Jason Becker, the guitarist/composer who has had amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, a.k.a. Lou Gehrig's Disease) for 30 years, underwent two cataract surgeries last week. He says: "My vision is still funky, but slowly getting better."

Becker's latest procedure comes six months after he had an operation to drain the abscess in his lung.

Becker's story is one of brilliance, talent, determination, adversity, and, ultimately, triumph. A child prodigy on guitar, Jason rose to prominence as a teenager when he was one half of the technical guitar duo CACOPHONY, with his great friend Marty Friedman. In 1989, at only 19 years old and after wowing audiences all over the world, the young virtuoso became the guitarist for David Lee Roth, following in the huge footsteps of Eddie Van Halen and Steve Vai. He wrote and recorded on Roth's third solo album, "A Little Ain't Enough", and was poised for superstardom when a nagging pain in his leg was diagnosed as Motor Neurone Disease (MND), also known as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), or Lou Gehrig's Disease, the same condition Stephen Hawking lived with for over five decades. It is a fatal condition with a life expectancy of maybe five years. Maybe.

That was 30 years ago. He lost the ability to play guitar, walk, talk, and breathe on his own. But never lost his will to live or his desire to create music. Communicating through a series of eye movements with a system developed by his father, Jason spells out words as well as musical notes and chords. He imparts his musical vision to his team who then can input the notes into a computer, edit the parts to his exacting standards, and then generate charts for session musicians. His inspiring music and life story have been the subject of countless news articles, magazine cover stories, and an award-winning documentary, "Jason Becker: Not Dead Yet".

Becker's latest album, "Triumphant Hearts", was released last December via Music Theories Recordings/Mascot Label Group. The disc features guest appearances by a who's who of six-string gods, including Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, Neal Schon, Steve Morse, Paul Gilbert and Joe Bonamassa.

In a recent question-and-answer session posted on the YouTube channel of Nuclear Blast Records, OPETH mastermind Mikael Åkerfeldt was asked how annoying it is for him to constantly get questions about his decision to drop the "growling" vocals from the band's albums. He responded (see video below): "Well, it's not annoying. I get that question a lot from fans and journalists. Journalists are a bit more careful, diplomatic. They don't tell me, like, 'You suck now. You should do that.' But in contrary to what people think, I'm happy to get that question, because that means that that stuff meant a lot to people. And now it's, like, eight off years since we recorded a record that had those screaming vocals on. That's a long time people are clinging to, and they still haven't gotten over the fact that the last four records don't have screams. And I guess that means I was great… I guess I was good. I guess it meant something, and that makes me happy.

"People who like that stuff, they have to understand that you change and the music changes, and you get other influences," he continued. "I haven't really consumed death metal music… I mean, the last death metal record I bought with my own money and enjoyed was 'Domination' by MORBID ANGEL, and that's, like, '95. Our first album came out in '95, and at that point, I was still into that death metal — whatever scene we were part of — finding our feet, and I wanted us to be that band and have both the screaming vocals and the clean vocals. But even then, I wanted to add more clean vocals; it was just that I didn't dare to — I didn't have the confidence to sing more clean. And with more record, there was more and more and more and more, and then you end up where there's no screams, because of, I guess, confidence.

"I haven't listened to a death metal record that actually pushed me to write something or inspired me," Mikael added. "That scene reached a moment where it stopped developing, to me. It was as fast and technical as it could be. And also, a lot of people don't understand that my death metal that I listen to is pure. I will not listen to a death metal band that sounded like us; it's not my cup of tea… My death is MORBID ANGEL, ENTOMBED, DEATH, BATHORY, OBITUARY — that stuff. That's pure — no frills. That's what I like. MORBID ANGEL, of course, up to 'Domination', when [David] Vincent left, and Vincent is the greatest death metal singer of all time. It was like WHITESNAKE without David Coverdale, if you know what I mean. It doesn't work. I'm not interested. And the melodic [death metal] scene in Sweden was never really interesting to me, with the exception of AT THE GATES, who kind of, I think, started that melodic death metal scene. [They're a] great band, but I don't consume that music anymore — I don't find it interesting, really, to be honest. And if I hear something that I think is good, then it's retro — like OBLITERATION from Norway. It's pure death metal. I'm not sure what's new about their music, but, yeah, that's the stuff I like — rootsy death metal. So, yeah, I still listen to that every now and when I had a couple of beers or something, for nostalgic reasons, but it doesn't inspire me, and it hasn't for a very, very long time. And that's why I stopped after 'Watershed', because 'Watershed' was the pinnacle to that style for me. And it's kind of well-known fact that I tried to make a 'Watershed 2.0', or whatever, that was then deleted. And 'Heritage' was born, and with that a new path for us. And I wanted to see what was around the corner there. And it's because I'm a musician and I love music. We're not entrepreneurs or businessmen. I mean, we make the worst business decisions ever, and already on the creative level. I mean, our new album, for instance, is the longest one we've ever done and it's sung in a language that only Swedish people can understand. It's a bad decision. We go against the grain. It's like fashion — we sometimes find ourselves being fashionable. But because we always had the same mindset — that the world will outrun us and we have to wait for the circle to be full and then we'll be fashionable again. So we always follow the gut feeling, and wherever you're at at the moment, that's what matters. Not catering to your previous success — that's not interesting to me. Unless that's what I wanna do in music, and it's not right now. I don't wanna do 'Watershed 2.0'… We still play those songs live. It's not that I'm ashamed [of it] — I love it. But yeah, I've moved on. And so should you."

OPETH's 13th album, "In Cauda Venenum", was released on September 27 via Moderbolaget / Nuclear Blast Entertainment. Recorded last year at Stockholm's Park Studios, the disc was made available in two versions, in both Swedish and English languages.

Teenage climate-change activist Greta Thunberg says that she will be "doing death metal only" now that her fiery speech at the United Nations Climate Action Summit was turned into a killer metal song.

The viral YouTube hit "Greta Thunberg sings Swedish Death Metal" is the work of John Meredith, drummer for the New York metal band SUAKA, who told Rolling Stone he created the clip because he was "very impressed" by Greta's "passion and outrage. And the words she chose just evoked the darkness of the metal music I love: ENTOMBED, GOJIRA, AT THE GATES, SEPULTURA," he said.

Meredith copied Thunberg's speech into Pro Tools and growled along to her words himself to make the delivery sound "metal enough."

"I guess I didn't really have a specific intent other than to turn her brutal words into a metal song," he told Rolling Stone.

Earlier today, Thunberg shared a tweet containing Meredith's video and included the message: "I have moved on from this climate thing... From now on I will be doing death metal only!!"

The Swedish teenager gained international media attention in recent months for her outspoken activism on climate change, including the UN speech calling out world leaders for not responding to the climate crisis with more urgency.

President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly voiced skepticism about climate changere, shared video of Thunberg's speech on Twitter, and above it wrote, sarcastically, that "she seems like a very happy young girl looking forward to a bright and wonderful future. So nice to see!"

Thunberg seemingly took Trump's slight in stride. The next day, she updated her Twitter bio to read: "A very happy young girl looking forward to a bright and wonderful future."




I have moved on from this climate thing... From now on I will be doing death metal only!! https://t.co/mYqXxFuE77

— Greta Thunberg (@GretaThunberg) September 28, 2019

Savatage / Trans-Siberian Orchestra guitarist Chris Caffery has checked in with the following update:

"So much fun! 'Even Chris is alright!'

Thanks Robin and Rick and everyone in the Cheap Trick camp for an awesome night! I got my first Cheap Trick record when I was 10 years old! Such an honor to play one of those songs onstage with them last night! One of my high school friends was at the show and just sent me this video!"

The show took place at at Resorts World Catskill in Monticello, New York on September 27th.

Trans-Siberian Orchestra (TSO), the multi-platinum, critically-acclaimed progressive rock group, has announced its highly-anticipated Winter Tour 2019. Returning with all-new staging and effects is the unforgettable show that started it all, Christmas Eve And Other Stories. TSO’s show that started small, performed to 12,000 people in five cities in 1999, which then exploded onto the national scene, eventually playing to 9 million fans over the course of an incredible 12 years (through 2011), the mega-hit Christmas Eve And Other Stories has grossed an incredible $377 million over 1224 performances.

Caffery recently checked in with the following update:

"I’ve been really excited waiting for you all to hear this incredible announcement! For the first time in 8 years we are going back to where it all began!Paul O'Neill’s magical Christmas Eve And Other Stories will be this year's story. Our traditional TSO Rock Theater first half of the show is The Christmas Eve And Other Stories debut record!

That being said, this will be an entirely new show. The first time we are able to use the modern technology you have seen the last few years with this timeless classic! I am so excited to see this for the first time when this magic all comes together at rehearsals!

There’s just something so special about hearing those first words 'In an old city bar...' I remember when Paul used to walk around the city with me when we took studio breaks. We would walk past many of these places on the city blocks. Paul would be telling me stories and being generous and kind to all of the strangers, and especially the homeless we would see. There was one place in particular that had that title as its name. It was very close to the studio where all of this was recorded. You would see 'Old City Bar' in a lighted neon sign. Gives me chills thinking about it and tears thinking about my special angel and friend who created all of this magic.

