According to Deadline, director Joseph McGinty Nichol, better known as McG, is in final negotiations to helm the upcoming KISS biopic "Shout It Out Loud", which will be produced by STX Entertainment. Lionsgate is in discussions to distribute the film worldwide and co-finance. Casting is said to be underway, with production set to start in the second quarter of 2025. The most recent draft of the script was written by Darren Lemke ("Shazam!", "Gemini Man").

"Shout It Out Loud" was previously set up at Netflix and was supposed to be directed by Joachim Rønning, the Norwegian filmmaker whose credits include "Kon-Tiki", "Maleficent: Mistress Of Evil" and "Pirates Of The Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales".

Back in 2021, KISS's longtime manager Doc McGhee told Talking Metal that the script for "Shout It Out Loud" was "completely done… And the script is about the first four years of KISS," he said. "Basically, it's before they were famous — it was up to Cadillac High, that kind of thing," referring to the October 1975 concert KISS played in a high school gym in Cadillac, Michigan. "And I think it's a very interesting look at the formation of KISS, the mindset of how that came about, the social pressure that everybody was in in the '60s and '70s that brought something like KISS to the forefront, that it could actually happen. So it's a very interesting, and I think it's a well-written movie."

Earlier in 2021, KISS frontman Paul Stanley told Download host Kylie Olsson that the KISS biopic was "definitely happening. And that's gonna be really interesting," he said. "The script was really good. And we really waited until we felt comfortable.

Asked which actor he would like to play him in the movie, Stanley said: "And I will tell you this: for casting to be accurate in terms of age, we are looking at actors in their early 20s. Honestly, I don't know a whole lot of actors in their early 20s. When people get asked these kinds of questions, they'll say, 'Oh, Brad Pitt,' or this one or that one. Well, those guys are in their 50s or 60s, so you're talking about another generation of actors. And I'm the first to say I'm not up on a lot of them. But as the casting process goes on, I'll certainly be there and watching. It'll be interesting to see how someone else — be it the casting people or the director — how they view who I am and who they see doing that. I think I'll learn a lot about their perception of me by who they cast."

Stanley and Gene Simmons formed KISS in New York City in 1973 with fellow original members Ace Frehley and Peter Criss. Tommy Thayer and Eric Singer replaced Frehley and Criss on lead guitar and drums, respectively, for the last two decades of the band's touring career.

Although the original lineup off KISS wrapped its "Farewell Tour" in the spring of 2001, the most recent version of KISS kicked off the "End Of The Road" world tour nearly two decades later, which concluded last December with back-to-back concerts at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

In a new interview with The Metal Mixtape host Omar Rodriguez, Richie Kotzen spoke about Mike Portnoy's return to DREAM THEATER last October after the two musicians — along with bassist Billy Sheehan — completed nearly a hundred shows in support of THE WINERY DOGS' third album, last year's "III". He said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "I didn't predict [Mike would go back to DREAM THEATER], but at some point along the way, I knew it when I knew it. But my attitude was, because I love Mike and we're friends before anything, was excitement, because I know that that's his thing. That's where he came from. I mean, it's such a special, amazing band and a group of guys when they do what they do. And so when it was confirmed, as much as it was sad to know that he and I wouldn't be performing together as THE WINERY DOGS, I was equally as filled with joy for him, 'cause I know how special that is."

After Rodriguez noted that "it's always nice to see people in the industry supporting each other," Richie concurred. "It's a much better feeling," he said. "At the age that I'm at, with the experiences that I have, it just feels so much better to be happy about things than to be selfish about things, if you know what I'm saying."

This past May, Kotzen told The Hook Rocks podcast about his decision to release a solo single, "Cheap Shots", after touring with THE WINERY DOGS: "I was of mind to follow course with THE WINERY DOGS as we were. We made the ['III'] album, we did 95 shows and I was of mind to just keep going. And then, obviously, Mike had the opportunity to go back to DREAM THEATER. And so we had a conversation and, obviously, Billy and I were very supportive because we love Mike. The attitude is we love having the band, but as people, the people are more important. So if Mike has something that is dear to him and important that he is excited and motivated to do, then, obviously, that's what he needs to do. So we had the conversation that [he had our] full support, we think it's great. It's exciting, actually, as a music fan. Forget about THE WINERY DOGS for a second and me, but as a music fan, it's exciting. So, that's why the touring, we put a period on it."

He continued: "Unlike where I was at previously [when THE WINERY DOGS went on a three-year hiatus in 2016], I can say that I was of mind to stay the course and keep going. But that's not where we are… And I feel great. I feel really great about it. I feel great about what we did last year with THE WINERY DOGS. I'm completely fine with the fact that the DOGS will go back into hibernation for the foreseeable future. I'm fine with now going back to doing what it was that I was doing before. I'm very comfortable there — very inspired to do it."

Last November, during the question-and-answer portion of Rock 'N' Roll Fantasy Camp's "Metalmania III" in Los Angeles, Portnoy was asked about the status of some of his other projects, including THE WINERY DOGS and SONS OF APOLLO, and how they will be affected by his return to DREAM THEATER. He responded: " Before the DREAM THEATER thing happened, I think I was up to like seven bands or something, or eight, or something like that. So, obviously I won't be able to do all of them, and right now the focus is going back to DREAM THEATER and focusing on that. So, I have a feeling some of the bands will survive and some won't. But I think THE WINERY DOGS, it's very likely that THE WINERY DOGS will continue."

"III" was released in February 2023 on THE WINERY DOGS' Three Dog Music label (via Burnside Distribution/The Orchard) and is available on all digital formats. The first two videos from "III", "Mad World" and "Xanadu", were filmed in Los Angeles in November 2022.

The second leg of THE WINERY DOGS' "202III World Tour" included sold-out shows throughout Latin America, and it concluded in Monterrey, Mexico. They then headed out for the third leg, West Coast U.S. dates, beginning in May 2023 in Los Angeles, California at the Regent Theater before hopping over to Europe for two runs in both the summer and fall. A Japanese run of shows followed in November 2023.

"III" was the follow-up to the band's critically acclaimed and Billboard-charting album "Hot Streak", which was released in October 2015 on Loud & Proud Records via RED (a division of Sony Music Entertainment).

Photo credit: Travis Shinn

Bob Catley has announced the return of MAGNUM, the U.K. prog/pomp/AOR rock band, eight months after the passing of Tony Clarkin, the group's guitarist, songwriter and driving force.

Earlier today, Catley, along with MAGNUM keyboardist Rick Benton and drummer Lee Morris, shared a video message in which the MAGNUM vocalist said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "All right. Hello, everybody. Bob here, [with] Lee and Rick. I've got something to tell you. It's good stuff.

"I've been recently doing [shows with the German rock/metal opera project] AVANTASIA, as you probably know, all through the summer, doing 15 festivals all around Europe. Thank you, Tobias [Sammet, AVANTASIA leader], and the band. Brilliant and great crowds and everything. And I'm doing all these gigs and I'm going, 'Oh.' This gives me fire back to sing Tony's songs again. I thought I'd lost that chance forever, but now's now. And I want you to know that we're doing it again. We're gonna get out there. We're gonna put a show together. We wanna do a tribute to Tony and the respect for all those songs me and him did over 50 years, actually. I can't believe it."

Bob continued: "I really miss being in MAGNUM, I've gotta tell you. It's still in my heart here. It's mended now. My MAGNUM heart is back. Great. And so we're gonna get out there in the new year, I believe. And we're coming round. And we're here to say come and see us. It's gonna be great. It's going to be a big tribute for Tony. It's gonna be the best of MAGNUM. It's gonna be probably a couple of hours, and we'll probably have a little interval in the middle so you can do what you like and then come back. So it's a show in two halves, like we've done before. People will remember that.

"So that's about it, basically," Catley added. "So I'm back, we're back and we're gonna see you in the new year. You've gotta be there. Don't miss it, 'cause it would be a shame to miss this tribute to Tony. So, try and be there. Tell your mates, tell your friends, and we'll let you know about the dates very soon.

"Okay. Peace and love. And all right. Cheers. Speak to you later."

This past March, Bob said in a video message that he couldn't "carry on with Tony not here anymore… Since we lost Tone, we lost our guiding light, the magnum force behind the band, our songwriter, our producer, our guitar player. He was everything to the band," Bob said. "He was everything to me. For the last 50 years, we never went anywhere without each other. On tour, in the studio, I was at his side constantly, working on stuff with him. I had a wonderful life with Tony. But now it's all too much for me, people. I can't carry on without Tony."

Clarkin died in early January at the age of 77. The news of his death came just weeks after it was announced that he had been diagnosed with a rare and incurable spinal condition. As a result of his diagnosis, MAGNUM canceled its previously announced spring 2024 tour.

On January 9, Tony's family released the following statement: "On behalf of the family it is with profound sadness that daughter Dionne Clarkin is sharing the news of the passing of Tony Clarkin. Following a short illness, he died peacefully surrounded by his girls on Sunday 7th January 2024.

"I know that Tony has touched so many people through his music in so many different ways. I don't really have words to express what he meant to me right now as the grief is too fresh.

"As many of you know Tony had a great affinity with animals. It is the family's intention to set up a charitable trust in his name to aid this cause, further details to follow. Please do not send flowers or cards, as he would have much preferred expressions of sympathy to go to charity in this way.

"It was a privilege to call him my Dad."

Olly Hahn, head of Steamhammer, said: "We at SPV/Steamhammer are devastated about the passing of Tony. We can't believe that he's gone. For 22 years the whole team and I had the pleasure to work with him, 22 years of fantastic music, trust and loyalty. We are forever grateful for this. Rest in peace, Tony!"

On December 18, 2023, Clarkin released the following message via social media: "I'm afraid I have some bad news for you guys. Over the past year or so I've been bothered by increasingly bad pains in my neck and head. For a long time the docs couldn't work out why, but now they've found out and it's gonna mean some changes.

"I have developed a rare spinal condition. It's not life-limiting, but it can be degenerative in some people, and sadly it's not curable. There are treatments that may help but we don't know how good they'll be.

"With the nature of touring and the weight of electric guitars this means there's no way I would be able to play the scheduled shows in the spring. We've taken the decision to cancel the tour, rather than mess anyone around trying to postpone in the hope things might get better in the short term. Bob didn't feel it would be right doing it with a dep at this time.

