Glenn Hughes spoke to the Danish metal magazine Metalized about BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION's plans to reunite for a fourth studio album in 2017.

BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION was the Anglo-American rock supergroup featuring Hughes (DEEP PURPLE, TRAPEZE), drummer Jason Bonham (LED ZEPPELIN, FOREIGNER), keyboardist Derek Sherinian (DREAM THEATER, ALICE COOPER, BILLY IDOL) and blues-rock guitarist/vocalist Joe Bonamassa. The band split in late 2012 due to tensions between Bonamassa and Hughes.

Regarding how the reunion came about, Hughes said: "In February I was doing an interview with Gary Graff, the editor of Billboard magazine in America. Gary asked me some questions about [DEEP PURPLE's Rock And Roll] Hall Of Fame [induction]. I said to him that I don't think I will ever be in a band again after BLACK COUNTRY because the legacy of those three albums was so mighty and the band was so good with each member being very, very good. I said to him that BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION will be the last band I play in. Three weeks later, Joe Bonamassa calls me for dinner. I had no idea why."

He continued: "We're friends. We've always been friends. People thought we weren't friends. He said, 'Hey, don't you think it's time we make another great album?' I said, 'I do. And do you know that this is the last band I am gonna play in?' We joked about it.

"Joe and I are very friendly. We never ever fell out. Joe is a solo artist as I am now.

"The fans on the Internet thought we were fighting. We never fought.

"When Joe and I had dinner in March in L.A., we hugged each other and said, 'Hey, we're friends, we're family.' I am a big fan of Joe as a person and a musician, and I like his fans."

"We are going to do this one step at a time. Let's do the album and think about doing some shows. Let's see what happens. Let's embrace it."

Asked about his expectations for the fourth BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION album, Hughes answered: "I think the world needs another big rock album.

"I love BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION so much, and I am so happy that we're getting back together again.

"BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION really gave me so much energy to write.

"When I joined the band, Joe and I were working for a year before Jason and Derek and Kevin [Shirley, producer] joined. Joe and I were working together writing in 2009. He was doing great, coming up as a solo artist. He said to me very kindly that he was a solo artist and that he was going to be a solo artist for the rest of his life. And I said to him, 'That's fantastic.' I never asked him to change and be in a band with me. I had other things going on, I had other people to play with.

"Joe and I knew that he was going to continue and BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION would be a band that would play shows from time to time. That was it. We did 33 shows in all in three years which isn't very much. Again, there was no expectations to play anymore. But when we broke up, there was the factor: if you can't play any shows, there's no point making new music. You know, I was writing all the time.

"I said to Joe, 'I think I should go back and make a solo album,' and he said, 'Great!' And that what's happened. My first thing is my solo career now."

BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION's third album, "Afterglow", sold 8,500 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 48 on The Billboard 200 chart.

2012's "2" CD from BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION opened with 8,000 units to land at No. 71.

BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION's self-titled debut album registered a first-week tally of 7,100 copies to enter the chart at No. 54.

Don Dokken has confirmed that the classic lineup of DOKKEN will reunite for a series of concerts in Japan, with no plans to take the reunion to the rest of the world.

The six shows will take place this October, and will include an appearance at the Loud Park festival, which last year celebrated its tenth anniversary.

During an appearance on last night's (Saturday, June 25) installment of "The Classic Metal Show", Don explained how the long-rumored DOKKEN reunion finally came to fruition.

"Years and years ago, I made a comment offhandedly, like, 'You wanna do a reunion tour? I'll do it for this amount of money," Don said (hear audio below). "It was like a one and a lot of zeros. And that was my price, and everybody said, 'You're crazy.' And I said, 'Well, that's my price, and I'm not gonna do it [for anything less].' And now, fifteen years later, somebody came up with that price. So I approached George [Lynch, former DOKKEN guitarist] and Jeff [Pilson, former DOKKEN bassist], and I said, 'You guys wanna make a shitload of money for about one week of work?' And I told them the price, and I told them how much I wanted and how much they'd make, and, basically, they could make more money in one week than they'd probably make in several years. And so everybody said, 'Okay.' So I said, 'Well, I'll do it on the condition that I don't wanna do it in America or Europe or anywhere else. Just six shows in Japan.' 'Cause we were very big in Japan, and it's just a… It's a reunion tour. So they agreed, and we're gonna do six shows in Japan. We're gonna be playing Loud Park, headlining with the SCORPIONS. The two headliners are us and SCORPIONS. We're playing the same night — back to back on two different stages. And then we're gonna buzz off and do five more shows. And it's very temporary."

Despite the fact that there is plenty of interest from promoters in other parts of the world to book the DOKKEN reunion, Don claims that the Japanese dates are the only shows the group is committed to doing.

"Of course, everybody came out of the woodwork, and they want us to do Sweden Rock, Wacken festivals, M3… People are throwing money at us to do a DOKKEN reunion in the States and Europe, and my answer to everybody is, 'No. It's not gonna happen,'" he said.

"I feel bad for my agents, 'cause they're getting bombarded from these offers for us to play these big festivals all over the world as a reunion, but I'm just not interested; I'm sorry, I'm just not," he continued. "Jeff's busy. He plays like crazy in FOREIGNER. He's on the road. George is out, you know, playing the bars with LYNCH MOB, so everybody's busy. So I don't see any reason… I can't say, 'We can make all this tons of money…' And we're doing this tour for a lot of money, but I'm doing it to put an exclamation point on a very temporary reunion."

According to Don, part of the reason there are no plans for the reunited DOKKEN to play any other shows after the Japanese run is the fact that the current lineup of DOKKEN — which includes fellow member of the band's classic lineup, drummer Mick Brown, alongside longtime guitarist Jon Levin and bassist Chris McCarvil — is still very much an active entity, with a steady schedule of live shows throughout the year.

"I'm so happy with Jon Levin and Chris," he explained. "I mean, we get along so, so good. We're happy. We get on a plane, we fly to a venue, we hang out together and we go to dinner and we do the show and we hang out in the dressing room. It's very easy; you know, there's no drama. And at my age now, the last thing I need in my life is drama. So I am hopeful everything goes smoothly in Japan [with the reunion shows], but I am ready [laughs] for something to… There was always drama in DOKKEN, so I don't expect anything to change. I'm just gonna kind of keep myself removed from it all. All I'm gonna do is go up there and sing my butt off and play two or three songs on guitar and just make it a fun thing for [the fans]."

