HAMMERFALL vocalist Joacim Cans sat spoke to Roppongi Rocks's Stefan Nilsson about the Swedish metallers' upcoming LP, "Avenge The Fallen", which is due on August 9 via Nuclear Blast Records. He said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "This is the album number 13. We've been around for quite some time, and I think HAMMERFALL, we stand for something. This is pure, solid heavy metal the way it's supposed to be played. It's as simple as that. At the same time, album 13 takes a lot of hard work to really dig deep into yourself to find the unique stuff that you haven't written before. I always say that [HAMMERFALL guitarist] Oscar [Dronjak] and I could probably write an album in five days with 10 okay songs, but okay is not good enough. Not even good is good enough. It has to be great. So this is a lot of hard work behind this.

"It's really hard to describe an album in a short period of time," he continued. "Musically, every song on this album belongs to the concept of the album. We still record and release albums. Take one song out — you can see that as a brick. The whole album will start to shake a little bit; something will be missing. There's also a concept, I would say, in the way I am thinking or my thought pattern when it came to the lyrics. This album is about freedom and about hope. The freedom, the right to be the person that you wanna be and live the life that you wanna live."

When Nilsson noted that "Avenge The Fallen" does not contain "cheesy" power metal lyrics about "dragons and stuff", Joacim said: "That's because, first of all, we play heavy metal and not power metal. I think it's a very big difference. If you listen to what we do, it is different. If you also read the lyrics… Unfortunately, nowadays people don't really have the lyrics at hand when they listen because it's on either on Spotify or whatever. The lyrics are not really there. So that is a problem.

"The opening track on the first album was 'The Dragon Lies Bleeding'," Cans explained. "But if you get into that song, the word 'dragon' is a metaphor for the enemy. So it's not even a real dragon in there. I always try to stay away from it. I try to describe things, but maybe using words that are familiar to the overall heavy metal listener, but there's always layers in there. You can interpret it in many different ways. So, of course, there are swords in there and sometimes actually a sword is a sword. We just have to live with that. And hammer will always be a hammer."

In a recent interview with Australia's Heavy, Dronjak stated about "Avenge The Fallen": "We've been working on it really hard. I've been living with the songs for — some songs are five years old, too, so I've had them around for a while. I've been living with the material for so long, and we actually recorded in November, December and January as well, a little bit. So it's been done for a while. Now I'm getting anxious to just — I wanna show people what we've done because I'm very proud of the album. I think we've done one of our strongest albums in recent years, in my opinion. Of course, this can vary a lot for everybody else."

He continued: "I'm very happy because of three things. First, all the songs on the album, they serve a purpose, so if you take one away, the whole is gonna collapse in the middle somehow, even if it's one of the the non-single ones, so to speak, the ones that we don't think are the strongest — even the other ones would have an impact if you take them away. And also I think that the production of this album is — and [by] production, I mean the performance as well from us. Because we start with the drums, recording the drums, and then everybody else builds their stuff on top of that. And David [Wallin] came into this so focused and so energetic and his drumming is so powerful that when he was done, everybody was, like, 'Whoa, shit. We've gotta step it up now as well,' 'cause he put the bar up here. So we kept on going and feeding off of that, of course, when we recorded the bass and guitars. And then during these recordings, Fredrik Nordström, the producer, and he was gonna do the mixing at the end as well, he said, 'Oh, shit, guys. I feel pressure now to take it up a level as well now, because you've already reached it.' So for us, the production is… I think when we recorded the previous album, [2022's] 'Hammer Of Dawn', we did a good job with that one too, but it was kind of hard to get the energy because we'd recorded that during the pandemic. So the pandemic had laid a bit of a filter on top. I mean, it's not noticeable when we released that album, but I think if you compare the two, you can feel the difference, 'cause this one is so much more energetic and so much more powerful in every way. And I think also the songs — I'm very happy with the songs this time. I think they are diverse, they are well written.

"Joacim and I write the songs together," Oscar added. "So I do a demo of the song with the instruments and a drum machine. Then whatever vocal melodies I have or a chorus, whatever it is, I send it over to him and then he finishes it. So I'm very happy with my work, and I usually am, 'cause if I'm not happy with it, I don't send it off to somebody else. But what I got back from Joacim this time is better than I think I've ever heard him do songwriting-wise. He gave every part on every song the perfect mix of the lyrics with the melodies that he created. That's part of the reason. 'Cause when I send off my songs, I know I think it's a good song, but I just don't know how good it will be until his stuff comes on top of it, 'cause we write the songs together. So once I got back these songs from him, the ideas, and we had a bit of a back-and-forth with both the music and the vocal melodies and lyrics and stuff, once we were all satisfied, I think we both felt that this is a strong album from start to finish."

When "Avenge The Fallen" was first announced in April, Cans said in a statement: "This is our 13th album. How do you still stay relevant after 13 albums? It's very much like the opening line to the song 'Avenge The Fallen': 'What is the worst, be the one who died, or be the one who survived.' Think about it, because it is a tough question".

He continued: "Do we want to be a band who releases new music just for the sole reason of getting out on the road again or do we want to keep pushing and challenging ourselves? In times where people have less and less attention span, we still think in the form of full-length albums. A few good songs don't make a strong album. A strong album comes from an album full of great songs and that's what we're delivering with 'Avenge The Fallen'."

"Avenge The Fallen" track listing:

01. Avenge The Fallen
02. Burn It Down
03. Capture The Dream
04. Hail To The King
05. Hero To All
06. Hope Springs Eternal
07. Rise Of Evil
08. The End Justifies
09. Time Immemorial

In December 2022, HAMMERFALL, which started its career in 1997 on Nuclear Blast with its debut album "Glory To The Brave", announced that it was returning to the long-running German label.

HAMMERFALL's entire Nuclear Blast catalog, from "Glory To The Brave" to the 2014 album "(r)Evolution" was certified with a diamond award for over 1.5 million worldwide sales.

Following on from "Renegade" (2000),"Crimson Thunder" (2002) and "No Sacrifice, No Victory" (2009),HAMMERFALL's fifth studio album, "Chapter V: Unbent, Unbowed, Unbroken" from 2005, became the band's fourth album to go gold in Sweden, while "Crimson Thunder" even went platinum, surpassing 60,000 sales in the group's home country.

In April 2023, HAMMERFALL released a special platinum edition of "Crimson Thunder" with tons of bonus material.

"Hammer Of Dawn" was released in February 2022 via Napalm Records. The LP was produced by Nordström, who handled mixing, mastering, drum recording, and shared the duty of recording guitars and bass with guitarists Pontus Norgren and Oscar Dronjak. Jacob Hansen (VOLBEAT) produced the lead vocals.

Photo credit: Tallee Savage

Modern rock powerhouse POP EVIL returns with a new single, "What Remains".

It's the dawn of a new era for POP EVIL, which the band promises will be its most sonically heavy.

You've been warned, because the track, with its thunderous riffs and rhythmic thrust, fulfills that promise.

Watch the lyric video for the song, which was produced by WAGE WAR's Cody Quistad, below.

"Over the years, I've been faced with torment; departures, failures, and uphill climbs," says POP EVIL singer Leigh Kakaty. "It takes a reckoning to strip us to our core and confront our true selves. What endures beyond these trials is who you are, your essence. That is what remains. On our upcoming album, we have dared ourselves to make the most lyrically raw and sonically heavy album of our career. 'What Remains' sets the tone of what is to come."

Kakaty continues: "We are also proud to officially announce the newest member of the POP EVIL lineup — Blake Allison." Allison is replacing departed member Hayley Cramer on drums, joining Kakaty and fellow bandmates, guitarists Dave Grahs and Nick Fuelling, and bassist Joey "Chicago" Walser.

POP EVIL first rose to international prominence with debut album "Lipstick On The Mirror", featuring RIAA-certified-gold single "100 In A 55". After Kakaty famously tore up the band's major label contract onstage, POP EVIL signed with eOne Music (now MNRK Heavy). 2011's "War Of Angels" debuted in the Top 10 of the Rock Albums chart and produced three Top 10 singles.

The band's 2013 album, "Onyx", put them in the Top 40 of the Billboard 200 for the first time and boasted three consecutive No. 1 rock songs, two RIAA gold singles, and one platinum single "Torn To Pieces". POP EVIL's next release, "Up", was the No. 1 Independent Album in America and made it to No. 25 on the Billboard 200. It featured several Top 5 rock songs and a chart-topper with "Footsteps", which also went gold.

POP EVIL's 2018 self-titled set included the No. 1 hit and newly certified gold single "Waking Lions" and two other Top 10 hits. 2020's "Versatile", meanwhile, scored two No. 1 rock songs: "Breathe Again" and "Survivor". In 2023, the band released its seventh studio album "Skeletons", which spawned their eighth and ninth No. 1 singles: "Eye Of The Storm" and "Skeletons".

In a recent interview with Meltdown of Detroit's WRIF radio station, Kakaty was asked if he and his POP EVIL bandmates have "a lot" of new music written and demoed for the follow-up to 2023's "Skeletons" album. He responded: "Yeah, there's a lot, a lot of it, a lot of new stuff. We're at that cool stage where we have enough for an album easily, but we're really trying to be picky, man.

"Making albums now, personally, it's such a blessing and it's something that may not be around much longer," he continued. "So if we're gonna do it, [we want it] to hit big, whatever that means to us. And big doesn't have to mean necessarily a number one. It has to mean something that we can really elevate our live show with. And I think, obviously, there's an old-school part of the catalog that's still there, and we respect it. We wanna play it as much as possible, but at the same time, we're really looking forward to the future and how we can shape that and juggle all that. I mean, this is album number eight now we're working on, and all the success we've had, how to juggle all these songs that we wanna play, still continue to play, adding new ones and, of course, the songs that we're just tired of that we wanna rest for a little bit and maybe come back to in the future. So it's a bit of a challenge. It'll be interesting. It's a new dynamic for me personally and for POP EVIL, but it's one we look forward to. And Joey [Walser, bass] and Blake [Allison, drums] have been at the center of trying to make this live show the best as possible, and can't wait to really dive into the next album when we can really hopefully make some movement on putting the best POP EVIL show live forward. So we're looking forward to that."