"This is not gonna be the end of MAGNUM, but the future might have to be a bit different, so please bear with us while we try and figure out what I can and can't do moving forward.

"I'm really sorry for everyone who'd already bought tickets, it goes without saying that I'm absolutely gutted that I'm not gonna be able to play for you.

"Cheers and I hope I'll be able to see you all again soon."

In a December 2023 interview with Friday 13th, just days after Tony's diagnosis was made public, Catley spoke about how he and his bandmates were dealing with Clarkin's health setback. He said: "I've been having a few bad days, actually, if you wanna know the truth, with Tony and everything, and the tour canceling, having to be canceled, because he can't commit to that at this stage. But it's gonna get better soon, whatever they can give him."

Bob continued: "He's got a spinal condition that is quite rare, apparently, and it's been coming on probably since the last time we did some gigs last year, and then we've been recording the new album all through this year, and it's been getting gradually worse for him, and now it's, like, 'Oh.' He can't do anything. So touring, wearing a guitar on stage for nearly two hours and [being on a] tour bus — just the fact that you're on tour is a big no-no at the moment. And we're all, like, 'Oh, Tony.' But, of course, he's gotta heal now somehow, and the future will have to take care of itself. We can't talk about the future. It's way too soon. We just want him to be in a better place and for everybody to be kind and [to] understand his situation. And I know they will be, because they're MAGNUM fans and of course they will be kind and understanding. And I know Facebook's full of it, of sending Tony their best wishes. And it's all up on the Internet, [Tony's] statement there. So just read that, people. And I can't tell you any more than what the statement says."

Added Lee: "Tony will be gutted about the tour. Obviously, we're all very proud of this album. We really wanna get out there and play these songs live for everybody. So I know he's gonna be gutted about it. We just seem to be cursed when it comes to touring. This is the second tour — we had 'The Serpent Rings' tour canceled because of COVID, and now obviously with Tony's medical sort of issue now, it's the second tour which we've had to cancel, so we've done, like, two tours for the last four studio albums."

Bob chimed in: "We've been here before. We're getting déjà vu. I just don't wanna get used to it. This ain't the way it's supposed to be."

Lee continued: "At the day, Tony's health is the most important thing. At the end of the day, he's our captain, he's our friend. We've gotta make sure he's right. And I know Tony's a trooper, and he tried to commit to the tour, but it wouldn't be fair to put him through that. Being on a tour bus and carrying a guitar, it would have just been too much. It's the wise thing to do."

Formed in Birmingham over 50 years ago by Catley and Clarkin, MAGNUM have cemented themselves as one of the U.K.'s finest hard rock exports, a largely American-dominated genre.

With their unique melodic skill and tasteful instrumentation, the group have released 23 studio albums over the years, with their most recent, "Here Comes The Rain", arriving in January.

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ALICE IN CHAINS guitarist/vocalist Jerry Cantrell spoke to Sylvia of the Las Vegas radio station KOMP 92.3 about his upcoming album, "I Want Blood", which is due on October 18 via Double J Music. The LP, co-produced by Cantrell and Joe Barresi (TOOL, QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE, MELVINS),was recorded at Barresi's JHOC Studio in Pasadena, California. The album features contributions from bass heavyweights Duff McKagan (GUNS N' ROSES) and Robert Trujillo (METALLICA),drummers Gil Sharone (TEAM SLEEP, STOLEN BABIES) and Mike Bordin (FAITH NO MORE),and backing vocals from Lola Colette and Greg Puciato (BETTER LOVERS, ex-THE DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN).

When Sylvia noted that the "I Want Blood" title is "completely different" to that of its predecessor, 2021's "Brighten", Cantrell said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "Yeah, it is. It is. And it should be because it's a completely different record. [Laughs] 'Brighten', that was a great record. And I think that was a pretty apt title and a great song to kind of represent that work. And when I was kind of coming up with this group of material that would turn into this record, it had a feel to it that was a bit more on the kind of heavier, aggressive side. And I had a song called 'I Want Blood'. And I thought that was an outstanding title. It had punch, it grabs your attention and it kind of feels right as a representation of the album as a whole."

He added: "One of my favorite records is 'If You Want Blood You've Got It' by AC/DC. So if you want some blood, I got it. [Laughs]"

Regarding how "I Want Blood" compares to some of his previous efforts, Cantrell said: "Yeah, it's a good piece of work. Any artist is gonna be excited about their new record because it's a new record and it takes a lot of effort and it takes a lot of time to put that together. And if you're gonna release it, it obviously meets the level that you wanted it to hit and hopefully maybe it even goes a little bit further than that. And so I've been able to, luckily, not really be disappointed but pleasantly surprised of pretty much every record I've done in my career, and that's a good feeling. So when you bring home a record and then you can kind of take a step back and take a look at it, it's, like, 'Oh, man. That is a serious piece of work there.' And I don't think I could have done any better. It's the absolute best work I could have done in that period of time. So that's always a good feeling."

Elaborating on the songwriting process for "I Want Blood", Cantrell said: "Well, I think you have to start each record the same way. There are habits that I instilled in myself and also by being a member of ALICE. We never pulled any punches. We didn't varnish anything. We didn't sand any rough edges off — 'warts and all' was our approach. And so I kind of carry that wherever I go. But the main ethos, if you will, I guess, that I carry within and outside the band, is you have to start from an absolute zero. It doesn't matter what you did before. You did that record, you wrote those songs, so it's gotta be something completely new. And so that's kind of a daunting task, but it's necessary. 'Okay. It's a blank chalkboard, blank piece of paper, absolute zero. What am I gonna do now?' If you're starting from that and not really relying or trying to compete with your past work, it's kind of a freeing thing. You also have the experience of having made some great records and wrote some great songs and been part of some really amazing collectives of people, musicians to make those records. So, I had a pretty good group of folks together to make this one, too — Gil Sharone, Mike Bordin, Robert Trujillo, Duff McKagan, Vincent Jones, Lola Colette and Greg Puciato and Tyler Bates and Joe Barresi. And that's a pretty good group of folks right there. So, you start from a zero and you just go and see where you end up."

"I Want Blood" track listing:

01. Vilified
02. Off The Rails
03. Afterglow
04. I Want Blood
05. Echoes Of Laughter
06. Throw Me A Line
07. Let It Lie
08. Held Your Tongue
09. It Comes

A tour with BUSH concludes in mid-September with the North American outing wrapping up at the iconic Greek Theatre in Los Angeles on September 15.

"Brighten" came out in October 2021. The LP was Jerry's first project without ALICE IN CHAINS in 19 years.

Jerry's career outside of ALICE IN CHAINS has consisted of two other solo albums and contributions to major film soundtracks. Cantrell's first solo album, "Boggy Depot", was released in 1998, followed by his second album, "Degradation Trip". In addition to his solo artist work, Jerry has released music on soundtracks for several films, including "Spider-Man", "The Cable Guy", "John Wick 2", "Last Action Hero" and "The Punisher".

ALICE IN CHAINS regrouped in 2006 with William DuVall joining the band, and released its third LP with DuVall in the lineup, "Rainier Fog", in August 2018.

Photo credit: Darren Craig

UNDEROATH's new single "Teeth", out today, is a lush, boundary-pushing glimpse into the beloved band's new era. Their signature, exploratory and evocative synthesizer experimentation is on full-display, accompanied by dance-driven drum programming and complimented by flowing vocals. Heaviness and aggression combine for a juxtaposition emblematic of the band's innovation. The metalcore legends have plans for a full album release via MNRK Heavy in 2025. Last year, the band shared standalone singles "Lifeline (Drowning)" and "Let Go", alongside an acoustic version, which received acclaim from Revolver, Alternative Press and Kerrang! Next week, the band will embark on the "They're Only Chasing Safety" 20th-anniversary tour.

UNDEROATH vocalist Spencer Chamberlain says: "With our new track 'Teeth', we dove into a pretty exciting territory for me — something I've always wanted to explore with this band but never felt was possible. It almost has a vibe reminiscent of classic hip-hop samples or something that LINKIN PARK might have done, which I find so cool. I never imagined we'd actually pull it off in an UNDEROATH song, but it came together so naturally. Lyrically, the song puts you in a scenario of predator and prey, and in this case, I'm the prey. I'm challenging the other person to confront their cannibalistic nature, explaining to me what it feels like to tear through my life as I bleed out in front of them."

For his role in the track's creation, guitarist Timothy McTague says: "One thing we keep coming back to as we embark on this new chapter of the band is just lean in. Nothing is 'not us' and I think we remembered we can do whatever the fuck we want, Instead of trying to write a specific type of song… we just let it write itself. I think the really difficult and meaningful work as an artist is knowing when to get out of the way and creativity is sometimes letting the song write itself and not trying to mold it into something it isn't. Now, more than ever, I personally think that songs have an identity and almost a soul if you let them and that's what 'Teeth' is to me."

UNDEROATH reinvents the balance between chaos and harmony with each successive release. Their compositions, conjured from creative tension, become iconoclastic anthems. Even when the band almost combusts, the crackling energy coalesces into something deeply resonant for millions.

Their pair of gold albums and three Grammy nominations stand in stark defiance of the idea of commercial compromise. The UNDEROATH catalog weaponizes noise, aggression, and ambiance as skillfully as melody. The combination of heaviness and headiness found on "Define The Great Line" makes it the only record of its kind to debut at No. 2 on the Billboard 200.

The heart of their sound, which delivers naked vulnerability with thrilling force and cinematic lushness, can be heard in generations of bands who've pursued their trail.

Walking an artistic tightrope between immersive access and isolationist otherness, UNDEROATH owns the space between huge choruses and forward-thinking heaviness, both on record and onstage.

Photo credit: Jimmy Fontaine

Christian rockers SKILLET will release their first independent album, "Revolution", on November 1 via their Hear It Loud imprint. The official visualizer for the project's second single, "All That Matters", can be seen below.

"Revolution" is expected to only extend SKILLET's formidable legacy. As of 2024, the band have received two Grammy Award nominations, picked up a Billboard Music Award, and landed three albums in the Top 5 of the Billboard 200. Selling over 22 million units worldwide with over 24 billion global streams to date, SKILLET have notched multi-platinum, platinum, or gold RIAA certifications for a total of 12 singles and four full-length albums. Their latest RIAA gold certifications just hit this summer with the tracks "Legendary" and "Stars". Not to mention, they have regularly attracted 10 million monthly listeners on Spotify alone, boasting "one of the most-streamed rock songs of all-time" with the five-times-platinum "Monster".

