Californian rockers BUCKCHERRY have released a brand new video for previously released single "Bent".

The clip, which was shot behind the scenes and on the road during the first five days of the band's recent U.K. headline tour, can be seen below.

The video was directed by Phil Wallis and produced by Alexander Milas/Twin V Ltd.

"Bent" is taken from BUCKCHERRY's upcoming album, "Warpaint", which will be released on March 8 via Century Media/RED Music. The 12-song disc, featuring 11 new BUCKCHERRY songs along with a cover of the NINE INCH NAILS classic "Head Like A Hole", was produced by Mike Plotnikoff, whose last collaboration with the band was the platinum-certified album "15". The album art was created by Aaron Marsh and can be seen below.

Singer Josh Todd comments: "Good things come to those who wait and we have been very patient and thorough with the songwriting for 'Warpaint'. We took into consideration all the factors and what this record means to, not only us, but the great BUCKCHERRY fans around the world. This record takes the listener on an unforgettable journey and I'm very proud of it."


"Warpaint" track listing:

01. Warpaint

02. The Alarm

03. Bent

04. Radio Song

05. Closer

06. Back Down

07. The Vacuum

08. No Regrets

09. The Hunger

10. The Devil's In The Details

11. Right Now

12. Head Like A Hole

BUCKCHERRY recently recruited Francis Ruiz as its new drummer. He joins the band as the replacement for Sean Winchester, who left BUCKCHERRY after laying down the drum tracks on "Warpaint".

Ruiz previously worked as a drum tech for such acclaimed drummers as Paul Bostaph (SLAYER), Charlie Benante (ANTHRAX), Mikkey Dee (MOTÖRHEAD), Tommy Aldridge (THIN LIZZY), James Kottak (SCORPIONS), Jeff Fabb (BLACK LABEL SOCIETY) and "Wild" Mick Brown (TED NUGENT). He also filled in for Dee in 2009 during a MOTÖRHEAD tour in Canada.

Winchester hooked up with BUCKCHERRY in 2017 following the departure of the band's longtime drummer Xavier Muriel. Sean was previously the drummer of JOSH TODD & THE CONFLICT, the group featuring BUCKCHERRY singer Josh Todd and guitarist Stevie Dacanay (a.k.a. Stevie D.).

Relocated New Zealand punk band Blue Ruin, now based in Europe, have announced a string of headline tour dates for March 2019 in support of their official debut album, Green River Thriller. Dates are as follows:

March 
13 - Strasbourg, France - Le Local
14 - Berlin, Germany - Blackland
16 - Diest, Belgium - Moonlight Music Hall
17 - Groningen, Netherlands - Lola
18 - Stelle, Germany - Klimperkasten
19 - Bonn, Deutschland - Kult 41
20 - Hamburg, Germany - Hard Rock Cafe
21 - Charleroi, Belgium - MCP Apache
22 - Lübbenau, Germany - Kulturhof
24 - Hanover, Germany - Kulturpalast

The band has previously supported artists including Steel Panther, Cherie Currie, Misfits, Buckcherry and Alien Weaponry.

Green River Thriller features a cover of the KISS hit "Turn On The Night" with former KISS guitarist Bruce Kulick performing a solo. Check it out below along with a message from Kulick himself.

For information on the band go to their official Facebook page here.




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Gene Simmons has responded to Ace Frehley's recent social media outburst in which the ex-KISS guitarist called his former bandmate an "asshole and a sex addict."

Before KISS's "End Of The Road" tour launched last month, Frehley addressed some comments Simmons made about about a possible reunion of the band's original lineup, dismissing Gene's claim that Ace had been fired from KISS three times (he says he quit), alleging that Simmons groped Ace's wife during one of the bassist's "Vault Experience" events in Los Angeles and accusing Simmons and KISS frontman Paul Stanley of trying "to derail my solo career multiple times over the years." After the allegations, he included a threat: "Without a complete and heartfelt apology, an offer to give me my old job back and removing Tommy [Thayer] from the throne I created, the shit will hit the fan and they'll [sic] be no stopping it. It's on!!!" He concluded the post with an image of him pointing at a camera emblazoned with the words, "The gloves are off!!"

In a new interview with the Los Angeles Times, Simmons refused to go into detail about Ace's explosive remarks. "I'm not gonna say anything in print other than I love Ace and Peter [Criss, original KISS drummer] and I thank them forever — they're every bit as important as Paul and myself for launching the band," he said. "I'm not going to make any guesses of why the emotions are so volatile, but it's happened before."

Stanley — who guested on Frehley's 2016 album "Origins, Vol. 1" — previously told Billboard he was aware of Frehley's comments but was "not sidetracked by anything. I have no comment about that." Paul added that there was no desire, or need, for KISS to make any changes to its current lineup, which includes Tommy Thayer on guitar and Eric Singer on drums.

"This is in no way or should be a reunion tour — that would negate everything that came since," Stanley explained. "The band is in the best shape it's ever been, and built on a foundation of everything that came before it and built that much higher by us. This is a celebration of KISS and of all eras and everything that's happened. It doesn't even make any sense to me to talk of a reunion." Nevertheless, he added: "We're happy to invite people who have been involved in the band to come join us at some point for a song or whatever. If it doesn't happen, it wouldn't be by my choosing."

In the months after KISS announced the trek, fans wondered openly if Frehley and Criss would be involved in the tour, especially considering the apparent recent goodwill between Paul and Gene and Ace. Frehley's new album "Spaceman" — a title suggested by Simmons himself — features two songs the pair wrote together, and the duo completed a joint summer tour of Australia, after which Frehley fired his solo backing band and hired Simmons's.

Frehley's post was an apparent response to an interview Simmons gave Guitar World, in which Gene said he wasn't sure if he would invite Frehley and Criss on the "End Of The Road" tour. "Ace and Peter have gotten three chances," Simmons said,. "They were in and out of the band — fired — three times. For drugs, alcohol, bad behavior, being unprofessional … they weren't carrying their load. … So the short answer to your question is we'd love to have Ace and Peter join us here and there. And if they don't, it's not going to be because of us. But they're never going to be in KISS again."

Regarding his last statement, that Frehley and Criss will never be full members of KISS again, Simmons added: "Three times is the charm; 'I promise I'll pull out' doesn't work. It's the boy who cried wolf: 'Oh, I've been straight for a million years.' Terrific! Have a good life! … Would we welcome Ace or Peter to jump up onstage for a song or two? Of course. Could we depend on either Ace or Peter to do a full set night after night? Not on your fucking life."

The first North American leg of "End Of The Road" launched January 31 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada at Rogers Arena and is hitting an additional 43 cities.

NICKELBACK bassist Mike Kroeger says that his band's detractors can be "outright nasty" while vocalizing their distate for the Canadian rock act.

Arguably the most disliked band in America, NICKELBACK has earned a type of hatred so potent it's hard to fathom what they did that was so terrible to the public consciousness. It's gotten to the point that people who enjoy NICKELBACK are denying their fandom and hiding their CDs like criminal contraband.

Asked how he feels about the attention NICKELBACK has gotten because of this, Mike told Singapore's Bandwagon: "Initially, it kind of hurt our feelings. I think it's safe to say anyone in the world would feel that way if people were saying negative things about you. I think as time has gone on, it sort of became humorous sometimes. Sometimes people try so hard to be mean, that it falls flat and I think that's the case most of the time.

