STONE SOUR played a short acoustic set Friday afternoon (August 31) on the stage in the parking lot of the Zippo/Case Museum in Bradford, Pennsylvania. The event was part of the company's Zippo Sessions, exclusive, intimate acoustic sessions with some of the hottest bands playing at the major festivals that the Zippo Encore booth attends.

STONE SOUR kicked off its performance with "Song #3", off the band's latest album, "Hydrograd". The group then played "Miracles", from "Audio Secrecy"; "Wicked Game", a Chris Isaak cover; "Through Glass", from "Come What(ever) May"; and finished with "Rose Red Violet Blue (This Song is Dumb & So Am I)" , from "Hydrograd".

STONE SOUR drummer Roy Mayorga told The Bradford Era that it was "an honor and privilege" to play in Bradford, "to see the [Zippo] factory and to meet all the people inside that helped develop lighters and helped develop our lighters, as well. So, we're fully thankful for that. To just play this show for everyone in town is pretty awesome … great energy out there."

Senior Zippo brand manager Lucas Johnson said: "Being on tour and at huge rock festivals with STONE SOUR over the past few months has been amazing, but bringing the band here to Zippo's hometown and sharing Zippo Sessions with the whole Zippo and Case family and community has been the icing on the cake."

"Hydrograd" was released as a deluxe edition on August 31. The two-disc set, "Hydrograd Deluxe Edition", collects unreleased covers, b-sides, live recordings and alternate versions of songs from "Hydrograd". The deluxe edition is highlighted by "Burn One Turn One", a previously unreleased b-side from "Hydrograd".

"Hydrograd Deluxe Edition" features 13 rare or unreleased songs including an acoustic version of the No. 1 rock song "Song #3", as well as covers of hits from RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE, SOUNDGARDEN and VAN HALEN.

STONE SOUR is supporting Ozzy Osbourne on the initial North American leg of the legendary vocalist's "No More Tours 2" tour, which kicked off August 30 in Allentown, Pennsylvania.

Veteran U.S. death metallers MALEVOLENT CREATION have completed recording their 13th album, "The 13th Beast". The effort is tentatively due in early 2019 via Century Media Records.

MALEVOLENT CREATION's founding guitarist Philip Fasciana said: "Get ready!!! New MALEVOLENT CREATION album 'The 13th Beast' is ready to be mixed and mastered and ready for all to hear! Very proud of everyone involved and how heavy this album came out. I couldn't be more proud of my band members and the music we recorded for all of you to hear!"

"The 13th Beast" features the band's current lineup, consisting of Fasciana alongside new additions Lee Wollenschlaeger (vocals, guitar), Phil Cancilla (drums) and Josh L. Gibbs (bass).

Fasciana stated about MALEVOLENT CREATION's latest incarnation: "After receiving so many great videos and songs from singers wanting to take over the vocal position after the departure of original vocalist Bret Hoffman, I finally have found the right man for the job.

"I received a few songs from Lee Wollenschlaeger and his solo project IMPERIAL EMPIRE and was so impressed that after a lot of conversations and hearing his own compositions and demos of him singing MALEVOLENT CREATION songs, I could not deny his talent… He is also playing guitar in the band, which makes us now a four-piece."

MALEVOLENT CREATION's new lineup:

Phil Fasciana - Guitar

Lee Wollenschlaeger - Vocals/Guitar

Phil Cancilla - Drums

Josh L. Gibbs - Bass

Hammerheart will gradually reissue all MALEVOLENT CREATION albums on LP, deluxe 2-CD, MC and as merchandise. This includes MALEVOLENT CREATION's first three albums for Roadrunner, the LPs for Pavement/Artic and all records released in the 21st century.

Hammerheart owner Guido Heijnens is also the manager for MALEVOLENT CREATION. All worldwide bookings are now taken care of by Eternal Rock.

MALEVOLENT CREATION's last album, "Dead Man's Path", was released in 2015 via Century Media.

Get ready!!! New Malevolent Creation album "The 13th Beast" is ready to be mixed and mastered and ready for all to...Posted by Philip Fasciana on Saturday, September 1, 2018

The official lyric video for the song "A Thousand Graves" from Brazilian death metallers KRISIUN, can be seen below. The track is taken from the band's eleventh studio opus, "Scourge Of The Enthroned", which will be released on September 7 via Century Media Records. The disc was recorded at Stage One Studio (BELPHEGOR, LEGION OF THE DAMNED) in Germany with producer Andy Classen, who previously worked with the band on "Conquerors Of Armageddon", "Southern Storm" and "The Great Execution" releases. The cover artwork was created by Eliran Kantor (TESTAMENT, HATE ETERNAL, INCANTATION).

"Scourge Of The Enthroned" track listing:

01. Scourge Of The Enthroned

02. Demonic III

03. Devouring Faith

04. Slay The Prophet

05. A Thousand Graves

06. Electricide

07. Abysmal Misery (Foretold Destiny)

08. Whirlwind Of Immortality

KRISIUN will tour North America with SUFFOCATION, CATTLE DECAPITATION and SOREPTION as part of the "Farewell Frank Tour: Death Chopping North America 2018".

Active since 1990, KRISIUN is one of the most ferocious death metal bands in history and belong to the most successful metal acts to have ever emerged from Brazil.

Arizona thrash metal veterans SACRED REICH have recruited drummer Tim Radziwill as the temporary replacement for Greg Hall.

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

According to SACRED REICH frontman Phil Rind, Radziwill "has been playing drums on the demos" for the band's upcoming album and he is "filling in" for the group's appearance at Mexico's ForceFest in early October.

This past January, it was announced that SACRED REICH had signed a new deal with Metal Blade Records. They are writing material for what will be their sixth album and first since 1996's "Heal" for a tentative early 2019 release.

Since its 1985 inception, SACRED REICH has become one of the most revered thrash bands and has continued to carry the torch with European tours, festival appearances, its first U.S. tour in over 20 years, plus its 2012 "Live At Wacken" album. Given SACRED REICH's politically conscious material, today's divisive climate means the band's views are more relevant and vital than ever.

One of the founding members of SACRED REICH, Hall was in the band from its formation in 1985 until his initial exit in 1991. He was replaced by drummer Dave McClain for the last two SACRED REICH studio albums, 1993's "Independent" and the aforementioned "Heal", before Greg rejoined the band for 1997's live album "Still Ignorant".

SACRED REICH broke up in 2000 and remained inactive until 2006 when they received offers to perform at European festivals. The have been playing sporadic shows ever since.

Hello friends! We are excited to be returning to Mexico at Forcfest in October! We look forward to playing for the crazy Mexican fans!

See you there!Posted by Phil Rind on Friday, August 31, 2018

Worked on a new song today. Hope you dig it.Posted by Sacred Reich on Saturday, June 9, 2018

Metal Monday down in Death Valley! Crank it up!Posted by Sacred Reich on Monday, July 30, 2018

Thought I'd repost this. I think it's my favorite new tune so far. Divide and Conquer. Enjoy.Posted by Sacred Reich on Saturday, May 12, 2018

Eight years have passed since the world of punk rock lost one of their greatest. The legendary frontman of TURBONEGRO, Hank Von Hell, left the scene and stated that he would never come back again. Fans all over the world have craved a return, begged him to reconsider. But Hank firmly said "no." Until now.

Like the rise of a Phoenix, Hank Von Hell rises from the ashes and is once again reborn as Hank Von Hell. On August 31, he released his very first single as a solo artist, "Bum To Bum". The track is taken from his upcoming album, "Egomania", which is due to be released on November 2 through Sony Music Entertainment/Century Media Records worldwide.

You can watch the video for "Bum To Bum" below.

