At last month's NAMM show in Anaheim, California, CYHRA vocalist Jake E (ex-AMARANTHE) spoke to Heavy New York about the progress of the recording sessions for the band's sophomore album. "It's almost done," he said. "We have recorded it. We have mixed it once. We're remixing it right now, actually, because we wanted to tweak it a little bit more. We're a little bit delayed, but we're really, really happy with it."

Saying that CYHRA's new songs are "amazing," Jake described the band's new disc as "more of a follow-up" to 2017's "Letters To Myself". "It continues where the last album [left] off," he said. "So we haven't invented any new fantastic patterns or whatever when it comes to music. The music is what it is. It's CYHRA — you can hear that it's CYHRA directly."

Asked if he and guitarist Jesper Strömblad (ex-IN FLAMES) took elements from their previous bands while composing the first material for CYHRA, Jake said: "That was a funny thing. We never really thought about what we wanted to do. We more or less just took the guitars and started to play. And obviously, Jesper, he's Jesper Strömblad — he has those melodies in his fucking hands. Give him a guitar and there's a hit coming out of his fingers. And I have my way of writing music. So I guess there were some similarities from our former bands, but, to be honest, what is similar is just our way of writing music, I guess. But we were never really discussing what we wanted to do — we just sat down and we did it."

Back in December, drummer Alex Landenburg told Finland's Tuonela magazine that CYHRA's next disc would stay true to the group's sound. "It's clearly the same band," he said. "It changed and evolved, but I think it's mostly Euge [Valovirta, guitar] having a bigger part in the writing and the playing of the album and having the mindset of having two guitars on the album. So, naturally, it's more riff-oriented, more guitar-oriented than the first one. That is probably the biggest difference."

Jake added that CYHRA's second album would contain "a little bit more live-oriented songs. We figured out that not a lot of the songs, but some of the songs on the first album didn't end up being that 'party' — if we can call them a little bit party poopers live, because they're great to listen to in general, but when you have a live set, it's hard. Usually when you release one album, you just get a couple of shows, and then you release a couple of more albums and your career takes off. We were fortunate enough to have our career take off pretty fast, and then we have to play the whole album, all the songs, because we don't have any other songs. But now with the new album, there's some songs that are faster and harder."

CYHRA's new LP is due in later in the year via Spinefarm Records.

The band made its live debut in October 2017 at Nosturi in Helsinki, Finland.

Last spring, CYHRA completed a successful North American tour opening for SABATON and KREATOR.

TRIBULATION was honored in the "Best Hard Rock/Metal" category at the Swedish Grammis awards (Swedish Grammy equivalent), which was held Thursday night (February 7) at Annexet in Stockholm.

The bands were nominated for their most recent releases, all of which came out during 2018.

"Best Hard Rock/Metal" nominees were as follows:

* AT THE GATES - "To Drink From The Night Itself"

* GHOST - "Prequelle"

* HARDCORE SUPERSTAR - "You Can't Kill My Rock 'N Roll"

* THE NIGHT FLIGHT ORCHESTRA - "Sometimes The World Ain't Enough"

* TRIBULATION - "Down Below"

"Down Below" was released in January 2018 via Century Media Records. The follow-up to the critically acclaimed 2015 release "The Children Of The Night" features artwork crafted by TRIBULATION guitarist Jonathan Hultén.

Guitarist Adam Zaars told Distorted Sound about the making of "Down Below": "In TRIBULATION, the writing of the songs has primarily been done by me and Jonathan, and that was the case this time as well. I think we both 'always' write music in a way; it doesn't really stop at any time even though it fluctuates. What I mean by this is that the seeds of the songs, be it riffs or melodies or just ideas of some kind or another, are being collected by us at any time. The seeds for these songs mostly come from this past touring cycle, and a couple of Jonathan's songs already had a lot of meat on their bones over a year ago. The intense part of the composing, the puzzling together of the bits and pieces, started in the early months of [2017], specifically in April for me. Jonathan worked mostly on his own, making demos at home and sending them to us for feedback, and then he would change something or other because of that and we would get to hear it again, and so on. I have mostly written the music on my own in the past as well, but because of various things, I wanted the help of Johannes [Andersson, vocals/bass] and Oscar [Leander, drums] this time. I personally suck when it comes to musical software of any kind and Oscar could help me with that, and the fact that they are both drummers really helped that part as well. It was also nice to get their personal input right away! We actually intentionally left a lot of the songs unfinished in order to have Martin Ehrencrona's, our producer, take on it as well, which proved to be very valuable. We started the recording of the album in the beginning of August in Soundtrade Studios for the drums and went from there to Martin's Studio Cobra and stayed there till October. We wanted to go there because we had been there for a few days for the recording of all the 'additional instruments' on 'The Children Of The Night' and really liked it there. It's kind of being like a kid in a toy store because of all the cool instruments that currently call that studio their home."

TRIBULATION will team up with GAAHLS WYRD for a European tour later this month.

Swedish metallers GRAND MAGUS will release their new album, "Wolf God", on April 19 via Nuclear Blast. The follow-up to 2016's "Sword Songs" was recorded at Sweetspot Studio in Sweden with producer Staffan Karlsson (ARCH ENEMY, FIREWIND, SPIRITUAL BEGGARS).

According to a press release, "Wolf God" "rises over the heavy metal scene majestically and lets the guitar riffs speak for themselves.

"The groove and heaviness that were featured on the successful predecessor can also be found on the new, ninth studio album which once again holds a number of future classics.

"As the majority of the songs were recorded on the first take, they have an honest, diverse and yet down-to-earth sound that envelops the trio's true power."

This cover artwork was created by acclaimed artist Anthony Roberts.

The band comments: "For the third time, the magic skill and imagination of Anthony Roberts has given birth to the cover artwork for a GRAND MAGUS album. This time the forest, the moon and obviously the wolf take center stage. Not just any wolf though… beware his fury. This is the 'Wolf God'!"

Alan Parsons will release his new studio album, "The Secret", on April 26 via Frontiers Music Srl.

The track listing for the disc is as follows:


01. The Sorcerer's Apprentice (instrumental)

02. Miracle (lead vocal: Jason Mraz)

03. As Lights Fall (lead vocal: Alan Parsons)

04. One Note Symphony (lead vocal: Todd Cooper)

05. Sometimes (lead vocal: Lou Gramm)

06. Soirée Fantastique (lead vocal: Todd Cooper, Alan Parsons)

07. Fly To Me (lead vocal: Mark Mikel)

08. Requiem (lead vocal: Todd Cooper)

09. Years Of Glory (lead vocal: PJ Olsson)

10. The Limelight Fades Away (lead vocal: Jordan Huffman)

11. I Can't Get There From Here (lead vocal: Jared Mahone)

Check out the cover artwork below.

Alan and Frontiers' relationship began in 2010 when the label released "Eye 2 Eye - Live in Madrid". They have kept in close contact since, with the ultimate goal to release another album together. Alan wanted it to be a really special album and only recently have the right plans and ideas fallen into place where Alan felt ready to enter the studio to record what he had in mind.

"The writing and recording sessions are going incredibly well," says Alan. "The album already has a working title, which is 'The Secret', and it will include musical and lyrical themes that are very close to my heart and my own interests and passions. I do not really want to reveal a lot about it, except that for the moment everything that surrounds 'The Secret' is going to be just that… a secret!"

The overall musical approach of the album is expected to be in keeping with the symphonic rock that Alan explored on his earlier solo records and the "Project" albums. But, of course, there will be new twists and turns and robust new creative inspiration behind the album. Some special guests will be on the album, but those will be revealed later... again, in keeping with the working title of the album, "The Secret".

Frontiers president Serafino Perugino commented: "This is pretty much a dream come true for me. For Frontiers being able to represent the artistry and the talent of such a huge artist is a magnificent opportunity. We look forward to this release as much as Alan's fans and it will see the light of day in multiple exciting formats. Stay tuned!".

Parsons said: "I wish to thank Serafino and the team for the commitment and the patience to make this happen. To the fans… we'll see you soon on a world tour!"