After an incredible 20 years on Atlantic Records, SKILLET have built this new vision entirely by hand, intentionally opting to go independent at the end of their last contract and developing a solid indie team. Bolstered and galvanized by the support of a fervent global base, they took advantage of this newfound freedom, writing and recording the album at their own pace on the road and at home as well as in studios across Milwaukee, Canada and Nashville. The group also tapped the talents of longtime collaborators and producers Brian Howes and Seth Mosely, as well as band member Korey Cooper with YOUTHYEAR/Carlo Colasacco bringing these 10 tracks to life naturally.

"We made records on the same label for 20 years, and it was a great experience," says SKILLET frontman John Cooper. "Since this was the first independent record, it put some pep in my step, so to speak. We did exactly what we wanted to do. If I was on the road and felt inspired to write, I just did. In the past, we'd make a bunch of ideas and whittle everything down for the album. This time, we only wrote and recorded 10 tracks, but it was all we needed. Musically, there are a lot of flavors on the record. It's got the arena songs, but it also has some tunes that are more nostalgic and throwback SKILLET."

He continues: "Thematically, there's so much nihilism in our culture. Depression and teen suicide are at epidemic levels. We're revolting against a culture that creates nihilism, nothingness, and materialism. The album is poignant, but it's also very confident and inclusive as well. It's a record saying, 'We have to be willing to stand up for what we believe in — even if it might be unpopular in some circles, but hey, maybe we could have a revolution of love, you know, a revolution of understanding, of tolerance towards people that we don't agree with and come back to some human dignity and respecting people's rights and where they're coming from. And so, it's kind of speaking to the division and the polarization that is happening, which I think is a really good message and what the whole 'revolution' thing is all about. We allude to it on the record cover where there's a SKILLET flag, and in the corner it lists I Corinthians, 13:13, a verse that says, 'Hold onto these things: faith, hope, love. But the greatest is love.'"

John told Billboard that one of the factors that made SKILLET opt for independence was the desire to move more quickly in terms of recording and releasing music.

"One of the things about being independent is being able to make quick decisions," he said. "There's not this chain of people that need weigh in on it. The system takes a really long time. Instead, I wrote a song and we recorded it eight days later. That is a huge benefit. With the change in pace of technology and of the industry, that was important to me to be able to make quick decisions."

Ready to play new music for their fans, SKILLET recently announced that they will hit the road this fall with another one of the best-selling rock bands of the 21st century, SEETHER, followed by their first-ever tour of the Middle East in November, where the band will be playing in Turkey, Kazakhstan, United Arab Emirates, and more. From there, SKILLET will support BLACK STONE CHERRY on a handful of dates across the U.K.

"Revolution" track listing:

01. Showtime *
02. Unpopular *
03. All That Matters **
04. Not Afraid **
05. Revolution +
06. Ash In The Wind ***
07. Fire Inside Of Me **
08. Defector *
09. Happy Wedding Day (Song) ++
10. Death Defier *

* Produced by Seth Mosley
** Produced by Brian Howes
*** Produced by Korey Cooper
+ Produced by YOUTHYEAR and Carlo Colasacco
++ Produced by Korey Cooper and Seth Mosley

When the album's first single, "Unpopular", was first released in early August, Cooper said: "'Unpopular' is lighthearted, but there's a clear message. So many people don't have a place to belong. You used to know your neighbors. Our communities are online now, which contributes to the loneliness. You have powerful people telling you what reality is, what you should eat, what you should drive, and how you should live. They deem us 'unpopular.' In reality, we agree more than we disagree as a society. The majority of people just want to be free and they don't really care whether or not you agree with them about everything."

Photo credit: Jimmy Fontaine

Former IRON MAIDEN. vocalist Paul Di'Anno. has released a new version of the band's classic song "Wrathchild"..

Di'Anno. is joined on this fresh rendition of the "Killers". album track by singer ZP Theart. (DRAGONFORCE, SKID ROW.),drummer Russell Gilbrook. (URIAH HEEP.) and guitarist Cliff Evans. (TANK.).

Paul. says: "I'm loving this version of 'Wrathchild'. and working on the vocals with ZP Theart. really brought a lot of new energy into the song.

"'Wrathchild'. is still in the setlist at all my live shows. I love singing it and the fans still go crazy for it every night

"As well as having ZP. from DRAGONFORCE./SKID ROW. joining me on vocals, I brought in Russell Gilbrook. from URIAH HEEP. on drums and Cliff Evans. from TANK. on guitar. What a band."

Di'Anno.'s new version of "Wrathchild". is taken from his upcoming album "The Book Of The Beast", which is due on September 27 via Conquest Music.

The vinyl double album (available in blood red, virgin white and cold steel colored vinyl) and two-disc CD/DVD include five previously unreleased tracks, along with a carefully curated collection of songs that distills many of the best moments from Di'Anno's fascinating and formidable career.

The CD/DVD also includes rare live, promotional, and acoustic video footage.

Deep cuts from albums going back to Paul's BATTLEZONE, KILLERS and solo days have been painstakingly remastered to give them a more up to date and polished production plus some of Paul's rare acoustic, rehearsal and demo recordings have been added as a special bonus.

Perhaps the most interesting addition to this album is the unexpected reworking of two IRON MAIDEN classics, but with a dark twist. Both "Remember Tomorrow" and "Wrathchild" have been treated to a facelift with Paul dueting alongside Tony Martin (BLACK SABBATH),ZP Theart and Lidya Balaban (CROWLEY).

"I suppose it might sound like an unusual combination, but Lidya has got a brilliant voice," Paul enthused. "I've been trying to get it together to see CROWLEY, but it hasn't happened yet.”

"I'd be very interested in working on something special with Tony and ZP in the future," Paul added.

The vinyl albums feature Paul dueting with Lydia Balaban while the ZP Theart and Tony Martin duets are on CD/DVD and also digital.

Di'Anno is very excited at the possibility of this collection bringing belated attention to many of his songs that may have slipped past the casual listener.

"I've never felt that my albums were ever given the promotion they deserved, and record labels just didn't take me seriously," Di'Anno commented. "The guys at Conquest Music are really on the case so I hope more people will get to hear my music now."

With an exhaustive CV that includes BATTLEZONE, KILLERS, DI'ANNO (the band),PRAYING MANTIS, THE ALMIGHTY INBREDZ, WARHORSE and the metal supergroup GOGMAGOG, Paul Di'Anno is one of the most colorful and controversial characters in hard rock and heavy metal. But of course, Paul is best known for having been a member of IRON MAIDEN from 1978 to 1981, appearing on their two iconic albums "Iron Maiden" and "Killers", his voice bringing the band far more of a raw, punky edge than was present on subsequent records.

For that reason, MAIDEN's first two albums still inspire strong reactions. Though the band became bigger than ever after his exit, there are fans that stopped liking them when Paul exited the picture. In later years, Di'Anno met members of METALLICA, PANTERA and SEPULTURA who all respectfully told him how much those first two LPs had influenced them.

"That's always bloody brilliant to hear," Paul enthused. "It's nice to know that you are worth something in the grand scheme of things."

Paul will be touring Europe through to mid-December 2024.

Photo credit: Marco Benjamin Alvarado (courtesy of Central Press for Conquest Music)

According to The Republic, a federal judge has agreed to push back Jon Schaffer's sentencing hearing for the fifth time, this time to October 25 from the previously announced September 13. U.S. District Judge Amit P. Mehta also set a deadline for prosecutors and defense attorneys to make their case for what sentence should be handed down to Schaffer, who was the first person to plead guilty to storming the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021.

Schaffer was initially scheduled to be sentenced on February 20, but his sentencing hearing has been delayed five times — first to April, then July, August, September and now late October.

The latest decision to postpone Schaffer's sentencing came less than three months after the Supreme Court sided with a January 6 Capitol riot defendant in a ruling that could affect hundreds of prosecutions, including the criminal case against Schaffer. U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves asked the judge to delay's Schaffer's hearing in light of the Supreme Court decision.

"The United States seeks a brief continuance to assess the impact of the (Supreme Court) decision," Graves stated in his request this past July. "Such a continuance would not prejudice the defendant or the Court; to the contrary, it would help to ensure a uniform and consistent approach before each judge of the District and Circuit. The United States has consulted with the defense, and they do not oppose this continuance request."

U.S. District Judge Amit P. Mehta had previously moved Schaffer's initial sentencing date from February 20, as the now-56-year-old ICED EARTH guitarist was scheduled to undergo an undisclosed medical procedure "with the need for a recovery afterwards."

In January 2022, Mehta granted the U.S. government's request to share sealed materials from the case involving Schaffer's role in the U.S. Capitol riot case as discovery to the three main Oath Keepers cases.

In May 2023, Mehta handed down an 18-year prison sentence for the leader of the Oath Keepers, Stewart Rhodes, for his efforts to overturn the 2020 election that ended with the violent attack on the U.S. Capitol.

As part of his April 2021 plea deal, Jon entered into a cooperation agreement with the government.

The government agreed not to oppose Schaffer's release during the sentencing phase.

Although Schaffer was initially charged with six crimes, including engaging in an act of physical violence and targeting police with bear spray, he pleaded guilty to only two charges: obstruction of an official proceeding of Congress; and trespassing on restricted grounds of the Capitol while armed with a deadly or dangerous weapon. The first charge is punishable by up to 20 years in prison, while the second carries up to a 10-year prison term. Each of the charges carry fines of up to $250,000. The Department Of Justice said it would recommend a sentence between 41 and 51 months in prison and fines somewhere between $15,000 and $250,000.

In his plea agreement, Schaffer acknowledged that on January 6, 2021 he was in Washington to attend the "Stop The Steal" rally at the Ellipse in Washington, D.C. to protest the results of the presidential election, which he believed were fraudulent. Schaffer wore a tactical vest and carried bear spray, a dangerous weapon and chemical irritant used to ward off bears. When the rally finished, Schaffer joined a large crowd that marched from the Ellipse to the Capitol, where a joint session of Congress, presided over by Vice President Michael Pence, was in session to certify the electoral college vote results. Shortly after 2:00 p.m., members of the mob forced entry into the Capitol building, disrupting the joint session and causing members of Congress and the Vice President to be evacuated from the House and Senate chambers.