For the fans who have never seen TSO, you are getting the change to dive in with this new show. For the fans who started seeing us the past 7 years it’s a chance to complete the Christmas trilogy in your concert experiences. For those of you who saw it all 21 years ago up until the last time we did the story...welcome back my friends to Christmas Eve and Other Stories In 2019!

Ok...yes I’m excited...large rant over! Enjoy the rest of your summer and check the Trans-Siberian Orchestra sites for all of the info!!!

A product of the vision and imagination of TSO’s late founder/composer/lyricist Paul O’Neill, Christmas Eve And Other Stories began the unique format O’Neill called “Rock Theater” and forged a deep connection with their fans that it turned into the wildly-successful tour, cementing the group’s status as a must-see, multi-generational, holiday tradition and kick-started the trend of Yuletide season tours. This year’s multi-sensory extravaganza is set to begin on November 13th and will visit 66 cities for 109 performances across North America before concluding on December 30th (see full itinerary below and online).

Starting August 19th, the Winter Tour 2019 began its “12 Days of TSO Verified Fan Registration” where all fans can sign up at tso.tmverifiedfan.com/ (powered by Ticketmaster Verified Fan) for exclusive access to the best tickets for the best price before tickets go on sale to the general public.  Pre-sales will begin for TSO fan club members on Tuesday, September 4 for November 13 through November 30 tour dates and on Thursday, September 5 for December 1 through December 30 tour dates. Fans who are not members of TSO’s fan club, but have registered during the “12 Days of TSO Verified Fan Registration” will have the opportunity to participate in pres-ales on September 9 and 10. General public on sale is set to begin on September 13. For more details on tour dates and all on sales, visit trans-siberian.com.

Tour dates:

November
13 - Green Bay, WI - Resch Center (4 PM , 8 PM)
13 - Council Bluffs, IA - Mid America Center (7:30 PM)
14 - Sioux Falls, SD - Denny Sanford Premier Center (7:30 PM)
15 - Youngstown, OH - Covelli Center (3:30 PM, 7:30 PM)
16 - Allentown, PA - PPL Center (3:30 PM, 8:00 PM)
16 - Denver, CO - Pepsi Center (3:00 PM, 8:00 PM)
17 - Worcester, MA - DCU Center (3:00 PM, 8:00 PM)
17 - Colorado Springs, CO - World Arena (3:00 PM, 7:30 PM)
20 - Raleigh, NC - PNC Arena (7:30 PM)
20 - Salt Lake City, UT - Vivint Smart Home Arena (3:30 PM, 7:30 PM)
21 - Baltimore, MD - Royal Farms Arena (7:30 PM)
21 - Boise, ID - Taco Bell Arena (7:30 PM)
22 - Wilkes Barre, PA - Mohegan Sun Arena (3:30 PM, 8:00 PM)
22 - Spokane, WA - Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena (8:00 PM)
23 - Manchester, NH - SNHU Arena (3:30 PM, 8:00 PM)
23 - Portland, OR - Moda Center (3:30 PM, 8:00 PM)
24 - Hartford, CT - XL Center (3:00 PM, 7:30 PM)
24 - Tacoma, WA - Tacomadome (3:30 PM)
26 - San Jose, CA - SAP Center at San Jose (8:00 PM)
27 - Toledo, OH - Huntington Center (4:00 PM, 8:00 PM)
29 - Cincinnati, OH - US Bank Arena (4:00 PM, 8:00 PM)
29 - Sacramento, CA - Golden 1 Center (3:00 PM, 7:30 PM)
30 - Dayton, OH - Nutter Center (3:00 PM, 8:00 PM)
30 - Ontario, CA - Toyota Arena (3:30 PM, 7:30 PM)

December
1 - Grand Rapids, MI - Van Andel Arena (3:00 PM, 7:30 PM)
1 - Phoenix, AZ - Talking Stick Resort Arena (3:00 PM, 7:30 PM)
4 - Nashville, TN - Bridgestone Arena (7:30 PM)
4 - El Paso, TX - Don Haskins Center (3:00 PM, 7:30 PM)
5 - Lexington, KY - Rupp Arena (7:30 PM)
5 - Lubbock, TX - United Supermarkets Arena (7:00 PM)
6 - Greenville, SC - Bon Secours Wellness Arena (4:00 PM, 8:00 PM)
6 - Wichita, KS - INTRUST Bank Arena (8:00 PM)
7 - Charlotte, NC - Spectrum Center (3:00 PM, 8:00 PM)
7 - Kansas City, MO - Sprint Center (3:00 PM, 8:00 PM)
8 - Duluth, GA - Infinite Energy Center (3:00 PM, 7:30 PM)
8 - Oklahoma City, OK - Chesapeake Energy Arena (3:00 PM, 7:30 PM)
11 - Greensboro, NC - Greensboro Coliseum (7:30 PM)
11 - Birmingham, AL - Legacy Arena at The BJCC (7:30 PM)
12 - Charlottesville, VA - John Paul Jones Arena (7:30 PM)
12 - Jacksonville, FL - Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena (7:30 PM)
13 - Hershey, PA - Giant Center (4:00 PM, 8:00 PM)
13 - Sunrise, FL - BB&T Center (8:00 PM)
14 - Buffalo, NY - KeyBank Center (3:30 PM, 8:00 PM)
14 - Orlando, FL - Amway Center (3:00 PM, 8:00 PM)
15 - Philadelphia, PA - Wells Fargo Center (3:30 PM, 8:00 PM)
15 - Tampa, FL - Amalie Arena (3:00 PM, 7:30 PM)
18 - Rochester, NY - Blue Cross Arena (7:30 PM)
18 - New Orleans, LA - Smoothie King Center (7:30 PM)
19 - Albany, NY - Times Union Center (7:30 PM)
19 - Memphis, TN - Fedex Forum (7:30 PM)
20 - Uniondale, NY - NYCB LIVE, home of the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum (8:00 PM)
20 - Tulsa, OK - BOK Center (8:00 PM)
21 - Newark, NJ - Prudential Center (3:00 PM, 8:00 PM)
21 - Dallas, TX - American Airlines Center (3:00 PM, 8:00 PM)
22 - Pittsburgh, PA - PPG Paints Arena (3:30 PM, 8:00 PM)
22 - Houston, TX - Toyota Center (3:00 PM, 8:00 PM)
23 - Washington, D.C. - Capital One Arena (3:00 PM, 7:30 PM)
23 - San Antonio, TX - AT&T Center (3:30 PM, 8:00 PM)
26 - Columbus, OH - Nationwide Arena (3:00 PM, 8:00 PM)
26 - St Louis, MO - Enterprise Center (3:00 PM, 7:30 PM)
27 - Cleveland, OH - Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse (3:00 PM, 8:00 PM)
27 - Milwaukee, WI - Fiserv Forum (3:30 PM, 8:00 PM)
28 - Detroit, MI - Little Caesars Arena (3:00 PM, 8:00 PM)
28 - St Paul, MN - Xcel Energy Center (3:00 PM, 8:00 PM)
30 - Toronto, ON - Scotiabank Arena (3:00 PM, 8:00 PM)
30 - Chicago, IL - Allstate Arena (2:30 PM, 8:00 PM)

Christmas Eve And Other Stories is based on the triple-platinum album of the same name and follows a story by TSO’s late founder/composer/lyricist Paul O’Neill.  In keeping with the classic line “If You Want To Arrange It, This World You Can Change It,” the story is set on Christmas Eve when a young angel is sent to Earth to bring back what is best representative of humanity.  Following favorite TSO themes of “strangers helping strangers” and “the kindness of others,”  Christmas Eve And Other Stories takes listeners all over the world to help reunite a young girl with her distraught father. The album and tour feature such fan-favorites as “Ornament” and the epic “Old City Bar,” both of which have not been performed live in recent years. The rock opera also features such TSO classics as "Christmas Eve/Sarajevo 12/24," "O’ Come All Ye Faithful," "Good King Joy," "Promises To Keep," and "This Christmas Day." Additionally, the tour will enjoy a new second set containing some of TSO’s greatest hits and fan-pleasers including "Christmas Canon," “Wizards In Winter” and many more.

Since its historic touring debut, TSO has played nearly 2,000 Winter Tour shows for more than 16 million fans, with tour grosses of more than $725 million, and has sold in excess of 12 million albums and DVDs.  Year-after-year TSO hits the upper reaches of the domestic and worldwide tour charts. Recently in July 2019, TSO was ranked No. 6 on Pollstar’s North American Tours Mid Year chart and No. 8 on Pollstar’s Worldwide Tours Mid Year chart. In 2018, TSO came in at No. 16 on Pollstar’s 2018 Top 200 Year End North American Tours and at No. 17 on Pollstar’s 2018 Year End Worldwide Ticket Sales Top 100 Tours chart with more than 925K tickets sold. Additionally, in July 2019, TSO was featured in Billboard’s Money Makers of 2018. In 2009, Pollstar ranked TSO at No. 20 on the “Top Tour(s) of the Decade” and Billboard placed TSO at No. 25 on its “Top Touring Artists of the Decade.”