Hank Von Hell will also embark on a short tour this fall, the "Pretty Decent Tour 2018", with the following dates already confirmed:

Nov. 03 - Slaktkyrkan, Stockholm SWE

Nov. 08 - Sticky Fingers, Gothenburg, SWE

Nov. 10 - Babel, Malmoe, SWE

Dec. 28 - Nojesfabriken, Karlstad, SWE

Dec. 29 - Club Destroyer, Sundsvall, SWE

Tickets are extremely limited and go on sale September 4 at 8 a.m. BST.

HANK VON HELL is:

Hank Von Hell - Vocals

Cat Casino - Lead Guitar

Major Sam - Rhythm Guitar

Jean Genus - Bass

Dead Said Fred – Drums

According to TMZ, Kyle Pavone, vocalist for the Michigan metalcore act WE CAME AS ROMANS, died as a result of drug abuse.

The surviving members of WE CAME AS ROMANS confirmed the report, saying in a statement that "we lost our son, our brother, our best friend, and bandmate to an accidental overdose."

The Oakland County Medical Examiner's Office in Michigan has told the celebrity tabloid site that a toxicology report will take up to eight weeks to complete.

Pavone's bandmates are urging those affected by drug addiction to seek out professional assistance in helping them overcome this medical disorder.

"The opposite of addiction is connection," they write. "If you are feeling disconnected or lost, there is help.

"Please take action, whether that is talking to your families or friends, meeting with a counselor, or joining a support group.

"If you are a friend or family member of someone who is struggling, do not be silent!

"If you are an artist in need of support through your struggle, we have created the The Kyle Pavone Foundation in Kyle's honor, to help.

"We look forward to celebrating Kyle's life again at a public event in early October at the Fillmore in Detroit.

"Please join us to continue to support KylePavoneFoundation.org."

TMZ originally reported that Kyle was transported to a Michigan hospital on August 19 and pronounced dead six days later, the morning of Saturday, August 25.

WE CAME AS ROMANS' fifth album, "Cold Like War", was released last October through SharpTone Records.

A week before his death, Pavone tweeted, "Will i be remembered or will i be lost in loving eyes," a lyric from the song "Promise Me" from "Cold Like War".

Pavone joined WE CAME AS ROMANS in 2008 as vocalist and keyboardist and appeared on all five of the band's albums. Their 2013 LP, "Tracing Back Roots", peaked at No. 8 on the Billboard 200 chart.

WE CAME AS ROMANS was scheduled to embark on a U.S. tour in September as the support act for BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE.

https://t.co/mV7O3w7gh8 pic.twitter.com/LlZZWFMQ5m— We Came As Romans (@wecameasromans) August 31, 2018

Original Human Music, the debut album by Ultraphonix, the new creation of Corey Glover (Living Colour) and George Lynch (Dokken, Lynch Mob), alongside the great rhythm section formed by drummer Chris Moore and Pancho Tomaselli on bass, is out now via earMUSIC. The album track "Wasteland" is available for streaming below.

Original Human Music was co-produced by Bob Daspit (Sammy Hagar) and it displays the magic match between Corey Glover's iconic voice and George Lynch's unique style on the guitar.

The core and value of Ultraphonix lies in the songwriting and the quality of the songs. Original Human Music is an album where Glover's profound and thoughtful lyrics sound loud - together with the warm and heavy wall of sound created by George Lynch. It's all sustained by a rhythm section that can go anywhere musically.

To quote Lynch, "The album sounds like a fusion of early Chili Peppers meets King Crimson meets Judas Priest! It's a super fun band."

Drawing on (very heavy) rock, funk, and jazz influences, the band paints a picture of a band still believing that social consciousness could be celebrated through great rock songs.

Order here.

Tracklisting:

"Baptism"
"Another Day"
"Walk Run Crawl"
"Counter Culture"
"Heart Full Of Rain"
"Free"
"Wasteland"
"Take A Stand"
"Ain't Too Late"
"Soul Control"
"What You Say"
"Power Trip"

"Wasteland":

"Heart Full Of Rain":

"Counter Culture":

"Baptism":

"Another Day" video:

"Free" lyric video:

"Walk Run Crawl" video:

Rockpalast has released professionally filmed footage of Swiss technical thrash metal pioneers Coroner performing at the 2018 edition of the Rock Hard Festival in Gelsenkirchen, Germany on May 20th.

Setlist:

"Internal Conflicts"
"Serpant Moves"
"Divine Step (Conspectu Mortis)"
"Semtex Revolution"
"Tunnel Of Pain"
"Metamorphosis"
"Masked Jackal"
"Grin (Nails Hurt)"
"Reborn Through Hate"
"Die By My Hand"

Nashville’s award-winning metal band Killing Grace have released a video for "Say My Name", a track from their latest album, Speak With A Fist, available via the Sonic Night Music Club label. Find the clip below.

Killing Grace is not afraid to genre bend with straight-up southern rock like “One Finger Salute” or something more hard-core as "Screaming In Silence”. From the slamming and revved-up track “Say My Name” and groove anthem “Living Like A Suicide”, to the melodic and progressive "Take Me With You”, this new release has something for everyone.

Tracklisting:

"Intro"
"Say My Name"
"Living Like A Suicide"
"Everybody Hates Me"
"Take Me With You"
"Bloodline"
"Fight Back Kid"
"One Finger Salute"
"Pretty Ugly"
"Screaming In Silence"
"Crown Of Thorns"

"Say My Name" video:

"Living Like A Suicide" video:

The new band featuring three members of the classic DOKKEN lineup along with former LYNCH MOB and current WARRANT singer Robert Mason has been christened THE END.

Guitarist George Lynch, who is joined in THE END by his onetime DOKKEN bandmates Jeff Pilson (bass) and Mick Brown (drums), revealed the new group's name during an interview with Idaho's 94.9 & 104.5 The Rock radio station. He said: "I do a lot of records where they're just sort of seat-of-the-pants, which is nothing wrong with that, like KXM and ULTRAPHONIX, [which are] written real quick — we just get in a room and bang it out and just go with our first instincts, and we don't really labor over it. THE END record is really the opposite of that.

"Jeff and I spent a lot of time crafting the songs, as we did in the DOKKEN days," he continued. "I think there's quite a bit of '70s art rock going on in some of these songs, which is pretty cool. It's got the usual groove, heavy rock thing, melodic rock thing, it's got all that — but it's also got that '70s, ELO, ELTON JOHN [vibe] — just really interesting, intelligent, classic changes. It's a very satisfying record to listen to — it's pretty deep, and I think people will really dig it. It doesn't sound like DOKKEN; it doesn't sound like LP [LYNCH/PILSON]; it doesn't sound like LYNCH MOB. It has elements of all that, obviously. I think it's a natural evolution of the LP record that closely it resembles in my mind. It's me and Jeff sitting at his studio working it out, so what you're going to get is really that, with Robert Mason on top of it.

"God, that guy — what a monster," George added, referring to Mason. "Robert's been doing LYNCH MOB shows this year with us — not all of them, but I'd forgotten how powerful he is. Unbelievable singer."

THE END, which was known in its formative stage as SUPER STROKE, will tentatively release its debut album in February 2019.

Pilson recently said he was "thrilled beyond belief" with THE END's disc, telling writer Clay Marshall: "I'm really proud of this record — the songs and the playing and Robert's singing and everybody else's background singing, and George is playing at his peak. It's just a phenomenal record, and I can't wait till it comes out."

Earlier this year, Mason told the "Talking Metal" podcast that working with Lynch, Pilson and Brown has "given all of us a renewed sense of what it was like to be creating together and maybe even playing together. Jeff and I get along great," he said. "Jeff produced 'Louder Harder Faster', the new WARRANT record. He and I have always been kind of friendly but didn't really know each other until that project, and we got on so well in the studio and elsewhere that it was a real easy tie-in for those three guys to call me up and say, 'Hey, man, we wanna do this record. We don't know what we're gonna call it, but it'll have the DNA of our bands, and it'll be us, but we want it to sound a little different. What do you think?' I was all over it."

