KISS have posted video of their "Black Diamond" performance at Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, CT on March 24th. Check it out below.

KISS icons Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley recently spoke with Guitar World about the band's ongoing End Of The Road tour. An excerpt from the interview is available below.

GW: It’s no secret that fans are hoping to see the original KISS lineup, with Ace and Peter, reunite somehow, somewhere, on this tour.

Simmons: "Well, let me address that. You know, in life, mother nature is nonjudgmental. Whether you’re a baby and have never experienced life or whether you’re old and grey and have gone through the trials and tribulations, both of you, when you put your hand into the fire, get burned equally. So life doesn’t give you three chances. You get one chance. But Ace and Peter have gotten three chances. They were in and out of the band — fired — three times. For drugs, alcohol, bad behavior, being unprofessional… all the clichés are clichés. Even suicide is overrated. It’s been done many times. So the only reason Ace and Peter were let go the first time, and then the second time and then the third time, is that they weren’t carrying their load. You can’t be in a car with two flat tires. It’s not going to go anywhere. It’s your responsibility to change the fucking tires so that the whole car doesn’t stop. It’s nothing personal. Because remember — being in a band is a gift. You hardly work. Physically, anyway. So the short answer to your question is we’d love to have Ace and Peter join us here and there. And if they don’t, it’s not going to be because of us. But they’re never going to be in KISS again."

GW: That’s pretty definitive.

Simmons: "Three times is the charm. 'I promise I’ll pull out' doesn’t work. It’s the boy who cried wolf : 'Oh, I’ve been straight for a million years.' Terrific! Have a good life! Would we welcome Ace or Peter to jump up onstage for a song or two? Of course. Could we depend on either Ace or Peter to do a full set night after night? Not on your fucking life."

Read the complete interview here.

Find the End Of The Road tour itinerary here.




(function() {
var zergnet = document.createElement('script');
zergnet.type = 'text/javascript'; zergnet.async = true;
zergnet.src = (document.location.protocol == "https:" ? "https:" : "http:") + '//www.zergnet.com/zerg.js?id=70729';
var znscr = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0];
znscr.parentNode.insertBefore(zergnet, znscr);
})();

Lee McKinney is already well-known, per his band Born Of Osiris, but now McKinney showcases his true well-rounded guitar song-writing arsenal with the expansive solo release Infinite Mind, which is set for a March 29th via Sumerian Records. With Infinite Mind, McKinney taps into a number of varied musical styles with each track and this all-instrumental offering is an exciting ride from start to finish.

The "heaviest" track on the record, "A Neverending Explosion", is now available for streaming below. 

McKinney: "'A Neverending Explosion' is a song that I feel really showcases a lot of what Infinite Mind is. This track has the 'heaviest' metal style vibe by far, but it also showcases the soft and emotional feelings that really make this record personal and special to me. There’s also a ton of clean guitar and saxophone on the record. There are heavy and aggressive moments as well. This specific track gives you a lot the elements of Infinite Mind wrapped into a 3 minute and 45 second package."

"The Sun And The Wind"

Find pre-order bundles at Sumerian Records.




(function() {
var zergnet = document.createElement('script');
zergnet.type = 'text/javascript'; zergnet.async = true;
zergnet.src = (document.location.protocol == "https:" ? "https:" : "http:") + '//www.zergnet.com/zerg.js?id=70729';
var znscr = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0];
znscr.parentNode.insertBefore(zergnet, znscr);
})();

Fan-filmed video footage of PHILIP H. ANSELMO & THE ILLEGALS, the project led by the former PANTERA and current DOWN/SUPERJOINT frontman, performing the PANTERA classic "I'm Broken" on March 22 in Melbourne, Australia can be seen below. Joining THE ILLEGALS on backing vocals were Matt Young of KING PARROT and Toshihiko Takahashi of PALM.

Anselmo spoke to Australia's Heavy magazine about his decision to play a number of PANTERA songs during the recent North American tour with PHILIP H. ANSELMO & THE ILLEGALS.

"This past year has been pretty rough as far as the PANTERA camp goes," he said. "So, with Vinnie's [Paul, PANTERA drummer] passing, I figure, this past year, why not play some of the old songs that people wanna hear and have been asking to hear for a long time. So that's been a different spin on the set, man. And once again, I can't say enough about my guys around me… Mike DeLeon, my guitar player, is really a death metal player, and Blue [José Manuel Gonzalez], my drummer, he comes from death metal roots, and everybody expands, but to ask them to do this PANTERA stuff, it was big, man — it was really big. So, big props to them, man."

Asked if performing classic PANTERA songs brings up good memories or bad memories for him, Anselmo said: "When I'm onstage, it's all good. And I will say there have been some bizarre moments. What freaks me out is the younger audience — the kids whose parents grew up as PANTERA fans in the house. It's amazing. Seeing the youngsters come in and go bananas, man — it's inspiring, man. Yeah, you know, strange feelings here and there, but overall, the payoff's been great."

Up until his death in June 2018, Vinnie remained on non-speaking terms with Anselmo, whom the drummer indirectly blamed for the death of PANTERA guitarist "Dimebag" Darrell Abbott, who was his brother.

Vinnie Paul and Dimebag co-founded PANTERA. When PANTERA broke up in 2003, they formed DAMAGEPLAN. On December 8, 2004, while performing with DAMAGEPLAN at the Alrosa Villa in Columbus, Ohio, Dimebag was shot and killed onstage by a troubled schizophrenic who believed that the members of PANTERA were stealing his thoughts.

Video credit: Housecore Man

Crowned In Frost is the new album from Frozen Crown, coming a year after the debut The Fallen King, which gave the band huge media exposure and brought a deal with international booking agency Nine Lives Entertainment, amongst many other accomplishments.

This time, mastermind and songwriter Federico Mondelli amplified the classic/heavy and power metal components of the band, making Crowned In Frost an aggressive and monolithic album from the very beginning, still keeping the listener engaged with its rich sound and wide variety of songs, including instrumental interludes and outstanding female vocals, brought to life by talented Giada "Jade" Etro.

Check out the official video for new song "Neverending" below.

As with the first album, Federico wrote the music and recorded all guitars and keyboards (being an all-round artist he designed the beautiful artwork as well) for Crowwned In Frost, whilst the drum parts were arranged by drummer Alberto Mezzanotte. Lyrics are once again the result of the joint efforts of Giada and Federico. Production duties have been handled by Andrea Fusini.

Crowned In Frost broadens Frozen Crown’s musical landscape still keeping intact an uncommon taste for melody and catchy refrains. The album was released on March 22nd via Scarlet Records.

Tracklisting:

"Arctic Gales"
"Neverending"
"In The Dark"
"Battles In The Night"
"Winterfall"
"Unspoken"
"Lost In Time"
"The Wolf And The Maiden"
"Forever"
"Enthroned"
"Crowned In Frost"

(Photo - Frozen Crown Facebook)




(function() {
var zergnet = document.createElement('script');
zergnet.type = 'text/javascript'; zergnet.async = true;
zergnet.src = (document.location.protocol == "https:" ? "https:" : "http:") + '//www.zergnet.com/zerg.js?id=70729';
var znscr = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0];
znscr.parentNode.insertBefore(zergnet, znscr);
})();

Original BLACK SABBATH drummer Bill Ward performed the band's classic song "Children Of The Grave" live for the first time in 13 years last night (Tuesday, March 19) at the Whisky A Go Go in West Hollywood, California as part of a tribute to Randy Rhoads's last concert. He was joined on stage by bassist James LoMenzo (MEGADETH, BLACK LABEL SOCIETY), guitarist Ira Black (DARK SKY CHOIR, I AM MORBID, METAL CHURCH) and vocalist Dewey Bragg (KILL DEVIL HILL, DAY OF ERRORS).

Video footage of Ward's appearance can be seen below (courtesy of Jessica Chase).

Also appearing on the bill were Frankie Banali (QUIET RIOT), Phil Sandoval (ARMORED SAINT), Steve Smyth (TESTAMENT, NEVERMORE, ONE MACHINE), Derek Abrams (MINISTRY), "Ultimate Jam Night" founder Chuck Wright (QUIET RIOT), Monte Pittman (PRONG, MADONNA) and Matt Starr (MR. BIG, ACE FREHLEY). Kelle and Kathy Rhoads were surprise guests. The program was hosted by THE SWEET's Paulie Z.

