DISTURBED frontman David Draiman and ALICE COOPER guitarist Nita Strauss joined forces to perform stripped-down versions of SIMON & GARFUNKEL's "The Sound Of Silence" and DISTURBED's "A Reason To Fight" at Shep Gordon's annual charity jam on December 31 at Wailea Beach Resort in Maui, Hawaii. Video footage of the performance can be seen below (courtesy of YouTube user "Howard Dinits").

The 11th annual concert and fireworks show, which also featured AEROSMITH frontman Steven Tyler, Alice Cooper and Grammy Award-winning artist Michael McDonald, has raised millions of dollars for the Maui Food Bank, Maui Arts & Cultural Center and other local groups over the past decade.

The cheapest ticket to the event was $675, though the average price was over $1,000. The performers do not make "one penny" off the concert, Gordon said.

Marlene Rice, development director for the food bank, said the food bank provides meals for more than 10,000 people a month, with 40 percent going to children.

"Every penny that comes into this event is utilized for people who are food insecure," Rice said, accordint to The Maui News. "This is probably the largest donor the Maui Food Bank has, and we're so grateful for what they do."

Draiman lives in Honolulu, Hawaii — near wife Lena's family — having recently moved after spending years in Austin, Texas.

Norwegian black metal masters 1349 have released a new single, titled "Dødskamp". The song has been commissioned by Innovation Norway, Visit Norway and the Munch Museum, who asked four Norwegian artists within four different genres of music to interpret their angle on a freely selected work by the famous painter Edvard Munch. Naturally, 1349 approached the art of Munch from their black metal perspective.

Regarding the single, 1349 guitarist Archaon comments: "Munch is arguably the biggest Norwegian artist throughout history, together with Edvard Grieg, I suppose. His works are tremendously dark and eerie, reflecting a lot of anxiety, pain and loneliness, in the way I perceive them. So, it suited us perfectly. I chose the work 'Dødskamp' which directly translates 'Death Struggle' and speaks volumes for itself. It was an emotionally heavy task, and also a completely new way to compose. As well as some very long nights, bereaved of sleep. In the end though, it was worth it. This is the soundtrack to the dilemmas of mortality."

The new single can be found on all digital platforms and streamed via the official Season Of Mist YouTube channel below. The song is available on vinyl, together with the bonus track "Atomic Chapel" and can be pre-ordered the Season Of Mist shop. 1349 will return with a full-length release later this year.

"Dødskamp" track listing:

01. Dødskamp (05:05)

02. Atomic Chapel (live) (06:54) (only available on EP)

1349 band picture by Jorn Veberg

The "Ninth Star" album by EMERALD SABBATH is an ambitious epic rock and classical music tribute to BLACK SABBATH. Founded and produced by Michael Suilleabhain, an Irish nuclear construction safety inspector, the disc features 10 former members of BLACK SABBATH, The English Chamber Choir and much more.

The first song to be released from the album is "She's Gone", which originally featured on SABBATH's 1976 album "Technical Ecstasy". The new recording features Dave Walker, who replaced Ozzy Osbourne briefly in 1977-1978. Also appearing on the track is former BLACK SABBATH and WHITESNAKE member Neil Murray on bass.

"Ninth Star" features:

* Adam Wakeman (BLACK SABBATH, OZZY OSBOURNE)

* Bev Bevan (BLACK SABBATH, ELO)

* Neil Murray (BLACK SABBATH, WHITESNAKE)

* Terry Chimes (BLACK SABBATH, THE CLASH)

* Laurence Cottle (BLACK SABBATH, THE ALAN PARSONS PROJECT)

* Ron Keel (BLACK SABBATH, KEEL)

* Vinny Appice (BLACK SABBATH, HEAVEN & HELL)

* Dave Walker (BLACK SABBATH, FLEETWOOD MAC)

* Bobby Rondinelli (BLACK SABBATH, RAINBOW)

* Tony Martin (BLACK SABBATH, HEADLESS CROSS)

* Rudy Sarzo (OZZY OSBOURNE, WHITESNAKE)

* The English Chamber Choir

Other EMERALD SABBATH contributors include Will Malone and Mike Lewis ("Sabotage", "Technical Ecstasy"), Mike Exeter (BLACK SABBATH, JUDAS PRIEST), Skaila Kanja (Royal Academy Of Music) plus BLACK SABBATH album graphic designers Richard Manning and Colin Elgie ("Technical Ecstasy") and Hugh Gilmour ("Born Again").

EMERALD SABBATH founder/producer Michael Suilleabhain states about "Ninth Star": "I have been a BLACK SABBATH fan since 1983, when I heard them for first time. Like a lot of fans, it was BLACK SABBATH's debut album I heard first, and as they say, the rest is history. Over the years, I have since seen BLACK SABBATH a total of 82 times with every lineup [except with Ray Gillen]. I also have a great passion for classical music, and in May 2015 I decided to mix both of them. Adam Wakeman was the first to contribute to the project, with keyboards on 'Changes', and then it snowballed into this final product.

"I decided to re-record BLACK SABBATH tracks and instrumentals with as many as ex-members of BLACK SABBATH as possible. A lot of the artists also played on the originals (such as Vinny Appice, who joined SABBATH on drums for the 'Heaven And Hell' tour, and The English Chamber Choir on 'Supertzar'). I then brought in a string quartet along with various classical players.

"Never in my wildest dreams did I think that I would be able to do this, but my persistence paid off.

"I would like to thank all the ex-BLACK SABBATH guys for helping me with this, as well as the former BLACK SABBATH graphic designers, string arrangers and producers.

"I hope that everyone will enjoy this album.”

"Ninth Star" will be released on February 15 via Plastic Head Distribution.

Track listing and credits:

"Embryo"

Adam Wakeman: Keyboards

Bev Bevan: Percussion

Laurence Cottle: Bass

Anneka Sutcliffe: Violin

Sarah Tobias: Flute/Clarinet

"Die Young"

Ron Keel: Vocals

Vinny Appice: Drums

Rudy Sarzo: Bass

DC Cothern: Guitar

Pete Rinaldi: Guitar

Ellen Morgan: Keyboards

"Fluff"

Sarah Tobias: Flute/Clarinet

Ardeton String Quartet

Pete Rinaldi: Guitar

"Trashed"

Ron Keel: Vocals

Vinny Appice: Drums

Bev Bevan: Percussion

Laurence Cottle: Bass

Pete Rinaldi: Guitar

"Stonehenge"

Adam Wakeman: Keyboards

Laurence Cottle: Bass

Pete Rinaldi: Guitar

Sarah Tobias: Flute

"She's Gone"

Dave Walker: Vocals

Neill Murray: Bass

Bill Dwyer: Drums

Ardeton String Quartet

Lisa Ljungberg: Backing Vocals

"In For The Kill"

Tony Martin: Vocals

Laurence Cottle: Bass

Bobby Rondinelli: Drums

Pete Rinaldi: Guitars

Adam Wakeman: Keyboards

"Orchid"

Neil Murray: Bass

Sarah Tobias: Flute/Clarinet

Ardeton String Quartet

Pete Rinaldi: Guitar

"Hole In The Sky"

Ron Keel: Vocals

Bobby Rondinelli: Drums

Laurence Cottle: Bass

Pete Rinaldi: Guitar

"Changes"

Michael Suilleabhain: Vocals

Adam Wakeman: Keyboards

Laurence Cottle: Bass

Bev Bevan: Percussion

Queenie May: Backing Vocals

Annela Sutcliffe: Violin

Sarah Tobias: Flute/Clarinet

"Supertzar"

English Chamber Choir

Adam Wakeman: Keyboards

Terry Chimes: Drums

Laurence Cottle: Bass

Pete Rinaldi: Guitar

Skaila Kanja: Harp

Elen Morgan: Glockenspiel

The official lyric video for the brand-new QUEENSRŸCHE song "Dark Reverie" can be streamed below. The track is taken from the band's upcoming album, "The Verdict", which will be released on March 1 via Century Media Records. The disc was produced, mixed, and mastered by Chris "Zeuss" Harris (ROB ZOMBIE, ICED EARTH, HATEBREED) at Uberbeatz in Lynwood, Washington; Planet-Z in Wilbraham, Massachusetts; and Watershed Studio in Seattle, Washington.

