Guitarist Michael Ciravolo assembled an all-star cast for his moody, hard-hitting 2018 album Finding Beauty In Chaos, reports Hank Shteamer of Rolling Stone.

Ministry’s Al Jourgensen, Cheap Trick’s Robin Zander, Van Halen’s Michael Anthony and many others contributed to the LP, released under the project name Beauty In Chaos. Now, Ciravolo —  also serves as President of Schecter Guitar Research — and producer Michael Rozon are prepping Beauty Re-Envisioned, a companion release featuring remixes and alternate versions of the album’s tracks.

Now, they’ve unveiled a video for “Un-Natural Disaster (Collide Mix),” a remix of an intense Finding Beauty In Chaos track that features contributions from Ice-T, King’s X’s Dug Pinnick and Offspring drummer Pete Parada. Starting out with a heavy guitar riiff from Ciravolo, the original version centers on Pinnick’s account of the damage wrought by Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Harvey. The King’s X frontman’s poignant vocals and booming bass add gravity to the track, which culminates in his howls of “I can’t believe city’s underwater” on the song’s chorus.

The song’s new remix, by producer Statik, one half of the long-running L.A. duo Collide, adds sleek electronic drums, and augments the vocals and guitars with tastefully glitchy effects. A new guitar solo by Zakk Wylde — full of dramatic string bends and speedy, head-spinning shred — replaces Ciravolo’s squalling lead on the original.

Learn more at this location. Beauty Re-Envisioned is out June 21st.




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Metallica, KISS and the Trans-Siberian Orchestra are among the Top 20 Global Concert Tours, which ranks artists by average box office gross per city and includes the average ticket price for shows. The list is based on data provided to the trade publication Pollstar by concert promoters and venue managers. 

Rock/metal acts in the Top 20 Global Concert Tours for the week of March 27:

2. Elton John; $2,662,708; $139.46
3. Fleetwood Mac; $2,186,678; $139.51
5. Metallica; $2,047,611; $121.15
9. Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band; $1,404,527; $113.76
11. KISS; $1,205,057; $103.08
14. Trans-Siberian Orchestra; $1,037,030; $64.34




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L.A. GUNS frontman Phil Lewis has defended GRETA VAN FLEET over accusations that the Michigan rockers have ripped off LED ZEPPELIN.

Despite the fact that GRETA VAN FLEET has managed to sell out shows all over the world, the four-piece has been criticized for channeling a sound uncannily similar to LED ZEPPELIN, with some music fans slamming singer Josh Kiszka for allegedly copy-and-pasting Robert Plant's vocal style.

During a recent interview with Legendary Rock Interviews, Lewis was asked if there are any new bands out there that he is listening to now. "I like GRETA VAN FLEET," Phil responded. "I know they get a lot of shit from people. [They are a] good band. Anything that inspires a 12- or 13-year-old to pick up a guitar or learn to play bass or drums is okay with me. That's exactly what they're doing, so right now they're my favorite. [I have] great hope that they might be the ones to change everything, get kids off their phone, wanting to be DJs and wanting to do real rock instead. There's nothing sexier, nothing cooler than a guy who can pick up a guitar and sing a song, or a bunch of guys in a band.

Lewis continued: "Look at this MÖTLEY CRÜE movie ['The Dirt'] — it's gangbusters. People are going crazy. This doesn't exist anymore and bands like GRETA VAN FLEET are making an effort. I notice that. I think it's great, and I wish them all the best in the world."

GRETA VAN FLEET's debut album, "Anthem Of The Peaceful Army", landed at No. 3 on the Billboard 200 chart in July despite earning a lukewarm 53/100 score on review curation site Metacritic.

In December, GRETA VAN FLEET scored four Grammy Award nominations, one for each major rock category — "Best Rock Album", "Best Rock Song", "Best Rock Performance" — and a "Best New Artist" nod. They went on to win for "Best Rock Album" for their sophomore EP, "From The Fires".

L.A. GUNS' new album, "The Devil You Know", will be released on March 29 via Frontiers Music Srl.

Children of Bodom returned to Germany's Wacken Open Air festival last summer. HQ video for the songs "Are You Dead Yet?", "Needled 24/7", and "Downfall", can be seen below:

Children Of Bodom's tenth album, Hexed, is out now via Nuclear Blast Records. Order your copy here.

Hexed tracklisting:

"The Road"
"Under Grass and Clover"
"Glass Houses"
"Hecate’s Nightmare"
"Kick in the Spleen"
"Platitudes and Barren Words"
"Hexed"
"Relapse (The Nature of My Crime)"
"Say Never Look Back"
"Soon Departed"
"Knuckleduster"

Bonus tracks:
"I Worship Chaos" (live)
"Morrigan" (live)
"Knuckleduster" (remix)

"Hecate's Nightmare" lyric video:

"Platitudes And Barren Words" video:

"This Road" lyric video:

"Under Grass And Clover" video:

The band's Hexed 2019 North American Tour will conclude in New York City on April 19th. Supporting the band are Finnish death-doom melody-makers Swallow The Sun and Finnish epic melodic death metal quartet Wolfheart as well as Summoner's Circle (April 9-19), Hollow Cry (March 18-29) and Fragmentum (March 30-April 7) who are opening select shows.

Watch the Hexed tour trailer below:




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Gore metal maniacs, Exhumed, are currently in the studio recording their seventh full-length and follow-up to 2016's Death Revenge. The as-yet-untitled album is being recorded at the band's home-built studio Darker Corners, a first in Exhumed's legendary career.

The album, which marks the debut of new guitarist Sebastian Phillips (Noisem), is being produced by the band and Alejandro Corredor (Brujeria, Nausea) and will be mixed and mastered by Joel Grind (Toxic Holocaust). The record is expected to see release later this year. Stay tuned for more information in the months to come.

Comments frontman Matt Harvey, "This album has been a challenge in a whole new way; part construction project, part trial-and-error crash-course, and part deathgrinding madness. The deathgrinding part has been going really well, and we're really focusing on bringing out the aggression of these tunes. The goal is to leave no face un-melted."

Exhumed will kick off a Latin American tour with Beyond Creation next week. The trek begins April 3rd, travels through fourteen cities, and ends April 21st. A few days later, Exhumed will returns to the west coast for the Face Melter Tour celebrating the release of their new hot sauce, Forged In Fire, created by Hella Hot Sauce. See all confirmed dates below.

April (with Beyond Creation)
3 - Nandas Barrio Antiguo - Monterrey, Mexico
4 - Rocksi - Aguascalientes, Mexico
5 - Foro Indie Rocks - Mexico DF, Mexico
6 - Rock Vuh - Guatemala City, Guatemala
7 - Buhos - San Salvador, El Salvado
9 - Peppers Chill Out - San Jose, Costa Rica
10 - Hangar 18 - Panama City, Panama
11 - Sala Bombay - Medellin, Columbia
12 - Ace Of Spades - Bogota, Columbia
13 - C.C. Festival - Lima, Peru
14 - Blondie - Santiago, Chile
16 - Uniclub - Buenos Aires, Argentina
19 - Carioca Club - São Paulo, Brazil
20 - Mister Rock - Belo Horizonte, Brazil
21 - Teatro Odisseia - Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

West Coast Face Melter Tour:

April
24 - San Luis Obispo, CA - The Graduate
25 - Mesa, AZ - Club Red (with Lago)
26 - Los Angeles, CA - 5 Star Bar
27 - Oakland, CA - Eli's Mile High Club (with Necrot)
28 - Portland, OR - Tonic Lounge




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Vulture is a heavy metal force to be reckoned with! The German spike-and-leather quintet recently finished recording their second long-player, Ghastly Waves & Battered Graves, for a June 7th release via Metal Blade Records.

To raise the anticipation towards the album the band will release a 7" on April 5th entitled “Beyond The Blade”. Side A features the title track while the B-side will feature the Thin Lizzy cover “Killer On The Loose”, on vinyl available only on this 7". A music video for "Beyond The Blade" can be found below.