Always embracing the O’Neill’s sense of altruism, TSO remains one of rock’s most charitable bands. This year, as in years past, TSO will give at least $1 from every ticket sold to charity – to date approximately $16 million has been donated by the group.

TSO’s Winter Tour 2019 is presented by Hallmark Channel.




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Guitar legend Steve Vai has checked in with the following:

"I've always had a pull to visit and perform in far away 'exotic' places and had the great pleasure of doing so many times starting in the early '90s when it was relatively rare for American rock musicians to visit places such as Eastern Europe, Russia, China and South America. Many times through the years I tried to tour Columbia and Venezuela but couldn’t because of the various challenges in getting there. But on the Story of Light Tour, we visited and performed in such places. The fans were incredibly supportive and these next few clips coming up show this. Thank you so much to all my SA fans who come to these shows. You rock so hard!!!"

"Walking onto the stage from my dressing room, then waiting in the wings those few moments before we step out onto the stage, walking onto the stage, hearing the audience roar, feeling the energy of the room in the moment, then receiving the audience with some bombastic waves of sonic guitar distortion, then kicking into the show... totally exhilarating. This is one of those things I envisioned myself doing when I was a kid. You become what you think about, and there it is. You can see the entire 3.5 hour tour documentary that this clip is from on disc 2 of the Blu-Ray release of Stillness In Motion that came out on September 13th! "

Vai released the Blu-Ray version of Stillness In Motion on September 13 via his personal record label Light Without Heat, distributed by The Orchard. He has posted an "unwrapping" video of the package, which can be viewed below.

Originally, a DVD capturing Vai’s performance at Club Nokia in Los Angeles on October 12, 2012 was issued by Sony but it was not available on the Blu-Ray format. This deluxe package will be available on 2-Blu-Ray discs, with two CDs that contain the live music release from the performance.

One of the Blu-Ray disks contain the bonus material titled The Space Between The Notes (Tour Mischief). It’s an intimate and at times hysterically edited video diary comprised of more than three and a half hours of footage filmed around the world on-stage, off-stage, and behind-the-scenes during the world tour. This specific concert captured was the 49th show of the aforementioned global excursion that consisted of 253 engagements in over 52 countries.

In reflecting on this period of his life, and his global travels circa Stillness In Motion, Steve Vai offers, “Making records, performing and touring live is what I love to do most in this life. This Blu-Ray performance and tour bonus footage was culled from the Story of Light tour in support of that CD release. The tour was comprehensive and perhaps my favorite tour as of yet. To be with that band and those fans traveling to all those exotic locations represents a period of my life where I feel I was peaking both on a performance level and pure tour exhilaration. The Space Between The Notes has over 3.5 hours of on-and-offstage ‘B-roll’ footage that has every stop along the way represented somehow. The compiling, editing and result of The Space Between The Notes is a career highlight for me. It’s interesting, funny, entertaining and informative. You get to see what touring the world with a rock band is really like in all its visceral and intimate expressions.”

Tracklisting:

Disc 1 - DVD or Blu-Ray
Intro/"Racing The World"
"Velorum"
Band Intros
"Building The Church"
"Tender Surrender"
"Gravity Storm"
"The Trillium’s Launch"
"Weeping China Doll"
"John The Revelator"
"The Moon And I"
"The Animal"
"Whispering A Prayer"
"The Audience Is Listening"
"Where Are We"
"Rescue Me Or Bury Me"
"Sisters"
"Treasure Island"
"Beastly Rap"
"Salamanders In The Sun"
"Pusa Road"
"Earthquake Sky", Drum Solo
"I’m Tired"
"The Ultra Zone"
"Frank"
"Build Me A Song L.A."
"For The Love Of God"
"Taurus Bulba"

Disc 2 - DVD or Blu-Ray - Story of Light Tour: The Space Between The Notes (Tour Mischief)
1. Leg 1 (Rehearsals/USA)
2. Leg 2 (Europe/Eastern Europe)
3. Leg 3 (Vegas/Netherlands/Russia/Ukraine/Europe)
4. Leg 4 (Australia/NZ/Indonesia/China/S. Korea/Japan/Taiwan/Thailand)
5. Leg 5 (Europe... again)
6. Leg 6 (USA... again)
7. Leg 7 (Mexico/South America/China)
8. Leg 8 (Vegas/Singapore/Malaysia/Israel/Europe/Russia/Ukraine)
9. Leg 9 (USA/St. Barths/Japan/France/Poland)

Audio CDs:

Disc 1
Intro/"Racing The World"
"Velorum"
Band Intros
"Building The Church"
"Tender Surrender"
"Gravity Storm"
"Weeping China Doll"
"John The Revelator"
"The Moon And I"
"The Animal"
"Whispering A Prayer"

Disc 2
"The Audience Is Listening"
"Rescue Me Or Bury Me"
"Sisters"
"Treasure Island"
"Salamanders In The Sun"
"Pusa Road"
"Frank"
"The Ultra Zone" (CD Version)
"Build Me A Song L.A."
"For The Love Of God"
"Taurus Bulba"




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Megadeth guitarist Kiko Loureiro has posted a new video where he plays “one of his most requested riffs”, a song he wrote for his former band Angra in 1995 called “Nothing To Say”.




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On September 23, "Dreams In The Witch House: Penitentiary" was released and offered as a free download through October 31, Halloween. The track's musicians include former KISS guitarist Bruce Kulick, guitarist Douglas Blair, cello sensation Tina Guo, MOTHER'S FINEST bassist Wyzard and EASY ACTION drummer Björn Höglund. Joining them on vocals are horror icons Courtney Gains ("Children Of The Corn", "The Burbs", "Tales From The Crypt") and John Franklin ("Children Of The Corn", "The Adams Family", "Childsplay").

Produced by Chris Laney of Danish metal band PRETTY MAIDS and executive producer Mike Dalager, the track commemorates the 35th anniversary of the release of Stephen King's "Children Of The Corn" and Bruce Kulick's first recording with KISS on "Animalize", where he played the ghost solo for Track 5, "Lonely Is The Hunter".

"Penitentiary" is a beefed up, cinematic version of the title track from 2013's "Dreams In The Witch House: A Lovecraftian Rock Opera", an adaptation of HP Lovecraft's classic horror tale from 1932. The track also marks Kulick and Blair's seventh collaboration with the rock opera. In a previous interview Kulick noted, "When [Chris] approached me, along with Mike, about being involved I said, 'I'm in!' even though I don't know much about HP Lovecraft. But I know Chris understood what I'd be able to lend to the project."

Hollywood actors John Franklin and Courtney Gains, renowned for their iconic roles as child cult leader Isaac and henchman Malachai aren't known for their singing abilities. Executive producer Mike Dalager states: "They will blow you away with their vocal chops! John got his start in musical theater in Chicago and Courtney's an accomplished songwriter and singer who headlines his cruise grunge band RIPPLE STREET." John Franklin states, "My teenage dream of being a rock star is suddenly resurrected. And don't get me started on how friggin' amazing Mr. Gains is!"

Legendary CREAM drummer Ginger Baker is "holding his own," less than a week after being admitted to the hospital.

Last Wednesday (September 25), Ginger's family revealed that he was "critically ill" and called on fans to "keep him in your prayers tonight."

Earlier today (Sunday, September 29), the 80-year-old's family took to social media to confirm that Ginger is "holding his own" and to thank fans for their "good wishes." They added: "He is receiving visits from close family & very special friends."

Baker has experienced a number of health issues in recent years. In 2016, he underwent open heart surgery, which forced him to cancel a run of tour dates. During recovery, a fall also left him with swollen legs and feet. In 2013, he was diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and he is also said to be suffering from chronic back pain as a result of degenerative osteoarthritis.

During his musical beginnings on the London jazz scene of the late 1950s, Peter "Ginger" Baker forged a name for himself for his unconventional drum setup and flamboyant style. In 1966, after seeing Eric Clapton play in London, he formed the power trio CREAM with Clapton and bassist Jack Bruce. Over the next two years, CREAM sold 15 million albums, scoring such hits as "White Room", "Strange Brew" and "Sunshine Of Your Love".

Baker, who gained a reputation as the most uncontrollable musician on the scene, was the subject of a 2013 documentary, "Beware Of Mr. Baker", which painted the title character as a chain-smoking, profanity-spewing, mean-spirited, entitled, grouchy, vile and self-destructive man with otherworldly talent and tragic flaws.




UPDATE! Ginger is holding his own & thank you for all your good wishes. He is receiving visits from close family & very special friends.

— Ginger Baker (@GingerBDrums) September 29, 2019

On September 27, power metal legends DRAGONFORCE performed at TwitchCon 2019 in San Diego, California during the opening ceremony at the Glitch Theatre, to celebrate the launch of their eighth full-length, "Extreme Power Metal". In addition to the live audience of thousands, this performance was streamed live on Twitch. Video footage of the concert can now be seen below.

Twitch is a one-of-a-kind collision of subcultures, games, communities, and streamers co-creating content around everything they're into, with over 1.3 million people participating at any moment.

Guitarist Herman Li is a Twitch partner and has livestreamed DRAGONFORCE rehearsals, album recording sessions, and live shows. DRAGONFORCE plans to stream daily from its upcoming U.S. tour, and Li will give away a guitar live on stream.