QUEENSRŸCHE guitarist Parker Lundgren states about the song: "'Dark Reverie' is a guitar-driven progressive ballad addressing self-reflection during times of tragedy and the questions we ask ourselves while grieving."

"The Verdict" track listing:

01. Blood Of The Levant

02. Man The Machine

03. Light-Years

04. Inside Out

05. Propaganda Fashion

06. Dark Reverie

07. Bent

08. Inner Unrest

09. Launder The Conscience

10. Portrait

Says QUEENSRŸCHE singer Todd La Torre: "I'm extremely proud of what we were able to accomplish on this record. The relentless dedication and hard work of everyone involved has been very rewarding. I am excited and looking forward to it no longer just belonging to us, but belonging to the world. We hope you all enjoy listening to it as much as we enjoyed making it!"


Michael "Whip" Wilton (guitar) adds: "'The Verdict' is the most metal and the most progressive record we have made in a long time. I couldn't possibly be more excited for everyone to hear this."

Todd spoke about "The Verdict"'s musical direction with Eclectic Arts, saying: "It's got more driving songs on this record than the last one… I think there's elements that are more progressive — some different time signatures. It's a good-flowing album. There's some slow, kind of haunting, creepy, cool stuff on this record," he continued. "Like I say, there's more progressive elements on this one, I think — certainly more, I think, than the last one. The song 'Condition Hüman' was kind of progressive in QUEENSRŸCHE's standards, so there's kind of some of those elements going on. Really good lyrical content — thought-provoking stuff. Certainly never trying to tell anyone what to think, but to think. Again, a lot of it deals with things that are happening in the world that everyone can identify with and relate to. I tried to have some really good vocal acrobatics on this [album]. There's not a ton of high singing, but there's some high stuff on there vocally. I mean, it just sounds like a great QUEENSRŸCHE album to me. But you never know until you put it out to everyone, and then it's not yours anymore."

For the past two years, drummer Scott Rockenfield has been taking time off from QUEENSRŸCHE's touring activities to spend time with his young son, who was born in early 2017. Filling in for him is former KAMELOT drummer Casey Grillo. QUEENSRŸCHE has not yet indicated if Rockenfield was involved with the making of "The Verdict", although it did confirm that Grillo did not play on the record.

"The Verdict" will mark QUEENSRŸCHE's third full-length release with La Torre, following the departure of Geoff Tate in 2012.

QUEENSRŸCHE's spring U.S. headline tour with special guests FATES WARNING will kick off on March 2 in Orlando, making stops in major markets such as New York, Atlanta, Chicago, and Los Angeles, and will wrap on April 3 in Seattle. THE CRINGE will be joining both bands on select dates.

The original lineup of the 1990s Swedish death metal band DISMEMBER has reunited and will perform at the Scandinavia Deathfest 2019 festival, set to take place October 11-12 at the Kraken Sthlm and Slaktkyrkan venues in Stockholm, Sweden.

DISMEMBER's lineup for the concert will be as follows:

Matti Kärki - Vocals

David Blomqvist - Lead Guitar

Robert Sennebäck - Rhythm Guitar

Richard Cabeza - Bass

Fred Estby – Drums

Also scheduled to appear are BENEDICTION, CENTINEX, DEMILICH, DEMONICAL, ENTRAILS, GENERAL SURGERY, ROTTEN SOUND, UNANIMATED and many others.

DISMEMBER's original lineup released a couple of acclaimed albums in the early 1990s, including the classic debut, 1991's "Like An Ever Flowing Stream", which was heralded as a milestone for the then-burgeoning Swedish death metal scene.

The latest, self-titled album from DISMEMBER was released in Europe in 2008 via Regain Records.

DISMEMBER called it quits in October 2011, several months after performing at Germany's Death Feast Open Air festival. The show marked DISMEMBER's first concert since 2008.

In August 2016, Estby told Invisible Oranges about a possible DISMEMBER reunion: "People were telling me that all the time. So maybe we should try to do some shows and get everything back. We always owned our rights to the albums and shirts, but there's still loose ends to tie up. I just wanted to set the record straight and hopefully do some shows in the future."

Los Angeles metalcore outfit SPADES AND BLADES has released the official video for the brand new track "My Worst Enemy". The song, which features a guest appearance by BLEEDING THROUGH frontman Brandan Schieppati, was produced by FEAR FACTORY guitarist Dino Cazares and mixed by Chris Collier (PRONG, METAL CHURCH, FLOTSAM AND JETSAM).

SPADES AND BLADES was formed in 2006 by Jason Todd (vocals) and Justin Bullock (guitar, vocals). The band's debut album, "Blood Of The Innocent", was released in 2010. An EP, "Proud To Be Loud", followed in 2013, with another LP, "The End Is Near", arriving in 2016.

Since 2014, SPADES AND BLADES has toured the U.S. multiple times, sharing the road with FEAR FACTORY, SOILWORK, INCITE and STRAIGHT LINE STITCH, among others.

Altitudes & Attitude, the collaboration between Anthrax’s Frank Bello and Megadeth’s David Ellefson - two virtuosic bass players who’ve anchored some of the fiercest thrash records of all time - have released a video for the song “Late”, from their debut album, Get It Out, available on January 18th via Megaforce, featuring a guitar solo by Ace Frehley. Watch below:

Altitudes & Attitude have confirmed a handful of appearances ahead of their debut album, including an inaugural US show on Saturday, January 19th at Saint Vitus in Brooklyn.

Additional NYC appearances include an up-close Q&A and performance January 17th as part of the Guitar World Backstory series at the Cutting Room, an in-store signing January 18th at Rough Trade.  Los Angeles events include a Q&A on January 22nd with Loudwire at the Musicians Institute, and appearances at NAMM on January 25th, before the band heads to Europe in February.

Get It Out is available for pre-order here.

A kind of rock ‘n’ roll primal-scream therapy, Get It Out is the result of nearly four years of writing and recording sessions - and decades of touring, searching, striving and living.