The 7" is limited to 666 copies (333 x black, 222 x blue, 111 x red). Pre-order at EMP.

Comments Vulture: "We're enthusiastic to finally be able to release a first glimpse of what Ghastly Waves & Battered Graves is gonna be about. Dive deep into the ripping riffs of 'Beyond The Blade' and watch out for these gloves. Something's coming at y'all!"

About the reasons for choosing the Thin Lizzy cover tune: "Finding a fitting cover isn't easy but this track just clicks with Vulture. You have the lyrical theme, the ripping riffs and most importantly it's a great song by one of our favorite bands."

Vulture once again joined forces with close friend and producer Marco Brinkmann (Casket, Cross Vault) at Hellforge Studio in Detmold, Germany to record the new album. More details on Ghastly Waves & Battered Graves will be released shortly.

Vulture lineup:

L. Steeler - vocals
S. Genozider - guitar
M. Outlaw - guitar
A. Axetinctor - bass
G. Deceiver - drum

(Photo - V. Star)




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“A Wolf in My Heart” is a track off of Heidevolk's latest album, Vuur van Verzet. In anticipation for their upcoming tour, the band premieres a brand new music video for the track.

Says the band: “Ladies and gentlemen, brothers and sisters, today we present you the official video for 'A Wolf in My Heart' a track from our latest album Vuur van Verzet. This song tells a heroic tale about the resilience of man and is captured in a beautiful animation by Awik Balaian. The wolf in our hearts is the primal instinct to survive. We did not choose to be born, we did not choose to become, but there is a will to live inside of us. A will to fight for what is ours and to oppose those who seek to oppress us. We will not linger in the dark but gather those who will fight with us and rise to make our voice be heard. Unleash the wolf in your hearts for the Pagan Metal Brotherhood is on the rise!"

Find Heidevolk's complete tour itinerary here.




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Vltimas, the extreme metal formation consisting of David Vincent (ex-Morbid Angel), Rune "Blasphemer" Eriksen (ex-Mayhem, Aura Noir), and Flo Mounier (Cryptopsy), will release their debut album, Something Wicked Marches In, tomorrow, Friday, March 29, via Season Of Mist. Pre-order the album here, and find an advanced album stream below.

A behemoth of death metal extremity, Something Wicked Marches In sees these titans bring their prodigious talents to bear on a commanding synthesis of their storied histories. Vltimas is nothing short of extreme metal royalty, and 'Something Wicked...' is a forceful statement of intent.

Trackisting:

"Something Wicked Marches In"
"Praevalidus"
"Total Destroy!"
"Monolilith"
"Truth And Consequence"
"Last Ones Alive Win Nothing"
"Everlasting"
"Diabolus Est Sanguis"
"Marching On"

Album stream:

"Diabolus Est Sanguis" lyric video:

Vltimas is:

David Vincent - Vocals
Rune "Blasphemer" Eriksen - Guitars
Flo Mounier - Drums

(Photo - Tina K Photography)




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A petition has been launched at Change.org to have Ozzy Osbourne knighted.

Helen Maidiotis, who launched the campaign, states: "This petition is being launched in support of my ongoing campaign to Knight Ozzy Osbourne. This is the third attempt at gathering worldwide support through a petition for Mr Osbourne. I believe that with the world wide fan base he has this will make a huge impact on the final outcome of our nomination. So please sign today! Spread the word far and wide!!! We need to be heard loud and clear that this campaign is not over!"

Read more and sign the petition at Change.org.




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Jim Peterik & World Stage are joined by the legendary Dennis DeYoung on the track "Proof Of Heaven", from the upcoming new album, Winds Of Change, out April 26 via Frontiers Music Srl. Watch a video below.

A limited amount of signed CDs (50 copies only), autographed by both Jim and Dennis, are available for Europe here. Another 100 copies are available for North America, here.

Winds Of Change is the long-awaited follow-up to Jim Peterik’s now legendary Jim Peterik’s World Stage album. Winds Of Change is another musical masterpiece featuring brand new Peterik songs in collaboration with a who’s who of melodic rock’s greatest superstars, including Kevin Chalfant (ex-The Storm), Dennis DeYoung (ex-Styx), Matthew and Gunnar Nelson, Kelly Keagy (Night Ranger), Lars Safsund and Robert Sall (Work Of Art), Toby Hitchcock (Pride Of Lions), Danny Vaughn (Tyketto), Mike Reno (Loverboy), Kevin Cronin (REO Speedwagon), Jason Scheff (ex-Chicago), and a very special previously unreleased track by the late, great Jimi Jamison.

Listen to the first single, "Without A Bullet Being Fired", featuring Mike Reno of Loverboy, below. Pre-order the album here.

“Since the success of my first World Stage album back in 2001 and countless shows since, I have wanted to create a new musical legacy with this format,” says Jim. "Listening to voices blending as one has always inspired me, going back to the Beatles and other great vocal groups. I have always considered myself as much a fan of great bands and artists as I am an artist myself, so a project like World Stage is a dream come true since I get to pay homage to those whose music I love, by writing and performing with them. With "Winds Of Change" I was honored to work with some of the best, adapting my writing and production styles to fit a particular act. Many of the songs were actually co- written with the artists appearing too."

Jim Peterik and World Stage arose from the initial idea that the musical and spiritual collaboration of great artists and friends could be something truly special. The resulting album clearly displays the many talents of Jim Peterik, enhanced and embellished by a cast of noted singers and musicians. "Mike Reno…I would always watch from the wings back in the 80’s when Survivor played dates with Loverboy. I’d see the crowd go nuts when they hit "Working For The Weekend", so that’s the vibe Mike and I tried to recreate with "Without A Bullet Being Fired", say Peterik. He continues, "I am still pinching myself that i am now writing songs with Dennis DeYoung for his new album. "Proof of Heaven", included on this album, is one of my proudest moments. Same inspiration was behind the title track "Winds Of Change" with Don Barnes and Danny Chauncey (.38 Special). Kelly Keagy and Kevin Chalfant and i had a blast capturing the energy of Night Ranger and The Storm’s hits with "I Will What I Want" and "Sometimes You Just Want More". respectively. And of course "Just For You" with the great Kevin Cronin is a very special moment for me. When I watched Danny Vaughn perform at Frontiers Festival a few years back, I immediately started planning to make him a part of World Stage. "The Hand I Was Dealt" is the result, which we co-wrote. "Home Fires" with the incredible Toby Hitchcock is a song I think any fan of Pride Of Lions will take to heart. And I have created new friendships with Work Of Art and Jason Scheff because of this record."

"I am a rabid fan of every artist on the album and it was such a thrill to try and bring out their best essence, but for me the most touching moment of this record is reviving an amazing lost track by the late great Jimi Jamison. As I mixed the new version, it was again like having Jimi in the studio with me as his stunning voice came through the monitors. There was not a dry eye in the room. With "Love You All Over The World", his spirit is still with us all," adds Peterik.

In conclusion, Peterik says, "World Stage, which I created soon after I parted ways with Survivor back in 1996, was my way of bringing together the melodic rock community. Setting aside any competition between us to create great melodic rock for the audience that craves it. Since then, every World Stage show has been a total love fest with each show featuring an ever changing array of great artists.”

Winds Of Change certainly carries on that tradition and shows are in the planning stages that will reflect the lineup of this record.

Jim Peterik, through the years, has written or co-written some of rock's most memorable songs: "Vehicle" by the The Ides Of March (on which he was lead vocalist), "Eye Of The Tiger," "The Search Is Over," "High On You," and "I Can't Hold Back”, hits for .38 Special such as "Hold On Loosely," "Caught Up In You," "Fantasy Girl," and "Rockin' Into The Night", "Heavy Metal" with Sammy Hagar, and many many more. Peterik, now a part of Pride of Lions with vocalist Toby Hitchcock, is one of the most esteemed and loved recording artists and songwriters, not only on the Frontiers label, but in the larger melodic rock community.