Ward was on board for the SABBATH reunion when it was first announced more than seven years ago, 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.

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 in 2017 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."

SLIPKNOT's singles "Snuff", "Before I Forget" and "Wait And Bleed" have just been certified platinum (one million units; each unit is equal to 1 paid download or 150 streams) by the RIAA (Recording Industry Association Of America). These mark the first-ever platinum single certifications for the Iowa-based masked metallers.

"Snuff" is taken off SLIPKNOT's platinum-certified 2008 album "All Hope Is Gone". It was the final single released from the band before the death of bassist Paul Gray and the departure of drummer Joey Jordison. During recent solo acoustic shows, Corey Taylor has performed an acoustic version of "Snuff" as a tribute to Paul Gray.

"Before I Forget" was included on 2004's "Vol. 3: (The Subliminal Verses)" album. The track went on win the 2006 Grammy Award in the "Best Metal Performance" category.

"Wait And Bleed" originally appeared on SLIPKNOT's 1999 double-platinum self-titled debut album. The song earned SLIPKNOT its first Grammy nomination in 2001 for "Best Metal Performance," though it lost to DEFTONES' "Elite".

In February 2016, the RIAA began including on-demand audio and video streams and a track sale equivalent in determining which releases get the coveted album awards, a change that followed a similar tweak in 2013 to include on-demand streams for its Digital Single Award.

As part of the new rules, 1,500 streams count as an album unit. This move came on the heels of its 2013 alteration to its Gold Single award where it announced that 100 streams would count as a single download, and in January 2016 had upped that ratio to 150 streams in recognition of how streaming had grown.

SLIPKNOT's long-awaited sixth album is due on August 9. The disc is once again being recorded at a Los Angeles studio with producer Greg Fidelman, who engineered and mixed "Vol. 3: (The Subliminal Verses)" and helmed 2014's ".5: The Gray Chapter".

SLIPKNOT's "Knotfest Roadshow" headline tour will take place in North America this summer. VOLBEAT, GOJIRA and BEHEMOTH will join as special guests on all dates.

Produced by Live Nation, the 29-city outing will kick off July 26 in Mountain View, California at Shoreline Amphitheater and continue through September 8 where it will conclude with a performance at Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion in The Woodlands, Texas.

Switzerland's Cellar Darling performed songs from their upcoming album, The Spell, live in an exclusive and intimate setting, at the YouTube Space London, followed by a Q&A session. Watch the video below:

Cellar Darling will release their new concept masterpiece, The Spell, which tells the story of a girl who falls in love with death, on March 22nd.

Pre-orders for The Spell are available now; you can get the album as a 2 CD-digibook (featuring 13 songs + an audiobook of Anna Murphy telling the story behind the concept), black vinyl or digitally at this location.

Tracklisting:

"Pain"
"Death"
"Love"
"The Spell"
"Burn"
"Hang"
"Sleep"
"Insomnia"
"Freeze"
"Fall"
"Drown"
"Love Pt. II"
"Death Pt. II"

"Drown" video:

"Death" video:

"The Spell" video:

"Insomnia" video:

Grab the first chance to see the songs performed live on the March/April 2019 European tour, with more shows being confirmed. Tickets are available here.

Tour dates:

March
21 - Sheffield, UK - Studio
22 - Pwllheli, UK - Hammerfest
23 - Cardiff, UK - The Globe
24 - Birmingham, UK - Hare & Hounds
26 - Norwich, UK - The Waterfront Studio
27 - Hull, UK - The Welly 2
28 - Glasgow, UK - Audio
29 - Dublin, Ireland - On The Rox
30 - Manchester, UK - Academy 3
31 - London, UK - The Jazz Café Camden

April
2 - Utrecht, Netherlands - De Helling
7 - Retorbido (PV), Italy - Dagda Live Club
9 - Rome, Italy - Traffic Live
27 - Bruguières, France - Echoes & Merveilles Festival

May
2- Winterthur, Switzerland - Salzhaus
4 - Solothurn, Switzerland - Kulturfabrik Kofmehl

June
13 - Interlaken, Switzerland - Greenfield Festival




(function() {
var zergnet = document.createElement('script');
zergnet.type = 'text/javascript'; zergnet.async = true;
zergnet.src = (document.location.protocol == "https:" ? "https:" : "http:") + '//www.zergnet.com/zerg.js?id=70729';
var znscr = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0];
znscr.parentNode.insertBefore(zergnet, znscr);
})();

Shadow Kingdom Records has announce the signing of Savage Master. The first fruit of this union shall be the American band's third album, titled Myth, Magic & Steel, which is expected to see release through Shadow Kingdom this autumn on CD, vinyl LP, and cassette tape formats.

One of the most exciting and electrifying bands in today's occult heavy metal scene, for the past six years, Savage Master have swiftly built an impressive canon of work over the course of two cult albums, one EP, one single, and especially their over-the-top live shows.

The band was founded in 2013 by guitarist Adam Neal and vocalist Stacey Savage, so inspired by their love of heavy metal and horror. Soon enough, a mysterious spectacle was created, and it bore the name Savage Master. From there, the band began their assured ascent through the underground, touring non-stop across North America and Europe, playing such festivals: as Keep It True, Hell Over Hammaburg, Legions Of Metal, Frost and Fire, Ragnarokkr, Hells Heroes and many more, and now landing themselves an album deal with longtime fans Shadow Kingdom.

"Savage Master is proud to announce signing with Shadow Kingdom Records," says Stacey Savage. "We feel this label is a great fit for our vision as we look onward toward the journey ahead with our third full-length album, Myth, Magic & Steel."

The release date, cover art, and tracklisting for Savage Master's Myth, Magic & Steel will be announced shortly.

For further details, visit Savage Master on Facebook.




(function() {
var zergnet = document.createElement('script');
zergnet.type = 'text/javascript'; zergnet.async = true;
zergnet.src = (document.location.protocol == "https:" ? "https:" : "http:") + '//www.zergnet.com/zerg.js?id=70729';
var znscr = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0];
znscr.parentNode.insertBefore(zergnet, znscr);
})();

L.A. GUNS has parted ways with drummer Shane Fitzgibbon and has replaced him with Scot Coogan (LITA FORD, ACE FREHLEY, LYNCH MOB, BRIDES OF DESTRUCTION).

According to L.A. GUNS frontman Phil Lewis, Fitzgibbon quit the band "for an amazing studio gig building rooms for [producer] Rick Rubin." The singer added: "We wish him all the best and welcome Scot Coogan, who, along with Ace [Von Johnson, rhythm guitar], Johnny [Martin, bass], Tracii [Guns, guitar] and myself, will continue our world-domination objective."

L.A. GUNS guitarist Tracii Guns added: "I knew the day would eventually come where my most talented best friend Shane would move on to something spectacular that gives him serious stability, and that day has come. And, of course, he brings so much with him wherever he goes and I am very proud of him and excited for him, and, of course, he will still be playing drums on the new SUN BOMB record . Well, now enter my former bandmate Scot Coogan from BRIDES OF DESTRUCTION. He will bring that insane energy and pristine drumming and vocal that is required these days in L.A. GUNS and I love him dearly."

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

Lewis told Icon Vs. Icon about the follow-up to 2017's "The Missing Peace": "To be honest, my head is still spinning from it. I couldn't believe how quickly we rallied together to start work on this second record. It's the second record with this lineup, and I believe it's the 12th L.A. GUNS record. It just goes to show the enthusiasm and energy that is happening for us at the moment. We're on a roll, and there is no doubt about it. It's great to do new music and it's also great to see that the reunion has been so appreciated. I wish we would have gotten together sooner, but maybe we needed some time apart to grow up and do our own thing. It just feels right, and we're doing it all for the right reasons. We're not doing a nostalgia tour. We didn't get back together and put together a covers record or a greatest-hits record with a new song at the end. This is legit. It's a new, hungry band. The nucleus is the old band but it's very much the same feeling I had when Tracii and I first partnered up back in the late '80s."