Regarding the lyrical inspiration for the new POP EVIL music, Leigh said: "The albums that we've done in the past, other than 'Onyx', I've really shied away from just my own personal takes on things. I tried to make them a little more vague, but this album, I'm really soul searching, man. It really felt like when you strip everything back, what's left? And it's me. I started this band by myself in a garage years and years ago, and to be still here is awesome and it's great, but there's still lots to say, and I really thought that the fans owe an opportunity for me to get a lot of stuff that's just been burning on my chest, not just since the last record but just since the beginning of my experience in this business and where my head's at and try to take a chance and an opportunity to personally heal, to move forward. So it feels like 'Onyx', to me, all over in a way. There's a lot of darkness that's been built up. I mean, even probably from the pandemic as well. And then just some things I wanted to get out. And I think you're gonna get a little more personal… You're gonna hear it in the lyrics, man. There's a lot of struggle, there's a lot of grind, and you're gonna get that. And the band's been very supportive to just kind of let me go, from a lead singer perspective, and just kind of let me go on this journey. They've been very supportive. And it's been really… I've never really been in the position before with the band that would let me do that. So, with the guys now, we're all closer than ever. It's, like, hey, they get it, man. They get it. And they understand the game and the business, and they want me to just push my boundaries a bit. And so we pushed. And I can't wait for the fans to hear this. And hopefully it's going to be a good part of healing for me. And most importantly, it's going to add to a lot of extra healing for our fanbase and new fans coming on board as well."

When Meltdown noted that a lot of successful bands find it difficult to write about their struggles when they are no longer poor and have sold a lot of records, Leigh said: "The success for bands, at least in our era, is not quite like that. So, there's still a lot of struggle. There's still a lot of scraping, counting every penny. And not just for me, but for other bandmembers, for crew. So we've had success. So, I mean, there's frustration in that. There's frustration in people that have been around us throughout the years and how their goals have changed and ours have stayed the same. There's frustration. You're not mad at it personally, but there's a consequence in that, and there's a consequence not only for us, but for our family.

"I can only speak from my perspective, and I'm, obviously, the owner and the frontman and the singer and whatever it is," he continued. "I think that it's important, for my own personal healing, to be a better frontman for our fans, and moving forward, you have to kind of address that and let that go. And hopefully not worry about tomorrow. I'm not worried about the ninth album. I'm not worried about the tenth album. I'm worried about this album. And I really wanna make this the best effort. And to be honest, the true goal of any success, for me, has always been bettering yourself. We already did seven albums. I don't wanna go back and do those. We already did that. I've already toured on those for the past two years. And, of course, the first album we've toured on for almost 20 years now. So it's, like, you don't wanna go back to those places 'cause some of those places can be dark and they're not always good memories. So you don't wanna go back and do some of these songs. Maybe there'll be a time — hopefully there'll be a time where you can go back and you can add certain songs to playlists or maybe remake, remaster certain songs. We definitely talked about it. But you've gotta be ready for that. I've gotta be ready as a person to just really take on that feat and be able to sing those every night, and just even let my mind go there. Obviously, time will tell. Anything's possible, but right now it just feels like the best version of POP EVIL is still on the horizon. And this is certainly by far, again, the best POP EVIL record. I feel like a broken record; I say it every record. And if you're a true POP EVIL fan, you're gonna really see the growth. The way that we're able to incorporate metal certainly is way different than the first album. Being a radio band or a band that has really been embraced by radio, metal and heavy, heavy, heavy metal, especially, wasn't getting played. We weren't in a position when we started to be able to take more of the 'evil' side of POP EVIL, right? It was more the pop side or the mainstream or the melodic side of POP EVIL. But now it's a little different. Things are changing. With these festivals that are here in America, the metal infusion with rock, it's exciting to kind of go down some of these paths that we've wanted to go down our whole career. But we weren't doing it, whether it was us, whether it was the producers, whether it was just the timing. But this album, there's a lot of darkness again, very similar to 'Onyx', the third album. And we're looking forward to it, man."

Asked if the upcoming POP EVIL album will be "heavier" than the stuff he and his bandmates have done in the past, Leigh said:  "[It will] absolutely [be] the heaviest POP EVIL record, without a doubt. Hands down. So it'll be interesting for what fans say on that. But the players, they're just different. When you put some of the same guys, you put in Joey and Blake, it's just a heavier band. I mean, it's just different. Joey and Blake come from metal and heavier rock and roll backgrounds. That's what the guys can play, so that's what we play. So that's kind of where it's at. And I think there's a darkness just where we're at in our career. It's, like, okay, sure, we've had success, but we feel like we've got a lot to prove, man. We really look at this, like every album since probably COVID, like, 'Hey, we're starting over.' Sure, I mean, we're grateful that we have [a huge catalog of songs to play], and we play certainly a lot of them, but it would be awesome to get to a place where we can pick and choose the old songs that we wanna play, cause people are more familiar with the newer stuff. Who knows? Time will tell, but certainly that's every band's dream, to always play the new stuff. You don't wanna play the old stuff all the time. But, again, we feel like there's a lot of music still left to write and we've got a lot still left to say. So, with that said, here we are. We're rolling. And one album, one song at a time, but we certainly are excited about this next chapter of POP EVIL and certainly what these songs are starting to sound like and the way they're coming together. It's exciting, man. We're stoked."

Last month, Kakaty was asked by "The Dark" rock music program on 94 Rocks KFML if he and his POP EVIL bandmates still like putting out full-length albums or if they are starting to think about maybe focusing on singles going forward. Leigh said: "Well, we're still a little old school with putting out an album. It's selfish, right? I grew up with albums, so putting out an album, especially as an artist perspective, it's still the dream. When you get it done and you open the booklet, you smell it, and seeing your visions come to fruition, there's still something very appealing about that. And certainly it's whatever your record label wants you to do. And for POP EVIL, it's make an album. So as long as we get to make albums, I wanna go all in. But if it was me, yeah, I'd make singles. It's more fun for me personally, 'cause I don't have to… Trying to put together a collection of work, it can be very daunting. It's very hard. It's very challenging. And then all these great songs, especially if you're only pushing one to three to four of them, somewhere in that vein, depending on how many singles get pushed, what do you do with these other great songs? So streaming has at least given bands an opportunity to have songs that don't even — some hit harder than singles… Every band's different with their journey, and whatever works best for you to be able to pay your bills so you can continue to do that, I'm all about it. But for us, for POP EVIL — obviously, I can't speak for other bands; I can speak for me — we're in a blessed position to make albums. So until we are not able to do that, we're gonna try to make the best albums that we can for our fans. But, yeah, if it was up to me, I have no problems making singles. I don't care. It doesn't matter to me. As long as I'm able to make the art that I'm trying to make in the way, at the highest level I can, it's a win for me. It still doesn't make it any less stressful. One song or 10, you still want it to be the best of the best, and you're still gonna stress in that way."

He continued: "But, yeah, man, it's interesting how it's changing. We're in this time or this kind of moment in music history that, we're shaping it now. It's so weird. It's not like it was even when we started, so it'll be interesting. Hopefully we're doing our part to pave the way for that next set of bands to come up, which is our kids' generation to come up, and hopefully it's a little bit more figured out and a little more ironed out where they can take what we did and hopefully it's a little more enjoyable, their road, with the hard work that we've put out here now. So we'll see."

This past May, Kakaty was asked by Rocking With Jam Man if he was "shocked" by the recent departure of the band's drummer Hayley Cramer. The U.K.-based musician, who joined the Michigan rockers in 2016, announced her exit from POP EVIL in a social media post last December. Leigh said: "[It was] shocking, for sure. We all go through things that we're going through personally. And she's got her family, she's got her friends and she's from another country, so there's a lot of variables for her and reasons for her, why she probably didn't wanna be here anymore. But definitely to lose a band member is always shocking for me. But you've gotta go on. Our personal families, everyone's counting on the band to provide. And the fans wanna see you keep going, so we just knuckle up and face adversity. You've gotta just meet it head on and keep going."

Asked how new POP EVIL drummer Blake Allison is adjusting to the band, Leigh said: "Blake's been incredible. I mean, he's learned the whole catalog in about two months. So to have Blake here, he's been so helpful to POP EVIL on and off the stage for the past three or four years now, so now to have him in the band hopefully as long as we can keep him is an honor. And he's just such an incredible talent on and off the stage. And we're looking forward to seeing how long we can run with this lineup now."

When Hayley announced her exit from POP EVIL, she wrote in a statement that "reached a point" where she wanted "to branch out and find new paths and adventures - into the unknown!"

Cramer joined POP EVIL in May 2016 as the replacement for Josh "Chachi" Marunde, who exited the group in April that year.

Photo credit: Nick Fancher

Former Overkill drummer, Sid Falck, has released a new song, "Oath Of Hypocrisy", featuring Dano Hibbs, under the Falckname.


Sid Falck: "First, let me just say that this is actually not about politics, although it could surely apply. I’m sure we have all met people with very strongly stated opinions, only to see those opinions change, when it become convenient or popular. And I’m also sure that we have all found ourselves being hypocritical at times. Beyond that, it is, from my point of view, a commentary on how easily we can watch horrible world events, as if they are just another commercial, when it suits us.


"On a personal note, this will probably be my last song under the Falck name. For about the last 10 months of so, I have been experiencing a lot of neurological issues, that’s made it very difficult to keep track of what it takes to be a one person ”band”. After a lengthy medical consultation just a couple of days ago, I was told that what I’m dealing with, is almost certainly caused by my hearts inability to sufficiently supply my brain and body with enough oxygen. Supposedly it’s a form of Cerebral Hypoxia caused by my Bradycardia. Currently treatment options are being considered.




"Now, this is a lot of very personal information, and in the past, my motives for being very honest about my health, has been questioned by some. This past week, I’ve received a lot of messages, seen my name mentioned more than it has been for years, and most importantly, I’ve seen so many different versions of what my health issues are, on social media. So to try to ward off new rumors, speculation and keyboard experts about these latest developments, I thought the facts should come from me.


"There’s not enough room to properly name everyone who has helped, supported, encouraged. Obviously I owe huge thanks to everyone who has been willing to appear on my songs with me. Also, people who have been willing to help guide, suggest and encourage, such as my beloved brothers in Overkill, past and present; my very old dear friends Pete West and Mike Tramp; people from my personal life: Kelly, Jerry, Dano, Veronika.


"And not least Tim, Scotty and everyone at BraveWords, who has always given me their full support in getting the word out! It’s impossible to adequately express how grateful I am to them, and to every single person who has taken the time to check out what I created.


"While I hope to still be involved in creating music in some capacity, it remains to be seen what that will be."


"Oath Of Hypocrisy" can be downloaded here, where you can also find the whole Falck catalog. It is also available on all the usual platforms.


