Swedish folk metal pioneers, Falconer, performed at Germany's Waken Open Air festival in summer 2015, and endured the heaviest rain since the festival's founding in 1990. The band themselves faced some technical problems, but filled the time with some anecdotes from the beginnings of the band. Watch below.

Setlist:

"Northwind"
"Age Of Runes"
"How It All Began"
"Mindtraveller"
"Clarion Call"

Texas-based "groove" metallers PISSING RAZORS have inked a deal with Art Is War Records. The band's new studio album will be released later in the year. The first single from the disc, "Crushing Grip", is out now. The song was engineered by Eddie Garcia and PISSING RAZORS and was mixed and mastered by Chris Collier.

PISSING RAZORS' current lineup includes founding members Eddy Garcia (drums), Joe Rodriguez (vocals) and Mat Lynch (guitar), who led the band to gain a loyal underground following in the mid/late '90s and early 2000s through constant touring, both stateside and abroad.

PISSING RAZORS stated about the Art Is War signing: "We look forward to a long and prosperous musical journey together. Art Is War is the perfect choice for us to work with in releasing our long-awaited new material. The world will see a return to our early heavy groove, punk-infused metal roots people know us best for."

Art Is War CEO Lucas Joyner said: "Having RAZORS join the label has been in the works since the start. Myself and Steev from SKINLAB worked hard to make sure a home for the El Paso, Texas legends was here and nowhere else than at Art is War Records! We will be ready to unleash the beast in 2019."


PISSING RAZORS was formed by the Garcia brothers (Eddy and Danny) in the early '90s under the moniker BACK DOOR CYCLOPS, but changed its name to PISSING RAZORS in time for the release of the band's debut studio album, "Psycho Punko Metal Groove", in 1996. The CD was followed by "Pissing Razors", "Cast Down The Plague", "Fields Of Disbelief" (2000), "Where We Come From" (2001), the live record "Live In The Devil's Triangle" (2002) and the group's latest release, "Evolution", in 2003.

Professionally filmed video footage of METALLICA performing the song "Battery" on December 7, 2018 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California can be seen below.

The second North American leg of METALLICA's "WorldWired" features in-the-round production and a few firsts, including a "Light It Up" pre-show party hosted by the band's friend, comedian Jim Breuer; and a "Wherever I May Roam Black Ticket" that gives a limited number of fans floor access to any show on the tour.

The "WorldWired" set and stage design, designed by the show's director, Dan Braun, features an immersive concert experience with a 44' x 44' square main-stage equipped with several prop lifts located in the center of the arena.

The "WorldWired" show features the touring industry's first autonomous indoor drone swarm, with 99 micro drones dancing like fireflies for the song "Moth Into Flame".

METALLICA kicked off the 2018/2019 U.S. leg of the "WorldWired" arena tour back in September in Madison, Wisconsin. The trek will resume on January 18 in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

No details are available as yet, but Children Of Bodom are teaming up with Finland-based Fat Lizard Brewing Co. Check out the video teaser posted by the brewery. 

Fat Lizard Brewing Co. is a Finnish indie brewery specializing in super fresh and drinkable American-style beers. They are located in Otaniemi, in the very heart of Espoo, Finland. As the first commercial brewery ever in Espoo, the company was founded in 2014 and has been operative since February 2015. Today the brewery staff includes 10 irreplaceable characters altogether.

Check out their official Facebook page here.

Children Of Bodom will release their tenth album, Hexed, on March 8th via Nuclear Blast Records. They have announced their Hexed 2019 North American Tour.

The trek will kick off in Quebec City on March 13th and conclude in New York City on April 19th. Supporting the band are Finnish death-doom melody-makers Swallow The Sun and Finnish epic melodic death metal quartet Wolfheart, as well as Summoner's Circle (March 13-16, April 9-19), Hollow Cry (March 18-29) and Fragmentum (March 30, April 7) who are opening select shows.

COB frontman, guitarist, and mastermind Alexi Laiho comments, "Hello North America! Just wanna say and empathize the word “finally” ... fuckin' finally we’ll be back on the road - like old school style and over the pond too!! We’ll be in your town just as you're getting your hands on the new record. Even if you do not have it, don’t worry cause we’re gonna rotate the setlist to include old tracks that will blow your mind back to hell so it’s gonna be a good fuckin' party ladies and gentlemen. Hoping to see you there!!"

Pre-sale tickets are available for purchase via American Express on January 16th - 17th, starting at 10 AM, local time as well as through Goldenvoice on January 17th starting at 10 AM and ending at 10 PM, local time. Tickets go on sale to the public on Friday, January 18th at 10 AM, local time.

Confirmed dates are listed below.

March
13 -  Imperial - Quebec City, QC*
14 - Corona Theater - Montreal, QC*   
15 - Bronson Centre - Ottawa, ON *
16 - The Phoenix Concert Theater - Toronto, ON*   
18 - St. Andrews - Detroit, MI**  
19 - House of Blues - Chicago, IL**      
20 - Skyway Theater - Minneapolis, MN**      
22 - The Summit - Denver, CO **     
23 - Metro Music Hall - Salt Lake City, UT**      
25 - The Palace Theatre - Calgary, AB**  
26 - Union -  Edmonton, AB**  
27 - The Vogue Theater - Vancouver, BC**      
29 - El Corazon - Seattle, WA**   
30 - Hawthorne Theater - Portland, OR ***  

April
1 - The Regency Ballroom - San Francisco, CA***    
2 - The Observatory - Santa Ana, CA ***  
3 - Club Red - Phoenix, AZ***    
5 - Alamo Music Hall - San Antonio, TX ***   
6 - Warehouse Live - Houston, TX ***   
7 - Canton Hall - Dallas, TX ***   
9 - The Ritz - Tampa, FL *
11 - Masquerade - Atlanta, GA *
12 - The Underground - Charlotte, NC *
13 - Baltimore Soundstage - Baltimore, MD*   
14 - Mr Smalls Theatre - Pittsburgh, PA*
16 - Westcott Theater - Syracuse, NY*
17 - The Royale - Boston, MA*
18 - Reverb - Reading, PA  *
19 - Irving Plaza - New York, NY *

* Summoner's Circle opening (March 13-16 & April 9-19)
** Hollow Cry opening (March 18-29)
*** Fragmentum opening (March 30  April 7)

Hexed will be available in the following formats:

- CD Digipak
- Pink w/ Black splatter vinyl – Limited to 300
- CD Digipak + T-Shirt + Poster

Pre-order your copy here.

Hexed tracklisting:

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

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

"Under Grass And Clover" video:

Trailers:

(Photo - Marek Sabogal)

HALESTORM frontwoman Lzzy Hale has defended GRETA VAN FLEET over accusations that the Michigan rockers have ripped off LED ZEPPELIN, saying that "a lot of kids should be reintroduced" to ZEPPELIN-style rock and roll.

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

During a recent interview with Rolling Stone, Hale was asked if she is a fan of GRETA VAN FLEET. "I am, because I was that age once," she said. "I started [HALESTORM] when I was a kid too. I know people dog on them about how they sound similar to ZEPPELIN, but at the same time, when we first started putting our stuff into the world, didn't we wear our influences on our sleeves? I'll take it, because LED ZEPPELIN is awesome and I think a lot of kids should be reintroduced to this. Just by being up there and playing instruments — they plug in, play and actually sing — it's a great thing for kids to see."