Asked what the biggest obstacles were that he faced during the making of "The Devil You Know", Phil said: "It's always a little bit terrifying when all the tracks are recorded and it's like, 'All right, Phil. You're up!' It's daunting because the tracks are so good and beautifully recorded. Like the last record, I flew to New York to record with Mitch Davis. We got down to a week's worth of serious monastic, hyper-focused eight-hour days in the studio. There was no socializing, no drinking or partying. It was simply a week's worth of intense recording. Sometimes I would be so scared that I'd throw up before I got on the subway to take the 16 stops into Manhattan from Long Island. I was scared because I didn't want to fuck it up. I knew I was going to be singing stuff higher, louder and better than I had ever done. With that said, I know it was going to take a lot of work, so I was a little bit scared of it. By golly, about halfway through it, there was no greater feeling than when I nailed it. We wired the tracks back to Tracii and the guys and they said, 'Yep, that's it! That's what we want.' It was the greatest feeling in the world. I've got to say, when it's all done and it's my job and I have to do a whole record's worth of vocals in four days, it's slightly terrifying! [Laughs]"

Former GUNS N' ROSES drummer Matt Sorum says that he learned about the partial reunion of the band's classic lineup around the same time as "everybody else did."

The 58-year-old musician, who has also played with THE CULT, VELVET REVOLVER and HOLLYWOOD VAMPIRES, is not involved with GN'R's hugely successful "Not In This Lifetime" tour, which features singer Axl Rose, guitarist Slash and bassist Duff McKagan alongside drummer Frank Ferrer, keyboardist Dizzy Reed, guitarist Richard Fortus and second keyboardist Melissa Reese.

Asked by "Loudwire Nights" host Toni Gonzalez when he found out about the GUNS N' ROSES reunion, Sorum said: "Probably about when everybody else did. [Laughs] I was in the band HOLLYWOOD VAMPIRES there for a minute. So it was kind of around that time. That's basically what happened. And then it just went the way it went. And life goes on."

He continued: "I look at my time in that band as well spent. It can never really be reimagined or replaced, that experience in my life. And I give a lot of credit to my career going forward because of that experience. Because I guess when you go down the list of bands that I've played with, there've been many. Some people prefer maybe THE CULT over GN'R. If I run into a fan on the street, the might love me for THE CULT, or there's a lot of people that maybe weren't as much into GN'R but loved VELVET REVOLVER because it was maybe more of a modern rock band that came… In 2004, we were formed. So it's not that long ago."

Sorum, who replaced Steven Adler in GUNS N' ROSES, recorded the highly successful albums "Use Your Illusion I" and "Use Your Illusion II" (both 1991) and "The Spaghetti Incident" (1994). He also supported the group on the "Use Your Illusion" tour and can be heard on GUNS N' ROSES' "Live Era: '87-'93" (1999) and "Greatest Hits" (2004).

Sorum told The Pulse of Radio in a 2009 interview that if the classic GUNS N' ROSES band reunited, they should perform with both him and Adler. "If it's me on drums or Steven or whatever, if it happened, it'd be great, you know. I would actually say to them, 'Hey, bring both of us back,' you know. Let me play the other stuff. We'll have two drum kits. I don't care. If 'Appetite [For Destruction]', [the band's debut] sounds better with Steven playing it, have both guys up there. They can afford it."

GUNS N' ROSES was inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in April 2012. Adler, Sorum, Slash and Duff attended the ceremony, while Rose and former guitarist Izzy Stradlin stayed home.

Photo credit: Michael Segal for Artbit

The attorney for ex-SLIPKNOT percussionist Chris Fehn says that he was forced to take legal action against his former bandmates because he was unable to get information about a number of SLIPKNOT-related businesses.

On March 13, the 46-year-old Fehn sued SLIPKNOT's leaders, vocalist Corey Taylor and percussionist Michael Shawn Crahan; the band's manager, Robert Shore; and six businesses, claiming they created the entities without his knowledge. He also says that he hasn't been properly compensated for his years of touring and recording with the group.

One of Fehn's attorneys, Joseph Dunne, said Fehn learned of the other businesses during negotiations about the band's upcoming sixth studio album and accompanying tour.

"He thought everyone was being treated equally," Dunne told the Des Moines Register. "My client really is just hoping to figure out a way to work this out with the people he's worked side by side with for the last 20 years.

"There is a lot of information out there that our client has not been able to see," Dunne said.

This past Monday, SLIPKNOT made the split with Fehn official, saying in a statement that "Chris knows why he is no longer a part of SLIPKNOT. We are disappointed that he chose to point fingers and manufacture claims, rather than doing what was necessary to continue to be a part of SLIPKNOT," the band wrote. "We would have preferred he not take the path that he has, but evolution in all things is a necessary part of this life."

Fehn claimed in his lawsuit that he had been told that all the band's income was being funneled through one company that split the profits between the group members. But he alleged that he recently discovered the existence of several other SLIPKNOT-related business entities through which other members were collecting more money.

Fehn specifically accused Crahan and Taylor of shady business dealings and demanded a full forensic accounting done on SLIPKNOT's companies and assets, so that he could collect the damages and profits he believes he is owed.

Taylor addressed the accusations via Twitter on Monday, saying: "Try being wrongfully accused of stealing money from someone you cared about, and having a lot of your fans believe it."

Fehn, known for wearing a Pinocchio-style mask, has been performing with SLIPKNOT since 1998 and participated in all the band's albums.

Earlier this week, former SLIPKNOT guitarist Donnie Steele spoke out in defense of Fehn, writing in a since-deleted Facebook post that was screen-captured and posted on the SLIPKNOT Reddit page: "Lol! Don't blame him... Nobody likes to get lied to and ripped off. I know first hand."

He added: "And most, MOST of them can't write. In the three years I toured with them, I actually spent more time in writing sessions and the studio then I did on the road. All done behind other members' back. That's how they roll."

Steele, a founding member of SLIPKNOT, left before they recorded their first album. He returned for a brief period to play bass on tour from behind the stage following the death of bassist Paul Gray in 2010.

Prior to Swedish doom metal legends CANDLEMASS's February 7 performance in Paris, vocalist Johan Längqvist spoke with Duke TV. The full conversation can be seen below. A few excerpts follow (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET).

On rejoining CANDLEMASS in 2018, 32 years after he performed on the group's debut album "Epicus Doomicus Metallicus":

Johan: "When they called me up, they said they wanted to get back to where it started again, to get some new inspiration, new energy. [They said,] 'Would you like to come over [and] listen to the album, and then if it feels good for you and you can do it?' The first time I went into the studio and I head this new album, I said, 'Pow — let me give it a try' immediately, and so we did. I started the recording almost immediately, because the songs really hooked me. They're great songs."

On his contributions to the group's new album, "The Door To Doom":

Johan: "When I came in, the album and the music and the lyrics, they were already written. The only thing I could do when I arrived was put my voice and my sound to it."

On the level of commitment he expressed upon rejoining the band:

Johan: "I said, 'If I'm going in with you guys, I'm putting everything I'm into aside,' so [there's] nothing else for me right now — it's only CANDLEMASS, and nothing else."

On "Epicus Doomicus Metallicus":

Johan: "I was so young the very first time, but I think we did that album very fast. I was young, and I was thinking, 'Wow, I'm going to do a record with the CANDLEMASS guys.' At that time, I was involved in my own band, but they wanted me to do the album, and it was a great thing for a young singer to do."

On Tony Iommi, who contributed a guest guitar solo on the new album's "Astorolus - The Great Octopus":

Johan: "BLACK SABBATH and especially Tony Iommi's guitars, they're one of the reasons that I'm into music. I've got them in my heart all the way. They've done so many amazing songs, and I'm pretty sure that they will last forever. They're one of the greatest bands in this genre that we've ever had, so they will always be with us, even if they [stop] going out on tour. They're great, and have always been."

On CANDLEMASS's future:

Johan: "As long as we are having a good time and think, 'Well, we love this'... I can't tell you or give you a promise on that, but if I feel fine about it and they do, there'll be another record, but there's nothing in the planning stage right now."

CANDLEMASS's twelfth studio album, "The Door To Doom", was released on February 22 via Napalm Records. The disc unsurprisingly follows the plot line mastermind, songwriter and bass player Leif Edling established in years past: epic, world-class doom metal that relies on slow mammoth riffing.

"The Door To Doom" is CANDLEMASS's first full-length album since 2012's "Psalms For The Dead", which featured singer Robert Lowe, who left the band just days before its release. He was replaced by Mats Levén, who fronted the band until Längqvist rejoined in late 2018.

Längqvist sang on CANDLEMASS's debut album, 1986's "Epicus Doomicus Metallicus", before exiting the group and being replaced by Messiah Marcolin.