“I’ve learned that writing songs is very cathartic,” says Bello, who has long made songwriting a daily practice. When Anthrax is off the road, he tries out new material at open mics around New York City. “A lot of these lyrics are about the inner struggles of my life, and about the rage that has built up from my life experiences - my brother’s murder; my father abandoning my family when we were young, leaving us with no funds to pay the bills. The ups and downs of life in general. I’ve always had an anger inside that music really helps me deal with.”

“The album has the perfect title,” Ellefson adds. “This is music that has been living inside of us for so long.  There’s a big musical part of each of us that doesn’t get heard anywhere else.”

Boasting producer Jay Ruston (Anthrax, Stone Sour, Steel Panther), drummer Jeff Friedl (A Perfect Circle, Devo, Filter) and a deep bench of guest stars including Ace Frehley (the track “Late”) and Gus G., the record also represents the fulfillment of a lifelong but little-known ambition for two uniquely gifted artists.

As Bello puts it, “All I ever wanted to do was write good songs. I’ve always been a melody guy. I love hooks; I love catchy songs with a good riff.”

Tracklisting:

"Get It Out"
"Late"
"Out Here"
"Part Of Me"
"Slip"
"Talk To Me"
"Leviathan"
"Cold"
"Another Day"
"All There Is"
"Booze And Cigarettes"
"Tell The World"
"Here Again"

"Out Here" lyric video:

The Altitudes & Attitude story begins in 2010, when Bello and Ellefson started touring together to lead bass clinics for the amp manufacturer, Hartke. In need of backing tracks to support their demonstrations, they embarked upon some writing sessions and discovered their chemistry.

Bello and Ellefson debuted Altitudes & Attitude in early 2014, with a self-titled three-song EP that earned the duo airplay on SiriusXM and an appearance on VH1 Classic’s That Metal Show. Those tracks - “Booze And Cigarettes”, “Tell The World”, “Here Again” - are included on Get It Out as bonus cuts, in remixed and remastered form.

Ellefson explains that “A&A could have only happened at this moment in time” - when the titans of thrash metal’s Big Four are older, wiser, kinder and more open creatively. “When you’re still climbing up the hill,” he says, “there’s no room for friendly competition. But once you’ve been to the top of the hill and you’ve seen the view - which all of the Big Four have - it’s OK to break bread, hang out, have a drink.”

Or, in the case of Altitudes & Attitude, delve into hard-rock songwriting in a profound way. “To hear other sides of us as artists - not just as musicians and performers, but as artists.”

Altitudes & Attitude previously announced UK/European tour dates including six shows with Slash f/Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators in support of their debut album.

Dates:

February
7 - Rescue Rooms - Nottingham, UK
9 - Academy 3 - Manchester, UK
10 - Underworld - London, UK
12 - Waterfront - Norwich, UK
14 - 013 - Tilburg, Netherlands
15 - Bett - Frankfurt, Germany
16 - Backstage - Munich, Germany
17 - Zeche - Bochum, Germany
22 - Zenith - Paris, France*
23 - Cirque Royal - Brussels, Belgium - SOLD OUT*
24 - AFAS Live - Amsterdam, Netherlands - SOLD OUT*
27 - Sentrum Scene - Oslo, Norway - SOLD OUT*
28 - Annexet - Stockholm, Sweden*

March
3 - Sporthalle - Hamburg, Germany*

*with Slash

Swedish director Jonas Åkerlund (Metallica, Rammstein, etc.) is preparing to release his horror-movie biopic on Norway's notorious Mayhem, Lords Of Chaos. The film, being released by Gunpowder and Sky, is co-produced by VICE Studios, 20th Century Fox, Scott Free Productions and Insurgent Media, opens in theaters February 8th and On Demand February 22nd.

A fourth video trailer has been released. Watch all four trailers below:

Drawing from personal experience - Åkerlund was for a drummer for the Swedish extreme metal band Bathory for a short time in the early 80s - his adaptation of Michael Moynihan and Didrik Søderlind's book Lords Of Chaos details of the group's rise and fall via Mayhem's co-founder/guitarist Øystein Aarseth, aka Euronymous (Rory Culkin) and his relationship with two volatile collaborators: Per Yngve Ohlin aka Pelle aka Dead (Jack Kilmer), the band's ultra-melancholic first singer who killed cats and then himself; and Varg Vikernes, aka the Count (Emory Cohen), a fellow outcast and Aarseth's eventual murderer.

Recently screening in the Midnight section of the Sundance Film Festival, Lords Of Chaos is profoundly disturbing, macabrely comical and truly unforgettable - a Jonas Åkerlund movie, in other words. (It's currently without a distributor.) A few days after the movie's world premiere, the filmmaker spoke to Rolling Stone about his connection to the story and the scene, why it took so long to get this movie made and how he handled some of the more sensitive (and grisly) aspects of Mayhem's tragedy. An excerpt follows:

Rolling Stone: Have you been hit with any harsh reactions or legal issues?

Jonas Åkerlund: "No legal issues; it's a story that's kind of [in the] public domain, and we have the rights to the book. But you are right: It is a very sensitive story and to be honest, I'm not really sure why. I mean, I'm very passionate about this story, but the truth is that ... young kids do stupid things around the world every day. But this specific story seems to be very important to people, and some of them were already criticizing the movie and asking why we'd tell this story. I think they're wrong. I definitely think this is a relevant story that translates really well into the world of youth today and it needs to be told. And a lot of people that are very close to the story has been supportive. We do have Mayhem's music in the film. I read a lot online [saying] that we don't, but we have the support of Mayhem and the music is in there. They also understand that this story exists in so many different formats already and that a movie is important to tell this story to the next generation.

Rolling Stone: "In terms of the other Mayhem members - particularly Varg, who's not portrayed very favourably - do you think there will be issues with this version of the story getting out there? Have you heard from him?

Jonas Åkerlund: "No, he's the only one we haven't been in contact with. We don't have any of his music in the film so we didn't need his permission. I mean, he's very proud of what he did. He brags about it - and he keeps telling this story over and over again, ever since it happened like 25 years ago. But he's changed his story through the years, so it's hard for me to say exactly what happened; obviously, a lot of his character is based on what he has told. But the other Mayhem members have read the script and they've been supportive with the music and all that, like I said. We've even been in contact with Euronymous's parents and Pelle's family. I've been trying to treat it with respect as much as I can, especially because people have lost family members. It's a very sad story in many ways."

Read the complete interview at RollingStone.com.

BraveWords' latest cruise through YouTube yielded another upload from Thai band Overdose, this time covering Metallica's "Master Of Puppets" in rehearsal. Check out the clip below.

From BananamaxTV: "Overdose is a junior metal band at the age around 9-15 years old. The band was formed in 2016. They have been through many contest stages and posted many covered videos on BananaMaxTV. Now the band is signed with Banana Records, the biggest Metal record label in Thailand which has been producing metal music for over 16 years."

Check out Overdose's cover of Dream Theater's "Overture 1928" from Metropolis Pt. 2: Scenes From A Memory, released in 1999.

The band performs "Overture 1928" and Dream Theater's "As I Am" live in concert in the clip below.

Powerhouse American vocalist, Toby Hitchcock, is back with a brand new solo album, Reckoning, out on January 25th via Frontiers Music Srl. The new song, "Serenity" is available for streaming below.

The album was written and produced in collaboration with Swedish producer Daniel Flores (Find Me, The Murder Of My Sweet).