"It doesn't matter if it's my band or not, if someone says something that is legitimately funny, I'll laugh at it, especially if it's me," he continued. "Sometimes people can just be outright nasty and take things too far, and start verbally attacking our families and sending us death threats and all that kind of stuff, and that's where you have to step back and think, 'We're obviously doing something right if someone hates us that much,' and you let it go because you have better things to do. I don't really see a benefit to reacting to these people and being nasty back at them. When it's funny, it's funny."

Three years ago, a student named Salli Anttonen at the University of Eastern Finland conducted a study to find out why there is so much hate directed towards NICKELBACK. Anttonen analyzed Finnish reviews of the band from 2000 through 2014 for her paper, which was titled "Hypocritical Bullshit Performed Through Gritted Teeth: Authenticity Discourses In Nickelback's Album Reviews In Finnish Media".

Anttonen found that critiques of the band became harsher as they became more popular, noting: "It became a phenomenon where the journalists were using the same (reasons) to bash them, and almost making an art out of ridiculing them."

Even though the study was based solely upon Finnish reviews of the band, the critics' animosity toward the group has been a global phenomenon.

NICKELBACK frontman Chad Kroeger admitted a while back that the group has never been a critical favorite. "I think we actually used to pay a little bit of attention to that, and we just kind of accepted it's, like, nope, we are never going to be one of those bands, we are never going to be the critic's darlings, and we're okay with that," he said. "Even a lot of critics are kind of, like, 'We've done our best to try and get the word out there that as many people as possible should hate this band because we hate this band.' And they've just sort of gone, 'You know what? We can't do it. We cannot convince anybody else to hate this band as much as we do.'"

Anttonen concluded: "NICKELBACK is too much of everything to be enough of something. They follow genre expectations too well, which is seen as empty imitation, but also not well enough, which is read as commercial tactics and as a lack of a stable and sincere identity."

NICKELBACK is continuing to tour in support of its ninth album, "Feed The Machine", which was released in June 2017 via BMG.

Veteran British metallers TANK will release their new album, "Re-Ignition", on April 26 via Cleopatra Records (Rubicon Music in Japan). The LP is a tribute to the early days of TANK and features 11 classic TANK songs chosen from the first four albums which were originally released in the early '80s: "Filth Hounds Of Hades", "Power Of The Hunter", "This Means War" and "Honour And Blood". "Re-Ignition" also features two very special guest appearances. CRADLE OF FILTH frontman Dani Filth and thrash legend Tom Angelripper of SODOM both add their own unique style and energy to this already formidable album.

"Re-Ignition" track listing

01. Walking Barefoot Over Glass

02. Power Of The Hunter (feat. Tom Angelripper)

03. Just Like Something From Hell

04. (He Fell in Love With A) Stormtrooper

05. This Means War

06. Shellshock (feat. Dani Filth)

07. W.M.L.A.

08. Honour And Blood

09. Blood, Guts And Beer

10. Echoes Of A Distant Battle

11. The War Drags Ever On


Says TANK guitarist Mick Tucker: "Many of the songs from those classic albums are still present in our live set and we are constantly being asked by our fans if we would ever consider re-recording any of them. Those original recordings are timeless and will always be there but we thought what harm can it do to give them a full metal makeover and inject new life into them. They deserve it!"


Adds TANK guitarist Cliff Evans: "We approached U.S. label Cleopatra Records to see if they would be interested in releasing the album. They jumped on it straight away and suggested the possibility of adding some special guests on the album. Maybe some artists who were influenced by TANK back in the '80s. Great idea! We recruited CRADLE OF FILTH frontman Dani Filth to record a version of 'Shellshock' in his own unique style and also German thrash legend Tom Angelripper from SODOM who has taken 'Power Of The Hunter' to another insane level."


Tucker and Evans are joined on the album are recent recruits David Readman (PINK CREAM 69) on vocals and Randy Van Der Elsen on bass. Longtime TANK member and former SODOM drummer Bobby Schottkowski occupies the drum throne.


Readman replaced former TANK vocalist and one time DRAGONFORCE frontman ZP Theart after he was approached by SKID ROW to join them on a permanent basis. ZP recorded one album during his time with TANK ("Valley Of Tears") which became the band's best-selling album since 1984's "Honour And Blood". Prior to ZP, the vocalist position was taken by former RAINBOW frontman Doogie White who is a member of MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP. His contribution to TANK includes the albums "War Machine" and "War Nation" plus the band's first-ever live DVD ("War Machine Live!").

Says Evans: "We've always aimed high when it comes to recruiting new vocalists and musicians and it's always paid off. We're very proud of the albums we've made with Doogie and ZP and now this new album showcases the amazing vocal talent of David Readman."

TANK will embark on a run of shows in April 2019 when they'll be visiting Holland, Belgium, Finland, Sweden and also making an appearance in the Ukraine for the first time at the Volume Club in Kiev. A full European tour is scheduled for September/October 2019 along with shows in Japan and South America.

Rotting Christ released their new album, The Heretics, on February 15th via Season Of Mist. The Heretics was recorded by Rotting Christ guitarist George Emmanuel at his studio Pentagram and mixed by Jens Borgen (Amon Amarth, At The Gates, Arch Enemy).

The band has just uploaded the lyric video for "The Sons Of Hell", which is the bonus track from The Heretics:

The tracklisting and artwork for The Heretics, illustrated by Greek artist Maximos Manolis, can be seen below.

Tracklisting:

"In The Name Of God"
"Vetry Zlye"
"Heaven And Hell And Fire"
"Hallowed Be Thy Name"
"Dies Irae"
"I Believe"
"Fire, God And Fear"
"The Voice Of The Universe"
"The New Messiah"
"The Raven"
"The Sons Of Hell" (bonus track)

"Heaven And Hell And Fire" lyric video:

"Fire, God And Fear" lyric video:

Deluxe CD box unboxing:

Rotting Christ 2019 tour dates:

March
1 - House Of Metal Festival - Umea, Sweden
9 - Bandabar - Chishinau, Moldova
10 - Underground - Iasi, Romania
15 - Stage - Patra, Greece
16 - Stage - Ioannena, Greece
29 - Bornova Sahne - Izmir, Turkey
31 - Nicosia - Diahroniki, Cyprus

April
6 - Lord Of The Land Festival - Glasgow, Scotland
13 - Stage - Larissa, Greece
27 - Stockholm Slaughter - Stockholm, Sweden

May
11 - Vienna Metal Meeting - Vienna, Austria

June
21 - Road Patrol Bikers Festival - Timisoara, Romania
23 - Kilkim Zaibu - Varniai, Lithuania

July
6 - Chania Rock Fest - Chania, Greece
27 - Uwolnic Muzyke Festival - Sroda Slaska, Poland

August
8 - Bloodstock Open Air - Derbyshire, UK
10 - Brutal Assault Festival - Jaromer, Czech Republic
11 - Alcatraz Metal Fest - Kortrijk, Belgium

(Photo - Ester Segarra)




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MÖTLEY CRÜE bassist Nikki Sixx has called out KISS for the band's stage production on its current "End Of The Road" tour, saying it is "an exact reenactment" of the show that the CRÜE took out on its own farewell trek a few years ago.