Don also admonished the other members of DOKKEN's classic lineup for leaking details of the band's reunion before it was made official. "Mick said we were doing it a month ago, George has been saying it, and Jeff was saying it," he said. "Which I have to laugh, because I said, 'Please don't anybody talk about it until the contracts are signed,' and I hadn't signed the contracts until a couple of days ago."

He continued: "Doing a tour like this is not easy; there's a lot of logistics, money, accountants, taxes, overhead, equipment, video. It's a lot of logistics to put together, and it's taken a long, long time to put this Japanese tour together. But we did it, and we're gonna do six shows.

"Everybody was talking like it was a done deal, which is a very bad thing to do. You should never announce a tour before it's announced, because then the promoters think we're gonna do it no matter what, and it kind of hurts my negotiating skills. If we say we're gonna do this, and we're kind of bartering about how much money, and they feel we're gonna do it no matter what — if it's a half a million or million dollars — I said, 'Please don't say we're doing it, because it hurts my negotiating position. So I've said nothing until tonight."

For DOKKEN fans in other parts of the world who are hoping to catch a glimpse of the reunited band, Don says that there is a small silver lining in all of this. "I'm hoping that, in rehearsals" — which will take place at the Badlands Pawn in Sioux Falls, South Dakota — "we feel that we're tight enough on the final day that we actually do a show and we're gonna film the whole thing," he said. "And hopefully it comes out good and we'll edit it and put out a live DVD."

Serious discussions about a reunion of DOKKEN's classic lineup have been held, on and off, for at least the past half decade. Back in may 2010, Dokken and Lynch appeared on VH1 Classic's "That Metal Show" together in hopes that a reunion would follow. Despite their efforts, it never happened and Don went forward with DOKKEN's current lineup.

All the members of DOKKEN's classic 1980s lineup reunited on stage for the first time in more than a decade on November 29, 2009 during an encore at a DOKKEN show at the House of Blues in Anaheim, California.

Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler is gearing up for the release of his first ever solo album, We’re All Somebody From Somewhere. He recently spoke with Entertainment Weekly about the venture. Following is an excerpt from the interview.

Entertainment Weekly: You got a polarizing reaction when you announced you were making a country record. Were you surprised?

Steven Tyler: "I never should have said that. One of Aerosmith’s biggest hits was 'Cryin'' and the lyric and melody I wrote was (sings) 'There was a time, when I was so brokenhearted.' That’s so f—ing country!"

Entertainment Weekly: Besides doing a country album, anything else on your bucket list?

Steven Tyler: "I would love to be a producer on a show like Vinyl. I’m going to continue with music—having 15 great songs is like having 15 better-than-ever-before orgasms that I get to share with the world. And I think I might have a career doing movies. I want to have an affair with a producer and hopefully someone in the movie. (Laughs) Don’t they all do that?"

Go to this location for the complete interview.

Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler will preview songs from his new solo album, We’re All Somebody From Somewhere, when he performs Friday morning, June 24th at Rockefeller Plaza as part of The Today Show’s concert series in New York City, reports The Boston Globe.

Viewing is on a first-come, first-served basis on The Today Plaza, located at 48th Street between Fifth and Sixth avenues in NYC. To get the best spot, fans should try to arrive by 5 a.m. Generally, concerts happen rain or shine.

In a recent live interview on The Howard Stern Show on SiriusXM Radio, Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler has revealed that the band will embark on a Farewell Tour in 2017. Tyler, who will release his first ever solo album, We’re All Somebody From Somewhere, on July 15th, offered no more details on the Aerosmith situation. Stay tuned for updates.

Tyler tells Rolling Stone that his first ever solo album, We’re All Somebody From Somewhere, will feature 15 new songs including his first two country single, “Love Is Your Name” and “Red, White And You”, as well as a new, “darker, countrified” version of Aerosmith’s “Janie’s Got A Gun”.

"Country music still plays stuff with melody, I have a sorcerer's grasp of melody, I like to think," he explains. "I'm a freak for that so thank God they're still playing it in country, and I think they're gonna be all over songs like 'Only Heaven' and you guys are gonna be surprised."

Tyler will launch his Out On A Limb summer tour on July 2nd in Las Vegas, NV. A year after launching a solo country career, the Aerosmith frontman is hitting the road this summer with a new band (the Nashville-based Loving Mary) and a different approach to playing live. On his 19-city Out On A Limb tour, the rock icon is trading arenas for more intimate concert venues, where he'll rework Aerosmith classics and tell stories behind some of the band's most beloved hits.

The idea stems from an acoustic performance he did last fall as part of PBS' Front And Center series, with an emphasis squarely on the fans.

"What would I not pay to go see (Paul) McCartney, but instead of playing with whoever he's with now, actually do (a show) where he tells you what he was thinking when he wrote Yesterday?" says Tyler, 68. "That's what I'm doing. I figured I'd talk about Sweet Emotion and Dream On and where I was when I wrote it, and Seasons of Wither and how I played it."

Tour dates:

July
2 - Las Vegas, NV - Venetian Theatre
5 - Los Angeles, CA - Dolby Theatre
8 - Seattle, WA - Marion Oliver McCaw Hall
10 - Vancouver, BC - Orpheum Theatre
14 - San Francisco, CA - The Masonic
20 - Phoenix, AZ - Comerica Theatre
23 - Denver, CO - Ellie Caulkins Opera House
26 - Austin, TX - Bass Concert Hall
29 - Houston, TX - Brown Theater at Wortham Center

August
1 - Dallas, TX - Music Hall at Fair Park
13 - Chicago, IL - Chicago Theatre
17 - Nashville, TN - Andrew Jackson Hall at TPAC
23 - Washington, D.C. - Warner Theatre
29 - Clearwater, FL - Ruth Eckerd Hall

September
1 - Atlanta, GA - Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center
4 - Boston, MA - Citi Performing Arts Center Wang Theatre
7 - Philadelphia, PA - Academy of Music
10 - Providence, RI - Providence Performing Arts Center
13 - Toronto, ON - Sony Centre for the Performing Arts

Fan-filmed video footage of Bobby Blotzer's new RATT performing on June 25 at Reserve Casino Hotel's Lava Room in Central City, Colorado can be seen below.

