With the release of Calling From A Dream, the consuming new full-length from Bay Area progressive death metal collective, Inanimate Existence, less than three weeks away, the band has unveiled the mystifying sounds of "Pulse Of The Mountain's Heart" for public consumption. The album is due for release on September 16th via Unique Leader Records.

Issues the band, "'Pulse Of The Mountain's Heart' showcases Inanimate Existence's approach to heavy riffing. The song structure evolves many times throughout, guiding listener through beautiful clean sections and into dark riffs layered with ethereal guitar leads."

Engineered, mixed, and mastered by Zack Ohren at Sharkbite Studios in Oakland, California (Suffocation, Fallujah, The Zenith Passage), Calling From A Dream is the story of a young man's journey to reunite with the soul of his lost lover. Through his dreams, she guides him across a dark mysterious world filled with gods and demons.

Tracklisting:

"Calling From A Dream"
"The Arcane Crystal"
"The Shore Of Rising Shadows"
"Pulse Of The Mountain's Heart"
"Upon Whirling Winds"
"Dreaming Of New Beginnings"
"Beneath The Mist"
"Falling Into Malice"
"Burial At Sea"

"Pulse Of The Mountain's Heart":

"Calling From A Dream":

 
 
Inanimate Existence is:
Joel Guernsey - guitar
Cameron Porras - guitar/vocals
Taylor Wientjes - vocals
Scott Bradley - bass
Ron Casey - drums
Adrianna Tentori - vocals
Steve Marshall - flute

Italian vampire metallers Theatres Des Vampires have revealed the details of their upcoming album Candyland, which will be available starting from October 14th on Scarlet Records.

The band has also announced a very special guest appearance by legendary Moonspell frontman Fernando Ribeiro on the song “Seventh Room”.

Theatres Des Vampires is an Italian Gothic Metal band with strong symphonic influences, formed in 1994 and renowned for the predominant theme of vampirism in their lyrics. Candyland was inspired by a room of the infamous Pennhurst asylum in Pennsylvania, a room which was different from all the others, with colored walls and bars on the windows, described as hell on earth by the patients of the facility, where adults and children with severe mental problems have been hidden from the public eye for decades. Candyland was the name of that room. Obsession and madness characterizes Theatres Des Vampires’ latest work, their sound is forceful and sensual at the same time, pervaded with those wistful and melancholic bursts which the band is renowned for.

Tracklisting:

“Morgana Effect”
“Resurrection Mary”
“Delusional Denial”
“Parasomnia”
“Candyland”
“Your Ragdoll”
“Pierrot Lunaire”
“Photographic”
“Opium Shades”
“Seventh Room” (featuring Fernando Ribeiro)
“Autumn Leaves”

Negură Bunget's new album, ZI (English for 'Day' or 'Say') is the second part of the group's ambitious Transilvanian Trilogy, released on the heels of 2015's celebrated album, TAU (English for 'Your' or 'Thy'), a record accurately hailed as "earthshaking" as it focused on unique native, natural landscapes and the mystique, legends, lore and meanings behind them. The new album will be out September 30th via Prophecy Productions.

In advance of the release of ZI, the band has debuted a stunning, ten minute long "album film", titled simply, ZI. The artistic short, beautifully shot in the Transylvanian forests, blends excerpts from each of the album’s six tracks. View ZI now, below:

In creating its most luminescent recording to date, Negură Bunget has further immersed itself in the traditions and practices of local Transilvanian inhabitants, exploring their connection with nature, and the way this relationship has shaped spiritual horizons. Within this framework, ZI closely examines the core of the most important traditions and rituals connected with the well-being of this community. Life events such as funeral ceremonies, soil tillage, and human growth and evolution (i.e. youth to teen to man to warrior, through to outcast) are spotlighted, in what is undoubtedly some of the most heady, thinking-man's metal produced in recent memory.

Musically, ZI builds upon the hallmarks of Negură Bunget's impressive catalog; the juxtaposition and interweaving of grim black metal elements, ambient soundscapes and acoustic counterparts based on native Romanian folk music, giving life to panoramic atmospheres, intensity and power unequaled in the band's rich discography.

An impressive musical statement and crucial bridge between root-bearing beginning and impending finale of the trilogy (scheduled to be released in early 2018), ZI is a mystical, tension-building recording that mirrors the size and scope of the deep forest fog for which the band is named.

The album was recorded at Negura MUSIC studio January-June 2016. Produced and mixed by Negură Bunget and Mihai ‘Mtz' Neagoe. Mastering by Alin Luculescu. Cover design by Daniel Dorobanțu. Outfit design by Anita Ramona.

Tracklisting:

“Tul-ni-că-rînd” (Horn-ing)
“Grădina stelelor” (Garden of Stars)
“Brazdă dă foc” (Furrow of Fire)
“Baciul Moșneag” (The Old Shepherd)
“Stanciu Gruiul” (Stanciu Gruiul)
“Marea Cea Mare” (The Vast Sea)

Bonus CD (only artbook)

“Tul-ni-că-rînd” (remixed version by Daniel Dorobanțu)
“Brazdă dă foc” (remixed version by Silent Strike)
“Schimnicește” (remixed version by Tibor Kati & Ionuț Cârja)
“Baciu moșneag” (remixed version by Adrian “Oq” Neagoe & Tragacanth)

Bonus DVD (only artbook)

ZI - album short film
“Tul-ni-că-rînd” - visual
“Stanciu Gruiul” - visual

The album will be available in the following editions:

- CD digipak with extra hard cover
- Gatefold LP (180g vinyl, white) incl. special vinyl mastering, poster, printed inner sleeves and PVD protection sleeve (500 copies)
- 2CD+DVD Artbook, hardcover, 28x28 cm, 72 pages with additional artwork, texts and English translations of the lyrics plus bonus CD with two songs and bonus DVD with three videos (1.000 copies)
- the band are also offering some custom handmade editions through their fundraising campaing, where they build a box on your suggestions

Pre-orders:

- custom editions, signed versions, here
- regular editions, here

“Tul-ni-ca-rind” video:

The band will present the new album live, along with a special anniversary set in a complex tour plan that will spread over the second part of 2016 and all over 2017, with some support for the crowdfunding campaign they have set-up in order to help accomplish their goals. They will start in September with a European tour.

Find the band’s live itinerary at this location.

Jethro Tull’s second album, Stand Up, marked an early turning point for the band with the addition of guitarist Martin Barre along with Ian Anderson’s introduction of folk-rock influences to the group’s blues-based sound. Released in the summer of 1969, Stand Up rose quickly to the top of the UK Albums Chart, and eventually earned gold certification in the US.

This fall, Parlophone will release a deluxe version of the album as a 2CD/1DVD set. Stand Up: The Elevated Edition will be available on November 18th.

Highlights from the set include:

- Original album and bonus tracks (including the previously unreleased “Bouree”) remixed in 5.1 surround and stereo by Steven Wilson
- 96/24 flat transfer of the original stereo master tapes
- 96/24 flat transfer of the original mono and stereo mixes of “Living In The Past” and “Driving Song”
- Video of the band performing live in January 1969
- Presented in the now familiar book sized packaging that includes a 112-page booklet with an extensive history of the album, track-by-track annotations by Ian Anderson, plus rare and unseen photographs
- Includes the original album’s pop-up book artwork designed by James Grashow

Stand Up was the first album where Anderson controlled the music and lyrics, resulting in a group of diverse songs that ranged from the swirling blues of “A New Day Yesterday” and the mandolin-fueled rave-up of “Fat Man,” to the group’s spirited re-working of Johann Sebastian Bach’s “Bouree in E Minor.” In a recent interview, Anderson picked Stand Up as his favourite Jethro Tull album, “because that was my first album of first really original music. It has a special place in my heart.”