GRETA VAN FLEET's sound has been compared to LED ZEPPELIN numerous times, with Plant even seeing the similarities. "There's a band in Detroit called GRETA VAN FLEET: they are 'Led Zeppelin I'," he said. "Beautiful little singer, I hate him!" he said last year.

Last month, GRETA VAN FLEET scored four Grammy Award nominations, one for each major rock category — "Best Rock Album", "Best Rock Song", "Best Rock Performance" — and a "Best New Artist" nod.

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

Steven Tyler is one of several artists who were interviewed by GQ magazine about their approach to sobriety.

The AEROSMITH singer, alt stars Jason Isbell and Julien Baker and EAGLES guitarist Joe Walsh were quizzed about how they quit drink and drugs and the effect it had on their music.

Tyler — whose vast consumption of cocaine, heroin and alcohol in the 1970s earned him and bandmate Joe Perry the nickname "The Toxic Twins" — said that he had a lot of fun drinking and using drugs.

"You have a shot of Jack Daniel's and you play Madison Square Garden and you get offstage and you go clubbing with Jimmy Page — come on!" he said. "After two encores in Madison Square Garden, you don't go and play shuffleboard. Or Yahtzee, you know? You go and rock the fuck out. You've done something that you never thought you could, and you actually think that you are a super-being."

Tyler, who once said he "snorted half of Peru" (meaning cocaine, of course), said that his drug use got to a point where nothing mattered more.

"We would do cocaine to go up, quaaludes to come down," he said. "We would drink and then snort some coke until we thought we were straight. But that's not true — you're just drunk and coked out. It was more or less the thing to do, back then as well."

"I don't think there were any bands that even knew what sober was," he added.

"I was the kind of guy who would hate to be the guy who never came down because he never went up, if you can understand that. So I played with everything."

Tyler said that his drug use enhanced his performance at first but eventually took its toll. Over time, he noticed that he required more alcohol or drugs to get the same relief.

"It absolutely works for a while," he said. "But then things go wrong. You become addicted, it's something you do all the time, and suddenly it starts influencing your greatness. What happens with using is: It works in the beginning, but it doesn't work in the end. It takes you down. There's nothing but jail, insanity or death."

Asked if he missed anything about how he used to be, Tyler said: "I got a band that's still together, the guys are still alive, everyone's healthy. We play better than we did 50 years ago. I mean, there was a certain rawness when we played clubs and we were all fucked up. Sure, I get it. But the band is still together and still sought-after. People still want us for a million-plus dollars a night. And that's what's at risk if I use again. And my kids. My cats. My dogs. My beautiful fucking house in Maui. My girlfriend. Everything is at risk."

AEROSMITH is among the artists who will perform at the three-night Bud Light Super Bowl Music Fest, set to take place January 31 through February 2 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia.

Ozzy Osbourne has released a plush toy to mark the anniversary of his infamous bat-biting incident.

On January 20, 1982, Ozzy bit the head off a live bat during a concert at Veterans Memorial Auditorium in Des Moines, Iowa. He later claimed he thought it was a toy thrown to him by an audience member.

"Today marks the 37th Anniversary since I bit a head off a f*cking bat," the BLACK SABBATH singer tweeted earlier today. "Celebrate with this commemorative plush with detachable head."

The 12-inch-tall web-exclusive item can be purchased for $40. A description reads: "Bring the legendary moment in rock history to life with this soft toy plush bat, featuring the Ozzy Osbourne logo and a velcro detachable head."

Osbourne in 2008 gave a definitive account of the bat-biting experience to Classic Rock magazine. "It must have been stunned by the lights or something because it just froze and I thought it was a toy," he said. "I just put it in my mouth. Then its wings started flapping and I got such a shock. I tried to pull it out too quickly and its head came off."

The verdict? "It tasted all crunchy and warm . . . like a Ronald McDonald's."

After the show, Osbourne reportedly went to Mercy Hospital Medical Center, and was referred to Broadlawns Medical Center because rabies vaccine was available there. He was given a tetanus shot and a rabies shot and took enough rabies vaccine with him to complete the series, according to the Des Moines Register.

Des Moines's then-mayor Pete Crivaro said he wanted to find out if Ozzy "violated an agreement on the use of animals in his act. We had been assured he wasn't going to, and I want to find out who is lying," Crivaro said.

Dave Palmitier, the manager of the auditorium, told the Des Moines Register that Osbourne "did let some doves loose, which he wasn't supposed to do. We found one dead that apparently had been killed in the audience," he said.

Des Moines's then-police lieutenant Derald Leaming said he had warned Osbourne's manager before the show that if an animal was harmed, he and Osbourne "were going to jail because it's against Iowa law.

"We had heard about Osbourne sticking birds in his mouth and warned them he would be arrested on the spot if he bit them," he said.

Ozzy's bat-biting incident was the focus of an episode of "Myths And Legends", a TV Land original television series in which celebrity and expert panelists discuss popular myths surrounding American television, music, and motion pictures, promise answers to these and other great and not-so-great Hollywood stories.

Nearly four decades later, the story of Osbourne's historic chomp still has teeth.

"Ozzy biting the head off a bat in Des Moines is pretty much a badge of honor," Corey Taylor, the Des Moines rock/metal singer who fronts the bands SLIPKNOT and STONE SOUR, told the Des Moines Register. "It's still, to me, my favorite [rock incident]."

Today marks the 37th Anniversary since I bit a head off a f*cking bat! Celebrate with this commemorative plush with detachable head.https://t.co/Of23jCDtaa pic.twitter.com/U8ZkmOYOey— Ozzy Osbourne (@OzzyOsbourne) January 20, 2019

Michigan rockers GRETA VAN FLEET performed their Grammy-nominated hit "Black Smoke Rising" and new single "You're The One" on the January 19 episode of "Saturday Night Live". Check out video footage below.

GRETA VAN FLEET bassist Sam Kiszka told Vulture about the band's appearance on the long-running NBC variety sketch series: "This is just another one of those things that has come full circle for us. We used to sit around the TV… This is getting so weird to say, 'We used to.' We used to watch the Grammys as a family and watch 'SNL' as a family. We would watch the late-night television shows when we couldn't sleep. It's a re-circling of something very relevant in family and life. This is one of those milestones."

Sam was also asked about the October 2018 Pitchfork review of GRETA VAN FLEET's debut album, "Anthem Of The Peaceful Army", which ripped the record as "stiff, hackneyed, overly precious retro-fetishism" and called the Michigan quartet "more of an algorithmic fever dream than an actual rock band."

"I don't know the intent behind the piece," he said. "I haven't read it. I'm not sure if it's a publication trying to get attention or if it's somebody who genuinely doesn't like us and what we're doing. I really don't think we get worked up about that, because here's one person who's complaining about it. If you can't do it, then you just write about it. I feel like this man has had a troubled past. Prayers up for him. But it actually feels really good, because some of our favorite bands have had some pretty aggressive criticism. I think it's cool. [Laughs]"

Sam went on to say that the LED ZEPPELIN comparisons have gotten tiresome over the years. But, he reasoned, "It's an innate human instinct, to compare and contrast and make things more relatable. That's something that will always be a human instinct. I really feel like it's died down though, over the past three or six months. Which is nice, because I'm getting kind of tired of answering those questions."