The wait is over! MANOWAR have finally confirmed the impending release of “The Final Battle I”, an EP comprised of eagerly awaited brand new material. Fans will first get their chance to own this initial instalment in a trilogy of thunderous EPs in an exclusive pre-sale at the merchandise booth of the band’s “The Final Battle World Tour 2019”, starting with their show in Frankfurt/Germany on March 29, 2019.
An exclusive digital presale period will start on iTunes the same day.

“The Final Battle I” is guaranteed to blow your speakers and your heads off with a whirlwind of crushing sonic destruction, orchestral majesty and epic, pulverising insanity.

The first of three parts which will constitute the highly anticipated new MANOWAR album, this EP is destined to go down in heavy metal history as one of the most insanely epic releases of all time. An imperious demonstration of the band’s undisputed mastery of both skull-crushing metal anthems and extraordinary feats of symphonic bombast, these four new molten metal tracks have been inspired by MANOWAR’s “The Final Battle World Tour” and fuelled by the support and energy of their fans. All music was conceived, recorded and mixed at MANOWAR’s very own VALHALLA STUDIOS, utilizing the unparalleled power of their PMC statement monitors with over 27,000 watts of ground-shaking clarity.

“The sheer power of these four songs is mind-blowing! We simply couldn’t release more songs at one time; it’s just too much!” says Joey DeMaio. “We want to give our fans the chance to take in every note, every word. Gain more strength from this experience and then be ready for the battles they fight every day. And join us on the road, on The Final Battle!”

“The Final Battle I” covers a vast amount of musical ground in its quest to deliver the ultimate heavy metal experience. The opener, the epic fantasy-brought-to-life March Of The Heroes Into Valhalla re-imagines MANOWAR’s music in vivid, cinematic form, providing a deeply moving journey through the warrior’s life, from bloody battles to ascension into Valhalla. The battle filled mood continues with the spine-shattering might and fury of the new anthem Blood And Steel. Next is Sword Of The Highlands, one of the most explosive and dramatic songs DeMaio has ever penned: a profound and stirring tribute to heroes long perished, it begins with exquisite elegance before erupting into a grand crescendo of power and glory, exemplified by a possible career best vocal performance from the ever impressive Eric Adams.

Finally, the most startling surprise arrives in the dark, lurking, brutal and merciless form of You Shall Die Before I Die; a hypnotic and coruscating epic that delivers a vengeful statement of intent and invincibility… with lead vocals by Joey DeMaio himself!

(by Dom Lawson)

“The Final Battle I” comes with a crushing new artwork by iconic fantasy artist Ken Kelly, masterfully echoing the emotional rollercoaster you’ll be taken on.

Magnificent, monstrous and heavier than Hell, “The Final Battle I” will first be unleashed exclusively at the merch booth during MANOWAR’s “The Final Battle World Tour”, starting in Frankfurt/Germany on March 29, 2019 and on all further dates on this tour leg. It will also be available digitally on iTunes worldwide at the same date. The roll out will then continue into retail and online stores on May 30, 2019 and digitally on Amazon and Google. Play.
Parts II and III of the trilogy will arrive in course, inspired by MANOWAR’s adventures on the remainder of
“The Final Battle World Tour”.

Follow MANOWAR on manowar.com , Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for all tour dates and constant updates.

Upcoming MANOWAR tour dates – The Final Battle World Tour 2019:
Mon, MAR 25, 2019 – Hala Vodova – Brno, Czech Republic
Tue, MAR 26, 2019 – Ostravar Arena – Ostrava, Czech Republic
Fri, MAR 29, 2019 – Jahrhunderthalle – Frankfurt, Germany
Sat, MAR 30, 2019 – Westfalenhalle 1 – Dortmund, Germany
Mon, APR 1, 2019 – Valby-Hallen – Copenhagen, Denmark
Wed, APR 3, 2019 – Velodrom – Berlin, Germany
Fri, APR 5, 2019 – Hanns-Martin-Schleyer-Halle – Stuttgart, Germany
Sat, APR 6, 2019 – Zenith – Munich, Germany
Tue, APR 9, 2019 – Scandic Scene – Hamar, Norway
Fri, APR 12, 2019 – Konserthuset – Stavanger, Norway
Sat, APR 13, 2019 – USF Verftet – Bergen, Norway
Tue, APR 16, 2019 – Kulturhuset – Longyearbyen, Norway
Fri, APR 19, 2019 – O2 Academy – Birmingham, England
Sat, APR 20, 2019 – O2 Academy – Birmingham, England
Sat, JUN 8, 2019 – Hallenstadion – Zurich, Switzerland
Fri, JUN 14, 2019 – Plateia Nerou – Athens, Greece
Sun, JUN 16, 2019 – Arena Armeec – Sofia, Bulgaria
Fri, JUN 21, 2019 – Hellfest – Clisson, France
Sat, JUL 20, 2019 – Maçka Küçükçiftlik Park – Istanbul, Turkey

HeavyMetal.dk conducted an interview with vocalist Eddie Guz and guitarist Shagrath (real name: Stian Tomt Thoresen; also of DIMMU BORGIR) of Norwegian rockers CHROME DIVISION prior to their February 17 concert at Beta in Copenhagen, Denmark. You can watch the entire chat below. A few excerpts follow (transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET).

On what led to the 2004 formation of CHROME DIVISION:

Shagrath: "This idea started in my head in '99, actually. After DIMMU BORGIR was finishing rehearsals, me and another guy used to jam some riffs and stuff which we taped in the rehearsal room. Ever since that time, it's kind of been in the back of my mind that I wanted to do something more rock and roll-ish type of stuff, which I'm very much into since I was very young. Growing up with bands like KISS and stuff like that. There is a lot of good rock bands out there, but for me personally, there were too many bands tuned in standard E with too much 'boogie' for my taste. I had this idea of creating something a bit more, not extreme, but more dark and dirty than many of the other rock bands that were around. The closest thing I could find at that time was BLACK LABEL SOCIETY type of things. I remember we did a long U.S. tour, the Ozzfest tour with DIMMU BORGIR. After it was done, we were going to have our break anyway, then I approached first the previous bass player, Björn Luna, so we kind of started building ideas together and jamming and stuff like that. We started with this song called 'Chrome Division'. After also listening to the debut of THE CARBURETORS, 'Pain Is Temporary, Love Is Forever'. It's a really great album. I was so hooked on that album for a long time while driving my car: 'We need a singer with that type of approach, with a kind of bulldog attitude.' I would say we clicked pretty fast. We gave him [Eddie] that song, then he developed his stuff into it. It all bloomed from there."

Eddie: "Very quickly. I think we had, after two weeks, we had three songs. I was, like, 'Whoa. This is going fast.' We had a musical connection right away, how we wanted it to sound. Yeah, it was really cool, the whole beginning of the project. It was really fascinating how fast we developed it."

Shagrath: "It was also an idea to get away from daily routines, meet up once a week and have fun, have a good time. From there, it kind of developed into a lot of jam sessions, which we recorded and put the songs together. This is rock and roll. It's a much more primitive way — that spontaneous way of creating, not analyzing the songs too much. If we like it, then we go for it. Therefore, it's been song after song after song. [Laughs] This band is built on friendship and having a good time. It was never the idea of becoming big or making money or anything like that. It's all about having a good time with good friends, which we still do."

On the band's latest and final studio album, "One Last Ride":

Shagrath: "This was actually material that we had laying around for a couple of years because, as I said, we used to meet up every Tuesday to rehearse. Then, it ended up with almost two and a half hours of music in total. But the lineup we had when Shady Blue [a.k.a. Athera, ex-SUSPERIA] was singing and all that stuff, we're all so busy and it was getting harder and harder to meet up for that one weekday. We have other priorities in life. It was kind of laying around for quite some time. Yeah, I think we were just focusing on different stuff and there was a while where we were not too eager to do anything at all. My focus has been also working with DIMMU BORGIR, making the album ['Eonian'] and touring and stuff. Then I called Damage [Kjell Karlsen], the other solo guitar player and we decided — we have two and a half hours of music. It shouldn't be wasted. It's a lot of good material. From there, we kind of started to glue the songs together. Some of the songs were intended — Shady Blue was supposed to sing and they faded out in a way. We had an idea — I remember in the rehearsal room —have Shady Blue and Eddie Guz do a song together, do one verse each. We had the song and Eddie came down to rehearsal. After two hours, we had the lyrics ready already. [Laughs] That kind of put the spark on for the rest of us to work. He gets stuff done. [Laughs] That's really cool. We took it from there."