An accompanying video can be viewed below:










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In a recent interview with Sky News, former MOTÖRHEAD guitarist Phil Campbell remembered the band's leader Ian "Lemmy" Kilmister who passed away in December 2015 at the age of 70, shortly after learning he had been diagnosed with cancer. Phil said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "He was a great man, Lemmy. He was a true pioneer. Him and Little Richard are the real, true big rock and rollers, in my opinion. He lived his life for his own way. 95 percent of the things he did, he'd done his way. And he cared a lot about the fans and he cared a lot about the music. And when he formed MOTÖRHEAD, he told me, he basically just wanted to form an unforgettable rock and roll band. So I think he achieved his wish there, definitely, with that. But never a day goes by when I don't think about him. He's just one of them unbelievable characters, really. He was intelligent, kind, had lots of empathy for people and all that, very humorous. And there's not many guys like that about, or people like that about anymore. So it's great for him to be remembered, and he definitely will be remembered all over the world."

This past January, Campbell reflected on Lemmy's final days, telling "Rock Of Nations With Dave Kinchen And Shane McEachern": "We got a call, 'You'd better come over, better fly over to see Lem. He's not doing too well.' But we never got a chance. So we never managed to say goodbye, unfortunately. But it's like any other… when someone passes away, it's not good. But we rocked, and Lem rocked till the end, till he could do no more. 'Cause we were trying to get him to take a rest, but he wouldn't listen to us. He did it — right to the end, he did it his way, which I'm really proud of. I'm glad did it like that as well."

Phil added: "He said years ago that's all he wanted to do, was create an unforgettable rock and roll band. So I think he definitely managed that. So, he can sleep upstairs or downstairs, wherever he is now, a happy man."

More than a year ago, Campbell was asked by Robert Cavuoto of Myglobalmind if he and his then-MOTÖRHEAD bandmates knew "things were not going well" when they were forced to cancel a number of shows due to Lemmy's declining health in the months leading up to his death. Phil responded: "Yeah, we knew, but Lem wanted to just carry on then. I know the last tour in Germany, I think one or two shows were canceled 'cause I ended up in hospital. And I came back out and we finished the tour. And that was the last tour then; the last show was in Berlin. So the last week of MOTÖRHEAD, actually I was the one in bloody hospital. But we never thought — when we parted at the end of the tour, we never thought that would be the last time we'd see each other. We didn't have a chance to say goodbye, me or Mikkey [Dee, MOTÖRHEAD drummer], or nothing. I couldn't even go over to the funeral, 'cause my doctor advised me not to, 'cause I was pretty ill myself in them days."

In March 2023, Dee told Sonic Perspectives that Lemmy didn't have any idea he was dying in the months leading up to his December 2015 passing. "I don't think that he had those — I know he didn't have these thoughts at all," Mikkey said. "But he did struggle with his health, and that was a pain in the ass for Lemmy, because he wanted to live his normal life so much. But he had some good days and bad days. And '15 was a tough year for Lemmy, and for all of us, obviously. But I know for a fact that he had no idea that he would actually pass away — I mean, die — by the end of that year; he had no clue about that."

MOTÖRHEAD had to cancel a number of shows in 2015 because of Lemmy's poor health, although the band did manage to complete the aforementioned European tour a couple of weeks before his death.

In June 2020, it was announced that Lemmy would get the biopic treatment. The upcoming film, "Lemmy", will be directed by Greg Olliver, who previously helmed the 2010 documentary of the same name, "Lemmy".

A custom-made urn containing Lemmy's ashes is on permanent display in a columbarium at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Hollywood, California.

Back in May 2021, Dee told the "Waste Some Time With Jason Green" video podcast that Lemmy refused to quit touring in the weeks leading up to his death, even when his health was clearly deteriorating.

"We played the last show the 11th of December [of 2015] in Berlin, and he passed just [two] weeks later," Mikkey recalled. "And that tells you, the guy died with his boots on. And both me and Phil [Campbell, MOTÖRHEAD guitarist] were trying to talk him out of starting the second part of the European tour after Christmas. But there was no way in hell we could do that. And I said to Phil, 'Look, instead of arguing with Lemmy or pushing him not to do this,' because we said maybe we should break for a couple of months for him to catch his wind, basically. I said, 'Let's not push him anyway. Let him decide what he wants to do. He knows best what he wants to do.' And he wanted to be on stage. So we said, 'Let's just support him instead,' and that's what we did. But we never made it to the second leg of that European tour, unfortunately. It was the U.K. that was on the next part of it, I remember that."

Asked if he knew when he came home to Sweden that it would probably be the end for Lemmy, Mikkey said: "No. Not at all. Because I talked to Lemmy after that show in Berlin. We were all gonna go separate ways, obviously. I was gonna just fly out to Sweden, and Phil went back home to Wales. Lemmy was flying back to L.A., but I believe he was gonna fly to London and stay one night or two or so and say hi to friends and then fly back home. And I spoke to him right after the show. I went down to Lemmy's dressing room, and I said, 'All right. Go back to L.A. and figure out, maybe, another two songs from [MOTÖRHEAD's final album] 'Bad Magic' that you think that we should do. And we take out the two songs that we already played on this leg, and we put in two new songs from the record.' And he said, 'Yeah. All right. I'll check that out.' And I said, 'Let's hook up after Christmas.' Because it was the 11th of December at that time, and I figured we'd talk between Christmas and New Year's Eve and decide which two songs that we agreed on on playing on that next leg. And he said, 'Yeah, I'll go back and work on that.' And that was it. He had no intention of not coming back to Europe and touring. So we did a little finger hook, as we always did, and that was the last time I saw him, actually. Very sad."

Dee went on to say that Lemmy had made some changes in his life to improve his health after dealing with several issues over the last few years of his life, including heart trouble. "But my personal belief is that it was maybe a little too late," he said. "He should have maybe changed a little earlier. But knowing Lemmy, he was not for that. He was doing it his way or the highway, basically. And that made him to what he was. He never compromised with his music, he never compromised with friendship, he never compromised with what way he was gonna go for anyone else in that way, which is why MOTÖRHEAD was MOTÖRHEAD, and still is MOTÖRHEAD. But with that said, of course, the three of us were talking a lot about stuff, and it was not like he was some kind of a boss here. But we all worked so good together, and that's what created the magic, I would say."

Former FEAR FACTORY frontman Burton C. Bell has released a new solo single, "Technical Exorcism". The official Don Pancho Films-directed music video for the track is available below.

Bell played the first concert with his solo band on June 13 at 1720 in Los Angeles, California.

Backing Bell at the 1720 gig were guitarist Henrik Linde (THE VITALS, DREN),drummer Ryan "Junior" Kittlitz (ALL HAIL THE YETI, THE ACID HELPS),bassist Tony Baumeister (ÆGES) and multi-instrumentalist Stewart Cararas.

When the 1720 concert was first announced, Burton called the gig a "historic event" and vowed to perform "new songs and classics spanning my career."

This past March, Bell, who recently released his debut solo single, "Anti-Droid", was asked by Knotfest's "Nu Pod" podcast if he has an entire album's worth of material ready to come out. He responded: "No. I'm working on individual singles at a time. I do have a record's worth of music. But I'm adopting the hip-hop strategy where instead of coming up, releasing a single and then the whole album comes out a couple of weeks later, and then a couple of weeks later, when that album is out, the momentum of the single and the whole record just kind of slows and becomes sluggish and just almost crashes. So I learned watching hip-hop artists and other artists as well, [where] they would just release a single at a time, keep that momentum, keep that spotlight on them and just release a single every few weeks and just keep that momentum going."

He continued: "In this day and age, the short attention span of the masses is very apparent. There's this old saying in economics, less is more — supply and demand, less is more. So if you just feed 'em just a little bit at a time, they wanna hear more. And that's where the interest stays. They're compelled to keep listening. 'Oh, he's got something else coming out. Oh, he's got something else coming out.'"

Bell went on to tease his next single, which he described as "heavy", "groovy" and "dark. It's more uptempo. It's got more guitar in it," he revealed. "And it's gonna be awesome. I've got a couple of guest artists on this next track that it's gonna be sick. I recruited Paul Ferguson again, and I've also recruited Norman Westberg, guitar player from SWANS. SWANS is one of my favorite bands of all time and it's a band that influenced not just me but NEUROSIS — a lot of bands — GODFLESH."

Asked if he is planning to play shows or get a band together to promo his music, Bell said: "Yes to all of those questions. I'm in the process of booking a show. It's gonna be a showcase. It's gonna be in L.A., and I have a band together. They're already working on [the set]. It's a retrospection, so I plan to play four new songs, some deep-cut FEAR FACTORY, some [ASCENSION OF THE] WATCHERS, some G/Z/R, some CITY OF FIRE.

"My new music is an amalgamation of everything I've ever done, and I'm gonna basically put it all together into this package and just see what happens," he explained. "And the live show, it's gonna be heavy, it's gonna be groovy. And I wanna create a vibe. I really do."

When "Anti-Droid" was first released in March, Bell said in a statement: "I'm starting my solo career. I'm working with different producers and co-songwriters, making music that I love, with full control of the music and creative direction."

Bell's discography includes multiple live and recorded collaborations with BLACK SABBATH icon Geezer Butler and JOURNEY's Deen Castronovo (as G/Z/R); industrial maverick Al Jourgensen and MINISTRY; and guest vocal appearances with PITCHSHIFTER, CONFLICT, SOIL, STATIC-X, SOULFLY and DELAIN, among others. He's the vocalist of ASCENSION OF THE WATCHERS and CITY OF FIRE and, of course, the co-creator of FEAR FACTORY and the only musician to appear on every FEAR FACTORY release from 1992 through 2024.

FEAR FACTORY created a sound that revolutionized extreme metal, defined in no small part by Bell's innovative scream/sing dichotomy and the influences he brought from post-punk and industrial. Songs like "Replica", "Linchpin", "Edgecrusher", "Fear Campaign", "Archetype", "Cyber Waste" and "Zero Signal" are modern metal anthems. "Demanufacture" (1995) and the RIAA gold-certified "Obsolete" (1998) are genre-redefining works heralded by fans and critics as essential albums. Orwell, Bradbury, "Blade Runner", and sophisticated sci-fi and fantasy works fed Bell's lyrics and concepts.

The band toured the world with METALLICA, SLIPKNOT, KORN, MEGADETH and OZZY OSBOURNE, taking bands like SYSTEM OF A DOWN and STATIC-X out as support acts in their early stages. After years of behind-the-scenes band member turmoil and legal issues, Bell left FEAR FACTORY in the fall of 2020.

In the chorus of "Anti-Droid", he declares: "I'd rather be dead than a slave to the factory."

Bell says "Anti-Droid" is "a statement about breaking free. Breaking the bonds of what I felt was a prison in many ways. Not just financially or contractually but creatively, as well. I felt constrained to this format we'd written ourselves into. The 'factory' doesn't have a capital F. It's the factory of the music industry, a certain form of business, and priorities. Being a slave to an established way of thinking is not really freedom. I am moving forward."