Tracklisting:

"Winds Of Change" (featuring Danny Chauncey and Don Barnes of .38 Special)
"Without A Bullet Being Fired" (featuring Mike Reno of Loverboy)
"Proof Of Heaven" (featuring Dennis DeYoung)
"Sometimes You Just Want More" (featuring Kevin Chalfant)
"Home Fires" (featuring Toby Hitchcock of Pride of Lions)
"Just For You" (featuring Kevin Cronin of REO Speedwagon)
"The Hand I Was Dealt" (featuring Danny Vaughn of Tyketto)
"Where Eagles Dare" (featuring Lars Safsund and Robert Sall of Work of Art)
"I Will What I Want" (featuring Kelly Keagy of Night Ranger)
"You’re Always There" (featuring Jason Scheff)
"Avalanche" (featuring Gunnar and Matt Nelson)
"Love You All Over The World" (featuring Jimi Jamison)

"Without A Bullet Being Fired" featuring Mike Reno:

Lineup:

Jim Peterik- Guitar, Keyboards, Vocals
Mike Aquino- Guitar- Lead And Rhythm
Ed Breckenfeld- Drums And Percussion
Dave Kelly- Drums
Colin Peterik- Drums
Klem Hayes- Bass
Bill Syniar- Bass
Bob Lizik- Bass
Jeff Lantz- Orchestral Arrangement of “You’re Always There”




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The official music video for "Spirits Will Collide", a brand new song from the Canadian heavy music artist Devin Townsend, can be seen below. The track is taken from his latest album, "Empath", which is being released today (Friday, March 29) via InsideOut Music.

Over the past few years, the success that Devin has slowly worked for has fortunately come with the power to control his own creative destiny. The recent successes with the DVD from a sold-out Royal Albert hall, or his 2012 "Retinal Circus", or last year's "Ocean Machine" live DVD with the Orchestra And Choir Of State Opera Plovdiv has put him in a position where with the new album "Empath", he will once and for all define himself as a musical force outside of any particular genre classification.


On this album, Devin has decided to see what would happen if all the styles that make up his current interests were finally represented in one place. To finally shake the fear of expectation, and just do what it is he was meant to do creatively, "Empath", true to the name, is about allowing the audience a feeling for a variety of musical emotions. The musical dynamics represented on this single album are broad, challenging, and immense. To approach this sort of work with a long history of what makes heavy music "heavy," allows this to be done with a type of power rarely heard.


Joining Devin on this album is Frank Zappa alumni Mike Keneally as music director, as well as Morgan Ågren (MATS AND MORGAN, FRANK ZAPPA, FREDRIK THORDENDAL), Anup Sastry (MONUMENTS, PERIPHERY), Samus Paulicelli (DECREPIT BIRTH, ABIGAIL WILLIAMS), Nathan Navarro, Elliot Desagnes, Steve Vai, Chad Kroeger, Anneke Van Giersbergen, Ché Aimee Dorval, Ryan Dhale and the Elektra Women's Choir.


A bold statement with massive production values and dynamic, uncompromised musicality. This is a statement about not only pursuing creative freedom in a conservative scene, but also trying to show that heavy music is truly a valid musical tool.

"Empath" is being released on limited 2 CD digipak (including an entire disc of bonus material), standard CD jewelcase, gatefold 180-gram 2LP vinyl + CD + LP-booklet and as digital album.

The full track listing is as follows:


01. Castaway

02. Genesis

03. Spirits Will Collide

04. Evermore

05. Sprite

06. Hear Me

07. Why

08. Borderlands

09. Requiem

10. Singularity Part 1 - Adrift

11. Singularity Part 2 - I Am I

12. Singularity Part 3 - There Be Monsters

13. Singularity Part 4 - Curious Gods

14. Singularity Part 5 - Silicon Scientists

15. Singularity Part 6 - Here Comes The Sun

German bashers M.I.GOD. are streaming the song "We All Belong To The Dark", taken from their new concept album, Specters On Parade, out now through Fastball Music Check it out below.

Specters On Parade was released in February 2019 and is the first of two concept albums from M.I.GOD. It features 21 tracks in total, 13 being full songs connected with short interludes to tie the concept together. Specters On Parade in the follow-up to M.I.GOD.'s 2012 album, Floor 29, marking an epic return following the tragic death of bassist Matt Weber that sidelined the band.

The tracklist is as follows:

"Vertigo"
"The Solitary Ghost"
"Tongues Of Poison"
"We All Belong To The Dark"
"Embracing The Neon"
"Titans Of The Void"
"The Sleeping Cruelty"
"Atelier Macabre"
"Specters On Parade"
"Sonata In Tenebris (Interlude I)"
"Tears Of Today"
"What's Your Favorite Scourge"
"Chances"
"The Call"
"Weight Of A Million Souls"
"Cluster (Interlude II)"
"Bound To A Daydream"
"Between The Devil And The Deep Blue Sea"
"The Threshold"
"Terminus Life"
"I Feed You My Love"

For information and updates on M.I.GOD. go to the band's official Facebook page here.




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MEGADETH mainman Dave Mustaine was interviewed on the latest episode of the GUNS N' ROSES-centric "Appetite for Distortion" podcast. You can now listen to the chat using the SoundCloud widget below.

Asked if he embraces being called a "guitar god" or "heavy metal god" by some people, Mustaine — who is taking part in this year's "Experience Hendrix" tour — said: "I don't fancy being called a god. That makes me uncomfortable, 'cause I'm just a guy. But I love my job, and I take pride at being good at it. But I also know that there's guys that are so much better than me… Zakk [Wylde], for example — Zakk's an amazing guitar player. But then, who else is there [on the 'Experience Hendrix' tour]? Eric Johnson — one of my personal favorites. And Joe Satriani, one of the best in the world. And Dweezil Zappa, who is probably, to me, the biggest surprise — a great guitar player and a sweetheart of a guy. He's been helping me with my sound. I went to the show the other day, and Dweezil is working on my amp and Eric Johnson is playing my guitar, and I'm thinking, 'Man, I died and went to heaven. Look at this.'"

Mustaine was also asked if it is true that GUNS N' ROSES guitarist Slash once tried out for MEGADETH. Dave responded: "Yes, we're most definitely friends. [But] he didn't try out [for MEGADETH]. But he had an invitation. He and [MEGADETH bassist] David Ellefson had played together several times, so that was fun. And he liked playing with Dave, and he liked the idea of playing with me, and I thought it was a great idea too. That's probably where we became such great friends. Although we don't see each other a lot, whenever we see each other, it's [like], 'Hey, what's up, man?' And there's, I think, a deep, deep, deep mutual respect for each other."

The 2019 edition of the "Experience Hendrix" tour, a celebration of Jimi Hendrix's legacy and musical genius, kicked off in Pompano Beach, Florida on March 3 and will run through April 6 when it finishes in Wallingford, Connecticut.

Along with Mustaine, Satriani, Wylde, Zappa and Johnson, Jonny Lang is performing with the all-star tribute led by Jimi's BAND OF GYPSYS bandmate Billy Cox.

Since its inception as a single tribute show at the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in 2000, "Experience Hendrix" has become an anticipated fan experience.

Gene Simmons has admitted to Yahoo! 7 News that and fellow KISS co-founder Paul Stanley have their differences, and he can drive Paul crazy sometimes. "I'm peculiar," he said. "I recognize that. I'm eccentric. I am all about myself. I love the sound of my own voice."

Drummer Eric Singer described the relationship between Gene and Paul as "like Ying and Yang. A battery has a positive side, negative side, and together that creates the electrical energy that is needed for it to power something."

