Finnish melodic deathsters INSOMNIUM have been forging a very special release during the past few months. Titled "Winter's Gate", it is a concept album made up of one epic 40-minute song. The album is built around a short story, "Winter's Gate" ("Talven Portti" in Finnish), written by vocalist and bassist Niilo Sevänen, recipient of numerous Finnish awards and nominations. The compelling short story is about a group of Vikings who set out to find a fabled island west of Ireland, despite the treacherous winter drawing near.

The full story will be released together with the album as a book with translations in English, Finnish and German, and illustrated by the artist Teemu Tähkänen.

"Winter's Gate" is currently being mixed by Dan Swanö at Unisound AB studio in Sweden and will be out worldwide through Century Media Records on September 23. Upcoming tour dates for autumn and winter will be announced soon.

INSOMNIUM's latest album, "Shadows Of The Dying Sun", was released in April 2014 in North America via Century Media Records. All the drums were recorded at studio SF Sound with Kimmo Perkkiö while the rest of the instruments were laid down at studio Korkeakoski with Teemu Aalto. André Alvinzi of Fascination Street Studios took care of the mix, with Svante Forsbäck at Chartmakers overseeing the mastering. The artwork was once again created by Wille Naukkarinen.

Artistically imperious, instinctively forward-thinking and remorselessly creative, Satyricon have long since earned the right to be hailed as one of black metal’s most important and influential bands. And now they are to revisit the album that raised them from underground heroes to bold contenders on the world stage… the timeless and towering Nemesis Divina.

To herald the 20th anniversary of this most illustrious piece of dark art, Nemesis Divina will be re-released on May 20th via Napalm Records, newly remastered by Satyr himself and boasting upgraded and revamped packaging worthy of an album that has had a huge and enduring impact on both the black metal scene and underground heavy music in general. A full album stream can be found below.

Satyricon will return to celebrate the 20th anniversary of this seminal masterpiece with a never-to-be-repeated series of exclusive European shows, wherein the Norwegian trailblazers will perform the album in its entirety for the first and last time.

“It’s not what we do and it won’t happen again!” avows frontman and creative mastermind Satyr. “This band, as you know, is definitely not retrospective. But we started playing live in 1996. Our most groundbreaking milestone record came out in 1996.  It’s the only one that we still play several songs from in our set to this day… so if we're ever going to do anniversary shows, do a reissue and make it a big deal, it’s gonna be Nemesis Divina and it has to be now.”

When Satyricon released their third album in 1996, their status as one of the most significant and creatively vital bands in Norwegian black metal was already beyond dispute. But Nemesis Divina was no ordinary record or just another step along the road to infamy. Instead, this was a revolutionary and groundbreaking piece of work from a band that had suddenly hit their stride on every conceivable level. From its uniquely vibrant and impactful artwork, which broke every supposed rule in the black metal handbook with its vivid colours and refined aesthetic core, to the supremely confident and idiosyncratic songs and individual performances that heralded a newfound sophistication and a freshly incisive vision, Nemesis Divina almost single-handedly took black metal from its voluntarily shadowy and obscure origins into the glaring spotlight of the international metal scene. There are many classic albums to salute from the Norwegian scene of the early 90s and while the likes of Mayhem, Darkthrone, Emperor and Immortal undoubtedly share Satyricon’s esteemed position in the genre’s spectral hall of fame, it was arguably Nemesis Divina that most vigorously announced the arrival of this arcane musical phenomenon to the rest of the world, destroying the notion that black metal was an entirely self-contained and inward-looking subculture in the process. Most of all, however, Nemesis Divina showcased a band that finally had the skill and the musical intuition to back up the undeniable potency of their artistic vision. Sonically devastating and compositionally meticulous, songs like Mother North and The Dawn Of A New Age redefined what black metal was capable of, while proudly retaining the genre’s ageless essence and aesthetic values.

“Everything expanded tenfold with Nemesis Divina,” Satyr states. “For most people who liked the first two records, Satyricon climbed to a whole different level on Nemesis Divina and people really started to love the band. This album has a special place in our history. Suddenly we were selling 80,000 and then 100,000 records, and those numbers were unheard of in our small part of the world. That was the record that everyone that was into this scene wanted to buy. If you say there are two stages of evolution in black metal – the 80s, with Venom and Celtic Frost and Bathory, and then the 90s with the Norwegian stuff and everything followed in its wake – there are, at most, a handful of albums and a handful of songs that really define modern day black metal. Nemesis Divina is definitely one of those records and Mother North is definitely one of those songs.”

Nemesis Divina tracklisting:

“The Dawn Of A New Age”
“Forhekset”
“Mother North”
“Du Som Hater Gud”
“Immortality Passion”
“Nemesis Divina”
“Transcendental Requiem Of Slaves”

Album stream:

Nemesis Divina formats:

- Limited Edition Mediabook CD + extended Booklet incl. exclusive liner notes
- Limited Vinyl 1LP Gatefold + A2 Poster
- Limited Deluxe Box Set incl. Mediabook CD + 12” Picture Vinyl + 12” Slip Mat + A2 Poster

Pre-Orders are now available here.