Parsons's music career started at 19 when he earned one of his his first credits as assistant engineer on THE BEATLES' "Abbey Road", an album recorded in the legendary London studios of the same name. He soon become a well-respected studio engineer, working for Paul McCartney, THE HOLLIES, and many others. He is particularly renowned for his work as recording engineer on the PINK FLOYD masterpiece "The Dark Side of The Moon". This classic album was recorded in 1972 and Parsons experimented with many of the most advanced recording techniques of the time. As a producer, he enjoyed many successes with PILOT, STEVE HARLEY AND COCKNEY REBEL, John Miles, and Al Stewart, including the masterwork "Year Of The Cat".

In 1975, Alan Parsons formed THE ALAN PARSONS PROJECT along with principal songwriter (and occasional singer) Eric Woolfson. The PROJECT consisted of a group of studio musicians and vocalists, often involving the members of three bands Alan produced: PILOT (Ian Bairnson, Stuart Tosh and David Paton), COCKNEY REBEL's Stuart Elliott on drums, and (on the first album) American progressive pop/rock band AMBROSIA.

THE ALAN PARSONS PROJECT released ten acclaimed studio albums, but never performed live during the heyday of the albums, even after several U.S. and European Top 20 hits. The PROJECT made its final album at the end of the '80s with the album "Gaudi". Since then, Alan has released a number of recordings under his own name using several musicians that also appeared on the "Project" releases.

As well as receiving gold and platinum awards from countless countries, Parsons has received eleven Grammy Award nominations for his engineering and production work. In 2007, he was nominated for "Best Surround Sound Album" for his studio album "A Valid Path".

In 1994, Alan Parsons started touring regularly as THE ALAN PARSONS LIVE PROJECT and has released a number of live releases in audio and video. His live concerts continue to this day.

"Stopped by guitarshop Akustikken in Copenhagen," says former White Lion frontman Mike Tramp. "Being around lots of acoustic guitars is like walking through the forest. This is "Homesick", one of my songs from the soon to be released album, Stray From The Flock."

Target Records will release, Stray From The Flock, the new studio album from Mike Tramp - the legendary voice of White Lion and Freak Of Nature - on March 1st.

Check out the video for the new single, "Dead End Ride", a highway song for classic FM radio and a first taste of the album. The song is a fine example of the solid, honest composition and performance that the album showcases.

Stadium concerts. Number one top charts with solo releases. History of rock'n'roll written all over him. Mike Tramp has had it all. Right now, however, after spending the last two decades studiously carving out a solid solo career for himself, Mike Tramp is happy being Mike Tramp.

“Many years ago I realized that going back to basics, demanding nothing and being surprised if there was a tray of sandwiches in the dressing room was the way forward,” he smiles.

Stray From The Flock is the latest in a stellar collection of records written and released by Tramp since 1997. From the excellence of his solo debut Capricorn, to the #1 charts catapulted Maybe Tomorrow, the Danish singer has been on a distinctive, solo journey that have seen him reinventing himself and reach a consistency in look, feel and a sound that although centres on some of the finest, acoustic based yet hauntingly melodic songs you’ll ever hear also - refreshingly so - make the odd diversion into previously unexplored territory.

Recorded at Ark Studio in Denmark and mixed in Sweden by Peter Masson, Stray From The Flock, essentially takes the 2013 release Cobblestone Street template one step further. It’s also an album that pretty much wrote itself.

“I picked up the guitar and the songs just started flying out of me. I thought ‘fuck! There’s an album that wants to come out of here!’”, Tramp laughs.

Mike will, of course, be touring in support of Stray From The Flock, but as with his previous solo excursions, there won’t be any explosions, moving drum risers or confetti bombs on stage. There will just be a guy standing in the middle being the real deal. That guy is Mike Tramp.

"Stray From The Flock will be available on CD, double gatefold LP on black 140g vinyl, Ltd. double gatefold LP on orange colour LP 180g (500 copies only) digital and cassette by Target Records. All formats can be pre-ordered here.

Trailer:

Tramp's US tour kicks off on February 14th at Whisky A Go Go in Hollywood, California. The schedule can be found below.

Tour dates:

February
14 - Whisky A Go Go - Hollywood, CA
15 - TBA - Las Vegas, NV
16 - TBA - Salt Lake City, UT
17 - The Venue - Denver, CO
20 - TBA - Texas
21 - Bonny Blair's - Brandon, MS
23 - Five O'Clock Club - Sarasota, FL (with John Corabi)
24-28 - Monsters Of Rock Cruise - Miami, FL

March
2 - Mike’s Lounge - Melbourne, FL
4 - 37 Main - Buford, GA (with John Corabi)
5 - The Square Room - Knoxville, TN
7 - Hot Spot - High Ridge, MO
8 - The Rockhaus- West Dundee, IL
9 - The Firehouse - Richmond, IN (with John Corabi)
10 - The Machine Shop - Flint, MI
12 - Coda - Cleveland, OH
13 - Three Flags Ballroom - Warren, PA
14 - Hopewell Theatre - Hopewell, NJ (with John Corabi)
15 - River Rock Tavern - Derby, CT (with John Corabi)
16 - The Chance - Poughkeepsie, NY (with John Corabi)
17 - Debonair Music Hall - Teaneck, NJ (with John Corabi)
19 - The Vault - New Bedford, MA
20 - Sharkey’s - Liverpool, NY
21 - CH Stage & Grill - Pittsburgh, PA (with John Corabi)
23 - Penn’s Peak - Jim Thorpe, PA(with KIX)




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In the new video below, Bon Jovi performs the Crush album track, "Captain Crash & The Beauty Queen From Mars", during their 2018 This House Is Not For Sale tour in Sydney, Australia.

"Have A Nice Day" from the same show can be seen below:

Watch Bon Jovi perform "When We Were Us" in Tokyo, Japan:

Bon Jovi performs next on May 31st at Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow, Russia. Find the band's live itinerary here.




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Last week, Ozzy Osbourne was admitted to Keck Hospital of University of Southern California as he recovers from the flu. His son, and reality tv co-star Jack Osbourne, took to social media saying: "Sunny day. All is well. Now I’m off to see dad. He’s doing much better. Thanks for all your messages."

The UK-based Mirror is now reporting that Osbourne, 70, was "rushed to intensive care as health concerns worsen." He was reportedly sent to the critical facility in a private hospital after his bronchitis worsened, amid fears he could develop pneumonia, which is potentially fatal for someone his age.

An inside source claimed "doctors reassured everyone he was in the best possible hands. Ozzy’s a fighter, and is getting better day by day . The worst is over, he’s smiling again, and he can’t wait to get up on stage."

Previously, Osbourne's Black Sabbath bandmate, guitarist Tony Iommi, offered the following: "I’m wishing Ozzy a speedy recovery and I know he’ll be gutted that he’s had to cancel part of his tour but I’m sure he’ll be back on stage as soon as he’s able. Get better soon my friend. Lots of love Oz, Tony."

Also, Ozzy's wife and manager Sharon Osbourne stated: "As some of you may have heard, Ozzy was admitted to hospital following some complications from the flu. His doctors feel this is the best way to get him on a quicker road to recovery. Thanks to everyone for their concern and love."

Ozzy's No More Tours 2 trek is expected to resume on Sunday, March 9th in Australia. Shows will follow in New Zealand and Japan before a two-month North American leg.




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"Let There Be More Light" is the opening track of Pink Floyd's second album, A Saucerful of Secrets. This performance took place on Samedi et Compagnie in Paris, France on September 6th, 1968.

"Astronomy Domine" is the first song on Pink Floyd's first album, The Piper At The Gates Of Dawn, released in 1967. This performance is from Tienerklanken - Kastival in Kasterlee, Belgium on August 31st, 1968.

Pink Floyd's "Interstellar Overdrive" was written in 1966, and appears on The Piper At The Gates Of Dawn. This performance is from Pop 68 in Rome, Italy on May 6th, 1968.




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Double Crush Syndrome frontman / ex-Sodom guitarist Andy Brings has checked in with the following update:

"Dear friends, here's the brand new trailer to our movie Full Circle: Last Exit Rock N Roll - Der Film. On 26.4.2019, Full Circle: Last Exit Rock N Roll - a film about the search for its own truth, by and with Andy Brings featuring Skid Row, Doro Pesch, Tom Angelripper (Sodom) will be available on Blu-Ray via Rising Empire / Distribution Warner and digitally via Universe Film."