Blotzer's RATT recently parted ways with bassist Scotty Griffin (ex-L.A. GUNS) and replaced him with Robbie Crane.

Crane previously played bass for RATT from 1996 to 2012 and appeared on the band's 1999 self-titled album and 2010's "Infestation".

Said Blotzer in a statement: "Adding Robbie Crane back is naturally just like slipping into an old missed pair of spandex."

Blotzer announced last September that he was taking control of the RATT name and hitting the road with a new version of the group, which played shows earlier that year under the name BOBBY BLOTZER'S RATT EXPERIENCE.

RATT guitarist Warren DeMartini later filed a lawsuit against Blotzer, claiming that the drummer was falsely advertising his "tribute band" as the real thing.

Blotzer's revamped RATT is rounded out by vocalist Josh Alan (ex-SIN CITY SINNERS) and guitarists Doc Ellis (Jizzy Pearl's LOVE/HATE) and Nicholas "Blaze" Baum.

WBS, Inc., the company which manages the business and operations related to RATT, was originally formed by Blotzer, DeMartini and singer Stephen Pearcy. Pearcy lost his share of the name in court after splitting with the group in 2000. He returned to the band in 2006 but exited again in 2014. Blotzer has since expressed his desire to keep RATT alive with a new singer, but explained that DeMartini did not want to tour as RATT without Pearcy.

Southern California’s Nails released You Will Never Be One Of Us on June 17th, via Nuclear Blast Entertainment. The album has debuted at #126 on the Billboard Top 200 charts. US chart positions include:

#126 Billboard Top 200
#1 Top New Artist Albums (“Heatseekers”)
#9 Independent Current Albums
#6 Current Hard Music Albums
#42 Top Current Albums

Canadian documentary filmmaker Sam Dunn at Banger Films has posted his take on the new album for his latest instalment of Overkill Reviews. Check it out below:

You Will Never Be One Of Us was recorded, mixed and produced by Kurt Ballou (Converge, High On Fire). Artwork was created by WHTHD. Order the album in CD or vinyl format, with or without several bonus items, from the Nuclear Blast web shop.

You Will Never Be One Of Us tracklisting:

“You Will Never Be One Of Us”
“Friend To All”
“Made To Make You Fall”
“Life Is A Death Sentence”
“Violence Is Forever”
“Savage Intolerance”
“In Pain”
“Parasite”
“Into Quietus”
“They Come Crawling Back”

Album stream:

“You Will Never Be One Of Us” video:

In support of their new album, Nails has announced several worldwide tour dates. Confirmed shows are listed below.

Tour dates:

July (with Terrorizer, Freedom, Nomads)
20 - Brick By Brick - San Diego, CA
21 - Constellation Room - Santa Ana, CA
22 - The Roxy Theatre - West Hollywood, CA
23 - Thee Parkside - San Francisco, CA (no Terrorizer)

August
5 - This Is Hardcore Festival - Electric Factory - Philadelphia, PA

October
21 - Southwest Terror Fest - 191 Toole - Tucson, AZ

November (with Full Of Hell)
4 - Cathouse - Glasgow, Scotland
5 - Damnation Festival - Leeds, England
6 - The Fleece - Bristol, England
7 - Underworld - London, England
8 - Point Ephemere - Paris, France
9 - Trix - Antwerp, Belgium
10 - Underworld - Cologne, Germany
11 - Aalborg Metal Festival - Aalborg, Denmark
12 - Babel - Malmo, Sweden
13 - Hafenklang - Hamburg, Germany
14 - Musik & Frieden - Berlin, Germany
15 - Futurum - Prague, Czech
16 - Arena - Vienna, Austria
17 - Hansa 39 - Munich, Germany
18 - Keller Club - Stuttgart, Germany
19 - Doorroosje Indoor Fest - Nijmegen, Netherlands

(Photos - Jimmy Hubbard)

One of the most important efforts vocalist/lyricist Kami Van Halst of Canada's Van Halst emphasizes through their music are strong messages from her socially conscious lyrics. Pushing to inspire listeners and fans to be aware, informed and encouraged to take action on various topics ranging from female empowerment, body image, education, rape culture, poverty, domestic violence among many other issues, the goth rockers have released a lyric video from “Questions”, in support of their new album World Of Make Believe.

“I wrote “Questions” with my sister Brittney Grabill. This song deals with victim blaming and how the victims of sexual assault are often criticized and blamed for putting themselves in a vulnerable position, which allowed them to be abused or exploited,” says Kami Van Halst, "This is wrong, we should not be blaming or scrutinizing the victims of abuse. We need to remove the stigma and put the blame where it rightly belongs- on the abuser.”

In additional news, Van Halst will be hitting the road for a Western Canadian tour, which will kick of at OurFest in Nevis, AB on August 20th and wrap up with a hometown show in Edmonton, AB on September 4th.

Dates:

August
20 - Nevis, AB  - Ourfest - info
27 - Valemount, BC - Metalocolypstick Fest - info
31 - Kelowna, BC - Fernando’s Pub

September
2 - Victoria, BC - Logan’s Pub
3 - Vancouver, BC - Red Room
4 - Edmonton, BC - Mercury Room

(Photo - Renee Robyn)

This week sees the official digital re-release of two killer and over-looked records by longtime veteran Boston thrashers, Meliah Rage. Check them out on Bandcamp, where they are now exclusively available.

The first, the 2016 reissue of 2004's Barely Human features a complete facelift of the record's sonic palette. This is due largely to the fact that it was completely remixed and remastered by Peter Rutcho from the original session tracks.

"I always loved this frickin' record. Joe Moody (who passed in early 2016) did an incredible job engineering and producing it in 2004 quite honestly," said Rutcho. "Credit where credit is due! But due to a few post-production snafu's it just did not have the life and drive that the original tracks had. I heard this immediately when I pulled up the sessions after converting from the original recording. I was like, 'holy shit, these tracks sound incredible, why the f^ck does the record sound so nasal and thin?' Well, now I'm confident that this record shines the way Joe originally intended it to. R.I.P. buddy! We'll miss you!"

Check out this track from the 2016 reissue:

Barely Human (2016 Re-Issue) by Meliah Rage

The other, is the 2016 reissue of 2009's Masquerade which was produced by Rich Spillberg and remastered by Peter Rutcho from the original mixdowns. This record marked the rather triumphant return of Mike Munro to the lineup.