Just hours before KISS was scheduled to take the stage Saturday night (February 16) at the Forum in Los Angeles, Sixx posted two Instagram photos of the CRÜE's "The Final Tour" stage set in which he and singer Vince Neil are carried by two gigantic cranes over the entire arena floor. Sixx wrote in a caption, "If ya wanna see an exact reenactment of this just go to the #LosAngeles Forum tonight."

Sixx also responded to a similar accusation made by CRÜE drummer Tommy Lee nine days earlier. On February 7, Lee tweeted a video of the "End Of The Road" kick-off concert in Vancouver, in which bassist Gene Simmons and guitarist Tommy Thayer are transported by two cranes. Lee wrote in a caption, "Dayum @KISSOnline this sure looks identical to @MotleyCrue's final tour." On Saturday, Nikki tweeted in apparent agreement: "Damn..."

Earlier today, Sixx posted a side-by-side photo comparison of him being carried by a crane and Simmons on strikingly similar-looking stage prop. Nikki wrote in an accompanying message: "Wow. Our body wasn't even cold before they took this exact grande finale from our tour.Might not matter to Kiss fans but it does to Crue fans.I dug their music when I was a little kid and it was cool to Co-Headline together a few years but this disappoints me.Anyway."

Earlier in the month, fans responded to Lee's tweet by taking one side or the other, with one writing, "Your entire stage show and looks were inspired by KISS in the first place. Pretty much every 80s 'hair metal' band were doing what KISS had done years before."

This was not the first time Lee had implied that another artist was borrowing from his band's stage design. Last November, he threatened legal action against Travis Scott after finding out that the rapper's stage included a roller coaster the drummer claimed was too similar to the one he used on the CRÜE's last few tours.

Following Lee's comments, a lawyer for Scott told TMZ: "Tommy didn't invent the concept of a roller coaster on stage and there's no legal basis for his accusatory outburst. The actual creator and owner of the system has granted Travis all rights to use that equipment to complement his original stage design."

Back in 2012, KISS and MÖTLEY CRÜE teamed up for "The Tour", a joint summer package that saw each play a full set, with KISS closing every night.

Three years ago, Sixx and Simmons engaged in a war of words over the KISS star's admittedly callous comments regarding Prince's death. Nikki stated at the time that Gene's "heartless and uneducated remarks" about Prince's passing show "why he's not my hero anymore or anybody's. I think that he is an overrated, lucky guy that dresses like a clown. He wrote some good songs, but hasn't in a long time, and loves to brag about himself."

Slovakian prog rock band Persona Grata have checked in with the following update:

"Finally! It's been ages since we shared new stuff with you guys, and so today with a lot of hope but mostly with major anxiety we release our new single, 'Godspeed'. 

A while ago we had this crazy thought of working on the final sound with the best of the best in the genre. We were extremely lucky that we could make it happen and leave mixing and mastering to the legendary Fascination Street Studios. These guys worked with the bands like Opeth, Devin Townsend, Sepultura and many more. We still can’t believe it! We hope you enjoy our new baby while we humbly wait for your thoughts."

The clip below is Persona Grata's first live video from Prague Sounds Good Festival 2017, where the band had the honor to share the stage with the Black Star Riders and Dream Theater.




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Canadian drummer Randy Black, who is now a member of German thrash legends Destruction, has checked in with the following update:

"Destruction drum recording is done! Definitely the most brutal drumming I've ever recorded! This new Destruction CD is going to rip your face off while simultaneously kicking your ass! Thanks to all the great support I have regarding gear; the drum tracks sound great! 

Tried some new Aquarian Reflector series heads on the toms with great results, fat and punchy. For anyone interested, I'll be posting a couple of clips from the studio soon, including a full gear list I used for the recording."

Destruction officially welcomed Randy Black (Annihilator, Primal Fear) into the fold in July 2018, after a gruelling probation that involved an extensive tour and many shows around the globe. Randy made his official debut as the band's new drummer at Wacken Open Air in August 2018.

Mastermind Schmier states: "Many years ago, when Randy was still with Primal Fear and we were looking for a drummer, it was the first time we talked about Destruction's open drummer seat. But we did not wanna approach them at that time because of his obligation with good friends. Some years later he filled in for Vaaver on the American Tour with Sepultura because Vaaver became a father again at that time. So it was obvious for me, to pass the baton to Randy first this time. And he blew us all away with his tight, groovy and over the top drumming. He's also a very cool Canadian lad that lives in Germany for many years now - so it was a perfect match right away! Hell-come on board buddy!"

Guitarist Mike adds: "It's surely not easy to replace an outstanding drummer like Vaaver! But the show must go on, and Randy kicks in like a motherfucker... solid, groovy, heavy, humble... He's on fire!! Get prepared my friends."

Randy states: "After a recent successful tour of Asia, Australia and a handful of great festival shows I'm very happy to announce my position as the new drummer for the thrash metal legends Destruction! 35 years running! Try to wrap your head around that! I'm looking forward to continuing the Destruction legacy together with Schmier and Mike including plans of recording a kick ass new CD and touring the planet. I’m chomping at the bit to get out there and thrash for all you crazy metal heads on the road soon!"




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California's Night Demon conquered Bullhead City Circus with their very fresh sounding NWOBHM tunes at Germany's Wacken Open Air festival in summer 2018. Professionally filmed footage of the band's full set can be seen below.

Setlist:

"Welcome To The Night"
"Hallowed Ground"
"Full Speed Ahead"
"The Howling Man"
"Heavy Metal Heat"
"Stranger In The Room"
"Screams In The Night"
"The Chalice"
"Darkness Remains"
"Night Demon"
"Wasted Years" (Iron Maiden cover)

Catch Night Demon live on the following stages:

March
1 - Kiff - Aarau, Switzerland
2 - Hell Over Hammaburg - Hamburg, Germany

June
15 - Headbangers Private Event - Düsseldorf, Germany
29 - Mr. Smalls Theater - Milvale, PA

August
24 - Metal Gods Festival - Berlin, Germany

 




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Night Eternal is the eighth studio album by Portuguese gothic metal pioneers Moonspell, originally released in 2008. It was pre-produced in Portugal with Waldemar Sorychta, recorded in Denmark at the Antfarm Studio. Night Eternal still belongs to Moonspell's most distinctive records to date, and a must have in every well-sorted Moonspell record collection.

Frontman Fernando Ribeiro: "It’s been more than ten years since its original release but this one it’s still very deeply representative of what Moonspell is. Besides, it does sounds actual and it’s a hard find in the market. Owning the rights to the album, we decide to use them to improve the edition and to bring you almost like a Night Eternal’s director cut, which we hope that can bring great memories or great findings your way.

Properly remastered and with the full tracklist of all songs we wrote and recorded for this album (including 'Age Of Mothers', 'Earth Of Mine' and 'Unhearted'), Alma Mater records is proud to bring yet another Moonspell title home, and of course wishes to thank you for keep on collecting our releases. Regardless of the time that keeps running from us so fast and so slippery, music keeps us in timeless company, as eternal as the night, as if in a spring of rage, first light of our day."

Night Eternal will be reissued on April 13th in the following album formats:

- CD
- 2LP Gatefold with 6-pages-booklet
- 2LP Galaxy Splatter Blue Black

The album pre-order is currently up and running here.