Toby first came to the attention of melodic rock fans when former Survivor founding member Jim Peterik hand-picked him to be the lead singer for Pride Of Lions, the band that would mark Jim's return to the rock scene.

With Pride of Lions, Toby has sung on five studio albums which are considered true classics among the melodic rock/AOR faithful. Often compared to Bobby Kimball (Toto), Jimi Jamison (Survivor), and Lou Gramm (Foreigner), Hitchcock’s voice has the depth, feeling and the feel of each of them, while still keeping his own identity and trademark.

When Pride Of Lions took a small hiatus in 2011, Toby took the opportunity to hook up with Swedish songwriter/producer Erik Martensson (Eclipse, W.E.T., Ammunition) for his first solo album, Mercury’s Down. The album was a display of the talent of the two young guns, with Toby showing an unbelievable set of pipes on some heavier material, specially penned for him by Martensson.

In 2017, work on a new solo album started with Toby once again looking to Sweden for another exciting collaboration. Swedish producer Daniel Flores (Find Me, The Murder Of My Sweet) crafted a superb set of songs that are an absolute AOR gem of an album.

Toby Hitchcock says: “Being able to record my second solo album was a big step for me. I didn’t want to be a “one hit wonder” type of artist. So I’m very thankful for the opportunity to record a sophomore album. Working on my own solo record is really a great way for me to be creative on my own, so it’s very satisfying, and I love the feeling. Both of my solo projects were produced by different artists. So they feel completely different. This is a great thing for music lovers, as it brings a different vibe. This allows me to really explore my vocals and just have a great time doing it. Both albums have been amazing to work on and I couldn’t be happier."

Reckoning is a must hear release for all melodic rock/AOR fans out there. Pre-order the album here.

Tracklisting:

"No Surrender"
"Promise Me"
"Show Me How To Live"
"Behind The Lies"
"Fighting For My Life"
"Serenity"
"Queen Untouchable"
"Gift Of Flight"
"Don't Leave"
"This Is Our World"
"Someone Like You"

"Serenity":

"Promise Me" video:

Musicians:

Toby Hitchcock: Vocals
Daniel Flores: All Keyboards and Drums
Michael Palace: Guitars and Bass
Yngve "Vinnie" Strömberg: Drums and Percussion

A video trailer for Non Serviam: The Official Story Of Rotting Christ - the new full-length book by Sakis Tolis and Dayal Patterson - can be found below.

Three years in the making, this epic 300-page book explores three decades of history of the legendary Greek extreme metal band. Written by founder and frontman Sakis Tolis and Dayal Patterson (author of Black Metal: Evolution Of The Cult, The Cult Never Dies Vol. One and Into The Abyss).

It includes extensive interviews with key members such as Themis Tolis, Jim Mutilator, Morbid, George Emmanuel and George Tolias, as well as words from many of the band’s peers, including members of Enslaved, Behemoth, Mayhem, Cradle Of Filth, Blasphemy, Mystifier, Moonspell, Macabre Omen, Septicflesh, Death Courier, Tiamat, Immolation and more.

For more details, and to order your copy, head here.

Rotting Christ will release their new album, The Heretics, on February 15th via Season Of Mist. The Heretics was recorded by Rotting Christ guitarist George Emmanuel at his studio Pentagram and mixed by Jens Borgen (Amon Amarth, At The Gates, Arch Enemy). Pre-orders for The Heretics on limited deluxe CD Box, jewel case CD, limited LP and more are available here.

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

Tracklisting:

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

"Heaven And Hell And Fire" lyric video:

"Fire, God And Fear" lyric video:

Trailers:

Rotting Christ 2019 festival dates:

April
27 - Stockholm, Sweden - Stockholm Slaughter 2019

May
11 - Vienna, Austria - Vienna Metal Meeting 2019

August
8 - Caton Hall, UK - Bloodstock Open Air 2019

German power metallers, Brainstorm, have released the new song, "Secrets And Related Lies", which can be streamed below.

Says the band: "Brainstorm fans, this one's for YOU. The brand new, previously unreleased track called 'Secrets And Related Lies'."

“We’ll embark on our Midnight Ghost European tour on January 17th, which is about to become a huge highlight for us”, vocalist Andy B. Franck states. “We thank our awesome fans for their great support and making Midnight Ghost one of most successful releases in Brainstorm history. Now it’s time to celebrate and we want to see you all on the tour. As a gift for our loyal fans, today we launch a brand new, previously unreleased track, for you to enjoy. 'Secrets And Related Lies' lyrically deals with virtual violence, abuse and loss of trust.”

Midnight Ghost tour dates, with support from Mob Rules and Gloryful, are listed below.

Tour dates:

January
17 - Hamburg, Germany - Logo
18 - Essen, Germany - Turock
19 - Mannheim, Germany - MS Connexion
20 - Paris, France - Petit Bain
21 - Colmar, France - Le Grillen
22 - Nijverdal, Netherlands - Cult Art
24 - Munich, Germany - Backstage
25 - Prague, Czech Republic - Nova Chmelnice
26 - Zlin, Czech Republic - Masters Of Rock Cafe
27 - Budapest, Hungary - Barba Negra
29 - Ljubljana, Slovenia - Orto Bar
30 - Ingolstadt, Germany - Eventhalle Westpark
31 - Pratteln, Switzerland - Z7

February
1 - Memmingen, Germany - Kaminwerk
2 - Stuttgart, Germany - ClubCann

(Photo - Alex Kühr)

Tygers Of Pan Tang has sold an impressive 10,000 copies of their 2016 self-titled comeback album. This weekend, gold discs were presented to the band by Mighty Music CEO Michael H. Andersen while visiting the band in their hometown Newcastle to discuss the album plans for the upcoming album.

Tygers Of Pan Tang will enter the studio with producer Fred Purser (previously a Tygers Of Pan Tang member himself) in April to record the upcoming album and again Soren Andersen/Medley Studio (Glenn Hughes, Mike Tramp) will be handling the mixing duties.

The album is expected to be released in November and a first single in the late summer. In spring-time the band will perform a handful of European shows, including the prestigious Rock Hard Festival in Germany and Nordic Noise Festival in Denmark.

Robb Weirr: "The dial goes to ten but the Tygers push it to eleven! Eleven new ferocious tracks waiting to be captured on tape in April! You're gonna love this one....".

Current lineup:

Robb Weir - guitars
Jacopo Meille - vocals
Micky Crystal - guitars
Gav Gray - bass
Craig Ellis - drums & percussion

Check out the video for the band's biggest hit in recent times, "Only The Brave", which has now been streamed and viewed over 2 million times (850,000 plays on Spotify alone):

(Pictured above, (L-R) - Gav Gray (bass), Micky Crystal (guitars), Tom Noble (manager), Michael H. Andersen (CEO/Mighty Music), Craig Ellis (drums) & Robb Weir (guitarts and founding member). Newcastle, UK, January 2019.)

Finland-based symphonic metal masters, Nightwish, have announce that they are reissuing some of their most beloved records: Once, Dark Passion Play and the band’s 2009 live record, Made In Hong Kong - And In Various Other Places, on March 1st via Nuclear Blast Records. This marks the first time the three albums will be made available domestically on vinyl.