After the Pitchfork review was published, fans mobilized to defend the band's honor online and "Anthem Of The Peaceful Army" ended up debuting at No. 3 on the Billboard 200 chart, earning 87,000 album-equivalent units. GRETA VAN FLEET also topped the Billboard Artist 100 chart, which comprises album sales, streaming, radio airplay and social media buzz surrounding an artist.

Last month, GRETA VAN FLEET scored four Grammy Award nominations, one for each major rock category — "Best Rock Album", "Best Rock Song", "Best Rock Performance" — and a "Best New Artist" nod.

Photo credit: Travis Shinn

Indian metal band Bloodywood have released a new song entitled "Endurant", written as an anti-bullying anthem. Watch to the end of the video.

Bloodywood began as a metal parody project, "destroying pop songs as a full-time job". You can hear and see the results below 

Check out the band's recently released original song "Jee Veeray" below.

Bloodywood is:

Karan Katiyar -  guitars, composition, production
Jayant Bhadula - vocals
Raoul Kerr - rap

Mighty Music has announced the signing of the Norwegian death metal band BLOOD RED THRONE. The group's new full-length album, titled "Fit To Kill", will be released in late spring.

BLOOD RED THRONE's guitar player, founder and mastermind Daniel "Død" Olaisen says: "2018 was a quiet year for us. Now, we start 2019 by joining forces with our Scandinavian friends in Mighty Music record label that will release our ninth album, 'Fit To Kill', this spring. We have several live shows comin' up and we're ready as fuck to take back the 'Throne.'"

Fernando Reis from Mighty Music comments: "We've been following BLOOD RED THRONE as fans since their 'Monument Of Death' debut album in 2001, and have always been fans of their crunchy, technically pinched, full-on death metal. They've been carrying the [death metal] flame in Scandinavia throughout all the black metal several waves. When the opportunity came to work with them, there was no room for second thoughts."

BLOOD RED THRONE was started by Olaisen when he played in SATYRICON in the '90s. Original drummer Freddy "Fred The Shred" Bolsø returned in 2013 and Ivan "Meathook" Gujic, Ole "Hellbent" Madsen and Yngve "Bolt" Christiansen have been in the team the last eight to 10 years. Stian "Gunner" Gundersen was recently replaced as the band's new bass player.

BLOOD RED THRONE is known for its energetic live shows. The band has toured with such groups as DIMMU BORGIR, ENSLAVED, SUFFOCATION and CRYPTOPSY.

NY-based neo-classical rockers, Livesay, released their latest album Chronicles to a worldwide audience on November 30th via RFL Records. The band is extremely proud to announce the debut of their 1st and much anticipated video for the single “International Man” exclusively on BraveWords!

The video was produced by Hydrogyn guitarist and producer Jeff Westlake and his Ridgeline Production Studio along with video production by Gail Corrow of Gail Corrow Photography. The clip features the new lineup Gregg Livesay (Guitar), Mike Gill (Vocals), Tony Stahl (Keyboards), Keith Michaels (Drums) and Rich Andrews (Bass). Guitarist and founder Gregg 

Livesay comments: “I am proud to have all of our fans experience the video release for ‘International Man’ along with us. The song ‘International Man’ was inspired by stories from the road from one of my musician friends who’s been touring a while. We were talking, and he jokingly said something to the effect that he is known everywhere, ‘I’m International.’ “We were in our hotel room going over our set and I was recanting some of his stories, when I got the idea to write a song and call it the ‘International Man.’ “The guys all laughed, but I was serious and wrote the song in 3 days.”

Livesay is a prime example of a band that has flown under the proverbial radar and has self-sustained four incredible albums – Livesay – S/T (1996), Darkest Hour (2000), Awaken the Giant (2010) and Frozen Hell (2016). Livesay is not a novice to the big stage and has opened for a multitude of hard rocks premier acts such as Ronnie James Dio, Y&T, Dokken, Lynch Mob, Ratt, Thin Lizzy, Vince Neil, Sebastian Bach, Quiet Riot, Michael Schenker, UFO, Fates Warning and many others. In addition to appearing at the Rock N’ Skull Festival 2 years in a row, they have headlined many times as well. With very little major backing, it’s been a willingness and belief that has driven this band.

Livesay’s sound is not easily classified; musical diversity is what powers these guys. It can best be described as neo-classical, melodic, hard rock meshed with progressive elements that combined, deliver a sonic, dream symphony. The band draws influences and inspiration from the likes of Yngwie Malmsteen, Classic Deep Purple, Racer X, Early Dream Theater and Early Fates Warning. With a magnitude of melodic, catchy hooks and vocal harmonies to the dark, mystical, heavy, technical progression, there is something for every rock genre to latch onto.

The new album titled Chronicles features 13 tracks that bring the history of Livesay full-circle. From the earliest unreleased material from 1992's Demo Live & Let Rock to the best of 1996 – 2016 and culminating with the New track and single, “International Man" Featuring New Vocalist Mike Gill (Beyond Purple). This album is certain to draw the attention of hard rock fans no matter what their taste.

Lineup:
Mike Gill - Vocals
Gregg Livesay - Lead Guitars, Backing Vocals
Tony Stahl – Keyboards, Backing Vocals
Rich Andrews - Bass, Backing Vocals
Keith Michaels - Drums

Fan-filmed video footage of LAST IN LINE's January 17 concert at The Ritz in San Jose, California can be seen below.

LAST IN LINE will release its sophomore album, "II", on February 22 via Frontiers Music Srl. As with 2016's "Heavy Crown", the new disc was produced by DOKKEN and FOREIGNER bassist Jeff Pilson.

The official music video for the album first single, "Landslide", was released in November.

"'Landslide' was the first song we wrote for this record," vocalist Andrew Freeman says. "It was really easy to write as all of the parts fell into place quickly. The title 'Landslide' is a metaphor relating to the day-to-day struggles that we all go through as people. Trying to keep on course when dealing with adversity, manipulation through media and leadership. It's meant to inspire strength and resolve."

LAST IN LINE was formed in 2012, when Vinny Appice, Jimmy Bain and Vivian Campbell — Ronnie James Dio's co-conspirators and co-writers on the "Holy Diver", "Last In Line" and "Sacred Heart" albums — teamed up with esteemed vocalist Andrew Freeman. The debut album "Heavy Crown" was released in February 2016, landing at No. 1 on Billboard's Heatseekers chart. Initially, the release had been preceded by tragedy when bassist Jimmy Bain unexpectedly passed away at the age of 68 on January 23, 2016. LAST IN LINE, honoring what they knew would be Bain's wish to keep the band moving, brought in renowned bassist Phil Soussan (ex-OZZY OSBOURNE) and committed to sustained touring in support of the album, hitting festivals, headlining clubs, and sharing the stage with metal luminaries such as SAXON and MEGADETH.


In late 2017, the band gathered in Los Angeles to start the recording of the second album, which was produced by the band members and Jeff Pilson (FOREIGNER, DOKKEN), who also helmed the debut album. Having really jelled as a band while touring in support of the first disc, the songwriting came readily to the members. They've created a record that shows a big progression in sound, while immediately being recognizable as LAST IN LINE thanks to Appice's rhythms, thunderous bass from Soussan, amazing vocals from Freeman, and the roaring guitars of Campbell.