"Masquerade finds the group continuing to compose catchy riff driven songs that are heavy as all get but melodic at the same time (one reviewer who described the group as an 'aggressive onslaught of catchiness' hit the nail on the head)." - Angelic Warlord (2009). "

Listen to this snippet from this ass-kickery:

Masquerade (2016 Re-Issue) by Meliah Rage

Progressive metal band, Empyrean, have released the John Spinney-directed lyric video for their djent influenced sophomore single "Judges". "Judges" was mixed by Jason Daggett and mastered by Kris Krummet.

““Judges” is written about a moment in time where I had a job that was extremely rough day after day. It's about the consequences of being "different" regardless of where you are. I realized not all consequences are direct, there is subtleties in this too. There is opportunities lost, being overlooked, and overruled, among other things that looking different cause. This doesn't stop in school, there is genuine discrimination no matter where you go or where you live. This song was about learning to deal with the weight of judgment for who I am.” - Jakoby Pierce (Lyrics/Vocals)

Catch Empyrean live at Tacoma Real Art with Misery Signals on July 29th.

Portland-based heavy metal troupe Spellcaster are streaming the new track “Betrayal”, featured on their upcoming full-length release, Night Hides The World, out on July 8th via Prosthetic Records. Listen to the track below.

Often compared to the lauded forerunners that have paved the path for the classic heavy metal genre, Spellcaster have dug out a new trail with their forthcoming effort which features their most visceral material to date. The band - which includes vocalist Tyler Loney, guitarists Cory Boyd and Bryce R. VanHoosen, bassist Gabe Franco and drummer Colin Vranzian - split their time tracking the new material between Oakland, CA and their hometown with producer/mixer Zack Ohren (All Shall Perish, Exmortus) amidst consistent appearances in North America and Europe including gigs with Death Angel, Flotsam & Jetsam, Night Demon, Holy Grail, Exmortus and more.

Tracklisting:

“Aria
“Night Hides The World”
“The Lost Ones”
“Betrayal”
“I Live Again”
“The Accuser”
“The Moon Doors”
“Prophecy”

“Betrayal”:

“Night Hides The World”:

“I Live Again”:

Night Hides The World is available for physical pre-order via Prosthetic Records web shop at this location. The album will be offered on CD, limited-edition LP (black and opaque purple variants) and limited-edition cassette tape (purple variant). Digital pre-order's will also be available in the coming weeks.  

Spellcaster will continue to spread the word about their most visceral release to date this July/August as they have been announced to support label mates Holy Grail and Exmortus on The Fellowship Of The Strings tour. Full dates and details will be announced in the coming weeks.

Horror Pain Gore Death Productions have signed ultra violent wrestling maniacs, Eat The Turnbuckle, and are set to release their new EP entitled The Great American Bash Your Head In on August 5th on CD and digital formats. Eat The Turnbuckle are set to perform at this year's Wacken Open Air Festival to coincide with this release.

Official description: Eat The Turnbuckle! The kings of ultra violence make their long awaited Horror Pain Gore Death Productions debut with The Great American Bash Your Head In. Hailing from the hostile city of Philadelphia, Eat The Turnbuckle are the reigning death match rock and roll champions. Consisting of Chubb Rock, Shlak, Jag 13, Beerdust, Hook and TGO, these maniacs have over 100 years of combined musical experience from artists including The Bad Luck 13 Riot Extravaganza, Call The Paramedics, Crack House, Fuck Face, Hellblock 6 and Javelina

The Great American Bash Your Head In is a no holds barred, light tube smashing, panty dropping, thunderous drum pounding, fork to the face stabbing, alcohol swilling, table destroying, guitar riff shredding, foreign object wielding display of mayhem! Recorded by Dan at Panther Pro and mastered by Brad Boatright at Audiosiege, this is the 5th entry in the Price Slasher series that delivers high quality sickness at the lowest price possible.

Pre-order a physical copy of the EP here, or a digital version here.

Tracklisting:

“New World Order”
“Get The Tables”
“Make You Humble”
“Suplex City”
“Invader #1 Must Die”

“Suplex City”:

(Photo - Eat The Turnbuckle Facebook)

New Zealand death metal innovators Ulcerate have revealed the cover art and preliminary details surrounding their forthcoming fifth full-length album and follow-up to 2013's Vermis. Shrines Of Paralysis is due out via Relapse this fall (release date TBA soon). The cover art and tracklisting can be found below.

Shrines Of Paralysis tracklisting:

“Abrogation”
“Yield To Naught”
“There Are No Saviours”
“Shrines Of Paralysis”
“Bow To Spite”
“Chasm Of Fire”
“Extinguished Light”
“End The Hope”

Additionally, Ulcerate have announced a headlining North American tour with Icelandic dissonance-mongers Zhrine and Montreal death metal quartet Phobocosm. Ulcerate will also be performing two exclusive dates in New Zealand at the end of October before the tour's kickoff. A full list of dates is available below.

October
21 - Auckland, NZ - Kings Arms
22 - Wellington, NZ - San Fran

November (with Zhrine and Phobocosm)
2 - Los Angeles, CA - Complex
3 - San Francisco CA - Elbo Room
4 - Portland, OR - Panic Room
5 - Seattle, WA - Highline
6 - Vancouver, BC - Astoria
8 - Oakland, CA - The Golden Bull
9 - San Diego, CA - Brick By Brick
10 - Tempe, AZ - Yucca Tap Room
11 - El Paso, TX - Mesa Music Hall
12 - San Antonio, TX - Limelight
13 - Houston, TX - Acadia Bar
15 - New Orleans, LA - Siberia
16 - Gainesville, FL - Atlantic
17 - Tampa, FL - The Brass Mug
18 - Atlanta, GA - The Earl
19 - Richmond, VA - Strange Matter
20 - Baltimore, MD - Metro Gallery
22 - Philadelphia, PA - Boot & Saddle
23 - Boston, MA - Great Scott
24 - Montreal, QC - Piranha Bar
25 - Toronto, ON - Coalition
26 - Detroit, MI  - Corktown Tavern
27 - Chicago, IL - Reggies
28 - Pittsburgh, PA - The Smiling Moose
29 - New York City, NY - Saint Vitus

New extreme metal juggernaut, Oracles, featuring members of Aborted, Abigail Williams, Systems Divide and Dimlight have signed to French label Deadlight Entertainment for the release of their debut album. Check out the new track “Body Of Ineptitude”, featuring a guest appearance by Jeff Loomis (Nevermore, Arch Enemy) on guitar, streaming below.