Gene told Guitar World magazine in a recent interview that he would be "nowhere" if he hadn't met Paul nearly half a century ago. "Because there is something called chemistry," he explained. "Although it’s fair to say Paul and I are completely different people. But we're two different sides of the same coin. I don't have any brothers or sisters on my mother's side. But certainly Paul would be the brother I never had. And we constantly disagree about all sorts of things, but we share the important values that make great relationships last a lifetime. Love of family. Don't abandon your kids. Show up on time. Do the work. Be gracious. Have a work ethic. Do all that stuff. And if you're lucky, goddammit, and if you're blessed to have the right thing at the right place at the right time, then you're even more lucky if you find somebody else you can work with. Because if [Mick] Jagger has an off night, THE [ROLLING] STONES aren't so good. But if I have an off night, I know Paul's going to push it through to the goal. Same as when he has an off night. And don't kid yourself — Tommy [Thayer, guitar] and Eric often give us good kicks in the pants, too."

Asked by the Arizona Republic how he and Gene have managed to keep working with each other for so long, Stanley responded: "I think maybe because of our backgrounds and our stock in terms of heritage or whatever. We believe in working hard for what we're given. We're not slackers. I also believe we've built a relationship on trust and a relationship on respect for each other. It doesn't mean we haven't fought or had our moments. But so do brothers. And I think Gene is the closest thing I've had to a brother. I can count on him in any situation. He's been there for me and I will always be there for him."

Having said all that, Stanley continued: "That doesn't negate the fact that we are very different people in how we react or respond to things. Or what we say. Do I agree with a lot of things he says or certain things he does? Of course not. Do I like certain behavior? No. But that's not what our relationship is about. Nor does it need to be. We are different people. But at the core of it, there are some basics that are very in tune with each other. And I think the years together have only cemented us that much closer."

In his 2014 memoir, "Face The Music: A Life Exposed", Stanley insisted that his relationship with Gene has slowly improved over time. But Stanley also wrote: "[Gene] chose to ignore his underlying issues and instead committed himself to creating an external façade and persona that, unfortunately, he felt required to knock down anyone who threatened his singularity in the spotlight." He also dismissed the notion that Simmons is some kind of financial genius. "Gene's most successful venture in business was promoting the perception that he was a savvy businessman," Paul wrote.

A few years back, Paul admitted that he "read a little bit of" Gene Simmons's book when it first came out but that he had a different recollection of some of their shared history. While reading Gene's book, Stanley felt, "Gee, I thought I did that. I thought that was me. You thought you were me," he said.

KISS's "End Of The Road" farewell tour launched in late January in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. The first leg of the global trek, which could last three years, wraps April 13 in Birmingham, Alabama.

MACHINE HEAD has announced the first leg of its 25th-anniversary tour for the band's classic debut, "Burn My Eyes". The dates kick off in Germany on October 5 in Freiburg, and continue across Europe, wrapping in Dublin, Ireland on November 8. The U.S. leg will be announced in due course; those dates are set for November into December as the tour makes its way around the globe.

Building on MACHINE HEAD's wildly popular "An Evening With…" format, these not-to-be-missed shows will be a three-hour musical extravaganza, comprised of two parts: Part one will feature a battery of MACHINE HEAD's modern classics, such as "Imperium", "Halo" and "The Blood, The Sweat, The Tears", featuring frontman/guitarist Robb Flynn and bassist Jared MacEachern performing alongside two, soon-to-be-announced ragers on guitar and drums. Part two will feature the Bay Area band's classic debut album, "Burn My Eyes" played in its entirety for the first time ever. And if somehow this historical event could not be monumental enough, taking the stage for this part of the set will be "Burn My Eyes"-era alumni and MACHINE HEAD's original drummer Chris Kontos and original guitarist Logan Mader.

Band founder and visionary Robb Flynn says: "Having started rehearsals with Chris and Logan several weeks ago, I'm literally giddy with excitement at the prospect of how much fun this is going to be. Both Logan and Chris are in phenomenal playing shape, the vibe between all four of us has been incredibly positive."

Flynn continues: "Having run through deep cuts like 'Death Church' and 'I'm Your God Now' for the first time in well over a decade, has reminded me of how fucking heavy our older songs are! This tour is going to be MASSIVE!! The timing couldn't have been more perfect to share this milestone with the Head Cases! So just a head's up, DO NOT sleep on this! Tell your friends, spread the word, because tickets are going to disappear!"

Mader adds: "It's a huge honor for me to take part in celebrating 'Burn My Eyes' 25th birthday! It's hard to believe this is actually happening. I feel like I won the guitar player lottery.... again! The fact that 'Burn My Eyes' is still relevant today has a lot to do with the fact that Robb has kept the band alive and strong for two and a half decades. I'm very grateful for this!"

Kontos echoes the sentiment, stating: "This is an absolute mind-blower! Playing these songs again after 23 years feels just amazing. The fact that it's 25 years later and the 'Burn My Eyes' record is still relevant and revered is humbling to say the least. Doing a huge world tour in celebration of the record is a great way to acknowledge the legacy of MACHINE HEAD's past and future. I'm so looking forward to sharing these songs with the MACHINE HEAD fans around the world. Can't wait to meet all you 'Head Cases' out there! You can be sure it is going to be a crushing night! See ya soon!”

MacEachearn is equally looking forward to the run, saying: "It's not every day that you get to pay tribute to a classic like 'Burn My Eyes' and with Logan and Chris in the mix, I'm really excited to bring something special to old and new fans alike."

Tickets go on general sale at 10 a.m. local time on Friday, March 29, with pre-sale going live at 10 a.m. on Thursday, March 28.

European tour dates:

Oct. 05 - Germany, Freiburg Sick Arena Musikclub

Oct. 07 - Holland, Tilburg 013

Oct. 09 - Denmark, Copenhagen Amager Bio

Oct. 11 - Germany, Wuerzburg Posthalle

Oct. 12 - Germany, Leipzig Haus Auensee

Oct. 14 - Germany, Bochum Ruhr Congress

Oct. 15 - Germany, Munich Zenith

Oct. 16 - Austria, Vienna Gasometer

Oct. 18 - Poland, Gdansk B90

Oct. 19 - Poland, Warsaw Progressja

Oct. 20 - Hungary, Budapest Baba Negra

Oct. 22 - Switzerland, Zurich Komplex

Oct. 23 - France, Lyon Le Radiant

Oct. 25 - Italy, Milan Live Club

Oct. 26 - Italy, Padova Hall

Oct. 27 - Luxembourg, Lux Expo

Oct. 29 - France, Paris Le Trianon

Oct. 31 - Belgium, Brussels Forest National

Nov. 02 - UK, London O2 Academy Brixton

Nov. 04 - UK, Manchester O2 Victoria Warehouse

Nov. 05 - UK, Glasgow O2 Academy

Nov. 07 - UK, Belfast Telegraph Building

Nov. 08 - Ireland, Dublin Olympia Theatre

On July 1, 1983, MANOWAR released its second album, "Into Glory Ride", an imperious statement of metallic intent and one of the most brutal, raw and punishing records ever released. From the opening assault of "Warlord" and the monumental "Gates Of Valhalla" to the devastating drama and doom-laden fury of "Hatred", and culminating in the morbid grandeur of "Revelation (Death's Angel)" and the life-affirming splendor of the closing epic "March For Revenge"… all instantly recognizable as the works of four true metal maniacs.

Forced into a somewhat rushed and compromised production — which did not prevent "Into Glory Ride" from winning a prime place in metal history — "Hail To England" followed a little over six months later. Another record packed with tracks that would soon become fan favorites; from "Bridge Of Death" or the jaw-shattering "Kill With Power" to the stirring melodies of "Hail To England" itself, and others alike.

Now these two immortal landmarks have been revived and revitalized for a completely new and improved experience.

