loss, depression, and heartache, the melodies are memorable.

"These are songs of healing and transformation, and I hope they will have a similar effect on who hears them." says Masvidal.

Each song on "Mythical Human Vessel" uses "Isochronic Tones" designed by Dr. Stephane Pigeon, creator of the Brian Eno-celebrated web site MyNoise. The tones are a groundbreaking type of sound therapy for increasing serotonin, alleviating depression and stress, improving focus, and aiding in restful sleep. "Mythical Human Vessel" is intended as "an inherently relaxing listening experience, and adding the tones multiplied the benefits," Masvidal says. "More serotonin for all!"

"My wish is that these songs will bring more ease to people, and if anything, remind us to slow down and embrace life's circumstances, as courageously as possible."

Among the video offerings with the album release is "Parasite" created by experimental artists Greymar; Apocalyptic landscapes are the backdrop to Masvidal's haunting vocals and the otherworldly pedal steel of Joshua Grange (SHERYL CROW, K.D. LANG).

Guesting on Hatebreed frontman Jamey Jasta’s The Jasta Show podcast, Trivium frontman Matt Heafy revealed he is continuing to work on his black metal project, Mrityu, and it will feature production and co-writing from Emperor legend Ihsahn. 

Heafy said, “Ihsahn is producing my black metal project. He’s co-written several songs; we’re finally kind of piecing that together, we’ve got eight or nine songs written on it. He’s producing the whole thing, co-writing some of it. I’m going to try to get a hero of mine in black metal on every single song. Ihsahn’s going to do some vocals, Nergal’s (Behemoth) going to do a song. Gaahl (Gaah’s Wyrd, Gorogoroth), I think, is about to do a song, hit up some other people."

Florida-based metallers, Trivium, performed at Germany's Vainstream Rockfest 2019 on June 29th. You can watch video of the band's full set below.

Setlist:

"The Sin And The Sentence"
"Beyond Oblivion"
"Until The World Goes Cold"
"The Heart From Your Hate"
"Strife"
"In Waves"




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Atlanta, Georgia's NORMA JEAN will release its eighth studio album, "All Hail", on October 25 via Solid State Records. The disc was recorded earlier this year with producer Will Putney (EVERY TIME I DIE, BODY COUNT) at his Graphic Nature Audio studio in Belleville, New Jersey.

A teaser for "All Hail" is available below.

The follow-up to 2016's "Polar Similar" marks the final NORMA JEAN album to feature guitarist Jeff Hickey, who exited the band in May. At the time, NORMA JEAN said the decision to part ways with Hickey was due to his struggles with "alcohol addiction." The other members of the group added that they "need to be his brothers before his bandmates" and they "continue to support Jeff in every effort toward sobriety and his personal health."

Recorded at Pachyderm Studios in Cannon Falls, Minnesota, "Polar Similar" was released in September 2016 — just three days shy of the 10th anniversary of NORMA JEAN's 2006 epic "Redeemer".

ALICE IN CHAINS has released the tenth and final episode of "Black Antenna", a dark sci-fi thriller set against the backdrop of the band's Grammy-nominated album "Rainier Fog" (BMG).


"Black Antenna" tells the story of Alpha (played by "Green Book" actor Paul Sloan) and his 21-year-old daughter, Beta (Viktoriya Dov), who drive their beat-up truck across California in silence, speaking only telepathically. Together they rob and steal from the men the girl seduces, taking phones, laptops and whatever they can find.


Alpha is trying to build something — an antenna — desperately trying to find a way to get a message to their people back home. Meanwhile there are unspeakably dark forces who have discovered their existence and are now hell-bent on tracking them down and eradicating them before more of their kind can come and join them.


"Black Antenna" was directed by Adam Mason, written by Paul Sloan and Adam Mason and produced by Elizabeth Mason and Nick Vallelonga, who recently won two Oscars ("Best Original Screenplay" and "Best Picture") for "Green Book".


"This movie came out of nowhere for me," says Mason. "As soon as I heard the album, the music and lyrics spoke to me on a profoundly personal level and the film and subject matter was born directly out of that. I've always been a huge fan of ALICE IN CHAINS, and this has been a dream come true for me. 'Black Antenna' is a perfect synergy of the band's lyrics, and 'Black Antenna' paints a dark and beautiful canvas of the deeply conflicted world we live in today."


ALICE IN CHAINS is continuing to tour in support of its latest album, "Rainier Fog", which became the group's first Top 10 U.K. album, hit No.1 across Billboard's Rock, Alternative and Hard Music charts and the iTunes Rock Album chart, and earned the band a ninth Grammy nod for "Best Rock Album."

ALICE IN CHAINS' co-headlining tour with KORN will kick off on July 18 in Del Valle, Texas, wrapping up on September 4 in Mountain View, California.


Photo credit: Pamela Littky

"Manifest Reality", the new video from Arizona thrash metal veterans SACRED REICH, can be seen below. The song is taken from the band's upcoming album, "Awakening", which will be released on August 23 via Metal Blade Records. SACRED REICH's first LP in 23 years was produced by Arthur Rizk, who has previously worked with CAVALERA CONSPIRACY, POWER TRIP and CODE ORANGE, among others. The album marks SACRED REICH's first release since the return of drummer Dave McClain.

The "Manifest Reality"video was directed by shot by Mark Pellington, who has previously worked with U2, FOO FIGHTERS, PEARL JAM and PUBLIC ENEMY. Frontman Phil Rind stated about the clip: "'Manifest Reality' is about overcoming mental obstacles and becoming the change we want to see in the world. No one is coming to save us. It's up to us. The song is very positive and encouraging.

"The video directed by the supremely talented Mark Pellington, shot by the incredible Ann Evelyn Lawford and talented corps of dancers choreographed by Nina McNeely presents a dichotomy. It shows the struggle we face day to day, moment to moment in overcoming the habits we have created that hold us back. The conflict between our best and worst instincts. Releasing grief and overcoming isolation. The yearning for something better."

"Awakening" is described in a press release as "a timeless collection comprised of blistering thrash, crushing grooves, killer solos and socially conscious lyrics that demonstrate a true understanding of everything that matters most in the world today."

SACRED REICH guitarist and founding member Jason Rainey recently exited the band for "health reasons" and was replaced by Joey Radziwill.

Speaking about SACRED REICH's current lineup, Rind said: "Dave is such a killer drummer and person. He works every day to become a better drummer, and I mean every day. His work ethic is inspiring. As much as he has accomplished, he is still open to what comes. Joey brings a higher level of musicianship and tightness to our band, and he brings a freshness to us. He gives us an opportunity for us to see things from a different perspective, and all of us were blown away by what he can do with a guitar and how effortlessly he does it."

"Awakening" was engineered by John Aquilino and was mastered by Maor Appelbaum.

Regarding the new LP's musical direction, Rind said: "Going into it, we had a loose idea as far as knowing that we wanted some fast, heavy songs to honor the old school fans that have supported us and gotten us to this point. We wanted everything to happen naturally. We didn't want to force anything and we are super stoked with every song. It is easily the best thing we have ever done. Regardless of what happens with the record, the experience of making it was enough to satisfy us. Obviously, we hope people like it, but even if it tanked, it could not change the way we feel about it. We know what we did."


"Awakening" track listing:

01. Awakening

02. Divide & Conquer

03. Salvation

04. Manifest Reality

05. Killing Machine

06. Death Valley

07. Revolution

08. Something To Believe

SACRED REICH will tour Europe this summer and again in November with special guest NIGHT DEMON.