Get your Nightwish vinyl here. Below is a list of the formats available and the tracklistings.

Once:

- Digipak
- White w/Grey Splatter LP - Limited to 500
- White/Grey Swirl LP - Limited to 1,200
- Clear/Blue Swirl LP -  Limited to 300

Tracklisting:

"Dark Chest Of Wonders"
"Wish I Had An Angel"
"Nemo"
"Planet Hell"
"Creek Mary's Blood"
"The Siren"
"Dead Gardens"
"Romanticide"
"Ghost Love Score"
"Kuolema Tekee Taiteilijan"
"Higher Than Hope"

Dark Passion Play:

- White w/ Blue Splatter LP - Limited to 500
- Blue w/ White Swirl LP  - Limited to 1,200
- Blue w/ White Splatter LP  - Limited to 300
- Digipak

Tracklisting:

"The Poet And The Pendulum"
"Bye Bye Beautiful"
"Amaranth"
"Cadence Of Her Last Breath"
"Master Passion Greed"
"Eva"
"Sahara"
"Whoever Brings The Night"
"For The Heart I Once Had"
"The Islander"
"Last Of The Wilds"
"7 Days To The Wolves"
"Meadows Of Heaven"
 
Made in Hong Kong - And In Various Other Places

- Grey / Black Swirl LP - Limited to 600
- White w/ Black Splatter LP - Limited to 300
- Clear / White Splatter LP - Limited to 300
- Digipak

Tracklisting:

"Bye Bye Beautiful" (Live, Made in Hong Kong)
"Whoever Brings The Night" (Live, Made in Hong Kong)
"Amaranth" (Live, Made in Hong Kong
"The Poet And The Pendulum" (Live, Made in Hong Kong)
"Sahara" (Live, Made in Hong Kong)
"The Islander" (Live, Made in Hong Kong)
"Last Of The Wilds" (Live, Made in Hong Kong)
"7 Days To The Wolves" (Live, Made in Hong Kong)
"Escapist"
"While Your Lips Are Still Red" (Theme From "Lieksa!")
"Cadence of Her Last Breath" (Demo)

For fans of The Who everywhere, the announcement of a brand new tour means only one thing: the world’s most untameable rock band is about to deliver the goods once again. Never ones for nostalgia, singer Roger Daltrey and guitarist and songwriter Pete Townshend will be unleashing the combustible force that is The Who, with siphonic accompaniment this summer and fall in 2019. Produced by Live Nation, The Who’s North American Moving On! Tour will bring their indelible brand of powerhouse rock to 29 cities beginning in May (see tour itinerary below). The kickoff date is May 7th in Grand Rapids, MI with the band wrapping up the first leg of the tour June 1st in Toronto, ON. A much-anticipated series of fall dates will launch on September 6th in St. Paul, MN and conclude on October 23rd in Edmonton, AB. Tickets go on sale to the general public beginning Friday, January 18 at LiveNation.com.

The Who will also be releasing their first album of new songs in thirteen years later this year. On stage, the lineup will be rounded out by familiar Who players featuring guitarist/backup singer Simon Townshend, keyboardist Loren Gold, bassist Jon Button and drummer Zak Starkey, and complemented by some of the best orchestras in the US and Canada.

The Who’s fan club pre-sale starts Wednesday, January 16th at 10 AM, local time and runs through Thursday, January 17th at 10 PM, local time. Every pair of tickets purchased online includes a redeemable code for a CD copy of The Who’s forthcoming album when it’s released. This offer is available to US and Canada customers only and not valid for tickets purchased via resale. In addition, $1 from each ticket sold for the Moving On! Tour will benefit Teen Cancer America (www.teencanceramerica.org.)

The tour is their first return to the states since their 2017 Las Vegas residency. That same year they did a limited run of shows following 2016’s rescheduled leg of their acclaimed 50th anniversary celebration. The band also drew praise for their extended 2012-2013 North American run, a 36 city Quadrophenia tour with the band performing their 1973 rock opera in its entirety.

Commenting on what The Who fans can expect on the 2019 Moving On! Tour, Pete Townshend stated: ““The Who are touring again in 2019. Roger christened this tour Moving On! I love it. It is what both of us want to do. Move on, with new music, classic Who music, all performed in new and exciting ways. Taking risks, nothing to lose. Looking forward to seeing you all. Are you ready?"

Commented Roger Daltrey: “Be aware Who fans! Just because it's The Who with an orchestra, in no way will it compromise the way Pete and I deliver our music. This will be full throttle Who with horns and bells on.”

The Who are one of the top three greatest rock legacies in music history. Their music provoked explosive change and spanned what many critics declare is rock’s most elastic creative spectrum, with Pete Townshend’s songwriting moving between raw, prosaic, conceptual, and expressively literate. Their visionary sense of stagecraft headed by Roger Daltrey’s soaring vocal prowess is topped off by the band’s blistering rhythm section. With both Roger and Pete delivering their own memoirs in recent years (Pete’s Who I Am was released to much acclaim in 2012, and Roger’s autobiography, Thanks A Lot Mr. Kibblewhite; My Story, was embraced by critics in 2018) it’s fitting that the two remaining WHO members have shared their incredible legacy in literary fashion, for few bands have had a more lasting impact on the rock era and the reverberating pop culture than The Who.

Emerging in the mid-1960s as a new and incendiary force in rock n' roll, their brash style and poignant storytelling garnered them one of music's most passionate followings, with the legendary foursome blazing a searing new template for rock, punk, and everything after. Inducted into the Rock n' Roll Hall Of Fame in 1990, the band has sold more than 100 million records worldwide, placing 27 top-forty singles in the United States and United Kingdom and earning 17 Top Ten albums, including the 1969 groundbreaking rock opera Tommy, 1971's pummeling Live At Leeds, 1973's Quadrophenia and 1978's Who Are You. The Who debuted in 1964 with a trio of anthems “I Can’t Explain,” “The Kids Are Alright” and “My Generation.” Since then they have delivered to the world hits such as “Baba O’Riley,” “Won’t Get Fooled Again,” “Pinball Wizard,” Who Are You,” and,” You Better You Bet.”

In 2008, they became the first rock band ever to be awarded the prestigious Kennedy Center Honors. The Who has performed all over the world including global music events for the Super Bowl XLIV Halftime Show in 2010 and closing the London 2012 Summer Olympics. The Who continued their charity work by playing a concert in January 2011 to raise money for trials of a new cancer treatment called PDT. In December 2012 they performed at the Hurricane Sandy Benefit in New York. In January 2014 they played a set on the U.S. television special to support the charity Stand Up To Cancer. In November 2012 Daltrey, with Townshend at his side, launched Teen Cancer America. The charity is now established in the USA, with offices in Los Angeles and devoted Teen Cancer units being opened in hospitals all over the U.S. TCA’s work has impacted over 5,000 young people and their families nationwide during the last six years.