Entitled Miserycorde, the album was mixed and mastered by Jacob Hansen (Epica, Volbeat) while it’s artwork has been done by Colin Marks from Rain Song Design (Nevermore, Exodus). The album will be released on July 1st. Pre-orders are available at this location.

Tracklisting:

“An Adagio For The Callous”
“The Tribulation Of Man”
“Catabolic (I Am)”
“Quandaries Obsolete”
“Scorn”
“Body Of Ineptitude”
“Remnants Echo”
“Canvas Of Me”
“S(k)in”
“The Beautiful People”
“We, The Indifferent”

“Body Of Ineptitude”:

"S(k)in":

“Quandaries Obsolete”:

“Scorn”:

Oracles is:

Sven De Caluwé (Aborted) - vocals
Sanna Salou (ex-Dimlight) - vocals
Mendel Bij de Leij (Aborted) - guitar
Steve Miller (ex-System Divide, Loculus) - guitar
Andrei Aframov (ex-System Divide) - bass
Ken Bedene (Aborted, ex-Abigail William) - drums

Greek progressive metal band, Sunburst, have released a video for the song “Lullaby”, featured on the band’s debut album, Fragments Of Creation, out now via Inner Wound Recordings.

The sound of Sunburst can be described as Dream Theater meets Nevermore and Conception, and with Fragments Of Creation they show that they are a force to be reckoned with.

"Symbol Of Life” playthrough video:

“Break The Core” playthrough video:

“Out Of The World” video:

“Dementia” video:

Sunburst are:

Vasilis Georgiou (Black Fate, Innosense) - Vocals
Gus Drax (Biomechanical, Paradox, Black Fate, Suicidal Angels) - Guitars
Kostas Milonas (Blacklegs, N.U.R.V, G.K Group) - Drums
Nick Grey (End Of Innocense, Jailcat) - Bass

Trick Or Treat will release their new album, Rabbits’ Hill Pt. 2, on July 8th. A new music video for “Never Say Goodbye”, which features guest vocalist Sara Squadrani of Ancient Bards, can be seen below:

Originally formed in 2002 as a Helloween tribute band, Trick Or Treat soon became a popular live attraction in their home country of Italy. After recording their first demo of original material, they were signed by an independent Italian label, Valery Records. In 2006 they released their first full-length album, entitled Evil Needs Candy Too, to critical acclaim. The band then spent the following two years on the road playing over 100 gigs in Europe and the USA. The band released their second album, Tin Soldiers in 2009.

Three years later, 2012 proved to be an important year for Trick Or Treat, firstly because singer Alessandro Conti was chosen by Luca Turilli's Rhapsody to be the lead singer on the album Ascending To Infinity and secondly, the band released their concept album Rabbits' Hill Pt.1, based on Richard Adams' novel Watership Down.

Four years on, the second chapter, Rabbit's Hill Pt. 2 is now finally finished and comes with the news of the band signing a worldwide, multi-album deal with Frontiers Music Srl. The recording sessions for the new album have been the longest the band has ever taken part in and the work with producer Simone Mularoni (DGM) captured all the intricate details of their take on power metal. For this album, the band added huge orchestrations and epic choirs mixed to their usual signature power metal sound, in order to sonically reflect all the epic adventures told through the lyrics. The musical vibes range from acoustic and melodic parts to darker, heavy metal anthems.

Once again on this new album, Trick Or Treat had the honour to work with great international guest musicians and friends like Tony Kakko from Sonata Arctica, Sara Squadrani from Ancient Bards and, in the role of the evil general Woundwort, Tim "Ripper" Owen (ex-Judas Priest ex-Yngwie Malmsteen).

Frontman Alessandro Conti on the new album: "After a long time spent on the production of the new album, we can finally confirm the official release date and the last guest singer. In addition to our friends Sara Squadrani and Tim “Ripper” Owens, we're so happy and proud to have our friend Tony Kakko on Rabbit's Hill Pt. 2 is an incredible honor for us! These guests did an amazing job, helping us to capture the perfect atmosphere of the concept taken from Richard Adam's novel Watership Down.

“We are so happy about the final result of our new album and we are excited about the new partnership with Frontiers, one of the most important rock labels in the world! This is really a great moment for Trick Or Treat! So don't miss the new album!!"

Tracklisting:

“Inle' (The Black Rabbit Of Death)”
“Together Again”
“Cloudrider"
"Efrafa”
“Never Say Goodbye”
“The Great Escape”
“They Must Die”
“Beware The Train”
“United”
“The Showdown”
“Last Breath”

“The Great Escape” video:

“Cloudrider”:

“United” lyric video:

Trick Or Treat is:

Alessandro Conti - Voice
Guido Benedetti - Guitars
Luca Venturelli - Guitars
Leone Villani Conti - Bass
Luca Setti - Drums

Portland’s Red Fang have released a video for the track "Blood Like Cream”, from the album Whales And Leeches, available via Relapse Records. The new clip, directed by Whitey McConnaughy, can be seen below:

Red Fang recently announced a run of headlining European and UK dates this coming fall. Direct support for the entire tour will come from label mates Torche, while God Damn will appear on the UK dates. A complete listing of dates is available below.

Red Fang recently completed recording their third full-length album with famed producer Ross Robinson (At The Drive In, The Cure, Sepultura) at Robinson’s Venice, California studio. The as-yet-untitled album is tentatively scheduled for a fall 2016 release, with more info to be announced shortly.