For the "Into Glory Ride Imperial Edition MMXIX" and the "Hail To England Imperial Edition MMXIX", the original multitrack master recordings of these undisputed metal classics were transferred from analog to digital in 96kHz quality, adding the depth, the power and the clarity that could not be present in the original mixes and masters.

Remixed in MANOWAR's very own Valhalla Studios by longtime collaborator Ronald Prent utilizing the mind-boggling 27,000-watt PMC monitors and remastered by four-time Grammy Award winner Darcy Proper, these Imperial Editions are a statement of what MANOWAR are committed to deliver for their loyal followers: the royal standard of sonic bliss.

Fans will first be able to secure their "Into Glory Ride Imperial Edition MMXIX" and "Hail To England Imperial Edition MMXIX" at the merch booth during MANOWAR's "The Final Battle World Tour", starting in Frankfurt, Germany on March 29 and on all further dates on this tour leg. The albums will also be available digitally on iTunes worldwide at the same date. The rollout will then continue into retail and online stores starting May 30 and digitally on Amazon and Google Play.

HALESTORM's music video for the title track of the band's latest album, "Vicious", can be seen below.

HALESTORM frontwoman Lzzy Hale stated about the track: "'Vicious' is the song that came in at the 11th hour of finishing this record.

"We loved the word 'vicious,' but we didn't want to use it in its typical connotations. So we rebranded it to represent the strength, and power of oneself, the glory of the struggle and the victory of overcoming all you are up against. What Doesn't Kill Me, Makes Me Vicious!

"A special thanks to Emma Duchesneau for capturing my inner teenager and Tyler Merrit for his evil eye!

"We can't wait for all of you to see this video!"

Speaking about the heavier musical direction of "Vicious" compared to its predecessor, 2015's "Into The Wild Life", Lzzy told "Whiplash", the KLOS radio show hosted by Full Metal Jackie: "I think that we were just ready to do that. And I have to be completely honest with you: it wasn't necessarily a conscious choice. When we were in the studio, we literally were in a log cabin in the woods in the middle of Franklin, Tennessee, with no distractions around whatever. So we kind of were a little closed off, and we were just chasing whatever got us excited. And we happen to like heavy music. Now, in the same aspect as our last record, 'Into The Wild Life', we were chasing after something else and we were getting into certain things that we were just kind of into at the moment. And it literally was a snapshot of where we were at in our lives. So in that aspect, we didn't wanna repeat ourselves — we didn't wanna do that record again. So this was just kind of where we were at in our heads. And it's so funny, 'cause it wasn't until we started playing some new songs live against the rest of our catalog that… I remember the first time we did that, I think we started playing 'Black Vultures' a couple of months before we had finished the record, and I remember telling the guys: 'I think that we're making this heavy record compared to what we've done before. I didn't know we were really doing that.' But, honestly, I think that we were just ready to do that now. And I know as bands age and they go down that, 'Well, we're just gonna get lighter and take it easier on ourselves.' And I look at this record and I'm, like, 'We did not take it easy on ourselves at all.' [Laughs]"

HALESTORM has announced a month-long North American tour, kicking off April 12 at Ladson, South Carolina's 98 Rockfest and running through Columbus, Ohio's Sonic Temple, with dates across the continent, including a stop at Mexico City's Domination Festival in early May. PALAYE ROYALE and BEASTO BLANCO will open for HALESTORM on the run of dates.

"Vicious" was released last July via Atlantic. The disc was recorded at Nashville, Tennesse's Rock Falcon recording studio with producer Nick Raskulinecz.

HALESTORM was nominated for a "Best Rock Performance" Grammy Award for its song "Uncomfortable".

In 2012, the band won its first Grammy in the category of "Best Hard Rock/ Metal Performance" for "Love Bites (So Do I)". According to the Grammy web site, Lzzy became the first woman to earn a Grammy in the category.

Welsh "ragga metal" band SKINDRED has released a new lyric video for fan-favorite track "Loud And Clear", taken from its U.K. Top 40 hit album "Big Tings" (Napalm Records). The release comes ahead of the band's upcoming tour supporting DISTURBED and heralds exciting times for SKINDRED.

"We are currently gearing up for a very heavy year of extensive touring and are also hoping to work on writing new material in the gaps," says drummer Arya Goggin, "The track 'Loud And Clear' from 'Big Tings' was a very popular choice with our fans, so we have decided to put it out to coincide with our tour with DISTURBED.

"We hit the road with DISTURBED in April, with shows throughout Europe and the U.K., then we are literally straight into festival season; finally to round off the year we are taking the 'That's My Jam' tour to Europe (with BLOOD COMMAND as our special guest), which finishes in late December. So, in short, it's going to be a roller coaster of a year!"

"Loud And Clear" gets a gritty yet dreamy, uber-colorful urban-themed video, with neon-style lyrics on top of mesmeric clips of a spraycan-wielding graffiti painter. This is mixed with the usual energetic live footage of SKINDRED doing what they do best, killing it live with Newport Helicopters, energy, style and appeal.

SKINDRED's tour as DISTURBED's special guest runs from April 18 to May 15 and covers the nations of Europe, reaching U.K. shores on May 11, playing dates at London, Glasgow and Manchester. Many dates are already sold out.

The band's headline "That's My Jam" European tour (with special guests BLOOD COMMAND) likewise covers many nations on the continent and runs from November 29 to December 19.

The first trailer for "Humanicide", the upcoming ninth full-length album from San Francisco Bay Area thrash metal veterans DEATH ANGEL, is available below. The disc will be released on May 31 via Nuclear Blast Records.

With "Humanicide", DEATH ANGEL has maintained its throne in the universe of thrash while still managing to remain progressive in their style. They apply a wide variety of different elements to their music, always pushing to add newness to their sound. This time around they've included everything from acoustic bits to guest musicians to even (for the first time) the notes of a piano. All 10 songs flow seamlessly yet each leaves its own distinct impression.

The first single and title track, "Humanicide", triumphantly represents the entirety of the album, immediately energising the listener. Singer Mark Osegueda remarks: "I wanted to write something that metal fans could really grasp on to. Something dark and intense, that still makes sense. Right now, I think it's so apparent that the earth is in a sickened state."

Guitarist Rob Cavestany adds: "When I wrote the music for our song 'Humanicide', I was shooting for an album opener that would have all the elements of an epic thrash opus. This meant a classic metal style intro leading into a ferocious 'Bay Area Thrash Riff-o-Rama' — complete with a crazy middle build-up section to ramp up the circle pit until it's all whipped up into a frenzy by the time the frenetic guitar solo hits, then concluding with a maniacal musical section leading into the outro. All it needed was the lyrics and vocal delivery to match the intensity and Mark went above and beyond the call of duty. Some of his best work, in my opinion. One of my favorite DA songs, for sure, it feels like the follow-up to our song 'Thrown To The Wolves'. Can't wait to play it live."

For the fourth album cycle in a row, DEATH ANGEL returned to producer and friend Jason Suecof (DEICIDE, TRIVIUM) of Audiohammer studios for the recording and mixing, along with the mastering of the legendary Ted Jensen (SLIPKNOT, PANTERA) of Sterling Sound, who added the final touches and brought it all to life, with artist Brent Elliott White (LAMB OF GOD, MEGADETH) providing the ominous cover artwork.


Adds Cavestany: "I'm ecstatic to present DEATH ANGEL's ninth studio album, 'Humanicide'. This collection of songs represents the band in its current state — united, vital, intense and (still) hungry like the wolf! I wanted this record to be quite diverse stylistically while obviously keeping with the parameters of metal. DA has been known to push the envelope and we absolutely did this time. So many emotions are expressed through our music, I'm very much looking forward to adding these songs into our live set list. As I savor this rare feeling of satisfaction, we proudly unleash this beast upon thee."