Eddie: "I got a phone call and we had a couple of beers and he told me, 'I'm thinking about making the last album.' I said, 'It would be so cool if I could sing one song on the last record.' After a few weeks, I got another phone call: 'How would you like to do the whole album?' I said 'Sure, I would love to do the last album of CHROME DIVISION.' We had already worked on some songs. There was the one I was going to do together with Shady. They sent me more of the material he and Damage were working on. I'm a spontaneous guy. If I hear a song, I get an idea and I run with it. Yeah, I think it went pretty fast from there until we were ready to go and start the recording process."

On why "The Last Ride" is CHROME DIVISION's final album:

Shagrath: "I think it kind of came to mind actually a couple of years ago when I figured out that it was really hard to just find three hours in a week to meet up. After a while, you start to figure out, 'Is there any point in putting more time into this?' It's just that we have other priorities, other bands and families, kids and stuff to do. It has taken away a little bit of the focus, I guess. It felt good. It's almost like a circle. Five albums. It was supposed to be one song in the first place and it ended up being five albums in total."

Eddie: "When I started writing the lyrics for this album, I wanted to represent, I don't know if I managed to do that, but that was my idea, to represent the whole history of CHROME DIVISION. Also, celebrating everything we've done together. I wanted it to have not a sad angle to it, but a memorial angle to it. We had a really good time. 'Yeah, here it is!'"

Shagrath: "That's kind of the concept of 'The Last Ride'."

Eddie: "A celebration in many words."

Shagrath: "The first gig we did on this tour was meeting with all the ex-members of CHROME DIVISION. They all entered the stage for a few songs. That was a special moment for all of us."

"One Last Ride" was released last November via Nuclear Blast.

Queen singer Freddie Mercury tragically passed away on November 24, 1991, from bronchial pneumonia resulting from AIDS. Mötley Crüe biopic, The Dirt, premiers on Netflix today, March 22nd.

In an interview with Pollstar, Mötley Crüe bassist Nikki Sixx is asked how he would compare The Dirt to the hugely successful Queen film, Bohemian Rhapsody, and here's what he had to say:

"The Queen movie was important because it initiated conversations about gender identity in 2019. The interesting thing was Freddie [Mercury]’s life choices were, in the end, what killed him, but he brought a massive change in awareness. The music was wonderful - Queen is one of my favorite bands - but it also took to the masses an important dialogue that should be had right now."

Read more at Pollstar.

The Dirt is an unflinching and uncensored story about sex, drugs, rock ‘n roll, fame, and the high price of excess. Director Jeff Tremaine (Jackass co-creator) shows us just how Nikki Sixx (Douglas Booth), Mick Mars (Iwan Rheon), Tommy Lee (Colson Baker aka Machine Gun Kelly), and Vince Neil (Daniel Webber) took Mötley Crüe from the Sunset Strip to the world stage, and what it meant to become the world’s most notorious rock band.

The 18-song soundtrack mastered by Grammy winner, Dave Donnelly features a collection of Mötley Crüe classics that meaningfully underscore significant moments that shape the film. The album includes 14 fan-favorites and chart topping tracks such as “Dr. Feelgood” that charted at #6 on Billboard’s Hot 100 and the anthemic “Girls, Girls, Girls” which reached #2 on Billboard’s Top 200 amongst others. Additional hits featured are “Kickstart My Heart,” “Same ‘Ol Situation (S.O.S.),” “Shout At The Devil” and the iconic ballad, “Home Sweet Home” that landed the band mainstream recognition.

Exclusive to the film’s soundtrack, Mötley Crüe recorded four new songs featuring the single, “The Dirt (Est. 1981) (feat. Machine Gun Kelly)” with effortless rap verses surrounding signature guitar riffs. The three remaining songs conclude the album with the catchy “Ride With The Devil,” “Crash And Burn” and the band’s own spin on Madonna’s, “Like A Virgin.”

BraveWords' review of The Dirt soundtrack can be found at this location. Read Aaron Small's review of the film here.

The Dirt Soundtrack tracklisting:

"The Dirt (Est. 1981)" (feat. Machine Gun Kelly)
"Red Hot"
"On With The Show"
"Live Wire"
"Merry-Go-Round"
"Take Me To The Top"
"Piece Of Your Action"
"Shout At The Devil"
"Looks That Kill"
"Too Young To Fall In Love "
"Home Sweet Home"
"Girls, Girls, Girls"
"Same Ol' Situation (S.O.S.)"
"Kickstart My Heart"
"Dr. Feelgood"
"Ride With The Devil"
"Crash And Burn"
"Like A Virgin"

"Crash And Burn":

"Ride With The Devil":

"Like A Virgin":

"The Dirt (Est. 1981)" (feat. Machine Gun Kelly) video:

Film trailer:




(function() {
var zergnet = document.createElement('script');
zergnet.type = 'text/javascript'; zergnet.async = true;
zergnet.src = (document.location.protocol == "https:" ? "https:" : "http:") + '//www.zergnet.com/zerg.js?id=70729';
var znscr = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0];
znscr.parentNode.insertBefore(zergnet, znscr);
})();

Century Media Records has announced the signing of DEMONS & WIZARDS to a worldwide deal.

Founded in 1999 by Hansi Kürsch (BLIND GUARDIAN) and Jon Schaffer (ICED EARTH), DEMONS & WIZARDS released two highly acclaimed albums, 1999s' "Demons & Wizards" and 2005's "Touched By The Crimson King". The band is currently recording its as-yet-untitled third studio LP, which is scheduled to be released in early 2020.


Kürsch comments: "It is a great pleasure and a big honor for me to finally become a full part of the Century Media family. Jon and I both feel that Century Media is the perfect match for our upcoming DEMONS & WIZARDS missions. And there will be plenty of them.

"Right at the moment, we have not only finalized a re-boot of our first two albums, but are also working with full forces on the successor of 'Touched By The Crimson King'. Good things are on its way. Expect nothing but the best and do not miss us on the road this summer, unless you want to risk another 20 years of waiting."


Philipp Schulte of Century Media Records adds: "To say that we are stoked to be finally working with Hansi and Jon on a new DEMONS & WIZARDS album would be an understatement.

"This is a very important signing to the label: A top-tier metal band and a great addition to the label’s roster.

"The fans have been patiently waiting for DEMONS & WIZARDS’ return. And now the time is near!

"We start our cooperation by re-releasing the band's two classic albums, before they are conquering the festival stages all across Europe. And then, in the beginning of 2020, after 15 years of waiting, DEMONS & WIZARDS will finally return with a new studio album. It is time to hoist the sails for the storm to come. Welcome aboard!"


Prior to the release of the new studio album, Century Media will release DEMONS & WIZARDS' first two albums as reworked special editions. Remastered by Chris "Zeuss" Harris (ICED EARTH, QUEENSRŸCHE, SANCTUARY), these two releases will be out on June 7 as limited-edition digipak and limited deluxe 2LP releases with bonus material and liner notes by both members.


On March 29, the digital standard versions of the remastered albums will be made available in order to promote the band's festival run in Europe.

Schaffer spoke about the progress of the songwriting sessions for the follow-up to "Touched By The Crimson King" during a December 2018 appearance on the ICED EARTH-centric podcast "Podcast In Stone". He said: "I have written some of the best instrumental pieces in my entire career in the last few weeks, and I'm very, very excited to hear what Hansi does on top of these things. So, the feeling is really good. He's very into what I sent him.

"We had three songs going that we started working on a few years ago, but everything got busy for me with ICED EARTH and him with BLIND GUARDIAN," Jon continued. "But I'm stoked with the stuff that I've written — I mean, very, very happy. We're gonna be taking people on a journey, man — for sure."

"Touched By The Crimson King" was partially based on the "The Dark Tower" series of books (written by Stephen King) in which the Crimson King is the main antagonist. The album was released in Japan in September 2005 with the following bonus tracks: "Lunar Lament", "Wicked Witch" (slow version) and "Spatial Architects". The CD also included the "Terror Train" video. The disc featured an appearance by HALFORD and SEBASTIAN BACH drummer Bobby Jarzombek.