Satyricon will then embark on a series of exclusive one-off shows, performing the record in full for the first and only time.

“Its 20 years since Satyricon made its live debut as a band, and 20 years since we released Nemesis Divina,” Satyr states. “I thought  ‘Either we do multiple shows, re-release the album and do it properly…or we don’t do it at all’. «So here we are. We’ll be performing Nemesis Divina, front to back, doing only a few exclusive shows and we look forward to sharing this unique experience with our loyal fans."

Tour dates:

June
10 - Norje, Sweden - Sweden Rock Festival     
18 - Dessel, Belglium - Graspop

July
8 - Harzgerode, Germany - Rockharz Festival    

August
12 - Jaromer, Czech Republic - Brutal Assault
13 - Graz, Austria - Metal On The Hill Festival
14 - Walton On Trent, UK - Catton Park
19 - Sinbronn, Germany - Summer Breeze
27 - Crispendorf, Germany - Wolfzeit Festival

Deadlock have released their new music video for the new track “Berserk”, from their upcoming Hybris album. Watch below:

Sabine Scherer has decided to leave Deadlock to have more time for her family and her two children. Margie Gerlitz has been confirmed as new permanent female singer in the band. Sabine has released a special farewell video for her fans and supporters, including the first audio sample with Margie! Check it out below:

Deadlock have risen from the ashes, scarred, but with their heads held high, fully fueled with new strength and their well-known passion for releasing their upcoming album, entitled Hybris.

Hybris is set to be released on July 8th via Napalm Records and turns out to be a multi-faceted monster in terms of both shape and content. At the same time it painfully digs through the latest events in the Deadlock camp. Despite the tragic death of founder and drummer Tobias Graf (immortalized with a moment of silence on the album) and the departure of singer Sabine Scherer (now replaced by Margie Gerlitz), the megalomaniac creative urge could not be suppressed.

Sebastian Reichl on Hybris: “Hybris is both powerlessness and hope, melancholia and confidence united, accounting for the past in the truest sense. The effort to meet your demons, to forgive and to find salvation with your own history. The release of dammed aggressions and wash away all fears. Put all wrath and anger in music and lyrics to fill with new passion. This is all what Hybris symbolizes and you can feel it every second on the album. It was our longest trip. Giving up was never an option.”

Hybris tracklisting:

“Epitaph”
“Carbonman”
“Berserk”
“Blood Ghost”
“Hybris”
“Wrath / Salvation”
“Backstory Wound”
“Ein Deutsches Requiem”
“Vergebung”
“Welcome Deathrow”
“Uncivil Hands” (Bonus Track)
“Fight Song” (Bonus Track)

Hybris finds its inseparable counterpart in a 90 min. DVD documentary, The Longest Road, that translates the album concept to visuals. The DVD tracklisting reads as follows:

Intro
Winter - Restart
Spring - Songwriting
Summer - Demo
Fall - Pre-Production
Winter - Recordings
Spring - Hybris
Credits

Deadlock have always been about extremes – and always will be! Fans love these Germans for every emotional force run through the raging depths of death metal, technical prowess, borderline pop-laden melodies, nods to classic metal, and casual flirtation with trance and beats. A gripping and blunt rollercoaster ride that sees light in the blackest night – and that is something only Deadlock can achieve!

See Deadlock live at these upcoming summer festivals:

July
3 - Basinfirefest - Spálené Porící, Czech Republic
7 - Rockharz - Ballenstedt, Germany
8 - Out & Loud - Geiselwind, Germany

August
19 - Summerbreeze - Dinkelsbühl, Germany
20 - Rockin' Rümmerschen - Wenden, Germany
26 - Metalacker Festival - Tennenbronn, Germany

Deadlock lineup:

Margie Gerlitz - Vocals
John Gahlert - Vocals
Werner Riedl - Drums
Ferdinand Rewicki - Guitar
Sebastian Reichel - Guitar
Christian Simmerl - Bass

"Clandestine Ways (Krokodil Rot)", the new video from San Diego-based deathgrind masters CATTLE DECAPITATION, can be seen below. The clip was once again directed by Mitch Masse, who previously helmed the band's video for "Your Disposal".

CATTLE DECAPITATION frontman Travis Ryan comments: "Mitch Massie once again hurls us into a nightmarish world of the eye for an eye table turning that CATTLE DECAPITATION lyrics exude, but this time in a much more surreal manner. Here we see the circus has come to town and with it a grisly 'freaks' exhibit featuring the barbaric aftermath of what the protagonists (the 'Ringmaster' and a freed 'specimen') have done to the leading researchers at Cosmeugenics Laboratories — a place where cosmetics testing is performed on earthen creatures all in the name of human vanity — but this time by completely incorrectly administering the clandestine, flesh-eating drug 'krokodil.' I'll leave out the horrific details as you'll have to see that for yourself!"