Asked if the new project is musically similar to DOKKEN, Robert said: "I don't think it sounds like DOKKEN with me stapled on to it. I honestly didn't want… And it's no disrespect to anything, because I love what they did, and I was a fan — I still am. That wasn't something that I wanted to do. And thankfully, when Jeff and George started playing me demos and their early ideas, it doesn't sound like that. And Mick Brown [told me the other day], 'I'm so stoked about this. The cool thing is it sounds like us, but it doesn't sound like us.' It's Mick's way of saying that, I think, the DNA is there and you hear the influences and you hear who it is and what it is, maybe. We're just making music and having fun, but we are having fun being creative with each other again. And I pray that that translates into the final product and that people will just embrace that."

Photo courtesy of Robert Mason's Facebook page

From the rocky shores of Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, Hitman have been conjuring up their next EP The Offering: Side 1 set to be released on September 14th. This will be the third EP from the whisky infused, stoner groove rock quartet and it is sure to be a hit among a wide range of listeners who are currently fans of Black Sabbath, Pantera and Sleep. Offering a sound that is familiar to the genre, but still refreshing and creative, Hitman is poised to continue proving why they are one of Canada’s best up and coming acts that has been gaining notoriety by playing hundreds of gigs along with festivals plus whom were once endorsed by Rob Halford of Judas Priest when he wore a Hitman T-shirt onstage during a performance in Halifax in 2015. 

Created for fans looking to hear sweet riffs, well thought out melodies and an overall groovy sound, The Offering: Side 1 has fast songs, slow songs and embraces different lyrical themes throughout. 

Their new video for their EP's opening track "Curtain Call" is one to get you ready to slam a six pack and have a good time.

“We are extremely excited to premiere this music video. It’s our first one and we had a lot of fun filming it. The video is set at our jam spot where we threw a huge kegger. This is more so just a glimpse into our weekend lives. We’re a stoner metal band that enjoys a good party. This new EP is for people who like to hear some groovy riffs. This is literally our musical offering to you.”

With a wide variety of ideas, and the professional musicianship to go along with it, Hitman is focused on bringing their high energy stoner rock to the masses through both their recorded music and live shows where they have supported bands like Sum 41, New Found Glory, Silverstein, Metalian, Zaum, Skull Fist, The Agonist, Black Wizard, Diemonds, and Black Moor. The Offering: Side 1 will be followed up by The Offering: Side 2 slated for release in 2019.

Tracklisting:

“Curtain Call”
“Under The Weight”
“Nero”
“Enchanted Wizard /Hail The Outro”

"Curtain Call":

“Nero”:

(Photo by: Emily Wilkins)

On September 14th, the British supreme doom trio Conan will release their new record Existential Void Guardian. Before the full power of this new monster hits you, their new single "Volt Thrower" and its video give you a taste of what will await you. Check out this 4 minute spacey masterpiece of doom, low tuning and surrealism below.

If troglodytes could have gotten their paws on a Fuzzthrone or other fuzz pedals.. they would have probably bashed each other's skulls in. Conan on the other hand use these beautiful tools to wrench the maximum out of their legendary caveman battle doom: could there be a more monolithic opener than "Prosper On The Path"? Narp. The British trio presents a tar monster named Existential Void Guardian that seems even more menacing as soon as it gets high on its own downtuned groove frenzy. Two years after the remarkable Revengeance, Conan once more leave us baffled with a previously unknown side to dual vocal sludge - behold the painful melody splinters "Eye To Eye To Eye" leaves behind or the insane grind intermezzo that is "Paincantation". True beauty lies in dissonance, and it always will.

Existential Void Guardian will be available as:

- 1 CD Digipack
- 2 LP Gatefold black
- 2 LP Gatefold gold (Napalm Records Mailorder exclusive)
- 2 LP Gatefold dark green (Napalm Records Mailorder exclusive)
- Digital Album

Pre-order here.

Tracklisting:

"Prosper On The Path"
"Eye To Eye To Eye"
"Paincantation"
"Amidst The Infinite"
"Volt Thrower"
"Vexxagon"
"Eternal Silent Legend"

Bonus tracks:
"Total Conquest" (live 2018 @ Rebellion Manchester)
"Satsumo" (live 2018 @ Rebellion Manchester)
"Foehammer" (live 2018 @ Rebellion Manchester)
"Hawk As Weapon" (live 2018 @ Rebellion Manchester)

"Volt Thrower" video:

"Vexxagon":

Tour dates:

September
30 - Sheffield, UK - O2 Academy

October
2 - Eindhoven, Netherlands - Effenaar
3 - Bochum, Germany - Rockpalast
4 - Hamburg, Germany - Logo
5 - Berlin, Germany - Musik & Frieden
6 - Wroclaw, Poland - Firlej
7 - Warsaw, Poland - Poglos
9 - Vinius, Lithuania - Rock River Club
10 - Jelgava, Latvia -Melno Cepuriso Balerija
11 - Tallinn, Estonia - Sveta
13 - Helsinki, Finland - Blow Up 4 Festival
15 - Stockholm, Sweden - Kraken
17 - Malmo, Sweden - Plan B
19 - Copenhagen, Denmark - Stengade
20 - Leeuwarden, Netherlands - Into The Void Festival

November
7 - Canberra, Australia - The Basement
8 - Melbourne, Australia - Max Watts
9 - Sydney, Australia - Manning Bar
10 - Brisbane, Australia - Crowbar
12 - Wellington, New Zealand - Valhalla
13 - Auckland, New Zealand - Whammy Bar
16 - Moscow, Russia - Aglomerat
17 - St. Petersburg, Russia - Zoccolo
23 - Nottingham, UK - The Loft
24 - Leeds, UK - Temple Of Boom
25 - Newcastle, UK - Byker Grave Festival
26 - Glasgow, UK - Audio
27 - Manchester, UK - Rebellion
28 - Coventry, UK - The Arches
29 - Cardiff, UK - Clwb Ifor Bach
30 - Milton Keynes, UK - The Craufurd Arms

December
1 - London, UK - Boston Music Rooms
2 - Oxford, UK - Buried In Smoke X-Mas Weekender

Lineup:

Jon Davis - vocals, guitar
Chris Fielding - bass
Johnny King - drums

Rock/Metal dynamic act God's Army - featuring current and former members of Helloween, Scanner, Firewind, Outloud, Vivaldi Metal Project, Joe Stump's Tower Of Babel - will release their second full length album, Demoncracy, on October 12th via Rock Of Angels Records (ROAR). The album will be available as digipack CD and Black Vinyl (limited to 300 copies worldwide).

Demoncracy was mastered by Ade Emsley at Table Of Tone Mastering in London (Iron Maiden). The artwork and layout design was made by Anestis Goudas.

Digipack CD tracklisting:

"You Are You"
"Free Your Mind"
"Enemy Maker"
"Final Destination"
"Games Without Frontiers"
"The All Seeing Eye"
"Before The Fall"
"The Replicant"
"Heroes & Demons"
"My Way"

Black vinyl tracklisting:

Side A
"You Are You"
"Free Your Mind"
"Enemy Maker"
"Final Destination"
"Games Without Frontiers"
"The All Seeing Eye"

Side B
"Before The Fall"
"The Replicant"

The album can be pre-ordered here.

God's Army is:

John ABC Smith – vocals / bass 
Mark Cross – drums / backing vocals
Ian O´Sullivan – guitar / backing vocals
Eddie van Dahl – guitar

The period between the 2015 release of their album Livlaus, and the upcoming release of their third full-length album Element, has not been easy for Orkan. But, having fought their way through the ravages of cancer and a rare, muscular disease, the Norwegians are back with a ferocious album that deals with the power of the four elements, and stands as an homage to the unforgiving strength of the earth as witnessed by the landscape of their native land - the Island of Stord. 