Schaffer said in a 2009 interview that he felt "Touched By The Crimson King" was a bit rushed and he was determined to do things differently next time around. "We had this window of opportunity where we had to get it done and we kind of let time dictate the schedule instead of our feelings, and that was probably a mistake," he explained. "I mean, I'm proud of that record and it sold killer and it's a good album, but I think Hansi and I are capable of a lot more, especially when we get back to the root reasons of why we did this thing together."


DEMONS & WIZARDS tour dates:

May 31 - Garage, Saarbrücken (DE)

Jun. 01 - Z7, Pratteln (CH)

Jun. 02 - Batschkapp, Frankfurt (DE)

Jun. 19 - Copenhell Festival, Copenhagen (DK)

Jun. 21 - Hellfest, Clisson (FR)

Jun. 22 - Graspop Metal Meeting, Dessel (B)

Jun. 29 – Dokk'em Open Air, Dokkum (NL)

Jun. 30 - Islington Assembly Hall, London (UK)

Jul. 04 - Barcelona Rock Fest, Barcelona (ES)

Jul. 06 - Chania Rock Festival, Chania (GR)

Jul. 21 - Metaldays, Tolmin (SVN)

Aug. 01-03 - Wacken Open Air, Wacken (DE)

Sep. 5 - ProgPower, Atlanta (US)

Redemption keyboardist Vikram Shankar has posted the following update:

"My new single, 'The Clouds Parted, If Only For A Moment', is out now. I'm deeply proud of this one... what started as a humble improvisation turned into a one-take performance that captures so much of my current emotional and mental struggles. Check out the full song on YouTube and all streaming sites, and I hope this track brings some light and peace into the minds of those who need it."

Check out a BraveWords interview with Shankar from 2017 at this location. His Ocean Machine medley is available below.




(function() {
var zergnet = document.createElement('script');
zergnet.type = 'text/javascript'; zergnet.async = true;
zergnet.src = (document.location.protocol == "https:" ? "https:" : "http:") + '//www.zergnet.com/zerg.js?id=70729';
var znscr = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0];
znscr.parentNode.insertBefore(zergnet, znscr);
})();

German bashers M.I.GOD. have released a lyric video for the song "The Solitary Ghost", 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.




(function() {
var zergnet = document.createElement('script');
zergnet.type = 'text/javascript'; zergnet.async = true;
zergnet.src = (document.location.protocol == "https:" ? "https:" : "http:") + '//www.zergnet.com/zerg.js?id=70729';
var znscr = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0];
znscr.parentNode.insertBefore(zergnet, znscr);
})();

Wisconsin heavy metal band Rig Time! has released a brand-new video today for their song “Garbage.” The video’s track is featured on the band’s latest album, War, which is available now from Innerstrength Records. The video also arrives in time for the band’s kick off of their U.S. tour with hardcore band Crafter.

Speaking on the lyrical content of the single and new video, vocalist and drummer Bryan Fleming says, “‘Garbage’ is about visualizing all the ignorant, naive and close minded hate people spew out into the world without a care. When I wrote the lyrics, I saw all these words taking a physical form of trash piling up and imagined what it would look like if all this hate was a physical mass. The video is meant to highlight what it's like to be in the crowd at our shows. I edited it to feel chaotic and like you're right there in the video with us.”

Rig Time! is an angry, caustic and vehemently heavy trio based in La Crosse, WI. Their full length album War was released on October 20, 2017 via Innerstrength Records, following the self-released full-length Sick of It (2016) and two EP’s (2014’s Awful and 2015’s Devout). Featuring a sound that is the audio equivalent of a tank column entering a besieged city, the crunch and clangor of War is a game-changer. Forged in the fires of hardcore, sludge, and power-violence, War epitomizes Rig Time!‘s scorched-earth tactics and demonstrates the natural chemistry of the band.

War was recorded/mixed by Pete Grossman at Bricktop Recording in Chicago, IL (Weekend Nachos, Harm’s Way). The album was mastered by Brad Boatright at Audiosiege in Portland, OR.




(function() {
var zergnet = document.createElement('script');
zergnet.type = 'text/javascript'; zergnet.async = true;
zergnet.src = (document.location.protocol == "https:" ? "https:" : "http:") + '//www.zergnet.com/zerg.js?id=70729';
var znscr = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0];
znscr.parentNode.insertBefore(zergnet, znscr);
})();

Tryglav, black metal from Croatia has released a new single “Night Of Whispering Souls” off the debut album of the same name, which will be unveiled May 31st, 2019 via Extreme Metal Music / Rockshots Records. The solo act comes from the dark mind of Boris Behara, who was looking to express his vision in his own way and have full control over the music.

Tryglav is a god in Slavic mythology that represents the sky, the earth and the afterlife. Channeling this power since 2018, Behara creates melodic, aggressive classic black metal with 80’s horror imaginary that is suitable for all fans of the genre looking for something fresh to bang their heads to.

The new album is the perfect combination of velocity and melody, some tracks are fast and brutal but still catchy and others are melodic with catchy chorus that are easy to pick up during the first listen. The single is Behara’s favorite song off the album and a perfect introduction to his vision.

“This is my favourite song off the album and it’s the song that I took the name of the album from. This song was so different at the beginning. I think that when I started to play drums to find some good patterns this song changed 3 or 4 times. It’s fast and melodic but also has some slowed down moments and a nice chorus. I really like the final part… pure headbanging!”

Tracklisting:

“Under My Skin”
“Night Of Whispering Souls”
“Deadline”
“Evil Dead”
“Creature Of The Night”
“Werewolf”
“Beyond The Limit”

“Night Of Whispering Souls”:




(function() {
var zergnet = document.createElement('script');
zergnet.type = 'text/javascript'; zergnet.async = true;
zergnet.src = (document.location.protocol == "https:" ? "https:" : "http:") + '//www.zergnet.com/zerg.js?id=70729';
var znscr = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0];
znscr.parentNode.insertBefore(zergnet, znscr);
})();

Heavy Load are known as the "First Viking Metal band ever", and all their releases are an absolute classics of the classic heavy metal genre. Death Or Glory is their second studio album, originally released in 1982, and includes the ultimate metal hymns such as "Heavy Metal Angels" and "The Guitar Is My Sword". The No Remorse Records reissue is the FIRST OFFICIAL ONE and made in full cooperation with the band, since the Japanese version released in 1996 - remastered from the original source tapes by the Wahlquist brothers, including bonus tracks, and coupled with an amazing booklet.

The album will be available as: regular CD version, deluxe digipak CD, black vinyl LP with bonus CD, limited edition red vinyl LP with bonus CD, and a limited edition box set that includes: blue vinyl LP with bonus CD, digipak CD, as well as an exclusive t-shirt and a patch. Each preordered CD at this location comes with a free patch, and each LP comes with a free poster with the album artwork.




(function() {
var zergnet = document.createElement('script');
zergnet.type = 'text/javascript'; zergnet.async = true;
zergnet.src = (document.location.protocol == "https:" ? "https:" : "http:") + '//www.zergnet.com/zerg.js?id=70729';
var znscr = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0];
znscr.parentNode.insertBefore(zergnet, znscr);
})();

KISS icons Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley recently spoke with Guitar World about the band's ongoing End Of The Road tour. An excerpt from the interview is available below.

GW: It’s no secret that fans are hoping to see the original KISS lineup, with Ace and Peter, reunite somehow, somewhere, on this tour.

Simmons: "Well, let me address that. You know, in life, mother nature is nonjudgmental. Whether you’re a baby and have never experienced life or whether you’re old and grey and have gone through the trials and tribulations, both of you, when you put your hand into the fire, get burned equally. So life doesn’t give you three chances. You get one chance. But Ace and Peter have gotten three chances. They were in and out of the band — fired — three times. For drugs, alcohol, bad behavior, being unprofessional… all the clichés are clichés. Even suicide is overrated. It’s been done many times. So the only reason Ace and Peter were let go the first time, and then the second time and then the third time, is that they weren’t carrying their load. You can’t be in a car with two flat tires. It’s not going to go anywhere. It’s your responsibility to change the fucking tires so that the whole car doesn’t stop. It’s nothing personal. Because remember — being in a band is a gift. You hardly work. Physically, anyway. So the short answer to your question is we’d love to have Ace and Peter join us here and there. And if they don’t, it’s not going to be because of us. But they’re never going to be in KISS again."

GW: That’s pretty definitive.