The first disc features Steven Wilson’s new stereo mixes of the original album, along with a number of rare recordings, including an unreleased version of “Bouree.” Other highlights include four songs recorded at the BBC, plus stereo single mixes for “Living In The Past” and “Driving Song.”

The second disc captures Jethro Tull performing live in Sweden, where the band opened for Jimi Hendrix in January 1969. Recorded only a few weeks after Barre joined the band, the concert includes songs from Tull’s debut album (“A Song For Jeffery” and “My Sunday Feeling”), as well as two songs destined for Stand Up: “Back To The Family” and “Nothing Is Easy.” Rounding out the disc are mono single mixes for “Living In The Past” and “Driving Song,” plus two radio spots promoting the album.

The DVD includes concert footage of the band performing “To Be Sad Is A Mad Way To Be” and “Back To The Family.” The disc also features Steven Wilson’s remix of the original album in PCM stereo and DD/DTS 5.1 surround sound; a 96/24 flat transfer of the original stereo master tapes; plus a 96/24 flat transfer of the original mono and stereo mixes of “Living In The Past” and “Driving Song.”

Stand Up: The Elevated Edition tracklisting:

CD1: Stereo Mixes by Steven Wilson

“A New Day Yesterday”
“Jeffery Goes To Leicester Square”
“Bouree”
“Back To The Family”
“Look Into The Sun”
“Nothing Is Easy”
“Fat Man”
“We Used To Know”
“Reasons For Waiting”
“For A Thousand Mothers”
“Living In The Past”
“Driving Song”
“Bouree” – Morgan Version*
“Living In The Past” – Original 1969 Stereo Single Mix
“Driving Song” – Original 1969 Stereo Single Mix
“A New Day Yesterday” – BBC Sessions
“Fat Man” – BBC Sessions
“Nothing Is Easy” – BBC Sessions
“Bouree” – BBC Sessions

CD2: Live at The Stockholm Konserthuset (January 9, 1969)

Introduction
“My Sunday Feeling”
“Martin’s Tune”
“To Be Sad Is A Mad Way To Be”
“Back To The Family”
“Dharma For One”
“Nothing Is Easy”
“A Song For Jeffery”
“To Be Sad Is A Mad Way To Be” – first show version
“Living In The Past” – Original 1969 Mono Single Mix
“Driving Song” – Original 1969 Mono Single Mix
Stand Up Radio Spot #1
Stand Up Radio Spot #2

DVD1: Audio and Video:

- Steven Wilson remixes in 96/24 PCM stereo and DD/DTS 5.1 surround
- 96/24 flat transfer of Stand Up original stereo master tapes from June 5, 1969
- 96/24 flat transfer of original mono and stereo mixes of “Living In The Past” and “Driving Song”
- Video footage from Stockholm 1969: “To Be Sad Is A Mad Way To Be” and “Back To The Family”

* Previously Unreleased

 

 

Baroness, who recently launched a new round of US tour dates in support of Purple, have premiered a music video for the song “Try To Disappear”.  The clip captures one of the band’s live outings in support of the 10-song album.

Baroness have announced an Australian/New Zealand tour for December, marking the band’s first Oceanian shows since the release of Purple.

Tickets for all non-festival performances are available via YourBaroness.com. Pallbearer opens on all US non-festival dates.

Tour dates:

August
31 - Tucson, AZ - The Rock

September
2 - Dallas, TX - Granada Theatre
3 - Memphis, TN - New Daisy Theatre
4 - Baton Rouge, LA - The Varsity Theatre
6 - Orlando, FL - The Beachum Theater
7 - Tampa, FL - State Theater
9 - Charleston, SC - The Music Farm
10 - Raleigh, NC - Hopscotch Music Festival
17 - Chester, PA - Monster Energy Rock Allegiance Festival
23 - Corpus Christi, TX - The Pavilion at Concrete Street
24 - San Antonio, TX - Paper Tiger
25 - Houston, TX - Houston Open Air

October
22 - Sacramento, CA - Aftershock Festival

November
6 - McDade, TX - Sound on Sound Festival

December
5 - Auckland, New Zealand - Studio
7 - Sydney, Australia - The Metro
8 - Brisbane, Australia - The Triffid
9 - St. Kilda, Australia - The Prince Bandroom
10 - Meredith, Australia - Meredith Music Festival
12 - Adelaide, Australia - The Gov
13 - Perth, Australia - Capitol

Glen and Chuck, aka the brothers Stilphen, are, perhaps, best-known for their time as teenagers in Boston's Gang Green from 1984-1986, at the very height of the band's relevance and popularity. Chuck wrote the ferocious music for the band's biggest song, the party anthem, "Alcohol" (which also appeared on the soundtrack of the film, Jackass 3D), and the brothers appear on the band's most successful record Another Wasted Night. 30 years later, the brothers still get along.

The new EP by Scratch, El Monstro, contains four songs - two tracks which appeared on Drop The Needle, a 2013 compilation record of Boston-based punk, metal, and hardcore music, along with two never-before-released songs, recorded in 1995 and shelved (and nearly forgotten about), until now.

A video for the song "Das Waltz" can be seen below:

Recorded with Carl Plaster at the infamous Fort Apache Studios in Cambridge MA, and co-produced by Carl, the band, and Gary Jay - featuring Todd Riggs on vocals and Michael Lefebvre on drums - this adrenaline-fueled 4-song release is available now in CD and digital download formats via Bandcamp. and iTunes.  A limited pressing 12" Green Vinyl LP will be released in September.

Prosthetic Records has announced the signing of Chicago-based progressive experimental group, Without Waves. Formed in 2010, the band set out to write music with an open ended approach to songwriting. This attitude has helped Without Waves create a wildly varied sound with a foundation in heavy metal. After six years, that creed rings true as the band prepare to release their first major label full length with Prosthetic Records.

"We are beyond excited to be putting out our next album through Prosthetic Records," says Drummer Garry Naples, "Prosthetic has a long, diverse history of great music and it is inspiring for us to join that roster. We cannot wait to get this album out and get out on the road to support it."

Without Waves upcoming release is due out in early 2017 and further expands on their already eclectic sound. "Every record is an evolution for us," says singer Anthony Cwan, "We experiment. We tinker. We have a sense of wonder. We stay true to ourselves and go with what feels right."

Their diverse sound has given Without Waves a chance to share the stage with an equally diverse selection of bands including The Black Dahlia Murder, Scale The Summit, Anneke Van Giersbergen, Vattnet Viskar and Leprous - just to name a few. Though a relatively new band, the members themselves had been playing together in one form or another for over a decade prior to forming Without Waves. Their unique bond contributes to the diversity of the songs and their performance. Their live show is energetic, tight and, at times, free flowing, which only comes when players are 100% confident and respectful of each other.

Without Waves is:

Anthony Cwan - Vocals/Guitars
Zac Lombardi - Guitars
John Picillo - Bass
Garry Naples - Drums

The release of Roth Brock Project’s self-titled debut album is scheduled for November 4th.

The Roth Brock Project is the exciting artistic union between guitarist John Roth (Winger, Starship, Giant) and singer Terry Brock (Strangeways, Giant, Leroux). The pair first met in 2009 while working on Giant's Promise Land record. They soon developed a unique songwriting chemistry and musical bond which all these years later has led to their debut release. Powerhouse vocals and thundering guitars are at the forefront of this stellar collaboration from two of rock's most seasoned and underrated veterans.