Tour dates

May
7 - Van Andel Arena - Grand Rapids, MI
9 - KeyBank Center - Buffalo, NY
11 - Jiffy Lube Live - Bristow, VA
13 - Madison Square Garden - New York, NY
16 - Bridgestone Arena - Nashville, TN
18 - Ruoff Home Mortage Music Center - Noblesville, IN
21 - Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre - Chicago, IL
23 - Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre St. Louis - Maryland Heights, MO
25 - Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
28 - Little Caesars Arena - Detroit, MI
30 - PPG Paints Arena - Pittsburgh, PA

June
1 - Scotiabank Arena - Toronto, ON

September
6 - Xcel Energy Center - St. Paul, MN
8 - Alpine Valley Music Theatre - Alpine Valley, WI
10 - Blossom Music Center - Cuyahoga Falls, OH
13 - Fenway Park - Boston, MA
15 - Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater - Wantagh, NY
18 - State Farm Arena - Atlanta, GA
20 - BB&T Center - Ft. Lauderdale, FL
22 - Amalie Arena - Tampa, FL
25 - Toyota Center - Houston, TX
27 - American Airlines Center - Dallas, TX
29 - Pepsi Center - Denver, CO

October
11 - Hollywood Bowl - Los Angeles, CA
13 - Hollywood Bowl - Los Angeles, CA
16 - Viejas Arena at Aztec Bowl San Diego State University - San Diego, CA
19 - T-Mobile Park - Home of the Seattle Mariners - Seattle, WA
21 - Pepsi Live at Rogers Arena - Vancouver, BC
23 - Rogers Place - Edmonton, AB

On August 12th, 2018 Nightwish performed at Bloodstock Festival 2018 at Catton Hall Park in Walton upon Trent, England. Pro-shot video of the band's entire show is available below.
 

The setlist on the night was as follows:

"End of All Hope"
"Wish I Had An Angel"
"10th Man Down"
"Come Cover Me"
"Gethsemane"
"Élan"
"Sacrament of Wilderness"
"Amaranth"
"I Want My Tears Back"
"Devil & the Deep Dark Ocean"
"Nemo"
"Slaying the Dreamer"
"The Greatest Show On Earth"
"Ghost Love Score"

Duke TV caught up with Nightwish vocalist Floor Jansen in Paris, France on November 10th, 2018. In the video below, she talks with Marianna Morgante about a number of topics, including writing songs with Nightwish and her Northward project.

K.K. Downing has revealed that he is tentatively ready to start making music again. In a brand new interview with eonmusic, the former Judas Priest icon said everything was "ready to go", for a return to music.

Downing, who was a member of Judas Priest from their formation until 2011, has remained largely inactive, musically since parting ways with the Midlands' metal legends. In the interview however, he revealed that he's had more than one approach, with the word 'super group' being touted.

Said K.K.: "There’s been quite a lot of [offers], and I’m still talking to some people. A lot of people out there are thinking; 'Oh yeah, this would be great; I’m from this band, my good mate is from that really well known band, if we get KK'… We’re talking about the formation of a super group, which doesn’t really work these days."

Clarifying why he isn't interested in the idea of the super group, the guitarist said; "You get four or five guys from different bands; what songs are you going to play? What is the image of the band? There’s no real credentials; you’ve got a bit from this band, that band and the other band, but collectively, it doesn’t really have substance."

Without revealing names, Downing said that approaches were still ongoing about his involvement in such a project. "I’m still talking to some people", he said, before admitting; "I’ve kind of dismissed it, and that’s kind of where people are going with it. It’s so difficult. I’ve been doing this a long time with one band, and I’m far too seasoned now to; 1) want to start over again, and; 2) to be in a hybrid band".

He continued; "It doesn’t really work for me, so I’m having to tread very carefully. Some of these guys think we could make a great sound together - and I’m sure that we would - but you have to think; a lot of the people, they’re in different countries. When me, Ian and Rob got together, everybody was from the local area. Even Glenn was from Halesowen, which is about seven miles from where I was born, and Glenn was the furthest one away! That’s the way it was in those days. Now one’s in Nashville, one’s in Germany, so how this all works is quite difficult, really!"

However he admitted that he is thinking about music again, saying; "I have recently set up my music room and everything is poised, ready to go."

Finally, regarding his reluctance up until now, added; "I’m a bit fussy. If I played with another guitar player, I’d like to play with someone who’s really quite well-schooled, musically."

Read the entire interview here.

ALL THAT REMAINS frontman Phil Labonte says that it's "definitely weird" playing shows without guitarist Oliver "Oli" Herbert who passed away in October. "There's never been an ALL THAT REMAINS show that Oli didn't play," the singer told Antihero Magazine.

Labonte went on to say that the first concert without Herbert was was especially "tough" to get through. "It's definitely an adjustment," he admitted. "But Oli lived and breathed metal. He loved everything about being in a band and touring and everything. He definitely would have wanted us to keep going and keep carrying on his legacy and stuff."

Asked if it's been "therapeutic" playing shows after such a heavy loss, Labonte said: "It's a little too early to ask that or to answer that… I don't know that there's a right thing to do.

"My dad passed away in 2000," he continued. "Me and my mom had a couple conversations about what it was going to be like. One of the things that we agreed on and decided on is there's not really a right way to handle a loss like that. It's difficult to say that there's a right or a wrong way. Sure, you don't want to do something that's going to hurt anyone else or whatever. But if you're not hurting someone else, the person that's passed is passed. So, you really need to do what's right for the people that have survived, the people that are still surviving. I don't think there is a right or a wrong way."

Oliver was found dead at the edge of a pond on his property in Stafford Springs, Connecticut. Connecticut police are are treating his death as suspicious.

In November, Oliver's wife, Elizabeth Herbert, released a since-deleted statement via his official Facebook page in which she revealed that Oli drowned after apparently ingesting antidepressant medication and sleeping pills.

Herbert began playing guitar at 14. He co-founded ALL THAT REMAINS with Labonte in 1998.

ALL THAT REMAINS has released nine studio albums, a live CD/DVD, and has sold more than one million records worldwide.

The surviving members of ALL THAT REMAINS — Labonte, Mike Martin (guitar), Jason Costa (drums) and Aaron Patrick (bass, backing vocals) — recently completed a European tour with SEVENDUST. Guitar virtuoso and YouTube personality Jason Richardson (ALL SHALL PERISH, CHELSEA GRIN, BORN OF OSIRIS) filled in on the trek.

LAMB OF GOD guitarist Mark Morton spoke to Kerrang! magazine about his collaboration with LINKIN PARK singer Chester Bennington on a song for his upcoming solo album, "Anesthetic", which will be released on March 1 via WPP Records and Spinefarm Records.

"I didn't even know if I was on his radar at all, but through the channels, I reached out, and it turns out he was very respectful of my work with LAMB and that kind of thing," Mark said (see video below). "And, obviously, everyone in the world knows how good Chester is."

According to Morton, Chester "loved" the song "Cross Off" in its initial form and "we kind of went back and forth about doing it. And then we got in the same room and did it," he explained. "But the great part of the experience — a lot of it was great, but one of the great parts of the experience — is that the template, the outline I had for the song when I presented it to Chester is different than what it became, because we really sat together over a table and just really hashed stuff out and kind of tore it apart and built it back up together. And that was, to me, one of the more memorable parts of that experience."

The guitarist added that collaborating with Bennington was a smooth process.