Night Eternal' tracklisting:

Side A
"At Tragic Heights"
"Night Eternal"
"Shadow Sun"
"Scorpion Flower"

Side B
"Moon In Mercury"
"Hers Is The Twilight"
"Dreamless (Lucifer And Lilith)"

Side C
"Spring Of Rage"
"First Light"

Side D
"Age Of Mothers" (bonus track)
"Earth Of Mine" (bonus track)
"Unhearted" (bonus track)




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Ozzy Osbourne has canceled his shows in Australia, New Zealand and Japan as part of his "No More Tours 2".


"Ozzy recently developed pneumonia and has spent some time in hospital. Thankfully he is now through the worst part," says Ozzy's wife and manager Sharon Osbourne. "His doctors have advised that he stay at home to recuperate for a full six weeks with no travel."

The latest concert cancelations come two weeks after Ozzy was admitted to the Keck Hospital of University of Southern California amid fears he could develop pneumonia, which is potentially fatal for someone his age.

This was Ozzy's second stay in the hospital. Last October, the metal legend contracted a staph infection that required him to have surgery on his hand and resulted in him canceling several shows.

In January, Ozzy was forced to postpone the entire European leg of his "No More Tours 2" run on doctors' orders, just one day after postponing the first four dates on the U.K. stretch of the trek. The trek was called off after Ozzy was diagnosed with a severe upper respiratory infection.

"No More Tours 2" is a reference to Ozzy's 1992 "No More Tours" trek, which marked the first time the singer announced the end of his days as a touring artist. The tour name was a pun based on the title of his then-most recent solo album, "No More Tears". Ozzy returned to action three years later and has been on the road ever since.

In 2017, Ozzy reunited with guitarist Zakk Wylde, who played on studio albums such as "No Rest For The Wicked", "No More Tears" and "Ozzmosis" and who has toured on and off with Ozzy for more than 30 years.

Fresh off their split with Finland's Coronary, Canada's Traveler will release their self-titled first full-length on February 22 via Gates Of Hell Records. Recorded at three different studios throughout 2018, Traveler will feature eight songs of up-tempo, classic metal, right up the alley for fans of vintage Judas Priest, Manilla Road and Riot. Listen to new single "Speed Queen":

Traveler by Traveler

According to guitarist and founding member Matt Ries, Traveler will certainly appeal to fans of their debut demo and split with Coronary. The three songs from their demo have been re-recorded and given new life thanks to Traveler's now-complete lineup, a first for the band. "To have this become a reality is amazing," he says. "I've learned a lot about who you jam with and not settling for anything less than the best. I've also learned how much work comes behind taking the reins on everything, but it's all worth it." 

Traveler, who are now rounded out by vocalist Jean-Pierre Abboud (also of Gatekeeper), second guitarist Toryin "Junior" Schadlich, bassist Dave Arnold and drummer Chad Vallier, tracked drums at AB Records, guitars at Ries's home studio and vocals at Richhobo Studios. In all, their self-titled album shows just how far Traveler has come in the span of a year, with the re-recorded songs from the demo blending seamlessly with the band's new compositions.

"The newest songs all vary differently from each other," says Ries. "We feel this will make for a really interesting album. But, of course, the album has no shortage of dueling guitars and powerful vocals. And, after hearing the vocals laid out for the first time over these songs, I can safely say they all pound just as hard! The lyrical themes are mixed with real life experiences and total exaggerated scenarios. Ripping leads and harmonized guitars. Driving bass lines. Everything I love to hear when I throw on a record. So, if we share the same taste, you'll be raising your fist."

Traveler, who originally started as an outlet for ideas that weren't suitable for Ries's other bands Gatekrashör and Hrom, has enjoyed a year that has gone far beyond the guitarist's expectations. Starting with the positive feedback from their split with Coronary to the writing and creation of their full-length debut album, Traveler has capably handled the whirlwind that was 2018 and now has their eye toward 2019. 

"This year has been a really exciting experience," says Ries. "It's also been extremely challenging getting everything together. Our love for the music has kept us on the right track. However, the feedback from everyone has lit a fire under our asses to make the best possible record. I didn't expect to be working under such a great label so soon. Again, all of this has been nothing but motivation to keep moving. Now that we are wrapping up the year, we are focused on making a great live show for everyone! We can't wait to rock the stages for all of you. We have a lot of great plans in the works for shows and future projects. So, the way I see it, we're just getting started. FEEL THE REIGN OF STARBREAKER!"

"Street Machine":

Traveler by Traveler




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Former PANTERA bassist Rex Brown has released a snippet of his cover version of the BAD COMPANY classic "Feel Like Makin' Love".

Rex tweeted out a 90-second clip of the track on Thursday (February 14) and included the following message: "Here're some pictures from DimeBash & a New Solo Cover Tune!!! #dimebash #dimebash2019 #pantera @Pantera"

Last month, Rex told Loudwire that he recorded "six or seven" covers that he has yet to release "because I feel that timing is everything in this business. I was just going to do that to hold fans over, and I did that in March last year and they're really fucking killer, but I just decided to sit on them and see if we need something down the road," he said. "I'd rather have more content than just for the sake of putting something out to put something out. I'd rather put out an album of original music than tour on a covers album."

He added: "It was definitely fun doing it, and it kept me flowing and getting the juices out. I did everything from BAD COMPANY to a more obscure Tom Petty track to Neil Young to [LYNYRD] SKYNYRD — I did 'Saturday Night Special' on there. What else? I did 'Middle Of The Road' from PRETENDERS. Yeah, it's nuts. It's all over the place. But it was fun. It was, like, 'Let's get the boys together and let's jam.'"

Rex is currently working on a "a really introspective" follow-up to his debut solo album, "Smoke On This…", which was released in July 2017 via Entertainment One (eOne). The effort marked the first time in Brown's career where he served as both lead vocalist and guitarist in a band.

"I went through a totally different songwriting process on this one and yes, it's very introspective, but at the same time it's kind of dark," he told Loudwire. "We haven't finished it yet, but I've got so much stuff in the can, it's just ridiculous. It's a darker record for me, but it's one of those things where you've just got to let it out when it comes out… I'd say it's still bluesy, but the songs are more well rounded. We just wanted to get my feet wet the first time. But this one's got its rockers on there and some doomy kind of [PINK] FLOYD stuff on it — that kind of vibe. I wanted to use the studio kind of more as a palette for what I was doing rather than the other way around… It's a trippy record, and I'm still trying to get my head around it."

Here're some pictures from DimeBash & a New Solo Cover Tune!!! #dimebash #dimebash2019 #pantera @Pantera pic.twitter.com/P0Gi2zlNRq— REX BROWN (@REJASFROMTEJAS) February 14, 2019

Canadian heavy music artist, Devin Townsend, recently announced the release of his forthcoming new album, Empath, for March 29th. Devin also revealed that in the lead up to the album’s release, he will walk fans through how Empath came together with a series of documentary episodes, recorded as phone conversations during the course of the albums recording. Watch Episodes #1 - #4 below:

Devin previously commented: “Hello everybody, this is Devin Townsend and I would like to formally announce that after almost a year and a half of working, I have finished Empath. Now this record has taken me down a lot of very interesting psychological and technical avenues and the process was documented from the very get-go by a series of documentary videos that I have done, that outline everything from the gestation of the idea to the actualisation of it, through all the existential ups and downs that went on. As such this record is different to any record that I have released thus far, and trying to get people on board for what it is versus what it isn’t, I think needs to be dealt with in a different way. Stay tuned for the making of Empath - the video series.”