Simmons: "Three times is the charm. 'I promise I’ll pull out' doesn’t work. It’s the boy who cried wolf : 'Oh, I’ve been straight for a million years.' Terrific! Have a good life! Would we welcome Ace or Peter to jump up onstage for a song or two? Of course. Could we depend on either Ace or Peter to do a full set night after night? Not on your fucking life."

Read the complete interview here.

Find the End Of The Road tour itinerary here, and see pro-shot footage from the tour below:




(function() {
var zergnet = document.createElement('script');
zergnet.type = 'text/javascript'; zergnet.async = true;
zergnet.src = (document.location.protocol == "https:" ? "https:" : "http:") + '//www.zergnet.com/zerg.js?id=70729';
var znscr = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0];
znscr.parentNode.insertBefore(zergnet, znscr);
})();

Fan-filmed video footage of KISS's March 22 concert at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Uniondale, New York can be seen below.

In a recent interview with StarTribune, KISS frontman Paul Stanley was asked how he is taking care of his voice on the "End Of The Road" trek, in light of the fact that it has sounded diminished on many recent tours. "I try not to talk to guys like you, for one," Stanley replied. "It's hard to stay away from smoke, because the arenas are filled with it. But I do shut up as much as possible, and try other things.

"There's no denying, whether you're an athlete or singer, that life goes on, and you aren't who you once were," he continued. "That's life. I always say if you want to hear me sound like I did on 'Alive!', go listen to 'Alive!' That said, I have no problem doing what I'm doing and standing by it. The songs sound awesome."

Ever since KISS's "End Of The Road" trek launched in JAnuary, there has been persistent online chatter about Paul allegedly singing to a backing tape. The speculation stemmed from the fact that Stanley had been struggling to hit the high notes in many of the band's classic songs for a number of years.

Former SKID ROW singer Sebastian Bach defended KISS against claims that the band is using pre-recorded tracks during its farewell tour, saying that Stanley sang "his ass off LIVE" during a recent concert in California. "I have seen way more obvious use of backing tracks than with KISS," Sebastian wrote.

Bach's comments came just hours after MÖTLEY CRÜE bassist Nikki Sixx called out another band for using taped vocals during its live performances after it previously derided other groups for doing the same thing.

Sixx wrote on Twitter: "Certain band out on the road right now putting other bands DOWN and saying that they are a REAL rock band, no background singers,and other old people cranky comments except his lead vocals are on tape.People in glass houses shouldn't throw rocks. #GetOffMyLawn #WizardOfOz"

Most fans assumed that Sixx was referring to KISS, especially since KISS bassist/vocalist Gene Simmons has previously slammed bands who used backing tapes for not being honest enough to include that fact on their concert tickets.

After KISS played on NBC's "America's Got Talent" last September, Stanley was asked by Rolling Stone if that was actually a live performance or if he and his bandmates tracked it earlier. "What you tend to do is record it live and that way you know that everything is as it should be," he responded. "It's not like going into the studio or anything like that. It's… with all its imperfections, it's live."

MetallicaTV has uploaded two new pro-shot live videos from recent Metallica concerts. Watch the heavy metal legends perform the classics “Phantom Lord” from Grand Rapids, MI from March 13th and “Fight Fire With Fire” from Indianapolis, IN from March 11th.

According to Ticket News, the upcoming Metallica concert with the San Francisco Symphony this fall took the top spot on yesterday’s best-selling events list, Ticket Club sales data reveals. View the complete list at Ticket News.

"In celebration of the historic Grand Opening of San Francisco’s Chase Center, we are beyond honored to be joining together with the San Francisco Symphony for the first time in 20 years!," states a recent message from Metallica. "Join us on Friday, September 6th for S&M²: a one-night-only show featuring the SF Symphony and legendary conductor Michael Tilson Thomas."

James Hetfield and Lars Ulrich joined Michael Tilson Thomas, along with representatives from the Golden State Warriors and San Francisco mayor London Breed, to make the announcement at the Chase Center. Watch the announcement here.

The original S&M concerts were performed by Metallica and the San Francisco Symphony conducted by the late Michael Kamen in spring of 1999 at the Berkeley Community Theatre. The S&M² concert will feature the first live performances of these arrangements in 20 years, plus the first ever Metallica/San Francisco Symphony renditions of songs written and released since the original S&M, with new orchestral charts by Bruce Coughlin.

Tickets will go on sale the general public on Friday, March 22nd at 10 AM, Pacific Time, here.




(function() {
var zergnet = document.createElement('script');
zergnet.type = 'text/javascript'; zergnet.async = true;
zergnet.src = (document.location.protocol == "https:" ? "https:" : "http:") + '//www.zergnet.com/zerg.js?id=70729';
var znscr = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0];
znscr.parentNode.insertBefore(zergnet, znscr);
})();

Bay Area thrash metal legends, Death Angel, will release their long-awaited ninth full-length album, Humanicide, on May 31st via Nuclear Blast Records. Today, the band has unveiled the artwork, tracklisting and the record’s first new single, the title track, via visualizer. The new record will be preceded by Death Angel’s US tour with Overkill and Act Of Defiance.

With their forthcoming album Humanicide, Death Angel has maintained their 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 energizing the listener.

Osegueda remarks: “I wanted to write something that metal fans could really grasp onto. Something dark and intense, that still makes sense. Right now I think it’s so apparent that the earth is in a sickened state.”

“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!” - Rob Cavestany

For the foutth album cycle in a row, Death Angel returned to their producer and friend Jason Suecof of Audiohammer studios for the recording and mixing, along with the mastering of the legendary Ted Jensen of Sterling Sound who added the final touches and brought it all to life, with artist Brent Elliott White providing the ominous cover artwork.

“I'm ecstatic to present Death Angel’s 9th 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 expressed through our music, 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!” - Rob Cavestany

Pre-order Humanicide in various formats, here. Pre-order the album digitally to receive “Humanicide” instantly (Amazon and iTunes only).

Humanicide tracklisting:

"Humanicide"
"Divine Defector"
"Aggressor"
"I Came For Blood"
"Immortal Behated"
"Alive And Screaming"
"The Pack"
"Ghost Of Me"
"Revelation Song"
"Of Rats And Men"
"The Day I Walked Away" (Bonus Track)

"Humanicide" visualizer:

Tour dates (with Overkill, Act Of Defiance):

April
19 - Reno, NV - Jub Jubs*
20 - Salt Lake City, UT - The Complex*
21 - Colorado Springs, CO - Black Sheep*
23 - Indianapolis, IN - Black Circle*
24 - Huntington, WV - V Club*
25 - Baltimore, MD - Sound Stage/Rams Head
26 - Philadelphia, PA - Theater of the Living Arts
27 - Pittsburgh, PA - Rex Theater
28 - Cleveland, OH - House of Blues
29 - Louisville, KY - Mercury Ballroom
30 - Detroit, MI - St. Andrews Hall

May
1 - Grand Rapids, MI - Intersection
2 - Chicago, IL - House of Blues
3 - Minneapolis, MN - Varsity Theater
4 - Milwaukee, WI - The Rave
5 - St. Louis, MO - Delmar Hall
6 - Nashville, TN - The Cannery
7 - Cincinnati, OH - Bogarts
9 - Rochester, NY - Anthology
10 - New York, NY - PlayStation Theater (+ Life Of Agony)
11 - Boston, MA - Paradise
12 - Poughkeepsie, NY - The Loft at The Chance*
14 - Oklahoma City, OK - 89th Street*
15 - Lubbock, TX - Jakes*
16 - Albuquerque, NM - Launchpad*
17 - Phoenix, AZ - Club Red*
18 - West Hollywood, CA - Whiskey A Go Go*
19 - San Francisco, CA - DN Lounge*

* no Overkill
 
Death Angel lineup:

Rob Cavestany - lead guitar/vocals
Mark Osegueda - lead vocals
Ted Aguilar - rhythm guitar
Will Carroll - drums
Damien Sisson - bass

(Photo - Stephanie Cabral)




(function() {
var zergnet = document.createElement('script');
zergnet.type = 'text/javascript'; zergnet.async = true;
zergnet.src = (document.location.protocol == "https:" ? "https:" : "http:") + '//www.zergnet.com/zerg.js?id=70729';
var znscr = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0];
znscr.parentNode.insertBefore(zergnet, znscr);
})();

Pat Becker has issued the following update on her son, legendary composer/guitarist Jason Becker, who had a procedure to drain an abscess in his lung on March 21st.