John Roth landed his first gig at the age of 19, with Southern boogie rock legends Black Oak Arkansas in 1986, and soon found himself in demand for recording and touring with the likes of Jimi Jamison (R.I.P.) of Survivor, and 80's rock legends, Winger. Terry Brock's first job in the music business was as a vocalist on the Kansas album Drastic Measures in 1983, which was soon followed by a tour with the Steve Morse Band and two albums with Strangeways (who were signed to BMG/RCA Records). Terry is currently on tour with Louisiana's Leroux, while John is on tour with Starship featuring Mickey Thomas.

"The Roth Brock Project is the kind of record I've been wanting to make for a long time!” says John Roth. “Guitar-driven high energy rock with stellar vocals is the first thing you'll hear when you put this album on, so get ready to crank it up! Stay tuned for news on the Roth Brock Project debut record release date, as well as the premier of our first single and video, "Young Gun”!”

Roth Brock Project tracklisting:

“Young Gun”
“What's It To Ya”
“Young Again”
“If That's What It Takes”
“I Don’t Know Why”
“Distant Voices”
“We Are”
“Fighter”
“My City”
“Never Givin' Up”
“Reason To Believe”

Lineup:

Terry Brock: Lead and Background Vocals
John Roth: Guitars, Bass, Keys, Lead and Background Vocals
Scott Trammell: Drums, Percussion

German death metallers, Deserted Fear, have entered the studio to record a new album.

“Alright, after more than two years it’s getting loud again inside of our Eisensound Studio! Within the next weeks we will record 11 songs for our yet untitled new album, which follows up to the 2014 release Kingdom Of Worms – 11 songs 666% death metal and one of them with a guest feature we couldn’t be more proud of! We are also glad that mastermind Dan Swanö will once more take over mixing duties.

“The album will be released by our new label Century Media Records, of course also on vinyl in cool different colours, we haven't choosen yet. Release date will be the 27th of January, 2017, and before that we are looking forward to a great tour through Europe with the guys of Dark Funeral and Krisiun. So things remain exciting and to be honest, we can hardly wait to release this full-length finally!“
 
Deserted Fear are crafting their vision passionately and merciless since 2008. Their debut album My Empire (2012) blew up a lot of dust and they are on their way to become one of the most important forces in the European metal scene. The band combine the sound of Swedish death metal with US old school death metal to create their very own, modern sound, without losing heaviness and authenticity. Their latest album, Kingdom Of Worms, which was recorded in June and July 2014 once more at Eisensound Studio in Eisenberg (Thuringia / Germany) under the knife of guitarist Fabian Hildebrandt, was released in October 2014.

Tour dates:

October
12 - Copenhagen, Denmark - Amager Bio
13 - Nijmegen, Netherlands - Doornroosje
14 - Leipzig, Germany - Hellraiser
15 - Essen, Germany - Turock
16 - Vosselaar, Belgium - Biebob
17 - London, England - Underworld
18 - Paris, France - Petit Bain
19 - Vannes, France - Echonova
20 - Biarritz, France - Atabel
21 - Madrid, Spain - Arena
22 - Barcelona, Spain - Salamandra 1
23 - Marseille, France - Le Moulin
24 - Milano, Italy - Magazzini Generali
25 - Pratteln, Switzerland - Z7
26 - Munich, Germany - Backstage
27 - Vienna, Austria - Simmcity
29 - Katowice, Poland - Mega Club
30 - Warsaw, Poland - Progresja Music Zone
31 - Berlin, Germany - K17

November
1 - Cologne, Germany - Luxor
2 - Ludwigsburg, Germany - Rockfabrik
3 - Leiden, Netherlands - Gebroeders de Nobel
4 - Oignies, France - Metaphones
5 - Selestat, France - Rock your Brain Fest
6 - Lyon, France - Ninkasi Kao

The first single from the highly anticipated comeback album from the NWOBHM legends Tygers Of Pan Tang is called “Only The Brave” and on September 9th it is released as 7” vinyl EP with the exclusive B-side song “What You Say”, which will only be available on this 7” EP. The vinyl is limited to 500 copies.

The song “Only The Brave” will also be released on all digital platforms on September 9th along with a top professional music video. You can order the 7" vinyl EP along with the upcoming album from the band's official webshop at this location.

“Once in a while in an band’s career comes a special time, a period where you feel it's all finally coming together and that time I'm proud to say is NOW! The new Tygers album is finished, done and dusted and ready to unleash our Tygertastic, audience. You're gonna love this one, it's a MONSTER......”, Robb Weir, founder and guitarist of Tygers Of Pan Tang, July 2016.

Who would have predicted that 2016 would turn out to be the most productively successful year since their early days for a band whose history stretches back to the birth of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal? Much has been written about the role the Tygers played in the establishment of the movement and about the comings and goings within the band, but it is safe to say that the current line up brings a creative stability and a shared camaraderie that will keep them together, playing live and making records for some time to come.

The year began the signing of a new record deal with Scandinavia’s premier rock and metal label Mighty Music giving the band the opportunity to record the material they had written and honed in a burst of activity in late 2015. Whilst the band were happy to produce themselves at The Blast Studio in Newcastle they knew that the mix needed a fresh pair of ears.

Mighty Music CEO Michael H. Andersen recommended Soren Andersen/Medley Studio for the mix of the album. Having heard and been impressed by material recorded and mixed by Soren Andersen (Glenn Hughes, Mike Tramp) the Tygers sought out his services. Soren was only too happy to work with a band whose credentials were so firmly established. For the mastering, Harry Hess of Harem Scarem fame was the perfect man for the job.

Leaving the music in his capable hands, next stop for the band was South America. Having no idea what reception they would receive they were overwhelmed by the fierce dedication of the fans in Brazil and Columbia, who, in many cases, had waited years for an opportunity to witness the live show. From South America to Europe without a breath and then on to North America where they headlined Chicago’s Ragnarokkr festival. To say they aced it is an understatement and in the words of the promoter ‘The Tygers started the first Ragnarokkr riot because people were so pumped up.

And the new material will be road tested with their first extensive UK dates for many a year. And, as we write, plans for worldwide dates in support of the album are already coming to fruition.

The long awaited comeback album, Tygers Of Pan Tang, will be released worldwide on Friday, October 21st on LP, Ltd picture LP, CD and through all digital services.

Tracklisting:

“Only The Brave”
“Dust”
“Glad Rags”
“The Reason Why”
“Never Give In”
“Do It Again”
“I Got The Music In Me”
“Praying For A Miracle”
“Blood Red Sky”
“Angel In Disguise”
“The Devil You Know”
 
Tour dates:

October
8 - Rotterdam, Netherlands - Rotterdam Rocks Festival@ Baroeg
9 - Roeselare, Belgium - Verlichte Geest
21 - Newcastle, UK - The Cluny
22 - Wigan, UK - Old Courts
24 - London, UK The Black Heart
25 - Bilston, UK - Robin 2
26 - Hull, UK – Fruit
27 - Merthyr Tydfil, UK - The New Crown
28 - Barnsley, UK - Rock And Blues Venue
29 - Edinburgh, UK - Bannerman’s

January
7 - Mangualde, Portugal - Hardmetal Festival

March
3 - Hamburg, Germany - Hell Over Hammaburg Festival

May
12 - Copenhagen, Denmark - Nordic Noise Rock Festival

Lineup:

Robb Weir - guitars
Jacopo Meille - vocals
Micky Crystal - guitars
Gav Gray - bass
Craig Ellis - drums & percussion

Crystal Viper are back! The Polish heavy metallers are returning after a four year absence, which was caused by the health issues relating to the band's front woman and founder, Marta Gabriel, and which placed the future of Crystal Viper into question (last year Marta underwent surgery of her nasal and facial sinuses). "The witch is back" however, sounding stronger, heavier and louder than ever before!