Over the past few years, the success that Devin has slowly worked for has fortunately come with the power to control his own creative destiny. The recent successes with the DVD from a sold-out Royal Albert hall, or his 2012 Retinal Circus, or last year’s Ocean Machine live DVD with the Orchestra and Choir of State Opera Plovdiv has put him in a position where with the new album Empath, he will once and for all define himself as a musical force outside of any particular genre classification.

On this album Devin has decided to see what would happen if all the styles that make up his current interests were finally represented in one place. To finally shake the fear of expectation, and just do what it is he was meant to do creatively, Empath, true to the name, is about allowing the audience a feeling for a variety of musical emotions. The musical dynamics represented on this single album are broad, challenging, and immense. To approach this sort of work with a long history of what makes heavy music ‘heavy’, allows this to be done with a type of power rarely heard.

Joining Devin on this album is Frank Zappa alumni Mike Keneally as music director, as well as Morgan Ågren (Mats And Morgan, Frank Zappa, Fredrik Thordendal), Anup Sastry (Monuments, Periphery), Samus Paulicelli (Decrepit Birth, Abigail Williams), Nathan Navarro, Elliot Desagnes, Steve Vai, Chad Kroeger, Anneke Van Giersbergen, Ché Aimee Dorval, Ryan Dhale and the Elektra Women’s Choir.

A bold statement with massive production values and dynamic, uncompromised musicality. This is a statement about not only pursuing creative freedom in a conservative scene, but also trying to show that heavy music is truly a valid musical tool.

Empath will be released on Limited 2 CD Digipak (including an entire disc of bonus material), Standard CD Jewelcase, Gatefold 180G 2LP Vinyl + CD + LP-booklet & as digital album.

Tracklisting:

"Castaway"
"Genesis"
"Spirits Will Collide"
"Evermore"
"Sprite"
"Hear Me"
"Why"
"Borderlands"
"Requiem"
"Singularity Part 1 - Adrift"
"Singularity Part 2 - I Am I"
"Singularity Part 3 - There Be Monsters"
"Singularity Part 4 - Curious Gods"
"Singularity Part 5 - Silicon Scientists"
"Singularity Part 6 - Here Comes The Sun"




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FOO FIGHTERS were forced to reschedule their the two-night grand opening of The Fillmore New Orleans, the multi-million-dollar live music venue inside Harrah's New Orleans casino, later this week because Dave Grohl finally underwent a much-needed surgery on his left arm.

During a conversation with Live Nation president and CEO Michael Rapino at the Pollstar Live conference in Los Angeles, Grohl said: "This is something I've had to deal with for a long time and it's not the end of the world but I did have to have surgery on my arm because I need it to pay the rent. I knew I had to fix my arm at some point and I went ahead and did it.

"It's funny having surgery because you actually get a little bit of rest," he added. "Right before they wheeled me in [for surgery], the guys said, 'Hey, we're going to give you something that's going to make you feel really good,' and I thought I finally get to take a nap."

The February 15-16 dates have been rescheduled to May 15 and May 16.

All tickets for the original dates will be honored.

FOO FIGHTERS are continuing to tour in support of their 2017 album, "Concrete And Gold". Although the disc reached the top of the Billboard chart, it failed to earn gold certification in the sales department. But the band remains a touring behemoth, having played 71 shows between June 2017 and June 2018, with an average gross of more than $1 million per stop.

Michigan based, blue-collar rock band Wayland has issued a lyric video for their brand new single, "Indiana Jones". Enjoy this trip down memory lane:

In live news, catch Wayland on stage at the following shows:

March
1 - The Apollo Theatre - Belvidere, IL
2 - Route 20 - Sturtevant, WI
3 - The Forge - Joliet, IL
21 - Phat Headz - Green Bay, WI
23 - The Metro - Eau Claire, WI
29 - Lefty's Live Music - Des Moines, IA

For further details, visit Wayland on Facebook.

 




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Bassist Jeff Pilson (DOKKEN, FOREIGNER), vocalist Robin McAuley (MCAULEY SCHENKER GROUP, SURVIVOR), guitarist Reb Beach (WINGER, WHITESNAKE) and drummer Matt Starr (MR. BIG, ACE FREHLEY) have joined forces in a new project whose debut album is expected later this year via Frontiers Music Srl.

Pilson is currently tracking the disc at his home studio in California, where he recorded a video alongside Starr that officially confirmed the project's existence. "We are here doing a project — which we cannot tell you the name of yet, or we'd have to kill you — featuring Reb Beach on guitar, Robin McAuley on vocals, Matt Starr on drums [and] yours truly on bass," he said. "It's going to be coming out probably in late 2019. It's turning out amazing. Matt is laying his drums down right now. He's bringing it to life. It's amazing, this project — incredible music. Wait until you hear everybody's playing and singing. It's beyond — way beyond."

A subsequent post on the Frontiers Twitter account says that the demos are "incredible," and that the in-progress album "is even more awesome than it sounds."

Pilson recently told Peter Harris of the "10?" podcast that he was working with Beach and McAuley. "I just did a project with Reb Beach and Robin McAuley on vocals," he said. "There's a song on the record that I wrote right after seeing the QUEEN movie ['Bohemian Rhapsody']. I came home and I sat down at the grand piano and pretty much wrote exactly the chorus that we have, just coming straight [from] the movie. It is a bit QUEEN-like."

Pilson — one-fourth of the classic DOKKEN lineup — joined FOREIGNER in 2004. In recent years, he has also produced albums by LAST IN LINE, KILL DEVIL HILL, STARSHIP and WARRANT.

Beach — who was among the artists recently interviewed for Guitar World's February cover story on the "last days of hair metal" — is an original member of WINGER. He joined WHITESNAKE in 2002. Notably, he also performed on one DOKKEN album alongside Pilson, 1999's "Erase The Slate".

Irish vocalist McAuley is best-known for fronting MCAULEY SCHENKER GROUP from 1986 to 1993. Alongside Graham Bonnet and Gary Barden, he has toured with MICHAEL SCHENKER FEST in recent years and also appears on "Resurrection", the group's 2018 album.

Starr — who joined Ace Frehley's band in 2012 and continues to perform with him periodically — began touring with MR. BIG in 2014 and appears on the group's latest album, 2017's "Defying Gravity". He has also toured and/or recorded with HOOKERS & BLOW, BEAUTIFUL CREATURES and BURNING RAIN, among others.

. @JeffPilson @RealRebBeach @robin_mcauley & @MattStarrMusic are recording an album and YES, it is even more awesome than it sounds. The demos are INCREDIBLE. Get ready... pic.twitter.com/zqNmOe7DVr— Frontiers Music srl (@FrontiersMusic1) February 9, 2019



. @JeffPilson @RealRebBeach @robin_mcauley & @MattStarrMusic are recording an album and YES, it is even more awesome than it sounds. The demos are INCREDIBLE. Get ready... pic.twitter.com/zqNmOe7DVr— Frontiers Music srl (@FrontiersMusic1) February 9, 2019

Entertainment One (eOne) has signed Taiwanese melodic death metal band Diesear to a worldwide record deal. The band will release a new LP titled BloodRed Inferno on April 12, 2019. BloodRed Inferno will be the band’s third full length and the follow up to Ashes of the Dawn which was released in 2013.

