Glenn Danzig will release his long-awaited covers record, "Skeletons", in November via Evilive Music. The CD, which was recorded with PRONG guitarist/vocalist Tommy Victor and former TYPE O NEGATIVE drummer Johnny Kelly, will include the former MISFITS frontman's take on songs by BLACK SABBATH ("N.I.B."), ZZ TOP ("Rough Boy"), THE TROGGS ("A Girl Like You"), THE EVERLY BROTHERS ("Crying In The Rain") and others.

A preview of the "Skeletons" cover artwork, featuring Glenn and model Kayden Kross in "Skullface," can be seen below.

Asked how he decided which songs to cover on "Skeletons", Glenn told LasVegasMagazine.com: "I just start thinking of what songs I want to record, especially for the covers record. What do I want to cover? Can I bring a new element to it? Can't just be songs I like. It's got to be songs I like and that I think I can give a new direction to, and bring a new dimension to."

He continued: "That's my attitude with covers. Unless you're going to do something different with it and give it a new life, or give it a new dimension, leave it alone. It's going to be judged against the original anyway. If you just try to record it exactly like the original, everyone's just going to like the original better because they've heard it a million times. Also, why cover it if all you're going to do is just cover it? At least that's my opinion, and that's why if I'm going to cover a song, I'm going to give it a new life, new dimension, new feeling. Do something different with it."

Danzig also spoke about some of the other tracks that were recorded for "Skeletons". "[There is an] Elvis cover, of course. It wouldn't be a DANZIG covers record unless there was an Elvis and a SABBATH track. The Elvis cover I did was 'Let Yourself Go'. There's two biker movie theme songs from the old A.I.P. (1950s-1970s low-budget, independent film company American International Pictures) movies that I covered, 'Devil's Angel' and 'Satan's Sadists'. Then there's a RASCALS cover on there, an AEROSMITH cover. A lot of people have been like, 'Wow, this is all over the place,' but it gives insight into some stuff that I listen to."

According to Glenn, the full skull makeup which he wore for the first time since his MISFITS days nearly 40 years ago for the "Skeletons" photo shoot was inspired by legendary singer-songwriter David Bowie.

"One of my favorite covers records is David Bowie's 'Pinups' and I wanted to do a take on that and the record is called 'Skeletons' so I decided I'd do the skull face," he told OC Weekly.

Photo credit: Corey Soria

Shadowside vocalist Dani Nolden has checked in with the following news:

"We're working on the new album and once again, we will record it in Gothenburg, Sweden, with producer Fredrik Nordström, who worked with us on the Inner Monster Out album. More details and the recording date will be announced soon!"

Nordström, one of the guitarists in Dream Evil, is perhaps better known as a producer and has worked with bands including At The Gates, In Flames, Sinergy, Arch Enemy, Soilwork and Dark Tranquillity.

For information and updates on Shadowside go to their official Facebook page here.

In 2014, Shadowside released a video for the song "Habitchual", one of the main songs from the album Inner Monster Out.

The rustic Historical Center of Santos was the chosen stage. The story is about the suffering of people enslaved by all kinds of addictions such as technology, drugs and sex. The main actress on the video is Rida Principessa.

Production and direction of the video was designed by Studio Kaiowas. In charge of co-direction and script was Vitor Telles, graduated from the first class of Cinema of Unimonte (Monte Serrat University), who developed this material for his term paper.

New Jersey death metallers, Fit For An Autopsy, have released a new lyric video, for the track “Murder In The First”. The new song is the third track the band has released from their forthcoming new LP, due October 2nd via eOne / Good Fight Music.

The band previously released a lyric video for the track “Saltwound”.

The group recently released their music video for the song "Absolute Hope Absolute Hell”, the title track from their forthcoming new LP. "Being able to bring a visual representation of our art to the fans is a big deal to us," says guitarist and producer Will Putney.

Directed by Max Moore, this is the first music video the band has ever done. Putney continues, "Working with Max Moore allowed us to do that easily. We couldn’t be happier with the outcome and are really excited to finally release Fit For An Autopsy’s first ever music video."

Guitarist and producer Will Putney summed up the new album best, saying, "It's our new and fresh approach to aggressive music, not a half-hour of blast beats and breakdowns."

