After a crowdfunding campaign that far exceeded the goal, symphonic/Celtic vocal goddess, Leah, has revealed that her upcoming winter-themed album, Ancient Winter, will officially see release on November 15.

Says Leah, "Now that the crowdfunding campaign is complete, I'm really excited to focus on the release of this album in November. My closest colleagues have told me this album might be some of my best work yet. Regardless, I hope this new music will make the coming winter season much more magical."  

Ancient Winter features eight tracks - five of which are originals and three traditional century medieval songs that Leah puts her own unique touch on. The album offers a slight departure from Leah's traditional symphonic metal into a more atmospheric, ethereal sound. It is a more earthy sounding album filled with new instrumentation such as fiddles and uilleann pipes, which give it a beautiful harmony of middle eastern feeling and Celtic folk and fantasy. Ancient Winter proves Leah's ability to venture into musical realms beyond metal.

Ancient Winter represents a new approach to holiday music as it celebrates winter themes in a way that is sure to give it a wider appeal. This is not simply a "Christmas album" but rather an emotional journey into transcendent ideals that will inspire any listener from anywhere.

For Ancient Winter, Leah tapped a top-notch talent cast of musicians, including Troy Donockley (Nightwish), Anna Murphy (Cellar Darling), Shir-Ran Yinon (Eluveitie), Oliver Philipps (Everon, Phantasma) and renowned string musician Rupert Gillett. This diverse lineup adds an international flavor to the album alongside Leah's beautiful vocals.

A variety of bundle packages will be available soon at theleahshop.com. Watch the lyric video for "Redemption", the first single from Ancient Winter, below.

Ancient Winter tracklisting:

"The Whole World Summons"
"Light Of The World"
"Upon Your Destiny"
"Redemption"
"The Messenger"
"Gaudete"
"Puer Natus"
"Noël Nouvelet"

"Redemption" lyric video:

Leah has amassed a generous and dedicated fanbase that has allowed her to crowdfund three of her five recordings without the assistance of a record label. Leah's first four albums, Of Earth and Angels (2012), Otherworld (2013), Kings & Queens (2015), and The Quest (2018) are a rapturous blend of a symphonic metal style carefully spiced with Celtic, folk and fantasy. Her emotive vocals are often compared to Loreena McKennitt, Tori Amos and Sarah McLachlan.




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21 years since their murderous debut, Exhumed continue their onslaught of gore-obsessed death metal on their new brand new album, Horror, coming October 4. Listen to the new single, "Playing With Fear", below:

Horror is due out October 4 on CD/deluxe LP/LP/digital. Physical packages are available for pre-order via Relapse.com here. Digital downloads / streaming services are available here.

Aptly titled, Horror is an exploration of all things macabre, as the undisputed pioneers of neck-breaking riffs plow through 15 of the band’s most intense tracks to date. Nightmares meet shred, as the speed-inducing track “Ravenous Cadavers” highlight Exhumed’s penchant for blazing, face melting guitar work, while “Naked, Screaming And Covered In Blood” and “Playing With Fear” elevate Exhumed to levels of grind unheard of since Gore Metal.

Horror was recorded at Exhumed’s home-built studio Darker Corners, a first in the band’s career. Horror was produced by Exhumed and Alejandro Corredor (Brujeria, Nausea) and was mixed and mastered by Joel Grind (Toxic Holocaust).

The Relapse.com exclusive Horror Deluxe VCR “Slaughter Video” Rental Store Pack is strictly limited to 100 and includes the Horror LP pressed on blood red and white merge with aqua blue, blood red and oxblood splatter, a playable VHS in custom slipcase with audio and visuals of the entire album, a retro VHS inspired sticker sheet, plus an authorized Slaughter Video membership laminated card as well as an official Slaughter Video employee t shirt. All items are exclusive to this package and are housed in a meticulously designed VCR inspired boxset.

Horror tracklisting:

"Unsound"
"Ravenous Cadavers"
"Scream Out In Fright"
"The Red Death"
"Utter Mutilation Of Your Corpse"
"Slaughter Maniac"
"Ripping Death"
"Clawing"
"Naked, Screaming, And Covered In Blood"
"Playing With Fear"
"Dead Meat"
"Rabid"
"In The Mouth Of Hell"
"Shattered Saity"
"Re-Animated"
"Crypt Of Terror" (Bonus Track)
"Re-Entry And Destruction" (Bonus Track)
"The Day Man Lost" (Bonus Track)

"Naked, Screaming, And Covered In Blood" video:

"Ravenous Cadavers":

Exhumed and Sonoran death metal legion Gatecreeper (pictured below) have announced a co-headlining North American tour through the fall.