“After years of incubation, we are back," says the band. "And with even more destructive and ruthless melody that you all yearn for. Deepest gratitude to eOne, who spot our glare and make this wild ride possible.”

On this new LP, Diesear cements themselves as East Asia’s most important and altogether thrilling melodic death metal outfit. A conceptually driven record drawn from the themes and revelations of the first part of Dante Alighieri’s 14-century epic poem, The Divine Comedy, BloodRed Inferno tells an allegorical tale of human sin, against a backdrop of technical heaviness. 

In recent years, American metal luminaries like Lamb Of God’s Randy Blythe and Black Dahlia Murder’s Trevor Strnad have embraced the Taipei scene. Diesear has been a pioneering trailblazer in Taiwan for over a decade. 

Diesear formed in 2007 and issued their first EP, Sear, the following year. 2009 saw the arrival of their debut full-length album, The Inner Sear. There was a four-year gap between the first album and their sophomore set, Ashes of the Dawn, which elevated the group to even greater prominence. Diesear toured Asia with Children Of Bodom and appeared at Helsinki, Finland’s prestigious Tuska Open Air Metal Festival in 2014, alongside heavy music titans Emperor, Anthrax, Dimmu Borgir, Satyricon, Neurosis, and Carcass.

BloodRed Inferno marks a turn toward more violent and brutal lyrical fare, without sacrificing the guitar. The solos are even faster and more technical. Speed, elegance, riffs, pummeling percussion, and soaring melodies collide. With their most accomplished album thus far, bassist Yen, drummer Sathon, and Sui blaze a destructive path, combining death metal, black metal, and melody, with passionate vigor and resolve. 

Nevertheless, Diesear persisted, and with BloodRed Inferno, the rewards are sure to grow. Diesear makes music that transcends politics, and borders. The quartet’s ambition is nothing less than greatness, as they smash barriers and cross any divide. The difficult challenges they’ve faced to ensure their music is heard have only contributed to its beauty. The struggle is evident within the songs. Diesear represents the strength of determination. 

‘

Tracklisting:

“Limbo”
“Across The Acheron”
“Carnal Sinners”
“BloodRed Inferno”
“Blind Faith”
“Endless Dolour”
“Soul Of The Greed”
“Treachery Has No Conscience”
“Hellish Crucifix”
“Purgatorio”

“BloodRed Inferno” video:




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Former EXODUS singer Rob Dukes and ex-SACRED REICH drummer Greg Hall have teamed up with DARK ANGEL guitarist Eric Meyer and bassist Michael Gonzalez to form a new band called BLOODMOON RITUAL. Rounding out the group is guitarist Chris Cannella, currently fronting AUTUMN'S END.

These men have performed on the biggest stages of Europe and the U.S. and delivered records that have become true milestones in the metal world.

With a pedigree like this, BLOODMOON RITUAL promises to deliver a sonic punch that will absolutely decimate the music world.

Dukes joined EXODUS in January 2005 and appeared on four of the band's studio albums — "Shovel Headed Kill Machine" (2005), "The Atrocity Exhibition... Exhibit A" (2007), "Let There Be Blood" (2008, a re-recording of EXODUS' classic 1985 LP, "Bonded By Blood") and "Exhibit B: The Human Condition" (2010).

Hall announced his departure from SACRED REICH in January 2018, explaining in a statement that he was fired "rather abruptly and by phone."

BLOODMOON RITUAL is:

Rob Dukes: Vocals

Greg Hall: Drums

Eric Meyer: Guitar

Michael Gonzalez: Bass

Chris Cannella: Guitar

Century Media Records has announced that Washington, DC-based crossover thrashers, Red Death, are the latest addition to the label’s roster, after having recently signed the group to a worldwide multi-album deal.

Having played shows across North America with the likes of Power Trip, Iron Reagan, Municipal Waste, Exodus, Obituary, Terror and also a European tour with Foreseen last year, Red Death are looking forward to a busy year 2019 which will see the group continue their relentless live-crusade, but also finalize work on their third full-length album and Century Media Records debut for release later in 2019.

Red Death comment the signing to Century Media Records as follows: “We are honored to join the Century Media family! We have been fans of the label and its roster long before this band existed. From artists like Merauder to Morgoth, it’s been a name that we’ve always paid much attention to. We are currently preparing our third LP and releasing it via Century Media makes perfect sense. We have dedicated ourselves and put forth a large amount of hard work into this band and we plan on channeling that drive and energy into our upcoming record. Above all we’re very honored to be apart of the label and to add to its history!”

Commenting the signing of Red Death, Philipp Schulte, Director Century Media Records Europe, says: “With Red Death we welcome one of the most promising bands from the very vital US crossover scene on the label. Red Death impressed me with their two albums Permanent Exile (2015) and Formidable Darkness (2017), both of which offer fast and straight-forward crossover thrash in its most ferocious form, as well as with their intense live shows and total dedication to what they are doing. In times of short-lived hypes, few bands stand out and actually do make a difference. Red Death is one of them!”

Mike Gitter, Vice President Of A&R Century Media Records USA added: “From their earliest days, Red Death have played with a grip on the hooks of classic metal, the ferocity and speed of vintage thrash and the intense energy and rawness of a DIY gig. Right now, they’re on the verge of serious contender status. Century Media is excited to join forces with this formidable Washington DC powerhouse.”

United by a love for Master Of Puppets-era Metallica, Animosity-era Corrosion Of Conformity, Discharge and the best of 80’s thrash metal, Red Death was born out of a 2013 basement jam session between drummer Connor Donegan (also of Genocide Pact), guitarist Ace Mendoza and frontman Chad Troncale. Red Death became an underground favorite with the release of 2015’s Permanent Exile followed by US gigs and tours with the likes of Power Trip and Obituary. With 2017’s Formidable Darkness album and a lineup that saw Troncale assume bass and vocal duties as well as the addition of Enforced guitarist Will Wagstaff, Red Death proved themselves a force to be reckoned with as they blasted stages around the world. 2019 promises the band’s third full-length as they take up serious contender status with new label Century Media Records.

A first string of US live-shows for 2019, among others with Power Trip, has already been announced as follows:

April
20 - Harrisonburg, VA - Golden Pony
21 - Nashville, TN - TBA
22 - Fayetteville, AR - George’s Magestic Lounge *
23 - Oklahoma City, OK - 89th St *
24 - Kansas City, MO - Riot Room *
25 - Des Moines, IA - Vaudeville Mews *
26 - Chicago, IL - Cobra Lounge
28 - St. Louis, MO - Ready Room *
29 - Louisville, KY - Spinellis
30 - Pittsburgh, PA - TBA

* - with Power Trip

More shows to be announced soon.

Red Death lineup, from left to right above:

Chad Troncale - vocals, bass
Ace Mendoza - guitar
Will Wagstaff - guitar
Connor Donegan - drums

(Photo - Angela Owens)




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The Mexican-based Aztec metal group Cemican - whose unique music incorporates elements of the legends, mysticism and ideologies of ancient Mexican culture - has signed with M-Theory Audio, who plans to release the group's new album in the late spring/early summer.