In his plea agreement, Schaffer admitted that after arriving on Capitol grounds, he walked past barriers intended to restrict access to the public and to a set of locked doors on the Capitol's west side. At approximately 2:40 p.m., Schaffer positioned himself at the front of a crowd that broke open a set of doors being guarded by four U.S. Capitol Police (USCP) officers wearing riot gear. Schaffer admitted to being among the first individuals to push past the damaged doors and into the Capitol building, forcing officers to retreat. Schaffer and others advanced toward five or six backpedaling USCP officers while members of the mob swelled inside of the Capitol and overwhelmed the officers. The officers ultimately deployed a chemical irritant to disperse the mob. Schaffer was among the people who were sprayed in the face, after which he exited while holding his own bear spray in his hands.

As part of the plea deal, Schaffer agreed to cooperate with investigators and potentially testify in related criminal cases, according to CNN. In return for Schaffer's assistance, the Justice Department might later urge the judge to show leniency during his sentencing.

Also as part of the agreement, the Justice Department has offered to sponsor Schaffer for the witness protection program.

The Indiana chapter of the Oath Keepers distanced itself from Schaffer after his arrest, claiming he was not a member of the local group. But the national organization, which sold lifetime memberships for $1,200, had not commented on his alleged affiliation with the group.

At a November 2020 Donald Trump rally in Washington, D.C., Schaffer was videotaped walking behind a Florida couple, Kelly Meggs and Connie Meggs, who were accused of being among 10 members of the Oath Keepers to have played a leading role in the Capitol assault. In May 2023, Kelly Meggs was convicted of seditious conspiracy for his participation in the January 6, 2021 attack on the Capitol and was sentenced to spend 12 years in prison.

Following the initial reports that Schaffer was involved in the riot, his ICED EARTH bandmates distanced themselves from his actions. Singer Stu Block and bassist Luke Appleton later posted separate statements on social media announcing their resignations. BLIND GUARDIAN frontman Hansi Kürsch also quit DEMONS & WIZARDS, his long-running project with Schaffer. The allegations also apparently affected Schaffer's relationship with his longtime record label Century Media, which had released albums from both ICED EARTH and DEMONS & WIZARDS. As of mid-January 2021, the Century Media artist roster page did not list either band.

During a September 9 appearance on SiriusXM's "Trunk Nation With Eddie Trunk", CREED guitarist Mark Tremonti spoke about the band's future plans beyond the group's current tour. He said: "This is something we all hope we can just continue to do. Now we have to just do a lot of pre-planning. We already had to do a lot of pre-planning when it was just ALTER BRIDGE. With me, it was ALTER BRIDGE, TREMONTI and the [Frank] Sinatra band, but now CREED has become such a force in our careers, we have to just now add one more element to that balance.

"We tour with CREED through the end of the year this year," he continued. "I've been trying to push the [other] guys [in CREED] to be able to do a New Year's show this year, 'cause that would be a fun way to end this year out. We haven't played [Las] Vegas this whole year, for some reason, so Vegas would be perfect for New Year's for CREED. So I really want that to happen. And then in December, I'll be performing the Sinatra shows, doing the charitable shows in December, and then in January, I'll head off to Europe with TREMONTI. And that's for two months. And then I'll come back home and hit the studio in March with ALTER BRIDGE. And after that is kind of where it becomes a question mark as to do we do a short CREED run. I've gotta keep pushing the [new] TREMONTI album as much as I can. That's the biggest risk I face, is the TREMONTI album getting gobbled up by CREED. So it's definitely a delicate balance."

Asked if he and his CREED bandmates have talked about writing new music, Mark said: "We've talked about it. We know that the big driver for this [current CREED] tour was just the fact that we've been gone for so long. Everybody wants to come see it. But in the future, we're gonna need to have, year after year if we're doing this, people are gonna wanna hear new music and people have been asking about it. And I know most people would be happy just to hear the stuff that is already out there, but we're active songwriters — I know I'm an active songwriter. I love creating. I'd be bored just doing the same thing. But at this point I've got, like I said, four different bands, so I'm pretty satisfied with where I'm at. But I also wanna put out new music. Right now as I'm writing, I'm writing an ALTER BRIDGE record, and then every now and then I'll hear a song that sounds like it could be a CREED song and I'll set that aside. So it's kind of see what happens."

CREED kicked off its first tour in 12 years, "Summer Of '99", on July 17 at Resch Center in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

Last month, Tremonti told Michael Christopher of Vanyaland that he had "thousands" of riffs and other ideas stockpiled for CREED's next album. "Literally thousands," he said. "I hoarded my ideas since I was, gosh, since I bought my first little handheld tape recorder — the little micro cassettes — saved my ideas since I was maybe in junior high school, high school."

Regarding the fact that a whole new generation of fans is discovering CREED for the first time and coming out to see the band on the current reunion tour, Mark said: "I think slowly but surely the world's come around and I think people have just kind of aged out of that mind frame with the band. A lot of people went after the personal behind-the-scenes stuff with CREED as well, instead of just listening to the music. I think people just grew up with this music now. They don't care about all that stuff. They don't care about the drama; they just appreciate the music.

"A lot of our fans, the largest base that we have now is under 30, 40 years old, which is very surprising to us," he continued. "When you sell a ticket nowadays, you find out the gender of the person buying the ticket and where they're from, and how old they are. So, when we saw those statistics, we were blown away with the age groups that were buying these tickets. When we play a live show now and Scott [Stapp, CREED singer] asks the crowd, 'How many of you are seeing your very first CREED show tonight?', it seems like almost every hand is up in the air, which blows us away."

Earlier last month, Tremonti told Guitar Interactive magazine that he would like to work on some fresh music with his CREED bandmates. He said: "Yeah, I love writing music and I love doing it in many different ways. I love challenging ourselves, I love to be challenged, and writing for all these different acts, when you get into it, you're, like, how am I gonna differentiate this from my other projects? How are we gonna make this its own thing and not sound like this other band with just a different vocalist on it?"

Elaborating on CREED's possible mindset while working on new music, Tremonti said: "I think putting a fresh look, but also um realizing what people loved about the band and trying to trying to keep that intact and not get too progressive in any way with CREED. We keep that to [my other bands] ALTER BRIDGE and TREMONTI and we keep CREED a little more the way it was back in the day — the big melodies, just the stuff that worked back in the day. I think on [CREED's last album, 2009's] 'Full Circle' record, we got somewhat a little more — I think we strayed a little bit from our original sound with that album. So I think it'd be good to try to get back to that original sound a little more."

With more than 53 million albums sold worldwide, CREED remains one of modern rock's most successful acts. Now, 30 years into their incredible journey, CREED is bigger than ever. In late 2023, the Texas Rangers made "Higher" their unofficial anthem, as it spurred them to their first World Series win. Earlier this year, the song appeared in a high-profile Paramount+ Super Bowl commercial, while a NASCAR Daytona 500 campaign also incorporated the hit single. Along the way, CREED has gained a new generation of fans, thanks to countless TikTok videos that feature their songs.

Last summer, after an 11-year hiatus, CREED announced their long-awaited reunion — returning to the stage for the first time in April 2024 at the sold-out Summer Of '99 cruise and Summer Of '99 And Beyond cruise. In May, meanwhile, the band's multiplatinum-selling "Greatest Hits" collection made its wide debut on vinyl (via Craft),this month landing the collection back into the Billboard Top 200, as well as hitting Top Hard Rock & Alternative Albums, Top Alternative Albums, and moving up the Top Hard Rock Albums rankings. Originally issued in 2004, the 14-track compilation spans the band's first three albums (1997's "My Own Prison", 1999's "Human Clay" and 2001's "Weathered"). Fans can catch the band on their "Summer Of '99" tour, running through September, where they are joined by the likes of 3 DOORS DOWN, FINGER ELEVEN, SWITCHFOOT, FUEL, BIG WRECK and DAUGHTRY. The band will be heading into arenas this November and December on the "Are You Ready?" tour with 3 DOORS DOWN and MAMMOTH WVH in the U.S. and MAMMOTH WVH and FINGER ELEVEN in Canada.

Photo credit: Chuck Brueckmann

BMG has announced the upcoming release of "When Love and Death Embrace - The Best of HIM 1997-2003", a comprehensive anthology celebrating the early years of the legendary Finnish rock band HIM. Set to hit stores on October 25, 2024, this collection brings together the most beloved tracks from the band's first four studio albums, offering fans a nostalgic journey through HIM's groundbreaking career.

HIM, recognized worldwide for its distinctive blend of sentimental lyrics and hard-hitting rock and its iconic Heartagram symbol, has left an indelible mark on the global music scene. With over 10 million albums sold worldwide, HIM stands as one of Finland's most commercially successful musical exports and remains the first Finnish group to receive a gold record in the United States.

"When Love And Death Embrace" features 16 tracks that defined HIM's sound and propelled them to international stardom. From their debut album "Greatest Lovesongs Vol. 666" (1997) to the acclaimed "Love Metal" (2003),this compilation includes fan favorites such as "Right Here In My Arms", "Join Me In Death" and "The Funeral Of Hearts". The album also showcases HIM's memorable covers of Chris Isaak's "Wicked Game" and BLUE ÖYSTER CULT's "(Don't Fear) The Reaper".

"When Love And Death Embrace - The Best Of HIM 1997-2003" track listing:

01. Right Here In My Arms
02. The Funeral Of Hearts
03. Your Sweet Six Six Six
04. Heartache Every Moment
05. Buried Alive By Love
06. Wicked Game
07. Join Me In Death
08. In Joy And Sorrow
09. Soul On Fire
10. Pretending
11. Gone With The Sin
12. (Don't Fear) The Reaper
13. Poison Girl
14. Close To The Flame
15. The Sacrament
16. When Love And Death Embrace

The anthology will be available in three formats: a standard CD album featuring a wallet with spot gloss and embossing, a limited-edition 2LP set pressed on 140g white vinyl with a spot gloss jacket and embossing, and digital. Both physical formats are sure to be coveted by collectors and fans alike.

Despite disbanding in 2017, HIM's music continues to resonate with fans worldwide. Ville Valo's ongoing solo career, in which he performs as VV, often features HIM classics in live performances, keeping the spirit of the band alive for devoted followers.