The film premiered in September 2018 in the sold out Lichtburg in Essen, Germany before 1200 enthusiastic viewers. Nationwide, it had successful screenings in Cinestar cinemas. On February 28th, Double Crush Syndrome featuring Scotti Hill will officially release their cover of Skid Row's "Riot Act" as a push for the Blu-Ray.

Double Crush Syndrome recently released their new Flash & Blood EP, which features a cover of Skid Row's "Riot Act" featuring guitarist Scotti Hill on a guest solo. Check out the track below.

The tracklist is as follows:

"Rebel Yell" (Billy Idol cover)
"I Don't Like You"
"Riot Act" (Skid Row cover featuring Scotti Hill)
"Breakin' The Law" (Judas Priest cover)
DCS Live In Madrid - May 27th, 2018
- "She's A Pistol"
- "Yeah! Pain!"
- "Blood On My Shirt"
- "Die For Rock N' Roll"
- "Gimme Everything"




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New York hard rock band Year Of The Locust has released the lyric video for their single "Stay Alive." The song features guest appearances from Tesla drummer Troy Luccketta and Florida Georgia Lind guitarist Brian Bonds.

"'Stay Alive' is a redemption song; when you think it's time to give up is just the best time to turn it up." says Year Of The Locust vocalist Scot McGiveron. "Troy is so creative and brought so much energy to the drum track, while Brian's energy and guitar-play is just always so powerful."

Year Of The Locust is currently on the road with Tesla on their Shock USA tour; dates are as listed in the official poster:

For further details, visit Year Of The Locust on Facebook.

 

 




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TOOL singer Maynard James Keenan says that the band's long-awaited new album will arrive in late spring or early summer.

Earlier today, Keenan offered an update on the disc, tweeting that he and his bandmates were "midway through mixing" the effort. He added: "[There will] most likely be a few recalls. Then some arguing. Then mastering, artwork, video, special packaging, etc. Best ballpark guess — release date somewhere between mid-May and mid-July. More focused updates to follow as we progress."

Keenan's latest comments come a month after TOOL drummer Danny Carey told a fan at the NAMM show in Anaheim, California that "the plan" was for the group's new LP to come out "mid-April."

Carey has made other predictions before about TOOL's fifth full-length album, including saying at one point in late 2017 that the record would be out in 2018. TOOL officially entered the studio in March 2018 to begin recording its first full-length album since 2006's "10,000 Days", with Keenan tweeting last month that he had finished laying down his vocals "months ago." The band has a number of festival appearances already booked in May and June.

Maynard attempted to explain the long gap between TOOL albums in a 2017 interview with "The Joe Rogan Experience". Speaking about his bandmates, the singer said: "Their writing process is so drawn out. And I'm sure there's a lot of reasons why the delay has been long. Their process is very analytical, and I think, at some point, maybe because so much time has gone by from the last album, there has to be a little bit of fear in here. [You think to yourself] 'Is this record gonna be as good as the last one?' The anticipation now is… Now the pressure is huge, so I'm sure there's some of that [that] goes into play."

Keenan spent part of 2018 touring with A PERFECT CIRCLE, whose first album in 14 years, "Eat The Elephant", came out last April.

Fifth Angel recently released their first new album in almost 30 years, The Third Secret, via Nuclear Blast. Order the album in various formats here, and watch a lyric video for the album opener, "Stars Are Falling", below.

'Stars Are Falling' is a song that will probably have different meanings for different people," states Ken Mary. "Lyrically I don't want to get too specific as again, I believe different meanings will be found by different people and I don't want to ruin that for them. But the overall idea is that there is this race of life that we're all in... where we strive, we fight, we struggle, and we depend on the fact that the sun will rise and that tomorrow is going to be here one way or another. There's a time where that may not be the case; whether that's on a global level or on a personal level. So really it's a song to ponder some of the deeper meanings of life, actually. And with that I believe I've said enough, lol!"

Additionally, there's news from the band's camp as guitarist Kendall Bechtel has left the band.

In an official statement from Fifth Angle, this change was clarified: "Kendall is a brother and will always be a part of the Fifth Angel legacy. However, if we are going to be honest, he has chosen a path that has left the band, the fans, our label Nuclear Blast, and our promoters in a very difficult situation. He decided that rather than fulfill the commitments that were already in place, he would leave the band with short notice, making it very difficult for the band to find a suitable replacement."

Further the band says, "After the success of The Third Secret the timing is again difficult to understand. In an email to the band, Kendall Bechtel stated that the paths of Fifth Angel and he were "incongruent" and that he wished the band well. We feel that Kendall's actions speak for themselves, but nonetheless the band will be fulfilling its commitments. As a band we feel we had success and made great albums before Kendall, and we hope to have the opportunity to continue doing so in the future as well."

"In regards to the business at hand, filling in on guitar will be the incredible Ethan Brosh from Angels Of Babylon. Also, we always intended on having an additional singer handle all of the material from the first two albums, and a singer that sounds more like original vocalist Ted Pilot. The singer for Metal Assault will be Steven Carlson, another Seattle native now based in Phoenix, who will now cover vocal duties on the three new songs in the set from The Third Secret album as well as the first two albums. It is our sincere desire to play the music of Fifth Angel with as high a level of excellence as possible, as it is our goal to leave the fans with an amazing live experience. We will do our very best to make that a reality, and we look forward to seeing you all very soon!"

Tracklisting:

"Stars Are Falling"
"We Will Rise"
"Queen Of Thieves"
"Dust To Dust"
"Can You Hear Me"
"This Is War"
"Fatima"
"Third Secret"
"Shame On You"
"Hearts Of Stone"

"The Third Secret" video:

"Can You Hear Me" lyric video:

Lineup:

Ken Mary - drums
John Macko - bass
Kendall Bechtel - vocals, guitars
Ed Archer - guitars

(Photo - Laura Siivola)

Apocalyptica Plays Metallica by Four Cellos - A Live Performance, was released as a 2CD+1DVD digipak as well as a digital album version on December 7th. Order here, and watch a video for "The Unforgiven" from the release below:

Two decades ago, Apocalyptica’s first and most important album, Plays Metallica By Four Cellos, was released, selling over 1.5 million copies to date and leading to a carefully remastered, critically acclaimed new album version with three bonus tracks in 2016. In celebration of the trailblazing album’s 20th anniversary, the avowed live band is honouring their career-defining release with the extensive Plays Metallica By Four Cellos world tour since early 2017.

The highly emotional, all instrumental shows across the continents feature four cellos and a drum set and Metallica covers only, taking audiences back to the sound and track listing of the original album as well as thrilling them with more Metallica songs Apocalyptica covered over the years.

Show stopping highlights are cello versions of hits such as "Enter Sandman", "Master Of Puppets" and "Seek And Destroy", as well as incredibly dense encores like "Nothing Else Matters" and "One".

The new DVD delivers the band’s full two-hour concert at the renowned Finnish Savonlinna Opera Festival in the breathtaking scenery of Olavinlinna Castle, featuring previously unreleased Metallica covers. The accompanying CD/digital (and later vinyl) formats present the band’s slightly heavier rock flavor, displayed at one of the band’s three sold-out shows at the iconic Tavastia Club in Helsinki in September.

A lavish 3LP+1DVD+download code package will be dropping in 2019.




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German power metal band, Iron Savior, will release their new album, Kill Or Get Killed, On March 8th via AFM Records. You can pre-order the album here, and watch a lyric video for the song "Roaring Thunder" below.

Mastermind Piet Sielck recently posted the following update: "Hey folks, just a quick info that we have a super limited vinyl version Kill Or Get Killed available for pre-order! 100 units only, so better be quick! Where to get it? In AFM's shop here."

That Hamburg isn’t only the most beautiful city in the world but also a big stronghold when it comes to power metal should be well know ever since the nineteen eighties. Also every fan of hard, melodic music should be familiar with the band of guitarist and singer Piet Sielck, Iron Savior, who are a known quantity in the metal game.