Red Fang tour dates (with Torche):

September
26 - Brighton, UK - Concorde 2*
27 - London, UK - Koko*
28 - Bristol, UK - Bierkeller*
29 - Leeds, UK - Leeds Stylus*
30 - Manchester, UK - Manchester Academy 2*

October
2 - Birmingham, UK - Institute 2*
3 - Glasgow, UK - Garage*
4 - Newcastle, UK - Riverside*
5 - Southampton, UK - Engine Rooms*
7 - Athens, Greece - Desert Fest
9 - Paris, France - Trabendo
10 - Munich, Germany - Strom
11 - Vienna, Austria - Szene Wien
12 - Berlin, Germany - Huxleys
13 - Cologne, Germany - Essingfabrik
15 - Leipzig, Germany - Conne Island
16 - Hamburg, Germany - Markethalle
18 - Odense, Denmark - Posten
19 - Oslo, Norway - John Dee
20 - Stockholm, Sweden - Debaser Medis
21 - Malmo, Sweden - KB
22 - Munster, Germany - Skater’s Place
23 - Karlsruhe, Germany - Substage
24 - Amsterdam, Netherlands - Melkweg (OZ)

* with God Damn and Torche

Red Fang previously released a music video in collaboration with students from My Voice Music at MVM Studios in their hometown of Portland, Oregon. Watch the clip for "Crop Circles" below:

Japanese avant-garde metallers Dir En Grey will release a new live Blu-Ray/DVD, entitled Arche At Nippon Budokan, on June 29th. Video footage for the track “Obscure” can be found below.

The release contains live footage from the band’s two-day performance at the Nippon Budokan on February 5th and 6th. Limited edition bonus content includes a third disc, in the DVD’s case, and second disc, in the Blu-ray’s case, featuring live performances from Japan and overseas, backstage footage, interviews with the members of the band and multi-angle as well as solo-angle recordings. It also includes a bonus CD with seven songs from their China Tour held in Beijing, Guangzhou and Shanghai, and eight songs from their national tour held on January 2016.

“Obscure”:

“Chain Repulsion”:

Trailer:

Orders for various packages can be placed at this location.

Rome, Italy-based progressive metal sextet, Kingcrow, have released a video for the track “If Only”, featured on the band’s sixth full-length studio recording, Eidos, out now via Laser's Edge division, Sensory Records. Find the clip below.

Eidos is a conceptual album about choices, consequences, dealing with regret and disillusion. As their Phlegethon album dealt with childhood, and In Crescendo about the end of youth, Eidos can be considered the third part of a trilogy about the path of life. Musically it sees the band exploring new territories and pushing the extremes of its complex soundscape with a darker atmosphere and a more progressive attitude.

Eidos was recorded at Sound Under Pressure in Rome, with the production handled by Diego Cafolla and Thundra Cafolla. Several guest appearances help create the album's new atmospheres, including saxophone provided by Stefania Bentivoglio on the track, "Slow Down", and piano by Fred Colombo of Spheric Universe Experience for the track, "The Deeper Divide". Mixed by Giampiero Ulacco and mastered by Alan Douches at West West Side Music in New York, the stunning production of the album is matched by visionary artwork by Cristian Nastasi/Devilnax. With over an hour of new material, Eidos is the next logical progression in the evolution of Kingcrow, and will open the next doorway for whatever lies ahead.

 

 

Tracklisting:

"The Moth"
"Adrift"
"Slow Down"
"Open Sky"
"Fading Out Pt. IV"
"The Deeper Divide"
"On The Barren Ground"
"At The Same Pace"
"Eidos"
"If Only"

"If Only" video:

"The Moth" video:

Album stream:

Eidos by Kingcrow

OF MICE & MEN has released "Pain", the blistering first track and video from the band's much-anticipated new album, "Cold World". The video was directed by Mark Lediard at J6 Films and can be seen below. "Cold World" is set for a September 9 release on Rise Records.

Fans can get "Pain" as an instant download by clicking here to pre-order the album. The full track listing for "Cold World" is:

01. Game Of War02. The Lie03. Real04. Like A Ghost05. Contagious06. -07. Pain08. The Hunger09. Relentless10. Down The Road11. +12. Away13. Transfigured

OF MICE & MEN (vocalist Austin Carlile, guitarist Alan Ashby, drummer Valentino Arteaga, vocalist/bassist Aaron Pauley and guitarist Phil Manansala) recorded "Cold World" with producer David Bendeth, who they worked with on 2014's "Restoring Force", which hit No. 4 on The Billboard 200 album chart and No. 1 on both the Billboard Top Independent and Top Rock Albums charts. Fans can catch the band performing "Pain" as part of their set on the upcoming summer arena tour with SLIPKNOT and MARILYN MANSON. The tour, which kicks off tomorrow at Nashville's Bridgestone Arena, runs through August 27 and will be followed by OF MICE & MEN's headlining U.K. tour, which begins September 30 in Birmingham. Over the course of the past few years, OF MICE & MEN has shared stages with artists such as METALLICA, LINKIN PARK and QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE, blanketed rock radio airwaves, garnered critical acclaim, amassed over 153 million Spotify streams, 20 million YouTube views and close to 5 million social media followers on the strength of an blistering sound and live show.

Austria's Mulatschag TV recently conducted an interview with bassist Paolo Gregoletto of Florida metallers TRIVIUM. You can now watch the chat below.

Speaking about how streaming has changed the way an increasing number of people now listen to music and the way it has affected record sales, Paolo said: "We're already well on our way to doing pretty good on [the streaming] front, and I think it keeps growing.

"I just am really excited where the next ten years goes — not only for our band but for music.

"I'm on the optimistic side of where streaming is gonna take music.

"I feel like people… People are not just being turned into consumers and buying stuff; it's more about discovery, about becoming what I feel like musicians have, which is you have such a love for music and discovering new stuff and trying new things. It's shifting that mindset on to the people that buy and stream. Make them love music, make them passionate about discovering.

"I think things are gonna change big time and for the better.

"I'm glad that we could be a part of it and that we're on the forefront of where music is gonna go from here on out."

Paolo also talked about the way technological advancements have given consumers access to music from a variety of portals while making it harder than ever for artists to make a living directly off their music.

"There's a lot to work out; there's a lot of unknowns and fears about it," the bassist said. "But you have to kind of find your way through it. It's never been easy.

"I don't think being in music has ever been… There was never a point where it was, like, well, you could just become a musician and it was like having a 9-to-5 job. You've gotta put a lot in, and you're risking everything without any guarantee or any safety net.

"For me, it's, like, well, if we're gonna be in this, let's really take advantage of everything that's coming out — whether it's technology in music, anything."

TRIVIUM's latest album, "Silence In The Snow", was released on October 2, 2015 via Roadrunner. The follow-up to 2013's "Vengeance Falls" was produced by Michael "Elvis" Baskette (SLASH, ALTER BRIDGE, THE AMITY AFFLICTION) and was mixed by Josh Wilbur (GOJIRA, LAMB OF GOD).