"When Love And Death Embrace - The Best Of HIM 1997-2003" is not just a collection of songs but a testament to HIM's enduring legacy in the world of rock music. This anthology is a must-have for long-time fans and newcomers alike.

Metallica have released the official live video for their performance of "Enter Sandman", filmed using a 360° camera at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota on August 18. Watch below:





Metallica have launched the pre-order for the recordings from their August 9 & 11 concerts in Chicago, Illinois. Expected release date is October 4.




Says Metallica: "Enjoy both gigs from Chicago mixed by The Metallica Audio Team, now available to stream through nugs.net, download at LiveMetallica.com, or go old-school and pick up the CDs at Metallica.com."


Get the live CDs here, stream the shows here, download the shows here.








Metallica adds: "Relive a few moments from Soldier Field right along with the crowd, and make sure you’re subscribed to our YouTube channel to enjoy more videos from the road!"

Former Sabaton guitarist / Majestica frontman Tommy Johansson has shared his weekly cover, this time performing the Celine Dion hit, "My Heart Will Go On".





Majestica are back with their first new music of 2024. The Swedish power metal quartet proudly presents their latest single, "A New Beginning", which is the band's first release since 2021. Therefore, the song name not only fits in relation to this, but also speaks about a new beginning and letting things come to an end. Paired with musical elements reminiscent of the 80s, Majestica unleashes a new catchy tune upon their fans that puts the band back on the radar.







As if the release of this brand new single wasn't enough, Majestica have also delivered a brand new music video for their single, which you can watch below.


Tommy Johansson comments: "When Majestica finally returns with a new song it cou

According to the Robb Report, FALLING IN REVERSE frontman Ronnie Radke has purchased a mansion in Hollywood Hills for $9 million.

Stephen Sweeney of The Beverly Hills Estates and Wolf Amer of The Agency held the listing, which described the house as a "meticulously designed sanctuary" spanning two levels, with four bedrooms and four bathrooms." The residence comes with "a three-car garage with a guard room for added security, a long private driveway that climbs nearly 30 feet above street level, and a host of amenities."

The house was originally listed for sale in May for $10.995 million but ended up selling on September 9 for exactly $9 million.

See photos of the property at Robb Report.

Both Kerrang! and Revolver magazine counted the charismatic Las Vegas-born Radke among "the greatest living rock stars".

FALLING IN REVERSE recently released its latest album, "Popular Monster", through Epitaph Records. The LP, which was produced by Radke and Tyler Smyth, is the band's first full-length since 2017's "Coming Home".

"Popular Monster" arrived armed with no less than three RIAA-certified gold singles ("Zombified", "Voices In My Head" and "Watch The World Burn"),the double-platinum title track, a reimagined nü-metal classic, and six brand new anthems of furious metal, melody, and hip-hop. There was also a bona fide country crossover with "All My Life" and "Ronald", the delightfully wicked collaboration with Tech N9ne and Alex Terrible of SLAUGHTER TO PREVAIL.

FALLING IN REVERSE's catalog has accrued over 6 billion streams. The catalog streaming remains robust at 45 million per week. Over on TikTok, the band has a stronghold, with 6 billion video views, with 4.5 million creations and a 1.8 billion creator reach.

Ronnie formed a series of pop-punk bands in Las Vegas as a teenager, culminating in the creation of ESCAPE THE FATE. The metalcore group's meteoric rise coincided with the singer's spiral into addiction. By the time he was sentenced to two years in prison, the band he started had moved on without him. Some fans, critics, and industry types figured his story would end there. They were very wrong. The gold-certified debut album from FALLING IN REVERSE, "The Drug In Me Is You" (2011),arrived less than two years after Ronnie's release.
Falling in Reverse frontman Ronnie Radke just snagged a stunning $9 million modern barnhouse in the Hollywood Hills.

📸:Marc Angeles; Prince Williams/WireImage

Take a look: https://t.co/A89vgkXwJwpic.twitter.com/VXBYBXApNV

— RobbReport (@RobbReport) September 10, 2024

POISON frontman Bret Michaels has explained his reasons for not wanting to tour with POISON in 2025.

Earlier today (Thursday, September 12),Michaels released the following statement via social media: "To clear the air of any confusion, I just want to clarify to all the amazing family, friends and fans who I remain forever grateful for, that it's no secret I have stated previously that in 2025 I'm planning to perform limited shows to focus primarily on health, starting with my diabetes which needs a tuneup, not to mention a little R&R as everyone knows my tireless work ethic and passion for performing music, as well as some much-needed personal family time...like I recently stated, I'm like a classic muscle car - still fast and still fun to drive, just need a little more maintenance lol

"However, in 2026, I'm excited to say it will be POISON's 40th anniversary since the release of 'Look What The Cat Dragged In' in 1986…so it would make perfect sense to have the possibility of a reunion in 2026. In my opinion, it would be the perfect 40th Anniversary Tour, with 40 awesome limited dates to go out, play real live hit songs, and rock the world…for example, in 2018, POISON headlined and rocked, and in 2022 (four years later) POISON joined DEF LEPPARD, MÖTLEY CRÜE, Joan Jett and CLASSLESS ACT and rocked the Stadium Tour and now, four years after that, POISON hopefully will continue to rock the world in a 2026 headlining tour.

"Again, although none of this is confirmed and it takes much coordination & planning to have a successful tour...good things happen in 4's for POISON - 4 original band members, 40th anniversary, 40 limited dates, Parti-Gras 4.0 and May The 4's be with you!

"To all the incredible fans, thank you for continuing to rock the world not only with the Bret Michaels Parti-Gras currently touring but also with POISON. I appreciate you letting me take a minute to clear any confusion. Stay tuned & have an awesome day!"

Bret's explanation comes two days after POISON drummer Rikki Rockett revealed on social media that Michaels is no longer interested in touring with POISON next year.

On September 10, the POISON drummer took to his official Facebook page to write: "I keep getting asked multiple times a day, 'Why isn't POISON touring in 2025 now?' Super simple answer, Bret doesn't want to." The following day, Rikki clarified: "People, I never said that Bret is cancelling the 2025 tour. It didn't get booked. I said the reason POISON isn't touring in 2025 is because Bret doesn't want to. Doesn't matter what the reason for him is as far as what I said. I'm simply telling you why so that CC [DeVille, POISON guitarist], Bobby [Dall, POISON bassist] or myself doesn't get blamed. It isn't dirt. It isn't a fight. Just the facts, ma'am. Surmise what you want from it. You will anyway!"

Just three months ago, Rikki, whose real name is Richard Allan Ream, wrote on social media that POISON would be touring in 2025." He added at the time: "As usual, there will be no backing tracks. Live, raw and uncut. Warts and all."

Seven months ago, Bret spoke about POISON's plans to regroup for more shows following the band's 2022 participation in "The Stadium Tour" alongside MÖTLEY CRÜE, DEF LEPPARD and Joan Jett. During a February 25, 2024 question-and-answer session aboard the Rock Legends Cruise XI, he said: "When we go back, I think in 2025, it's always been, to me, all-original POISON. We'll have C.C and Bobby and Rikki and myself and go do another big stadium tour and arena tour in 2025."

Regarding his motivation for going back out on the road with POISON after spending most of his time touring with his solo band, Bret said: "We've known each other since we've been in junior high school… I wouldn't be here without Bobby or Rikki or C.C. And then, as you go along, we've been together a long time — still great friends. If anyone saw 'The Stadium Tour', that was a party. And when you're out there with that DEF LEPPARD and MÖTLEY and Joan, you're talking A-plus awesomeness. And we just came out and brought it.

"For me, what it is, we do about a couple of years solo, and then we'll go out and do 35 or 40 dates with POISON," he explained. "And we set it up, we schedule it."

POISON's long-delayed North American trek with DEF LEPPARD, MÖTLEY CRÜE and JOAN JETT & THE BLACKHEARTS was originally planned for 2020 and later moved to 2021 and then to 2022.

In 2018, POISON completed the "Nothin' But A Good Time" tour with CHEAP TRICK and POP EVIL.

POISON's last album of new material was 2002's "Hollyweird". An album of covers, "Poison'd", followed in 2007.

Back in 2018, Dall said that POISON "should" be making a new studio album but claimed that he didn't know if it would happen. "I'm not going to bullshit you and say there's any [new music] in the process [of being made]," he told All That Shreds. "Would I like there to be? Yes. But, it's a matter of everyone having the time. Everybody in the band has other commitments. Some members have younger children than others. So between those two issues, it's difficult, and, you know, [there are] health issues as we get older. Should we be making a new record? Yes, definitely. But will it happen? I don't know."

In a 2017 interview, Rikki acknowledged that part of the reason the band hasn't been motivated to work on new music has been the fact that fans rarely show interest in hearing fresh material performed live when classic rock groups go on tour. "We could write the second coming of 'Talk Dirty To Me', and I don't know if people wanna hear it or not, and that's a frustrating thing; it really is," he said. "AEROSMITH was able to do it, but not everybody is. I mean, even THE ROLLING STONES have had problems with that in the last few years. So… I don't know. But I do think it's important to stay viable. For the 'über fans,' it's always a really, really good thing. And that's what you do it for — you do it for you, you do it for the real fans, the real true fans."

More recently, Rockett admitted that he and other members of POISON harbored some resentment toward Michaels, whose frequent tours as a solo artist caused the band to take a five-year break from the road.

"I think we need to get away from each other and do other things, but at the same time, I think he spent a little too much time away," Rockett said. "There's definitely some resentment, but not resentment like I want him to fail. I want him to do good. I just want POISON to be important too, and I would like [him] to put a little more energy into POISON."

To clear the air of any confusion, I just want to clarify to all the amazing family, friends and fans who I remain...

Posted by Bret Michaels on Thursday, September 12, 2024

DEAD ICARUS, the new band of former ATREYU lead vocalist Alex Varkatzas, as well as Gabe Mangold of ENTERPRISE EARTH and Brandon Zackey, will release its debut album, "Zealot", on October 31 via MNRK Heavy.

Produced and co-written by Mangold, "Zealot" is a precise and pummeling execution of airtight technical riffs, miles of solos, blast beat assault and battery, and screamed, growled, and sung vocals.

Today, the band has shared the video for the latest single "Bearing Burdens And Saving Skin". Watch it below. The song kicks off with furious hardcore energy and evolves with guttural death growls and monster, chunky breakdowns.