The tour begins on October 31 in Austin, TX and ends December 4 in Las Vegas, NV. Additional support by Necrot & Judiciary. All confirmed tour dates are available below.

Comments Exhumed’s Matt Harvey: “We couldn't be more stoked to bring folks such a stacked lineup for this tour. It's gonna be a neck-breaking extravaganza of massive proportions! We can't wait to get out and play stuff from Horror for all the Gore Metal Maniacs out there and showcasing the tunes alongside Gatecreeper, our Bay Area homies in Necrot and Judiciary will really be a trial by fire for the songs. We've got a new setlist, new production, and the same old body odor, so come out and make some noise with us!"

Tour dates:

October
31 - Austin, TX - Barracuda

November
1 - Dallas, TX - Club Dada
2 - Houston, TX - The Secret Group
4 - Tampa, FL - Crowbar
5 - Miami, FL - Chuchill’s
6 - Winter Park, FL - The Haven Lounge
7 - Atlanta, GA - The Masquerade - Hell Stage
8 - Lexington, KY - Cosmic Charlie’s
9 - Columbus, OH - Ace of Cups
10 - Baltimore, MD - Ottobar
11 - Philadelphia, PA - The Foundry - The Fillmore
12 - Brooklyn, NY - Brooklyn Bazaar
13 - Somerville, MA - ONCE Ballroom
15 - Lancaster, PA - Chameleon Club
16 - Lakewood, OH - Foundry
17 - Hamtramck, MI - Sanctuary
18 - Madison, WI - The Crucible
19 - Minneapolis, MN - 7th St. Entry
20 - Chicago, IL - Empty Bottle
22 - Denver, CO - Marquis Theatre
23 - Salt Lake City, UT - Urban Lounge
24 - Boise, ID - Neurolux
25 - Bozeman, MT - The Eagles Ballroom
27 - Bellingham, WA - The Shakedown
28 - Vancouver, BC - The Fox Cabaret (No Exhumed/Necrot)
29 - Seattle, WA - Substation
30 - Portland, OR - Dante’s

December
1 - Arcata, CA - Rampart Skatepark
2 - San Francisco, CA - Rickshaw Shop
3 - Sacramento, CA - Harlow’s
4 - Las Vegas, NV - Bunkhouse Saloon

Exhumed lineup:

Matt Harvey - Guitar, Vocals
Ross Sewage - Bass, Vocals
Mike Hamilton - Drums
Sebastian Phillips - Guitar

(Exhumed photo - Orion Landau, Gatecreeper photo - Pablo Vigueras)




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Fernando Ribeiro, frontman for Portuguese metal veterans Moonspell, has checked in with the following trip down memory lane:

"The always watchful internet let us know that our album The Antidote was out 16 years ago. We recorded it in Finland with Hiili Hiilesmaa, and his first comment after we laid down the first tracks was: 'This is not rock and roll anymore. This is something else.' In fact, we were just coming from the Darkness And Hope cycle, an album we thought too goth or soft and very downcast, as sad as the band was back then with all our issues and problems. The Antidote became an album about fear and musically we dove deeply into eerie passages, death metal, lyrics that showed no resolution or overcoming, but rather how fear paralyses us, reducing our life into a succession of decisions that only allow us to stay and survive, not moving forward. A haunting of the body and of the mind.

We have also collaborated with our friend, the amazing writer José Luís Peixoto, who penned a whole small novel, inspired by the mood of the album. As far as we’re concerned this union with JLP was one of the band’s most successful moments, vindicating all the attention and dedication throughout our years of making literature a true and noble influence in our music.

This video was directed by Tiago Guedes and it stands like a trailer for a never made horror movie that could actually become a cool project if we had the money or the talent to do so. I don’t quite recall the response of the fans back then, I think it was quite solid yet some people were a bit far away from what we’re doing then. I also recall many new fans coming our way drawn by the feeling of being uncomfortable and scared due to the album heaviness and layering. So, same response as always, some loved it, others kept on dreaming about the nineties Moonspell.

The Antidote, originally released with Century Media Records, was our last album ever on this company ending our CM years. It will, in a near future, receive the reissue treatment via Napalm Records in colab with the band and Alma Mater Books & Records.

It’s great to know that a lot of our old records still capture people’s imagination and that our fans usually come back to them in the different moods of their own existences, so if you go take some time to remember about this album, today is a good day.

..and all the thirsty can now approach..."

David Ellefson says that "Risk" was "very much a transitional record" for MEGADETH, explaining that it was made during a time when "heavy metal had such a horrible stigma" in America.