"We very quickly got into kind of a creative mode and very quickly were just two guys working on a song that we both really dug," he said. "So that felt very natural. In terms of what he was excited… I think he just genuinely really liked the song — I think that's why he was there, 'cause he really liked that song. And I happen to know he was very, very excited about the idea of screaming and doing something heavier than what he's been doing lately. That meant a lot to him — he was very vocal about being excited about that."

Mark said that he was impressed by Chester's vocal skills as they worked on the song, which was written by Morton, Bennington, Jake Oni and producer Josh Wilbur, and features Paolo Gregoletto and Alex Bent of TRIVIUM on bass and drums, respectively.

"Chester's ability was undeniable," he said. "Just sitting in the control room and watching him do takes… I'm not gonna say it was effortless, 'cause I'm sure it's not, but it seemed that way. And you could just ask him to do something — change a little pitch thing or something like that — and he'd just drill it every time. It was pretty remarkable to watch."

Mark also talked about the lyrical inspiration for "Cross Off", which was released digitally earlier this week. The track was recorded in April 2017, just three months before the LINKIN PARK frontman's untimely death at the age of 41.

"The lyrics to 'Cross Off' are very personal to me," he said. "I didn't write all of them. As I said, when I brought it in, I had an outline for the song, and then Chester and I kind of went through it. It's sort of about codependency. Parts of it reference directly a relationship ending in my life, but parts of it are about self-destruction and codependency and just the ways we beat ourselves up. And regret, I guess, is a theme in there too."

Morton, who found out about Chester's passing via a text before a LAMB OF GOD concert in Charlotte, North Carolina, said that he will remember Bennington as "just a really genuine, honest, fun guy. [He was] really passionate about music, a really devoted father and husband," he said. "And a good listener too. He had a lot of questions for me about the lyrics and about where I was coming from, and that kind of spurned conversations that we had about just real-life stuff. He was just a good dude. I was happy to get to know him a little bit."

Other singers on the album include Randy Blythe (LAMB OF GOD), Jacoby Shaddix (PAPA ROACH), Myles Kennedy (SLASH, ALTER BRIDGE), Alissa White-Gluz (ARCH ENEMY), Mark Lanegan, Chuck Billy (TESTAMENT), Jake Oni, Josh Todd (BUCKCHERRY), Mark Morales, and Naeemah Maddox. Musically, Morton performs all guitars, with Roy Mayorga (STONE SOUR), David Ellefson (MEGADETH), Ray Luzier (KORN), Paolo Gregoletto (TRIVIUM) and Alex Bent (TRIVIUM), Mike Inez (ALICE IN CHAINS), Jean-Paul Gaster (CLUTCH), Steve Gorman and Marc Paul rounding out the band.

"Anesthetic" track listing:

01. Cross Off (feat. Chester Bennington)

02. Sworn Apart (feat. Jacoby Shaddix)

03. Axis (feat. Mark Lanegan)

04. The Never (feat. Chuck Billy + Jake Oni)

05. Save Defiance (feat. Myles Kennedy)

06. Blur (feat. Mark Morales)

07. Back From The Dead (feat. Josh Todd)

08. Reveal (feat. Naeemah Maddox)

09. Imaginary Days

10. Truth Is Dead (feat. Randy Blythe + Alissa White-Gluz)

Statement, one of the hardest working bands in Denmark, will release their third opus, Force Of Life, on March 1st via Mighty Music. The record was produced and mixed by Soren Andersen (Mike Tramp, Glenn Hughes) and features 10 songs of melodic rock/metal for fans of Disturbed, Metallica and Pretty Maids. Artwork was done by Jobert Mello/Sledge Hammer (Sabaton, Primal Fear).

The Copenhagen based hard rock band Statement is a living proof that raw talent, ambition and honesty can still prevail in an ailing music industry. The backbone of their work? Old school Hard Rock songs with a new twist.

Statement recently returned home after a European tour with British metal legends Diamond Head. “This tour was the first real tour for us and we met new friends and had a good spirit between all four bands. Diamond Head was the headliner act, and Gin Annie, Statement, and Blinding Sparks were the three support bands the tour. We have been playing a lot of shows in these last 5 years but never so many in a row, but we are sure that this tour was just the beginning and one out of many more. Tour life is focus on only one thing, and that’s your performance and that is what we are there for”, says Niels Alex (lead guitars, vocals).

The first two albums were recorded and mixed by Tue Madsen/ Antfarm Studios (Sick Of It All, Moonspell, etc.) The new album, Force Of Life, has been produced and recorded by Soren Andersen at Medley Studio (Glenn Hughes/Mike Tramp/Artillery). Force Of Life was recorded in Medley Studio in two sessions. The first session was tough and a “feel kinda thing” to see if we should continue the new work with Soren Andersen behind the desk. We quickly found out that our minds melted into one, and it totally changed the sound of Statement to something we never expected”, adds vocalist Jannick Brochdorf.

Niels Alex concludes: “On the Diamond Head tour we found ourselves some very good friends in Gin Annie from the UK. They have an album recorded and are doing a release tour in the UK and Statement is invited to play all the shows together with them. We are looking forward to play in UK – it’ll be the first time for us! We’ll be playing 10 shows and we are looking forward to meeting the British audience”.

A music video for "I Wonder Why", to be included on Force Of Life, can be seen below"

Pennsylvania's traditional heavy metal gladiators Corners Of Sanctuary (COS) are heading back into the studio later this month to begin work on their sixth full-length studio album. After an exciting ride in 2018, which had the band performing east and west coast US dates as well as in Europe, the guys are looking forward to the serene settings of a recording studio.

"We are definitely looking forward to getting back into the studio," says COS guitarist Mick Michaels. "Hordes was recorded in late 2016 and early 2017...so for us, getting back to recording new material has been a long time coming. We have a lot of stuff written and hope to capture some lightening in a bottle again," he added.

With the international critical acclaim and success of last year’s The Galloping Hordes, COS looks to make this new album with the same intensity, focusing on well-built arrangements and honing the punch and power of their signature sound and writing style.

When asked if the next album will follow a similar format as The Galloping Hordes, the band was in complete agreement with the new album's direction and writing approach.

"The writing on Hordes was without a doubt more mature and polished then with previous albums... simply because everyone got involved in the process," said Michaels. "This was the key ingredient that, in our opinion, made all the difference. We plan to continue this new tradition and see where it takes us," Michaels added.

COS looks to take as much time as needed to record the new album, setting aside several months to properly complete the project. At present, no additional events, including show dates, have been added to the schedule.

"We want to be on top of our game for this next album," says COS bassist James Pera. "It's a matter of doing what we do and not having any distractions," Pera continued.

No definitive title has yet been given to the new album and the band is remaining tight lipped regarding any considerable possibilities.

"There are some working titles being tossed around, but nothing concrete," says COS drummer Mad T. "That's Mick's department...so whatever it winds up being, I'm sure it will be fitting."

Corners of Sanctuary is also making available a free MP3 download of their new song “Ready For Battle” for fans.

Slash, Corey Taylor, PAPA ROACH's Jacoby Shaddix and others were among the rock artists asked by Metal Hammer if they remembered what song was playing when they lost their virginity.

SLIPKNOT frontman Corey Taylor recalled: "It was a DEPECHE MODE live album. It was right after it had come out and I was dating a girl who was really into them. I was into them but that album — or it could have been the sex — really made me turn the corner with them."