It is not surprising, having been conceived and recorded during that demanding period in the band's history, that Element was a particularly difficult album to make. Nevertheless, taxing as it was to both mind and body, the result has proved to be as rewarding as it was difficult to achieve.

Giving you a taste of what to expect from Element, Dark Essence Records have debuted the track " I flammar skal du eldast".

Offering more layered songs and complex production, Element is not made to pass you by, but to draw you in and totally envelop you. The album is set to hit the streets on Dark Essence Records on October 5th in CD and Digital formats.

Tracklisting:

“Lenker”
“I flammar skal du eldast”
“Iskald til beinet”
“Motstraums”
“Avmakt”
“Den våte grav”
“Heim”

“I flammar skal du eldast”:

Element by ORKAN

Brutal Panda Records recently announced the signing of Atlanta, Georgia's Dead Now. Consisting of current and former members of Torche, Riddle of Steel, Tilts and Day Old Man, Dead Now are a veritable power-trio who play dynamic, melodic heavy rock that is best enjoyed LOUD! New single "Bird Leaf" is streaming below.

The group recently recorded their self-titled debut with Who Cares at None Of Your Business with album art designed by Orion Landau (Red Fang, YOB). The self-titled debut will see a September 7th release on LP/digital formats via Brutal Panda just in time for their upcoming tour with Red Fang, Big Business and Monolord. Additionally, a record release show on September 30th in Atlanta with noise rockers Metz has been announced.

Physical pre-orders are available here, with digital pre-orders at Bandcamp here.

Dead Now frontman Andrew Elstner commented on the signing and new material: “Myself, Derek and Bobby couldn’t be more hyped for this. Killer label, amazing people and now we’re desperate to get the jams in front of some faces and just crush.  Things came together so quickly, it feels like the Gods are pleased.”

Dead Now tracklisting:

"Brunette"
"Ritchie Blackmourning"
"Bird Leaf"
"Powershapes"
"Motorekt"

"Bird Leaf":

"Ritchie Blackmourning":

Lineup:

Bobby Theberge - Drums (Day Old Man)
Derek Schulz - Bass (Day Old Man)
Andrew Elstner - Vocals / Guitar (ex-Torche, Tilts, Riddle Of Steel)

(Photo - David Parham)

Finland’s Atlas are releasing their music video for their first single “On Crooked Stones” in support of their upcoming first full-length Primitive due out November 16th from Inverse Records. The video was filmed during Atlas' tour with Miss May I this past June. The cold atmosphere and aggressive riffs paired with heartfelt lyrics and intimate vocals paint a picture of childhood trauma and the heritage of malice; perfectly suiting, the music video captures the band's intense and energetic live show, stirring anticipation for the full-length.

“On Crooked Stones” was mixed and mastered at Impact Studios by Buster Odeholm (Born of Osiris, Sworn In, Humanity's Last Breath, etc.) with additional production from the late George Christie also from Impact Studios.

"We started writing the album back in 2015 and it took us 3 years and about 30 song ideas to narrow it down to these nine tracks. The process was long and one of the hardest things we’ve ever set out to do, but we’re all extremely happy and proud of how it came out in the end.’’ comments guitarist Aleksi Viinikka.

Tracklisting:

“Skinwalker”
“Feel”
“Kaamos”
“On Crooked Stones”
“Primitive”
“Pareidolia”
“Pendulum Swing”
“Bloodline” (feat. Ben English)
“Rust”

“On Crooked Stones”:

Spain possesses a fertile heavy metal and hard rock scene, of which the fast-rising Hollow Cry are the sonic proof - as evidenced with the arrival of their new album, From Ashes To Flames, which drops September 28th, via Into Records. Find preorder options at this location.

Hailing from the town of Tremp and initially started as a covers band in 2007, Xavi (lead vocals) had always wanted to start a band and on meeting a friend at a Taekwondo class who suggested themselves as drummer, the early formations of Hollow Cry took form. The wheels were in motion, shortly after Xavi recruited friends Marc, on rhytmic guitar, and Aleix on lead guitar, to give the band a more solid sound. Ek-tombe had been born.

In the winter of 2010. Playing metal turned out to be more demanding than expected, so after finding a replacement for the original drummer, Xavi began to focus solely on his singing and Marc picked the guitar to help Aleix with the melodies. Bass was needed, and the new drummer's cousin Joan joined the band.

Ek-tombe had given way to Hollow Cry. The guys had their big debut the following summer, in FestiPallars 2011, the biggest music festival of their region. They established a notorious fan base and kept playing in similar scenarios with crowds of 1-2,000 thousand people, juggling college, work and music, covering bands such as Avenged Sevenfold and occasionally throwing in a few originals of their own.

In 2012 they competed in Barcelona's biggest contest for emerging bands, Emergenza. They reached the final over a pop band whose members were disguised as farm animals, but the judges took a last minute controversial decision and left them out of the contest. The guys decided to focus on their own material then, and it wasn't easy. After a year of sporadic gigs, the band went into a one-year hiatus and didn't regroup until the fall of 2014, when Xavi told them he had composed songs of his own that could do well for a debut album. The band had been re-fueled and reignited, ready to hit the road with more energy than ever.

Hollow Cry entered the studio to record their first demo EP, meanwhile choosing their shows carefully, to ensure their music hits where it is most greatly received. In recent months Hollow Cry signed to worldwide agency Metal Music Bookings and Management, and have undergone a revival; the name change to Hollow Cry (from WinterShades), a new approach, and an array of epic tracks ready to be unleashed to the public. The underground metal scene is still emerging in Spain, and the newly launched Hollow Cry feel they are at the forefront. This is the result of that journey, the final leap, this is the beginning of Hollow Cry - and From Ashes to Flames is a mighty/bold step forward.

Original BLACK SABBATH drummer Bill Ward says that he is "very much at peace," more than six years after he parted ways with the band for the final time.

Ward was on board for the SABBATH reunion when it was first announced in November 2011, but backed out soon after. He later claimed that he sat out the recording and touring sessions because of unfair contractual terms, although the members of SABBATH have hinted in other interviews that he wasn't physically up to the task.

On August 25, Ward gave his first-ever public poetry reading at The Last Bookstore in Downtown Los Angeles. The special event celebrated "Absence Of Corners", the new art/poetry book-and-vinyl set based on Ward's 2013 art series of the same name.

According to music writer Joel Gausten, Ward read seven poems from the book and shared some of the emotions he faced and ultimately overcame while creating the series.

"In 2012, I went through such a departure of love and relationship; [it was] something that was really damaging for me and damaging for a lot of people in [those] relationships," he told the crowd. "A lot of the things which are kind of emerging in the poetry are really in my recovery from the detachment from something that was very sacred to me. My love was torn apart; my heart was ripped to pieces."

Ward went on to assure attendees that the painful memory of what happened to him surrounding his split with SABBATH was behind him.

"I feel very much at peace," the 70-year-old drummer said. "The things of 2012 are past. I'm in a very enlightened place; I love the people I've worked with all my life…I'm through anything that was negative about those times."

During the question-and-answer portion of the evening, an audience member asked Ward what advice he'd give someone who was going through a rough time. He responded: "If you believe in a higher power or if you believe in God, then I would suggest that you go to God and see if you can find some solutions. If you don't believe in God, then try to be as honest with yourself as you possibly can…When I've chosen the light of God or self-honesty, my own misery has brought me to a solution. My own pain, my own sadness has brought me to a place of surrender, so I'll surrender to the truth anyway and go, 'You know what? I need to talk to somebody about this.' Try not to be alone with your own pain. Try to find someone you can trust your pain with. It's really important that we communally share what's going on with each other… Otherwise, we're going to be walking around in a very sorrowful place."