Issued in 1999, "Risk" received a mixed response from critics and alienated hardcore MEGADETH fans due to its departure from the band's heavy thrash metal roots to a more commercial, pop-rock sound. The album debuted at No. 16 on the Billboard chart and was later certified gold for selling half a million copies in the United States.

During a recent interview with Eonmusic, Ellefson was asked how he looks back on "Risk" 20 years after its release.

"It's a storied one, for sure," he said. "I think ultimately we came off a very successful rebuilding campaign with 'Cryptic Writings'. That was a record that repositioned the band — we finally became profitable again. We dug ourselves out of some huge financial holes, major transitions in our whole management team — a lot. And plus, here in America, we basically wrote a record that fit very well with the FM radio sound that was going on, because, man, as you know, the '90s were not kind to thrash metal. Between the Seattle sound, the nu metal music and all this stuff, I mean, for us thrash bands, it was challenging, and I think we really hit the mark with 'Cryptic Writings'."

Elaborating on why he thinks "Risk" failed to repeat the success of its predecessor, the bassist said: "I think we came off the road, and we went into the studio with 'Risk' much too early. We didn't have all of the songs together. I think our mindset was, 'We need to write these sort of mainstream radio songs, and when we get to [the recording studio in] Nashville, we'll chuck these metal tunes out, no problem, because we can do that in our sleep.' And I think what happened is we got to Nashville, and we didn't chuck out the metal songs. I think there was so much focus on the record being this sort of polished, mainstream, radio-friendly record that the metal songs sort of got pushed to the side, and they didn't get included. And if anything, I think that's the story of that. But [some of the tracks on the LP] are very likeable songs; forget about the genre or anything. But I think when you buy a MEGADETH record, it needs to have a certain sound to it. I mean, even the logo — all of a sudden, pointy guitars, pointy logos, all that shit was illegal in heavy metal. People were thinking, 'Don't even say you're heavy metal. Say you're hard rock.' Because heavy metal had such a horrible stigma here in America. IRON MAIDEN — everybody went through a downturn. It was a challenging time."

Asked when he and his bandmates realized that the album wasn't connecting with people, Ellefson said: "We knew it right away. As soon as we put it out, we knew it, and honestly, there was a conversation on the bus not long after that European tour when Dave [Mustaine, MEGADETH leader], he just said, 'We have to go back to being a thrash band.' He said, 'We've got to get back to who we really are and stop chasing this and that.' And that was when Marty Friedman [MEGADETH's then-guitarist] just said, 'Look, if we're going to go back to being a thrash band, I'm out.' And the next day he quit. And it was a couple of weeks later when Al Pitrelli came in. So, yeah, it was very much a transitional record for us personally in the band. And part of me was going, 'God, are we just going to go back to being what we used to be? Shouldn't we continue to move forward? As humans, don't we grow forward?' It was an interesting moment — very, very challenging. The whole infrastructure of just who we were as a band was just on the line — everything."

Last year, Mustaine said that "Risk" was the result of him "capitulating" to Friedman's "desires to be more of an alternative band." He told SiriusXM's "Trunk Nation LA Invasion: Live From The Rainbow Bar & Grill": "We kept slowing down and slowing down and slowing down. If that record would have been called THE DAVE MUSTAINE PROJECT and not MEGADETH, I think it would have been successful. People wanted a MEGADETH record. They didn't wanna see Dave bending over backwards to keep Marty Friedman happy, 'cause Marty wanted us to sound like fucking DISHWALLA."

FOO FIGHTERS are preparing to record a brand new album.

During the group's headlining set at Brazil's Rock In Rio festival on Saturday (September 28), FOO FIGHTERS frontman Dave Grohl revealed that he and his bandmates were going to start recording the follow-up to 2017's "Concrete And Gold" once they got back to California.

"I don't know when we'll be back down here again, but we will," Dave told the crowd. "We go home next week and we start making a new FOO FIGHTERS record. It's good, it's good."

Last week, FOO FIGHTERS released another surprise EP titled "01070725". It features five songs — a mixture of live cuts, demos and familiar FOO FIGHTERS numbers — and can be found now on most streaming services.

The EP is the second released by the band this month and third in recent months. The week before, the FOO FIGHTERS unveiled an EP titled "00050525 Live In Roswell", containing a June 18, 2005 concert the band played in Roswell, New Mexico, where a UFO allegedly crashed in 1947.

According to The Pulse Of Radio, the group shared that EP to mark "Storm Area 51 Day," which took place on September 20 and saw several hundred conspiracy theorists assemble at the gates of the famously secretive airbase.