"I couldn't be more excited and proud to shared our first full length album 'Zealot' with the world," Varkatzas says. "To be a zealot means to be fanatical and uncompromisingly devoted to one's beliefs. A lot of emotion and energy went into its crafting. I worked very hard to step up my vocal performance and really committed to holding nothing back and trying new things in order to match the dynamic nature of the songs."

He continues: "We kick things off with 'Bearing Burdens And Saving Skin', a fast, chaotic, catchy ripper. Lyrically, the song deals with dishonesty and unrelenting revenge. We match it with a dark and wild video by MyGoodEyeVisuals, which was shot in a cemetery inside a haunted house and serves as a precursor to the subsequent videos we have in the works. Be ready, we are just getting started..."

DEAD ICARUS leans on the uncanny creative union between vocalist Varkatzas, guitarist and producer Gabe Mangold, and drummer Brandon Zackey. The band truly gets its wings from the undying commitment made by its members. The musicians pursue their artistry with a resolute sense of focus, manifesting in the precise execution of airtight technical riffs, virtuosic solos, blast beat assault and battery, and hard-hitting vocals.

Countless fans worldwide initially got to know Varkatzas as co-founder and original frontman for influential Southern California metalcore stalwarts ATREYU. After two decades earmarked by chart-shaking success, a pair of gold albums and gold singles, sold-out shows around the globe, and critical renown, he embarked on his next chapter in 2020. Enter Mangold. Celebrated as guitarist for ENTERPRISE EARTH, he and Alex instantly clicked and forged a musical partnership, yielding their 2024-released "Ad Infernum" EP. Inciting critical applause, Revolver promised, "Fans of old-school ATREYU will definitely enjoy."

DEAD ICARUS will embark on its first tour this September with ENTERPRISE EARTH and NEKROGOBLIKON. More worldwide touring is planned for 2025 and beyond.

"Zealot" track listing:

01. The Unconquerable
02. Bearing Burdens And Saving Skin
03. Zealot
04. 1 Million Days
05. Temptations Kiss
06. Fountains Of Death
07. Casting Spells
08. Hell Opens Its Mouth
09. Vade Retro Satana
10. Secrets In The Dark
11. Betrayal Shaped Daggers

A staple of Ozzfest in the mid-2000s with two gold albums, ATREYU is one of the defining bands of the New Wave Of American Heavy Metal, alongside groups like AVENGED SEVENFOLD and LAMB OF GOD. Metalcore classics like "The Curse" and "A Death-Grip On Yesterday" were powered by Alex's distinctive scream.

POWERFLO — vocalist Senen "Sen Dog" Reyes (CYPRESS HILL),vocalist/guitarist Billy Graziadei (BIOHAZARD),bassist Christian Olde Wolbers (ex-FEAR FACTORY) and drummer Fred Aching — is back.

The hard rock supergroup will release its new album, "Gorilla Warfare", on November 1 via New Damage Records.

Alongside the album announcement, the band is also sharing the video for the title track. Watch it below. The song and video features Ernie C of BODY COUNT.

"We bring it to a new level with 'Gorilla Warfare'," says Graziadei about the album. "The second record always defines a band, I'm proud as hell of this release. Metal, punk, and hardcore all held together by the power flow of Sen Dog spitting mad verses all over it! The album is the best of CYPRESS HILL, BIOHAZARD and FEAR FACTORY, all combined into one massive beating! We even have a bit of BILLYBIO mixed into the fray."

As for the title track and first single, he continues, "I finished working on the song but felt it needed something else. After working on some ideas, I wasn't feeling it so I called up buddy Ernie C from BODY COUNT to see if he was down for helping me out. He came into the studio, loved the vibe and laid down some pure fire! That became the title track and the first single!"

"Gorilla Warfare" track listing:

01. I'm A Killer
02. You Ain't My Judge
03. Gorilla Warfare (feat. Ernie C)
04. War Machine
05. The Wrong One
06. Head Strong
07. Isolation
08. Big Dog
09. Fuck Em All
10. Drinkin' Beer And Gettin' Loud

POWERFLO combines the passionate, chaotic, and authentic urgency of a brand-new band with the unrivaled experience of its trailblazing members. All the members are genre giants who shaped heavy music and hip-hop and continue to innovate in this band. Their collective creative fingerprints are all over subculture, including early mashups of hardcore and rap, metal and industrial, and more.

"POWERFLO's mix of agit-rap, thrash metal, and punk attitude is a revelation to those who only know Sen Dog from his CYPRESS HILL joints," wrote long-running metal tastemaker Revolver. "His vocals are clear and sharp, and he drives the band's full-throttle crunch like a natural-born frontman. POWERFLO are energetic, pissed off, and built to last, with bite and hooks.

The blistering second album, "Gorilla Warfare", is a full-circle moment for the guys and the genre.

The groundbreaking "Judgment Night" soundtrack, released in 1993, was an early building block of the rap-metal mashups to come and featured both CYPRESS HILL and BIOHAZARD. Sen appeared on BIOHAZARD's classic third album, "State Of The World Address" (1994). Christian appears on CYPRESS HILL's "Skull & Bones" (2000) and "Stoned Raiders" (2001) and performed as part of their live band many times.

POWERFLO's self-titled debut arrived in 2017. Produced and recorded by Billy and mixed by Tue Madsen (MESHUGGAH, DARK TRANQUILITY, SICK OF IT ALL),the second album came together with even more confidence, ambition, and fearlessness. "Gorilla Warfare" cements POWERFLO as a heavy hitter with a bright future and career, even as it brings its members full circle with a genre they helped pioneer.

As Billy points out, "The three of us are survivors. We've experienced many great times and challenges. POWERFLO is so enjoyable because we have a blast doing this band together."

Photo credit: Melissa Castro

DROWNING POOL's new single, "Revolution (The Final Amen)", will be released on September 20 via SBG Records. It marks the first piece of music founding DROWNING POOL guitarist C.J. Pierce and his longtime bandmates — drummer Mike Luce and bassist Stevie Benton — have completed with singer Ryan McCombs in 13 years. SiriusXM Octane will premiere the single on September 19. A teaser is available below.

In celebration of the new single, DROWNING POOL will be at Will Call Bar in Dallas, Texas on September 20 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. for "Hard Rock Happy Hour". Chazz from Power Chords will be interviewing the band. Don't miss this exclusive event — grab a drink and rock out with the band!

In a recent interview with iHeart Radio personality Debbie Sexxton, Pierce stated about "Revolution (The Final Amen)": "Yeah, it was great working on the song together. It's the first one with all of us back with Ryan, and we spent a lot of time on it. We started on it, actually, beginning of last year. And just between touring and stuff like that, we weren't able to get it down yet. But the whole process, all of us working together, I mean, we literally sat down at a table and we all had different ideas and every one of us kind of approached the song in a different way. And then we came together as a band. It was just amazing. That sounds like a DROWNING POOL song. That's what we want it to sound like. It sounds like us with Ryan."

Regarding the lyrical themes covered in the new DROWNING POOL single, Pierce said: "We spent a lot of time trying different things out to make sure all the bases were covered and we came across with the message lyric-wise too. We had a couple of different rewrites and redrafts just to make sure the flow is right to get the point across. It's more of a general thing about what's going on now. We definitely need a big change — not specific to any country or government or religion as much as just as a whole. It's more [about] planet earth."

Earlier in August, Pierce told the "Thunder Underground" podcast about the musical direction of the new DROWNING POOL song: "I'm so excited, man. It just came out naturally. We never tried to write like a 'Bodies Part Two' or a 'Tear Away Part Two'. We just write what we feel at the time, and the excitement that we had and the energy we have with Ryan being back in the band, the song definitely has that vibe to it. It's in drop C [tuning], and I got a new wah pedal in the studio when I was doing the song. So I'm wah-pedaling all over just like on [DROWNING POOL's] 'Sinner' record. So it has that old-school vibe to it. The people that have heard it so far, that's what they relate it to. It's got that same type of energy. It's its own song and entity. But yeah, it's intense, man. It's a banger."

Asked if the idea is for DROWNING POOL to put out standalone singles going forward or if he and his bandmates are working on an album, C.J. said: "Well, we wanna put out some singles, and stuff that we're doing with Ryan. And yes, we wanna do a full-length record. But we have a lot of stuff coming up in the works. We just did a bunch of shows in Poland for our troops back in December and January. We did a 17-song jam and acoustic set. And I've always wanted to do that. And we kind of fell into it 'cause they asked us to do it over the holidays right before that happened. So it kind of threw us into acoustic mode, which we've never done. And I love the way that set came out. Some songs, they sound heavier, some songs sound a little different, some sound exactly the same, but acoustic style. So I wanna record that as a whole to get that out there. There's a handful of songs we're doing now with Ryan off [DROWNING POOL's] 'Desensitized' [album]. It's the 20-year anniversary. So we talked about re-recording a few songs with Ryan's voice on it since we do those now. And then we're coming up on the 25-year anniversary of the 'Sinner' record, so I've been putting a lot of stuff together with that, that we have with [original DROWNING POOL singer] Dave Williams. I have so much video and songs we did. And there's a couple of things and ideas we had with Dave I wouldn't mind doing with Ryan and making them solid as well. So there's a lot of stuff in the works, man, on top of writing new songs. So, we wanna get a couple of new things out so you can hear what we're doing with Ryan and then definitely wanna do a full-length record with him in the process of doing these other things. But the writing hasn't stopped, man. Since he's walked into my house last year, the ideas — I mean, it's been 13 years and a lot has happened to all of us in that time frame, and so there's a lot to write about, a lot to share, and it comes out through the music, dude. It's killer."

In July, McCombs was asked by 94 Rocks KFML's "The Dark" rock music program if the sound of the new DROWNING POOL material harkens back to what Ryan did with the band in the past, McCombs said: "It's C.J. It's Stevie. It's Mike. It's myself. We did a couple of really — not to toot our own horn — I think we did a couple really good albums back in the day. And we pick up right where we left off.

"I think the coolest thing about DROWNING POOL is it's really easy with DROWNING POOL to separate things with the singers, as far as eras go, but there's always been the DROWNING POOL sound," Ryan continued. "There's always been a certain aspect of just the tones and everything. So it's still just like it always has been — DROWNING POOL."