On February 17th, 2017, AFM Records will release Crystal Viper's new concept album, entitled Queen Of The Witches. The album, which will be available as a limited edition vinyl LP, CD and digital download, has been produced by Bart Gabriel - producer known for his collaboration with acts such as Cirith Ungol, Mythra and Sacred Steel (and within their private lives, Marta's husband), and engineered and mixed by Mariusz Pietka (Jack Starr's Burning Starr, Lonewolf, Mortician).

The album's cover artwork has been created by the legendary German artist, Andreas Marschall (Running Wild, Blind Guardian, Kreator).

The first single from the new album will be entitled "The Witch Is Back", and will be available in December. On February 18th, 2017, the band will play an exclusive headlining live show in Munich, Germany, at the Heavy Metal Calling Festival, which will be an official release party for the new album.

In other news Marta Gabriel, the band's singer and guitarist who has once again written all of the songs on the new album, recently joined the ESP Guitars family. In addition, all of the members of Crystal Viper have signed an endorsement deal with Dean Markley.

Past – present – future: this triad is omnipresent on Hanging Garden’s new EP Hereafter. The EP will be available on CD digipak and digital on October 7th via Lifeforce Records. A lyric video for “Penumbra”, featuring Swallow The Sun’s Mikko Kotamäki can be found below.

The fourth album of the Finns - Blackout/Whiteout – was released a year ago. Since then, the band engaged in reflecting its own musical progression in order to find new approaches for further development. In doing so, Hanging Garden are well-supported by prominent vocalists such as Mikko Kotamäki (Swallow The Sun), Alexander Högbom (October Tide, Centinex, Volturyon), and Victor Wegeborn (The Moth Gatherer).

With changing the context and adding guest singers, the atmospheric sound of the Finns further gains in importance and emotional impression. Dark and light moments – it is both in there. Hereafter runs through Hanging Garden's career, but also gives an idea of what the future of this open-minded and adventurous band will sound like.

Tracklisting:

“Penumbra” feat. Mikko Kotamäki (Swallow The Sun)
“Sirkle Of Onan” feat. Victor Wegeborn (The Moth Gatherer)
“Hereafter”
“Where The Tides Collide” feat. Alexander Högbom (October Tide, Centinex)
“Towards The Sun” feat. Mikko Kotamäki (Swallow The Sun)

“Penumbra” lyric video:

Teaser:

Experience Hendrix L.L.C. and Legacy Recordings, the catalog division of Sony Music Entertainment, are releasing Machine Gun: The Fillmore East First Show 12/31/69, fully documenting the debut performance of Jimi Hendrix’s short-lived but eternally influential Band Of Gypsys on September 30th. The group played four historic concerts at the Fillmore East in New York City – two on New Year’s Eve 1969, and two on New Year’s Day 1970. Never before has the first of these sets been available in its entirety. The vast majority of the performances have never seen the light of day in any configuration.

Listen to “Izabella” from the upcoming release, streaming below.

Machine Gun: The Fillmore East First Show 12/31/69 was produced by Janie Hendrix, Eddie Kramer and John McDermott, the same team who have overseen all of Jimi Hendrix’s audio and audio visual releases by Experience Hendrix L.L.C. since 1995. Kramer served Jimi Hendrix as his primary recording engineer throughout his lifetime and the newly mixed Machine Gun: The Fillmore East First Show 12/31/69 from the original 1” 8 track master tapes. The album was mastered by Grammy Award winner Bernie Grundman and will be simultaneously released, on CD, 2 LP 180 gram vinyl, high resolution SACD and digitally.

Machine Gun: The Fillmore East First Show 12/31/69 marks the first ever Jimi Hendrix SACD and high resolution digital release. Additionally, Experience Hendrix is also releasing People, Hell & Angels on the same day. People, Hell & Angels, a collection of previously unreleased studio recordings, peaked at #2 on Billboard’s Top 200 Album chart in March 2013. The album features studio versions of many of the songs featured on Machine Gun: The Fillmore East First Show 12/31/69.

Over the course of four extraordinary years, Jimi Hendrix placed his indelible stamp upon popular music with breathtaking velocity.  Measured alongside his triumphs at Monterey Pop and Woodstock, Hendrix’s legendary Fillmore East concerts illustrated a critical turning point in a radiant career which boasted of indefinite possibilities.

The revolutionary impact Jimi Hendrix, Billy Cox, and Buddy Miles had upon the boundaries and definitions of rock, R&B, and funk can be traced to four concerts over the course of two evenings on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. These performances were first celebrated by Band Of Gypsys, which featured six songs from the two January 1, 1970 concerts including “Machine Gun,” the album’s dramatic centerpiece. Issued in April 1970, Band Of Gypsys challenged and surprised the guitarist’s wide following with its extended arrangements and vibrant mix of rock and soul. Nonetheless, the album proved to be a runaway commercial success and sadly, with his death in London in September 1970, would become the last album Jimi Hendrix personally authorized for release.

Machine Gun: The Fillmore East First Show 12/31/69 documents the first of the group’s four legendary Fillmore East concerts. This set presents an assortment of fresh, exciting new songs such as “Earth Blues,” “Ezy Ryder,” “Stepping Stone,” “Burning Desire,” and “Machine Gun”—none of which had ever before been issued on disc. Moreover, nearly all of the group’s material had never been performed before an audience. “We decided that we couldn’t do any songs that had already been released,” explains Billy Cox. “We wanted to give them something different. So we went at the project in a joyous, creative posture and ultimately developed the repertoire of the Band of Gypsys.”

While promoter Bill Graham had advertised the concerts as ‘Jimi Hendrix: A Band Of Gypsys’, few could have anticipated what Hendrix had in store. “We had two shows New Years Eve and two shows New Years Day,” remembered Cox. “We didn’t know what to expect from the audience and the audience didn’t know what to expect from us, but from the time we hit that first note, they were in awe. You had Jimi Hendrix, a drummer who had been with the Electric Flag and Wilson Pickett, and I was the new kid on the block.”

With the anticipation of the sold out Fillmore audience heightened to fever pitch, Hendrix led his trio through a scintillating, seventy-five minute opening performance. None of the eleven songs presented had yet to grace an Experience album. In the place of signature songs like “Purple Haze” and “All Along The Watchtower” were confident renditions of “Power Of Soul” and “Hear My Train A Comin.’”

Jimi generously extended center stage to Buddy Miles, providing a showcase for “Changes” and a charged rendition of the Howard Tate R&B hit “Stop”. “We had rehearsed “Changes” and a few others for Buddy,” explains Cox. “All of the songs we performed had been rehearsed. We didn’t look at it as Buddy’s part of the show. We were all there to give. We were all there to help and material went on whether it was written by Jimi or not.  Former Rolling Stone senior editor David Fricke, who authored this collection’s liner notes, describes “Stop” as being something akin to “a psychedelic power-trio Temptations.” Hendrix’s scalding version of Elmore James’ “Bleeding Heart” is the set’s only other cover, underscoring the new band’s emphasis on the blues.

As the Fillmore audience roared with approval, the Band Of Gypsys left the stage confident that they had validated Jimi’s new music before his loyal followers. “After the gigs were finished, Jimi was quite relieved,” remembers Cox. “We felt the concerts went well. I might add that in previous gigs with the Experience he had used a fuzz face [tone control pedal] and a Wah-Wah pedal, then at Woodstock he used a fuzz face, Wah-Wah pedal and Uni-Vibe, but at the Fillmore East he used a fuzz face, Wah-Wah pedal, Uni-Vibe and Octavia and it was incredible. In fact you could hear all of it kicking in on ‘Machine Gun.’ It was incredible. There were people in the audience with their mouths open.”