"The Anthropocene Extinction" came out last August via Metal Blade. The CD was once again helmed by Dave Otero (ALLEGAEON, CEPHALIC CARNAGE), who worked on 2012's "Monolith Of Inhumanity".

CATTLE DECAPITATION also enlisted a surprising array of guests to help achieve their vision. The one and only legendary Philip H. Anselmo lends his throat to "The Prophets Of Loss" while recent signee to his Housecore Records label, fellow San Diegan and friend of the band, AUTHOR & PUNISHER, brings forth the industrial damnation as an intro to the track "Plagueborne". Additionally, Germany's dark metal misanthrope, Mr. Jurgen Bartsch of the almighty BETHLEHEM, lends a spoken-word piece in his native tongue to the apocalyptic final track "Pacific Grim".

The record also sees the band extending their collaboration with illustrator Wes Benscoter, who's handled the artwork for every CATTLE DECAPITATION release since 2002's "To Serve Man".

"Father Of Lies", a brand new song from San Francisco Bay Area metallers DEATH ANGEL, can be streamed below. The track is taken from the band's new album, "The Evil Divide", will be released on May 27 via Nuclear Blast. The CD was once again recorded at AudioHammer studios in Sanford, Florida with producer Jason Suecof (TRIVIUM, DEICIDE), who previously worked on 2010's "Relentless Retribution" and 2013's "The Dream Calls For Blood". Mastering duties were handled by Ted Jensen at Sterling Sound in New York City. The cover artwork was created by Tyrrell and can be seen below.

DEATH ANGEL guitarist Rob Cavestany said: "Both Mark [Osegueda, vocals] and I had been tattooed by Bob, and when the subject of album artwork came up, we approached him to create the design. We wanted an image that would represent the idea of 'The Evil Divide'; something beautiful, yet simultaneously wicked, hence the death moth. Bob realized our vision with mere pencil and paper, and now we proudly present to you the cover art for our eighth studio album, 'The Evil Divide'."

Osegueda told SFWeekly.com about working with Suecof again: "It's the third time we've used him, and we couldn't really be happier."

He continued: "This time, all the music was written and lyrics were written with the exception of one song, which I purposely saved to write on the spot.

"Sometimes you can get a great vibe from a studio and draw inspiration from that. That song came out great."

Mark added: "It's got the aggressiveness of the last two records, but our songwriting has improved dramatically. Really, it sounds like DEATH ANGEL should."

Regarding DEATH ANGEL's mindset going into the songwriting process for the new CD, Osegueda told Rock Hard magazine: "When we started working with Jason Suecof for the last two records, 'Relentless Retribution' and 'The Dream Calls For Blood', we thought we were gonna do two records intense like that and kind of go back [to the more] melodic [direction of 1990's] 'Act III', but the last two records, we've been loving so much writing that style, and the crowds have been enjoying them so much.

"In our minds, even if we think we're being more brutal than we've ever been, it's inevitable that we are obsessed with melody, so there's always gonna be melody that separates us from, say, different thrash bands or extreme bands, because we always veer to a melody and catchy hooks. No matter how brutal we think we're being, we like to throw in hooks, so we're just gonna carry on how we're doing now and try to pick as many of the young punters there and keep our stronghold on the old punters."

"The Evil Divide" track listing:

01. The Moth02. Cause For Alarm03. Lost04. Father Of Lies05. Hell To Pay06. It Can't Be This07. Hatred United, United Hate08. Breakaway09. The Electric Cell10. Let The Pieces Fall

Bonus:

11. Wasteland

+ "Making Of" DVD

DEATH ANGEL will take part in a live performance and signing session on Thursday, May 26 at 5:00 p.m. at the Amoeba record store in San Francisco, California.

The official visualizer video for HATEBREED's new song "A.D." can be seen below. The track is taken from the band's latest album, "The Concrete Confessional", which was released on May 13 via Nuclear Blast Entertainment. The follow-up to 2013's "The Divinity Of Purpose" was produced by longtime collaborator Chris "Zeuss" Harris (ROB ZOMBIE, SUICIDE SILENCE, WHITECHAPEL) and mixed by Josh Wilbur (LAMB OF GOD, MEGADETH). The artwork was created by Marcelo Vasco (SLAYER).

A number of tracks provide a pragmatic look at issues that have become front-and-center in today's New Normal, and "A.D." is a case in point. Reflecting what is today a challenging time, it's a song that fuses together frustration with torrential thrashed-out guitars, double bass drums, and Jamey Jasta's immortal growl.

"'A.D.' was a way that I could voice my frustration about the loss of opportunities available to the average guy," said Jasta. "With the government and big business drowning in corruption and greed, the average person is being squeezed, so achieving the American Dream is becoming less and less real.