"Extreme Power Metal" is available as a CD digipak, 2LP+DL and digital. Produced in Los Angeles, California by Damien Rainaud at Mix Unlimited, "Extreme Power Metal" was also recorded, in part, on Li's livestream channel on Twitch with participation from the fans.

DRAGONFORCE recently parted ways with longtime bassist Frédéric Leclercq. Playing bass for the group at TwitchCon 2019 was Rainaud.

Leclercq, who became an official member of DRAGONFORCE in 2006, played his last show with the band last month in Hamburg, Germany.

Regarding "Extreme Power Metal", Li said: "This album again combines the best of DRAGONFORCE in an even bigger, more epic way than we have ever done before. We are so excited for fans to hear it." Following the departure of Vadim Pruzhanov from the band last year, the keyboards of this new album were performed by Coen Janssen of symphonic metal titan EPICA, bringing a new dimension into a DRAGONFORCE album. Guitarist Sam Totman said: "We worked really closely with Coen on this new album. We are so happy with what he has brought into this new album. Every fan will be so happy to hear his majestic playing."

QUEEN + ADAM LAMBERT was among the headliners of the 2019 Global Citizen Festival, which place on September 28 in New York City's Central Park.

The festival happened at the end of the United Nations General Assembly week in New York City and is designed to call on world leaders to make real, impactful commitments toward achieving the UN's Global Goals for Sustainable Development.

An estimated 60,000 Global Citizens in attendance — and millions more watching the broadcast and livestreams on Twitter and YouTube — joined the artist lineup to put pressure on governments, businesses, and philanthropists to uphold their responsibilities toward empowering women and girls around the world, combating plastic pollution to protect the poorest parts of the planet, improving the quality of health care and nutrition, and unlocking human potential through quality education, skills, and health.

The commitments made this year will help to set the agenda for the final 10-year push to achieve the Global Goals by 2030.

Global Citizen is calling on world leaders to make commitments across four policy areas at this year's festival — women's rights, plastic pollution, health care, and human capital.

The organization is calling on governments to raise $250 million for the Education Cannot Wait fund's 2019 replenishment, to ensure children can access education even in times of crisis; make commitments to the Global Fund's $14 billion fundraising drive to save 16 million lives and cut mortality rates from AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria in half by 2023; and allocate $350 million to the UN Population Fund to provide family planning and critical health services to the world's poorest women.

Global Citizen is also asking multinational companies to commit to procuring $100 million of their products and services from women-owned businesses — primarily located in developing countries — and for governments to fund the final push to eradicate polio once and for all.

Over the past eight years, Global Citizen has secured nearly $38 billion in commitments toward the UN's Global Goals from governments, companies, and foundations, set to affect the lives of more than 2.25 billion people. This year will add to the momentum in the fight to end extreme poverty by 2030.

Since the first Global Citizen Festival in New York in 2012, Global Citizen has grown into one of the largest, most visible platforms for people around the world calling on world leaders to honor their responsibilities in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and ending extreme poverty by 2030. Global Citizens have generated commitments and policy announcements from leaders valued at over $37.9 billion that are set to affect the lives of more than 2.25 billion people.

"Like Live Aid in 1985, we believe this concert will be a milestone," QUEEN's Brian May said. "It will generate practical solutions to address the world's glaring anomalies. Global Citizen is an organization which has already moved mountains. We hope this concert will be the beginning of a new era in which all creatures on Earth will eventually benefit."

Fan-filmed video footage of Geoff Tate's September 27 performance at The Canyon in Santa Clarita, California can be seen below.

Geoff has spent the last couple of years celebrating the 30th anniversary of QUEENSRŸCHE's "Operation: Mindcrime" album by performing the LP in its entirety on European and U.S. tours.

In April 2014, Tate and QUEENSRŸCHE announced that a settlement had been reached after a nearly two-year legal battle where the singer sued over the rights to the QUEENSRŸCHE name after being fired in 2012. Original QUEENSRŸCHE members Michael Wilton (guitar), Scott Rockenfield (drums) and Eddie Jackson (bass) responded with a countersuit. The settlement included an agreement that Wilton, Rockenfield and Jackson would continue as QUEENSRŸCHE, while Tate would have the sole right to perform the albums "Operation: Mindcrime" and "Operation: Mindcrime II" in their entirety live.

Tate has been replaced in QUEENSRŸCHE by former CRIMSON GLORY singer Todd La Torre.

Tate will perform the QUEENSRŸCHE albums "Rage For Order" and "Empire" in their entirety on the "Empire 30th Anniversary Tour" in 2020.

1986's "Rage For Order" introduced a much more polished look and sound for QUEENSRŸCHE. The album featured keyboards as prominently as guitars, and the group adopted an image more closely associated with glam rock or glam metal than with heavy metal (of which glam metal was a subgenre). A video was filmed for the song "Gonna Get Close to You", originally recorded in 1984 by DALBELLO.

Released in 1990, "Empire" included the hit ballad "Silent Lucidity", which reached No. 9 on the Billboard singles chart, helped propel "Empire" to No. 7 on the album chart and earned two Grammy Award nominations.

AFM Records has released the new album from CoreLeoni - featuring Gotthard guitarist Leo Leoni and singer Ronnie Romero (Rainbow, Lords Of Black). Entitled CoreLeoni II, the album can be ordered here.

The album includes early Gotthard songs updated for 2019, two new tracks ("Queen Of Hearts" and "Don't Get Me Wrong"), and a cover of John Lee Hooker's "Boom Boom". Watch an official video for "Angel" below.

Tracklisting:

"Waltz No. 2"
"Standing In The Light"
"Love For Money"
"Open Fire"
"Angel"
"And Then Goodbye" (Bonus Digi/Vinyl)
"She Goes Down"
"No Tomorrow"
"I'm Your Travellin' Man"
"Cheat And Hide" (Bonus Digi/Vinyl)
"Make My Day"
"Mountain Mama"
"Queen Of Hearts"
"Don't Get Me Wrong"
"Boom Boom" (Bonus Digi/Vinyl)
"Il Padrino"

"Angel" video:

"Queen Of Hearts" video:

Lineup:

Leo Leoni (Guitar)
Ronnie Romero (Vocals)
Hena Habegger (Drums)
Jgor Gianola (Guitar)
Mila Merker (Bass)




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Finnish melodic death metal masters, Insomnium, will release their new masterpiece, Heart Like A Grave, on October 4. To shorten the wait time, you can now listen to “Pale Morning Star”, which comes with a lyric video, perfectly capturing the stunning impressions of the beauty of Finnish nature and melancholic atmosphere.

"'Pale Morning Star' was born as a short folky acoustic piece of mine - before it grew and exploded all over the place. I call this piece a miniature version of 'Winters Gate' as it contains a somehow similar wintry and grim feel of that opus, supercharged to only 9 minutes. It’s presenting again a bit different side of the new album,” comments Markus Vanhala.

Pre-order the new album here.

Heart Like A Grave tracklisting:

"Wail Of The North"
"Valediction"
"Neverlast"
"Pale Morning Star"
"And Bells They Toll"
"The Offering"
"Mute Is My Sorrow"
"Twilight Trails"
"Heart Like A Grave"
"Karelia"

"Heart Like A Grave" video:

"Valediction" video:

Find Insomnium's tour itinerary here.

(Photo - Vesa Ranta)




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On November 29, Pink Floyd Records will release Pink Floyd The Later Years, a 16-disc set (5xCDs, 6xBlu-Rays, 5xDVDs) covering the material created by David Gilmour, Nick Mason and Richard Wright from 1987 onwards.

As the title suggests, this version of "High Hopes", included on The Later Years, is an early version of the song and features an electric guitar solo and slightly different lyrics:

The period generated record sales of over 40 million worldwide and included three studio albums: A Momentary Lapse Of Reason, The Division Bell and The Endless River as well as two live albums: Delicate Sound Of Thunder and Pulse. With additional production from David Gilmour and Andy Jackson, over 13 hours of unreleased audio and audiovisual material, including the sought-after 1989 Venice and 1990 Knebworth concerts, Pink Floyd The Later Years is a must for all fans.

A multi-media, deluxe box set, Pink Floyd The Later Years presents an expanded view of the Pink Floyd story from 1987 to the present and kicks off with A Momentary Lapse Of Reason, the album that confirmed Pink Floyd as one of the world’s biggest artists.

The album, presented for the first time in 5.1, has been remixed and updated by David Gilmour and Andy Jackson. The release of The Later Years project gives an opportunity for a fresh overview of the A Momentary Lapse Of Reason album. By returning to some of Richard Wright’s keyboard parts and recording new drum tracks with Nick Mason, producers David Gilmour and Bob Ezrin have restored the creative balance between the three Pink Floyd members.

Throughout 1987 and 1988 the band’s live shows became the largest-grossing concert tour ever to that date and produced the critically acclaimed, Grammy Award nominated, Delicate Sound Of Thunder. Filmed at the Nassau Coliseum in New York State, the concert shows the band on the top of their form. The concert has been fully re-edited and upgraded from the original 35mm film negatives by Aubrey ‘Po’ Powell and Benny Trickett and the sound remixed to 5.1. It also includes "Terminal Frost" and "Welcome To The Machine", two tracks that were not included on the original concert film release. For the first time the concert is available in 5.1 on Blu-ray and DVD.