“Machine Gun” stands as one of Hendrix’s finest and most influential compositions. Hendrix pushed Delta blues into places its pioneers could not have imagined, fusing his extraordinary instrumental skills within his passionate expression of man’s inhumanity to his fellow man. “Machine Gun” endures as a classic amongst the already classic-drenched Jimi Hendrix canon. Fricke notes of this version, the first that Hendrix and company had ever played in concert, “..Here it is, after 46 years, another revelation – a stunning essay in pain, rage and determined survival, fully formed in its initial outing.”

Long sought after by the guitarist’s worldwide following, Machine Gun: The Fillmore East First Show 12/31/69 presents the complete performance in its original sequence.

Tracklisting:

“Power Of Soul”
“Lover Man”
“Hear My Train A Comin’”
“Changes”
“Izabella”
“Machine Gun”
“Stop”
“Ezy Ryder”
“Bleeding Heart”
“Earth Blues”
“Burning Desire”

“Izabella”:

“Power Of Soul”:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pink Floyd’s “Grantchester Meadows” (taken from The Early Years 1965 – 1972) is a Roger Waters song, originally performed solo on the Ummagumma album, that celebrates the English countryside, as in other compositions such as “Time”. This special group performance, taped for the BBC, with acoustic guitars and vocals from Roger Waters and David Gilmour, plus additional piano from Richard Wright and taped songbirds, successfully evokes a summer’s day in Grantchester, a small village close to Cambridge, England.

Grantchester’s famous former residents include the Edwardian poet Rupert Brooke, who moved there and subsequently wrote a poem of homesickness entitled The Old Vicarage, Grantchester.

Creative Director: Aubrey Powell, Hipgnosis. 2016 footage directed and edited by Nick Edwards. Performance footage director: John Coney for KQED, San Francisco 1970. Audio recorded for BBC Radio, 12 May 1969.

Pink Floyd will release The Early Years 1965-1972 on Friday, November 11th. A comprehensive 27-disc boxed set, it pulls together material from the Pink Floyd archive, as well as licensed Radio and TV recordings, to comprise a deluxe package that includes seven individual book-style volumes, (six of which are dedicated to particular years), featuring much previously unreleased material, as well as bonus content, reproduction memorabilia, and the band's first recording from 1965, released on CD for the first time.

The packages contain more than 100 photographs of Pink Floyd, the majority of which are previously unseen, as well as more than 40 items of memorabilia in special wallets. In addition, Pink Floyd's first five UK singles have been included in the box, on 7" vinyl with replica sleeves.

The Early Years 1965-1972 box set contains unreleased tracks, BBC Radio Sessions, remixes, outtakes and alternative versions. Ten CDs, nine DVDs and eight Blu-ray discs contain more than 130 audio tracks, as well as more than 14 hours of audio-visual material. There are more than 20 unreleased songs, plus previously unreleased live audio, rare concert footage, feature films and new sound mixes. Previously unreleased tracks include 1967's Vegetable Man and In The Beechwoods, both mixed especially for this release.

The six individual year-specific book-style packages will be released separately early in 2017, although the bonus volume, Continu/ation, will be exclusive to the box set, as will the larger memorabilia items, which are reproduced in actual size for the box.

Also released on Friday, November 11th will be a companion edition, Cre/ation – The Early Years 1967-1972, a 2CD collection of some of the highlights of the box set, focussing on the band's material from 1967 to 1972.

2CD tracklisting here. Full tracklisting here.

 

 

 

On September 23rd, Pink Floyd Records will continue the reintroduction of the Pink Floyd catalogue on vinyl with Atom Heart Mother, Meddle and Obscured By Clouds, all remastered from the original analogue master tapes. The Wall and The Division Bell are also back in stock on vinyl from August 26th.

Pink Floyd followed their 60s albums with their fifth studio album, 1970‘s Atom Heart Mother. Featuring the classic lineup of Roger Waters, David Gilmour, Richard Wright and Nick Mason, the LP went on to become the band‘s first UK No.1 record.

In a short break from touring Atom Heart Mother, in 1971 Pink Floyd released the experimental album, Meddle. The LP saw the band move musical direction away from their original psychedelic sound, especially highlighted by the 23-minute track Echoes which occupied the entirety of the b-side of the record.

Pink Floyd‘s seventh album, Obscured By Clouds was originally recorded as the soundtrack to the French film ‘La Vallée’ but released as a stand alone album in 1972.

The Piper At The Gates Of Dawn, A Saucerful Of Secrets, More, Ummagumma, are also available through Pink Floyd Records. For more information, head here.

Swedish adventure metallers, Twilight Force, have released a new video, entitled The Lore Of Lynd, explaining the character Lynd featured on their new studio album, Heroes Of Mighty Magic, out now via Nuclear Blast. Find the new video below.

Heroes Of Mighty Magic tracklisting:

“Battle Of Arcane Might”
“Powerwind”
“Guardian Of The Seas”
“Flight Of The Sapphire Dragon”
“There And Back Again”
“Riders Of The Dawn”
“Keepers Of Fate”
“Rise Of A Hero”
“To The Stars”
“Heroes Of Mighty Magic”
“Epilogue”
“Knights Of Twilight's Might”

The Lore Of Lynd character video:

The Lore Of Chrileon character video:

“Powerwind” video;

"To The Stars" lyric video:

“Battle Of Arcane Might” lyric video:

ALTER BRIDGE's video for the song "Show Me A Leader" can be seen below. The clip is based on a concept created by the band and director Zev Deans that brings life to the story told in the single's lyrics.

The animated video shows the world in turmoil as politicians (represented by suits with megaphone heads) are broadcasting harmful messages to the public. The band is on a roof with a satellite dish performing "Show Me A Leader" to counteract the harmful messages being spread. The video is visually captivating and showcases Deans's talent and unique creative style, something the band was immediately drawn to. "Show Me A Leader" is the debut single from ALTER BRIDGE's fifth studio album, "The Last Hero". The album is scheduled for worldwide release on October 7 by Caroline Records in the United States/Canada and Napalm Records throughout the rest of the globe. In the U.S., the song has been moving up the Active Rock charts being a Greatest Gainer this week via Mediabase and was Top 5 Most Added when it was released last week. The single is currently #27 on the Active Rock Chart this week. "The Last Hero" is now available for pre-order via iTunes, Amazon and Google Play. Fans who order the album will receive an instant download of "Show Me A Leader". The album is also available in various fan bundles at www.Alterbridge.com/store. In addition, a new shirt design has been made available to mark the occasion of the video release.

"The Last Hero" was produced by longtime friend and collaborator Michael "Elvis" Baskette (SLASH, TREMONTI, TRIVIUM) and mastered by Grammy Award winner Ted Jensen. ALTER BRIDGE is heading out on select U.S. headline dates in support of "The Last Hero" this coming September and select ticket purchases will come with a digital album. The headline run kicks off September 22 in Destin, Florida. The band will also perform at a few festival dates this fall, including the inaugural Houston Open Air, Sonic Boom, Louder Than Life and the Tulsa State Fair. ALTER BRIDGE is Myles Kennedy on vocals/guitars, Mark Tremonti on guitars/vocals, Brian Marshall on bass and Scott Phillips on drums.

Frontiers Music Srl will release "Resurrection", the new album from OPERATION: MINDCRIME, the band led by former QUEENSRŸCHE singer Geoff Tate, on September 23.