Like the faithful cover of RAMMSTEIN's "Du Hast" he released in 2023, or the cover of "Enter Sandman" recorded with DANZIG's John Christ and METALLICA's Robert Trujillo more than a decade before, Bell's solo work embodies the best of hard rock, metal, and industrial's past, present and future. "Anti-Droid" is but the opening salvo in a brand-new campaign, which will see Burton C. Bell releasing increasingly innovative yet classic feeling, ever-engaging solo material.

The 55-year-old Bell had been largely inactive on the musical front since officially announcing his departure from FEAR FACTORY in September 2020. At the time he said that he could not "align" himself with someone whom he did not trust or respect, an apparent reference to FEAR FACTORY founding guitarist Dino Cazares.

During an appearance on a May 2023 episode of the "Home Is Where The Dark Is" podcast, Bell reflected on his musical journey so far, saying: "I've had a lot of incredible ups in my career, a lot of incredible high points. I've had some devastatingly low points. But for me, this is all I wanna do.

"I consider myself an artist — multifaceted, but first and foremost I'm a musician; I'm a singer. So I wanna keep continuing that," he explained.

"I love performing on stage. I love being out in front of the crowd. I love the energy of the audience, and I miss it completely.

"I am making plans — I'm making steps to get back onstage."

At the end of the chat, when host Alex Crescioni thanked Bell for his "inspiring" musical output over the years, including that with FEAR FACTORY and ASCENSION OF THE WATCHERS, Burton said: "People will hear those again. When I get back on the road, I'll be playing… I'm proud of 99 percent of the songs we did [with] FEAR FACTORY. Not every song is a winner, but I'm proud of all the work I did with FEAR FACTORY, THE WATCHERS, GZR, CITY OF FIRE, MINISTRY, HATEFACE. There's all these bands I've been part of. So when I go on the road, I will be playing music from all of these bands. Obviously, a lot from FEAR FACTORY, 'cause I got 30 years of that. But it's not gonna be all about FEAR FACTORY. It's gonna be FEAR FACTORY, WATCHERS, classic GZR, CITY OF FIRE — just do all of it. It's gonna be fun. And I'm jamming with some guys right now. We're working on it and making those steps to make that happen."

In March 2023, Bell was asked by Joshua Toomey of the "Talk Toomey" podcast how it felt to see FEAR FACTORY going out on tour with someone else singing the parts he originally wrote and recorded with the band. He responded: "It doesn't affect me at all. To be honest, I haven't been this happy in a long time. More power to them, but I'm just moving forward in my own life, my own career, and I'm just trying to make a name for myself."

Asked if he has checked out any of the videos on YouTube of FEAR FACTORY performing with his replacement, the Italian-born singer Milo Silvestro, Bell said: "No, I don't. I don't care to."

Burton went on to say that he doesn't mind being asked about FEAR FACTORY despite the fact that he is no longer in the band. "FEAR FACTORY, it's what I'm known for," he explained. "And the 30 years I had with FEAR FACTORY were some of the proudest moments of my career. And everything I've ever done in FEAR FACTORY I'm very proud of. Even some of the questionable things I've done in FEAR FACTORY I'm still proud of. It was a great legacy."

During an April 2022 appearance on an episode of "The Ex-Man" podcast hosted by Doc Coyle (BAD WOLVES),Bell touched upon FEAR FACTORY's latest album, "Aggression Continuum", which was released in June 2021 via Nuclear Blast Records. The LP, which was recorded primarily in 2017, features Bell and fellow original FF member Dino Cazares (guitar) alongside drummer Mike Heller.

"I was just happy that record finally came out," Burton said. "We finished that record in 2017. By the time it came out, I'd forgotten all about it. 'Oh, yeah, I remember that song. Oh yeah.'

"There's some good songs on that record. The song 'Collapse' is a good song. The title track 'Monolith' is a good song," he added, referencing the LP's original working title, before it was changed by Cazares.

When Coyle noted that the mix on "Aggression Continuum" is "great," Bell hesitated for a couple of seconds before reluctantly agreeing. "I guess," he said. "When I finished the record [in 2017], the record was done and agreed upon and then further work was done without my say."

Elsewhere in the chat, Burton admitted that "it was difficult" for him to leave FEAR FACTORY. "Stepping away from FEAR FACTORY was not an easy decision by [any] means," he said. "But what I experienced for the 10 years before that, the lawsuits, the acrimony, that was the one that killed me. And I just had to step away to realize, you know, they can take all this stuff from me — they can take the money, they can take the royalties, they can take the trademark away from me — and I realized that didn't define me. They can take that, but I'm still Burton C. Bell, motherfucker, and whatever I have they can't take. So I'm just kind of moving forward and doing new things."

According to Bell, hardship is par for the course for most musicians, who often find themselves victims of bad contracts, unscrupulous management and, all too often, what appears to be a penchant for self-destruction.

"I knew a long time ago I wanted to be an artist — way before I was in FEAR FACTORY," he said. "When I was in high school, I was, like, 'I wanna be an artist.' To be an artist, you've gotta suffer. You've gotta understand that people wanna take from you the entire time — what you create they wanna make money off of and take it away from you and just give you a pittance. But being bitter is not my style — never has been.

"Whatever negativity has happened in the past with FEAR FACTORY doesn't even hold up to the amount of positivity that has happened," he continued. "If you think about the negative, it can weigh you down so much, but it's not really that much in comparison to what the band achieved, what we created, what we provided to the music world, and for that I'm proud and very happy.

"No one likes to talk to a bitter person at all," Burton added. "Me for one. It's, like, 'Man, just get over it and just move on.' 'Cause holding on to the past doesn't serve me anything, it doesn't serve anybody else anything. Move on and show 'em what you can do from that point forward."

Bell's exit from FEAR FACTORY came more than two weeks after Cazares launched a GoFundMe campaign to assist him with the production costs associated with the release of FEAR FACTORY's latest LP.

Bell later told Kerrang! magazine that his split with FEAR FACTORY was a long time coming. "It's been on my mind for a while," he said. "These lawsuits [over the rights to the FEAR FACTORY name] just drained me. The egos. The greed. Not just from bandmembers, but from the attorneys involved. I just lost my love for it.

"With FEAR FACTORY, it's just constantly been, like, 'What?!' You can only take so much. I felt like 30 years was a good run. Those albums I've done with FEAR FACTORY will always be out there. I'll always be part of that. I just felt like it was time to move forward."

Last year, Bell unveiled "Paradise Found", his debut exhibition of photographic works, at the Vincent Castiglia Gallery in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The photographs Bell presented were representational of his industrial and science-fiction aesthetic.

"Paradise Found" consisted of 20 original full-color photographs of abandoned industrial buildings taken in darkness and fog from 2002 to 2003. Bell's images are printed on aluminum using the dye sublimation process — an approach Bell calls "celluloid impressionism."

Bell's ASCENSION OF THE WATCHERS project released its second full-length album, "Apocrypha", in October 2020 via Dissonance Productions.

Blue Öyster Cult's new collection of electrifying performances, 50th Anniversary Live - Second Night, is available today via Frontiers Music Srl. This release includes the band's second album, Tyranny And Mutation, performed back-to-back and is a spectacular follow-up to the band's historic three-night stint at New York City's Sony Hall in New York City.


As a kick-off for the album's release, Blue Öyster Cult fittingly shares fan-favorite "Burnin' For You" (Live) alongside a music video, available below.


In September 2022, Blue Öyster Cult enthralled fans with a unique trilogy of sold-out shows, each dedicated to one of their first three albums. Founding member Albert Bouchard made a special appearance on all three nights, adding a nostalgic touch to the historic milestone.




For nearly three hours each night, the band delivered a spellbinding set, weaving through the entirety of their now classic initial trilogy of albums and treating fans to a mix of favorites, deep cuts, and classic hits. The atmosphere was electric, and Frontiers Music captured the magic, set to release each night as a special individual package.


Watch the music video for "Burnin' For You" (Live):





Blue Öyster Cult's legacy spans over five decades, captivating fans with intelligent hard rock loaded with classic songs. Hailing from Long Island, NY, the band is renowned in the hard rock and heavy metal scene for their pioneering work, earning both critical acclaim and commercial success. Cited as a major influence by acts like Metallica, Blue Öyster Cult boasts a timeless catalog, including iconic tracks like "(Don’t Fear) The Reaper," "Godzilla," and "Burnin’ for You." The creative vision of the original core duo, Donald “Buck Dharma” Roeser and Eric Bloom, is complemented by Richie Castellano, Danny Miranda, and Jules Radino, forming a powerhouse lineup.


As the band embraces its status as a 'classic rock' phenomenon, they continue to create vibrant work, offering a refreshing alternative to mainstream trends. With a relentless touring schedule and the critically acclaimed album The Symbol Remains released in 2020, Blue Öyster Cult remains an enduring force, ready to ignite the stage once again with the release of 50th Anniversary Live - Second Night.


Order here.





50th Anniversary Live - Second Night tracklisting:


Album 1:
"The Red & The Black"
"O.D.'D On Life Itself"
"Hot Rails To Hell"
"7 Screaming Diz-Busters"
"Baby Ice Dog"
"Wings Wetted Down"
"Teen Archer"
"Mistress Of The Salmon Salt (Quicklime Girl)"


Album 2:
"Box In My Head"
"Burnin' For You"
"Lips In The Hills"
"Perfect Water"
"Tenderloin"
"The Revenge Of Vera Gemini"
"E.T.I (Extra Terrestrial Intelligence)"
"That Was Me"
"Godzilla"
"(Don't Fear) The Reaper"
"Unknown Tongue"
"Tattoo Vampire"
"Cities On Flame With Rock And Roll"


"Hot Rails To Hell" video:





"7 Screaming Diz-Busters" video:










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One of Melbourne's most intriguing progressive metal bands, Teramaze, have shared a new audio clip along with the following message:


"Introducing Teracoustic Sessions Volume 1, the brand-new acoustic album from Teramaze that promises a fresh and intimate listening experience. In this special release, Dean and Nathan have carefully selected nine standout tracks from our extensive catalogue and reimagined them in their purest form. Stripped down to just acoustic guitar and vocals, this collection offers a raw and unembellished take on our music—no frills, no effects, just the essence of Teramaze.


The result is a collection that’s not only a testament to the strength of our songwriting but also something you can enjoy with family and friends who may not be familiar with our usual sound. We're thrilled with how these tracks have come together, and we believe you will be too. Teracoustic Sessions Volume 1 invites you to experience Teramaze like never before, in an intimate and personal way that highlights the beauty and emotion of our music."




Pre-order Teracoustic Sessions / Volume 1 here. 