Two of the most sought-after additions to Pink Floyd The Later Years are the 1989 Venice Concert, performed on a floating stage in front of St Mark’s Square, and the 1990 Silver Clef Winners performance at Knebworth. Both concerts, previously unreleased, are now available on both DVD and Blu-ray (145mins). The momentous Knebworth concert saw Pink Floyd topping the all-star bill (that included Paul McCartney, Dire Straits, Genesis, Phil Collins, Eric Clapton and Tears For Fears), in aid of the Nordoff Robbins charity, profits from which went towards setting up the BRIT School. David Gilmour and Andy Jackson have remixed the audio from this iconic concert and all seven tracks performed on the day (with guest musicians including sax player Candy Dulfer, the original The Great Gig In The Sky vocalist Clare Torry, keyboard player Michael Kamen and Sam Brown with her mother, Vicki, on vocals), are released here as well as for the first time ever on CD.

1994’s album The Division Bell sold over 12 million copies, having debuted at No 1 in the UK, the USA, Australia and New Zealand. It stayed at the top of the US charts for 4 weeks, and also went to No 1 in six other countries. The resulting tour was captured and recorded for the concert release Pulse. This release contains the entire Pulse live concert film, re-edited and upgraded from the original masters, from the groundbreaking Earl’s Court gigs, and available for the first time on Blu-ray. Also uncovered for the first time is footage of the band in rehearsals on October 20, 1994 performing "A Great Day For Freedom" and "Lost For Words".

In 2014, Pink Floyd released The Endless River, comprising mostly instrumental and ambient music based on material recorded during The Division Bell sessions. Featuring David Gilmour, Nick Mason and Richard Wright, additional material was recorded in 2013 and 2014, with one song, "Louder Than Words", with lyrics by author & novelist Polly Samson (the primary lyricist for The Division Bell album). The Endless River became the most pre-ordered album of all time on Amazon UK and debuted at number one in several countries. The vinyl edition was the fastest-selling UK vinyl release since 1997. Included here for the first time is the never previously seen specially commissioned full 52-minute The Endless River film by Ian Emes, famed for his work with Pink Floyd, including his animations for "One Of These Days", "Speak To Me", "Time" and "On The Run".

Rounding off the package are hours of unreleased bonus materials including music videos, documentary footage, bonus live tracks, upgraded tour screen films and documentaries. It includes the first ever release, on Blu-ray, DVD and 7” vinyl, of the last live performance of Pink Floyd with David Gilmour, Nick Mason and Richard Wright together in 2007. This special performance of Arnold Layne took place at the Syd Barrett Tribute Concert at The Barbican on 10 May 2007. The full set boasts previously unreleased or remixed audio, plus restored, remastered and re-edited audio-visuals including unreleased concert footage and promo clips.

With the help of Nick Mason and the Pink Floyd archive, the box set comes with reproductions of tour artwork, posters, programmes, tour laminates, lyric book and much more including two 7” vinyl singles, (the live version of "Arnold Layne" performed at the Syd Barrett Tribute Concert in 2007 and "Lost For Words" from the Pulse tour rehearsals at Earl’s Court), in new picture sleeves and etched image B-sides. Also included is a brand new 60-page hardback book of photos, designed by Aubrey Powell of Hipgnosis and Peter Curzon of StormStudios, including many previously unseen images.

The 5 CDs are encased in their own 40-page hardback book with an extensive guide to all content, tracklists and credits.

There will also be a 2-LP / 1-CD ‘Highlights’ package. It comes in a gatefold sleeve (for both 1-CD and 2-LP), and each will contain a 24-page booklet containing previously unseen and rare photos.

Pink Floyd The Later Years will be released on November 29, and is available to pre-order here.

Product overview:

CDs:

5 x CDs, contained in their own 40-page, hardback book, containing a guide to all content, tracklistings, exhaustive content detail and credits.

- CD 1 - A Momentary Lapse Of Reason Remixed & Updated
- CD 2 & 3 - Delicate Sound Of Thunder Remixed
- CD 4 - Live Recordings, 1987 & 1994 Unreleased Studio Recordings
- CD 5 - Knebworth Concert 1990

Blu-Rays:

6 x Blu-rays, each contained in a gatefold wallet with dedicated cover art, including tracklistings and music publishing credits. Discs contained in protective plastic sleeves inside wallet.

- Blu-ray 1 - Surround & Hi-res Audio Mixes
- Blu-ray 2 - ‘Delicate Sound Of Thunder’ Restored & Remixed
- Blu-ray 3 - ‘Pulse’ Restored & Re-edited
- Blu-ray 4 - Venice Concert 1989 & Knebworth Concert 1990
- Blu-ray 5 - Unreleased Live Films Music Videos & Concert Screen Films
- Blu-ray 6 - Documentaries & Unreleased Material

DVD:

5 x DVDs (duplicating the content of Blu-rays 2-6 above), each contained in a gatefold wallet with dedicated cover art, including tracklistings and music publishing credits.

7” Singles:

2 x 7” vinyl singles in brand-new picture sleeves, featuring ‘Arnold Layne’ performed live by Pink Floyd at the Syd Barrett Tribute concert, 2007 and Lost For Words from the Pulse tour rehearsals at Earl’s Court.

Photo book:

60-page hard backed book of photos designed by Aubrey Powell of Hipgnosis and Peter Curzon of StormStudios, including many previously unseen images.

Replica Tour Programmes and Lyric Book:

A newly-created set of reproduction tour programmes (Pink Floyd World Tour 1987/1988, Pink Floyd Live 1989, Pink Floyd European Tour 1994), plus a brand new Lyrics Book, designed by Aubrey Powell of Hipgnosis and Peter Curzon of StormStudios.

Memorabilia:

A collection of reproduction memorabilia including tour passes, stickers and posters, all printed to replicate the originals, and contained in a prestige card envelope.




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Soulfood Music Distribution’s inhouse label Sweet Lemon proudly announces the signing of a very special new project: Silent Skies!

If you voice Scandinavian melancholy and let it run through the virtuosic fingers of an Oberlin Conservatory film score graduate, you get Silent Skies. It is the sum of two individual musical journeys that came together by coincidence; some would even call it fate.

Tom S. Englund, vocalist of Swedish band Evergrey, and Vikram Shankar's ways crossed when Englund saw Shankar re-interpret one of his compositions on piano on YouTube. A swift email suggesting a collaboration gave birth to ideas of a musical landscape rooted in cinematic, film score music, driven by Shankar's tender and emotive piano playing, but with the added sound of Englund's unique and charismatic vocals and strong melodic sensibility.

The compositions are both bleak and hopeful, setting a sombre tone, and with lyrics that stem from self-reflection and existential contemplation, the atmospheric music of Silent Skies is engrossing and hypnotizing, evoking in the listener visions for the inner eye.

Silent Skies today debut with their single “Horizons”, which includes three different versions of the song. “Horizons” is available now on all streaming services and Youtube. It was recorded and produced in Sweden and USA by Vikram Shankar and Tom S Englund, mixed by Christer-André Cederberg, Cederberg Studios Kristiansand, Norway.

Watch the Silent Skies oficial Facebook page here for updates.




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German rockers Double Crush Syndrome have released an official video for "Death To Pop", the title track from their forthcoming album. Check it out below.

The band has announced an official release party for Death To Pop, which will be released on October 25th via Arising Empire. It will take place at Freak Show in Essen, Germany. Entry is free. Go to this location for event details.

Double Crush Syndrome recently confirmed dates for their Death To Pop Tour 2020. They are as follows:

January
15 - London, UK - Thousand Island
17 - Cologne, Germany - Helios 37
18 - Bochum, Germany - Rotunde
19 - Frankfurt, Germany - Elfer Music Club
21 - Munich, Germany - Backstage
22 - Vienna, Austria - Chelsea
23 - Prague, Czech Republic - Klub 007 Strahov
24 - Leipzig, Germany - Bandhaus
25 - Berlin, Germany - Maze
26 - Hamburg, Germany - Indra

Frontman Andy Brings:

"We see ourselves in the tradition of bands like KISS, Ramones, Skid Row, Motörhead, Mötley Crüe, without even trying to sound like them. It´s our version of rock n´ roll, naturally with a huge punk influence in the instrumentation, strong choruses with an undeniable pop factor, and the power to destroy a small town. One small town per song, that is ! DCS is very tongue-in-cheek, and there´s a certain degree of anarchy happening on stage. But we are not a funny band per se, we take what we do very seriously! Still, everybody is supposed to have a good time, on stage and in the audience."




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MetallicaTV has posted pro-shot video of Metallica performing "Disposabel Heroes" in Zürich, Switzerland on May 10th at Letzigrund Stadium. Check it out below.

The setlist on the night:

"Hardwired"
"The Memory Remains"
"Disposable Heroes"
"The Thing That Should Not Be"
"The Unforgiven"
"Now That We're Dead"
"Moth Into Flame"
"Sad But True"
"No Leaf Clover"
"Frantic"
"One"
"Master of Puppets"
"For Whom the Bell Tolls"
"Creeping Death"
"Seek & Destroy"

Encore:
"Lords of Summer"
"Nothing Else Matters"
"Enter Sandman"

Metallica has just announced that frontman James Hetfield has entered rehab, and the band is canceling its upcoming tour in Australia and New Zealand.