Back in July, FOO FIGHTERS issued a surprise live EP titled "00950025". The three-song effort featured three hard-to-find tracks, namely performances of "For All The Cows" and "Wattershed" from the band's headline set at 1995's Reading festival, as well as a live recording of "Next Year" from a 2000 concert in Melbourne, Australia.

That first EP arrived one day after the 24th anniversary of the release of the debut FOO FIGHTERS album on July 4, 1995, and was reportedly the first in a series of such releases from the band's archives — possibly tied into the FOO FIGHTERS' upcoming 25th anniversary.

A music video for the song "The Loss Inside" from FLYING COLORS can be seen below. The track is taken from the band's upcoming album, "Third Degree", which will be released on October 4 via Music Theories Recordings.

Singer Casey McPherson states about the song: "We all go through loss, and the grieving process often comes in waves. I love how musically and lyrically this song represents that process for me."

FLYING COLORS consists of guitarist Steve Morse (DEEP PURPLE, DIXIE DREGS, ex-KANSAS), drummer Mike Portnoy (THE WINERY DOGS, ex-DREAM THEATER, TRANSATLANTIC), keyboardist/vocalist Neal Morse (TRANSATLANTIC, ex-SPOCK'S BEARD, and a prolific solo artist in his own right), bassist Dave LaRue (DIXIE DREGS, ex-Joe Satriani), and powerhouse vocalist and songwriter Casey McPherson (ALPHA REV, THE SEA WITHIN).

In chemistry, when certain galvanizing elements come together, they become quite explosive. In music, when certain galvanizing artists come together, they become FLYING COLORS. In fact, whenever the five gentlemen who encompass FLYING COLORS are able to conjoin their collective talents, the result is a sweet sonic bouillabaisse that reflects where their inherent mastery of melody intersects with top-shelf progressive musicianship.

And now, FLYING COLORS soar to even loftier heights with "Third Degree", their third studio album in a decade. "Third Degree" builds upon the genre-bending momentum of 2012's self-titled "Flying Colors" and the aural-template ascension of 2014's "Second Nature". From the skittery psychedelic/classical turnaround of the lead single "More" to the BEACH BOYS-meet-ASIA vibe of "Love Letter" to the deep emotionality of the album-ending, prog-leaning epic "Crawl", the nine tracks that comprise "Third Degree" signify just how much FLYING COLORS is willing to explore new frontiers.

"There's a lot of ear candy sprinkled throughout every song," observes Portnoy, "and each one takes you on a little journey. As albums go, 'Third Degree' is a complete piece that I don't think ever overstays its welcome. I think it's an enjoyable ride from start to finish."

It continues to build upon the deep-rooted musical connection the members of FLYING COLORS established on their first two boundary-stretching albums.

"There's a real special chemistry between the five of us," Portnoy confirms. "We keep getting better and better as we get more comfortable and more familiar with each other, and the music itself keeps getting more and more mature." Adds Steve Morse: "This one, dare I say it, explores new ground for the band. One of my favorites, 'Geronimo', has an upbeat, jazzy, heavy, melodic feel all at once. We just do what makes us smile and sounds good, instead of wondering how critics or program directors will like it. It makes for the best music!"

Casey McPherson concurs with his fellow bandmates by noting: "What 'Third Degree' really proves to me is that we have our own sound. There are no egos in this band, and we all want the best parts to come out, which is such a joy for me to participate in. I think that really allows people's uniqueness to show through."

The first sessions for the record took place at Steve Morse's studio in Florida in December 2016, wherein seven songs were written. From there, the band members had to scatter back to their other personal and professional obligations, eventually reconvening two full years later in December 2018, when three more tracks were added to the overall "Third Degree" mix. (The tenth track, "Waiting For The Sun", will be made available in forthcoming special editions.)

As a songwriter, McPherson is never afraid to confront his feelings head-on, whether it's the nostalgic bent of "Last Train Home" or the raw, relatable universality of "You Are Not Alone".

Another progression has been the band's use of technology to provide industry-leading sound. "Third Degree" was engineered with the award-winning Harmonic Phrase Analysis and Restoration (HPAR) technology. Developed by the band's resident mad scientist Bill Evans, he created HPAR based on the group's performance styles — resulting in unprecedented fidelity. FLYING COLORS regular producer Rich Mouser (THE NEAL MORSE BAND, TRANSATLANTIC) then crafted a sumptuous mix in his inimitable style.