"We all need to pay closer attention to what our elected leaders are doing," Jasta added. "Start locally, in your own community, make your representatives accountable."

Regarding the "The Concrete Confessional" artwork, Jasta said: "I think da Vinci said it best when he said painting is poetry that is seen rather than felt, and poetry is painting that is felt rather than seen. Marcelo was able to capture a feeling that will accompany our musical and lyrical vision and he put together a striking piece that speaks volumes."

"The Concrete Confessional" track listing:

01. A.D.02. Looking Down The Barrel Of Today03. Seven Enemies04. In The Walls05. From Grace We've Fallen06. Us Against Us07. Something's Off08. Remember When09. Slaughtered In Their Dreams10. The Apex Within11. Walking The Knife12. Dissonance13. Serve Your Masters

HATEBREED's last album, "The Divinity Of Purpose", sold 17,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to land at position No. 20 on The Billboard 200 chart.

Seminal guitarist Punky Meadows (ex-ANGEL) is set to release his first-ever solo album, "Fallen Angel", on May 20 via Main Man Records. The offering will be the first new music from the guitarist in years and features the soaring guitars and arena-sized rock sounds for which Meadows and ANGEL came to be known.

The official video for the album's first single, "Straight Shooter", can be seen below.

Meadows commented: "It feels great to be back and I can't wait for all my fans to hear my new album. It's badass, rocks and every song will have you rockin' and singing along. This album is diversified and has something for everyone while still keeping true to form. Everyone who played on this record had amazing performances and made this album killer! We run the streets! This is the album you will be playing in your house, in your car, when you work out and anywhere else your ears will take you. Long live rock n' roll!"

"Fallen Angel" will be available in two formats. The standard CD will include a 16-page booklet which features previously unreleased images of Punky Meadows throughout the years. A very special limited edition will also be available which is autographed by Punky and includes two bonus tracks, one with ANGEL lead singer Frank Dimino, as well as an exclusive Meadows guitar pick. Both formats are available for sale at MainManRecords.com. Punky Meadows is best known as lead guitarist of the '70s band ANGEL (Casablanca Records). ANGEL, like labelmates KISS, were a highly successful theatrical band that headlined throughout the world, but was particularly successful in Japan. Punky was a huge influence to many musicians for not only his great feel, tone and unique style of guitar playing, but also his image that many have tried to emulate over the years. ANGEL released six albums on Casablanca before disbanding in 1981 due to the demise of the label. During his career, Punky had been sought after and asked to join such bands as KISS, AEROSMITH, NEW YORK DOLLS and Michael Bolton. Upon the disbanding of ANGEL, he occupied himself with successful business ventures while continuing to play guitar and write songs.

Through social media, fans have let him know that they want to hear from him and with his newfound passion in music and inspiration from close friend Danny Farrow Anniello, together they have written 15 new songs for "Fallen Angel".

In addition to Punky and Farrow, the band includes Felix Robinson (bass), Chandler Mogel (lead vocals), Bob Pantella (drums) and Charlie Cav (keyboards). Felix and Punky last worked together in ANGEL.

"Fallen Angel" track listing:

01. Descent02. The Price You Pay03. Straight Shooter04. Breathless And Jaded05. Loaded Gun06. Lost And Lonely07. Home Wrecker08. I Wanna Be Your Drug09. Leavin' Tonight10. Searchin'11. Something Strange12. Shadow Man13. Shake Shake14. Summertime Love15. Fallen Angel

Foghat comes full circle with their new album Under The Influence, released Friday, June 24th. Drawing from their collective musical influences, the band not only brought in some special guests from their past who helped launch and inspire the Foghat story, but also invited some new friends into the mix to continue the journey of this never idle band.  
 
They started recording at their Florida studio, Boogie Motel South in 2013. In addition to Foghat members Roger Earl, Craig MacGregor, Charlie Huhn and Bryan Bassett,  two additional figures helped shape the sessions - Buddy Guy alumni, Scott Holt, who lent a hand in the writing, and added fantastic guitar and vocals to several tracks, and Grammy winning producer/songwriter, Tom Hambridge.  
 
With their resident genius, guitarist Bryan Bassett at the helm, the project was going slow since Bryan was doing triple duty, playing, writing and recording the tracks, while in the midst of a Foghat tour. So Tom Hambridge came aboard. According to Roger Earl "I met Tom when presenting 3 awards to Buddy Guy and Tom (his producer) at the Memphis Blues Awards.  Tom said that he was a fan, and would love to produce a Foghat record. Putting that in the back of my mind, this was the perfect opportunity. Tom came down to Boogie Motel South to meet the band and we clicked and started writing together immediately. Working with him was inspirational!
 