"The musical style of 'II' is different from 'Heavy Crown', but it wasn't something that we planned to do," explains Campbell. "Phil is a more intricate player than Jimmy was and that, together with the natural growth and development of the band led us to the songs on the album. As always, we simply started to jam on ideas and see where they led us. But it's fair to say that the songs on this album sound more developed, with more parts and more experimentation than the songs on 'Heavy Crown'. The first album set a tone, but on 'II' we developed that idea and took it to the next logical stage."


Appice, on the sound of the new record and songwriting process, says: "I always sound like me. Viv and I have been playing together for years and have the same feel and pulse and attitude. Now with Phil on bass, he allows a more melodic approach on the bass parts making the songs even more interesting. He fits in perfectly being from the same musical family and time as me and Viv. Mr. Freeman sings from his soul and completes the band's sound with his melodies and amazing range."


He continues: "The songwriting process was the same as DIO's 'Holy Diver'. First, we have fun writing together. We get in a room and jam on riffs and chords until we hit on something good, then continue to build it into a song. Andy puts his magic on it and it all works out very well."


Soussan says about how it was joining LAST IN LINE and the development of the songs: "It was refreshing to be able to write songs in such an organic fashion — by jamming and developing ideas as a group, without bringing in preconceived songs — something I haven't done for ages. The result was a true collaboration, a concept that is so rare these days! Vinny has a unique style of drumming that, beyond keeping beats, inspires riffs and arrangements and Vivian has a way of playing that has a conviction to every note. He is able to turn every riff into a signature. Andrew was creative and unrestricted, focusing his contemporary influences into vocal stylings and hooks that are outside the classic rock clichés. He is very much a perfectionist. Beyond trying to remain true to Jimmy's playing and to the heritage of the relationship between Viv and Vinny, everyone was completely open to exploring any possible idea. I am honestly prouder of our efforts on this album than anything in which I have been involved in for a very long time. With 'II', I would like to think that we have stretched out from 'Heavy Crown' to test some uncharted waters.... the evolution of LAST IN LINE!"

Bain was reportedly suffering from lung cancer at the time of his death.

Nikki Sixx says that he is "shocked" R. Kelly, an artist who has been repeatedly accused of sexual misconduct throughout his career, "is not in jail or dead."

The MÖTLEY CRÜE bassist made his comments after watching "Surviving R. Kelly", a new documentary series that chronicles the litany of sexual assault accusations against the singer that go back decades.

"Saw the 'Surviving R Kelly' documentary and am shocked he is not in jail or dead," Sixx tweeted earlier today. "The sad sick thing is he still has millions of followers + fans that turn a blind eye to his child molestation as he keeps slipping through the cracks but what about all the peoples lives he ruined?"

Sixx is not the only rocker to to call for justice in the wake of Kelly's alleged crimes. A few days ago, SHINEDOWN guitarist Zach Myers took to Twitter to express his surprise that the public has waited so long to show its outrage over the touted King of R&B's alleged abuse of underage black girls.

"Love that people are just now so 'appalled' at R Kelly," Myers wrote. "Cause the video of him pissing on and fucking a 15 year old girl years ago just wasn't enough evidence that he's a giant piece of shit I guess?"

Allegations against R. Kelly have been circulating for many years.

More than a decade ago, he was put on trial in Chicago after a tape surfaced that prosecutors said showed him having sex with, and urinating on, a 14-year-old girl. He was eventually found not guilty on all 14 counts.

Earlier this month, the Lifetime network devoted six hours and three consecutive nights to "Surviving R. Kelly", which contains more than 50 interviews and covers a time span from 1970 to today.

Following the January 2 release of "Surviving R. Kelly", several high-profile artists — including Lady Gaga, Celine Dion and Chance The Rapper — pulled their collaborations with R. Kelly from all streaming services and/or YouTube.

Steve Greenburg, an attorney for R. Kelly, said that the singer denies all allegations of sexual misconduct towards women and underage girls.

"The allegations aren't true because he never knowingly had sex with an underage woman, he never forced anyone to do anything, he never held anyone captive, he never abused anyone," Greenburg told the Associated Press.

Photo credit: Courtney Sixx



Saw the “Surviving R Kelly” documentary and am shocked he is not in jail or dead.The sad sick thing is he still has millions of followers + fans that turn a blind eye to his child molestation as he keeps slipping through the cracks but what about all the peoples lives he ruined?


— ⚡️ xxıS ıʞʞıN ⚡️ (@NikkiSixx) January 19, 2019




Love that people are just now so “appalled” at R Kelly ...

Cause the video of him pissing on and fucking a 15 year old girl years ago just wasn’t enough evidence that he’s a giant piece of shit I guess?— Zach Myers (@ZMyersOfficial) January 10, 2019

GRETA VAN FLEET frontman Josh Kiszka says that it's time that people stop comparing his band to LED ZEPPELIN.

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

An October 2018 review of GRETA VAN FLEET's debut album, "Anthem Of The Peaceful Army", ripped the record as "stiff, hackneyed, overly precious retro-fetishism" and called the Michigan quartet "more of an algorithmic fever dream than an actual rock band." "Anthem" was given a 1.6 out of 10 on the web site's rating scale. The disc also earned a lukewarm 53/100 score on review curation site Metacritic.

Kiszka told Rolling Stone that he didn't even read the Pitchfork review. "It's unfortunate they'd be putting that energy out into the world, but it's their prerogative, I guess," he said. "Ultimately, I'd like to think that there's substance to what we're doing.

"Obviously we hear the similarity," he added. "That's one of the influences of ours. But at this point it's like, 'Okay, we've acknowledged that. Let's move on.'"

After the Pitchfork review was published, fans mobilized to defend the band's honor online and "Anthem Of The Peaceful Army" ended up debuting at No. 3 on the Billboard 200 chart, earning 87,000 album-equivalent units. GRETA VAN FLEET also topped the Billboard Artist 100 chart, which comprises album sales, streaming, radio airplay and social media buzz surrounding an artist.

GRETA VAN FLEET's sound has been compared to LED ZEPPELIN numerous times, with Plant even seeing the similarities. "There's a band in Detroit called GRETA VAN FLEET: they are 'Led Zeppelin I'," he said. "Beautiful little singer, I hate him!" he said last year.

Last month, GRETA VAN FLEET scored four Grammy Award nominations, one for each major rock category — "Best Rock Album", "Best Rock Song", "Best Rock Performance" — and a "Best New Artist" nod.

Udo Dirkschneider is dealing with a "serious health" issue and and will be "a bit handicapped on stage" during U.D.O.'s upcoming tour.

The former ACCEPT frontman, who turned 66 last April, has ignored doctors' advice when deciding whether to return to the road and will join his bandmates as they kick off a European run of headlining shows on January 20 in Madrid, Spain.

Earlier today, the following message was posted on the U.D.O. Facebook page:

"Dear U.D.O. fans,

"Unfortunately, we have to tell you that Udo has a serious health problem since early January. He has pain in his left knee and couldn't walk at all for a longer period. He has been to different specialists in Russia, Ibiza and Germany and now he is on a good way to recover. But he is still handicaped and can't move that much without having pain.

"Against all advises of the doctors, he has decided to play the tour and not postponing it since he hates to let his fans down. But this means that he is a bit handicapped on stage and can't move that much. We are very sorry for this, but we still have the opinion that this is better than postponing the complete tour.

"Thanks and see you all on tour!"