Cemican - who combine the modern instrumentation of a metal band with traditional pre-Hispanic instruments - experienced a breakout year in 2018. In addition to their new single/video “Guerreros de Cemican” receiving regular airplay on SiriusXM's Liquid Metal, the six-piece group was invited to perform at the Paris edition of the Download Festival and Germany's Wacken Open Air, as well as Force Fest - described by Revolver as “Mexico's premier open-air festival” - in their native country.

The band plans to build on their momentum on 2019, when they will return to Europe in both the winter - when they'll perform at France's Cernunnos Pagan Fest and Germany's Wacken Winter Nights - as well as the summer, when they will make their debut at the French festival Hellfest.

“I was first exposed to the sound of Cemican upon hearing ‘Guerreros de Cemican’ played on Liquid Metal. Finding out more about this exciting new band I saw the captivating promo video and that they were performing on some big shows,” explains M-Theory label head Marco Barbieri. “I was impressed and wanted to buy their record only to find that they were still unsigned and looking for a home. I immediately had to get in touch and share my enthusiasm and belief in the group and their musical and visual concept and here I’m proud to announce the forthcoming album and help further develop the band and spread their appeal.”

“Life is the center of every culture, the mysticism and ancient sounds gathered in the path of the death, warrior blood and glory of an empire,” states Xaman Ek. “The rituals of the Aztecs lead by the war drums thru the red path...TODOS SOMOS GUERREROS.” (We Are All Warriors)
 
Formed in 2008, Cemican has independently released two albums to date - 2009's Ometiliztli and 2012's Ticateh Ipan Miquixtlahuac. More information on the group's new record - which will include “Guerreros de Cemican” in addition to other new tracks recorded in late 2018 - will be revealed in the coming weeks.

Live dates:

February
6 - C3 Stage - Guadalajara, Mexico with Ensiferum & Tiamat
23 - Cernunnos Pagan Fest - Noisiel, France
24 - Wacken Winter Nights III - Wacken, Germany

June
21 - Hellfest - Clisson, France
 
Cemican is:

Tlipoca - Drums
Tecuhtli - Guitar/vocals
Ocelotl - Bass/backing vocals
Yei Tochtli - Prehispanic Instruments
Mazatecpatl - Prehispanic Instruments
Xaman-Ek - Rituals/Dance/Prehispanic Instruments




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On March 8th, singer / songwriter / guitarist Damon Johnson (Brother Cane, Alice Cooper, Black Star Riders) will release his new solo album,  Memoirs Of An Uprising, via Double Dragon Records. Today, fans have been treated to the new Chris Hopkins directed video for "Shivering Shivering"; the clip can be viewed below.

In addition to being the first single from Memoirs Of An Uprising, "Shivering Shivering" is also the first track on Memoirs. "This song started with a great set of lyrics from my longtime friend and musical brother, Jim (Johnny Blade) Troglen," Damon tells us. "It really set the foundation for the other new songs that were soon to follow. There was a focus during this writing process unlike any I can recall from my past, and the diversity in dynamics and quality of the storytelling reflect that." 

Physical copies of Memoirs Of An Uprising, including vinyl, and all other titles in Damon's discography can be purchased here.

Tracklisting:

"Shivering Shivering"
"Dallas Coulda Been A Beatdown"
"Down On Me"
"We Got A System"
"Call It A Trade"
"Rage With Me"
"So Brutal"
"The World Keeps Spinning Round"
"Making Peace With This Wicked Beast"
"Glorious"

Also, tour dates are continuing to be added and confirmed weekly. "This is a special moment for me... in my career... to be trekking out on my own and returning to the microphone at center stage," says Damon. "And I am continually honored to share the stage with Tony Nagy, Jarred Pope, and Tony Higbee. We are having a blast, playing the new songs and exploring material from throughout my career."

To view Damon Johnson's complete tour schedule, visit this location. A flyer for his February 15th gig in Fresno, CA at Tower Theatre can be seen below.

 




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Denver’s Saeva has released a punishing and chaotic new single, “Sanguine Rite” and it is almost 7 minutes of tragic fury embracing blood sacrifice and moon worship. The Colorado band has been flirting with influences from a few genres since their birth under the cold moon of 2018 but remains heavily focused on black metal with sustained progressive riffs.

“Sanguine Rite” comes from the yet to be titled debut EP from Saeva, that is intended to be released later this year and according to them, it is a solid introduction to what Saeva is.

“‘Sanguine Rite’ is the third song I wrote for this project and the first lyrics I wrote for the album. I wanted the song to be brooding and heavy but gradually move. The song needed to tell a story more than the lyrics. The music ebbs and flows and the melody reprised from the intro grounds you, reminds you where you are. The lyrics are about blood sacrifice and moon worship, in Saeva we move with the moon and we respect her gravity.” - N. Mercury

This single is melodic, aggressive, and tormented; all the things Saeva wishes to portray itself as sonically.

Swedish hard rockers Rough Rockers announce the release of their brand new EP, Smoke And Mirrors via Dutch label RVP Records on April 29th. Originally conceived as a songwriter/recording project in 2012 by vocalist/bassist Peter Ljungberg and guitarist Magnus Hällström, the group finally secured a permanent line-up with the recruitment of Australian guitarist Joe Matera and Swedish drummer Roger Eriksson in 2018. The band signed to Dutch record label RVP Records in late 2018.

Matera – a solo recording artist in his own right – was invited to join the band after both he and the band undertook support slots for NWOBHM band Weapon UK in Sweden in 2017. “I’m looking forward to rocking out with the band” says Matera, “and bringing our unique brand of guitar driven rock to audiences across Europe”.

Adds Ljungberg, “I`m so pleased with the way we have put the songs together. We’ve captured the energy of the band in the essence of the songs, and have created a powerful sound of solid catchy rock `n` roll”.

The new EP features a special appearance by legendary singer Graham Bonnet (Rainbow, Alcatrazz, Michael Schenker Group) who guests on lead vocals on the track, “Unleash The Beast”, Twan Bakker, CEO of RVP Records said, “I got to know the Swedish Rough Rockers through Joe. Their sound, combined with the personal connection to the ever hard working Matera and respected professional Ljungberg convinced me to sign these guys.”

The EP - was mixed by Tomas Skogsberg (Backyard Babies, Entombed) -showcases the band’s diverse songwriting craft and tough twin guitar sound, with a knack for both sparking tasteful rock tunes and elegant ballads, all underscored by a catchy melodicism.
Smoke And Mirrors will be released both on CD and as a special limited 12” RED vinyl. The band will tour in support of the new release in May.




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Hookers & Blow, the now legendary project formed by longtime Guns N' Roses keyboardist Dizzy Reed and Quiet Riot guitarist Alex Grossi, have entered the recording studio to record a covers album.

"We have been asked for years about putting out an actual recording," says Alex Grossi. "It never really made sense until now, as we have actually found the perfect record label and team that actually get "IT" as far as what Hookers & Blow is all about, so we have decided to go for it and are currently in the studio tracking an album of some of our favourite tunes, with some of our favourite people and just having FUN with it. I can't fucking wait to share some of what we have planned for this thing."