During this time, an opportunity arose for some ‘other’ recording at Dark Horse Institute in Nashville for a friend's graduation project. Scott, Bryan and Roger recorded 6 tracks and a new ‘band’, ‘Earl and the Agitators’, with Scott Holt as lead guitar/vocals was born.  They are now playing some dates opening for Foghat with Roger and Bryan doing double-duty.  This great experience prompted Foghat to move the recording of “Under the Influence” to Dark Horse Studios where they brought in two of their major influences.
 
Foghat was ‘spawned’ from the British Blues band Savoy Brown in 1971, so it was fitting to ask Savoy founder and guitarist Kim Simmonds to join in.  
As Roger Earl puts it “Kim gave me my shot!” As soon as Kim started playing, everyone was mesmerized!
 
Included on this release is a new recording of ‘Slow Ride” to celebrate the 40th anniversary. They invited Nick Jameson, (original bass player and producer of “Slow Ride” on the 1975’ Fool for the City album) to play along with Foghat bassist Craig MacGregor who played bass on Foghat LIVE (1977). They had a blast, and Foghat lead singer, Charlie Huhn, was as usual at the top of his game with his incredible vocals and guitar work!
 
And to round out the project the amazing Dana Fuchs added some of her bluesy/sultry vocals to a couple of tracks!
 
Three years in the making, Foghat had fun with this record and the result is an eclectic blend of rock and blues with a little funk and R&B on the side for good measure. It showcases the combined talent of all of the members both in the writing and the playing. This band never stops!

Under The Influence tracklisting:
“Under The Influence”
“Knock It Off”
“Ghost”
“She’s Got A Ring In His Nose”
“Upside Of Lonely”
“Heard It Through The Grapevine”
“Made Up My Mind”
“Hot Mama”
“Heart Gone Cold”
“Honey Do List”
“All Because Of You”
“Slow Ride”

Teaser:

Dan Reed Network’s new album, Fight Another Day, will be released on June 3rd. The new song “Infected” is now available for streaming below.

Fight Another Day marks the return of one of the most infectious and gifted bands to come out in the melodic rock world in the second part of the 80's. The new album was recorded primarily in the home town of members of DRN, Portland, Oregon, while most of the writing process took place in Dan Reed's private studio in Prague in the Czech Republic, where Reed currently resides with his family. Demos were sent back and forth between Derek Shulman (A&R for Frontiers), Brion James, Melvin Brannon Jr. and Rob Daiker, making notes and refining the songs over great distances via the internet. This process was not unlike with DRN composed songs back in the late 80's and early 90's as Dan Reed used to demo out songs on his Akai 12 track machine and bring the songs into rehearsals where the band members would then arrange and flesh out the band's classic 'funk rock' sound.

After the tracking was completed, band's keyboardist Rob Daiker went to work editing and mixing each track alongside Shulman and Reed, sending mixes back and forth, making notes and shaping and moulding the album to best represent what DRN sounds like currently, while paying respect to what brought the band to the world's attention back in the late 80's.

"I thought it would be a great experiment and interesting challenge to revisit what endeared the band to so many back in the day and deliver a rock record with funk and soul elements, strong melodies, but this time around incorporate even edgier lyrics while not losing sight that this release needed to be uplifting, infectious, and most of all, powerful when performed live," says Dan Reed. "The title Fight Another Day'represents the fact that after 25 years we were able to gravitate back to the passion we discovered playing together all those years ago, and battle once more!"

The band looks forward to the world's response to this new labor of love, and this testament to the bonds of friendship and musical chemistry! Worldwide touring over the next twelve months will support the album release.

Fight Another Day tracklisting:

“Divided”
“The Brave”
“Infected”
“Champion”
“Ignition”
“Give It Love”
“B There With U”
“Save The World”
“Eye Of The Storm”
“Reunite”
“Heaven”
“Sharp Turn”
“Stand Tall”

“Infected”:

“Champion”:

“Divided” video:

EPK:

Tour dates:

June
4 - Oslo, Norway - Hard Rock Cafe (CD Release Show)
6 - Stockholm, Sweden - Gronalund
7 - Goteborg, Sweden - Liseberg
10 - Sweden Rock Festival - Friday, Main Stage
13 - Hamburg, Germany - The Rock Café - St. Pauli
15 - London, England - 100 Club (UK CD Release Show)

Dan Reed Network is:

Dan Reed - Lead Vocals, Rhythm Guitars, Piano, Synth Programming, Moog Bass
Brion James - Vocals, Lead and Rhythm Guitars, Synth Guitars, Synth Programming, Drum Programming
Dan Pred - Drums, Percussion, Videographer
Melvin Brannon II - Vocals, Bass, Acoustic Bass, Electric Contra Bass, Synth Bass
Rob Daiker - Vocals, Keyboards, Synth Programming, Drum Programming

Legacy Recordings, the catalog division of Sony Music Entertainment, will release Steve Vai's Modern Primitive / Passion And Warfare 25th Anniversary Edition, a celebratory 2CD collection of classic tracks and previously unreleased music, on Friday, June 24th. It is available now for pre-order (widget below).