While some heavy music fans love cliche, there has to be something more to add depth, breadth, scope, and staying power, and Fit For An Autopsy used that as a guiding principle for Absolute Hope, Absolute Hell. During the writing process, the band expanded their musical horizons and had the confidence to know that they possessed the skills to do something both different and inspired. That may sound very conceptual and esoteric, but once you turn the knobs as far to the right as they will go for Absolute Hope, Absolute Hell, which was self-produced at The Machine Shop, it will all become clearer.

Tracklisting:

“Absolute Hope Absolute Hell”
“Wither”
“Saltwound”
“Murder In The First”
“Storm Drains”
“Ghosts In The River”
“Mask Maker”
“Hollow Shell”
“Out To Sea”
“False Positive”
“Swing The Axe”

Teaser:

The band is gearing up for quite a touring cycle through the end of the year into 2016. The first batch will be with label-mates Unearth in Canada. Click here for all tour dates.

(Photo: Bobby Bates)

Shatter Messiah guitarist Curran Murphy has issued the following update. 

"Mastering and sequence for the fourth Shatter Messiah album is complete! There are also three bonus tracks from a writing and recording session from over two years ago that we will be releasing and that you can get your hands on very, very soon. Artwork and photos will be getting wrapped up today and sent off to Sleazy Rider. Get ready!"

This update was following by a message to the fans from Shatter Messiah drummer Robert Falzano:

"Okay, so I'm sitting here proofing and trying to relearn the new Shatter Messiah material in preparation for some possible live dates....

First of all, Curran did an EXCELLENT job producing and mastering this new record, which should be out in October (I believe) on Sleazy Rider Records.

Second, this material is friggin' ridiculous! WTF were we thinking when we wrote this?!?!?

Third, Curran tells me 'try to relearn it on a 5 piece kit!' HA HA HA! More than half of this material is insanely bizarre poly-rhythmic Terry Bozzio style drums parts written for a 48+ piece drum set! So I can 'realistically' play 6 out of 11 tracks on a 5 piece kit. F.M.L."

Stay tuned for updates and a Falzano status report as he relearns the material....

Shatter Messiah's first two albums Never To Play The Servant and God Burns Like Flesh were released by Dockyard 1 and their third album, Hail The New Cross, was released in October 2013 by Mausoleum Records.

Greek black metal legends, Varathron, are gearing up to release a new seven-track EP, called The Confessional Of The Black Penitents, this October 23rd on Agonia Records. The Confessional Of The Black Penitents features three brand new tracks and four songs recorded live, with a total playing time of 40 minutes.

The live tracks were recorded in Larisa (Greece) on May 16th, 2015 and mastered by Achilleas Kalantzis (guitars). Tracks 2 and 3 have been recorded and mixed at Infinite Loop Music Studio (Greece) and mastered by Tom Kvålsvoll at Strype Audio (1349, Arcturus, Darkthrone, Emperor, Code, Ulver) in Norway.

The front cover artwork and layout include paintings by Carlos Schwabe (July 21, 1866 - January 22, 1926); a Swiss Symbolist painter and printmaker.

The band commented: "Infernal warriors we salute you! The Abyssic Black Cult strikes again! "The Confessional... " is the closing chapter of "Untrodden.." era. Featuring three brand new tracks of amazing occult atmosphere. For the first time we also include four live tracks from our show in Greece in 2015. Classic masterpieces from the dark past like "Unholy Funeral" and "Cassiopeia's Ode" will be unleashed upon you!”

The EP will be available in:
- limited eko-pack (1000 copies),
- gatefold black MLP,
- gatefold colour MLP with poster (limited to 166 copies),
- digital formats,
- t-shirt and hsw.

Pre-orders here.

Tracklisting:

“The Confessional Of The Black Penitents”
“Sinister Recollections”
“Utter Blackness”
“Unholy Funeral” *
“Cassiopeia's Ode” *
“Descent Of A Prophetic Vision” *
“Kabalistic Invocation Of Solomon” *

* recorded live

“Sinister Recollections”:

Varathron's early albums are considered to be the cornerstones of the Hellenic black metal scene, alongside the releases of Necromantia and Rotting Christ, with whom the group shared members as well as similar fascination towards early style. Since their inception back in 1988, the band's trademark are mid-paced riffs that have a classic, old-school feel strengthened by a progressive view, as well as epic atmospheres that only few can match.