Jacoby Shaddix of PAPA ROACH said he was listening to "Kick" by INXS, but added: "It was a horrible experience. I was, like, 16. My mom walked in so the chick jumped off me... I didn't even get to finish up — my mom made me take her to the door. Does she know me now? Oh yeah, she knows."

Slash explained: "I nearly first had sex to AEROSMITH's 'Rocks'. I'd been courting this girl for months, finally got in her apartment while her mom was away and she put it on. I played it over and over until she said, 'You might as well go!' Usually, it's the girl's music that you end up having sex to. So it was probably something like [FLEETWOOD MAC's] 'Rumours' which was very popular with the girls back then!"

Nikki Sixx of MÖTLEY CRÜE shared his story, saying: "It was SEALS & CROFTS ['Summer Breeze'], unfortunately, ha ha! I can remember the song but not the girl. I remember her mom's cookies. And that's why it happened because we were waiting for her mom's cookies and I'm so fast that it just worked out perfectly."

Duff McKagan of GUNS N' ROSES recalled: "The girl was older than me: I was just a punk rock kid. She fuckin' loved the song 'Hit Me With Your Rhythm Stick' by Ian Dury — yes, I know that the title is totally appropriate. I didn't really know what I was doing, but she did, because she was 18 and I was 14, ha ha! I was like, 'Whoa, I'm in another league now!' It was kinda weird."

FOZZY frontman Chris Jericho had a quick anecdote of his own, saying: "SAIGON KICK! It wasn't a ballad, it was a song called 'Feel The Same Way'. I probably haven't listened to it since, but that was the tune that I had my first 12-second sexual experience to."

GODSMACK has released a high-energy video for the title track of its latest album, "When Legends Rise", which has been the No. 1 song at rock radio for four straight weeks. The clip, which is being released in advance of this weekend's NFL playoffs, mixes an electrifying live performance of the Boston quartet — Sully Erna (vocals, guitar), Tony Rombola (guitar), Robbie Merrill (bass) and Shannon Larkin (drums) — interspersed with thrilling highlights of pivotal moments in recent football history, concluding with a shot of the New England Patriots Super Bowl trophy.

"When Legends Rise" is the second No. 1 from the album. It follows last year's No. 1 "Bulletproof", which was just nominated for "Rock Song of the Year" at the 2019 iHeartRadio Music Awards and was also the most-played song at rock radio in 2018. The band was also nominated for a second award for "Rock Artist Of The Year."

Asked what inspired the songs on "When Legends Rise", frontman Sully Erna explained: "It was just about evolving as a songwriter. I wanted to stretch my wings out even further to use all the experiences I've had with writing different types of music over the years and applying that to find a way to introduce a newer, fresher, more mature sound, but still maintaining the power of GODSMACK."

Erna said that the title of the album refers to "the band and our journey," adding, "It's been an amazing road we have traveled through all the ups and downs. But being able to conquer those challenging times with alcohol and egos and everything else that can tear a band apart is what we are the most proud of."

"When Legends Rise" was recorded at GODSMACK's headquarters (GSHQ) in Derry, New Hampshire and produced by Erik Ron and Erna.

Next month, GODSMACK will return to the road, first with 20 shows in Europe, to be followed by a North American headlining tour with VOLBEAT. The European swing gets underway February 27 in London with LIKE A STORM confirmed as direct support. GODSMACK will then return to the U.S. where they'll headline a run of shows with special guests VOLBEAT, along with some co-headlining shows in Canada. Tickets for all the shows are on sale now.

Photo credit: Troy Smith

WALLS OF BLOOD, the new project led by Canadian guitarist Glen Drover, will release its debut album, "Imperium", on February 22 via Metalville. The disc will contain 10 songs of "high-class power metal," with guest appearances by some of the genre's most acclaimed vocalists, including Tim Owens (JUDAS PRIEST, ICED EARTH), Chuck Billy (TESTAMENT), Todd La Torre (QUEENSRŸCHE) and Henning Basse (METALLIUM, FIREWIND).

Drover handled all guitars and keyboards on the album, while the drums were tracked by Scott Barrymore and bass by Chris Myles (except the songs "Discordia" and "Tarnished Dream", which feature bass by Joe DiBiase). All music was recorded, produced and engineered by Drover at Eclipse Recording in Windsor, Ontario, Canada.

"Imperium" track listing:

01. Leave This World Behind (feat. Nils K. Rue)

02. Discordia (feat. Todd La Torre)

03. Waiting To Die (feat. Chuck Billy)

04. Blood Sacrifice Ritual (feat. Henning Nasse)

05. Tarnished Dream (feat. Tim Owens)

06. Walls Of Blood (feat. Matt Cuthbertson)

07. The Fault Of Man (feat. Henning Basse)

08. Dark Lords Of Sleep (feat. Dan Cleary)

09. Junkhead (ALICE IN CHAINS cover) (feat. Lance Harvill)

10. Seven Spirits (feat. Henning Basse)

The "Imperium" cover artwork was created by Mario Lopez and can be seen below.

In a 2017 interview with the "American Made Guitar Show", Drover said that "Imperium" would feature "just a bunch of really good singers, be it both buddies of mine that I met through my travels with the bands that I was in and became friends with or just singers that I really looked up to and really wanted to work with and hadn't worked with in the past."

Glen said that he is "really proud" of his rendition of the ALICE IN CHAINS classic "Junkhead", which features his brother Shawn Drover (ex-MEGADETH) on drums and Lance Harvill on vocals.

Drover left MEGADETH at the end of 2007 and was replaced by Chris Broderick, who previously played with NEVERMORE and JAG PANZER.

Glen's debut solo album, "Metalusion", was released in April 2011 via Magna Carta Records.

Drover said in a 2015 interview that he quit MEGADETH due to "personal stuff… I wasn't really happy at the time there, in the situation. I wasn't happy in the band at that time, and I just felt like I was away from my family too much, which I was. You know, my son was very young. It's personal, but it's true. That's what happened. He was very young, and I was missing out on a lot of his youth. And being that I wasn't happy in the band at that point, it was magnifying that. And that's pretty much what it is."

German thrashers Dust Bolt have a released a teaser of their forthcoming video “Another Day In Hell”. The video will premiere on January 14th. Their new album, Trapped In Chaos, will be out January 18th via Napalm Records.

Dust Bolt emerged in 2006 to encrust Germany and the rest of the world in hefty, Bay Area-influenced thrash metal featuring crossover influences and killer melodies. The four piece elevates its trademark sound to perfection on fourth album Trapped in Chaos: profound lyrics, dark melodies and pure hostility are the ultimate recipe for a thrashfest between retro and modern.

Trapped In Chaos can be pre-ordered here and will be available in the following formats:

-CD Jewelcase
-LP Gatefold Black
-LP Gatefold Blue (Napalm Mailorder exclusive)
-Digital

Tracklisting:

“The Fourth Strike”
“Dead Inside”
“The Bad Ad”
“Bloody Rain”
“Rhythm To My Madness”
“Shed My Skin”
“Killing Time”
“Trapped In Chaos”
“Another Day In Hell”

"Bloody Rain" lyric video:

"Dead Inside" video:

Album announcement:

(Photo by: Niklas Niessner)