Steve Vai and Legacy Recordings are commemorating the 25th anniversary of Passion And Warfare with a special 2CD edition of the album which includes the first-ever release of Vai's Modern Primitive songs and recordings. Based on song sketches and works-in-progress penned and recorded by Vai following the release of Flex-Able, his debut album, in January 1984, the music on Modern Primitive has been completed by Vai for release as a full album disc and the 2nd CD is the bonus remastering of the Passion And Warfare 25th Anniversary Edition.

"The music on Flex-Able is so vastly different from Passion And Warfare, one could wonder if the same guy actually made both records," Steve writes in his liner notes for the collection. "Modern Primitive is the missing link between these two records. It's sort of Cro-Magnon Vai."

Newly remastered from the original analog tapes, the Passion And Warfare 25th Anniversary Edition disc includes, as bonus tracks, four previously unreleased recordings from the Passion And Warfare sessions.

Modern Primitive / Passion And Warfare 25th Anniversary Edition is being released as a 2CD physical collection while each disc will be available as a separate title on all digital platforms.

The 2CD Modern Primitive / Passion And Warfare 25th Anniversary Edition will be housed in a 4-panel soft-pack with a 20-page Modern Primitive booklet and a 24-panel Passion And Warfare poster fold.

In addition to the first-time release of his "lost" Modern Primitive music, composer/producer and electric guitar virtuoso Steve Vai will celebrate the 25th anniversary of his landmark album, Passion And Warfare, with a world tour starting on May 28th featuring—for the first time ever in concert—full performances of his groundbreaking instrumental rock masterpiece in its entirety.

"Performing this record from top to bottom (with some very special surprises in the works) is something I've always dreamed of doing," Vai said.  "There are songs here I've never performed before, and I'm delighted that 25 years after its release, I feel as though my guitar chops are as much up to the task as ever before."

Often cited as one of the greatest and most influential instrumental rock guitar albums ever recorded, Vai's Passion And Warfare was originally released through Relativity/Epic Records in September 1990 and has been certified Gold by the RIAA. Inspired by a series of dreams Vai had experienced as a young man, Passion And Warfare has been described by the artist as "Jimi Hendrix meets Jesus Christ at a party that Ben Hur threw for Mel Blanc." Recorded at The Mothership, Vai's home studio in the Hollywood Hills, Passion And Warfare includes the classic track, "For The Love Of God," cited as one of the best solos of all time in a Guitar World magazine reader's poll.

Modern Primitive tracklisting:

“Bop!”
“Dark Matter”
“Mighty Messengers”
“The Lost Chord”
“Upanishads”
“Fast Note People”
“And We Are One”
“Never Forever”
“Lights Are On”
“No Pockets”
“Pink and Blows Over: Part 1”
“Pink and Blows Over: Part 2 (Mars Attack)”
“Pink and Blows Over: Part 3 (Jazzbo Paddle-foot)”

Passion And Warfare 25th Anniversary Edition tracklisting:

“Liberty”
“Erotic Nightmares”
“The Animal”
“Answers”
“The Riddle”
“Ballerina 12/24”
“For Love Of God”
“The Audience ls Listening”
“I Would Love To”
“Blue Powder”
“Greasy Kid's Stuff”
“Alien Water Kiss”
“Sisters”
“Love Secrets”
“Lovely Elixir” (Bonus)
“And We Are One” (Solo #2) (Bonus)
“As Above” (Bonus)
“So Below” (Bonus)

“Lovely Elixir”:

 

 

Steve Vai, age 12, picked up the guitar in 1973 and started taking lessons from Joe Satriani (another future guitar hero) shortly after. He soaked up influences ranging from Jeff Beck and Jimmy Page to Jimi Hendrix and Brian May and by the end of the 1970s, was transcribing guitar parts for Frank Zappa. He became a full member of Zappa's band in 1980.

Rapidly becoming one of the most in-demand, versatile, eloquent and soulful sidemen in the business, Vai recorded with Alcatrazz, Whitesnake, David Lee Roth and Public Image Ltd.

He launched his solo career with the release of Flex-Able, a homemade indie album, in 1984. Since 1990, he has recorded and released eight studio albums, eight live albums, two EPs, 12 soundtracks, 20 compilation albums, seven videos and more. Vai has won three Grammy Awards and earned 15 Grammy Award nominations.  He has appeared as a guest artist on more than 40 albums, playing with artists like Alice Cooper, Ozzy Osbourne, Gregg Bissonnett and Joe Jackson, among others.

Sony Music Entertainment and Legacy Recordings signed Steve Vai to an historic multi-album agreement in February 2015.