Band's last full-length album, Untrodden Corridors Of Hades, had its premiere in November 2014, after a five year break. More news on The Confessional Of The Black Penitents will follow shortly.

 

Bangalore-based stoner/doom metal quintet Bevar Sea will release its sophomore album Invoke The Bizarre worldwide on October 31st. Pre-order the album at Bandcamp. The track “Bury Me In NOLA” is now streaming below.

In November 2014, after a 10-day whirlwind session at Adarsh Recording Studio in their hometown, the band completing the challenging task of following up such a well-received debut album. Invoke The Bizarre sees a musically maturing Bevar Sea in exploration of new sonic territories while remaining rooted in stoner and doom metal. The album was then mixed and mastered by Matt Lynch from LA's Mysterious Mammal Recording between April and August 2015.

Invoke The Bizarre tracklisting:

“Bearded And Bizarre”
“Bury Me In NOLA”
“Sleeping Pool”
“Where There’s Smoke (There’s A Pyre)”
“Heathen”
“Grand Alignment”

“Bury Me In NOLA”:

“Where There’s Smoke (There’s A Pyre)”:

“Sleeping Pool”:

Five days ahead of its September 25th release, Mantric, the Norwegian progressive metal trio comprised of former members of Extol, are streaming their new album Sin in it’s entirety (listen below).

Sin will be released on vinyl and digital download through Loyal Blood Records. The follow-up to the band’s debut album The Descent, released in 2010 by Prosthetic Records, was recorded between Subsonic Society Studio with Tommy Akerholdt (Turbonegro) overseeing the drums/guitars tracking and Cipralexed Studio with Tor Magne Glidje handling bass, guitars, synths and vocals recordings. The nine-track album was later mixed and mastered by Jack Shirley at The Atomic Garden in San Francisco.

Pre-orders for "Sin" are available at this location.

The cover artwork was designed by Linda B Rønning.

Tracklisting:

“FaithFaker”
“On The Horizon”
“Give Me Eyes”
“Arrogance vs. Anxiety”
“Die Old”
“Maranatha”
“Anhedoniac”
“In The Shadow Of My Soul”
“Black Eyes”
 

Mantric is an experimental prog trio from Oslo, Norway comprised of three-fifths of underrated metal innovators Extol, vocalist/guitarist Ole Sveen, guitarist/vocalist Tor Glidje and bassist/vocalist John Mjåland. The three have been playing together for more than 20 years now, first in progressive black-metal group Lengsel, then in prog-metal innovators Extol, having contributed to the band’s classic and final album “The Blueprint Dives”, before disbanding in 2007.

Formed in that same year, Mantric pick up where they left off on The Blueprint Dives, determined to push boundaries and avoid easy categorization. The band’s debut album under the name Mantric, The Descent, was released in 2010 and clearly reflects such unbreakable artistic vision, fusing a unique, experimental metal and post-punk sound with some challenging and powerful proggy tones, though this new incarnation sounds more refined and cultivated than before.

Now five years later, Mantric are set to return with their second full-length titled Sin, a defining step forward in their evolution as a band that have always followed their own path and as individual artists that have always aimed higher than the vast majority of their peers.

(Photo - Fred Arne Wergeland)

Spin recently caught up with Iron Maiden frontman Bruce Dickinson to discuss the band's new album, The Book Of Souls. An excerpt from the interview is available below:

Spin: It’s really fascinating how Maiden’s music has spread all over the globe.

Dickinson: "Obviously, we’re very pleased, and the new album I think it’s gonna cement the relationship we have with all the fans, especially new ones who’ve joined us in the last 4-5 years."

Spin: Do you feel a responsibility to get younger people into Maiden?

Dickinson: "I don’t see it as a responsibility, I just see it as something that hopefully comes naturally. People who like what we do find out about the new record."

Spin: You do see old-schoolers taking kids to their shows now.

Dickinson: "Occasionally, you might see somebody like that. But if that’s taking place, I don’t think it’s taking place nearly as much as people think it is. Our audience, the core audience that really keeps the live scene alive, is 15-to-25-year-olds. The front rows of our shows in most places in the world are populated by much, much younger kids."