Look for an official announcement with more details and worldwide release date in the coming weeks.

Hookers & Blow celebrated it's 15th anniversary with two extensive tours in 2018, headlining their own 25 city Holiday Hangover Tour  in January, as well as supporting The Dead Daisies on their first headline trek of North America, which kicked off on August 15th in Cleveland, OH, and wrapped in Hollywood on September 16th with a sold out show at The Roxy Theater in Hollywood, CA.

Hookers & Blow will be performing next month on the 2019 Trailer Park Boys Cruise, being presented by Sixthman, who has handled highly successful cruises for Kid Rock, Chris Jericho and KISS, among others. In addition, the band will be appearing on April 14th in Hollywood, CA at The Rainbow's Party In The Parking Lot.

 




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Shadow Kingdom Records has set May 3rd as the international release date for Sins Of The Damned's debut album, Striking The Bell Of Death, on CD, vinyl LP, and cassette tape formats.

Formed in 2013 in the city of Santiago, Sins Of The Damned have become a cult institution in their homeland of Chile, itself a hotbed of heavy metal mania. The band self-released their first couple of demos, totally DIY but 100% professional, and prodigiously perfected their craft with subsequent short-length releases every year since. And now, at last arrives the full distillation of Sins Of The Damned's eternal, unyielding aesthetic: the full-length Striking The Bell Of Death!

For a debut album, Striking The Bell Of Death does everything it should: consolidate all of Sins Of The Damned's strengths, unveil previously hinted-at elements, and deliver them in a powerful production. The beauty (or is that ugliness?) of Sins Of The Damned is that the quartet maintain such a classic sound, drinking deeply of metal's rich history, and yet exude a freshness of approach that results in something legitimately, respectably modern. Striking The Bell Of Death is full, furious proof of that, exhibiting absolutely masterful songwriting - hooks, energy, and passion - while roughening it up in a manner almost blackened (but not too much!). As such, the record comes highly recommended to maniacs of classic Razor, Whiplash, Exciter, and Deathrow (Germany) as well as current torchbearers like Desaster, Gospel Of The Horns, Deathhammer, and Italy's Barbarian.

Hark! Do you hear that sound? It's Sins Of The Damned - Striking The Bell Of Death. The first tolling bell of doom can be heard with the new track "Take The Weapons". 

Striking The Bell Of Death by Sins Of The Damned

Tracklisting:

"Striking The Bell Of Death"
"They Fall And Never Rise Again"
"Take The Weapons" 
"The Lion And The Prey"
"The Outcast (Sign Of Cain)"
"Victims Of Hate"
"Death's All Around You"

 




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"We're going to be uploading a bunch of new videos from our current Shock tour," says Tesla. "Here's the first one for ya, from Jim Thorpe, PA."

Tesla is set to release their eighth studio album, Shock, on March 8th via UMe. The album track, "Taste Like", is available for streaming below.

Produced and co-written by Phil Collen (Def Leppard), Shock is Tesla's eighth studio album. "Tesla had a blast recording Shock with Phil Collen," says the group. "The band were on point and the songs evolved with all of us having creative input. “Taste Like” is a driving rock song that made (guitarist) Dave Rude’s fingers bleed during the recording process!”

Pre-order now on CD, digital, black vinyl, and limited edition translucent blue vinyl formats, as well as other unique merchandise bundles, here.

Tracklisting:

"You Won’t Take Me Alive"
"Taste Like"
"We Can Rule The World"
"Shock"
"Love Is A Fire"
"California Summer Song"
"Forever Loving You"
"The Mission"
"Tied To The Tracks"
"Afterlife"
"I Want Everything"
"Comfort Zone"

"Shock":

Trailer:

Don’t miss Tesla on tour. Find all dates here.




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Chicago rock band The Outfit have entered Sonic Palace Studios in Chicago, Illinois, to record the follow-up to their successful debut album, The Outfit, released February 2nd, 2018. 

The new album is being recorded by Chicago area veteran musician Matt Mercado, with vocal tracking being handled by Larry Elya at Mind’s Eye Studios in Glendale, Arizona. Mixing and mastering will be handled by Grammy nominated, multi-platinum producer and mixer Ulrich Wild (Pantera, Static-x, White Zombie, Deftones, and Breaking Benjamin) in Los Angeles, California.

The band hopes to follow the success of last year’s album and lead single “Soldier Boy,” which received airplay all over rock radio stations. “Soldier Boy” peaked at number 34 on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock Radio Chart.

Drummer Mark Nawara says, “We were able to test a lot of the new songs out on the road live this fall and we received a great reaction from the crowds. We’re really excited about getting the new album out there. It’s pure in-your-face rock.” 

The Outfit brings you straight up rock with catchy hooks and an aggressive sound. The band won over many crowds last year opening and headlining several shows throughout the Midwest. The band consists of Chicago veteran musicians Matt and Mark Nawara, along with Mike Gorman, and singer/songwriter Andy Mitchell. 

In between recording, the band has confirmed several Midwest tour dates, including a stop at ROCK USA Festival in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

No release date has been set yet for the new album.

Dates:

Marcy
30 – West Dundee, IL – RocHaus

April
25 – Menomonie, WI – Stout Ale House

May
2 – Janesville, WI – The Back Bar
3 – Lombard, IL – Brauerhouse
4 – Kansasville, WI – Club 1175

July
18 – Oshkosh, WI – ROCK USA Festival




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Pectora - remember the name! Because 2019 could easily be their groundbreaking breakthrough.

From the country that gave us bands like King Diamond, Pretty Maids and Volbeat comes the newcomers of hard hitting melodic Danish heavy metal: Pectora.

Since the formation of the band in 2013 Roskilde based Pectora have released the demo Burgeon Of Hate in 2014 and the EP Redemption in 2017. All of them leading up to their bombastic debut album Untaken to be released through Mighty Music in May 2019.

Untaken is produced by the band and mixed and mastered by one of Germany’s leading producers Orden Ogans Sebastian “Seeb” Levermann (Orden Ogan, Rhapsody Of Fire, Riot V & Brainstorm) in Greenman Studios.

It’s an album rich on full blown heavy metal from start to finish. Wrapped up in a modern and big production. Pectora shows that heavy metal, in 2019, still is an active force, where old school and new school heavy metal collides and melt together in the best possible way. The eight tracks on Untaken showcases a band that knows how to write powerful songs with strong riffs, memorable melodies, harmonies and bombastic sing-a-long choruses, that stick to your brain.

If you are a fan of classic metal, thrash, power or hard rock and if you like your music fast, heavy and slow – Pectora is what you are looking for!

Pectora will tour Sweden as support for US metallers Them in May 2019 as well as playing shows in Denmark and Germany. 

Untaken will be released on CD, LP & digital on May 3rd.

Tracklisting:

“Untaken”
“Collide”
“Haunted Memory”
“The Fare”
“Running Out Of Days”
“Unkindled Flame”
“No Regrets”
“The Arrival”

Lineup:
Vocal:s Kenneth Steen Jacobsen
Guitar: Morten S. Nielsen
Guitar: Søren Weiss Kristiansen 
Bas: Laurids Leo Münier
Trommer: Nicolas Kraunsøe Frandsen




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