"Third Degree" track listing:

01. The Loss Inside

02. More

03. Cadence

04. Guardian

05. Last Train Home

06. Geronimo

07. You Are Not Alone

08. Love Letter

09. Crawl

Deluxe CD bonus disc

01. Waiting For The Sun (unreleased bonus studio track)

02. Geronimo (alternate instrumental arrangement & mix)

03. You Are Not Alone (alternate instrumental arrangement & mix)

04. Love Letter (alternate instrumental arrangement & mix)

05. Last Train Home (alternate instrumental arrangement & mix)

06. Crawl (alternate instrumental arrangement & mix)

A new version of the BLACK SABBATH classic "War Pigs" is featured in the trailer for 20th Century Fox's upcoming spy thriller "The King's Man", a prequel to the "Kingsman" films. The track originally appeared on the band's iconic 1970 album "Paranoid" and has gone on to become an anti-war anthem. The version used for "The King's Man" adds some orchestral elements and features the lead riff played on piano.

The official synopsis for the film, directed by Matthew Vaughn, reads: "As a collection of history's worst tyrants and criminal masterminds gather to plot a war to wipe out millions, one man must race against time to stop them. Discover the origins of the very first independent intelligence agency in 'The King's Man'."

"The King's Man" stars Ralph Fiennes, Gemma Arterton, Matthew Goode, Tom Hollander, Daniel Brühl, Djimon Hounsou and Charles Dance. The film, based on the comic book "The Secret Service" by Mark Millar and Dave Gibbons, arrives in theaters February 14, 2020.

Asked in 2015 interview with Guitar World if he was following the Vietnam War, civil rights movement and political unrest going on at the time in the United States when he wrote the lyrics to "War Pigs", BLACK SABBATH bassist Geezer Butler said: "It was actually being covered more [in the press] in England than in America. They had this program on in England, and it showed all the stuff that wasn’t being told to the American people. Stuff like how the president [Lyndon Johnson]'s wife, Lady Bird Johnson, had this road-building company. The Americans would go in and bomb all these roads [in Vietnam]. Then her company would go in and rebuild them and get the money. They weren't saying all that in America. We wrote 'War Pigs' because many American bands were frightened to mention anything about the war. So we thought we'd tell it like it is."

Robert Plant is celebrating the second season of his hugely popular podcast, "Digging Deep: The Robert Plant Podcast", with the release of a very special limited-edition seven-inch singles box set.

"Digging Deep" includes 16 A-sides and rare B-sides spanning three decades, remastered versions available on vinyl for the first time. The eight-disc collection also features restored artwork from the original seven-inch releases, packaged in a bespoke hardback book.

Due for release on December 13, the set can be pre-ordered here.

Track listing:

Vinyl 1:

Side A: "Burning Down One Side"

Side B: "Like I've Never Been Gone"

Vinyl 2:

Side A: "Big Log"

Side B: "In The Mood"

Vinyl 3:

Side A: "Too Loud"

Side B: "Little By Little"

Vinyl 4:

Side A: "Ship of Fools"

Side B: "Tall Cool One"

Vinyl 5:

Side A: "Hurting Kind"

Side B: "Tie Dye on the Highway"

Vinyl 6:

Side A: "Calling To You"

Side B: "29 Palms"

Vinyl 7:

Side A: "Song To The Siren"

Side B: "Morning Dew"

Vinyl 8:

Side A: "Shine It All Around"

Side B: "Tin Pan Valley"

Season Two of "Digging Deep: The Robert Plant Podcast" premiered on Sunday, September 29. Five more episodes of the podcast will be released in the coming weeks, with the last one arriving alongside the official release of the box set.

According to Seattle Refined, the former Seattle home of Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love has just hit the real estate market for $7.5 million.

Cobain and Love bought the now-117-year-old home in early 1994. Love sold the home to a trust in 1997, after Cobain's suicide inside the residence's greenhouse. Love later had the greenhouse demolished.

The Ewing & Clark real estate listing describes the property as "a perfectly maintained home of extraordinary presence situated upon a beautiful, park-like lot in the heart of Denny Blaine. Built in 1902, it features a shingled exterior distinguished by expressive windows, stone accents & Queen Anne styling, completely updated throughout."

According to the Seattle Department Of Neighborhoods, the current residents have owned the 8,212-square-foot home since 2000, a couple of years after Love and her daughter moved out following Cobain's death.

Cobain died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound not long after he took a massive dose of heroin — which could have proven fatal on its own.

Kurt began using heroin to ease chronic stomach pain he had suffered from his entire life.

NIRVANA was inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame on April 10, 2014 — just five days after the 20th anniversary of Cobain's death.

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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