Guitar legend Paul Gilbert will release his newest record, I Can Destroy, on May 27th via earMUSIC on CD Jewel and digital. A snippet of the new song “Make It (If We Try)” is streaming below:

From platinum album sales and number one chart success as a founding member of Mr. Big, to frightening the guitar community with new levels of ferocious picking technique with shred-pioneers Racer X, to exploring punk, pop, classical, blues, jazz, and progressive instrumental styles in his solo career, Paul Gilbert has recorded a massive amount of stunning guitar music, all while circling the globe to play sold-out arenas from Japan to Jakarta.

Gilbert’s style stands out for its rare combination of accuracy, creativity, and power – all which are balanced with Paul’s sense of humour and pure love of music.

Although Paul is best known for his work with Mr. Big and Racer X, he has also toured with Joe Satriani’s G3, played in a host of tribute concerts with legendary drummer Mike Portnoy, and been integral in the design of his signature Ibanez PGM and Fireman guitars.

Paul’s legacy as a guitar instructor began when he was eighteen, when he was hired to teach at Hollywood’s Guitar Institute of Technology. His groundbreaking “Intense Rock” videos and DVDs have inspired legions of guitarists to improve their accuracy, speed, and phrasing. Years as a columnist for Guitar Player magazine, and most recently, Premier Guitar magazine, along with giving countless clinics, private lessons, and serving for five years as the dean of MI Japan, have given Paul Gilbert deep experience in the art of communicating music to all levels of guitarists.

Over 25 years in the music business have only increased Paul’s passion to explore the possibilities of music and the art of playing the guitar. Whether he’s playing to 10,000 fans or jamming one-on-one with a student, Paul Gilbert is living his childhood dream of taking the sounds in his head and bringing them into reality – on the electric guitar.

I Can Destroy is Paul’s next solo-masterpiece and will be his 18th solo album. The album features 13 very diverse rock-tunes. With Kevin Shirley producing, and an amazing band of Freddie Nelson and Tony Spinner on guitars and vocals, Kevin Chown on bass, and Thomas Lang on drums, Paul rocks with more power and emotion than ever before.

Tracklisting:

“Everybody Use Your Goddamn Turn Signal”
“I Can Destroy”
“Knocking On A Locked Door”
“One Woman Too Many”
“Woman Stop”
“Gonna Make You Love Me”
“I Am Not The One (Who Wants To Be With You)”
“Blues Just Saving My Life”
“Make It (If We Try)”
“Love We Had”
“I Will Be Remembered”
“Adventure And Trouble”
“Great White Buffalo” (Bonus Track)

"Everybody Use Your Goddamn Turn Signal" video:

“I Can Destroy”:

Reformed 80s hard rock/heavy metal legends, Q5, will release their third album, entitled New World Order, on July 8th. You can pre-order the album now via Amazon.com (widget below) or iTunes. Watch the new video for “The Right Way” below:

Q5 was formed in 1983, comprised of members of two popular Seattle bands: vocalist Jonathan K and guitarist (plus famous guitar tremolo inventor) Floyd Rose from The C.O.R.E. and Rick Pierce (guitar), Evan Sheeley (bass) and Gary Thompson (drums) from TKO. The band released its first album, Steel The Light (on Music For Nations) in 1984, receiving immediate worldwide critical acclaim, and landing them touring spots with Twisted Sister, Y&T and Lita Ford. The success of Steel The Ligh" led them to eventually sign with Polygram/Squawk for their 1985 sophomore release, When the Mirror Cracks. Due to personal differences, the original lineup dissolved shortly after this release.

In 2014, Q5 was asked to perform at Sweden Rock Festival, a performance that the band had agreed would be a "one off" show, but at the completion of the performance, it was obvious that this was not an ending, but merely a beginning. Upon returning to Seattle, The band secured drummer Jeffrey McCormack (former Heir Apparent, Fifth Angel) and guitarist Kendall Bechtel (former Fifth Angel) and began rehearsing formally as Q5. The band's relaunch debuted at the Rock You To Hell Festival in Athens, Greece followed by a headlining performance in Cyprus. The band then returned to Seattle to begin work on music for a new album. Kendall Bechtel, however, was unable to stay with the band due to personal reasons, so the band secured guitar virtuoso Dennis Turner to complete the lineup.

So, while the band’s debut album, Steel The Light  continues to grow in popularity all over the world, the fans are writing from all corners of the globe, eagerly inquiring about the next chapter in the Q5 story. That chapter begins NOW. With their new lineup solidified, and a new album slated for release, Q5 is poised to take its rightful place again in the hard rock/heavy metal hierarchy.

New World Order tracklisting:

“We Came Here To Rock”
“One Night In Hellas”
“The Right Way”
“New World Order”
“Tear Up The Night”
“Halfway To Hell”
“A Prisoner Of Mind”
“Unrequited (A Woman Of Darkness And Steel)”
“Just One Kiss”
“Fear Is The Killer”
“Land Of The Setting Sun”
“A Warrior’s Song”
“Mach Opus 206” (Instrumental)
“Get Next To You” (Bonus Track)

Trailer:

Q5 lineup:

Jonathan Scott K.: Vocals, Background Vocals
Rick Pierce: Lead Guitars, Rhythm Guitars
Dennis Turner: Rhythm Guitars, Lead Guitars, Background Vocals
Evan Sheeley: Bass Guitar, Backgr. Vocals
Jeffrey Mccormack: Drums And Percussion, Background Vocals

 

 

The Guardian’s Peter Robinson recently spoke with KISS bassist/singer Gene Simmons about touring, politics, the KISS Rocks Vegas concert film and more.