A band statememt reads as follows:

“We are truly sorry to inform our fans and friends that we must postpone our upcoming tour of Australia and New Zealand.

As most of you probably know, our brother James has been struggling with addiction on and off for many years. He has now, unfortunately, had to re-enter a treatment program to work on his recovery again.

We fully intend to make our way to your part of the world as soon as health and schedule permit. We’ll let you know as soon as we can. Once again, we are devastated that we have inconvenienced so many of you, especially our most loyal fans who often travel great distances to experience our shows. We appreciate your understanding and support for James and, as always, thank you for being a part of our Metallica family.

All tickets purchased to the shows in Australia and New Zealand, including Enhanced Experiences and Black Tickets, will be fully refunded. More details on how to obtain your refund are here.”

This sad news comes as Metallica tops Pollstar's Live75 for the sixth time this year, taking the #1 ranking with a mammoth sold-ticket average of 47,342 from shows in Europe at three stadiums and two outdoor concert sites. The band’s two September shows at San Francisco’s Chase Center also contribute to the average that is more than twice that of the #2 touring artist, Zac Brown Band, charting with a 10-show ticket average of 20,060.




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To coincide with the European tour with Cro-Mags that is starting today, Washington DC crossover thrashers Red Death are debuting a first single for their upcoming third studio album and Century Media Records debut Sickness Divine (November 29th, 2019).

Check out “Face The Pain” in a lyric video by Cloud Music Typography, streaming below.

Red Death’s vocalist/bassist Chad Troncale commented about “Face The Pain” as follows: “A song about inner strength and taking care of business. Inspired by both bettering myself and listening to Jocko Willink. The objective of this song is to get people to always own up to their mistakes and power through life’s nonsense.”

Produced by Arthur Rizk (Power Trip, Sacred Reich) and with cover art  by Timbul Cahoyno (The Black Dahlia Murder, Nocturnus A.D.), Sickness Divine is a sledgehammer-to-the-skull riff-ride across its 10 annihilating tracks.

Tracklisting:

"Sickness Divine"
"Face The Pain"
"Sword Without A Sheath"
"The Anvil's Ring"
"Sheep May Unsafely Graze"
"Path Of Discipline"
"(Refuse To Be) Bound By Chains"
"Dreadful Perception"
"Ravage"
"Exhalation Of Decay"

"Face The Pain" lyric video:

Tour dates:

September
27 - Essen, Germany - Turock
28 - Limburg, Belgium - Hardcore Fest
29 - London, United Kingdom - Underworld
30 - Paris, France - Gibus

October
1 - Stuttgart, Germany - Keller Klub
2 - Prague, Czech Republic - Futurum
3 - Budapest, Hungary - Dürer Kert
4 - Graz, Austria - Explosiv
5 - Leipzig, Germany - Naumanns
6 - Berlin, Germany - Musik & Frieden

Red Death lineup, from left to right above:

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

(Photo - Angela Owens)




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With the singles “Diggy Diggy Hole”, “Drunken Dwarves” and “Wintersaga” already proven as certified favorites in the metal community, Wind Rose have finally release their fourth studio album Wintersaga via Napalm Records today. The dwarves take the listener on a highly entertaining and unforgettable 50 minutes lasting ride over mountains, snow and ice.

Accompanying the album release, Wind Rose have released a new lyric video for the title track “Wintersaga”. The mix of epic power metal, heroic riffs and orchestra influences give this song a special wintry atmosphere.

Wind Rose on “Wintersaga”:

“We dug holes, we drank mead, we danced together and we got drunk... Now let's get to serious business! Let us present you the title track Wintersaga, which is surely one of the highlights of this album: the structure is a little bit more complex than the first two singles, but the epic vocals and orchestra still keep it easily approachable for all kinds of ears.bWe also wanted to give this song a special look, so we decided to create a lyric video to represent its meaning: the arrival of Durin's Day, that closes the fall and opens the gates of winter.”

The album is available to order here, and is available in the following formats:

- Regular Jewel Case Edition
- 1 LP Gatefold (black)
- 1 LP Gatefold (gold) Limited to 200 copies
- Jewel Case & Shirt Bundle
- 1LP Gatefold (black) & Shirt Bundle
- Wooden Deluxe Box: CD, flag & pendant & 7” Single, Limited to 300 copies worldwide

Album artwork by Tom Thiel.

Tracklisting:

“Of Iron And Gold“
“Wintersaga“
“Drunken Dwarves“
“Diggy Diggy Hole“
“Mine Mine Mine!“
“The Art Of War“
“There And Back Again“
“The King Under The Mountain“
“We Were Warriors“

“Drunken Dwarves” video:

“Diggy Diggy Hole” video:

Wind Rose are:

Francesco Cavalieri - vocals
Claudio Falconcini - guitars
Federico Meranda - keyboards
Cristiano Bertocchi - bass
Federico Gatti - drums

(Photo - Tommaso Barletta)




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After a successful run of festivals during the summer, Swedish death metallers Lik are returning with fresh meat today as they release a brand new 7" entitled "Stockholm Death Metal".

The A-side features the new track “Revel In Gore” which was recorded on January 12th, 2019 in Lik's rehearsal space, once again with the "one and only" Lawrence Mackrory (Obey Mastering) behind the wheel. Lawrence is responsible for producing, recording, mixing and mastering the song. The two live tracks on side B (“Rid You Of Your Flesh” and “Embrace The End”) were recorded at "Copperfields" (Stockholm) when Lik premiered songs from the Carnage album; both were also mixed and mastered by Lawrence Mackrory. Video for “Revel In Gore” is streaming below.

Comments Lik on the video: "With the video for ‘Revel In Gore’, we wanted to include material dating back to the second world war. We found very un-flattering depictions of how cold, gruesome and devastating it is. War is what the song is about, and nothing could be more fitting. And we also threw in some playing footage, of us, deep down under Stockholm while rockin' it out with Mr Matti Kärki himself. It was a good and successful session which included lots of laughter, old friends hanging out and the celebration of old school death metal. The one we love and cherrish. Also a big ups for Thomas Liljekvist of Disrupted, helping us out with great camera work."

“Revel In Gore” features guest vocals by none less than Matti Kärki of Dismember fame. "When the idea arose to have a guest vocalist to a future track, there wasn't too much of a brainstorming going on. We knew who we wanted to fill that position and we're damn happy that he agreed to do it. Without any introduction needed, we can happily say that Matti Kärki of the great Dismember gave us his one of a kind voice to our song ‘Revel In Gore’. Being recorded during one day in a cold January in Stockholm, it's been lurking off the grid for quite a while now. So we're all super excited to soon ‘reveal this gore’ to the death metal masses!"

The artwork of the 7" was done by infamous Mark Riddick and portraits the Stockholm crest, but in an undead version which of course is more proper death metal. Order the 7” here.




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International grindcore-death-punk force, Implore, has released their third studio album, Alienated Despair. Official video for "Parralax" is streaming below.

Alienated Despair is available as Ltd. CD Edition, black LP and digital album. Order here.

Tracklisting:

"Faculties Of Time"
"Abandoned Desires"
"Parallax"
"All Is Not Lost Is Long Forgotten"
"The Constant Dissonance"
"Never Again" (feat. Tomas Lindberg)
"All Consuming Filth"
"Let The Pleasure Destroy Me"
"In Apathetic Isolation"
"The Venom Comes In Droves"
"Despondency"

"Parallax" video:

"Never Again" (feat. Tomas Lindberg) video:

"All Consuming Filth" lyric video:

Teaser:

To support the release of Alienated Despair Implore will take off on a tour throughout Europe in September.

“We’re very excited to bring our new album on tour around Europe, visiting some new cities and going back to some of our favorite ones. “Alienated Despair” is our heaviest record and we can’t wait to bring this sonic violence to the stages, delivering our most aggressive and intense shows to date” - Petro (Guitars)

Dates:

September
27 - Munich, Germany - Backstage
28 - Wurzburg, Germany - Immerhin
29 - Weimar, Germany - Gerber 3
30 - Hasselt, Belgium - Café de Witte Non

October
1 - Le Havre, France - The McDaids
2 - Rennes, France - Mondo Bizarro
4 - Paris, France - Le Klub
5 - Wuppertal, Germany - AZ
6 - Frankfurt, Germany - Kapperfeld
7 - Bern, Switzerland - Cafete
8 - Zurich, Switzerland - Werk21
9 - Chiuppano, Italy - Bar Castello
10 - Graz, Austria - EKH
12 - Linz, Austria - Kapu

Implore lineup:

Gabriel Dubko - vocals
Eduard Petrolillo - guitars
Carol Lieb - bass
Markus Matzinger - drums

(Photo - Doris Himmelbauer)




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Integrating elements of Scandinavian melodic death metal, Slavic traditional music and classical symphonics, Toulouse-based band, Aephanemer, have developed a sound that could likely influence a whole new generation of metal. After bursting onto the scene in 2014, followed by the release of their debut EP Know Thyself and their first full-length Memento Mori in 2016, the four-piece quickly began growing a loyal fanbase - ultimately making their mark as one of the best up and coming bands of the new wave of melodic death metal.