New TRIVIUM drummer Paul Wandtke made his live debut with the band on December 5, 2015 at Knotfest in Mexico.

"We're All Somebody From Somewhere", the title track of the debut solo album from AEROSMITH frontman Steven Tyler, can be streamed below. The country-tinged album will arive on July 15 via Big Machine Label Group's Dot Records.

The AEROSMITH frontman appeared on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" and spoke about the album, explaining: "I headed down to Nashville last spring to start working on this project, wrote some kick-ass songs with some of Music City's finest songwriters and now we get to share them with the world on July 15th."

He added: "Country music is the new rock 'n' roll. It's not just about porches, dogs and kicking your boots up. It's a whole lot more. It's about being real."

Tyler co-produced "We're All Somebody From Somewhere" with such heavyweights as T Bone Burnett, Dan Huff, Marti Fredriksen and Jaren Johnston.

Tyler spoke about the strength of the new material, telling Rolling Stone: "I believe y'all are gonna listen to this stuff and you're gonna agree with me that it fell from a star. I had nothing to do with this shit, it's just Nashville. There's something so magical about this town and me writing with all these people."

RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS' eleventh studio album, "The Getaway", has topped the charts around the world. The heralded studio effort from the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame inductees landed No. 2 on The Billboard Top 200, having shifted 118,000 equivalent album units in the week ending June 23. "The Getaway" debuted at No. 1 in Australia, Belgium, Ireland, Netherlands and New Zealand, with No. 2 debuts in the United Kingdom and Germany. RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS's music video for their current single, "Dark Necessities", can be seen below. The clip was directed by actress Olivia Wilde and features notable female long boarders Carmen Shafer, Amanda Caloia, Amanda Powell and Noelle Mulligan.

RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS frontman Anthony Kiedis stated about the band's decision to work with Wilde: "We received [her treatment] and it was very simple and it was about this dark and bruised side of these athletes, these female skateboard athletes and it was just easy and simple and we were trying to do simplicity." He added abut the experience: "I like it a lot. I like her a lot, I like the video a lot and I'd work with her again."

Wilde's only previous directing credit is a short film called "Free Hugs". Her acting resume includes roles on the TV series "Vinyl", "House" and "The O.C.", while her film credits include "The Lazarus Effect", "Her", "Tron: Legacy", "Rush", "The Change-Up", "Cowboys And Aliens" and many more.

CHILI PEPPERS bassist Flea told The Pulse Of Radio that "Dark Necessities" almost didn't become the first single. "I mean, I knew that was a good song," he said. "There was another one that was gonna be the first single and then we… Like, we already told the record company, 'Okay, we're gonna do this one,' and then we changed our mind and went to 'Dark Necessities'. But I'm glad we went with it. What I like about this record is that every song really occupies its own space, the songs don't repeat themselves, and that one was a great song. It's dynamic and it just feels great to play, you know. It has a real pull to it."

German power metallers PRIMAL FEAR are planning to release new concert DVD and CD in 2017. The band's producer and bassist Mat Sinner told Roppongi Rocks: "We've recorded a concert for a DVD and live CD, and this will be the next project. When we stop touring, we will mix it and this will be released next year. Last time we recorded a live album in America, so this time we said we'll do it in Europe."

PRIMAL FEAR's new album, "Rulebreaker", was released on January 29 via Frontiers Music Srl. The effort was made available in CD, deluxe CD/DVD and — in collaboration with Soulfood Music in Germany — on vinyl and a special super-limited vinyl edition featuring an eagle sculpture on the vinyl.

PRIMAL FEAR last year parted ways with Brazilian drummer Aquiles Priester (HANGAR, ANGRA) and replaced him with Francesco Jovino (U.D.O.). In addition, founding PRIMAL FEAR guitarist Tom Naumann — who had been touring with the group for a couple of years — had officially rejoined the band as a full member.

PRIMAL FEAR is:

Ralf Scheepers - VocalsAlex Beyrodt - GuitarMagnus Karlsson – Guitar, KeyboardsTom Naumann - GuitarFrancesco Jovino - DrumsMat Sinner - Bass, Vocals

Swedish metallers SABATON will release their eighth studio album, "The Last Stand", on August 19 via Nuclear Blast. The follow-up to 2014's "Heroes" was once again produced by Peter Tägtgren (PAIN, LINDEMANN, HYPOCRISY) and it "marks a brand new chapter in SABATON history," according to a press release.

The first trailer for "The Last Stand" is available below.

SABATON bassist Pär Sundström previously stated about "The Last Stand": "We once again worked with Peter Tägtgren in his newly upgraded and top-class Abyss studio in Sweden to record, produce and mix the album. The mastering [was] done by Jonas Kjellgren who also works in the same building in nice Pärlby on the countryside of Sweden. Both 'Carolus Rex' and 'Heroes' were done in the same way and we [felt] very comfortable to return to the same place and people again. Fans will recognize the sound of the album as SABATON, but we really feel we took it a step forward this time."

The artwork for "The Last Stand" was created by Peter Sallaí, who has worked with SABATON since "Carolus Rex". Sundström explained: "We had the idea to make an image reflecting soldiers of different times representing the different historical battles we sing about on the new album. This only reveals a small part of the album topics though."

Stated SABATON vocalist Joakim Brodén: "The concept of a last stand has always fascinated me, and both me and Pär were 'all in excited' about the subject so it was an easy choice to make."

Added Sundström: "We have always several ideas for albums to work with. Since there are countless different views and angles of war, we will, unfortunately, never run out of ideas. We kinda felt that the last stand was something perfect for SABATON. Something we really wanted to do. 'Heroes' was a perfect theme and 'The Last Stand' is right down our alley too. It was exciting to do the research."