In a 2018 interview with Minnesota's "The Five Count" radio show, Dirkschneider said that he had no thoughts of slowing down. "I like to be on tour," he said. "I like to make new albums and, you know, it's like I always say, as long as I have fun and my voice is working and people come to the shows, I don't know, maybe I can do this for another 10 years or whatever. I don't know. At the moment, there is no thinking of retiring or stuff like that."

Although it has been reported that Dirkschneider suffered a heart attack nearly 30 years ago, he told Metallian that the reality was a bit different. "Around 1990, I had — what is the word — a body breakdown and not a heart attack. I was overworked, singing, recording, writing songs, producing and even being a manager. I was working on other albums. It was too much. It was not a a heart attack. I remember the reports. I don't know where the report on a heart attack came from. In a way, I am lucky. I have never had a problem with my voice. I have managed to stay healthy. I also stopped smoking [in 2003]. Especially, while on tour, you have to do your best to stay healthy. I always say that I am lucky, I am very lucky. Of course, we get drunk sometimes, but I never party or take drugs or something like that. I have always been a healthy man."

U.D.O.'s current lineup includes Udo's son and drummer Sven Dirkschneider, bassist Tilen Hudrap and guitarists Andrey Smirnov and Dee Dammers.

Bassist Fitty Wienhold, who joined U.D.O. in 1996, announced his departure from the band in September, saying in a statement that he "decided to take a new way" in his life.

U.D.O.'s latest album, "Steelfactory", was released in August via AFM.

According to Birmingham Live, BLACK SABBATH guitarist Tony Iommi will once again help judge this year's Pride Of Birmingham.

The annual awards, now in their sixth year, celebrate courage, caring, compassion and community, recognizing unsung heroes who make a difference.

Iommi will be joined on the judging panel by, among others, "Saturday Kitchen" host Glynn Purnell, "Line Of Duty" star Claudia Jessie, last year's "Special Recognition" award winner Linda Sandhar-Haynes, and Central ITV host Sameena Ali-Khan.

This marks the second year in the judging hot seat for Tony, who said: "I'd been to Pride Of Birmingham before. But until last year as a presenter, not as a judge.

"It was humbling to read of the amazing achievements and extraordinary efforts of the shortlisted nominees. Helping pick the winners was one of the toughest things I've done.

"I'm looking forward to looking through this year's nominations. There are some fantastic people doing fantastic things in and around Birmingham."

The Birmingham Mail's Pride Of Birmingham Awards, with partners TSB, will be hosted by "Coronation Street" star Kym Marsh at the University of Birmingham in March.

Winners go forward to the shortlist for The Mirror Pride Of Britain Awards, with partners TSB.

METALLICA drummer Lars Ulrich says that he was "stunned" by Miley Cyrus's take on the TEMPLE OF THE DOG classic "Say Hello 2 Heaven" at this past Wednesday's (January 16) "I Am The Highway: A Tribute To Chris Cornell" concert at the Forum in Los Angeles.

Cyrus, whose addition to the show earlier in the week raised a few eyebrows, first hit the stage in a sparkly minidress for an acoustic cover of Cornell's "Two Drink Minimum", then returned later in the night to join TEMPLE OF THE DOG for the aforementioned "Say Hello 2 Heaven".

"Thank you, everybody," she said at the end. "I fucking wanted to sing this song tonight. We love you, Chris. Thank you for bringing us all together like you always have. It's a fucking honor. This was the fucking best day."

On Friday, Ulrich took to his Instagram to post a photo of him backstage with Cyrus, along with the message: "Still stunned by your next level version of 'Say Hello 2 Heaven' for Chris! Beyond inspiring."

The marathon concert also featured METALLICA, FOO FIGHTERS, Adam Levine, Fiona Apple, Ryan Adams, Ziggy Marley, THE MELVINS and the surviving members of AUDIOSLAVE and SOUNDGARDEN.

Introduced by comedian Jack Black, METALLICA opened its four-song set with a cover of SOUNDGARDEN's "All Your Lies", followed by two of its own classic tracks, "For Whom The Bell Tolls" and "Master Of Puppets", before closing with SOUNDGARDEN's "Head Injury".

The show climaxed with the three surviving members of SOUNDGARDEN joined by a rotating selection of singers and musicians, including Taylor Momsen (THE PRETTY RECKLESS), Marcus Durant, Taylor Hawkins (FOO FIGHTERS), Buzz Osborne (THE MELVINS) and others, for a run through eight of their songs, including "Rusty Cage", "Flower", "Outshined" and "Black Hole Sun".

View this post on Instagram Miley, still stunned by your next level version of “Say Hello 2 Heaven” for Chris! Beyond inspiring...? #IAmTheHighway ? by @rosshalfin A post shared by Lars Ulrich (@larsulrich) on Jan 18, 2019 at 2:07pm PST

The flashy band in the style of the eighties John Diva & The Rockets Of Love have released their second single and video for the song "Rock N' Roll Heaven" today.

John Diva says: 
"This is a song for all our Rock N' Roll heroes, who have passed away as well as an anthem for those who will follow. Let's carry on the torch, let’s light up the sky and find our Rock N' Roll heaven right here, right now on earth….it’s just around the corner: at the next John Diva show."

At John Diva’s side are the guitarists Snake Rocket and J.J. Love, bassist Remmie Martin and drummer Lee Stingray Jr. who, in previous years, have pulled off their spectacular performances in front of thousands of fans, three times at the Wacken Open Air alone, amongst others. Once you have witnessed this band on stage, you know how exciting and stimulating strenuous rock’n’roll can be.

All twelve songs were produced by Michael Voss (Mad Max, Michael Schenker, Tony Carey etc..) in the Gizmo 7 Studios in Malaga, Spain, the Principal Studios and the Kidroom Studio in Münster, with Chris von Rohr (Krokus, Gotthard) as creative supervisor. A dream team of international renown with the experience of real rock’n’rollers.

Hence: Welcome to an album that will revive your rock’n’roll life as well!

Mama Said Rock Is Dead will be released through SPV/Steamhammer on February 8th on CD DigiPak, 2LP Gatefold, download and stream. 

Mama Said Rock Is Dead tracklisting:

"Whiplash"
"Lolita"
"Rock N' Roll Heaven"
"Wild Life"
"Blinded"
"Dance Dirty"
"Just A Night Away"
"Fire Eyes"
"Get It On"
"Long Legs"
"Toxic"
"Rocket Of Love"

"Rock N' Roll Heaven" video:

"Lolita" video:

Find the band's tour schedule here.

Swedish thrash metal veterans, Carnal Forge, have released a new single/video for the song “Bound In Flames”, directed by Owe Lingvall (Meshuggah, Sabaton, Dark Funeral). The song is taken from the bands up-coming album, Gun To Mouth Salvation, out on January 25th via ViciSolum Productions. 

Gun To Mouth Salvation is Carnal Forge's first album since 2007's Testify For My Victims. Cover artwork by Federico Boss at Abstract Chaos Design.

Tracklisting:

"Parasites"
"Reforged"
"Aftermath"
"Endless War"
"Bound In Flames"
"King Chaos"
"The Order"
"Hellride"
"State Of Pain"
"Sin Feast Paradise"
"The Stench"

"Reforged" lyric video:

“Parasites” lyric video:

Carnal Forge 2018 are:

Tommie Wahlberg - Vocals
Petri Kuusisto - Lead Guitar
Jari Kuusisto - Rhythm Guitar
Lars Lindén - Bass
Lawrence Dinamarca - Drums

Introducing Climate Of Fear, a new UK-based, melodic death metal five-piece. For fans of At The Gates, Carcass, early Arch Enemy, and Stampin' Ground, the band's debut full-length The Onset Of Eternal Darkness will be out March 1st via Demons Run Amok; pre-orders can be placed here. Melodic and terrific, Climate Of Fear combine the best of death metal, beatdown, and hardcore.