The band has been continuously releasing albums since its founding in 1996. With twelve albums, several chart entries for example with Titancraft (2016) and nearly 4 million streams for their hymn “Heavy Metal Never Dies”, it is clear that Iron Savior are on the right track with their classic and thrilling metal sound.

Piet and his fellow bandmates are unleashing album number 13, Kill Or Get Killed. Though the artwork and title seem to be unusually grim, the band stay true to their straight to the point guitar solos, perfect hooks, catchy choirs and the characteristic voice of front man Piet himself. This mix makes Kill Or Get Killed an excellent power metal album.

Certainly those ten new songs plus one bonus track are again well produced by band boss Piet, as he is not only guitarist and singer but also owner of the Powerhouse Studios.

Tracklisting:

"Kill Or Get Killed"
"Roaring Thunder"
"Eternal Quest"
"From Dust And Ruble"
"Sinner Or Saint"
"Stand Up And Fight"
"Heroes Ascending"
"Never Stop Believing"
"Until We Meet Again"
"Legends Of Glory"
"Sin City" (AC/DC cover, bonus track)

"Roaring Thunder" lyric video:

"Eternal Quest":




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Switzerland's Rage Of Light are about to unleash a musical monster. Their mix of sharp riffs, electronic beats, melody and screaming violence breaks down to the long awaited debut album, Imploder, out on March 29th via Napalm Records. Pre-order here.

Today, the band unleashes the official video for their first single, “Fallen”, filmed by Roger Simon and Sylvain Pellet. Check it out below.

Says Rage Of Light: "We are thrilled to share the first single of our album Imploder. This song reflects the evolution of the band and its music, and gives a first taste of the universe in which the album will guide the listeners."

After the success of their EP, Chasing A Reflection, time has come to take the next step for Rage Of Light around the charismatic Melissa Bonny and founder Jonathan Pellet.

The band on the new album: "Imploder opens a window on a hypothetical future where the detention of power and the technological evolution have been led by people acting without measuring the consequences. Each song reflects this unique Rage Of Light signature: our own combination of powerful riffs and harsh vocals contrasted by mesmerizing trance touches and clean vocals."

Tracklisting:

"Light"
"Enraged"
"Fallen"
"I Can, I Will"
"Away With You"
"In The Shadow"
"Battlefront"
"Imploder"
"Mechanicals"
"Nothingness"

Teaser:

Rage Of Light are:

Melissa Bonny - Main vocals
Jonathan Pellet - Vocals, keyboards, synth & drums programming
Noé Schüpbach - Guitars, bass

(Photo - Pascal Knecht)




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In November 2018, US dark melodic metal act Witherfall released their second studio album, A Prelude To Sorrow. Never resting on its laurels, the group led by the creative duo comprised of vocalist Joseph Michael (Sanctuary) and Jake Dreyer (Iced Earth) now announces the Vintage EP, with the CD, LP, and digital release to be available during the upcoming acoustic tour with Sonata Arctica and released via Century Media Records on March 22nd.

Witherfall reveals: “During the sessions for A Prelude To Sorrow, two cover songs were recorded that showed a different side of Witherfall, originally intended to be bonus tracks. A dark and somber version of Tom Petty’s 'I Won’t Back Down' with vocals recorded with Michael Wagener (Metallica, Skid Row) and an epic version of the Helloween classic 'A Tale That Wasn’t Right'. With the announcement of the Sonata Arctica Acoustic Adventures tour, it was decided to release these covers along with a few acoustic renditions of favorite Witherfall tracks.

"Along with new keyboardist Alex Nasla and session percussionist James “Timbali” Cornwell (Smokey Robinson, Earth Wind & Fire ), Joseph Michael, Jake Dreyer and Anthony Crawford retreated to Harmony Recording Studios in Hollywood, CA (Adele, Miley Cyrus) armed with acoustic guitars and bottles of wine to start working on acoustic arrangements for the tour. The sessions were fruitful and two acoustic versions of past Witherfall songs were recorded: a medley of 'Vintage' and 'Nobody Sleeps Here...' (originally on “Nocturnes and Requiems”) and an alternate arrangement of 'Ode to Despair'. Instead of keeping these as secrets and finally making the rare 'The Long Walk Home (December)' also available to an audience outside of Japan, the Vintage EP offers a collection of music that shows another dimension of the Witherfall sound.”

Check out the official video for the cover of "I Won't Back Down" below.

Mixed and mastered by Christopher “Zeuss” Harris and again featuring artwork by Kristian Wåhlin, Vintage will be released as strictly limited, hand-numbered CD digipak, on black and limited coloured vinyl as well as on all digital platforms.

Tracklisting:

Vintage Medley: "Vintage I", "Nobody Sleeps Here…", "Vintage II"
"A Tale That Wasn't Right" (Helloween cover)
"Ode To Despair" (acoustic)
"The Long Walk Home" (December)
"I Won't Back Down" (Tom Petty cover)
"Vintage" (album version)

Witherfall have kicked off the pre-sale for Vintage at www.witherfall.com/merch whereas the worldwide digital and physical pre-order via Century Media Records starts January 25th.

Furthermore, the Vintage EP also features new keyboardist Alex Nasla who will join Witherfall on the group's upcoming European tour kicking off March 13th in Oslo, Norway. An introductory clip can be viewed below:




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Gatineau, Quebec's Insurrection is an aural onslaught assaulting witnesses in both languages of French and English. Known for blending calculated technicality with a signature mixture of merciless death metal, the band has annihilated the masses with four full-lengths, their most recent 2017's Extraction unleashed on Galy Records to follow Prototype (2013), Fracture (2010) and Prologue (2009). 

Emerging as one of the most prominent metal bands to come out of Eastern Canada, the brutal quintet have premiered their new music video "System Failure". The video was shot during the band's performance at La Grande Guignolee Underground in December 2018 to raise money and food for local Montreal charity SunYouth. 

Vocalist Stef Jomphe comments: "We're thrilled to be sharing this video with you all! We shot this during La Grande Guignolée Underground and it reflects the symbiosis between our crowd and us, and 'System Failure' is the perfect mix of catchy and technical! Next time we're on the road, come sing with us: Failure! Failure!"

Upcoming Insurrection shows:

April
27 - Montreal, QC - Piranha Bar

June
7 - Vankleek Hill, ON - Farmfest




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Former JUDAS PRIEST guitarist K.K. Downing told Landy.Audio in a recent interview that he is not sad or resentful over the fact that the band has carried on recording and touring after his exit nearly eight years ago. "It was bound to happen," he said. "It's just the way it has happened. I think it should have been different, really. I think Richie [Faulkner, Downing's replacement] should have been allowed to be his own person. And if he likes to play Gibson Les Pauls, then he should go on stage and play those and not be encouraged to play Flying Vs and wear clothes like me and look like me and do all of that.

"When Ripper [vocalist Tim Owens] joined [JUDAS PRIEST as the replacement for Rob Halford], we gave him license to be himself — we didn't say, 'You've gotta do this like Rob or that like Rob,'" Downing continued. "So, essentially, my initial reaction was that the guys have cloned me. I thought, well, maybe they think it's a good move because the fans won't miss me and they'll kind of, in a way, from 10 rows back, think I'm still there. And the fact that my image was used in so much of the publicity for the upcoming tour. Maybe that's what went on. I think that Richie is such a good player in his own right that he should have been allowed to be himself. And, of course, when Glenn [Tipton] stepped down [last year after revealing that he has Parkinson's disease], I didn't see the same thing happening on that side of the stage."

Asked if he thinks Faulkner is an "adequate successor" to his lineage within JUDAS PRIEST, Downing said: "Well, it's absolutely seriously, seriously difficult to replace anybody that's been there for such a long time, and I understand that. It's so difficult, because it's not the same person. It doesn't matter, even if some people — and some people do think Ripper has got the edge over Rob. And I can see why — his vocals are young, they are strong. When he came into the band, he was tremendous. But the tonality and the texture, there's always gonna be little things here and there that are not gonna be the same. And people prefer to have the same. But I think that Richie is doing lots of things at the moment, really. He's not just filling in for me now — he's also playing Glenn's solos — and it all seems a bit strange to me. I don't really quite understand it."