"The Last Stand" will be available in the following editions:

- CD+DVD-Digi (including a concert DVD)- CD- Box (including earbook, 2LP Pic, 12" photo card, 12" poster, three plectra)- 2LP (black, clear, gold, yellow/blue)- Special edition (SABATON tank + box)- Digital

"The Last Stand" track listing:

CD+DVD-Digi

CD

01. Sparta02. Last Dying Breath03. Blood Of Bannockburn04. Diary Of An Unknown Soldier05. The Lost Battalion06. Rorke's Drift07. The Last Stand08. Hill 323409. Shiroyama10. Winged Hussars11. The Last Battle

Bonus:

12. Camouflage13. All Guns Blazing

DVD - Live @ Stereolux, Nantes (France)

01. Intro (The March To War)02. Ghost Division03. Far From The Fame04. Uprising05. Midway06. Gott Mit Uns07. Resist And Bite08. Wolfpack09. Dominium Maris Baltici10. Carolus Rex11. Swedish Pagans12. Soldier Of 3 Armies13. Attero Dominatus14. The Art Of War15. Wind Of Change16. To Hell And Back17. Night Witches18. Primo Victoria19. Metal Crüe

CD

01. Sparta02. Last Dying Breath03. Blood Of Bannockburn04. Diary Of An Unknown Soldier05. The Lost Battalion06. Rorke's Drift07. The Last Stand08. Hill 323409. Shiroyama10. Winged Hussars11. The Last Battle

Earbook

CD:

01. Sparta02. Last Dying Breath03. Blood Of Bannockburn04. Diary Of An Unknown Soldier05. The Lost Battalion06. Rorke's Drift07. The Last Stand08. Hill 323409. Shiroyama10. Winged Hussars11. The Last Battle

Bonus:

12. Camouflage13. All Guns Blazing14. Afraid To Shoot Strangers

DVD - Live @ Stereolux, Nantes (France):

01. Intro (The March To War)02. Ghost Division03. Far From The Fame04. Uprising05. Midway06. Gott Mit Uns07. Resist And Bite08. Wolfpack09. Dominium Maris Baltici10. Carolus Rex11. Swedish Pagans12. Soldier Of 3 Armies13. Attero Dominatus14. The Art Of War15. Wind Of Change16. To Hell And Back17. Night Witches18. Primo Victoria19. Metal Crüe

Live CD - Live @ Stereolux, Nantes (France)

01. Intro (The March To War)02. Ghost Division03. Far From The Fame04. Uprising05. Midway06. Gott Mit Uns07. Resist And Bite08. Wolfpack09. Dominium Maris Baltici10. Carolus Rex11. Swedish Pagans12. Soldier Of 3 Armies13. Attero Dominatus14. The Art Of War15. Wind Of Change16. To Hell And Back17. Night Witches18. Primo Victoria19. Metal Crüe

2LP - 45 RPM

Side A:

01. Sparta02. Last Dying Breath03. Blood Of Bannockburn04. Diary Of An Unknown Soldier05. The Lost Battalion

Side B:

01. Rorke's Drift02. The Last Stand03. Hill 323404. Shiroyama

Side C:

01. Winged Hussars02. The Last Battle

Side D (Bonus):

01. Camouflage02. All Guns Blazing

DAY OF ERRORS, the new three-piece band led by estranged BLACK SABBATH drummer Bill Ward, made its live debut last night (Saturday, June 25) at Gaslamp in Long Beach, California.

Video footage of DAY OF ERRORS performing the song "Vacant Church" at the concert can be seen below.

The group, which was formed by Ward "in the desire to have my drumming spirit continue to live," also features Joe Amodea on guitar/vocals and Nick Diltz on bass/lead vocals.

Ward says: "We play loud, hard, with overtures of gut-kicking heavy, heavy parts."

DAY OF ERRORS lineup is:

Joe Amodea - Guitar/VocalsNick Diltz - Bass/Lead VocalsBill Ward - Drums/Vocals

Guest musicians:

Walter Earl - PercussionAron Ward - Keyboards

Ward was on board for the SABBATH reunion when it was first announced in November 2011, but backed out soon after. He later claimed that he sat out the recording and touring sessions because of unfair contractual terms, although the members of SABBATH have hinted in other interviews that he wasn't physically up to the task.

SABBATH has used singer Ozzy Osbourne's regular touring drummer Tommy Clufetos since then for live work. RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE's Brad Wilk laid down the drum tracks on the band's comeback album, "13", which came out in June 2013.

It was rumored that SABBATH wanted to bring a second drummer on the road to share duties with Ward, which he allegedly balked at.

Asked in an interview with Rolling Stone magazine if he would be in shape right now to rejoin BLACK SABBATH, Ward responded: "Absolutely, yeah. I have no doubt in my mind. I know that they've suggested that I played half the gig, and I don't want to play half the gig. I'm quite capable of playing a complete fucking BLACK SABBATH set. So this health thing has been bandied around, and it's true that I have heart disease, and it's true that I did get sick a couple of years after the fact. But when the health card is being thrown around, the bottom line is that I really tried to take care of myself. Every day, I always look at the day and say, 'Could I have played a gig today no matter what's going on with me?' And the answer is always, 'Yes.' I'm much harder on me than those guys could ever be."

Ward in 2015 released his first solo album in 18 years. Titled "Accountable Beasts", the record can be purchased on iTunes.

MÖTLEY CRÜE guitarist Mick Mars joined Kenny Olsen on stage on June 23 at Ernie Ball Music Man Pickers' Paradise party at Mercy Lounge in Nashville, Tennessee to perform a couple of rock classics, including LED ZEPPELIN's "Rock And Roll" and "Hey Joe", written by Billy Roberts but popularized by Jimi Hendrix. Video footage of Mars's appearance can be seen below.

The Ernie Ball Music Man Pickers' Paradise party was part of the summer NAMM show, which s a musical instrument extravaganza, a gathering of the industry's top dealers who introduce their new products and organize star-studded events and concerts for the public to enjoy.

Mars earlier in the year released snippets of two new songs, apparently called "Gimme Blood" and "Shake The Cage". The tracks, which were recorded at Blackbird Studio in Nashville, Tennessee, also feature former MÖTLEY CRÜE singer John Corabi, who was featured on the band's 1994 self-titled album.

Asked what he planned on doing after MÖTLEY CRÜE retired from touring, Mars told Edmonton, Alberta, Canada's 100.3 The Bear radio station: "A solo record. People have been asking me for that for years and years and years. And 'Why hasn't Mick written a book?' So that, of course, is gonna be in the works. I haven't started anything or figured out who I want to write with me, or help me write it. But doing that kind of a thing. Putting together, probably, a cool band with some cool friends of mine and stuff, and going out and doing some… you know, a few weeks here and a few weeks there, touring… but not as the MICK MARS BAND; I won't do that. [Laughs] You'll see, like, a name, and you'll go, 'Hey, who's that?' 'I don't know' That's the name of the band."