In June, Pierce told Scott Penfold of Loaded Radio that he and his DROWNING POOL bandmates are once again working with producer Shawn McGhee. "He has his own studio," C.J. explained. "We did the last record with him as well. We did [2022's] 'Strike A Nerve' [with him]. And he's just a great guy to work with. He's on the same page as us and a great friend and a great musician and a killer producer and mixer. So, we love working with Shawn. He really knows how to capture what we're trying to do, man. That's the kind of producer you want. We put him in a driver's seat and somebody you can trust to have that outside ear to take what we have already and elevate it."

Asked what fans can expect from the new DROWNING POOL music, Pierce said: "It just came out naturally. We just started writing. We were all excited to be together again. And we never try to be that kind of band to [go], like, 'Okay, let's write 'Bodies Part Two' or 'Sinner Part Two'. We just write what we feel. And then this came out naturally just to have that 'Sinner' record foundation with Ryan singing on it, man. It's probably the closest thing we've had that's like that, that's a good blend of us and Ryan and stuff from the Dave Williams days. And it came naturally and organically and, dude, it's slamming."

Regarding what it has been like having Ryan step back into the band and if that familiarity was there again, C.J. said: "Yeah, it was there like that and then some, man, 'cause we're all different people. And getting to know all of us, the new us — new and improved, hopefully.

"We just did the [Welcome To] Rockville festival, and just to see friends say that, 'cause people are just now seeing us with Ryan again," he continued. "[People are telling us], 'Man, I can just tell you guys are having so much fun with it. It's awesome to see you guys'. You can tell when a band's up there doing it for real. There's no going through motions with us. And we're having fun with it."

Five months ago, Pierce told Tulsa Music Stream about the new DROWNING POOL music: "It's the first time we have new music with Ryan McCombs in 13 years. And everything's organic and natural. We just started jamming and it just came out like that. It's not trying to push anything or any agenda. We just had this great writing relationship, and it was awesome to click like that again, especially with everybody in the band. Before we finish up the lyrics and all the singing, we're all sat down at the table and bounce ideas off each other to finetune the songs. It's awesome to work with my brothers like that, to have that kind of relationship where everybody has some input and say into it. So when the song comes out, all four of us love what we do with it."

Asked if he and his bandmates usually discuss where they want their new music to go or if they just generally stick to a tried-and-tested formula, Pierce said: "It's actually none of those things at all. Sorry. The answer is none of the above. I mean, some people, they approach it like that. I know some bands have the songwriter in the band or two guys writing everything, and some people don't. I love the fact that we all just get in a room and jam. It's a feeling thing. Music's expressing what's going on at the time. So, the way ideas usually come up with us in DROWNING POOL, it's just, 'Hey, man, I have this feeling, this idea. What do you think about this or this subject matter?' If something comes up, like, 'We should write something about that.' It's different. It's not really a set formula. We need to sound like this; we need to sound like that."

He continued: "It was unfortunate that we lost Dave Williams in 2002 from cardiomyopathy, but it also allowed us to work with other singers. They all have their own style and where they fit within the music Mike, Stevie and I write, So that was also fun. I wouldn't say challenge as much as just coming up with you feel and then see how it works with the strong points of the singer that's singing to it as well. So it just comes up. Everything's, again, whatever you feel at the time; that's what we write. It's never been trying to follow the trend, which is I'm fine with bands that do that or trying to fit in here and there. We try to keep it a hundred percent original."

Pierce added: "There's a few bands out there that have that formula — like AC/DC, as an example — and that works for them and that probably works for them to stick with it. With us, we've kind of been all over the board with, obviously, singer changes and stuff. But everybody knows 'Bodies'. And that's the core sound of what we have anyway. And the excitement of Ryan coming back in the band with the new songs that we have are equal to, if not more jamming than, 'Bodies'. And not intentional, like 'we have to like write a 'Bodies Part Two'' or another song [like that]. It's we just have that fire again. So it just comes out like that."

Earlier in April, Pierce spoke to Pierre Gutiérrez of Rock Talks about how the new DROWNING POOL music compares to "Strike A Nerve", the band's first record in seven years, which came out in September 2022 via T-Boy/UMe. It marked the band's third album with singer Jasen Moreno, who joined DROWNING POOL in 2012. Asked if the material is "more balanced" than "Strike A Nerve", C.J. said: "I wouldn't say more balanced. With Jasen Moreno on the last couple of records, we just started going up a heavy thing. Plus our career, just things that were going on at that time — I write what's going on in my life at the time; it's art, it's music — and just things were getting more intense with Jasen. Not just Jasen, but the music business, everything. So the music got intense as well, as you hear. And then with Ryan back in here, we still have that same intention, but Ryan brings a different kind of aspect and the delivery to the songs. There's definitely the style that we had on the two records we did with Ryan that's there, but we still have that heaviness going on as well. So it's definitely the heaviest stuff we've done with Ryan, for sure. So it's all heavy, brother. There's definitely a few songs that may be… We had '37 Stitches' and songs like that with Ryan. We have one or two songs that are kind of more in that mellow zone with him as well that we're working on. But, yeah, the last few records, we were pretty much just slamming, just full-on super-heavy stuff, man, which I enjoy as well. So you're gonna get a mix of it. I feel like with Ryan, we can get more of a mix of styles in there as well… It's intense, man. It's intense music. That's what we write."

McCombs played his first shows back with DROWNING POOL in March 2023 at Club L.A. in Destin, Florida and at the inaugural Throwdown At The Campground festival in Fruitland Park, Florida.

The longtime SOIL frontman, who has lived in Swindon, England since 2018, originally joined DROWNING POOL in 2005 and appeared on two of the band's studio albums, "Full Circle" (2007) and "Drowning Pool" (2010),as well as a live album, 2009's "Loudest Common Denominator". He rejoined SOIL after exiting DROWNING POOL in 2011.

McCombs is continuing to front SOIL and will carry on recording and performing with both bands.

DROWNING POOL's debut album, "Sinner", was certified platinum within six weeks of its release in 2001, while the CD's first single, "Bodies", was one of the most frequently aired videos on MTV by a new band. DROWNING POOL reached out to an ever-greater audience with dynamic performances at Wrestlemania XVIII and Ozzfest during the summers of 2001 and 2002. Unfortunately, their streak of success was not to last. Shortly after rousing the crowd at Ozzfest in Indianapolis, Indiana, on August 3, 2002, vocalist Dave "Stage" Williams was found dead of natural causes on the tour bus.

Photos courtesy of O'Donnell Media Group

Paramount+ has released a new clip from the upcoming docuseries "Nöthin' But A Good Time: The Uncensored Story Of '80s Hair Metal".

In the clip, which premiered via Entertainment Weekly, RATT singer Stephen Pearcy tells a tale about something the band's one-time tourmate Ozzy Osbourne would partake in while staying at hotels.

"In nice hotels, you put your shoes out, have these shined," Pearcy says. "So [Ozzy] goes hobbling down the hall, and he literally pulls his pants down and he just takes a big shit in these shoes. He just had a laugh about it, like 'Ha ha!' They're gonnna wake up. The guys are gonna go out and grab his shoes and just [put their hands] in Ozzy's [shit]. So, anyway, he was fucking nuts."

"Nöthin' But A Good Time: The Uncensored Story Of '80s Hair Metal" will premiere September 17 exclusively on the service in the U.S. and Canada and September 18 in additional international Paramount+ markets. Directed by Jeff Tremaine ("Jackass", "The Dirt"),the three-part series showcases the notoriously wild '80s hard rock phenomenon and features interviews with those who lived it, including Bret Michaels (POISON),Pearcy, Nuno Bettencourt (EXTREME),Dave "Snake" Sabo (SKID ROW) and Riki Rachtman (MTV's "Headbangers Ball"),along with Corey Taylor (SLIPKNOT) and Steve-O, among many others.

"I'm honored to be part of this docuseries, named after the hit POISON song 'Nothin' But A Good Time'," said Michaels. "I'm excited for viewers to take a fresh look at the fans and bands, highs and lows, and to celebrate the music and good times of the '80s and beyond. I hope the audience enjoys it as much as I did, and I can't wait for them to have insight into some of those notoriously crazy moments!"

Based on the acclaimed book "Nöthin But A Good Time: The Uncensored History Of The '80s Hard Rock Explosion" by esteemed rock journalists Tom Beaujour and Richard Bienstock, the series delivers a fresh and shockingly candid behind-the-scenes look at one of music's most iconic eras. Each episode showcases the insanity and blazing ambition that has enthralled generations of music lovers and continues to influence culture to this day.

"This docuseries is a celebration of the most outrageous decade in rock 'n' roll. It's my love letter to the '80s," said Tremaine.

"Nöthin' But A Good Time: The Uncensored Story Of '80s Hair Metal" is executive produced by Jeff Tremaine and Shanna Newton for Gorilla Flicks; Eric Wattenberg, Scott Lonker and Will Nothacker for Wheelhouse's Spoke Studios; Erik Olsen; and Bruce Gillmer and Michael Maniaci for MTV Entertainment Studios. Richard Bienstock and Tom Beaujour serve as co-executive producers.

When the "Nöthin But A Good Time: The Uncensored History Of The '80s Hard Rock Explosion" book was released, Pearcy said in a statement: "If you want to relive the explosive decade, this is as close as you're gonna get. All right here, right now."

Michaels added: "From the streets to the Strip, the studio to the stage, this is an epic tale told by the people that lived it. It's a backstage pass to the wildest and loudest party in rock history ― you'll feel like you were right there with us!"

Paramount+, part of Paramount's global portfolio of multimedia entertainment and news brands, is a direct-to-consumer digital subscription video on-demand and live streaming service, combining live sports, breaking news and A Mountain Of Entertainment. The streaming service features an expansive library of original series, hit shows and popular movies across every genre from world-renowned brands and production studios, including BET, CBS, Comedy Central, MTV, Nickelodeon, Paramount Pictures and the Smithsonian Channel. Paramount+ with Showtime, the service's cornerstone plan, is also home to Showtime content, including scripted hits and critically acclaimed nonfiction projects and films. This premium plan includes unmatched events and sports programming through the local live CBS stream, including golf, basketball and more. All Paramount+ subscribers have streaming access to CBS News Network for 24/7 news and CBS Sports HQ for sports news and analysis.

For more information about Paramount+, please visit www.paramountplus.com, and follow @ParamountPlus on social media.