Earlier this year, Teramaze released the video for the new single, "The Will Of Eli", from their 11th full-length album, Eli: A Wonderful Fall From Grace, out now via Wells Music. Order the album here, and watch the video below.


A message states: "Experience the magic of music with 'The Will Of Eli', brilliantly crafted by the immensely talented Wayne Joyner, who has previously worked with giants like Dream Theater, Sevendust, Alter Bridge! It's not just a music video, it's a visual journey through rhythmic storytelling that entrances and transforms you into an integral part of the melody. This captivating masterpiece has left us completely in awe. Don't miss the chance to embark on this mesmerizing musical voyage today!nA special thanks goes out to our brother Wayne Joyner for putting his heart and soul into our video."





Eli: A Wonderful Fall From Grace is a concept album that finishes the trilogy of their Halo storyline, following 2015's Her Halo and 2021's Sorella Minore.


Commenting on the album's thematic direction, the band states: "We began with a story of betrayal, love, and wonder told through the album Her Halo. We continued that tale through to a climactic finish with the epic suite Sorella Minore. And now, we have finally brought to you the third instalment of the Halo Saga, to bring the whole story together. We take you not forward in time, but to the very beginning...


“Eli - A Wonderful Fall from Grace takes us to A Place Called Halo, the circus where it all began in the height of it's popularity. Eli, a shipwreck survivor discovers the travelling tented landscape, and becomes the star attraction... but at a terrible price.


“Along with a full length concept album, we finally release the short story that sparked this spell binding concept all those years ago.


“Every story has a beginning, and so is Eli - A Wonderful Fall from Grace."





Tracklisting:


“A Place Called Halo”
“The Will Of Eli”
“Step Right Up”
“I Mantissa”
“Madam Roma”
“Standing Ovation”
“Hands Are Tied”
“A Wonderful Fall From Grace”


"Step Right Up" video:





"Standing Ovation" video:





Teaser:










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Long-running Adelaide five piece, Life Pilot, have just released their new single and video, "Feeding An Illness".


With its monstrous opening riff, call and response vocals and crushing delivery, "Feeding An Illness" is made to kick-start any mosh pit and have the people up the back with their arms folded nodding their head to the huge groove.


The insane music video for "Feeding An Illness" follows the story of a young woman haunted by night terrors and her journey through the addiction to the fear itself, shot in an old historic building in Adelaide, Australia. Part of the SA heritage trust, the “Z Ward For The Criminally Insane” is a long abandoned mental asylum that many believe to be haunted by the ghost of patients past. 







Lyrically, "Feeding An Illness" is about the overuse of prescribed substances, particularly those that merely mask one’s problems and the double standard when it comes to the legality of said substances. Practitioners treating patients straight from a textbook, rather than addressing their needs on an individual basis. Resulting in more drug abuse, a false sense of hope and most often, an insurmountable addiction to the “cure.”





For further details, visit Life Pilot on Facebook.










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New Zealand hard rock powerhouse, Black Smoke Trigger, released their stunning debut album Horizons, on August 2, 2024. 


Black Smoke Trigger has just issued a video for their newest single, "Never Dies". One of the heavier songs from Horizons, "Never Dies" was co-written with Disturbed frontman David Draiman. The band worked closely with David and created the track "Never Dies". Filmed in a single shot, one-take video on the same circular set as the video for "K.M.T.L".







Order your copy of Horizons on CD or Vinyl here. Artwork and tracklisting are as follows:





"Phantom Pain"
"K.M.T.L"
"The Way Down"
"Perfect Torture"
"Proof Of Life"
"Learn To Crawl"
"Set Me On Fire"
"Psycho"
"One More Chance (Don't Let It Slip Away)"
"Never Dies"
"Sun Cries Red"
"Promise"

















For further details, visit Black Smoke Trigger on Facebook.


(Photo - Andhe Chandler)


 







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London-based industrial noise pop trio and recent MNRK Heavy/Inside Job signees, Tayne, today drop the dancefloor-pulverizing single, "Coherent". The track splices together buzzsaw riffs and Lady Gaga-inspired art-pop with the intensity turned up to 11 thanks to the guttural screams from longtime friend Rachel Aspe (Cage Fight), with the pair meeting while working together at Camden’s iconic, and sadly now defunct, tattoo studio, Evil From The Needle.





Vocalist/bassist Matthew Sutton elaborates, "'Coherent' was musically inspired by an old track of ours called 'Open Up.' I have a habit of reusing older samples to create new songs; I feel it helps maintain a consistent sound and style to the band. For 'Coherent,' I resampled a leading arp from 'Open Up' and sped it up to create the main pulse of this track.




"'Coherent' explores confronting toxic relationships instead of persisting in comfortable norms, pushing through uncomfortable emotions, and addressing them head-on."


Watch Tayne’s “Coherent” video below Stream the track on all digital platforms here.





“Coherent” was co-produced by Tayne and longtime collaborator Wayne Adams (Green Lung, Petbrick), one of a number of collaborations with artists as diverse as Jesu, Mastiff, Katie Kim, and Poisonous Birds. Additionally, Tayne has supported the varied likes of Health, Author & Punisher, and The Dillinger Escape Plan’s Greg Puciato. Stay tuned for more from Tayne in the weeks to come.


Tayne lineup:


Matthew Sutton - vocals, bass
Tom Hancock - guitar
Paul Traveller - drums


(Photo - Eivind Hansen)







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German metalcore act, Rising Insane, have released a new single, "Monster",  marking the sixth track released off their forthcoming album Wildfires, out August 23 via Long Branch Records. A new music video accompanies the track.


Singer Aaron Steineker comments "It feels like we all get upset far too quickly when we see people who don't behave according to our expectations. You can look at this in general, whether it's the classic example of senior citizens getting upset about young people or the cow's milk mafia getting angry about vegan substitute products. People will always hate on other people and the whole thing is brutally amplified by social media. So it's completely pointless not to do and be what you feel like. 'Monster', to me, is the song that makes you feel exactly that way and makes you just do your thing instead of always looking left and right to bitch about others."







Rising Insane's fourth studio album, Wildfires, (out August 23 via Long Branch Records) takes an in-depth look at the consequences of our collective abstinence from empathy and challenges listeners to ignite their inner flame for change. It is an urgent call to break out of the darkness.


While Rising Insane remains true to their post-hardcore and metalcore roots on Wildfires, the band has evolved collectively and individually, clearly reflected in the new and fresh sound.


Steineker comments on Wildfires: "Over the last two years, I have felt that there is a huge source of strife lurking around every corner. All we have to do is pick up our cell phone and we're immediately thrown into a hate-filled sea of conflict, there's so much hate everywhere. You get the feeling that the world around us is on fire when you add war, global warming, inflation, and depression to the mix. That's how this album got the title Wildfires. Each song on the album is about a specific trouble spot, themes, and stories that have weighed on me while writing. Our goal is to create awareness through our music of how much we burden ourselves and each other instead of focusing on things that connect us and create positivity."


Wildfires will be available in the following formats:


• Exclusive LBR Shop LP Edition incl. orange-red marbled vinyl
Limited to 300 copies
• LP Edition incl. white-black marbled vinyl
Limited to 300 copies
• CD Edition in digipak
• Exclusive LBR Shop Bundles
• Standard Stream & Download


Pre-order here.





Tracklisting:


“Reign”
“Monster”
“Lighthouse”
“Malicious”
“Bet On Me”
“Warning”
“Counting Regrets (Interlude)”
“Carousel”
“Burn”
“The Door”
“Wildfires”


"Carousel" video:





“Burn” video:





“Malicious” video:





“Lighthouse” video:





“Reign” video:





(Photo - Jana Kuhs & Coregraphy)







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Fan-filmed video footage of FORBIDDEN's August 8 performance at the Brutal Assault festival in Josefov, Czech Republic can be seen below.

Brutal Assault marked the reactivated San Francisco Bay Area thrash metal veterans' first live appearance with VOIVOD's Daniel Mongrain, who stepped in as a temporary replacement for guitarist Steve Smyth.

Smyth exited FORBIDDEN last month, saying in a statement that he "decided it's time to part ways with FORBIDDEN, and return to my band ONE MACHINE as priority, along with other projects on the horizon, and of course session work, and teaching music as always."

He added: "FORBIDDEN was always a place I considered home, from the very first gig I played with the guys, the Thrash Of The Titans festival, back in 2001, touring across 2009/2010 with Russ [Anderson, vocals] and Mark [Hernandez, drums], writing and releasing the 'Omega Wave' album, the touring that followed 2010-2012, and the last year. It's a home I'll miss, but the memories will remain.

"ONE MACHINE is my own home that I've built myself, from before, and after my first stint with FORBIDDEN, from 2009-2012. We are preparing to release a new EP, with touring starting up in September across Europe.

"Prior to rejoining FORBIDDEN, I declared my intention to move between FORBIDDEN and ONE MACHINE, in between schedules. It now appears those schedules are conflicting.

"I'd like to thank YOU the fans for all of your support over the years! I couldn't do ANY of this without you! Craig [Locicero, guitar] and Matt [Camacho, bass] especially for welcoming me back to FORBIDDEN!

"To new additions Chris [Kontos, drums] and Norman [Skinner, vocals], Tim Healy, the crew, every promoter and agent, thank you for making the last year of music and travelling the world happen!

"I wish FORBIDDEN all the best for the future, and all it may bring!"

The remaining members of FORBIDDEN added in a separate statement: "We understand and accept Steve's decision to walk away for his own personal reasons and to finish what he started with ONE MACHINE.

"Steve had been by our side creating and playing music from the end of 2008-2012 and for the rebirth in 2023. He contributed much greatness along the way. We understand his situation better than most people possibly could.

"We all wish Steve the very best and success with ONE MACHINE. His Baby.

"Much love, respect and gratitude for the years Steve spent with FORBIDDEN will always endure.

"With Steve Smyth stepping away, FORBIDDEN intends on not missing a beat. Daniel Mongrain from VOIVOD will be stepping in for our next batch of European dates upcoming in August.

"Daniel is an astonishing & accomplished guitarist. His work in MARTYR & VOIVOD is otherworldly! We are very happy to have him aboard for these dates. Daniel will be a great addition for the gigs and we must thank the guys in VOIVOD for letting us borrow him."

Mongrain said: "It's a great honor for me to join FORBIDDEN this summer in Europe! As a fan from the early days, I'm grateful for the opportunity and will do my best to pay respect to all the amazing talented guitar player who played in the band, Glen Alvelais, Tim Calvert (RIP),and Steve Smyth. See you soon!"

The most recent FORBIDDEN lineup made its live debut at a "secret" show in July 2023 at Baltic Kiss in Richmond, California under the TWISTED INTO EVIL banner.