Says Pat: Jason is home. All went well and we are waiting on the lab results, but the doctor was encouraging and didn’t see anything concerning. Next stop, Tuesday for an echo cardiogram. Serrana says that is so they can determine the sex of the alien in his heart. And she is a nurse so she knows. Jason sends his love and huge gratitude!"

Becker’s latest album, Triumphant Hearts, was released back in December 2018. Order here.

Tracklisting:

"Triumphant Heart" (feat. Marty Friedman, Glauco Bertagnin, Hiyori Okuda)>
"Hold On To Love" (feat. Codany Holiday)>
"Fantasy Weaver" (feat. Jake Shimabukuro)>
"Once Upon A Melody">
"We Are One" (feat. Steve Knight)>
"Magic Woman" (feat. Uli Jon Roth & Chris Broderick)>
"Blowin' In The Wind" (feat. Gary Rosenberg)>
"River Of Longing" (feat. Joe Satriani, Aleks Sever, Guthrie Govan, Steve Morse)>
"Valley Of Fire" (feat. Michael Lee Firkins, Steve Vai, Joe Bonamassa, Paul Gilbert, Neal Schon, Mattias IA Eklundh, Marty Friedman, Greg Howe, Jeff Loomis, Richie Kotzen, Gus G., Steve Hunter, Ben Woods)>
"River Of Longing" (feat. Trevor Rabin)>
"Taking Me Back">
"Tell Me No Lies">
"Hold On To Love" (feat. Codany Holiday) [Chuck Zwicky Remix]>
"You Do It"

Trailer:

"Hold On To Love" video:

"Valley Of Fire" video:




(function() {
var zergnet = document.createElement('script');
zergnet.type = 'text/javascript'; zergnet.async = true;
zergnet.src = (document.location.protocol == "https:" ? "https:" : "http:") + '//www.zergnet.com/zerg.js?id=70729';
var znscr = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0];
znscr.parentNode.insertBefore(zergnet, znscr);
})();

Wisconsin’s Product Of Hate celebrate the legacy of Mötley Crüe with a crushing new take on the band's 1983 classic, “Shout At The Devil”. Available now as a streaming exclusive via Spotify, YouTube, Pandora, Apple Music, and most digital services, the non-album, fan-requested single arrives as the Netflix Original Film, The Dirt, is released - based on Mötley Crüe’s bestselling book. Listen below.

“When we were on tour with Mushroomhead, ‘Shout At The Devil’ became a nightly part of the set,” says lead guitarist, Geno Rathbone. “Without fail, every single night, we’d be asked if there was a studio version available, or if we had plans to record it. Our answer at the time was ‘no’ - but in the years since, we’ve still been hearing the same requests, and after playing it a few times last year, we decided that it was time.”

“We’ve played the song at a lot of shows over the past few years, and people have gone crazy for it,” says frontman Adam Gilley. “It’s a classic that everyone knows and can sing along with.”

“Our version of this iconic song is being released as a gift to our fans, and in tribute to legacy of Vince Neil, Mick Mars, Nikki Sixx, and Tommy Lee,” adds Rathbone.

“Shout At The Devil” was recorded by Scott Creekmore (Broken Hope, Lionheart), with mixing and mastering completed by Chris Collier (Korn, Prong, Whitesnake).

Product Of Hate recently completed their second full-length album. A tracklisting and title will be announced in the near future as the final release plan and partnerships are revealed.




(function() {
var zergnet = document.createElement('script');
zergnet.type = 'text/javascript'; zergnet.async = true;
zergnet.src = (document.location.protocol == "https:" ? "https:" : "http:") + '//www.zergnet.com/zerg.js?id=70729';
var znscr = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0];
znscr.parentNode.insertBefore(zergnet, znscr);
})();

To be published in September, Agony Walk: On The Road With Sentenced is a unique 100-page picture book about a band that loved playing shows but hated touring.

Drummer Vesa Ranta captured the daily life of his group into photos during the years 1995 - 2003 when the band was most actively touring the world. The pictures of the book illustrate the group’s tale and allow the viewer to witness situations that the fans were otherwise unable to see.

Ranta became a trained, professional photographer already when Sentenced was active. Previously he has published two books, Lottovoittajien pöydässä – Tarinoita köyhyysrajan taka (2017) and Reunalla – Tarinoita Suomen tyhjeneviltä sivukyliltä (2018), the latter of which received the Botnia Award. Agony Walk: On The Road With Sentenced  is the first pure picture book by Ranta. The book contains the author’s introduction in Finnish, English and German.

”This is my personal, illustrated testament about the journey of our group. While I was going through my photo archives, I realised that these pictures deserve a life also outside my negative sleeves that were already gathering dust. I believe that the book will have something to offer to the people who have faithfully followed us on our path. These images will help the viewers understand what it was like to be on the road as a group. They store a little piece of Finnish rock history, too.”

The release date for the book is September 2. Pre-order issuers will receive an authentic signed photo with their copy.

The book is published by Ranta’s own company, Western Siberia Media House. The exclusive retailer both in Finland and internationally through its online store is Levykauppa Äx, the leading chain of record stores in Finland.

A limited edition is on pre-sale now, here.




(function() {
var zergnet = document.createElement('script');
zergnet.type = 'text/javascript'; zergnet.async = true;
zergnet.src = (document.location.protocol == "https:" ? "https:" : "http:") + '//www.zergnet.com/zerg.js?id=70729';
var znscr = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0];
znscr.parentNode.insertBefore(zergnet, znscr);
})();

Progressive metallers DREAM THEATER kicked off their 2019 North American tour Wednesday night (March 20) at the Balboa Theatre in San Diego. The band's 19-song setlist included several tracks from the latest album, "Distance Over Time", as well as a second act that consisted of a performance of the group's 1999 LP "Metropolis Pt. 2: Scenes From a Memory" to mark its 20th anniversary.

DREAM THEATER's setlist for the San Diego concert was as follows:

Set 1

01. Untethered Angel (live premiere)

02. A Nightmare To Remember

03. Paralyzed (live premiere)

04. Barstool Warrior (live premiere)

05. In The Presence Of Enemies, Part I

06. Pale Blue Dot (live premiere)

Set 2: "Metropolis Pt. 2: Scenes From a Memory"

07. Regression

08. Overture 1928

09. Strange Deja Vu

10. Through My Words

11. Fatal Tragedy

12. Beyond This Life

13. Through Her Eyes

14. Home

15. The Dance Of Eternity

16. One Last Time

17. The Spirit Carries On

18. Finally Free

Encore

19. Pull Me Under

When DREAM THEATER's "Distance Over Time" tour was first announced, guitarist John Petrucci told Rolling Stone: "The tour is going to be 'An Evening With,' and part of the evening will be playing some of the new record and some older songs in our catalog, and then also playing 'Scenes From A Memory' in its entirety. So it going to be a lot of fun. And that was a really important record for us, speaking of storytelling and all that. Because it was our first concept record."

Petrucci said that "Metropolis Pt. 2" was significant for him because "it was our first album with [keyboardist] Jordan [Rudess], so that was important. And it was the first album where we didn't use an outside producer. I remember back then having a conversation with Mike [original DREAM THEATER drummer Mike Portnoy] where we said, 'Let's not do that anymore. Let's produce ourselves.' And we basically have ever since. So in that respect, 'Scenes From A Memory' might have actually been a record that was a reaction to the previous one. And then we also figured that we hadn't done a concept album yet, and we decided that it was time. It was like, let's make our 'Operation: Mindcrime', our 'Tommy', our 'The Wall'. It was definitely a conscious decision to do something bold and new and different."

DREAM THEATER's 14th studio album, "Distance Over Time", was released on February 22. The artwork was created by long-time cover collaborator Hugh Syme (RUSH, IRON MAIDEN, STONE SOUR). The disc was produced by Petrucci, mixed by Ben Grosse and mastered by Tom Baker.

"Distance Over Time" marks DREAM THEATER's first album for Sony Music's progressive imprint InsideOut Music. The group spent the past 25 years recording under various labels in the Warner Music Group system, most recently Roadrunner Records, which released five albums by the band between 2007 and 2016.

The "Distance Over Time" tour of North America will run for seven weeks before wrapping up in Mexico City on May 4.