Another song from the CD, "Miles Away", can be streamed below. "Resurrection" is the second part of Tate's musical trilogy. One year after the release of the debut album in September 2015, OPERATION: MINDCRIME continues in the spirit of the historic album of the same name, spawning concepts as grand as the music, and intertwining the intensity of the former QUEENSRŸCHE vocalist's iconic past with the provocative, progressive mindset that has made him one of music's most resolute forces and frontmen. "The album 'Resurrection' is the second part of our three album presentation or trilogy," explains Tate. "It continues the story that began on the first album 'The Key' with the near death experience of the lead character known as 'H' and his subsequent recovery of the missing encryption key. With the Key finally in his possession, 'H' has everything he needs to finally launch his long awaited project called 'The New Reality'. Or does he..." Tate continues: "I'm excited for people to hear and experience 'Resurrection' because I think it answers some of the questions that were posed in the first album, 'The Key'. Musically, it offers some of the most diverse and challenging material that I've ever written." "Resurrection" track listing:

01. Resurrection02. When All Falls Away03. A Moment In Time04. Through the Noize05. Left For Dead06. Miles Away07. Healing My Wounds08. The Fight09. Taking On The World (feat. Tim "Ripper" Owens and Blaze Bayley)10. Invincible11. A Smear Campaign12. Which Side You're On13. Into The Hands Of The World14. Live From My Machine Musicians featured on "Resurrection":

* Geoff Tate - Vocals, Keyboards, Saxophone* Kelly Gray - Guitar, Bass, Vocals* Scott Moughton - Guitar, Keyboards* Randy Gane - Keyboards* David Ellefson (MEGADETH) - Bass* John Moyer (DISTURBED) - Bass* Simon Wright (AC/DC, DIO) - Drums* Scott Mercado - Drums* Brian Tichy (WHITESNAKE) - Drums* Tim "Ripper" Owens (JUDAS PRIEST, ICED EARTH) - Vocals* Blaze Bayley (IRON MAIDEN, WOLFSBANE) - Vocals* Mark Daily - Vocals* Nick Greatrex - Guitar

"The Quest", the new video from Greek guitar virtuoso Gus G., well known in rock and metal circles for his work as Ozzy Osbourne's guitarist and as leader of his own band FIREWIND, can be seen below. The clip was directed by Ivan Colic of iCODE.

Commented Gus: "Today is a very exciting day for me — not only it's the start of my solo tour in the U.S. (with Angel Vivaldi), but the premiere of my new video for 'The Quest'. This is a very special track, as it's the only instrumental from my 'Brand New Revolution' solo album, and it's an over-the-top, high-energy metal track, with tons of shredding, big melodies and crazy arrangements. Since the album release, people have been telling me how much they've been enjoying this song, so I decided to make a video for it!

"Working with the iCode team in Serbia was a great experience and our goal was to make a crazy, cinematic, action packed video inspired by some of my favorite '80s cult classic films like 'Mad Max', 'Conan The Barbarian' and 'Highlander'. If you're into any of these movies, I'm sure you'll dig this video! Plus, is there a guitar player on this Earth that wouldn't wanna kill bad guys with his guitar superpowers?"

"Brand New Revolution" was released in Europe in July 2015 via Century Media. The CD was made available through Century Media in Australia and South America, Dismanic/eOne in North America and King Records in Japan. The cover artwork was once again created by Gustavo Sazes, who previously worked with Gus on the guitarist's debut album, "I Am The Fire", and also took care of artwork duties by such bands as ARCH ENEMY, KAMELOT and FIREWIND.

"Brand New Revolution" features guest vocal appearances by Jeff Scott Soto (YNGWIE MALMSTEEN, JOURNEY, TALISMAN), Elize Ryd (AMARANTHE), Jacob Bunton (ADLER, LYNAM) and Mats Levén (CANDLEMASS, YNGWIE MALMSTEEN, TREAT).

Fan-filmed video footage of AC/DC's August 30 performance at BB&T Center in Sunrise, Florida can be seen below.

The band's setlist was as follows:

01. Rock Or Bust02. Shoot To Thrill03. Hell Ain't A Bad Place To Be04. Back In Black05. Got Some Rock & Roll Thunder06. Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap07. Rock 'N' Roll Damnation08. Thunderstruck09. High Voltage10. Rock 'N' Roll Train11. Hells Bells12. Given The Dog A Bone13. If You Want Blood (You've Got It)14. Live Wire15. Sin City16. You Shook Me All Night Long17. Shot Down In Flames18. Have A Drink On Me19. T.N.T.20. Whole Lotta Rosie21. Let There Be Rock

Encore:

22. Highway To Hell23. Riff Raff24. For Those About To Rock (We Salute You)

The rescheduled dates of AC/DC's North American tour — which are the band's first concerts here with GUNS N' ROSES singer Axl Rose on lead vocals — kicked off Saturday night, August 27 at the Greensboro Coliseum in Greensboro, North Carolina.

The "Live Wire" airing marked the first time since 1982 that AC/DC performed the song, which originally appeared on the band's 1975 album "T.N.T.".

AC/DC guitarist and sole founding member Angus Young recently said that he has not made a decision yet regarding the band's future once the current "Rock Or Bust" tour cycle ends. Following the 2014 retirement of his brother and co-founder Malcolm Young due to dementia, Angus also dealt with the exit of drummer Phil Rudd later that year because of legal problems, and more recently the departure of singer Brian Johnson because of hearing loss and bassist Cliff Williams's decision to retire after the tour ends.

Angus was asked by Rolling Stone whether he had given any thought to his or the band's future, replying, "At this point, I don't know. We were committed to finishing the tour. Who knows what I'll feel after? When you sign on and say, 'I'm gonna do this and that,' it's always good to say at the end of it, 'I've done all I said I would do.'"

Asked if he thought Williams's decision was brought about by Johnson's departure, Angus said, "Cliff made it known before we'd even started touring — this would be his last. Besides myself, Cliff has been there the longest, since 1977. Cliff and Brian are in the same age bracket. They like to go out, hit the pubs. They had the bond."

Williams made his decision to retire public earlier this year, telling Gulfshore Life, "It's been what I've known for the past forty years, but losing Malcolm, the thing with Phil and now with Brian, it's a changed animal. I feel in my gut it's the right thing."

Williams told The Pulse Of Radio he never imagined back in his early days with the group that their career would last 40 years. "Didn't really think about it," he said. "Not that longterm thought process went into it. It was just doing it at the time and we were just on the road all the time and doing it and doing it and doing it, and it was just like, not really thinking that far ahead."

Assuming neither Rudd nor Johnson return, Williams's exit means that Angus will be the only member remaining from the lineups that recorded classic albums like 1979's "Highway To Hell", 1980's "Back In Black" and 1981's "For Those About To Rock...We Salute You".

Ex-AC/DC drummer Phil Rudd has told Bay Of Plenty Times that he is open to returning to his former band but that he is currently focusing on his solo career.

"If Angus [Young, AC/DC guitarist] wanted me to play, then that is up to him... but I don't really want to play with Axl Rose [current AC/DC touring vocalist]... I don't really rate him."

Rudd added: "Geoffrey [Spencer, who plays in Phil's solo band] is a great guitarist, just as good as Malcolm [Young, retired AC/DC guitarist], [and even] better than [him], if you ask me."

The 62-year-old rocker, who lives in Tauranga, New Zealand, also revealed that he recently suffered a heart attack but that he is "good now, got a stent inside.''

"I was just at home walking around at home, and I started feel, well, just funny," he said. "You know how you can feel funny? I had a strange pain in my chest. So my housekeeper took me to the hospital, when they hooked me up and did all these tests turned out I had a big heart attack...my artery was all blocked up, and they said I had to stay in and have an operation.

"I sneaked out to the shop to get some cigarettes, then I realized I had no car, so I walked home to get the Ferrari, and drove back to the hospital."

Rudd had a stent inserted via his arm and claims to be "ready to rock."

"Weird because they shave your man parts, but they put it in your arm," he said about the operation. "All I have is a tiny scar in my wrist. And my hair has grown back too so I am all good, I am healthy and got so much colour in my cheeks."