"Humanicide" track listing:

01. Humanicide

02. Divine Defector

03. Aggressor

04. I Came For Blood

05. Immortal Behated

06. Alive and Screaming

07. The Pack

08. Ghost of Me

09. Revelation Song

10. Of Rats and Men

11. The Day I Walked Away (bonus track)

DEATH ANGEL will celebrate the record's release by undertaking a European tour later this year, which includes a U.K. performance at Bloodstock Open Air on August 9.

Less than two years since the release of "The Missing Peace" — the first L.A. GUNS album since 2002's "Waking The Dead" to feature founding guitarist Tracii Guns and vocalist Phil Lewis — the group will issue a follow-up effort, "The Devil You Know", on March 29 via Frontiers Music Srl.

The official music video for "The Devil You Know" title track can be seen below.

Sonically, "The Devil You Know" covers a lot of ground and incorporates influences from BLACK SABBATH to LED ZEPPELIN to KYUSS to THE HELLICOPTERS, all while distinctly sounding like L.A. GUNS. The band is rejuvenated and inspired after relentless touring and is taking no prisoners.

"After the success of 'The Missing Peace', a lot of people requested that the next record stay on track with the more metal side of the band's music, which is my personal favorite side of the band," says Guns. He continues: "I drew from my typical influences of NWOBHM [New Wave Of British Heavy Metal], while still not forgetting my earlier influences of the late '60s and early '70s."

"It's loaded with attitude and most of it bad," says Lewis of the album's lyrical content. You want a love song — [fuck] off and listen to JOURNEY. They say write about what you know, and lord knows we've all known some evil bitches and dudes that have gone out of their way to make life difficult for us. We say unanimously from the whole band — [fuck] you, we're going places you could only dream about. We know what it's like to be put down, poked, ridiculed... but guess what, looks like we get the last laugh. This band has always been fueled by adrenaline and anger and this record is a glimpse inside the carnival of rage that dwells deep inside our collective souls. Not much sunshine and hold tight to your lollipop... This is gonna be a fast, loud, bumpy ride!"

"The Devil You Know" track listing:

01. Rage

02. Stay Away

03. Loaded Bomb

04. The Devil You Know

05. Needle To The Bone

06. Going High

07. Gone Honey

08. Don't Need To Win

09. Down That Hole

10. Another Season In Hell

11. Boom (bonus track; CD and digital only)

When "The Missing Peace" was released in October of 2017, it added a new and unexpected chapter to the long and often confusing history of L.A. GUNS, who, along with W.A.S.P., are the longest-running, continuously active group of the 1980s Sunset Strip scene.

Since being founded by guitarist Guns and drummer Rob Gardner in 1983, more than 50 musicians have performed under the L.A. GUNS moniker, including Axl Rose (who fronted the group prior to forming HOLLYWOOD ROSE, and then again for a brief period after that band's breakup), Ralph Saenz (better known as Michael Starr of STEEL PANTHER), Jizzy Pearl (LOVE/HATE, QUIET RIOT), Chuck Garric (ALICE COOPER), Chris Holmes (W.A.S.P.) and Keri Kelli (NIGHT RANGER, RATT).

In 1987 — two years after Guns left the original lineup of GUNS N' ROSES to restart L.A. GUNS with a group of musicians, including Mick Cripps — the band 's "classic lineup" was solidified with the additions of vocalist Lewis (GIRL), bassist Kelly Nickels and drummer Steve Riley (W.A.S.P.). Those five members appeared on the group's first three albums — its eponymous 1988 debut, 1989's "Cocked & Loaded" and 1991's "Hollywood Vampires".

When Riley left the band in 1992, it began a rotating door lineup that continues in full force in 2019. The group's current lineup officially features Guns, Lewis, drummer Scot Coogan, bassist Johnny Martin and bassist-turned-guitarist Adam Hamilton, who played with the band from 2001 to 2007 and rejoined last year after the departure of Johnny Monaco (ENUFF Z'NUFF). Because Hamilton is unable to tour extensively, however, the group announced that FASTER PUSSYCAT guitarist Ace Von Johnson will join them on longer tours.

The first look at the new Ronnie James Dio hologram that will make its U.S. live debut on June 1 is available below.

The legendary heavy metal singer died in 2010 at the age of 67 from stomach cancer. His hologram made its debut at the Wacken Open Air festival in August 2016 in front of more than 75,000 fans.

The Dio hologram production uses audio of Ronnie's live performances from throughout his career, with the DIO DISCIPLES band playing live, consisting of Simon Wright on drums, Craig Goldy on guitar, and Scott Warren on keyboards, along with Bjorn Englen on bass. Also appearing with them are former JUDAS PRIEST singer Tim "Ripper" Owens and ex-LYNCH MOB frontman Oni Logan.

After the tour's initial seven-date run was completed in December 2017, Ronnie's hologram underwent "some changes" before the launch of the next leg of the "Dio Returns" world tour.

Hologram production company Eyellusion, which created the Dio hologram, recently signed with the Agency for the Performing Arts (APA), represented by agency partner Steve Martin.

"The big question when we first toured Dio through Europe was 'Is anyone actually going to show up?'" Eyellusion CEO Jeff Pezzuti told Billboard. "We sold out the last three shows in Europe and we did really, really well. We're such believers in what we were doing and we're all such massive fans — in my sixth-grade class picture, I'm wearing a DIO shirt, so you can imagine taking this all the way across the finish line has been a dream come true."

Ronnie's widow and longtime manager, Wendy Dio, who is a member of the Eyellusion team, previously said that the people that criticize the Ronnie James Dio hologram should at least see it in person before voicing their disapproval. "Don't criticize it if you haven't seen it," she told "Whiplash", the KLOS radio show hosted by Full Metal Jackie. "It's done with love. The band love doing it. And we just wanna keep Ronnie's memory and his music alive."

She added that a digital version of Dio makes perfect sense. "I think that Ronnie was an innovator of heavy metal music, so why not be an innovator of technology?" she said. "And I think technology is coming a long way with holograms — a lot of people are doing it now. And I think the reason is because we are losing all of our innovators; everybody is getting older. And we need to keep them alive and keep their memory and their music alive. I think it's a new way. It's like when people first came out with a CD or a cassette: 'Ooh, we don't want that.' But then it was the way of technology."

U.K. rockers THE QUIREBOYS will release their new album, "Amazing Disgrace", on April 5 via Off Yer Rocka. The official lyric video for the disc's first single, "Seven Deadly Sins", can be seen below.

On their essential new album, THE QUIREBOYS amazed themselves. "The new music has surpassed all of my expectations," admitted longtime guitarist Guy Griffin. "It's the most diverse album we've ever done," added fellow six-stringer Paul Guerin. And for a band celebrating its 35th anniversary in 2019, that's saying something.


"Amazing Disgrace" is the sixth QUIREBOYS album in seven years but quality over quantity remains the mantra. Twelve typically frank and familiarly evocative rock and roll classics soundtrack a band at the peak of its creative powers.


And the decision to lay down "Amazing Grace" at the world famous Rockfield Studios turned out to be an inspired decision as the weight of history created a unique pressure on a band determined to evolve.


"Getting everyone together at one of the most iconic studios in the world has definitely given the new music a different vibe," said Griffin. "Everyone was a lot more up for it because each band member felt so involved in the process.


"I was actually more apprehensive than usual going in to the studio. I didn't know how things would turn out but the music we came out with was better than anyone could have expected.


"We're at the point in our career where we don't really give a shit what anyone else thinks! I don't mean that in a negative way but we write songs that we can play with freedom within a live show.


"As Paul says, 'Amazing Disgrace' is one of our most diverse records yet. I don't think there's anything we can't do or that we wouldn't try. The last few records have proved that."


Guerin conceded that treading in the revered footsteps of Freddie Mercury, Brian May et al across the hallowed Rockfield turf was an unforgettable experience in its own right. Emerging from the studio with an album prepped to take on all-comers in 2019 was the icing on the cake.