All four original members of SABBATH were present when the band announced its reunion in late 2011. But Ward split from the group in 2012, citing an "unsignable" contract, and singer Ozzy Osbourne, guitarist Tony Iommi and bassist Geezer Butler carried on with their Rick Rubin–produced "13" LP and extensive international touring without him. The final BLACK SABBATH tour, which concluded in February 2017 in Birmingham, saw the founding member replaced by session drummer Tommy Clufetos.

It was rumored that SABBATH wanted to bring a second drummer on the road to share duties with Ward, something that Iommi confirmed last year during a question-and-answer session about SABBATH's "Ten Year War" box set.

Back in June 2017, Ward told Rolling Stone magazine that he had "gone through a lot of tears" over his split with SABBATH. "I've grieved the loss of three of my best friends," he said. "I've grieved the loss of their company, their words, their laughter, their joy, and above all, their music... I've grieved the loss of the fans, and I've grieved the pain of what all this has created."

But he claimed at the time to have come out the other side. "I can't afford to have resentment," he explained. "I can't afford to be angry. I can't afford these things spiritually or physically. So I knew I had to be rid of them."

Dani Filth and his fellow ghouls returned to Wacken Open Air in summer 2015 to turn the Black Stage into a gloomy temple of horror. Pro-shot footage of the band performing the tracks "Right Wing Of The Garden Triptych", "Her Ghost In The Fog", and "From The Cradle To Enslave" can be seen below:

Cradle Of Filth leader Dani Filth and keyboardist / backing vocalist Lindsay Schoolcraft took part in a game of Jenga at this year's Download Festival. The pair answer some interesting questions in the video below:

Cradle Of Filth will hit the road once again in Europe this winter in support of their latest album, Cryptoriana - The Seductiveness Of Decay. The first round of dates has been announced, with more due to be confirmed soon.

November
10 - Winter Invasion Festival - Bindlach, Germany

December
1 - Masters of Rock - Zlin, Czech Republic
8 - Oskorei Midvinter Festival - Kyiv, Ukraine
12 - Melna Piektdiena - Riga, Latvia
13 - Klubbis Tapper - Tallinn, Estonia

"Welcome To The Machine" is the second song on Pink Floyd's 1975 album Wish You Were Here. The song is said to be inspired by George Orwell's book 1984, in which a man is trying to escape the government which is brainwashing its citizens with TV shows and oppressive rules. The iconic video was created by Gerald Scarfe initially as a backdrop film for when the band played the track on its 1977 In The Flesh tour.

''See Emily Play'' was the second single released by Pink Floyd. Published in 1967, it was initially thought to be a non-album single but was later included on the US debut album The Piper At The Gates Of Dawn. Watch a video for the song below:

''Arnold Layne'' was Pink Floyd's first single, released in 1967. The video, directed by Derek Nice, was made in late February 1967 and was filmed on the beach in East Wittering, West Sussex, England. The song was later published on the 1971 album Relics, the 1983 Works and the album Echoes: The Best Of Pink Floyd. It is also included in the Early Years box set.

Pink Floyd's "Not Now John" was released in 1983 and was the only single released from the album The Final Cut. "Not Now John" is the only song on the album with David Gilmour as the lead vocalist singing the verses and Roger Waters singing the refrains and interludes. Watch this rare video:

"One of These Days" is the opening track from Pink Floyd's 1971 album Meddle. The song is instrumental and only has one spoken/sung sentence by drummer Nick Mason, "One of these days I'm going to cut you into little pieces." This video was created the British artist and filmmaker Ian Emes who became widely known for his creative animations and for being the original animator for Pink Floyd.

Pink Floyd released "Point Me At The Sky" as their fifth UK single in 1968. The song has become one of the rarest official recordings of Pink Floyd and was not successful at the time, with it's B-side "Careful With That Axe, Eugene" becoming more popular.

Pink Floyd's "Paintbox'', written and sung by keyboardist Richard Wright, was first released in 1967 as the B-side to the single "Apples And Oranges". The promotional film was shot for a Belgian television programme. In the video, the band is miming to the song on a bridge in Brussels. This is David Gilmour's first appearance on film with Pink Floyd.

"Apples And Oranges" is the third UK single by Pink Floyd, released in 1967. It was the final song written by Syd Barrett with the group. After David Gilmour replaced Syd Barrett, the band recorded a promotional video in Belgium in a fruit market with Roger Waters lip-synching to the song.

All of the above tracks are included in The Early Years 1965–1972. Get it here.

On September 28th, Pink Floyd Records will release, for the first time on vinyl,  A Foot In The Door - The Best Of Pink Floyd, a collection of classic Pink Floyd tracks, chosen by members of the band.

Originally released in 2011 on CD only, the artwork for this compilation is the last work of long-term Floyd designer, the late Storm Thorgerson. This is the perfect Pink Floyd album for both devoted fans and those discovering their music for the very first time.

The career-spanning compilation features some of the best-known album tracks from 1967 - 1994, including the band’s first UK Top 10 single "See Emily Play", and the iconic "Wish You Were Here", "Comfortably Numb", "Shine On You Crazy Diamond" and "High Hopes".

The tracks have been newly mastered for vinyl by longstanding Pink Floyd associate James Guthrie, with Joel Plante, and with lacquers cut by Bernie Grundman of Grundman Mastering in Los Angeles, California. The 2-LP version features the reinstated version of "Time", with the ringing alarm clocks at the start of the track restored, after being omitted on the CD release.

The original sleeve design, has been amended by Pink Floyd Creative Director Aubrey Powell of Hipgnosis and Peter Curzon, to include alternate versions of the photographs used in the original CD version. The album package comes in a gatefold outer sleeve, with two separate printed inner bags, and is pressed on heavyweight 180-gram vinyl.  

Tracklisting:

LP1 Side A
"Hey You"
"See Emily Play"
"The Happiest Days Of Our Lives"
"Another Brick In The Wall, Part 2"
"Have A Cigar"

LP1 Side B
"Wish You Were Here"
"Time" / "Breathe" (Reprise)
"The Great Gig In The Sky"
"Money"

LP2 Side A
"Comfortably Numb"
"High Hopes"
"Learning To Fly"

LP2 Side B
"The Fletcher Memorial Home"
"Shine On You Crazy Diamond"
"Brain Damage"
"Eclipse"

Australian power metal band Black Majesty return with their seventh studio album, Children Of The Abyss, slotted for worldwide release on September 21st via their German label Pride & Joy. This will directly follow with a short spell of headline live shows in Europe hitting Germany, Poland, Czech Republic, Belgium and then returning back home for album launches in Australia. See dates on the flyer below.

The first single off the album, “Something’s Going On", has also just been launched. Watch an official lyric video below:

Tracklisting:

"Dragons Unite"    
"Something's Going On"    
"Children Of The Abyss"    
"Hideaway"
"Wars Greed"    
"Always Running"    
"Lonely"    
"Sanctified"
"Nothing Forever"     
"Reach Into Darkness"  

"Something's Going On" lyric video:

The band is also putting together their first tour for the US and South America for 2019. More news to follow soon.

 

Out on November 2nd via Peaceville is the brutal new studio album from the reinvigorated UK death metal legends Cancer. The release reunites the core original trio of John Walker, Carl Stokes, and Ian Buchanan.

The release includes a free exclusive bonus track download of "Crocodile Itch", delivered on release date with each CD or vinyl pre-order.

One of the UK’s premiere death metal purveyors of the late 80’s and early 90’s, and responsible for such genre classics as To the Gory End (1990) and Death Shall Rise (1991), Cancer marks 30 years of existence with their sixth full length studio album, reuniting all three original core members - John Walker on guitar/vocals, Ian Buchanan on bass and Carl Stokes on drums - for the first time since 1995.

Shadow Gripped features ten songs of brutal old school death metal, and was recorded at Foel studios, with Simon Efemey (Paradise Lost, Napalm Death, Amorphis) handling production and mixing duties alongside the band.