Rudd said in a recent publicity statement that his "hell-raising days are over," following his eight-month home detention sentence for drug possession and threatening to kill. According to The Pulse Of Radio, Rudd insisted he has "turned a corner" and is dedicating his life to "family, friends and music," adding, "I see a psychiatrist once a week and I'm closer than ever to my children. I still have all my flash cars, but now I want to grow chillies."

Rudd's comments were part of a statement announcing the re-release of his 2014 debut solo album, "Head Job", which will be reissued in Europe on September 30. Rudd will leave New Zealand for the first time since his late 2014 arrest to visit Europe and promote the album via press, radio and television interviews.

It was the original release of "Head Job" that sparked Rudd's initial meltdown, with the drummer allegedly so angry at a personal assistant over the way the release was promoted that he threatened to have the man and his daughter killed.

Police investigating that claim against Rudd also found him in possession of drugs when they raided his home in November 2014.

Although Rudd played on AC/DC's latest album, "Rock Or Bust", the band recruited Chris Slade to replace Rudd for touring purposes. Slade, who had previously played in the band from 1990 to 1993, remains part of the lineup.

KISS performed at the Bryce Jordan Center on Penn State's University Park campus on August 30 as part of the band's "Freedom To Rock" tour. Fan-filmed video footage of the concert can be seen below.

KISS kicked off "Freedom To Rock" on July 4 with in Tucson, Arizona. The trek is hitting 40 cities through the summer — many of them places that the band has either never played or hasn't played in years.

KISS has partnered with Hiring Our Heroes (HOH) and Veteran Tickets Foundation (Vet Tix) to honor members of the National Guard and military Reserve forces in over 30 U.S. cities during the tour.

KISS is hiring a currently serving member of the National Guard or Reserve force to be a "Roadie For The Day" for each of the 32 U.S. concerts. In addition, KISS is donating a limited number of tickets to veterans in each community and distributing those tickets through VetTix.org. Veterans and their family members also have the chance to purchase discounted tickets through Vet Tix. Military discounts are also available at venue box offices with proof of a valid military ID in select markets around the country.

The U.S "Kiss: Freedom To Rock" tour stops are all home to a large number of Army and Air National Guard or Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps Reserve members. Since September 2001, hundreds of thousands of Guards and Reserve members have been recalled to active duty, and many have deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan. Nearly 900 of these brave men and women made the ultimate sacrifice.

KISS founder Paul Stanley said: "KISS is celebrating our 'Freedom To Rock' tour this summer; the same freedom that's been upheld by our veterans and active duty service members."

KISS bassist/vocalist Gene Simmons stated: "We are proud to partner with HOH and Vet Tix to highlight the incredible commitment and sacrifices of hometown heroes serving in the National Guard and Reserve forces. Many of these heroes have given a lot — and some have given all — and we will honor them in every town we tour."

Eric Eversole, president of Hiring Our Heroes and vice president at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, said: "Our members of the National Guard and Reserve are called upon at a moment's notice and they drop everything to respond. It is fitting that we honor these often invisible heroes in their communities and hometowns as part of the 'Freedom To Rock' tour."

"Getting the opportunity to partner with Hall Of Fame rockers is an amazing opportunity," said Mike Focareto, CEO of Vet Tix. "KISS fans get much more than live music and a pyrotechnics show; they get a chance to create unforgettable memories with their family and friends. We're excited to make this experience possible to our Vet Tix family."

BLACK STAR RIDERS will hit the road next year with a comprehensive U.K. tour in support of their new album, "Heavy Fire", set for release in early 2017.

After a full year off the road, BLACK STAR RIDERS — Ricky Warwick, Scott Gorham, Damon Johnson, Robert Crane and Jimmy DeGrasso — are back with a 16-date U.K. and Ireland run, joined on the first five dates by Scottish rockers GUN and THE AMORETTES and then Sweden's own BACKYARD BABIES with GUN on the remaining 11 shows.

States Warwick: "It seems like ages since we did the DEF LEPPARD / WHITESNAKE tour, so we are all really looking forward to be back out on the road with BLACK STAR RIDERS. Our third album will be out just prior to the dates, so it's going to be great to play tracks from that along with favorites from the first two records also. Having my old friends from BACKYARD BABIES, GUN and THE AMORETTES out with us too is just icing on the cake to make a great tour!"

BLACK STAR RIDERS is currently in the studio in Nashville, once again with producer Nick Raskulinecz, putting the finishing touches to "Heavy Fire". Gorham says: "It's great to be back with Nick. After such a great job on 'The Killer Instinct', it was a no-brainer to continue the relationship and this album is going to blow everyone away."

Following on from their critically acclaimed albums "All Hell Breaks Loose" and "The Killer Instinct", which have paved the way for BLACK STAR RIDERS to be recognized as a power force in the modern day of rock 'n' roll, "Heavy Fire" will be once again released by Nuclear Blast Entertainment. The band has also brought in PledgeMusic, one of the most innovative and successful platforms of the modern music world, to give fans extra special product and experiences to go along with the album's release.

BLACK STAR RIDERS was born in December 2012 when members of the legendary THIN LIZZY decided to write and perform new music under a new name out of respect for the late Phil Lynott.

Photo credit: Robert John

THE CIRCLE, the combo consisting of legendary rocker Sammy Hagar alongside Michael Anthony, Jason Bonham and Vic Johnson, performed at the Tulalip Amphitheatre in Tulalip, Washington on August 24. Fan-filmed video footage of the concert can be seen below.

THE CIRCLE released a concert album, "At Your Service", in May 2015. Recorded live on tour in 2014, this release documents the blistering performance of a band on fire performing hits from Sammy's four decades of rock (MONTROSE, solo, VAN HALEN, THE WABORITAS, CHICKENFOOT) as well as classic tracks from the LED ZEPPELIN catalog.

Speaking to Ultimate Classic Rock, Hagar stated about THE CIRCLE: "I think THE CIRCLE is the band that I want to play with right now. It's the band that I choose to play with over any band. Even CHICKENFOOT is hard, because we only play CHICKENFOOT. So I miss playing 'When It's Love' and 'Right Now' and 'I Can't Drive 55' and 'One Way To Rock' and 'Heavy Metal' and 'Rock Candy'. I miss doing that, as much as I love CHICKENFOOT."

He continued: "THE CIRCLE is so satisfying that I don't even see a reason to make a record. We have so many great hits that we can choose from our catalog, all of those VAN HALEN hits, all of the Sammy solo, all of those MONTROSE hits, CHICKENFOOT hits, LED ZEPPELIN songs — we have that catalog to choose from for our shows, so to make a record would just be kind of a waste of time. I wouldn't say never, but first I'd like to put together the greatest set list that ever existed in rock 'n' roll, and I think we're pretty close to it right now with the one that we have, but it can even get better. There's a frikkin' goldmine to choose from of songs that I've written and sang in my life."

After his stint as lead singer of MONTROSE, Hagar launched a successful solo career before joining VAN HALEN in 1985. During his time with the band, they notched four consecutive No. 1 albums before breaking up in the mid-'90s.

The Montreal hard rock/prog/metal band AraPacis has released "Translucidity", the first single off their upcoming sixth album. Driven by the pounding drums of the legendary Vinny Appice (Black Sabbath/Dio/Last In Line), it also features a couple of scorching lead breaks by AraPacis axeman Jerry Fielden and esteemed guest Steph Honde (Hollywood Monsters/Di'Anno) and the powerful voice of singer Shelle Macpherson.

Their sixth album Obsolete Continuum is scheduled for late 2016 on Note Musik. The band's guests on past albums have included Don Airey of Deep Purple, John Gallagher of Raven and Guy LeBlanc (RIP) of Camel amongst others.

Download the single for free at this location.