Spin: That’s pretty important.

Dickinson: "You see, as a band, you get feedback from the audience and it spurs you onto greater things on stage. If I turned up and the audience was a bunch of people my age I think I’d go home and shoot myself."

Spin: I suppose that goes to a bigger question – how has Iron Maiden continued to stay relevant for so long?

Dickinson: "Because we do what we do honestly. We don’t pander to commercialism, we ignore fashion, we don’t know how to be cool, and we don’t care. And it’s all about the music."

Go to this location for the complete interview.

Iron Maiden’s The Book Of Souls World Tour will open in the US in late February with Ed Force One flying in for three shows before, in early March, heading into Central America visiting Mexico, followed by a much anticipated first ever concert in El Salvador and a return to Costa Rica. Ed Force One then proceeds into South America for concerts in Argentina, Chile and a number of shows in Brazil before flying back to the USA at the end of March for ten more cities covering the USA and, of course, Canada in the first two weeks of April.

A long awaited return to Japan follows later in April, and then the band are delighted to be playing their first ever shows in China before heading to New Zealand and Australia for a comprehensive tour during the first half of May. Shows in South Africa, Maiden’s first visit there with Bruce, will be the last port of call before Ed Force One heads to Europe for a very extensive tour starting in late May and finishing in early August. This will the first time Ed Force One has ever been used on any European Tour dates (other than Bruce’s Fan Club trips to shows) and will provide transport there for at least for the first few weeks.

Dates announced so far can be found here (with ticket links). Check out a new video ad for the tour, streaming below:

Iron Maiden’s The Book Of Souls has given BMG’s recorded music operation its best first-week album sales in the US market since the Bertelsmann-owned firm relaunched as an independent in 2008, reports Music Business Worldwide.

According to Nielsen Soundscan, the record sold more than 75,000 units in its opening week, landing at #4 on the Billboard 200 and #3 on the SoundScan albums chart (which excludes streaming data). That’s the UK metal group’s best sales performance since Nielsen Soundscan began monitoring the industry in 1991.

BMG, which announced its entry into the frontline of the US recorded music business less than 18 months ago, acquired Iron Maiden’s recording rights following its buyout of Sanctuary Records in 2013.

Read more at Music Business Worldwide.

Iron Maiden are back at the top of the Official Albums Chart in the UK this week with The Book Of Souls, reports OfficialCharts.com.

The veteran heavy metal rockers’ 16th studio album lands straight in at #1 with combined sales of just over 60,000. The band, led by Bruce Dickinson, last topped the charts in summer 2010 with The Final Frontier.

The Book Of Souls also tops this week’s Official Vinyl Albums Chart. The record gained attention after Tesco trialled sales of vinyl with the LP in their 55 biggest stores this week; though it proved equally as popular in independent record shops, also entering at #1 on this week’s Official Record Store Chart.

Iron Maiden’s recently released new video for "Speed Of Light" racked up over 3.2 million views in just three days, and is now pushing the 4 million mark. Written by guitarist Adrian Smith and vocalist Bruce Dickinson, "Speed Of Light" is taken from their new double album The Book Of Souls, due for global release on September 4th through BMG in North America. New behind-the-scenes footage on the video can be seen below.

The video was produced and directed by Llexi Leon with animation and visual effects by The Brewery Production Company. A huge Iron Maiden fan, this is Llexi Leon’s first music video. Creator of the cult comic book series Eternal Descent – an IP that digitally animated a cast list of metal and hard rock luminaries, Leon has further expanded into the video gaming industry. He chose to collaborate with The Brewery who’s previous film credits include 2010’s punk-rock inspired Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll with Andy Serkis, 2012’s music festival themed Spike Island with Emilia Clarke & more recently were providing VFX for the Sky Atlantic biopic on Ian Fleming.

The video is an homage to four decades of video gaming juxta-posed alongside Iron Maiden’s 40 years of incredible visual canon centring on their talisman, Eddie, as he travels through space and time to complete his Herculean task.