Also features a guest appearance from Anders Nyström of Swedish deathlords, Bloodbath, who comments: “Believe it or not, but Katatonia used to play a Cancer cover in our early live sets, yup that’s right ’Burning Casket’! We then saw ourselves go on and form a little death metal band based on the opening track of To The Gory End, and hey we all know that one, don’t we? Last year we ended up recording this song and put it out on a 7” EP and I thought it probably won’t get any better than this, but it did, as I was given the honour to put down a guest solo on their new ball-cutting album! CFC is back and it has me even more stoked than Carl is Stokes!”

Tracklisting:

"Down The Steps"
"Garrotte"
"Ballcutter"
"Organ Snatcher"
"The Infocidal"
"Half Man Half Beast"
"Crimes So Vile"
"Thou Shalt Kill"
"Shadow Gripped"
"Disposer"

Brazilian bashers Angra have released their "Light Of Transcendence" music video. The track is featured on the band's latest album ØMNI. Watch  below.

ØMNI is a concept album, a set of science fiction short stories that take place at various places in time, simultaneously. The backbone of the plot is based on the idea that in 2046 an artificial intelligence system will change human perception and cognition. It is a system which will allow conscious communication between present and future human beings. Characters such as time travellers, cavemen, warriors, among others, help tell this story.

The album connects the concepts of previous albums (Holy Land, Rebirth, Temple of Shadows) to one main system, ØMNI, which in Latin means "everything." ØMNI fabricates an interconnectivity that shines light towards a universal truth: everything that has happened, led to what the band is today. ØMNI celebrates and unites the whole history of Angra to this exact, current moment.

Angra's trademark formula, a Brazilian style mixed with classical music and heavy metal, is enhanced by different influences such as progressive rock, thrash metal, Latin music, and djent, which transforms the albums into a swirl of modern and familiar. The conjoined moods and dynamics put a special spin on the lyrics and therefore increase deep sense of immersion in the story.

The cover artwork was hand-drawn by Daniel Martin Diaz, a unique American artist who dedicates his life to mixing scientific and philosophical concepts such as Anatomy, Computer Science, Mathematics, Cosmology, Sacred Geometry, Symbolism and Esotericism. The designer Gustavo Sazes was responsible for integrating such an organic art piece to the visual concept of the album as a whole.

Even in a cultural environment increasingly sterile and unfavourable for music with soul and identity, the band gathers eleven tracks that completely differ from each other, but at the same time tell a cohesive story, and wander through all styles and nuances that have made Angra a worldwide reference. A very well bonded line-up, both personally and musically, overflowing with creativity, was the necessary fuel to bring these songs to life, songs which are undoubtedly among the best in the band's discography.

ØMNI certainly is a milestone, not only in the history of the band, but also for Brazilian metal and its recognition worldwide.

Tracklisting:

"Light Of Transcendence"
"Travelers Of Time"
"Black Widow's Web"
"Insania"
"The Bottom Of My Soul"
"War Horns"
"Caveman"
"Magic Mirror"
"Always More"
"ØMNI - Silence Inside"
"ØMNI - Infinite Nothing"

"Light Of Transcendence" video:

"Black Widow's Web" video:

"Insania" video:

"War Horns" video:

"Travelers Of Time" lyric video:

Haken's fifth studio album Vector is due out on October 26th. A video for the album’s first single "The Good Doctor", directed by Stuart White, can be seen below.

The band says of the track: “Finally, the prescription you’ve all been waiting for... This dose of Haken is the result of one of the earliest tests we conducted during the Vector experimental process. Best taken aurally three times a day before meals. ‘The Good Doctor' will see you now!”

They add on the video: “Making this video was a very cool, creative experience for us. Our director Stuart White presented his interpretation of the song in which we follow a man experiencing a manic, psychotic episode. Combined with the band footage, it encapsulates the energy of the song splendidly.”

The album was produced by the band themselves, and recorded and mixed by Adam ‘Nolly’ Getgood (Periphery, Devin Townsend Project), with the artwork once again being handled by Blacklake.

The band comments: “On the back of celebrating the 10 year anniversary of our conception, all of us here in the Haken camp are extremely excited to begin this new chapter of our career and share Vector with the world.”

The album will be available as limited edition 2CD Digipak (including instrumental versions), gatefold vinyl 2LP + CD, & as digital download.

Tracklisting:

"Clear"
"The Good Doctor"
"Puzzle Box"
"Veil"
"Nil By Mouth"
"Host"
"A Cell Divides"

Since their inception in 2007, Haken have shown over four previous studio albums, one EP and a live release that they never stand still, merely satisfied to rely on past triumphs. Rather, Haken always look for ways to challenge themselves as musicians and artists, and also to keep the listeners on their collective toes. “We don't like to make simple music,” laughs vocalist Ross Jennings. “We always aim to defy expectations, and I believe we've surpassed what we aimed to achieve with our new album.”
 
Their fifth studio record sees the band going in a heavier direction with the music. “We’ve always had a heavy influence”, explains guitarist Charlie Griffiths, “but it was obvious from the riffs that were naturally coming out of us early in the writing process that this would be a more metal album. These are some of the most riff driven songs we’ve ever written.” As is usual, Haken produced the album themselves, but for the first time they have enlisted Adam 'Nolly' Getgood during the recording and mixing stages. Formerly bassist with Periphery, in the last couple of years he has built a reputation as a fine producer. “We produced the album ourselves, as we always do,” insists Jennings. “But we're fans of what Adam has done with Periphery, Sikth and Devin Townsend. He has a great reputation for the heavier end of our genre”.
 
But if this album is musically heavy, then there's an underlying theme running through the seven songs which is certainly esoteric and fascinating. “The scene is set with the track The Good Doctor, which was a really fun song. Musically it feels like a logical step from 'Affinity', but lyrically it’s a bit more theatrical and about as ‘rock opera’ as Haken has ever got”, explains Griffiths. “It’s about a Doctor with an intriguing, perhaps sinister interest in a particular patient. From there the story enters the point-of-view of the patient - who appears to be catatonic, but his mind is sparking with what could be memories, or delusions brought on by the treatment he’s receiving - we leave this up to the listeners to decide. Although we don’t want to give too much away, people who are familiar with our back catalogue will have fun discovering further clues we’ve planted throughout the album. And that's the challenge for the fans - to find out for themselves their own meaning for 'Vector' as an album”.
 
Haken recently announced North American co-headline dates alongside Norway’s Leprous, and labelmates Bent Knee, in what is an all InsideOutMusic bill. These will be the first live shows in support of Vector, and you can find the full list of dates below:

Dates:

October
30 - The Crofoot Ballroom - Pontiac, MI
31 - Opera House - Toronto, ON

November
2 - Underground Arts - Philadelphia, PA
3 - Highline Ballroom - New York, NY
4 - The Sinclair - Boston, MA
6 - Soundstage - Baltimore, MD
7 - Cat’s Cradle - Carrboro, NC
8 - The Orpheum - Tampa, FL
9 - Revolution - Fort Lauderdale, FL
10 - The Plaza Live - Orlando, FL
11 - Variety Playhouse - Atlanta, GA
13 - Gas Monkey - Dallas, TX
14 - Barracuda - Austin, TX
16 - Crescent Ballroom - Phoenix, AZ
17 - Glasshouse - Pomona, CA
18 - August Hall - San Francisco, CA
19 - Hawthorne Theatre - Portland, OR
20 - The Crocodile - Seattle, WA
21 - Rickshaw Theater - Vancouver, BC
23 - Metro Music Hall - Salt Lake City, UT
24 - Bluebird Theater - Denver, CO
25 - Granada Theater - Lawrence, KS
26 - Delmar Hall - St Louis, MO
27 - Exit/In - Nashville, TN
29 - Rex Theater - Pittsburgh, PA
30 - Beachland Ballroom - Cleveland, OH

December
1 - Bottom Lounge - Chicago, IL

Tickets available here.