Formed in 2017, Climate Of Fear have already toured relentlessly throughout The UK and across Europe (from Spain to The Czech Republic), supporting US veterans Merauder and playing with Leeched. In their short history, Climate Of Fear have also played with Vein, Sick Of It All, Malevolence, and Twitching Tongues.

The band are staunch anti-capitalists, anti-religion, and anti-propagandists, whose lyrical themes found within The Onset Of Eternal Darkness include environmental nihilism and anti-exploitation. The cover art and tracklisting for The Onset Of Eternal Darkness can be seen below.

"Rapture"
"The Cult Of Retribution"
"Shadow & Flame"
"Centuries Of Torment"
"Storming The Heavens"
"De Conflictu Noctis Aeternae Obruat"
"Slaves Of Capital"
"From Enslavement To Extinction"
"Divide & Conquer"

Check out "From Enslavement To Extinction" and "The Cult Of Retribution" now:

For further details, visit Climate Of Fear on Facebook.

 

"Memoirs Of An Uprising", the new album from singer/songwriter/guitarist Damon Johnson, will be released on March 8 via Double Dragon Records.

Fans who pre-order the disc will receive the debut single, "Shivering Shivering", as an instant-grat track.

After incredible runs with the bands he co-founded, BLACK STAR RIDERS and '90's chart-toppers BROTHER CANE, Damon Johnson found himself in spring of 2018 in a surprising position. Johnson had just completed a coast-to-coast tour with BLACK STAR RIDERS supporting JUDAS PRIEST, as well as select reunion performances with THIN LIZZY, when he realized there were two things he couldn't stop thinking about: his family and his music. Would 2019 finally be the year Johnson gives full focus to the music he kept hearing in his mind, composing an album, a true collection of songs that represented his personal vision, plus have the final say about his tour calendar? The answer was a resounding yes.

Johnson explains: "After that PRIEST tour, I was feeling anxious about some things: getting older, where my career would be in 10 years, how much time I was continually spending (mostly in foreign countries) away from my wife and our two youngest kids... plus I was sitting on a near completed solo album of the most honest music I've ever made. Ignoring some hard truths could not be a part of my deal anymore." So Johnson made the decision to part ways with BLACK STAR RIDERS, finish his album, and start over… this time completely on his own name.

The resulting album, "Memoirs Of An Uprising", is a collection that is both fierce and diverse — a powerful springboard for the musician to start his next chapter. Collaborating with his longtime friend and songwriter Jim "Johnny Blade" Troglen, Johnson began assembling a group of songs in divergent tempos and grooves that appealed to his musical side and then laced them with lyrical themes of betrayal and revenge.

"The first two songs we put together were 'Shivering Shivering' and 'Dallas Coulda Been A Beatdown' and I knew we were off to a great start," Johnson says.

Throughout "Memoirs Of An Uprising", there are musical events that are strictly meant to get bodies moving, like "Dallas…" and "Making Peace With This Wicked Beast". There are some truly challenged literary actors in "We Got A System" and "The World Keeps Spinning Round". When it is suggested that this could be a concept album, Johnson says: "As much as I'd prefer to steer clear of that label, there is no denying these 10 songs can be consumed in one listen and feel like a complete story."

Listen to sample of the thunderous first single, "Shivering Shivering", at this location.

"Memoirs Of An Uprising" track listing:

01. Shivering Shivering

02. Dallas Coulda Been A Beatdown

03. Down On Me

04. We Got A System

05. Call It A Trade

06. Rage With Me

07. So Brutal

08. The World Keeps Spinning Round

09. Making Peace With This Wicked Beast

10. Glorious

With a busy year ahead, Johnson will perform his first shows of 2019 at the end of January and continue throughout the year.

Photography by Stephen Jensen for F3 Studios

Old Wounds have released another visually stunning video, this time for their track “Stripes”. Directed once again by The Widow Brothers, this is the second we’ve seen from the band off their latest release, Glow. 

“‘Stripes’ was one of the first songs we wrote for Glow," says vocalist Kevin Iavaroni. "I knew that it would be a single based on the huge chorus that Ben had written. I think overall the song sets the tone for the album."

Old Wounds will set out on a nine-show trek with Revenge Season next month hitting stops all along the east coast.

"We are looking forward to playing some new songs as well as some oldies on our upcoming run with Revenge Season."

Old Wounds released Glow on Friday, November 9th, 2018, via Good Fight Music serving as the follow up to The Suffering Spirit released in 2015.

(Photo by: Ellie Mitchell)

German heavy/power Metal machine Steel Engraved, have released a new single & music video for 'Rebellion', the song is taken of their new self-titled album, out on January 25th, 2019 via ROAR Rock Of Angels Records. Steel Engraved’s third studio outing will comprise 13 tracks guaranteed to please the fans of majestic, melodic, modern yet old-school metal. Find pre-orders here.

The album was produced by Mario Lochert (Serious Black) and Jan Vacik (Serious Black) at Dreamsound Studios. All vocals produced by Ralf Scheepers at RS Vocal Works. Mixed and mastered by Jan Vacik at Dreamsound Studios. Guest Vocals on “Searching For Regret” by Ralf Scheepers (Primal Fear). Artwork & illustration by Dušan Marković (Dragony, Thor, Jag Panzer).

After the release of their two previous full-length albums State Of Siege (debut in 2009) and On High Wings We Fly (2012) it was about time for Steel Engraved to record their third album. Within those six years, many things happened; the band was very busy touring across Europe as well as playing a couple of one-off shows on different festivals and concerts. So it was never seriously discussed when to start recordings the predecessor of On High Wings We Fly. After a change in the line-up in 2016, the band felt that the time was right to get the spirit alive again.

Tracklisting:

“Where Shadows Remain”
“Generation Headless”
“The Oppressed Will Fly”
“Slave To Yourself”
“Nightwarriors”
“Rebellion”
“Searching For Regret”
“One By One”
“Heat”
“Your Inner Self”
“Close Your Eyes”
“We Will Follow” (bonus track)
“All That Lies Below” (bonus track)

"Rebellion" video:

“Where Shadows Remain” video:

Phear guitarist Graham Stirrett will unleash his debut solo record, Masquerade, on February 19th. The album will be available on all main digital download and streaming platforms! 

Stirrett says: “This epic artwork was a joint effort between Ludovic Cordelières of Rusalkadesign and Bahrull Marta of Abomination Imagery. Logo design done by Lucas McArthur. Get stoked! Videos coming soon! 

Masquerade tracklisting:
“Blood Sacrifice” 
“Heart Desire”
“Masquerade” 
“Carnival Of The Damned”
“Die Rot Burn”
“Name Your Sacrifice” (featuring Phear singer Patrick Mulock)
“Not Alone”
“Soul Searching” 
“Truth Through The Lie” (featuring Threat Signal’s Jon Howard)
“I Would”

Finland's Hexvessel will release their new album, All Tree, on February 22nd via their own imprint Secret Trees, in an exclusive partnership with Century Media and Prophecy Productions for North America. The record will be available as Digipak CD and Gatefold LP with an exclusive bonus track. New video, "Son Of The Sky", is streaming below.