Track details:

Vocals: Shelle Macpherson
Rhythm Guitar and first lead break, keyboards, bass: Jerry Fielden
Second lead break: Steph Honde
Drums: Vinny Appice

The debut three-song EP from TRINITY FALLEN, the new band featuring former TESTAMENT bassist Greg Christian alongside members of SCORCHED-EARTH POLICY and NUCLEAR RABBIT, can be streamed in its entirety below. The effort was recorded with producer Juan Urteaga (TESTAMENT, MACHINE HEAD, EXODUS) at Trident Studios in Martinez, California.

Says Greg: "[Juan] did a kick-ass job on it and I think it needs to be heard."

EP track listing:

01. 21st Century (5:52)02. Apache Skies (5:42)03. Ashes (5:16)

TRINITY FALLEN made its live debut this past August 5 at Slim's in San Francisco, California.

TRINITY FALLEN is:

Judd Mason (SCORCHED-EARTH POLICY) - VocalsJason Branyan (NUCLEAR RABBIT) - GuitarGreg Christian (TESTAMENT) - BassTimothy Bailey (NUCLEAR RABBIT) - Drums

Christian recently stated about his acrimonious January 2014 exit from TESTAMENT: "It was all wrong. I lost control and spouted off like an idiot, which I regret, but the plain truth about the way I was treated by my bros and partners, after spending decades helping to build something — twice — is: it truly was cruel and unusual, there was never any reason for it, and no possible way to justify it. Period. The end. (And if anyone disagrees — I don't care.) It happened. It's done. I can't really say it's 'over,' because the imbalance hasn't been corrected, but it is behind me. I let it go."

He added: "Forgiveness can be tough for us human animals, but it is our only hope at ever finding inner peace. Right?? Despite everything — I really do wish them well."

Christian also said about his new band: "[I am] a little disappointed my new bandmates' histories have mostly been ignored [by the press] and every mention of TRINITY FALLEN seems to only focus on me.

"It wasn't my cup of tea, but NUCLEAR RABBIT has serious high-level (bad-ass) musicianship. (If you doubt that — listen to 'Intestinal Fortitude' and tell me how easy those songs would be to play, hahaha)

"TRINITY FALLEN is 'a band,' not 'my project,' and though all the songs (so far) started off as my arrangements, they've evolved past anything I could've came up with on my own. Tim, Jason and Judd have made huge contributions to all of it, and together we've crafted a sound that, in my opinion, is unique. Especially in this day and age.

"We're not a thrash band, more like a heavy metal / hard rock band.

"There are no stylistic 'rules' or preconceptions. We never sat down and said, 'Let's write 'this kind' of song.' We wrote what came out.

"And since this isn't straight thrash, I know I'll get some haters, but I think a lot lot more folks will be pleasantly surprised by the variety and depth of the TRINITY FALLEN material. It's all about the songs.

"And don't misunderstand, some of it is brutally heavy but some is really melodic, and it pretty much all grooves and bounces — and is full of hooks. More like a modern-day version of old BLACK SABBATH or LED ZEPPELIN than any contemporary bands I can think of.

"To me, a lot of today's heavy music (at least on recording) is cut, pasted, quantized and sound replaced into sterility. TRINITY FALLEN isn't that. It's modern-day / old-school rock 'n' roll."

He added: "TRINITY FALLEN isn't TESTAMENT. It's its own thing. It's complex and varied and I can see elements of it turning some folks off at first, but with only hearing a short sample, it's kinda like the old story of five blind men went to 'see' an elephant .. (presents a misleading picture) but whatever… Not everyone's gonna get it at first. No way. The rabbit hole's way too deep."

Originally formed in 2011, the Calgary thrashers formerly known as Hellborn Death Engines are beginning their resurgence under the new moniker Illyrian with the recent additions of bassist / vocalist Jeff Perry (Sikarra, ex-Animus Labyrinth) plus British drum sensation Darren May (ex-Deacon Birch) who have brought new and progressive musical mindsets into the band to join original and founding members Scott Onofrychuk (guitars/vocals) and Brandon McNeil (guitar/vocals).

Evolving into a highly technical group playing thrash metal with their erratic and precise on-stage delivery, rapier wit, along with nostalgic charm, Illyrian have removed the constraints of conventional metal sub-genre formula to replace their sound with a melting pot of technical thrash riffs, blistering solos, prog-influenced rhythms along with the band's signature tri-vocal attack all showcased on ten new thrashing tracks on their new album Round 2: Fight!. The album is set to be unleashed on October 7th and was co-produced by the band with Casey Lewis at Echo Base Studios plus mastered by Sacha Laskow (Every Hour Kills, ex-Divinity) at Perfect Fifth Studios.

Tracklisting:

“Walking In Sunshine”
“Round 2: Fight!”
“Opulent & Imperial”
“Chaotic Neutral”
“Zeta Reticulan”
“Mindbender”
“Five By Five (The Dark Slayer Comes)”
“Wings Of Freedom”
“Technodrone”
“Sound Of The Serpent Siren”

“Round 2: Fight!” lyric video:

(Photo by: Brad Scott)

Ripple Music has announced that this October will see the official release of the self-titled debut album from LA-based rock trio Salem’s Bend.

Running an aural gamut of ’70s sounding classic rock alongside the influence of melodic heavy-hitters from the contemporary realms of desert, doom metal, psych and stoner rock, the band coalesced in the summer of 2014 with the intention of turning heavy riffs into the catchiest of tunes. With seven songs eventually making the cut on what would become their self-titled debut, the trio earnestly self-released the album via Bandcamp in December of last year and in doing so caught the ear of Ripple Music.
 
This October, thanks to the good folk and fellow Californians at Ripple, the album in question – Salem’s Bend by Salem’s Bend – will receive an official worldwide release on October 7th.

Tracklisting:

“Balshazzar”
“Queen Of The Desert”
“Silverstruck”
“Losing Sleep”
“Sun And Mist”
“Mammoth Caravan”
“A Tip Of Salem”

“Balshazzar”:

The ruinous blood of Vimur returns once more to poison the source of creation with their new one sided 12” EP, Exegesis. 

Following the band's first release, 2014's Traversing The Ethereal Current, this release is a synoptic examination of the band's conceptual framework from their origins, present, and beyond. 

Set for a September 15th release on Atlanta-based Boris Records, Exegesis contains two new tracks and one previously released track. This is the first studio recording of Vimur to feature the full live line up. The result is a more concentrated and severe attack on the senses.

Vimur will play select dates of the Ashes Of The Ascended tour with black metal nihilists Hellgoat.

Dates:

September
9 – San Diego, CA – TBA
10 – Los Angeles, CA – Five Star Bar
11 – Oakland, CA – The Golden Bull
13 – Eugene, OR – Hifi Lounge
14 – Portland, OR – Ash St. Saloon
15 – Seattle, WA – Substation
16 – Everett, WA – Tony V’s

Fake Idols have released the video for “Mad Fall”, the first single taken from their new album Witness, set to be released on September 16th on Scarlet Records. The video features Motörhead's legend Phil Campbell.

Witness has been described as an adrenaline bomb charged up with great rock/metal tunes and plenty of attitude. The album also features a very special guest appearance by Damna (Elvenking, Hell In The Club).

Witness tracklisting:

“Out Of Gear”
“Mad Fall” (feat. Phil Campbell)
“So Now...”
“Sail”
“The City’s Burning” (feat. Damna)
“Silence”
“I’m A Fake”
“Go” (Chemical Brothers cover)
“Could You Bid Me Farewell”
“Prayers On Fire”
“Witness”

The band will offer a taste of new music very soon.

Fake Idols lineup:

Claudio Coassin, vocals
Ivan Odorico, guitars
Cristian Tavano, guitars
Ivo Boscariol, bass
Enrico Fabris, drums

(Photo - Michele Salotto)