Last summer, Downing revealed that he sent two resignation letters to his bandmates when he decided to quit JUDAS PRIEST. The first was described as "a graceful exit note, implying a smooth retirement from music," while the second was "angrier, laying out all of his frustrations with specific parties."

Downing later said that he believed the second letter was "a key reason" he wasn't invited to rejoin PRIEST following Tipton's decision to retire from touring.

"I'm sure that myself and Richie would have made a pretty good upfront guitar duo," Downing told Landry.Audio. "But time is moving on. Opportunities will get fewer and further between with age things."

In a 2011 interview with the Finnish newspaper Ilta-Sanomat, Halford stated about Faulkner's physical resemblance to a younger Downing: "People are saying, 'It's a clone. You've got some of K.K.'s DNA.' It's just the way it turned out. We made, like, a secret search. When we knew K.K. was not gonna be making the tour, we did a lot of secret, kind of, searching for another player. And Richie just happened to be the guy. And he just happens to look a little bit of the K.K. image, you know?! I think it would be silly to say, 'We looked for a guitar player that looks like Ken.' What we want is a very good metal guitar player, and that's what Richie Faulkner is."

K.K.'s autobiography, "Heavy Duty: Days And Nights In Judas Priest", was released in September via Da Capo Press.

In a new interview with Greece’s Rock Overdose, King Diamond guitarist Andy LaRocque talked about the whereabouts of a new album.

LaRocque said, “I’m actually composing songs for the next King Diamond album. That, I think, would be interesting for the fans to know, and I know that King is on the same line. He’s got some ideas in his head so I’m sure he’s gonna start recording some ideas very soon even though he has a lot of ideas already when it comes to lyrics, the story and all that… Actually, this morning, before talking to you, I sat down and did some stuff, one of my contributions for the album. Except for that, I’ve got a lot of clients in the studio from all over the world. Just a few days ago.”

About being ready for release for 2019, LaRocque revealed, “Well, this year, 2019. I really hope so! I think… I’m not gonna say anything because you don’t know what’s happening. But, right now, we’re working on writing songs and, as soon as that’s finished, we’re gonna start recording some of the songs. We’ll see, but we’re definitely working on it. It’s about time! It’s been 11 years since we released the last album and it’s definitely about time we released something new. The material so far is a little bit back to what people expect from us. I’m not gonna say it’s gonna be, like, a new Abigail album with that sound, but the style is classical King Diamond. I can say that much.”

On January 25th, King Diamond released a new DVD/Blu-ray, Songs For The Dead Live, via Metal Blade Records.

There is only one King Diamond, and for more than thirty years the great Dane has been dropping classic albums and putting on shows fans remember for the rest of their lives. Perhaps the only downside to having such a formidable catalogue is that there are just too many great songs to fit into a single set. However, you would be hard-pressed to find a fan who wouldn't want to hear 1987's seminal Abigail in its entirety, and Songs For The Dead Live captures this, twice, and in very different locales.

Boasting eighteen songs per set, each of the two shows - Belgium's Graspop Metal Meeting in June 2016 and Philadelphia's Fillmore in November 2015 - feature a brace of classic King Diamond and Mercyful Fate tracks including "Welcome Home," "Halloween," and "Eye Of The Witch" before launching into Abigail. The performances of the all-star lineup of musicians, comprising of guitarists Andy LaRocque and Mike Wead, bassist Pontus Egberg and drummer Matt Thompson, are absolutely ferocious, hammering home every single moment.

For a new preview of Songs For The Dead Live, a video for "Arrival" (Live At Graspop) can be found below.

Order the release in the following formats here:

- 2DVD/CD 6-Panel Digipak
- Blu-ray (includes audio digital download of Philadelphia Show)
- special edition box set with 5 discs (2DVD, 2CD, 1 Blu-ray) plus poster, flier, laminate, setlist, ticket, sticker, and guitar pick (limited to 3000 copies)
- opaque blue with white splatter vinyl (US retail exclusive - limited to 600 copies)
- opaque red with black splatter vinyl (US webstore exclusive - limited to 200 copies)
- opaque white with black splatter vinyl (US webstore exclusive - limited to 200 copies)
- 180g black vinyl (EU exclusive)
- transparent amber marbled vinyl (EU exclusive - limited to 700 copies)
- clear ghost white vinyl (EU exclusive - limited to 500 copies)
- orange-brown/black marbled vinyl (EU exclusive - limited to 300 copies)
- black/purple melt vinyl (Nuclear Blast exclusive - limited to 200 copies)
- orange/red marbled vinyl (Napalm exclusive - limited to 300 copies)
- clear lavender marbled vinyl (EMP exclusive - limited to 200 copies)
- clear ash grey marbled vinyl (Bengan exclusive - limited to 200 copies)
- pink blue marbled vinyl (Ebay exclusive - limited to 200 copies)

Captured on film by director Denise Korycki for Wild Wind Studios, she worked closely with King on every aspect of filming, and throughout the viewer finds themselves front and center as the shows unfold. This includes some inventive camera placement, such as riding in on the back of the wheelchair as it is wheeled out to "Out From The Asylum" at the start of the show, or looking up from the coffin at the commencement of Abigail opener "Funeral", which adds an extra dimension to proceedings. Naturally, the theatricality that has become synonymous with King Diamond is there in full force, making for an even more immersive experience. The gothic stage set and the participation of actors playing out certain scenes tying into the songs definitely increases the drama and the sense of complete disconnect from the trappings of reality, ensuring that the shows remain riveting from start to finish.

While the setlists are virtually identical, the drastic difference in the two venues make for distinctly different atmospheres. The sweeping, epic scale of Graspop and the virtual sea of baying metalheads makes for a particularly thrilling spectacle, King holding them all in the palm of his hand. The Fillmore show is immediately more intimate, and rather than a mixed bag of metal lovers drunk on a weekend of the heavy stuff, the audience is comprised entirely of the King Diamond devout, screaming back every word, their love for their hero bleeding from every frame. Songs For The Dead Live gives those who missed out on seeing these shows in the flesh a chance to vividly experience them, offering so much deeper an experience than your run of the mill live DVD.

Graspop Metal Meeting tracklisting:

"Out From The Asylum"
"Welcome Home"
"Sleepless Nights"
"Halloween"
"Eye Of The Witch"
"Melissa"
"Come To The Sabbath"
"Them"
"Funeral"
"Arrival"
"A Mansion In Darkness"
"The Family Ghost"
"The 7th Day Of July 1777"
"Omens"
"The Possession"
"Abigail"
"Black Horsemen"
"Insanity"

"Arrival" (Live At Graspop):

"Welcome Home" (Live At Graspop):

"Come To The Sabbath" (Live At Graspop):

The Fillmore tracklisting:

"Out From The Asylum"
"Welcome Home"
"Sleepless Nights"
"Eye Of The Witch"
"Halloween"
"Melissa"
"Come To The Sabbath"
"Them"
"Funeral"
"Arrival"
"A Mansion In Darkness"
"The Family Ghost"
"The 7th Day Of July 1777"
"Omens"
"The Possession"
"Abigail"
"Black Horsemen"
"Insanity"

"A Mansion In Darkness" (Live At The Fillmore) video:

"Sleepless Nights" (Live At The Fillmore) video:




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FOREIGNER and Eagle Vision have announced the release of the concert film, "Foreigner Live At The Rainbow '78", which is available on DVD, Blu-ray, and digital video from March 15.

A performance clip of the song "Hot Blooded", taken from "Foreigner Live At The Rainbow '78", can be seen below.

After the band's self-titled debut album had spent a year in the U.S. Top 20, rock's conquering heroes played a sold-out show at London's celebrated Rainbow Theatre on April 27, 1978. Opening with "Long, Long Way From Home", fans were treated to a magnificent display of musicianship and performance, including hit singles "Feels Like The First Time" and "Cold As Ice", as well an exclusive preview of two tracks from the upcoming "Double Vision" album, "Hot Blooded" and "Double Vision".