The video is a family home-video collage of pagan ritual, which perfectly reflects the mystical atmosphere and very personal nature of the song. It was filmed by Mat and Marja from Hexvessel in Avebury, West Kennet Long Barrow and Silbury Hill in Wiltshire, England during their ritual for the Winter Solstice 2018. Additional footage was filmed in Hämeenkyrö, Finland at an ancient sacrificial fir, Timin Mänty that has been used to hang bear skulls in the past. Even more footage comes from the woodland of a ruined manor in Hertfordshire, the haunted ruins of Minsden Chapel in the fields above the hamlet of Chapelfoot in England & at the Teufelsstein in Bad Dürkheim in Germany.

Singer Mat McNerney comments on the video for "Son Of The Sky":

“This video for our new song ‘Son Of The Sky’ is a collection of family home movies that we made when we were celebrating Winter Solstice at Avebury, offering a sacrifice at an ancient pine tree called Timin Mänty here in Finland and when visiting various pagan sites in England and Germany. As with Hexvessel’s music, it is a story of our personal spiritual journey. Son of the Sky is a song about a traditional Finnish Karhunpeijaiset ritual celebration where the spirit of the bear was venerated after a hunt. It’s a song about tradition, community and family. Rituals are enactments of mythology, and stories that have been passed down from our ancestors. When we become part of this great tradition, we become aware of our origins and the meaning of life. Family, culture and kin are so important. It’s our community that connects us to the earth that gives us a sense of purpose, understanding and place in the world. It is through that wisdom of mythology that we will become better able to survive and prosper.”

Founded in the magical forests of Finland, via the green and pleasant lands of England and Ireland, Hexvessel are wyrd folk. Formed in 2009 by Mat "Kvohst" McNerney, who having already made a name for himself in extreme metal bands in the UK where he was born and raised, and again in the Norwegian black metal scene, finally found his home in the land of the midnight sun. Settling in a country where mythology, tradition and pre-Christian heritage is still alive, McNerney, (who also fronts 1980s-excess-tinged gothic pop band Grave Pleasures), found solace in the constant reflection of Finland's pagan past, awakening secret knowledge that led to the formation of Hexvessel.

Since acclaimed debut album Dawnbearer (2011), Hexvessel have released two further albums of forest folk and bewitching psychedelia. They have played sold out headline tours in their homeland, been nominated for two Finnish Grammy awards, toured Europe together with bands like Sabbath Assembly and Alcest, graced the main stage at Roadburn in Holland and performed at SXSW in Texas, seeing their music on the charts and on many critics lists. They embellished their sonic rituals with mushroom-induced psychedelia on third and most recent best-selling album When We Are Death to widespread critical acclaim and continue to develop their sound.

Their new album All Tree sees the band expand upon McNerney's personal spiritual journey. Reunited with his co-songwriter from Dawnbearer, Andrew McIvor, they unfurl their primordial storytelling with a contemporary command of song-craft. During the writing of All Tree, as he sat by the fire in his summerhouse in the Finnish wilderness, McNerney recalled the summers of his youth, spent listening to Celtic ghost stories on his father’s family farm in Galway, Ireland. He began to write music that grew out of that connection between myth and nature and wanted the album to symbolize a pathway toward a spiritual revival of the old fables. From a youth spent in pastoral England to the boggy marsh woods of Ireland, to his homeland forests of Finland, McNerney’s Hexvessel reveals nature’s universal tales of hidden spirits.

The pagan wilds are portals to reality. You go through them and you enter the universe. Hexvessel write songs in the oral tradition of the old balladeers. They weave everyman stories that create a bond between the teller and the audience, bringing alive a sense of shared purpose and spiritual history. With wife and collaborator Marja Konttinen, like-minded troubadour and co-writer Kimmo Helén, guitarist Jesse Heikkinen, the primal rhythms of Jukka Rämänen (Dark Buddha Rising), and the occult found-sounds of Antti Haapapuro (Aural Hypnox/Arktau Eos), Hexvessel has truly become a melting cauldron or “vessel,” a potent “hex” of spellwork.

By drawing on older folk acts like Shirley Collins, Vashti Bunyan, later folk rock bands such as Steeleye Span, Fairport Convention and King Crimson, to more recent artists such as Nick Cave and Coil, imbued with Karelian and Nordic folklore rhythms, Hexvessel have created a sound that is both ancient and modern. All Tree is about connection and roots, bringing the spirits of the past that we all share to a more mystical and fulfilling vision of the future.

Tracklisting:

"Blessing"
"Son Of The Sky"
"Old Tree"
"Changeling"
"Ancient Astronaut"
"Visions Of A.O.S."
"A Sylvan Sign"
"Wilderness Spirit"
"Otherworld Envoy"
"Birthmark"
"Journey To Carnac"
"Liminal Night"
"Closing Circles"
"Summer Fires" (bonus track)

"Son Of The Sky" video:

“Old Tree”:

“Closing Circles” live:

Swedish extreme tech-metal pioneers, Meshuggah​, are releasing an exclusive collection of vinyl reissues celebrating the bands legacy. The collection offers a limited, one-time only pressing that includes re-imagined cover artwork, redesigned gatefold jackets, and audio mastered for vinyl.

Reissues for Nothing, I, Catch Thirty-Three, obZen and Koloss will be released on March 22nd via Nuclear Blast Records and are now available to pre-order here. Watch a video trailer below.

The re-designed album artwork was completed by Keerych Luminokaya who created the artwork for the band's 2012 release of Koloss. For the remastering of the albums, the band returned to Thomas Eberger of Stockholm Mastering who worked with the band on The Violent Sleep Of Reason which secured the band their first Grammy nomination for “Best Metal Performance".

(Photo - Olle Carlsson)

U.K.-based blackened death metal group HECATE ENTHRONED will release "Embrace Of The Godless Aeon", its first album in five years (and its debut for new label M-Theory Audio), on January 25. The LP — which features cover artwork by Nestor Avalos (BLOODBATH, ROTTING CHRIST, THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER) — can be pre-ordered now on CD and red splatter vinyl at this location. A limited-edition deluxe box set that includes exclusive purple vinyl and cassette editions of the album, a signed photo card and other collectibles is also available.


The official video for a new song from the album, "Revelations In Autumn Flame", can be seen below. Portions of the clip were shot during the group's recent performance at the Tabernacl Chapel in Llandundo, North Wales, which bassist Dylan Hughes says provided an epic setting in which to film.

"Where better to shoot this video than in a chapel during a dark cold December in North Wales?" he says. "The show was set up on the pulpit in front of pews filled with a congregation of metal-fueled blasphemers, their breath visible in the cold, dank air. The atmosphere created the malevolent and darkly energetic performance caught in the video, recorded by our good friend Dan Cookson and edited by Jeff Grindstopher of Grindstopher Productions. Watch closely throughout for the ongoing threat from the enveloping icy embrace of Cthulhu."

According to Hughes, "Revelations In Autumn Flame" was written "about modern religious fundamentalism being a reaction to a rise of secularism, and a rise in people being more educated about the universe and abandoning belief in God because of it. It's about theistic religion being almost in its death throes and becoming more extreme because of it, but a more enlightened mankind will come through this and 'rise like a phoenix from the flames.'"