"You come out of the front door and on the right handside you can see up to the window of the room where Freddie Mercury wrote 'Bohemian Rhapsody'," added Guerin. "Look up again and you can see the weather vane referenced in the song.


"If you're of a certain vintage, it's just mind-blowing. I was like a kid in a sweetshop. And if you can't draw inspiration from recording in that environment, then you're probably in the wrong job!"

Guerin is clearly in the right job. And the job satisfaction will surely spike again when THE QUIREBOYS headline a special one-off show celebrating 35 years as self-styled rock and roll rebels.

The band returns to London's O2 Kentish Forum on September 14 and the two-hour 35th-anniversary special will feature iconic album "A Bit Of What You Fancy" played in its entirety for the first time ever. Fans will be treated to the best of "Amazing Grace" and choice cuts from a bulging back catalog of hits and masterpieces.


"It's always time for a party where THE QUIREBOYS are concerned," said frontman Spike. "But even by our standards, this looks like being one hell of a party!"

Former MANOWAR guitarist David Shankle is scheduled to undergo surgery next week after doctors found a tumor in his head during a recent brain scan.

Shankle revealed his health battle on March 23 in a post on his Facebook page. He wrote: "I have to deal with some serious medical issues. I have found out on Monday [March 18] that I have a tumor in my head and I have surgery scheduled for April 1st. Doctors are trying to get me in sooner. At this point, [it] is too early to talk about bening, or malign... we shall see.

"After five hand surgeries, [it] seems like nothing compared to this.

"I must kill this beast that is inside me and continue on like a Viking warrior that I am. I will never stop.

"I will win this new battle, the biggest one yet that is in front of me, and until then, please send me your best thoughts and positive energy because I need it.

"I will read all of your comments, but at the moment have no time to get back to you guys. Please respect that and don't feel bad if I don't get back to you shortly as I always do.

"My project with FEANOR doesn't change. The album is in the middle of the mixing process and you all can be sure of something... that record will be something really special, not only for me, but for all of you as well.

"Thanks all of you one more time for your immense love. You know that I love you all.

"Please send me your positive energy and let's fight this shit together one more time, back to back, like true brothers of metal."

David was a member of MANOWAR from 1988 to 1994, playing on the epic album "The Triumph Of Steel" and co-writing "Master Of The Wind", "The Burning", "Ride The Dragon" and "Demon's Whip". David left in 1994, after countless sold-out tours all over the world, and attended Roosevelt Music University in Chicago to improve his jazz and classical guitar skills.

Last fall, Shankle posted a statement on his Facebook page in which he revealed that he has composed the sequel to "The Triumph Of Steel' and that he was recording these songs with a band called FEANOR.

Photo courtesy of France's Duke TV


Announcement: Now for the BAD NEWS..

I have to deal with some serious medical issues. I have found out on Monday that I...Posted by David Shankle on Saturday, March 23, 2019

Finnish epic speed metallers Chevalier will release their full-length debut album, Destiny Calls, April 26th on Gates of Hell Records. Check out new track, "Stormbringer", below.

Destiny Calls is separatist speed/epic metal from the frozen climes of Finland that relishes in the unexpected while giving metal fans exactly what they want. Chevalier whips up ferocious speed metal while stretching itself out with epic song arrangements, all capped off by the not-for-the-faint-of-heart vocals of Emma Grönqvist. 

Bands are often the sum of their influences. Some wear them on their sleeves almost too much, where every riff, vocal line and drumbeat is practically telegraphed, thus, negating any sort of individuality. Others, like Finland’s Chevalier are masterful at disguising what brought them into the metal game in the first place. While their avoidance of genre clichés and norms is commendable, it’s the band’s ability to push the envelope while maintaining an air-tight grip on memorable songwriting that makes their first full-length, Destiny Calls, the intrepid endeavor it is. 

Recorded across two separate sessions in November 2018 at Black Floyd Analog Studio in Hämeenkyrö, Chevalier made it a point to ensure the rough and ragged atmosphere found on last year’s Chapitre II EP was captured. The album’s nine cuts — including a re-recording of The Curse Of The Dead Star from Chapitre II — find Chevalier weaving between their speed metal template and labyrinthine song arrangements. It’s a difficult balance to strike, but the band (vocalist Emma Grönqvist, the guitar tandem of Tommi and Mikko, bassist Sebastian Bergman and drummer Joel) found a formula that works for them, namely, the usage of momentous intro segments to kick off each song. From there, it’s off to the races with a deft combination of old-school metal savvy influenced by underrated metal heroes ADX and Omen, mixed with progressive song builds. 

Grönqvist, handpicked to front Chevalier because of her superlative range and the band’s desire to avoid having a generic “metal karaoke” vocalist, is critical to the overall sound of Destiny Calls. She capably controls her powerful lungs on “The Immurement,” “Road of Light” and “Stormbringer,” while teaming up with Tommi on the album’s lyrics, which deal with themes of life, death, freedom and destiny.  

Even though Chevalier is firmly embedded in Finland’s capital of Helsinki, they see themselves as outsiders in a fertile, growing scene. Fitting in or going with current trends is contrary to Chevalier's overall purpose, who, admittedly, are less concerned with recreating the sounds of yore and more inclined to carve a path of their own. It shines through on Destiny Calls, an album that breaks with convention while setting an entirely new speed metal pace.

Tracklisting:

“Introduction”
“The Immurement”
“The Curse Of The Dead Star”
“Road Of Light”
“…As The Clouds Gather”
“Stormbringer”
“In The Grip Of Night”
“Prelude To The End”
“A Warrior’s Lament”

"Stormbringer":

Destiny Calls by Chevalier




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New Zealand death metal trio, Ulcerate, have joined the Debemur Morti Productions roster.

Issues the band of the new union, "We are extremely happy to be moving head-first into this next chapter with a partnership that aligns so clearly with our own vision. Debemur Morti has always been in our peripheral gaze - the attention to detail and high level of curation is second-to-none."

Death metal has always had roots in themes of humanity, darkness, and oppression, but when Ulcerate formed in Auckland, New Zealand in 2000, their unconventional approach to the genre quickly redefined the meaning of those concepts throughout death metal and beyond. The trio's distinctive treatment of dynamics alongside in-depth lyrical content established the band as a formidable force long before they became the standard-bearers for a new era of death metal, one defined by meticulous passages of understated melodic sensibilities and jarring, tooth-scraping dissonance. The band's inexorable march from 2007's Of Fracture And Failure (2007) to the unparalleled Shrines Of Paralysis (2016) has been terrifying. And it appears the best is yet to come.

Further details on the band's as-yet-untitled new full-length will be released in the months to come. In the meantime, don't miss Ulcerate on their upcoming European tour set to commence April 10 and run through April 21. The trek includes an appearance on this year's edition of Roadburn. See all confirmed dates below.

April
10 - IF Performance Hall Besiktas - Istanbul, TR
11 - Roadburn Festival 2019 - Tilburg, NL
11 - B52 The Club - Bucharest, RO
12 - Armageddon Descends VI - Vilnius, LT
17 - The Grand Social - Dublin, IE
18 - Audio - Glasgow, UK
19 - The Star And Garter - Manchester, UK
20 - Nambucca - London, UK
21 - Exchange - Bristol, UK




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Swedish collective Thenighttimeproject - founded by current and former members of Katatonia, October Tide, and Letters From The Colony - has announced the details of their impending second LP, Pale Season, now confirmed for release through Debemur Morti Productions on June 28th. The album's artwork, track listing, and other details have been posted.

Melancholic progressive rock quartet Thenighttimeproject is comprised of Fredrik and Mattias Norrman, (guitars and bass, respectively), who spent fifteen years in Katatonia, and are now also active in October Tide, as well as guitarist/vocalist Alexander Backlund and drummer Jonas Sköld, who both also currently hold rank in Letters From The Colony.