Featuring the classic FOREIGNER lineup of Mick Jones (lead guitar, keyboards, backing vocals), Lou Gramm (lead vocals, percussion), Ian McDonald (guitars, keyboards, sax, flute, backing vocals), Al Greenwood (keyboards, synthesizer), Ed Gagliardi (bass, backing vocals) and Dennis Elliott (drums, backing vocals), this show captures the essence of a group who would go on to become one of the world's best-selling bands of all time.

Forty years later, this definitive performance by the original band has been restored from the original film reels, remixed and remastered for this release.

"1978 was an absolutely magical time for the band," remembers Mick Jones, "and to come back over to the U.K. to play a headline show at the legendary Rainbow really was a dream come true. The audience was amazing that night. We couldn't have wished for a better show."

As FOREIGNER's music continues to resonate with fans old and new, the band celebrated their 40th anniversary playing amphitheaters and arenas throughout 2018.

Track listing:

01. Long, Long Way From Home

02. I Need You

03. Woman Oh Woman

04. Hot Blooded

05. The Damage Is Done

06. Cold As Ice

07. Starrider

08. Double Vision

09. Feels Like The First Time

10. Fool For You Anyway

11. At War With The World

12. Headknocker

A NEW REVENGE (formerly PROJECT ROCK and ROCKSTAR) — the band featuring former members of JUDAS PRIEST, ALICE COOPER, OZZY OSBOURNE and SCORPIONS — will release its debut album, "Enemies & Lovers", on March 29 via Australia's independent record label Golden Robot Records.

A NEW REVENGE features one of the finest voices in metal of all time, Tim "Ripper" Owens (ex-JUDAS PRIEST, ICED EARTH), one of the most versatile and name-checked guitarists in rock Keri Kelli (SLASH'S SNAKEPIT, ALICE COOPER, VINCE NEIL), legendary bassist Rudy Sarzo (OZZY OSBOURNE, WHITESNAKE, QUIET RIOT) and longtime SCORPIONS drummer James Kottak (also of KINGDOM COME).

The official video for the first single from A NEW REVENGE, "The Way", can be seen below.

Due to scheduling conflicts, Sarzo was unable to attend the filming of A NEW REVENGE's videos. The band's good friend and renowned played Phil Soussan (OZZY OSBOURNE, LAST IN LINE) stepped in at the last minute to take his place.

Kelli says of A NEW REVENGE coming together: "Beginning the songwriting process, we said, 'Let's get together and come up with three or four original songs.' Without any pressure, just creating as we went. Finally, we got to the eleven songs we were all happy with. 'Here's To Us' was the first song we wrote for this record. It came very fast and was pretty simple to write. It's basically an ode to hard rock fans the planet over."

Kelli says of "Enemies & Lovers": "It's been a long time coming but it's completely finished — mixed, mastered and all ready to go. We all really, really excited to finally unleash this on the hard rock community."

A NEW REVENGE will hit the road across the U.S. in support "Enemies & Lovers" throughout 2019 and is looking at locking in a European tour later in the year.

"Here's To Us" was premiered in 2013 on Russia's "Drive Time Morning Show With Evgeny Shtoltz".

Owens told RockEra Magazine about A NEW REVENGE: "It started as an all-star band playing songs from all of our careers. Then we wrote a CD and recorded it, and I can't wait to get it out." He described the band's musical direction as "just good old straight-forward hard rock."

PROJECT ROCK's touring lineup also included Teddy "Zig Zag" Andreadis (GUNS N' ROSES) on keyboards.

A NEW REVENGE is:

* Tim "Ripper" Owens (JUDAS PRIEST, ICED EARTH, YNGWIE MALMSTEEN, DIO DISCIPLES) - Vocals

* Keri Kelli (SLASH'S SNAKEPIT, ALICE COOPER, RATT) - Guitar

* James Kottak (SCORPIONS, KINGDOM COME) - Drums

* Rudy Sarzo (OZZY OSBOURNE, QUIET RIOT, WHITESNAKE, DIO) - Bass

The official music video for the song "Paralyzed" from progressive metal giants DREAM THEATER can be seen below. The track is quintessential DREAM THEATER, showcasing the band's unique ability to write memorable melodies backed with unique song structures and maestro-level musicianship. Wayne Joyner, who also imagined the clip for "Fall Into The Light", created the animated video for the cut.

"The song is an introspective reflection on the negative impact that being obstinate or single-minded can have on important relationships," explains guitarist John Petrucci.

"Paralyzed" is taken from DREAM THEATER's 14th studio album, "Distance Over Time", which will be released on February 22. The disc marks the first for the band's new label InsideOut Music. The artwork was created by long-time cover collaborator Hugh Syme (RUSH, IRON MAIDEN, STONE SOUR). "Distance Over Time" was produced by Petrucci, mixed by Ben Grosse and mastered by Tom Baker.

"Distance Over Time" will be available as: standard CD jewel case, special edition digipak (including one bonus track), 180g gatefold 2LP edition (including one bonus track, an eight-page-LP-booklet and the entire album on CD), limited-edition artbook (including one bonus track, 5.1 mix with video animations, instrumental mixes and high-res files of the album, stems for "Untethered Angel", extended liner notes, additional artwork, including photos from the writing session and additional video content), as deluxe collector's box set (including lenticular cover card, artbook, 180g 2LP gatefold edition with exclusive artwork and exclusive white vinyl, exclusive picture 7", 60 x 60 cm poster, 10 art cards, slipmat, patch, pin and a hand-numbered certificate of authenticity) and as digital album (including one bonus track).

"Distance Over Time" track listing:

01. Untethered Angel (6:14)

02. Paralyzed (4:17)

03. Fall Into The Light (7:04)

04. Barstool Warrior (6:43)

05. Room 137 (4:23)

06. S2N (6:21)

07. At Wit’s End (9:20)

08. Out Of Reach (4:04)

09. Pale Blue Dot (8:25)

10. Viper King (4:00) (Bonus)

"Distance Over Time" is available for pre-order at this location.

Says Petrucci: "When I listen back to the album, I can distinctly recall every moment of the writing process; where I was standing in the room, what inspired us in that instant and the meaning behind each song. As a producer, my goal was to try and create the best-sounding DREAM THEATER record we've ever made so that listeners can just be enveloped in the music. I really wanted this recording to truly reflect the spirit, joy and passion that went into making the album and for people to walk away feeling some of the organic nature, personality and raw energy that the band captured while together in the studio. For me, I think it accomplishes that and I hope that other people will feel the same way."

In June 2018, the members of DREAM THEATER secluded themselves in a private location in upstate New York to begin writing for the new record. While spending the summer living together in the property's adjacent residence, the band spent their days and nights crafting the music that would make up the new album in the "Yonderbarn"; a beautiful and spacious barn that had been meticulously transformed into a state-of-the art film and recording studio. Following an intense and extremely productive period of group writing sessions and wanting to retain the magic that was captured in this scenic and inspiring location, they decided to record the album in the very room they had all convened to write together in. Living together during the writing and recording for "Distance Over Time" marked another first for the band's 33-year career. The result is a heavier collection of songs that showcases the early roots of the band while exploring new territory as musicians and as friends.

"It was like going back to summer camp," says singer James LaBrie. "Being around each other the whole time made it that much more of a profound experience. I think the songs reflect the energy. It was a lot of fun to have a situation so powerful at this point in our career."

It has been three years since DREAM THEATER released new music. To announce the details of the brand new album, DREAM THEATER enlisted the help of one lucky contest winner to break the news of the record to the loyal fans of the band. An Alternate Reality Game was launched that encompassed a "treasure hunt" whereby fans were able to search for clues hidden in various photos, videos, social media posts, and more. Ultimately, one lucky winner was given access to content before everyone else including the release date and cover artwork, and the winner would be the one to share the first taste of never-before-heard music.

DREAM THEATER is also planning to hit the road in support of the new album. The "Distance Over Time" tour of North America was recently announced and kicks off on March 20 in San Diego, California. The tour will run for seven weeks before wrapping up in Mexico City on May 4. Information on tickets for all upcoming shows as well as VIP packages can be found at DreamTheater.net.

Members of DREAM THEATER, PANTERA, TESTAMENT, BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION and CHICKENFOOT are among the musicians who have reacted to the passing of Jim Dunlop. The founder of Dunlop Manufacturing and enormously influential innovator of picks, capos, and other guitar accessories died at the age of 82.