One of the U.K. underground's longest-running and most respected acts, HECATE ENTHRONED has been praised by the likes of Terrorizer for its "mixture of death metal aggression with black metal atmosphere." "Embrace Of The Godless Aeon" — the band's first recording with vocalist Joe Stamps, who joined the band in 2015 — sees the group continue to deftly mix black with death, modern with classic and extreme with symphonic. The album, which features guest vocals on three songs by Sarah Jezebel Deva (CRADLE OF FILTH, THERION, MORTIIS), was co-produced by Dan Abela (VOICES, THE ANTICHRIST IMPERIUM).


Says Hughes: "This album with its epic sweeping orchestration and heavy aggression represents a new chapter for us cementing the chemistry of the current lineup and our partnership with M-Theory. A welcome return from Sarah Jezebel Deva hints to the grandiose flavor of earlier releases, but this time, it's tempered with a guitar and drum sound forged from solid steel and then edged by a razor-sharp production from Dan Abela. The summoning of unholy flame and terror that is the cover art is an oil painting commissioned from in-demand satanic artist Nestor Avalos and begins your visceral journey through cold bleak landscapes, crushing tormented seas and searing shards of heavy metal."


Originally co-founded in Wales by guitarist Nigel Dennen in the mid-1990s, HECATE ENTHRONED is dedicated to delivering their own brand of evil metal with little regard to politics or the trends of popular demand. The group's 1997 debut, the Andy Sneap-produced "The Slaughter Of Innocence, A Requiem For The Mighty" (Blackend Records), was a seminal release in the then-burgeoning orchestral black metal movement. Since then, several full-lengths and EPs and numerous live performances have firmly established the band as one of extreme metal's most important voices, a sentiment that "Embrace Of The Godless Aeon" firmly reinforces.

Scottish drummer Edward "Ted" McKenna, who has played with THE SENSATIONAL ALEX HARVEY BAND, Rory Gallagher, MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP and Ian Gillan, has died at the age of 68.

The news of McKenna's passing was confirmed on Facebook by a friend, who wrote: "For everyone who loved him, Ted died this morning from a haemorrhage during elective surgery. Freak occurrence and a huge surgical team fought for 10 hours to save him.

"Unfortunately, there was no solution to stop the bleeding and he faded away without ever knowing. I'm going to miss him so much."

Earlier today, Michael Schenker wrote on Facebook: "We are totally heartbroken to hear about Ted McKenna, our amazing drummer and dearest friend, passing away this morning. Its a massive shock and a huge loss to lose Ted so suddenly.

"He always had a smile on his face and was one of the most sincerely genuine people you could ever have the pleasure of meeting. One of the great rock drummers, he always played from the heart and his heart was music.

"Rest in peace, Ted. We will miss you."

Former MSG bass player Chris Glen also reacted to the reports, writing: "Awoke this morning to the terrible news that our beloved brother Ted has left us. Seemingly he passed away during complications with his operation for his hernia. My most heartfelt condolences to all his friends and family... Just can't believe it."

Ex-MARILLION frontman and prog rock legend Fish mourned the death of his friend, saying: "I just heard the tragic news today that my dear friend Ted McKenna passed away this morning. A fabulous musician and one of the all-time greats who inspired so many rock drummers across generations he was a truly legendary stick man who graced so many kits behind so many world-famous bands. I had the enormous pleasure of not only working in the studio with him but also sharing stages in various incarnations over the years. He was a monster drummer with endless energies who played with so much soul and passion and drove songs with a power and grace like no other.

"But it wasn't only his playing that made him such a legend. He was a beautiful man who could drift from the comic to the serious, abound with stories and anecdotes, a perpetual smile despite all the difficulties he encountered and suffered over the years with never a bad word to say about anyone. I loved his bear hugs and his enthusiasm for everything. Always positive and always there for you if you needed him. He was a man's man and I am honoured to have had him as a true friend.

"My heart goes out to his family and his friends, of which he had so many and to all the people he touched with the music over his long years with us. He will be deeply missed and never replaced.

"Love you, Ted. RIP brother."

Former STATUS QUO drummer John Coghlan wrote: "Very sorry to receive the sad news of our dear friend Ted McKenna. Fab drummer and such a great guy. We shall miss you."

Bassist Neil Murray, who is best known for his work in WHITESNAKE, BLACK SABBATH and Gary Moore, said: "Completely shocked by the very sad news of the sudden death of drummer Ted McKenna (SAHB, Michael Schenker, Rory Gallagher and many others) who I spent time with only three weeks ago at the Cozy Powell Birthday Bash. A lovely guy and great drummer who will be much missed."

Although primarily known as a rock musician, Ted has also worked with jazz maestro John Etheridge, Juno Award-winning Canadian blues guitarist Amos Garrett and American soul duo WOMACK & WOMACK. Most recently, he toured and recorded with Gerry McAvoy, Marcel Scherpenzeel and Davy Knowles in BAND OF FRIENDS, a celebration of the music of Rory Gallagher, and MICHAEL SCHENKER FEST, which reunited the legendary German guitarist with three former MSG singers, Gary Barden, Graham Bonnet and Robin McAuley.

In a 2013 interview with Hit Channel, McKenna said that he had "many influences" as a drummer. "The early ones were Fred Astaire's feet; Sandy Nelson. Tony Meehan and Brian Bennett of THE SHADOWS, Bobby Elliot from THE HOLLIES. Later, Mitch Mitchell [Jimi Hendrix], Carmine Appice of VANILLA FUDGE, then jazz drummers Buddy Rich and Tony Williams [Miles Davis], to name only two. Too many great drummers to mention, but my band supported Robert Plant and the BAND OF JOY in 1967 and I saw and met John Bonham. We both raved about Carmine Appice but watching him play changed my attitude towards the drum kit."

Asked if he felt any pressure replacing Cozy Powell (RAINBOW, BLACK SABBATH) in MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP, Ted said: "No. I felt very comfortable joining MSG. Michael's excessive behavior could be quite difficult to deal with in those days but he was always pretty professional when it came to playing. He was much more together when I toured Japan with him in 2008."


We are totally heartbroken to hear about Ted McKenna, our amazing drummer and dearest friend, passing away this morning....Posted by Michael Schenker on Saturday, January 19, 2019


I just heard the tragic news today that my dear friend Ted McKenna passed away this morning. A fabulous musician and one...Posted by Fish on Saturday, January 19, 2019


Awoke this morning to the terrible news that our beloved brother Ted has left us,seemingly he passed away during...Posted by Chris Glen on Saturday, January 19, 2019


Very sorry to receive the sad news of our dear friend Ted McKenna... Fab drummer and such a great guy. We shall miss you.

Photograph by Gerard RappardPosted by John Coghlan on Saturday, January 19, 2019


Completely shocked by the very sad news of the sudden death of drummer Ted McKenna (SAHB, Michael Schenker, Rory...Posted by Neil Murray on Saturday, January 19, 2019


Its with the heaviest of hearts that reports that Ted Mckenna had passed away are indeed true,we just cant believe...Posted by Official SAHB News on Saturday, January 19, 2019


Wow!... Sad to hear the passing of Ted McKenna :( Drummer MSG and Alex Harvey band... Glad we got to work together at Cozy Powells birthday bash just a couple of weeks ago!! … Rest mate.Posted by Tony Martin on Saturday, January 19, 2019