Haken have also announced European and Latin American live dates in support of the new album.

The band comments: “We’re thrilled to be bringing our Vector Studies tour to Europe. We had immense fun celebrating our 10 year anniversary across Europe in 2017 with incredible turnouts and warm receptions. This time around we will be focusing on performing tracks from our new album Vector along with some live favourites of ours. For your health and wellbeing, the good doctor prescribes you some live Haken.”

The band add on the Latin America shows: "A visit to South America has been long overdue. Many of our dedicated South American fans have made epic trips around the world to experience our shows in Europe and North America and now we're ecstatic to reveal we will finally be returning the favour! See you in January! As for Mexico City and Cruise To The Edge, well... we cannot wait to return!"

Latin America 2019

January
26 - Teatro Teleton - Santiago, Chile
27 - Groove - Buenos Aires, Argentina
29 - Caricoa Club - Sao Paolo, Brazil
30 - Auditorio Centro De La Amistad Peruano China - Lima, Peru

February
1 - Lunar - Mexico City, Mexico

Europe 2019

February
15 - Academy 3 - Manchester, UK
16 - St Luke’s - Glasgow, UK
17 - The Fleece - Bristol, UK
19 - Essigfabrik - Cologne, Germany
20 - Batschkapp - Frankfurt, Germany
21 - Übel & Gefährlich - Hamburg, Germany
22 - Lille Vega - Copenhagen, Denmark
23 - John Dee - Oslo, Norway
24 - Debaser Strand - Stockholm, Sweden
26 - Columbia Theater - Berlin, Germany
27 - Kwadrat - Krakow, Poland
28 - A38 - Budapest, Hungary

March
2 - Szene - Vienna, Austria
3 - Futurum - Prague, Czech Republic
4 - Conne Island - Leipzig, Germany
6 - Im Wizemann - Stuttgart, Germany
7 - Backstage Halle - Munich, Germany
8 - Kiff - Aarau, Switzerland
9 - Magazzini Generali - Milan, Italy
10 - Transbordeur - Lyon, France
12 - Mon Live - Madrid, Spain
13 - Kafe Antzokia - Bilbao, Spain
14 - La Maroquinerie - Paris, France
15 - De Boerderij - Zoetermeer, Netherlands
16 - Islington Assembly Hall - London, UK
23 - Tavastia - Helsinki, Finland

Full ticket details here.

(Photo - Will Ireland)

Italy's Temperance have released a new single, "The Last Hope In A World Of Hopes", featuring new vocalist Alessia Scolletti. It is taken from their new album, Of Jupiter and Moons. The official video is available below. 

In late 2017, Temperance announced the decision to move ahead without singer Chiara Tricarico. Chiara sang on Temperance’s 2014 self-titled debut release up until the latest DVD, Maschere: A Night At The Theater, and together they toured the world extensively.

Tricarico has issued the following statement:

"Dear all, after a show and after almost four years of live and studio activity together, I was told by the guys from Temperance about their decision to change line up, in which I am officially not included anymore. Of course I am sorry to be no more part of a project I have put so much effort and passion in through the years, but I wish them all the best with the new line up.

Feel your power, limitless. Be yourself, not someone else!"

Temperance's tour schedule is currently as follows:

September (with Serenity and Alight)
1 - Sheffield, UK - Corporation
2 - Newcastle, UK - Trillians
3 - Edinburgh, UK - Bannermans
4 - Stoke, UK - Eleven
5 - London, UK - Underworld
6 - Grimbsy, UK - Yardbirds
7 - Chapelle, Belgium - Le Cercle
8 - Kufstein, Austtia - Kufa
9 - Monfalcone, Italy - CG
13 - Nice, France - Altherax Music
14 - Bellinzona, Switzerland - Woodstock
15 - Padova, Italy - Teatrò

Los Angeles hard rockers Sunflower Dead recently signed to EMP Label Group, who will release the band’s upcoming third album C O M A on October 19th. The band have released a video for the track "Victim" from the upcoming release. Watch below, and pre-order the album here.

The album, produced by Dave Fortman (Slipknot, Evanescence) features an updated lineup of the band, including founding members vocalist (and accordion player) Michael Del Pizzo, guitarist Jaboo, and Jamie Teissere (Droid), rounded out by Powerflo/former Fear Factory bassist Christian Olde Wolbers, and Brian “Brett” Weir, formerly of Starset, on drums.

The follow up to 2015’s It’s Time To Get Weird, which featured the Active Rock Top 40 hit, and title track, “It’s Time To Get Weird”, featuring Jonathan Davis of Korn, C O M A is a stripped down, raw beast of a modern har rock record, to match the band’s recently stripped down image. Starting life, and continuing through two records with intricate costumes and heavy, zombie-esque, stage makeup, C O M A sees the band step out from behind the image, and put the focus on the songs.

Says vocalist Del Pizzo, “Though we are extremely proud of what we have accomplished on our own with the more theatrical version of the band, SFD has grown considerably. The entire process of writing and recording this album was fueled by a sense of aggression unlike anything in our previous output. It was clear to everyone involved that this was the moment to strip off the makeup, sign with a label and let the music speak for itself. So we did. And when it came down to it, EMP was definitely the right place.”

He adds, “We have known Thom (Hazaert) forever. He actually helped launch SFD’s first album and got us our first national tour back in 2012. Combine that with having David Ellefson on our side, and this was an easy decision."

Adds guitarist Jaboo, “The music on C O M A is more focused, vicious and emotionally dialled in than any of our previous work. This record is like the rebirth of the band similar to what Christopher Nolan did with the Batman saga. That rebirth is that much stronger with the addition of Christian Olde Wolbers (Fear Factory, Poweflo) on bass and Brian “Brett” Weir (Downplay, Starset) on drums.”

Says EMP’s David Ellefson, “Sunflower Dead is a great, hardworking band who truly embodies the type of DIY ethos that EMP was built on. They have not only released their own records and had great success at radio, but also managed to tour the World supporting major artists, all without the support of a label. We’re proud to welcome them into the EMP Family!”

Sunflower Dead spent the last three years on the road supporting Weird including dates with Snot and Korn in the UK, both legs of In This Moment’s Hellpop Tour, as well as runs supporting Avatar, Hellyeah, and Mushroomhead. The band will hit the road again in the fall to support C O M A.

(Photo - Janelle Rominski, Janelle Rominski Music Photography)

Devin Townsend has released the second part of the Eras Vinyl Collection. This set includes the much sought-after albums Ocean Machine, Physicist, Terria, Synchestra, and Infinity all in gatefold sleeves across 8 pieces of vinyl, contained inside a sturdy 2-piece box with an extensive LP booklet containing liner notes and comments from Devin himself. Watch an unboxing video below.

All the albums have been mastered for vinyl for the optimal listening experience. You can order the collection here.

Devin comments: “It has been over 25 years since I started this professional trip of mine with music as the anchor. In that time, I have spent a fair amount of energy describing the albums, rationalizing the albums, or just trying to basically explain the motivation behind them all. This Eras box set series is a kind of monumental way for me to do it at one time, in one place. The intent of these albums from the beginning, has not changed. Music has been the outlet to describe my experience with life, and obviously my experience is far from 'unique'. I like to think all this music describes my point of view on things we all participate in. Life is crazy, and each step of the way offers new things, births, deaths, failures, successes, heartache, confusion, anger etc etc etc... I don't have it figured out, but the music has helped me deal with it in my own way.

"The albums were just snapshots of different periods in my life, and although it’s just music, they mean a lot to me. The process that drew them out has helped me move on to each consecutive project and my hope is that with these boxsets, it makes what I do in the future make a little more sense.