Due in part to their deft musicality, impressive live performances (including at festivals like Wacken Open Air) and fresh, modern sound, the band quickly gained the attention of leading rock and metal label Napalm Records, who will re-release Aephanemer's sophomore album, Prokopton, on October 25. Video for "The Sovereign" is streaming below.

Aephanemer says: We are extremely excited by the upcoming release of our new album Prokopton! Napalm Records gave us the opportunity to release this album exactly as we had imagined it and we cannot wait to share it with you all. Prokopton is nothing but sincere melodic death metal coming straight from our hearts, and we hope you will enjoy it!"

Originally released in March 2019, Prokopton will now also be available in various LP, CD and bundle editions. Preorder the album here.

Tracklisting:

"Prokopton"
"The Sovereign"
"Dissonance Within"
"Snowblind"
"At Eternity's Gate"
"Back Again"
"Bloodline"
"If I Should Die"
"Path Of The Wolf" (Bonus Track)

"The Sovereign" video:

"Bloodline" video:

Furthermore, Aephanemer have teamed up with labelmates and metal pirates Alestorm for an extensive Canadian tour this fall. Make sure to catch this diverse and exciting live package at the following dates:

November
1 - Quebec City, QC - Imperial Bell
2 - Halifax, NS - Marquee Ballroom
3 - Moncton, NB - Le Caveau
5 - Montreal, QC - M Telus 6 - Ottawa, ON - Brass Monkey
7 - Toronto, ON - The Opera House 8 - Toronto, ON - The Opera House 9 - London, ON - Call the Office
11 - Winnipeg, MB - Park Theate
12 - Saskatoon, SK - Louis 13 - Edmonton, AB - Starlite Room 14 - Calgary, AB - Dickens Pub
15 - Kelowna, BC - Rutland Centennial Hall 16 - Vancouver, BC - Rickshaw Theater 17 - Victoria, BC - Upstairs Cabaret

Aephanemer only:
August
31 - Keudfest - Cossé-en-Champagne, France
September
6 - Metal Help Fest - Montpellier, France 21 - Folk Fest Zaragoza - Zaragoza, Spain

Aephanemer is:

Martin Hamiche - Lead Guitar
Marion Bascoul - Vocals & Rhythm Guitar
Lucie Woaye-Hune - Bass
Mickaël Bonnevialle - Drums

(Photo - Cédric Gleyal)




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Metal Blade Records has welcomed Midnight to its worldwide roster. By now, Midnight need no introduction. Guided by the twisted muse of mainman Athenar since 2003, this Cleveland cult have been slaying the metal/punk underground with their own, highly addictive brand of lust, filth, and sleaze, subsequently building up a sizable catalog and garnering a rabid fanbase. While there are certainly fanatics for the band's early EP work, it was Midnight's debut album, Satanic Royalty (2011), that entered the band's name into the annals of "classic." Never one to rush things (nor drop an EP along the way), Midnight continued their underground dominance with No Mercy for Mayhem in 2014, further perfecting their signature sound. With the band's massively anticipated third album, Sweet Death and Ecstasy, the band showed their darkest and most daring effort to date. Fans can expect another crushing full-length, Rebirth By Blasphemy, in early 2020 via Metal Blade Records.

Midnight's Athenar comments about the signing: "Well, I sent a demo tape of my band to Metal Blade Records back in 1987. It only took them 32 years to respond and guess what? They want to release a record! Patience is a virtue. Now YOU WAIT until this new album comes out so you can bang your fucking skull against a brick wall while cranking the stereo at neighbor destroying volume!"

Before their new album drops next year, Midnight have now released the title track from their upcoming full-length, "Rebirth By Blasphemy", as a 7"/digital single to coincide with their signing, plus North American tour with Obituary, Abbath, and Devil Master, which kicks off today.

7” editions – order at MetalBlade.com:
- "You Can't Stop Steel" silver (band exclusive; limited to 150 copies in the USA)
- "Rotting Twilight" opaque purple (tour exclusive; limited to 150 copies in the USA)
- "Unholy Water" clear (limited to 200 copies in Europe)
- "Nun's Blood" red (Metal Blade shop exclusive; limited to 200 copies in Europe)
- standard black (Europe)

Dates:

September
27 - Baton Rouge, LA - Varsity Theatre
28 - Dallas, TX - Gas Monkey Bar N Grill
29 - Austin, TX - Come And Take It Live

October
1 - Albuquerque, NM - Sunshine Theater
2 - Tucson, AZ - Encore
3 - San Diego, CA - Brick By Brick
4 - Santa Ana, CA - The Observatory
5 - Berkeley, CA - The UC Theatre
6 - Reno, NV - Cargo
8 - Grand Junction, CO - Mesa Theater
9 - Denver, CO - Sumit
10 - Lawrence, KS - The Granada
11 - St. Louis, MO - Ready Room
12 - Joliet, IL - The Forge
13 - Madison, WI - Sylveee
15 - Detroit, MI - St. Andrew’s Hall
17 - Toronto, ON - The Phoenix
18 - Montreal, QC - The Corona Theatre
19 - New York, NY - Gramercy Theatre
20 - Providence, RI - The Strand
21 - Philadelphia, PA - Union Transfer
23 - Baltimore, MD - Baltimore Soundstage
24 - Raleigh, NC - Lincoln Theatre
25 - Atlanta, GA - Buckhead Theatre




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After recently revealing their first single “Protection” and performing a genre-crossing set with Perturbator this week, French sound wizards Alcest are ready to present the second single off their upcoming sixth studio album titled Spiritual Instinct. Recorded at the French Drudenhaus Studios and written in bursts both during and after a prolonged period of touring in support of 2016’s hugely successful Kodama, the new album - the first via Nuclear Blast - will lead the blackgaze pioneers into dark soundscapes full of spiritual catharsis and will be released on October 25th.

Today's single, “Sapphire”, is another magical creation blending shadows and light - the video was directed by Craig Murray (Mogwai) and can be seen below.

Bandleader Neige comments: "Here’s 'Sapphire', the second single from our upcoming album Spiritual Instinct. This one was also written in a very spontaneous, liberating way and has this ‘80s post-punk feel that could remind of The Cure, The Chameleons, or even our older side project Amesoeurs. Hope you guys enjoy it."

The album is now available for pre-order in the following formats:
- digipak in O-card
- 36 pages earbook including 2 CD + 180g LP (stone effect) (limited to 2000 copies)
- 180g LP in sleeve available in the colors:
black (retail)
ocean green (NB mailorder + wholesale, limited to 500 copies)
burgundy (NB mailorder exclusive, limited to 300 copies)
polar white (Rough Trade exclusive, limited to 300 copies)
royal blue (band shop exclusive, limited to 300 copies)
- Boxset collector's edition including 2 CDs + 180g LP (stone effect), earbook, bonus mini LP (violet sparkle, etched) in sleeve, art prints and patch (limited to 500 copies)
Digital

USA exclusive vinyl colors:
mint green (retail, limited to 1.700 copies)
clear+blue/bone splatter (indie exclusive, limited to 300 copies)
blood red (NB mailorder exclusive, limited to 500 copies)

Find preorders at this location.




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Legendary guitarist Steve Hackett will release Genesis Revisited Band & Orchestra: Live At The Royal Festival Hall on October 25 via InsideOutMusic on 2CD + Blu-Ray digipak and 2CD + DVD Multibox internationally, and 2CD + Blu-Ray + DVD in North America.

The album was recorded on October 5, 2018 at The Royal Festival Hall, London, during the  2018 Genesis Revisited Tour which fulfilled a long held ambition of Steve’s: to perform the music of Genesis with a live orchestra. The concert featured Steve’s regular touring band of Roger King (keyboards), Gary O’Toole (drums/percussion), Rob Townsend (saxes/flutes) with Nad Sylvan on vocals and Jonas Reingold (The Flower Kings) on bass, together with special guests John Hackett and Amanda Lehmann, and augmented by the 41-piece Heart Of England Orchestra conducted by Bradley Thachuk.

Watch "The Steppes" from the upcoming release below:

Genesis Revisited Band & Orchestra: Live At The Royal Festival Hall pre-order links:

- Band Store
- InsideOutMusic
- Buy/Stream/Dowload

Tracklisting:

Set 1:
"Dance On A Volcano"
"Out Of The Body"
"The Steppes"
"Firth Of Fifth"
"Dancing With The Moonlit Knight"
"Blood On The Rooftops"
"Shadow Of The Hierophant"

Set 2:
"In That Quiet Earth"
"Afterglow"
"Serpentine Song"
"El Niño"
"Supper’s Ready"

Encore:
"The Musical Box"




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Black Stone Cherry return with another riotous, rip roaring tribute to their blues heroes on Black To Blues Volume 2, which will be now released on November 1 via Mascot Records/Mascot Label Group. The new date is the result of unforeseen production issues that have since been rectified. Pre-order here.