Born in Scotland in 1936, Jim traveled to Canada as a young man looking for new opportunities. There he met his bride and mother of his children, Bernice, and the two of them headed to California for warmer weather. By the 1960s, he had started a family and was working as a machinist and then mechanical engineer in the San Francisco Bay Area. During off hours, he turned his lifelong interest in music to creating accessories for guitar players.

Jim's fearless, innovative spirit led him to turn his hobby into a livelihood, and in 1965, he founded Dunlop Manufacturing, Inc. Finding local success with handmade capos, he made the life-changing decision to become a maker of guitar picks when his obsession for precision drove him to design guitar picks gauged by their true thickness. Jim made a personal commitment to expanding the options available to guitar players of the time, introducing strict quality control and a wider variety of gauges than had ever been available before. He blended the advice of musicians with his precise engineering intuition as he experimented with numerous shapes and materials so that players could find the right pick and get the most out of it. One of the greatest triumphs to come from that experimentation was Tortex Picks, which is the No. 1 pick in the world today.

In the 1980s, Jim boldly entered the effects market, assembling a crack team of engineers and securing top-quality parts. He acquired beloved brands such as Cry Baby and MXR and expanded their offerings while remaining true to their legacies and introducing a level of quality and consistency where it had never existed before. Taking on electronics blew the door wide open for Jim's company, leading to collaborations with the family of Jimi Hendrix and numerous artists such as Eddie Van Halen, "Dimebag" Darrell Abbott and Slash to make the sounds of the world's top players available to everyone around the world. Today, Dunlop Manufacturing is one of the world's largest pedal companies.

It would be difficult to find a guitar player who hasn't been affected by Jim's thoughtful innovations. Ever attentive to their needs, Jim will live on in the many products that he created to provide people with a better playing experience.


Jim was widowed by Bernice, in 2001 and is survived by Linda, wife of 7 years; daughter Jasmin Powell, married to Glenn; son Jimmy Dunlop, married to Elizabeth; and grandchildren Alyssa Powell, Krista Powell and Max Dunlop.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to MusiCares in Jim's name.

MÖTLEY CRÜE has collaborated with Machine Gun Kelly on a song that will be included in the soundtrack to the film adaptation of the group's biography, "The Dirt - Confessions Of The World's Most Notorious Rock Band".

The rapper — whose real name is Colson Baker — plays MÖTLEY CRÜE drummer Tommy Lee in the movie, which will premiere on March 22 via Netflix. "The Dirt" also stars Daniel Webber ("The Punisher") as singer Vince Neil, Douglas Booth as bassist Nikki Sixx and Iwan Rheon ("Game Of Thrones") as guitarist Mick Mars.

At the end of last year, the members of MÖTLEY CRÜE reunited with longtime producer Bob Rock to record four new songs for the soundtrack.

In a Twitter question-and-answer session Wednesday night, Sixx was asked if Machine Gun Kelly would guest on one of the songs, to which he answered: "Yes. New song with MGK is coming really soon."

Asked to describe the new MÖTLEY CRÜE music, he answered: "Heavy Crüe…"

"The Dirt" was helmed by "Jackass Presents: Bad Grandpa" director Jeff Tremaine. It was picked up by Netflix after being previously developed at Focus Features and before that at Paramount.

Machine Gun Kelly told Billboard that he got his part in the movie after "a six-audition process. The first two, I was auditioning for Nikki Sixx, and then the last four for Tommy Lee, over the course of two and a half years," he said.

In 2015, MÖTLEY CRÜE completed "The Final Tour", closing the book on the band's iconic career after performing a total of 164 shows in 72 markets, grossing over $100 million.

To cement the sense of finality, the four members of MÖTLEY CRÜE in 2014 publicly signed a "cessation of touring" contract that prevents any of them from performing under the CRÜE name in the future.

A tour film about MÖTLEY CRÜE's final shows, "The End", came out in 2016.

"Taste Like", a new song from Sacramento, California rockers TESLA, can be streamed below. The track is taken from the band's eighth studio album, "Shock", which will be released on March 8 via UMe. Produced and co-written by DEF LEPPARD guitarist Phil Collen, the follow-up to June 2014's "Simplicity" is available on CD, digital, black vinyl, and limited-edition translucent blue vinyl formats. Fans who pre-order the album will receive the album title track is an instant-grat free download.

"Shock" track listing:

01. You Won't Take Me Alive

02. Taste Like

03. We Can Rule The World

04. Shock

05. Love Is A Fire

06. California Summer Song

07. Forever Loving You

08. The Mission

09. Tied To The Tracks

10. Afterlife

11. I Want Everything

12. Comfort Zone

Collen previously co-wrote and produced the TESLA song "Save That Goodness", which was released in August 2016 and included on the "Mechanical Resonance Live!" album.

TESLA guitarist Frank Hannon told The Metal Voice about "Shock": "It definitely has an '80s kind of polished production... but there is no real direction. I always quote '[This Is] Spinal Tap', when Nigel [Tufnel] says, 'Changing our style is our style.' We don't really pigeonhole ourselves into one sound. We've got elements of metal, country, Americana, a lot of these different directions... This new album, it has the big production, but every song sounds different. Each guy in the band has a different influence. I'm influenced by southern rock a lot, so you're going to hear some slide guitar riffs on there, but there's also, like, [bassist] Brian Wheat, who's influenced by QUEEN and THE BEATLES, so you're going to hear these big Beatle vocals. Phil Collen obviously, you're going to hear some DEF LEPPARD-style influence... It's a combo pizza, man. It's got everything on it."

Regarding Collen's involvement in "Shock", Frank said: "Phil came to us and wanted to produce an album for us... Phil really, really helped us. I'll be honest — we were at a low point after we did [2014's] 'Simplicity'. We were really frustrated, and we were probably not going to make another album. Phil had a bunch of song ideas, and a lot of the writing on the new album is co-written with Phil. He interjected a lot of positive energy for us and helped us get back on our feet. He's bringing production quality and details that we would have not done and haven't done in the past. Some fans may not like it; some fans are probably going love it. This is something that we wanted to try, we've never worked like this before. Mutt Lange is a producer that really has techniques that are very detailed in the studio, and Phil obviously has experienced all that, and he brought that type of approach into making a TESLA record, which we'd never done before. There's a lot of killer sonics. The sound of this new record is really... I don't know how to describe it. It's just awesome; it's produced; and, like, really powerful."

TESLA's current lineup includes four of the five original members: Jeff Keith (vocals), Frank Hannon (guitars), Brian Wheat (bass) and Troy Luccketta (drums). Guitarist Dave Rude joined in 2006 as the replacement for Tommy Skeoch.

"Warpaint", the title track of the new album from Californian rockers BUCKCHERRY, can be streamed below. Due on March 8 via Century Media/RED Music, the 12-song disc, featuring 11 new BUCKCHERRY songs along with a cover of the NINE INCH NAILS classic "Head Like A Hole", was produced by Mike Plotnikoff, whose last collaboration with the band was the platinum-certified album "15". The album art was created by Aaron Marsh and can be seen below.

Singer Josh Todd comments: "Good things come to those who wait and we have been very patient and thorough with the songwriting for 'Warpaint'. We took into consideration all the factors and what this record means to, not only us, but the great BUCKCHERRY fans around the world. This record takes the listener on an unforgettable journey and I'm very proud of it."


"Warpaint" track listing:

01. Warpaint

02. The Alarm

03. Bent

04. Radio Song

05. Closer

06. Back Down

07. The Vacuum

08. No Regrets

09. The Hunger

10. The Devil's In The Details

11. Right Now

12. Head Like A Hole

BUCKCHERRY recently recruited Francis Ruiz as its new drummer. He joins the band as the replacement for Sean Winchester, who left BUCKCHERRY after laying down the drum tracks on "Warpaint".

Ruiz previously worked as a drum tech for such acclaimed drummers as Paul Bostaph (SLAYER), Charlie Benante (ANTHRAX), Mikkey Dee (MOTÖRHEAD), Tommy Aldridge (THIN LIZZY), James Kottak (SCORPIONS), Jeff Fabb (BLACK LABEL SOCIETY) and "Wild" Mick Brown (TED NUGENT). He also filled in for Dee in 2009 during a MOTÖRHEAD tour in Canada.