The album title, Pale Season - despite what some might think - does not refer to the eight months where the weather in Sweden is a signature grey. Instead, it refers to those less-colorful patches of memory - years that fly by without anything spectacular happening, which pale in comparison to the vividness of one's childhood or the early days of romance. This, in other words, is an album for all those moments lost in between the extremes of the emotional spectrum. Elements of Porcupine Tree, Opeth, Anathema, Katatonia, and A Perfect Circle combine to create a record that is sublime in every way. A paean to melancholia, Pale Season is also not without its moments of physical and emotional heft and will launch Thenighttimeproject on to the international stage.

Guitarist Fredrik Norrman comments, "I'm very pleased to finally be able to give some info over what we've been doing the past year. This is easily one of the best albums I've ever been part of. Very proud of what we've managed to achieve."

Pale Season was recorded at Valley Sound Studio/Nailvillage, mixed by Alexander Backlund at Nailvillage, mastered by Tony Lindgren at Fascination Street Studios, and completed with cover art by Denis Forkas and design by Kadriel Betsen.

Debemur Morti Productions will release Thenighttimeproject's Pale Season on CD, LP, and all digital platforms on June 28th. Stand by for audio previews, preorders, and much more to be issued in the weeks ahead.

Tracklisting:

“Hound”
“Rotting Eden”
“Binary”
“Final Light”
“Embers”
“Pale Season”
“Anti Meridian”
“Signals In The Sky”
“Meridian”

“Anti Meridian” video:

Thenighttimeproject:
Alexander Backlund - guitars, vocals
Fredrik Norrman - guitars
Mattias Norrman - bass
Jonas Sköld - drums




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Jimmy Kay from Canada's The Metal Voice recently spoke to legendary guitarist Michael Schenker. Schenker spoke about his upcoming new Michael Schenker Fest studio album the musical direction and guests, the second leg of the tour that is beginning in April 2019, the sad passing of his drummer Ted Mckenna and comments on his and his brother Rudolf’s relationship.

When asked if there will be any news guests on the new album:

 "Yes, I don't know how much I can say, but on the 23rd of August we have some really cool surprises coming up. Michael Voss wrote four songs that was supposed to be used as the all singer songs but only used three; he then had this idea to have Ronnie Romero to sing on the fourth song, who he worked with before and who sings for Ritchie Blackmore and it turned out fantastic, incredible. It's Called, ‘We Are The Voice.'  I also wanted to put a Japanese guitarist on our Japanese album bonus track for Japan. So I chose the guitarist of Loudness, Akira Takasaki is jamming on one part of the song."

Michael Schenker Fest will kick off their US tour on April 15th at the Whisky A Go Go. The trek will include performances in Vancouver, Chicago, and New York before concluding on May 18th in Austin, TX. Check out a new tour trailer below.

North American tour dates:

April
15 - West Hollywood, CA - Whisky a Go Go
16 - West Hollywood, CA - Whisky a Go Go
17 - West Hollywood, CA - Whisky a Go Go
19 - San Francisco, CA - Palace of Fine Arts
20 - Sacramento, CA - Ace of Spades
21 - Portland, OR - Revolution Hall
22 - Vancouver, BC - Vogue Theatre
24 - Calgary, AB - The Palace Theatre
27 - Englewood, CO - Gothic Theatre
28 - Kansas City, MO - The Truman
30 - Louisville, KY - The Bourbon Hall

May
2 - Kalamazoo, MI - State Theatre
3 - Milwaukee, WI - The Pabst Theater
4 - Chicago, IL - Concord Music Hall
5 - Ft. Wayne, IN - Piere’s Entertainment Center
7 - Toronto, ON - Danforth Music Hall
9 - Albany, NY - The Egg
10 - Worcester, MA - Palladium
11 - New York, NY - Irving Plaza
12 - Westbury, NY - The Space at Westbury
14 - Baltimore, MD - Rams Head Live!
15 - Richmond, VA - The National
16 - Atlanta, GA - Variety Playhouse
18 - Austin, TX - Empire Garage




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American thrash metallers, Sacred Reich, have finished recording their new studio album - a first in 23 years - entitled Awakening. The album is due this summer. A first new song called "Don't Do It Donnie" will be released April 19 on a split 7" with Iron Reagan.

Comments Phil Rind: "We are stoked to do a split with Iron Reagan. When we began as a band in 1986 we were influenced lyrically by punk bands and the Reagan era. This is a great way to get back to our roots. The song is a heavy and cheeky middle finger to the politics of today. You'd think we'd have learned by now. There is a reason our first record is called 'Ignorance'."

Iron Reagan are participating with the exclusive song "They Scream". There will be 1,000 black copies avialable of the 7" and nothing else. Pre-order from EMP or eBay.

The new Sacred Reich album, Awakening, has been recorded with producer Arthur Rizk and engineer John Aquilino at The Platinum Underground in Arizona. More details on Awakening shortly.

Sacred Reich's tour schedule can be found here.

(Photo - Stephanie Cabral)




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Cult melodic rock/AOR heroes, Fortune, are back with a new studio album, II, due for release on April 26th via Frontiers Music Srl. Pre-order the album here, and watch a video for the song "Freedom Road", below.

The seeds of Fortune were planted by brothers Richard and Mick Fortune, who came from a family of professional musicians. Their mother was a singer and their father a singer and bassist. Richard started playing the guitar when he was 16 and went on to play guitar and tour with the likes of Buddy Miles, Booker T & The MGs, and Spirit, while Mick started out as an accordion, keyboard, and trombone player before switching to drums. The brothers formed Fortune in the '70s and cut a self-titled album, Fortune for Warner Brothers in 1978, but by 1982 had totally revamped the group. A key acquisition for the new version of the band being the recruitment of Roger Scott Craig. A classically trained pianist from the age of 8, the Irish born keyboard player was previously known for a successful stint with the Scouse pop group Liverpool Express in the '70s. The lineup was rounded out by Larry 'L.A.' Greene, also of Top Gun soundtrack fame, on vocals and Detroit area session player and Elton John bassist Bob Birch.

Fortune eventually released their second self-titled album in 1985 (not to be confused with the 1978 album) to a warm reception, especially in Japan and Europe. It is still highly regarded today by fans of the genre as being a crucial AOR/melodic rock release of the time period. For many fans, it is indeed considered one of the best, if not THE best AOR album of all-time. While this is of course very much open to debate, the reality is that Fortune’s album is one of those lost gems from yesteryear that has aged like fine wine while the years have passed.

Camel/MCA Records (the same label that had, at the time, launched Night Ranger and Giuffria to stardom) was the label home for the '85 album, but unexpectedly declared bankruptcy for undisclosed reasons not long after the release and refused to give up the masters of the album, making an album re-release impossible until fairly recently. The band remained silent for years and while Larry Greene and Roger Scott Craig started working together with the band Harlan Cage (who released several albums in the second half of the 90’s and early 00’s), the Fortune brothers started the band back up again as a trio in 2006, until a proper band reunion happened in 2016 when the band performed at the Rockingham Music Festival that same year and then - thanks to the acclaim that followed that performance - in 2017 as well. These appearances ultimately led to discussions with Frontiers about a new studio album, "II". Fortune hasn't lost a step and their new studio album promises to be one of the AOR highlights of 2019!

The band will also perform live at Frontiers Rock Festival on April 28th in Milan, Italy.

Tracklisting:

"Don’t Say You Love Me"
"Shelter Of The Night"
"Freedom Road"
"A Little Drop Of Poison (For Amy W.)"
"What A Fool I’ve Been"
"Overload "
"Heart Of Stone"
"The Night"
"New Orleans"
"All The Right Moves"

"Freedom Road" video:

"Shelter Of The Night":

Lineup:

Mick Fortune - Drums
Richard Fortune - Guitar
Larry Greene - Vocals
Ricky Rat - Bass
Mark Nilan - Keyboards




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