Originally founded in 1985 as FORBIDDEN EVIL by Anderson, guitarists Locicero and Robb Flynn, bassist John Tegio and drummer Jim Pittman, the quintet started playing house parties and Bay Area clubs such as the legendary Ruthie's Inn soon after. After a couple of lineup changes (Paul Bostaph on drums and Matt Camacho on bass) in '86, the band quickly rose through the ranks of Bay Area thrash to gain a massive following and worldwide notoriety. In 1986, the band added Glen Alvelais as the second guitarist. It was this lineup that cemented itself into the Bay Area scene and soon after recorded 1988 release "Forbidden Evil" for Combat Records, changing the band's name to simply FORBIDDEN. In May of '89 while on a European tour with SACRED REICH, FORBIDDEN made their first appearance at the legendary Dynamo Open Air in Eindhoven, Netherlands. It was here that FORBIDDEN made their European mark and recorded the "Raw Evil" EP. The band returned Stateside and replaced Alvelais with Tim Calvert. Calvert was a missing ingredient that brought the band closer together as a team. They continued to tour the U.S. first with EXODUS and then again with SACRED REICH with Calvert on second guitar. The band went on to release "Twisted Into Form" in 1990, "Distortion" in 1994 and "Green" in 1996. However, the band, having gone though many lineup changes, disbanded in 1997.

In 2008 Craig being inspired at a screening of the movie "Get Thrashed", called the other members of the band and suggested getting back on stage to see if they could reignite the FORBIDDEN machine. With Anderson, Locicero, Camacho back in the mix along with new additions Glen Alvelais and Gene Hoglan they played two sold-out DEATH ANGEL shows in San Francisco. Steve Smyth came into the mix in place of Alvelais and Mark Hernandez took Hoglan's place. The band then released "Omega Wave", the fifth in the catalog and went on a U.S. tour with OVERKILL. European festivals were next but afterwards Hernandez had to walk away due to personal reasons leading to a tour cancelation. Sasha Horn was the answer to fill the drummer's spot.

After playing "Bonded By Baloff" with EXODUS and one Bay Area show, FORBIDDEN embarked for Chile to play the Metal Fest in Santiago. It was on this flight back home that Russ informed the band that he couldn't tour anymore because of the physical toll it was taking on him. With that, the band dissolved once again for 11 years.

When FORBIDDEN's "rebirth" was first announced in April 2023, Locicero said in a statement: "First off, I did NOT see this coming. When FORBIDDEN quietly disbanded the second time in 2012, I figured it was over. While I always apply the 'never say never' mantra to my life, Russ made it clear that he was completely finished with touring. My wingman and main dude from the conception of FORBIDDEN EVIL, Russ was my mentor and the guy who bought me beer when I was 15! I couldn't imagine FORBIDDEN without him, so I had little hope of a future with FORBIDDEN. Today Russ is happily retired and living the sober life. I have nothing but love for that and him. Everyone needs to respect his wishes like we do.

"So then ….. fast forward 11 years after our last show, Bay Area vocal talent Norman Skinner walks in to help us rehearse and sing a few thrash classics for the BAY AREA INTERTHRASHIONAL set at Dynamo MetalFest 2022. WHAMMO! That's when it all happened by accident. Truly. Then it happens AGAIN when Norman sings 'Chalice Of Blood' onstage alongside WARBRINGER at the one Bay Area show of BAY AREA INTERTHRASHIONAL. Holy fuck!"

According to Variety, RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS are among the artists who will perform during the closing ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games on Sunday, August 11. Also scheduled to appear are Billie Eilish and Snoop Dogg.

A musical handover for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games, the performances will take place from L.A. in a mix of pre-taped and live performances, with each artist representing different facets of the city's rich cultural heritage.

Ben Winston, who has previously produced the Grammy Awards, is coordinating with French producers on the event, according to Variety.

Last week, it was reported that actor Tom Cruise will to perform a stunt at the closing ceremony. He will reportedly rappel from the top of Stade de France clutching the Olympic flag, followed by a pre-recorded segment showing him skydiving onto the iconic Hollywood sign.

At the end of Sunday's closing ceremony, Los Angeles mayor Karen Bass will accept the Olympic torch.

The Los Angeles Olympic Games are scheduled to run from July 14 to July 30 in 2028.

At last month's Olympic Games opening ceremony, Lady Gaga and Celine Dion were among the musical highlights. At the same event, French progressive metallers GOJIRA performed a surprise and controversial rendition of "Ah! Ça Ira", a popular song during the French Revolution, alongside opera singer Marina Viotti as well as a number of beheaded figures representing the slain Queen Marie Antoinette.
EXCLUSIVE: Performances by Billie Eilish, Snoop Dogg and the Red Hot Chili Peppers are expected to be featured during the Olympics Closing Ceremony on Sunday, multiple sources told Variety. https://t.co/tPn1wIkZbZ

— Variety (@Variety) August 9, 2024

Canadian bashers, Kittie, made a triumphant return in June with their first album in over 10 years, Fire. They are currently on the road supporting the record, and fan-filmed video of their entire show at the Factory in Dallas, TX can be viewed below.


Setlist


"Fire"
"I've Failed You"
"Cut Throat"
"No Name"
"Spit"
"What I Always Wanted"
"Sorrow I Know"
"Look So Pretty"
"Ugly"
"We Are Shadows"
"Into the Darkness"
"Eyes Wide Open"
"Severed"
"Funeral for Yesterday"
"In Winter"
"Vultures"
"Charlotte"
"Mouthful of Poison"
"Brackish"
"We Are the Lamb"
"One Foot in the Grave"
"Do You Think I'm a Whore?"







Kittie released their new album, Fire, on June 21 via Sumerian Records. Pick it up Fire here.





Fire tracklisting:


"Fire"
"I Still Wear This Crown"
"Falter"
"Vultures"
"We Are Shadows"
"Wound"
"One Foot In The Grave"
"Are You Entertained?"
"Grime"
"Eyes Wide Open"


"Vultures" video:





"We Are Shadows" video:





"Fire"










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Montreal, Canada's metal powerhouse BornBroken is back with a vengeance, unveiling their highly anticipated album Am I Invisible slated for release on September 20, 2024, this is the third release from the band, and with an almost completely new lineup, it marks a significant evolution for the band. The first foray into this album that reflects on the human experience while delivering a solid punch of thrash and death metal. 


The first single, the title track (pre-save here) is being exclusively premiered through BraveWords and the band comments:


“We wanted to create something raw and real. Creating this album was an intense and rewarding process. This album represents who we are and what we stand for. It is incredibly personal for all of us. We poured our hearts into every beat, every note. It’s a journey through our highs and lows. It speaks to the struggles and emotions we’ve faced as individuals and as a band.”







Am I Invisible is an album that dives deep into the human experience, exploring themes of existential despair, personal strength, societal division, and the relentless march of time. With each track, BornBroken delivers a powerful message, wrapped in their signature blend of aggressive guitar riffs, dynamic drumming, and emotive vocals.


Those familiar with BornBroken will be surprised by the band's new direction, although the tried and true structure remains, it comes with a twist of lemon and a dash of spice. They are recommended for fans of Chimaira, Machine Head, Slipknot, Decapitated, and Testament.


The Am I Invisible album is available to preorder on Bandcamp. Pre-save the album here.





Tracklisting:


“Time Pays No Respect”
“Am I Invisible”
“Will You Remember”
“How Strong You Are”
“Conflicting Lies”
“Scabs & Scars”
“7 Mondays”
“Fold”
“Age Of Anger”
“The Day I Die Inside”


BornBroken Album Lineup:
Mike Marino (Bass)
Michael Decker (Vocals/ All Guitars)
Carlos Ojeda (Drums)


BornBroken live and Official New Lineup:
Mike Marino (Bass)
Michael Decker (Vocals/Guitar)
Carlos Ojeda (Drums)
Rob Henx (Lead Guitar) Newest member after recording







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In a new interview with Scott Penfold of Loaded Radio, ex-FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH guitarist Jason Hook, who is currently promoting his new band FLAT BLACK, was asked why he thinks his former band has gone through so many personnel changes over the years. He responded (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "Well, I think that it's a very tricky environment. It's a really tricky environment — not unlike every huge band. I have my own personal boundaries, and when my boundaries get pierced year after year after year, at some point I go, 'That's enough.'

"I have no hard feelings, but it's impossible for me to communicate accurately how I started to feel," he continued. "You would have to be me and you'd have to be in that situation. But I'm very happy now. I'm at peace. I put something together and people are responding to it, and that's really all I needed. I don't need to do FLAT BLACK; I wanted to do FLAT BLACK. And so not only do I love it, but it seems like other people are responding in the same way. So, to me, it's all gravy."

When Penfold noted that Jason must not have only bad memories as it relates to his time with FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH, Hook said: "Oh, no, dude. We had some fun, man. We all went through that experience. Not too many musicians get to go through those levels, and it's an experience that you only fantasize about it, but all the popularity and the demand and the success and the schedule. I mean, it was real good stuff. And all my memories are fond. I choose to remember all the really fun times, 'cause there was a lot of fun."

Asked why FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH waited more than half a year after Hook's departure to officially announce his exit, Jason said: "You'd have to ask them, I guess. I don't know, man. I mean, the thing fell apart in a really sad way for me. It was sort of unclear what was gonna be happening with me. And so my only guess is that it was handled as if we were uncertain what was going to be the future. But it worked out. [Current FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH guitarist] Andy James is a phenomenal player and I'm sure that he's enjoying being in that spot. And so it's all good. It's all good stuff."

Asked if he was ever at some point approached to return to FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH or even just to join the band for a gig on stage, what his thoughts on that would be, Jason said: "Oh, I would do it. Sure. Yeah, I would do it. Sure. I mean, look, I worked very hard on that band. And I'm not saying it's all about me, 'cause it's not, but I worked very hard on that band. And a lot of that music is very personal to me. So, it's kind of weird to think I'd never get to play all that stuff I worked so hard on. But I can still play it in FLAT BLACK. I mean, they're up for anything. But I think just like every band that you might assume never would do anything together, I think enough time goes by, if I was asked, I would try to figure it out."

Earlier this month, Jason was asked by Anne Erickson of Audio Ink Radio if he still keeps in touch with any of his former FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH bandmates. He responded: "I have the occasional text message with Ivan [Moody, FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH singer]. He's kind of the only one I really communicate with."

As for the possibility of his new band, FLAT BLACK, playing shows with FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH, Jason said: "That would be up to them. My guess is they probably wouldn't do that. But you never know. Whatever."

He added: "I don't know where their heads are at. I've just been completely disconnected from the whole thing since 2020."