"I really appreciate having the opportunity to present them in one place with such attention to detail. It’s such an honour to be able to do this and I thank everyone involved for the support and passion in making these box sets happen."

The official lyric video for "Standing Around Crying" from ZZ TOP legend Billy F Gibbons can be seen below. The song is taken from his second-ever solo effort, "The Big Bad Blues", which will be released on September 21 via Concord Records. This is the follow-up to his acclaimed 2015 Afro-Cuban-flavored solo album "Perfectamundo".

"The Big Bad Blues", as the title suggests, focuses on Gibbons's lifelong love of the blues and rock and roll, showcasing the blues-influenced vocals and guitar licks that have together served as the foundation for his numerous hits over the past five decades. The album features 11 tracks balancing some classic covers like "Rollin' And Tumblin'" and "Standing Around Crying", along with some of Billy's signature new blues originals.

"We successfully made our way through those uncharted waters with the Cubano flavor of 'Perfectamundo' and completed the journey," says Gibbons in distinguishing "The Big Bad Blues" from its predecessor. "The shift back to the blues is a natural. It's something which our followers can enjoy with the satisfaction of experiencing the roots tradition and, at the same time, feeling the richness of stretching the art form."

Gibbons, of course, has long been one of the most important and influential artists to emerge from the blues traditions, carrying it forward in a career honored by his 2004 induction, with ZZ TOP, into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame. As he notes, he was blues-influenced "right from the beginning — and it's never let up."

"There's something very primordial within the art form," he says. "Nobody gets away from the infectious allure of those straight-ahead licks!"

He notes it would take many hours just to scratch the surface surrounding this enduring love affair: "I suspect Jimmy Reed did me in early on. The inventiveness of that high and lonesome sound remains solid and stridently strong to this day. We could go on to mention the lineup of usual suspects, Howlin' Wolf, Muddy, all three Kings [B.B., Albert and Freddie]. The lengthy list of champions are forever carved in stone."

After the success of "Perfectamundo", Concord Records president John Burk expressed his intent on following up with another artistic offering with a more familiar, bluesy kind of content. "Billy has an incredibly deep knowledge of the great blues tradition and has carried that tradition forward in his music throughout his incredible career. Therefore, it seemed natural to do a project that centered on his musical roots, and the music that so inspired him from the very beginning."

Gibbons remarked, "We were delighted to follow suit: It's steeped in the tradition of 'BFG meets blues giants' with an adventurous expression to keep it fresh."

BFG and Burk met in an underground parking garage of a favorite Hollywood bistro from the comforts of JB's top-down ride, playing some tracks, LOUD, with the music bouncing off the walls beneath a couple floors of raw concrete."… Gibbons got the nod. He and his "greasy" gang of unbridled players were delivering the goods.

"From deep in the heart of Texas, our Hammond organ specialist, Mr. Mike Flanigin, stepped forward and accepted the invitation to step from the B3 bench to take on the task of pounding the ivory 88s," says Gibbons, adding, "Great piano stuff from Mike 'The Drifter' Flanigin.

"Master of the Fender Bass-guitar, Joe Hardy lent his low-down sound with his fearless funkiness, SO fine!

"Also, in the mash-up mix, the man-with-the-backbeat-plan, Greg Morrow. G keeps the skins alive and kickin'. And while we're on that backbeat thang…

"Matt Sorum steps forward with his super-syncopation, thrashing the skins like no buddies business.

"Alabama–come-California soulster Austin Hanks, roughs up the riffs with his left-handed six-string electric. Have mercy!"

Gibbons himself shares the harmonica chops with James Harman who has appeared over the years doin' that Mississippi-sounding thing. "James is the fastidiously fierce follower of the real deal when it comes to blowing' the harp.

"As for the album content, check it out… Hey now!

"Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue," he says. "It's no secret there are several favorites from the way-back starting with not one, but two, from the Bo Diddley catalog ['Bring It To Jerome' and 'Crackin' Up']. We dusted off an old Gretsch Duo-Jet guitar which put it squarely with that infamous Bo Diddley sound. Once covered, we made way into another side — a much earlier number from Muddy Waters, 'Standing Around Crying'. The ragged edges with the meanness of James's bad self on harp seemed to fit the bill to enter the lineup."

As for favorites, Gibbons notes, "'Missin' Yo' Kissin' is a gift from Miz Gibbons. She knows what girls want and laid it out cold. And 'Second Line' is a definite throwback to many good days and nights down New Orleans way.

"Other tracks on 'The Big Bad Blues' are easy pickin', sayin' it all. It's a street affair."

Track listing (all songs by Billy F Gibbons except where noted):

01. Missin' Yo' Kissin' (Gilly Stillwater)

02. My Baby She Rocks

03. Second Line

04. Standing Around Crying (Muddy Waters)

05. Let The Left Hand Know…

06. Bring It To Jerome (Jerome Green)

07. That's What She Said

08. Mo' Slower Blues

09. Hollywood 151

10. Rollin' And Tumblin' (Muddy Waters)

11. Crackin' Up (Bo Diddley)

METALLICA is teasing a deluxe remastered version of its "…And Justice For All" (1988) album. A short video clip of the reissue being manufactured has been posted to the band's official Twitter account along with the hashtag #comingsoon.

In addition to the original album and other rarities, the deluxe edition will apparently include a 1989 METALLICA concert in Seattle, recorded during the "…And Justice For All" tour.

While "...And Justice For All" is considered one of METALLICA's classics, it has been criticized almost since the day it was released in 1988 for the lack of any bass guitar on the record. Jason Newsted's playing is virtually buried in the mix — and many fans feel that drummer Lars Ulrich, who had very specific ideas for how he wanted his drums to sound, is to blame.

"...And Justice For All" was Jason Newsted's first full-length album with METALLICA after he replaced late bassist Cliff Burton in 1986.

The album was the first by the band to sell more than a million copies and featured their first radio hit, "One", which was also the basis of the group's first music video.

The record was nominated for the first-ever Grammy for "Best Hard Rock/Metal Performance", but infamously lost to JETHRO TULL's "Crest Of A Knave".

In a 2015 interview with Ultimate-Guitar.com, one of the "...And Justice For All" album mixers, Steve Thompson, revealed that Ulrich was the culprit for the lack of any bass guitar on the record. Ulrich apparently wanted his drums to sound a certain way — even if it meant cutting out the bass.

Thompson explained: "We had to get the drum sound up the way he had it. I wasn't a fan of it. So now he goes, 'See the bass guitar?' and I said, 'Yeah, great part, man. [Newsted] killed it.' He said, 'I want you to bring down the bass where you can barely, audibly hear it in the mix.' I said, 'You're kidding. Right?' He said, 'No. Bring it down.' I bring it down to that level and he says, 'Now drop it down another 5 dB.' I turned around and looked at [guitarist/vocalist James] Hetfield and said, 'He's serious?' It just blew me away."

Thompson added that a terrific performance by Newsted was wasted due to Ulrich's meddling, saying: "My only regret is that we didn't have enough time to at least mix it the way we heard it… It was all there but I think they were looking for more garagey-type sound without bass. And the bass was great; it was perfect."

Thompson said that he spoke out because he was tired of being blamed for the lack of bass. He remarked: "They flew us out [to METALLICA's Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame induction in 2009] and I'm sitting with Lars. He goes, 'Hey, what happened to the bass in 'Justice'?' He actually asked me that. I wanted to cold cock him right there. It was a shame because I'm the one getting the shit for the lack of bass."

Ulrich told The Pulse Of Radio a while back that fans were extremely vocal about the sound of the album at the time of its release. "I mean, it was unbelievable, you know, '...And Justice For All', " he said. "People were saying, 'That's the worst-sounding record, where's the bass, and it sounds like it was recorded in a garage, and...' But, you know, listen, you do the best you can in the moment and then you move on."