Last month, the band released a video directed by Mike Rodway for the track “Me & The Devil Blues”. The band states, “We chose this song because we have such an appreciation for Robert Johnson and his music. It was so simple, direct, and eerie in a way that just resonates with the listener. Since Robert’s music was guitar and vocal, we decided to totally write new music and lay his words on top of it. All of the music was written literally on the spot while recording in the studio! We are very proud of how this track came out!” Watch "Me & The Devil Blues" below.

The first instalment of the series, Black To Blues, was released in October 2017 and crashed straight into #1 in the Billboard Blues Chart and reached the top 30 UK album chart with a wave of praise from both the press and fans. Following the reaction to the release Chris Robertson said; “We could have never dreamed of the reaction we got from Black To Blues. It was amazing to have such a positive reaction to our take on some of our biggest influences in music. Now we are back for round two and we have added our great friend Yates Mckendree on organ/keys and he also makes an appearance on guitar! We kept a couple artists in the line-up from last time and introduced a few others into the mix as well! We can’t wait for everyone to hear and feel how much fun we had recording this project!!”

Since the last blues EP the band released their latest studio album Family Tree (2018), which reached the Top 10 UK Album Chart (their 3rd in a row) and Billboard Top 10 Hard Rock Albums. The band spent the time following that touring Europe extensively; including a 2018 UK Arena Tour with Monster Truck, a main stage sub-headline performance at Download Festival - under Guns N' Roses - plus performances at Graspop, Rock am Ring and stand out sets this summer at Wacken Open Air, a sold out Caerphilly Castle (Wales) and an explosive headline slot at Ramblin’ Man Fair. They have also criss-crossed their way around the US including shows with Gov’t Mule, Tyler Bryant & The Shakedown, Three Doors Down and Lynyrd Skynyrd. In amongst all of this, they still found time to record a hip-shaking new record and once again produced by the band themselves, they recorded it at Monocle Studios in Sulphur Well, KY. The EP kicks off with Robertson introducing McKendree on the organ as they launch into Freddie King’s "Big Legged Woman". It’s wild, raucous and has their own unmistakeable groove woven through the song as has their unrelenting take on Howlin’ Wolf’s "Down In The Bottom" - both legends covered on the previous record. Talking about King and Wolf, guitarist Ben Wells says; “Those are some of our absolute favorites. We always identify with those guys ‘cause they had grooves and riffs like we would put in our tunes. So we are naturally drawn to that.”

This is where the link between the blues and Black Stone Cherry weaves in so perfectly; the groove and heart of those early songs embody the essence and beginnings of Kentucky’s favorite rockers. “Muddy Waters, Freddie King, Howlin’ Wolf, and the like,” Wells explains. “We used to listen to that constantly growing up, and still do.  It’s what we grew up playing and learning together. It’s the DNA of what our band is. It’s not just us covering songs. It’s about doing our own version of each song.”

Fans that have seen the band grow over their ascent to arenas will have often seen their love for the blues with songs regularly making into the live set. This time around they bring in Robert Johnsons’ howling "Me And The Devil Blues", the sultry slow burning ‘All Your Love (I Miss Loving)’ originally performed by Mississippi legend Otis Rush, and Elmore James classic "Early One Morning", one of the wildest stand out songs from the one the links between traditional Delta and Chicago blues.

The album closes with their take on "Death Letter Blues" by Son House, which long-time fans will be familiar with from the band’s live set and also featured on 2014 live album ‘Thank You: Livin’ Live Birmingham.Talking about the reaction of the fans Wells enthuses; “It’s incredible!! The coolest part is hearing young fans say they never listened to these artists until we made them aware of them. That’s amazing for us!”

Once again, Black Stone Cherry stamp their own unmistakable personality on these deep cut classics. The torch of the blues has been passed on from generation to generation and Kentucky’s favorite sons are lighting that torch to be seen even further to pass on these gems. The band will be going back to Europe to support Alice Cooper in September as well as heading back here to the U.S. for shows with Lynyrd Skynyrd and The Lacs before heading over to Australia with Halestorm.

Tracklisting:

"Big Legged Woman"
"Me & The Devil Blues"
"All Your Love (I Miss Loving)"
"Down In The Bottom"
"Early One Morning"
"Death Letter Blues"

"Me & The Devil Blues" video:




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Evil Invaders may sound notoriously tech-loving yet astoundingly raw on record - but if you unleash these Belgians onstage, their trademark sound nestled in between death, thrash, progressive touches and trad heavy metal gains another heady and exciting dimension that is second to none.

After two studio albums and two EPs released to date, the time has finally come to immortalize the incredible high-octane live phenomenon in sound and vision: Surge Of Insanity - Live In Antwerp 2018 is the expected balls-out hometown insanity, taped at the Trix Zaal in 2018, and set for release on October 4 via Napalm Records. Check out a video for "Raising Hell" below.

“On October 4th we will finally release our live album + DVD, Surge Of Insanity: Live In Antwerp 2018! From day one, our goal has always been to distinguish ourselves musically as well as visually in our live performances,” frontman Joe commented just recently. “We're always striving to create new and unique visual aspects to our show. It was massive to play with a full production at the venue where we all used to go to see our favorite bands since we were teenagers. This live album + DVD marks the end of an old and the beginning of a new era for Evil Invaders. We're just getting started...”

The first live album by Evil Invaders will be released on 6-page CD digipack and DVD, the 2LP Gatefold will also include the full DVD. Pre-order here.

Tracklisting:

Intro: "As Life Slowly Fades"
"Pulses Of Pleasure"
"Shot To Paradise"
"Mental Penitentiary"
"Broken Dreams In Isolation"
"Feed Me Violence"
"Stairway To Insanity"
"Among The Depths Of Sanity"
"Oblivion"
"Master Of Illusion"
"Witching Hour" (Venom Cover)
"Fast, Loud 'N' Rude"
"Raising Hell"
"Victim Of Sacrifice"
Outro: "Shades Of Solitude"

"Raising Hell" video:

"Broken Dreams In Isolation" video:

"Among The Depths Of Sanity" video:

Trailer:




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Sweden's Tribulation have released the first single and video for “Strange Gateways Beckon”, off their upcoming live album, Alive & Dead At Södra Teatern, out November 15 via Century Media.

“To celebrate the release of our very first live album we’re letting you have a glance of what’s to come from this special gloomy winter night. As the first single of Alive & Dead At Södra Teatern we selected one of the classics from The Children Of The Night, none other than ‘Strange Gateways Beckon'. This song has almost always been present in our live rituals, so it‘s a well deserved  first choice to rest your starry eyes upon...” - Tribulation

Alive & Dead At Södra Teatern can be pre-ordered here in the following formats:

- Ltd. 2CD+DVD Digipak in Slipcase
- Gatefold black 2LP+DVD
- Digital album
- Gatefold transp. Yellow 2LP + DVD - limited to 200 copies – only available at Sound Pollution
- Gatefold lilac 2LP+DVD - limited to 100 copies – only available at CMDistro
- Gatefold golden 2LP+DVD - limited to 200 copies
- Gatefold mint colored 2LP+DVD - limited to 200 copies – only available at Nuclear Blast
- Gatefold transp. red 2LP+DVD  - limited to 100 copies – only available at Tribulation live shows
- Gatefold dark green 2LP+DVD - limited to 100 copies – only available at Kingsroad
- Gatefold silver 2LP+DVD - limited to 200 copies – Metal Blade USA exclusive

Alive & Dead At Södra Teatern track listing:

Akt I:
"The Lament"
"Nightbound"
"Lady Death"
"Subterranea"
"Purgatorio"
"Cries From The Underworld"
"Lacrimosa"
"The World"
"Here Be Dragons"

Akt II:
"Trollens Brudmarsch"
"Melancholia"
"The Motherhood Of God"
"Rånda"
"Ultra Silvam"
Guitar Solo
"Strange Gateways Beckon"
"Strains Of Horror"

Find the band's complete live itinerary here.

Lineup:

Johannes Andersson - Bass/Vocals
Adam Zaars - Guitars
Jonathan Hultén - Guitars
Oscar Leander - Drums

(Photo - Ester Segarra)




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Electronic beats merge into stoic rhythms, danceable melodies sing about the hidden aspects inside, and metal riffs quicken the pulse: Schattenmann mixes the brute force of Neue Deutsche Härte with rock and electro elements of different styles - just to create a new genre, already set as the mark of the young band from Germany: NDH 2.0. A unique feature that made Schattenmann capturing the Gothic culture easily. Their new album, Epidemie, was released via AFM Records on July 5th.

Check out the new video for "Schawarz = Religion" below.

Epidemie is an emotional roller coaster ride in which Schattenmann reveal a more personal side. The band has created an album that easily overcomes the boundaries between Metal and NDH.

On Epidemie you can find riff-oriented songs as well as catchy tunes for the dancefloor. The album was mastered at Separate Sound Studios (J.B.O., Tarja Turunen, Hämatom and many more).

Tracklisting:

“Schattenland”
“F.U.C.K.Y.O.U.”
“Schlag für Schlag”
“Epidemie”
“Wahreit oder Pflicht”
“Ruf der Engel”
“Kopf durch die Wand”
“Schwarz = Religion”
“Gewissen”
“Darkroom”
“Nadel und Faden”
“Phantom”

“Epidemie” video:




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