Hook previously reflected on his exit from FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH earlier this month in an interview with the TODDCast Podcast. He said at the time: "Yeah, at the point where it happened, it was actually — I think it was time, on both sides. There were problems.

"I'm a leader, and there's a few leaders in that camp," he explained. "And I felt the urge to lead without my hands tied behind my back. And so it got to a point where it wasn't working for me anymore."

Asked how much of that was just looking for a new challenge, Hook said: "Well, I'm always looking for a new challenge, but the thing is we work so hard to get to that level of success. It's kind of, like… I'm also not delusional. You can't just keep creating that; that's a once-in-a-lifetime thing. And with that kind of a thing, you would work very hard and get to that level, and then it's sort of just like on a maintenance program. And so the heavy lifting had already been done.

"But, again, I just reached a point where I sort of wanted to have control over the things I was doing," he added. "So it was time for me."

Also earlier this month, Hook revealed to Talkin' Bout Rock that his December 2019 surgery to have his gallbladder removed was somewhat of an eye-opening experience in terms of his relationship with his then-bandmates. Hook's operation took place just hours after FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH was forced to postpone a show in Duluth, Minnesota. The final two concerts of FIVE FINGER's fall 2019 tour were also postponed: at CHI Health Center in Omaha, Nebraska and at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines, Iowa.

"It was horrible," Hook recalled. "In most cases, our body is just listening to our brain, and I was experiencing a tremendous amount of stress at that phase of that situation, and it caught up to me. Because I had asked, 'What makes something like this happen?' I'm, like, super healthy, take care of myself, blah, blah, blah, blah. And all the analysts and the doctors are, like, 'Well, stress can be a big component.' I'm, like, 'Well, that makes sense.' And it kind of freaked me out too, because I realized that you can die in a hotel room in the middle of nowhere and that's how it ends."

He continued: "I didn't feel like I was surrounded by anyone who cared about me. I was just sort of, like, 'Go see if he can play.' And then I'm, like, 'I can't. I've gotta go to the hospital.' And then everyone left. So, it's fine. But right after that, we were supposed to go to Europe and start all up again, and I'm just, like… [I thought] 'I'm not dying this way.' I'm not trying to be overly dramatic, but I saw what it was. And quality of life is everything."

Last October, Hook told The Mistress Carrie Podcast, about his exit from FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH more than four years ago: "There's no animosity there. There's nothing there. It's like everything. Over time, relationships and policies change. With extreme success, popularity, finances, it affects egos and personalities and roles and all that stuff."

Hook added that it's more difficult to be in a band than it is to be in a marriage. "Because with a marriage, if there's a problem, you only have to work it out between the other party," he explained. "In a band, you could be solid with this guy, but it's still a mess with [one of the other guys]. It's okay with him. It's a mess with this guy. Of course, it's way harder. It's like having four wives."

In October 2020, FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH confirmed that it had officially parted ways with Hook eight months earlier during the band's sold-out European arena tour. He has since been replaced by renowned British virtuoso Andy James, who made his recording debut with FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH on "Broken World", a song that was included on the second installment of the group's greatest-hits collection, "A Decade Of Destruction - Volume 2".

After his recovery from emergency gallbladder surgery at the end of 2019, Hook had to leave midway from FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH's tour of Europe to address further complications.

Jason, who joined FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH in 2009, said about his exit from the band: "As for the reason I'm leaving… well, there really isn't just one. I've been in bands my entire life and I feel like I've done all the good that I can here. It's time to pass the baton and move on to new challenges."

FLAT BLACK released its debut album, "Dark Side Of The Brain", on July 19 via Fearless Records.

"Dark Side Of The Brain" was produced by Hook and Chris Collier (KORN),and recorded at both Hook's home studio and The Hideout Recording Studio in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Hook is joined in FLAT BLACK by singer Wes Horton, bassist Nick Diltz and drummer Rob Pierce.

FLAT BLACK made its live debut on August 24, 2023 at the FivePoint Amphitheatre in Irvine, California as the support act for GODSMACK.

After an eight-year absence, Tiles guitarist and songwriter Chris Herin arrives with the debut solo album under the Herin moniker, titled Hiding In Plain Sight, now confirmed for November release through The Laser’s Edge, who today unveils the album’s cover art, tracklisting, pre-orders, and lead single/video, "The Darkest Hour".


A conceptual work recounting Chris Herin’s difficult walk alongside his father’s ten-year struggle with Alzheimer’s disease, Herin’s Hiding In Plain Sight combines distinctive prog and art rock influences that alternate from sophisticated orchestral arrangements and polyrhythmic complexity to contrasting cinematic soundscapes and ambitious guitar workouts.


Teaming up with Herin are renowned producer Terry Brown (Rush) and Grammy award winning mastering engineer Peter Moore (Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell) who give Hiding In Plain Sight a luxurious and dynamic sonic landscape. For the attentive and patient music enthusiast each listen gradually reveals the album’s cache of nuanced and subtle details. Complementing the reflective and occasionally disquieting lyrics is Hugh Syme’s (Rush) whimsical and engaging imagery, the artwork capturing the album’s sensibilities of time and place for a compelling and enigmatic visual counterpart.




Hiding In Plain Sight is a collection of thoughtful observations and somber meditations while Herin sidestepped through the debris field and collateral damage of the growing Alzheimer’s storm. Eleven watershed moments that echo the fragile impermanence of life and encourage the listener to turn inward in sympathetic introspection. Musical adventure abounds as sprawling vocal hooks glide over angular riffs, richly textured instrumentation, and brooding ambient orchestrations. Abundant prog filigree adorns the album and is well-represented in the album’s lead single and advance video for "The Darkest Hour", a standout track featuring odd meter gymnastics, an army of guitars, and intricate percussion, and is especially notable for boasting members of the classic Jethro Tull line up joining forces for the first time in over twelve years.


Lending their exceptional talents to Hiding In Plain Sight is an impressive cast of nearly thirty musicians, including Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame members Peter Frampton and Alex Lifeson (Rush), plus Martin Barre, John O’Hara, and Doane Perry (Jethro Tull), Michael Sadler (Saga), Kim Mitchell (Max Webster), Cody Bowles and Kevin Comeau (Crown Lands), Jeff Kollman and Shane Gaalaas (Cosmosquad), Tim Bowness (No-Man), Colin Edwin (Porcupine Tree), Randy McStine (Porcupine Tree), Kevin Chown (Tarja, Chad Smith), Matthew Parmenter (Discipline), Hugh Syme, Johnathan Blake (Kenny Barron), Ben Riley (Mohsen Namjoo), Gary Craig (Bruce Cockburn), and many more.





Chris Herin proclaims with the album’s announcement, “I’m honored to have worked with so many talented musicians and to witness these songs take shape under Terry’s watchful eye and unfailing ear. His meticulous care and artistic commitment meant the unique characteristics of each performance influenced the music’s evolution and identity. I thank everyone involved for their distinctive contributions and for helping create a unified spirit of purpose in honor for those afflicted and affected by dementia. A portion of this album’s proceeds will be donated to Alzheimer’s charities.”


Embracing a prog-rock spirit that appeals to both the heart and mind, Hiding In Plain Sight is a bold and adventurous fusion of musical palettes as the distinguished roster of guest artists propel Herin’s songs into inspired and expansive directions.


Hiding In Plain Sight’s second song, “The Darkest Hour,” serves as the lead single for the album. The song features Jethro Tull alums guitarist Martin Barre and drummer Doane Perry together again for the first time since 2011, and features vocals by Mark Mikel, who has also played with Jethro Tull as well as Alan Parsons and more. The song arrives in the form of a video by Mathew Kennedy, who created multiple videos for the album.


Chris Herin states of the song, “Doane and I had several conversations about Alzheimer’s since his father also suffered from the disease and he is quite versed in many of the medical complexities. He liked the song (even in its embryonic form), so I sent him a chart to outline the structure and identify a few meter twists and turns. He enthusiastically experimented and developed a great groove for the drum track with meticulously layered percussion – all which propel the song with muscular polyrhythms. Likewise, Martin enthused about playing with Doane again and contributed mandolin, flute, rhythm guitar enhancements, and of course his trademark soloing. If you listen closely, I’m sure you’ll get a chuckle out of the playful reference to that well-known JT tune from 1969. Martin and Doane definitely bring a powerful and identifiable energy to the track.”


Watch Herin’s “The Darkest Hour” video below, and stream the song at Bandcamp here.


Hiding In Plain Sight will be presented in a limited full-color digipack CD including a 8-page booklet and digitally on November 1.


Pre-orders are available at The Laser’s Edge webshop here and Bandcamp – the standard digital here and the 24 bit hi​-​res here.


Watch for additional videos from the album to be issued over the months building up to its release.





Hiding In Plain Sight tracklisting:


"Warning Signs"
"The Darkest Hour"
"Living In The Night"
"The Heart Of You"
"Secret Adversary"
"A Wrinkle In Time"
"Second Ending"
"Safe House (Isolation)"
"Slow To Crumble"
"Wilderness Years"
"White Dandelions"


"The Darkest Hour" video:





(Photos by Matthew Parmenter and Hugh Syme)







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Aries Descendant - an electrifying collaboration forged by the musical synergy of two virtuoso studio musicians, Jonah Weingarten and Nicklas Sonne - unveil their debut single and video, “Oblivion”, available today via Frontiers Music Srl.


Stream/download the single here, and watch the lyric video below.







“It is with a great sense of pride that we present our first single 'Oblivion'. It’s a love letter to heavy metal and cinematic composition and we feel that it exemplifies the foundational elements of our sound”, stated Nicklas and Jonah.


Jonah Weingarten started his career with highly acclaimed international progressive metal band Pyramaze. Over the years, he has collaborated with artists such as Dave Ellefson (Megadeth), James Murphy (Testament, Death), Matt Barlow (Iced Earth), Bill Hudson (Trans-Siberian Orchestra, NorthTale), and Grammy nominated producer Jacob Hansen (Volbeat, Amaranthe).


Jonah has been a full time member of Pyramaze since 2002, and in 2020 joined international cinematic symphonic metal band Catalyst Crime (Massacre Records). On top of all his work in the metal/rock worlds, Jonah is also an accomplished composer of independent films, video game soundtracks, sports team anthems, and epic trailer music.


Nicklas Sonne began his musical experience as a drummer before moving onto the guitar and ultimately becoming a singer songwriter in an array of metal and hard rock projects, starting with Defecto – created in 2010 along with Frederik Møller. Other bands include Evil Masquerade, Theory, Hank Shermann, One Machine, Waving Memories, Section A, Metallica Jam, Wasted, Omvendt Korstog and now his own self-titled project too. His long career has included international tours in places such as Japan, and opening for Metal heavyweights including Metallica and Rammstein.