Winchester hooked up with BUCKCHERRY in 2017 following the departure of the band's longtime drummer Xavier Muriel. Sean was previously the drummer of JOSH TODD & THE CONFLICT, the group featuring BUCKCHERRY singer Josh Todd and guitarist Stevie Dacanay (a.k.a. Stevie D.).

Photo credit: Israel Perez

Norwegian extreme metal formation GAAHLS WYRD, fronted by renowned vocalist Gaahl (GORGOROTH, WARDRUNA), will release its debut album, "GastiR - Ghosts Invited", on May 31 via Season Of Mist. The disc was recorded last year at Solslottet Studios in Norway with Iver Sandøy (ENSLAVED).


Those who are expecting a blasting black metal offering are in for something unexpected. Even though "GastiR – Ghosts invited" is firmly rooted in extreme metal, Gaahl's vocal delivery on this record is something out of the ordinary and the first class riffing in combination with the excellent musicianship is bound to take you places you've never been before.

The first single from the disc, "Ghosts Invited", can be streamed below.

Gaahl is known as one of Norway's most-talked-about and respected extreme metal musicians. His work with TRELLDOM, GORGOROTH, WARDRUNA and GOD SEED has been widely regarded as some of the best the black metal scene has had to offer.


Under the moniker GAAHLS WYRD, the vocalist assembled some of Norway's finest metal musicians. The band consist of Ole Walaunet (THE BATALLION, GOD SEED, GRIMFIST), Frode Kilvik (KRAKOW, AETERNUS) and Kevin Kvåle (HORIZON ABLAZE). This highly qualified bunch recently toured a finely selected, career spanning repertoire from Gaahl's time in TRELLDOM, GORGOROTH and GOD SEED to great acclaim.

"GastiR - Ghosts Invited" track listing:

01. Ek Erilar (05:34)

02. From The Spear (04:37)

03. Ghosts Invited (04:23)

04. Carving The Voices (07:26)

05. Veiztu Hve (06:41)

06. The Speech And The Self (05:02)

07. Through And Past And Past (02:59)

08. Within The Voice Of Existence (05:25)

GAAHLS WYRD is about to embark on a European tour with TRIBULATION, UADA and IDLE HANDS.

GAAHLS WYRD is:

Gaahl (Kristian Espedal) - Vocals

Lust Kilman (Ole Walaunet) - Guitar

Eld (Frode Kilvik) - Bass

Spektre (Kevin Kvåle) - Drums

Ozzy Osbourne is doing "much better," three days after the BLACK SABBATH singer was hospitalized because of flu complications.

On Monday (February 4), Ozzy was admitted to the Keck Hospital of University of Southern California. His wife and manager, Sharon Osbourne, said that doctors believe "this is the best way to get him on a quicker road to recovery."

Earlier today (Thursday, February 7), the couple's son Jack posted an Instagram selfie in a car, along with the caption: "Fresh cut. New glasses. Sunny day. All is well. Now I'm off to see dad. He's doing much better. Thanks for all your messages)"

This is Ozzy's second stay in the hospital. Last October, the metal legend contracted a staph infection that required him to have surgery on his hand and resulted in him canceling several shows.

Last month, Ozzy was forced to postpone the entire European leg of his "No More Tours 2" run on doctors' orders, just one day after postponing the first four dates on the U.K. stretch of the trek. Ozzy was diagnosed with a severe upper respiratory infection which his doctor felt could develop into pneumonia if he stayed on the road.

Ozzy's final world tour of this size is scheduled to resume on March 9 in Australia. Shows will follow in New Zealand and Japan before a two-month North American leg.

View this post on Instagram Fresh cut. New glasses. Sunny day. All is well. Now I’m off to see dad. He’s doing much better. Thanks for all your messages) A post shared by Jack Osbourne (@jackosbourne) on Feb 7, 2019 at 12:27pm PST

SLIPKNOT/STONE SOUR frontman Corey Taylor is apparently collaborating with U.K. rapper Kid Bookie — and all it took was Kid Bookie hitting up Taylor on Twitter.

According to The Pulse Of Radio, it all started with Kid Bookie tweeting on January 30 that SLIPKNOT's song "Wait And Bleed" was as iconic as SYSTEM OF A DOWN's "Chop Suey!" Later that same day, Bookie tweeted directly at Taylor, saying, "@CoreyTaylorRock I gotta work with you before both of us leave this earth."

Taylor responded a couple hours later, saying: "Let's talk my friend." Less than a week later, it appears the collaboration is happening, with Bookie tweeting on Tuesday (February 5): "People of earth and beyond, me and @CoreyTaylorRock have some very VERY special music coming for you soon. That is all, have a good day."

Taylor is in the middle of recording the new SLIPKNOT LP, but somewhere in there he's apparently going to make time to get together with Bookie for their new project. The next SLIPKNOT album follows up 2014's ".5: The Gray Chapter" and is due out this summer.

SlipKnot - Wait & Bleed is as iconic as Chop Suey.— Books. (@kidbookie) January 30, 2019



Let’s talk my friend. ? https://t.co/PIDig8fi5K— confirm: 0-0-0... DESTRUCT... 0 (@CoreyTaylorRock) January 30, 2019



People of earth and beyond, me and @CoreyTaylorRock have some very VERY special music coming for you soon ?. That is all, have a good day.

S.I.M.W.R ?— Books. (@kidbookie) February 5, 2019

DROWNING POOL has apparently commenced the recording process for the follow-up to its 2016 album "Hellelujah".

This past Tuesday (February 5), the Texas heavy rockers posted a picture of a studio whiteboard on their Facebook page, along with several working songtitles that are set to appear on the band's next disc.

Back in December 2017, DROWNING POOL guitarist C.J. Pierce told the 97.1 The Eagle radio station that "everybody" in the group had "brought amazing material" during the songwriting phase for the band's next LP.

Asked how the material for the new disc compares to the songs on "Hellelujah", Pierce said: "It's just a continuation of that. I mean, it's rock and roll. There's a lot of different ideas, again, on the table, so it's coming together. Jay [vocalist Jasen Moreno] and Steve [bassist Stevie Benton] bring a lot of lyrics to the table as of late as well. I love the double meanings in everything that we have. We're getting deeper with the lyrics — deep tracks — so it's getting there. [We're] just evolving as a band, and it's monumental. This next record with Jasen, it's three records in [with the same singer] — the first time we've done that with anybody. So, obviously, we like Jay; he's gonna stay around."

Moreno, DROWNING POOL's fourth frontman, told 97.1 The Eagle about his time with the band so far: "I love it. It's gonna sound so cliché, but it's been a mind-blowing experience and it hasn't faded, it hasn't lost its luster. It continues to challenge me in ways that I never could have foreseen. I didn't expect my life to go this way. Obviously, I wanted it to, but I never thought that it would actually happen. So I don't think that I'm ever gonna really be in full belief and acceptance of what has happened, 'cause it's just so crazy."

Moreno, who previously fronted fellow Texas band THE SUICIDE HOOK, replaced vocalist Ryan McCombs, who exited DROWNING POOL at the end of 2011 after a six-year stint in the lineup.

DROWNING POOL played a number of shows in 2017 with singer Joey Duenas, formerly of the bands UNLOCO and ANEW REVOLUTION. Duenas was apparently filling in for Moreno, who was unable to make the dates for reasons that were not disclosed.

DROWNING POOL's original singer, Dave Williams, died on tour in 2002 after singing on the band's debut, "Sinner". He was replaced by Jason "Gong" Jones, who also contributed to one record, "Desensitized", before being shown the door in 2004.

"Hellelujuah" came out in February 2016 via eOne Music. The follow-up to 2013's "Resilience" was recorded with renowned producer Jason Suecof (AUGUST BURNS RED, DEICIDE, DEATH ANGEL).


The beginning....Posted by Drowning Pool on Tuesday, February 5, 2019


Day 1Posted by Drowning Pool on Tuesday, February 5, 2019