Asked why KISS haven’t had a platinum record since the 80s, Simmons responds: “It is what it is; the people speak. That’s the beginning and end of it. I will say that I think, in hindsight, we never spent enough time in the studio. We’ve always been more of a live band. Personally, I don’t have the patience to be in the studio. I admire bands like Pink Floyd and the Beatles who’d spend enormous amounts of time honing their craft, but I don’t have that DNA in my system. Some bands are more about being live. You want to get in there, bang it out and go out and play.”

Asked what happens in KISS Rocks Vegas, coming to cinemas later this month, Gene says: “We were going to try some new technology for our show and we planned to rehearse in Vegas and set up the stage, then we figured, if we have the place for 10 days, why don’t we do 10 concerts in front of a live audience? We tried descending on a flying saucer thing from the back of the hall. There was no net; if you fall, you die. We only did that once or twice. I still fly up to the top of the rafters and spit fire – there’s enough life-threatening stuff during the show without adding something else.”

Read the full interview at TheGuardian.com.

KISS fans around the world - prepare yourself for one crazy, crazy night as KISS Rocks Vegas hits up a cinema screen near you on May 25th for one night only! Expect sky high flames, ear-bursting volume and a few drops of blood! Includes exclusive interviews with the band and footage you will only see in the cinema. An extended movie trailer can be found below.

 

 

In November 2014 a helicopter landed at the infamous Hard Rock Hotel as KISS invaded Las Vegas for an historic nine-show run. Now, for one night only on May 25th, fans will be able to experience this spectacular night for themselves as KISS Rocks Vegas hits cinemas across the globe.

Book your tickets at KissMyCinema.com.

RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS frontman Anthony Kiedis "will be back better than ever," according to the band's drummer, Chad Smith. The singer was rushed to a hospital on Saturday night (May 14) with severe stomach pains, forcing the group to cancel that night's performance at a radio festival in Irvine, California as well as a show on Tuesday evening (May 17) in Burbank. They later announced that Kiedis was stricken with intestinal flu.

Smith spoke to Radio X about Kiedis's health and confirmed RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS will return to the stage for their scheduled gig at Ohio this weekend.

"His stomach was killing him [and] It was really scary," the drummer said. "So we went directly to the hospital and we were really upset we couldn't play for the fans, but also more worried about him.

"I really appreciate all the well wishes. People sent so much stuff."

Referring to all the tragic deaths the in the world of music this year, Smith added: "I know everyone's freaked out when they hear about another musician going into the hospital. It's been such a rough year.

"He's a very strong man and he"ll be back better than ever."

The CHILI PEPPERS are expected to perform this Sunday (May 22) at the Rock On The Range festival in Columbus, Ohio.

The quartet's new album, "The Getaway", arrives on June 17. The band issued the first single, "Dark Necessities", earlier this month.

Almanac, the symphonic metallers led by ex-Rage guitarist Victor Smolski, unleashed their debut album, Tsar, in March via Nuclear Blast. This was followed by their first successful European tour with Orden Ogan and Manimal.

Today the band present another song off that record in the form of a lyric video for “No More Shadows”. Watch it below:

Other things are also rapidly moving to the next stage for guitarist Smolski: Invited by motorsport legend Armin Schwarz and the Subaru Team, Victor will take part in ADAC Zurich 24h Race 2016 at Nurburgring, the legendary "Green Hell", next week. About 160 teams, more than 600 pilots and about 200,000 spectators are expected.

Victor: "After many weeks of hard training, I really look forward to take part in the 24h Race at Nurburgring for the tenth time! After special coaching by rallye legend Armin Schwarz, taking part in rallye and nascar events, a lot of sports in the mountains, on the water and on stage with Almanac, I'm ready for the next challenge."

Info:
Victor Smolski, Armin Schwarz, Lutz Richter, Ingo Bender
Subaru BRZ
No. 168
Box No. 21
Group - VLN Production Cars
Class - V 3

More info here.

Watch the race on German TV.

RTL NITRO:
Thursday, May 26th - 22-45 - 23.45 CET
Qualifying
Friday, May 27th - 19.30 - 21.10 CET
Top 30 Qualifying
Saturday/Sunday (May 28th/29th) - 15.00 - 16.50 CET + 01.00 CET
The Race

RTL:
Saturday, May 28th - from 15.25 CET
Race Start
Sunday, May 29th - from ca. 15.45 CET
Summary: Finish & Victory Ceremony