United by a common vision, Jonah and Nicklas decided to embark on a groundbreaking musical journey, giving birth to the phenomenon that is Aries Descendant. This dynamic duo seamlessly fuses the evocative allure of film music with the raw power of heavy metal, creating an auditory experience that is nothing short of extraordinary.


Within the realm of Aries Descendant, audiences can anticipate colossal symphonic arrangements, adorned with grand yet gritty vocal melodies, and propelled by an unyielding rhythm section. While the combination of symphony and metal is not unprecedented, Aries Descendant elevates this fusion to uncharted heights, delivering a sonic tapestry that is unparalleled in its innovation.


Step into the world of Aries Descendant, where musical boundaries are shattered, and the convergence of genres takes on a new and awe-inspiring form. Brace yourself for an auditory odyssey that transcends expectations and leaves an indelible mark on the landscape of contemporary music.





Lineup:


Jonah Weingarten - Keyboards and orchestration
Nicklas Sonne - Vocals, Guitars and Bass


(Photo - Emil Frej Hansen)







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On November 8, death-grinders Earthburner will release their debut album, Permanent Dawn, via M-Theory Audio. Soon after their record release, the band will also make a special appearance at Decibel Magazine Metal & Beer Fest: Denver on December 7 alongside Autopsy, Yob, Cirith Ungol, Pallbearer, Frozen Soul and more.


To give fans a preview of both Permanent Dawn and their upcoming performance, Earthburner have released a live lyric video for their first single, "Slaves To The Screen, featuring Napalm Death's Mitch Harris.


Earthburner guitarist Jeremy Wagner comments, "Earthburner is far beyond stoked to be part of the Decibel Metal & Beer Fest this year. The DBM&BF is one of the greatest metal festivals in the States and we're honored to be part of this edition in December. We'll be playing this fest just after the release of our debut album Permanent Dawn, and this will be EB's first post-release show and that's also very special for us. Huge thanks to Decibel for having Earthburner. See you all in Denver!!!"







Recorded at Criteria Recording Studios (Black Sabbath, Fleetwood Mac, The Eagles, etc) in Miami, FL, produced by Tommy McWilliams (Elegant Weapons) and Jeremy Wagner, mixed by Scott Creekmore (Broken Hope, Putrid Pile, Waco Jesus), and mastered by Mike Fuller (Obituary, Death, Broken Hope, Judas Priest) of Fullersound in Davie, FL, Permanent Dawn can be preordered here.


*NOTE: There are TWO versions of the Earthburner album—one is digital and one is analog. Mike Fuller mastered the "digital version" and Scott Creekmore mastered the "analog version."





Tracklisting:


“Necrodisiac” (feat. Immolation’s Ross Dolan)
“Like Dogs”
“Broken Head”
“Facelift”
“Permanent Dawn”
“Uncreation”
“Perception For Profit”
“Cadaveric Coprophagia”
“Hunger Pains”
“Slaves To The Screen”
“Positive Outlook” (COC cover feat. Vixen Maw’s Jake Cannavale)


“Permanent Dawn” visualizer:





“Slaves To The Screen” visualizer:





(Photo – Corey Soria)







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INFRARED - "Demon's Blood"

Born out of a love of rock music and for the virtuosity of bluegrass musicians, CMH Records’ Pickin’ On Series features the best in bluegrass, paying tribute to the biggest and brightest artists in rock and pop. After revisiting some past recordings in the label’s back catalogue, it was clear the heartfelt and innovative take on Kansas’ "Carry On Wayward Son", originally released on the 2007 album The Bluegrass Tribute to Classic Rock: Edition One, deserved a little extra attention. Performed by Alabama-based quartet Iron Horse, with this new video the music can be appreciated in a whole new way.


Watch the video for Iron Horse’s take on Kansas’ "Carry On Wayward Son" below.


On this dynamic bluegrass tribute, perennial FM radio classic rock favorites were given the bluegrass treatment. Tracks such as Steppenwolf’s “Born To Be Wild” and Styx’s “Come Sail Away,” performed by Cornbread Red, and Kansas’ “Carry On Wayward Son” and Journey’s “Open Arms”, from Iron Horse, among others iconic hits, were faithfully rendered in traditional bluegrass style to create a whole new set of classics for your road trips.







“When you first hear Iron Horse’s cover of the classic ‘Carry On Wayward Son,’ you’ll assume it’s just an uncommonly catchy bluegrass tune,” wrote American Songwriter’s Savannah Dantona of this recording. “It’s not until a few bars in that you ask, ‘Wait, is this…Kansas?’ The classic rock song lends itself incredibly well to this rambunctious adaptation, as especially exemplified when the backing guitar and banjo come in. Iron Horse covered this track for the compilation album The Bluegrass Tribute to Classic Rock, and it’s absolutely a standout on the track list.”


“I remember first hearing this song as a teenager in the mid-70s and at that moment I knew it was going to be a hit,” Iron Horse’s Vance Henry shares. “The thing about good songs is they stand on their own and don’t need to be propped up or acclimated to with repeated listenings over time to fully appreciate. Even though I have listened to it many times since, it hasn’t grown old, and after all the years it was a joy to record such a great Kansas song in our bluegrass style.”





Though Pickin’ On started modestly in 1993 with the release of Pickin’ On The Movies, tributes to The Beatles and Eagles soon followed, and by 1997 the Pickin’ On Series was on fire. It continues to thrive with one hand in traditional bluegrass and the other in popular music, ready for the next chance to create innovative bluegrass music. Now over 30 years in and over 300 albums deep, the Pickin’ On Series is one of the most beloved traditions at CMH.


Recent Pickin’ On releases, Pickin’ On The Doors, Pickin' On Pearl Jam and Pickin’ On Nirvana, were well-received. Pickin’ On Modest Mouse and Fade To Bluegrass: The Bluegrass Tribute to Metallica both charted on Billboard’s Top Bluegrass Albums chart.


The series currently has 180,000 monthly listeners and more than 90,000 followers on Spotify. Songs from Pickin’ On have been featured in the television series Revolution and HBO’s True Blood. Other artists that have been given the Pickin’ On treatment include Grateful Dead, Bob Dylan, the Allman Brothers Band, Coldplay, The Black Keys, Jack White, The Killers and many more.







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INFRARED - "Demon's Blood"

Formed in Germany in 1969, Nektar favoured extended compositions and concept albums over the constraints of pop. They were among the progenitors of the progressive rock movement of the 1970s as well as the jam-band scene that arose in the late 1990s.


Their sound traveled well to the States, where they enjoyed Top 40 success with A Tab In The Ocean (1972) and Remember The Future (1973). Nearly 20 albums later, the band’s artistic and personal charisma has earned them masses of devoted fans along with their album The Other Side (2020) which was Number 1 on Amazon Progressive Music.


For over half a century, Nektar has been the guiding star for countless fans, leading them on mesmerizing expeditions through the vast expanses of the cosmos and the depths of the ocean. With their unique fusion of progressive rock and stunning visuals, these trailblazing prog-rock legends have ignited the imaginations of generations.




As they began the next 50 years of their career, they kicked it off earlier this year with Journey To The Other Side - Live At The Dunellen Theatre June 10, 2023. Capturing the band with a 2CD/Blu-Ray set clocking in at over 2 and 1/2 hours and spanning the band’s entire career with classics like “Remember the Future Parts 1 & 2”, “A Tab in the Ocean”, and the last to have primary member Ron Howden who died suddenly at the age of 78 on September 29, 2023.


Now, Nektar is broadening their horizons with the first in the Mission To Mars trilogy. Their first to feature new drummer, Jay Dittamo, alongside longtime members Ryche Chlanda (guitars, vocals), Kendall Scott (keyboards, synths), Maryann Castello (vocals) and original founding member Derek “Mo” Moore (bass guitar, vocals).


From the rocking title track “Mission To Mars” to the beautiful “I’ll Let You In”, Nektar covers all the prog rock bases while venturing into some new melodic territories.


As both Mo and Ryche state, “Mission To Mars’ hails back to Nektar’s early roots before prog music was even a term, a blend of rock and progressive elements that define Nektar’s musical evolution. From day one we had a special feeling about our new album Mission To Mars. ’We hope you do too.”


Listen to “Mission To Mars” here, and below.


There are a limited number of autographed bundles available while supplies last. Order here.


Bundle includes:


• One (1) Nektar Mission To Mars CD or LP
• One (1) Nektar Mission To Mars 10x10 Signed Print





Tracklisting:


"Mission To Mars"
"Long Lost Sunday"
"One Day Hi One Day Lo"
"I’ll Let You In"


"Mission To Mars":





The band kicks off the next leg of the Mission To Mars tour in August. Get tickets here.


Dates:


August
24 - Williams Center - Rutherford, NJ - Home of Progstock
25 - My Fathers Place - Glen Cove, NY
27 - The Vogel at Count Basie Center for the Arts - Red Bank, NJ


September
6 - Nene Valley Rock Festival 2024 - Grimsthorpe, UK










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INFRARED - "Demon's Blood"




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Pat Travers was responsible for some of the most electrifying live shows of the 1980s, and Live ’N Loaded '84 captures one of the greatest of them all.


Lit up by the success of  “I La La La Love You” and its so-memorable appearance in the 1983 movie Valley Girl, the Canadian-born superstar was touring his latest album, so aptly titled Hot Shot, when the tapes rolled for this show. And he devastates with smokin' hot versions of his best known songs, including "Snortin' Whiskey," "Boom, Boom (Out Go The Lights)," "I La La La Love You" and more!


Making its first ever appearance on vinyl, Live 'N Loaded will also be released on CD with four bonus tracks - Hot Shot favorites “Killer” and “Just Try Talkin' (To Those Dudes)”; “Gettin’ Better” from 1977’s breakthrough Puttin;’ It Straight album and “Ready Or Not.” “I La La La Love You” is released as a single. Stream the song here, and listen below.




The album will be available on both digipak CD and red marble vinyl. Pre-order CD/vinyl here; pre-save the digital edition here.








Tracklisting:


"Tonight"
"Killer" (CD only)
"Life In London"
"Gettin' Betta’" (CD only)
"Just Try Talkin' (To Those Dudes)" (CD only)
"I La La La Love You"
"Stevie"
"Born Under A Bad Sign"
"Ready Or Not" (CD only)
"Hot Shot"
"Born A Rocker"
"Rockin'"
"Boom Boom (Out Go The Lights)"
"Snortin’ Whiskey"


"I La La La Love You" (Live in Florida 1984):










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INFRARED - "Demon's Blood"