With 25 years of reign and seven acclaimed albums under their belts, Grammy-nominated metalcore pioneers AS I LAY DYING are back with an unmissable new album that will define their legacy for years to come. Poised to be one of the most highly anticipated metal comebacks in years, the band's eighth full-length studio album, "Through Storms Ahead", will drop on November 15, 2024 via Napalm Records.

Featuring explosive new tracks "Burden" and "The Cave We Fear To Enter" — which arrived earlier this summer as the band's first new musical offerings in five years — "Through Storms Ahead" is an evolution of newly explored elements that further bolster the proven lineup of vocalist Tim Lambesis and guitarist Phil Sgrosso alongside recent newcomers Ryan Neff (bass, clean vocals),Nick Pierce (drums) and Ken Susi (guitar).

In celebration, AS I LAY DYING just dropped the eviscerating new metalcore anthem of the year "We Are The Dead". Featuring the gut-punching vocal talents of famed guest vocalists Alex Terrible (SLAUGHTER TO PREVAIL) and Tom Barber (CHELSEA GRIN, DARKO),the latest album single arrives with an equally gripping new music video — proving equal parts mesmerizing, eerie and brutal. The video features appearances from both special guest vocalists.

Sgrosso offers about the track and video: "'We Are The Dead' represents the more brutal territory from our new album, spotlighting our thrashier tendencies that we still enjoy mixing in amongst our more melodic sound. I think this is the meanest we've ever gone in terms of aggression, and who better to join us than two of deathcore's finest, Alex Terrible of SLAUGHTER TO PREVAIL and Tom Barber from CHELSEA GRIN. Shout out to our third-time video collaborator Tom Flynn for jumping in with us and pulling off another visually creative undertaking for the track."

Featuring immense, stunning production by guitarist Phil Sgrosso and Hiram Hernandez, mixing by Aaron Chaparian, mastering by Ted Jensen and album art once again created by Corey Meyers, "Through Storms Ahead" proves that good things come to those who wait. The album features crystal clear, punishingly precise technicality and quality — proving keen attention to detail and thoughtful exploration throughout "Through Storms Ahead".

A melancholic guitar-driven introduction track blasts into a deft explosion on first song "A Broken Reflection", showcasing the masterful melding of skills that the new incarnation of AS I LAY DYING brings to the table. The clean vocals of bassist Ryan Neff absolutely soar throughout, fortifying the high-end of the track's multi-layered attack of searing, heart-wrenching guitar harmonics, driving bass, pummeling drums and the furious low-end gutturals of iconic frontman Tim Lambesis. Streamed over a million times within days of its initial release, first single "Burden" annihilates with instantly gripping energy, charging in with an intensely catchy chorus, multiple breakdowns and ingenious guitar soloing from Phil Sgrosso. "Whitewashed Tomb" bleeds in with a cinematic underscore before its potent vocal lines, hair-raising, rhythmic guitar leads and ominous, reverberating electronic atmosphere takes over. Melodic "The Void Within" and "Taken From Nothing" evoke classic AS I LAY DYING style blended with modernized metalcore passages, while tracks such as "Strength To Survive" and "Gears That Never Stop" showcase the vital songwriting prowess of the band in 2024. Blending metallic battery with dominant accessibility, the tracks further attest that "Through Storms Ahead" won't pause for a single moment of mediocrity. Title track "Through Storms Ahead" bludgeons with intense drums and an earworm chorus, while acclaimed second single "The Cave We Fear To Enter" begins pensively before charging into an emotive melodic metalcore opus.

"Through Storms Ahead" track listing:

01. Permanence
02. A Broken Reflection
03. Burden
04. We Are The Dead (feat. Alex Terrible, Tom Barber)
05. Whitewashed Tomb
06. Through Storms Ahead
07. The Void Within
08. Strength To Survive
09. Gears That Never Stop
10. The Cave We Fear To Enter
11. Taken From Nothing

AS I LAY DYING is preparing to kick off their massive European "Through Storms Ahead Tour", featuring support from CALIBAN, DECAPITATED and OV SULFUR, on November 15 in Würzburg, Germany. Before those shows, U.S. fans can catch AS I LAY DYING at the iconic New England Metal & Hardcore Festival on September 22.

In June 2022, drummer Jordan Mancino announced that he would sit out AS I LAY DYING's tour due to "a number of ongoing internal issues" that "have not yet been resolved."

Mancino's announcement came less than a month after bassist/vocalist Josh Gilbert revealed that he was leaving the band. In a statement, the remaining members of AS I LAY DYING said that Gilbert "decided to exit" the group "to pursue other musical opportunities."

Josh was the second AS I LAY DYING member to leave the band in less than a year. In August 2021, guitarist Nick Hipa confirmed his exit from AS I LAY DYING, explaining that he could no longer justify being part of "a superficial pursuit" of the "story and meaning" that the band's 2018 reunion was built upon.

Lambesis was famously convicted in 2014 for his role in a murder-for-hire plot against his estranged wife.

In May 2014, Lambesis was sentenced to six years in jail after pleading guilty to paying a San Diego police officer posing as a hitman $1,000 to kill his wife. Approximately two and a half years later — on December 17, 2016 — he was discharged from a California detention facility and was transferred to the Division of Adult Parole Operations.

In June 2018, AS I LAY DYING played its first show with Lambesis in five years and released a new single. Lambesis also owned up to his crimes in a long apology on the band's Facebook page after his release.

The return of AS I LAY DYING raised some questions, particularly since Hipa categorically denounced the band's disgraced frontman as a "sociopathic narcissist in definite need of rehabilitation" in a social-media post back in 2014.

In September 2021, AS I LAY DYING released a new song called "Roots Below" which was originally a B-side leftover from when the sessions for "Shaped By Fire".

Photo credit: Ben Alexis

MASTODON and LAMB OF GOD have shared a collaborative new single called "Floods Of Triton". The track, which was recorded prior to the launch of the two bands' recently completed "Ashes Of Leviathan" tour, can be streamed below.

Out now via Loma Vista Recordings, "Floods Of Triton" is a high-energy rager that effortlessly evokes the spirit of the bands' respective early works while also harnessing the stylistic expansiveness that has forged them into icons of heavy music. The track was recorded at MASTODON's own West End Sound in Atlanta and was produced by MASTODON and Tyler Bates, highly regarded in his own right for his scores for "Guardians Of The Galaxy", "John Wick", "MaXXXine" and more.

In an interview with Rolling Stone, MASTODON drummer Brann Dailor stated about how "Floods Of Triton" came together: "We [in MASTODON] were just talking about the possibility of doing more collaborations because we don't do it enough and it's a fun thing to do. We had the tour coming up, so [LAMB OF GOD] were at the forefront of my mind. We had the main two riffs of the song since about 2006, which maybe ironically is when our two bands first legitimately toured together. So we had this song, and we thought Randy's [Blythe, LAMB OF GOD frontman] voice would be perfect on it. I thought it would be a really cool thing to cement our friendship even further."

Added Blythe: "I've known Brann and Bill [Kelliher, MASTODON guitarist] longer than MASTODON has existed. For me, making music with people that I like as human beings is one of the coolest parts of my job. As they asked, I was like, 'Yeah.'"

Asked who wrote the lyrics to "Floods Of Triton", Blythe said: "I wrote about 80 percent of the lyrics. I liked the idea of a true collaborative effort, so I asked [MASTODON bassist/vocalist Troy Sanders] if he had lyrics, and he's like, 'Yeah. I've had some stuff I've written.' So we went back and forth in the studio. We didn't map the song out beforehand. It was once we were in the studio that we discussed where things would go. I believe I wrote, 'See beauty in destruction.' And then Troy had the other line, 'The sea beast laid to rest,' which of course is references a LAMB OF GOD song and a MASTODON song. So it was very much a collaborative arrangement, even once the base of the song was in place. It was vocally collaborative as well."

The "Ashes Of Leviathan" tour celebrated the 20th anniversary of MASTODON's "Leviathan" and LAMB OF GOD's "Ashes Of The Wake" albums, both of which were released on the same date in 2004 (August 31).

"Ashes Of Leviathan" took MASTODON and LAMB OF GOD through the U.S. and Canada, culminating on the exact 20th anniversary of each album on August 31 in Omaha, Nebraska at the Astro Amphitheater.

"Leviathan", released on Relapse Records, was MASTODON's first concept album, loosely based on the 1851 novel "Moby-Dick" by Herman Melville. Three magazines named the LP "Album Of The Year" in 2004: Revolver, Kerrang! and Terrorizer. In 2009 and 2015, MetalSucks named "Leviathan" the best metal album of the 21st century. "Leviathan" was also released with an audio DVD in a limited-edition set with a black-and-gold slipcase.

MASTODON's latest album, 2021's "Hushed And Grim", was a double LP recorded at the band's Atlanta studio, West End Sound. The effort was produced by David Bottrill (TOOL, RUSH, MUSE, PETER GABRIEL) and was MASTODON's most expansive song cycle to date, featuring 15 distinct tracks. It achieved the band's third consecutive No. 1 debut on the Billboard Hard Rock Albums chart and earned MASTODON a Grammy Award nomination for the track "Pushing The Tides". Additionally, the album's single "Teardrinker" secured a top 10 position on the rock radio charts, a further testament to the band's widespread acclaim.

Roundly regarded as a cornerstone of modern metal, "Ashes Of The Wake" features beloved songs such as "Now You've Got Something To Die For", "Omerta" and the blistering "Hourglass". On August 30, Epic Records and Legacy Recordings marked the two-decade anniversary of the pivotal release with "Ashes Of The Wake (20th Anniversary Edition)", featuring new mixes by Justin K Broadrick (GODFLESH, JESU),HEALTH and KUBLAI KHAN TX and MALEVOLENCE, as well as demo and live versions of the album's classic songs.

LAMB OF GOD is Blythe (vocals),John Campbell (bass),Mark Morton (guitar),Willie Adler (guitar) and Art Cruz (drums). Formed in 1994, the Richmond, Virginia-based band have released nine critically acclaimed albums, received five Grammy Award nominations and are widely regarded as one of the most influential and innovative forces in heavy music. The band's most recent collection, "Omens", arrived in late 2022, with Kerrang! noting that the album finds the band "as reliably heavy, violent, and pissed off as ever," and Consequence saying the "album will break you down to nihilistic pieces."