Behind-the-scenes footage:

“Speed Of Light” video:

The Book Of Souls was recorded in Paris with their longstanding producer Kevin “Caveman” Shirley in late 2014, with the finishing touches added earlier this year. However, the band decided to delay its release so that vocalist Bruce Dickinson, who was recently given the all-clear from a tumour, would have time to recuperate sufficiently to join in the preparations for the album’s launch.

The stunning cover art was created by Mark Wilkinson who has worked with the band previously, and because this 11 track album has a total running time of 92 minutes, it is Iron Maiden’s first ever double studio album. There’s a broader split on the song-writing compared to previous Maiden records, with bassist and founder member Steve Harris contributing to seven of the tracks; six of them with Maiden’s guitarists and one sole composition. This is also the first time since 1984’s Powerslave that an Iron Maiden studio album also features two tracks written solely by Bruce Dickinson, one of which is the longest song Maiden has ever recorded! And also two Dickinson/Smith collaborations.

Steve comments: “We approached this album in a different way to how we’ve recorded previously. A lot of the songs were actually written while we were there in the studio and we rehearsed and recorded them straight away while they were still fresh, and I think that immediacy really shows in the songs, they have almost a live feel to them I think. I’m very proud of The Book Of Souls, we all are, and we can’t wait for our fans to hear it, and especially to take it out on the road next year!”

Bruce continues: “We’re really excited about The Book Of Souls and had a fantastic time creating it. We started working on the album in late summer 2014 and recorded it at Guillame Tell Studios in Paris, where we’d done the Brave New World album back in 2000 so the studio holds special memories for all of us. We were delighted to discover the same magical vibe is still alive and very much kicking there! So we immediately felt at home and the ideas just started flowing. By the time we’d finished we all agreed that each track was such an integral part of the whole body of work that if it needed to be a double album, then double its going to be!”

Legendary rocker Alice Cooper has voiced all the characters for upcoming audiobook "Peter And The Wolf In Hollywood". The tale is based on Russian composer Sergei Prokofiev's children's composition "Peter And The Wolf".

Alice is delighted with the story’s modern-day twist. "I love the fact that it's moved on, and that Peter has come to Los Angeles to meet his grandfather, who turns out to be an old hippie!" he says. "That gives the story a fresh dynamic. And I like that he's not in the least bit terrified by the wolf, when everybody else is freaking out."

"Peter And The Wolf In Hollywood" is set in modern-day Los Angeles and anchored with a thrilling prequel — set off by the wolf’s escape from the local zoo — that takes Peter on a journey of robot building, a helicopter chase, and some melancholic introspection, all before he enters the forbidden meadow where he finally captures the wolf.

The result is an album and a groundbreaking app with a humorous and fresh take on Prokofiev's much-loved classic, exploring themes of family and friendship, courage and heroism, and set against the backdrop of today's media-saturated celebrity world.

On September 10, QUEEN members Brian May and Roger Taylor, along with "American Idol" finalist Adam Lambert — who has been singing for QUEEN on their tours, filling in for his idol Freddie Mercury — took part in a press conference ahead of their Rock In Rio performance in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil. You can now watch the chat below.

Speaking about the similarities and differences between Mercury and Lambert, May said: "Well, there are differences, you know, but I think perhaps the greatest thing about Freddie is his connection with people, with an audience, and Adam has that. And I don't think that's something you can learn; I think it's something which you either perhaps have in you or not. You have to dedicate yourself, and Adam, like Freddie, is dedicated to his art. But without that — whatever that wonderful talent is — I don't think it would happen. When Adam walks onto a stage, it's not Freddie, and it's not him trying to be Freddie, but when Adam walks on and when Freddie walks on, something happens; there's some kind of catalytic action that happens between people, and it's a very rare and special thing. So I would say that's something that Adam and Freddie share, and I know that Freddie would agree with that. I mean, without even speaking about the voice. I mean, the voice… they both had, and have, incredible voices — the kind of voice that you don't find in a billion people. And, of course, the voice is very special, but it's not enough. You have to have the will and the spirit to use that wonderful instrument that you've been given to make that connection."

Lambert, May and Taylor first shared the stage during "American Idol" in May 2009 for a performance of "We Are The Champions". They teamed up again in 2011 at the MTV European Music Awards in Belfast, Ireland for an electrifying eight-minute finale of "The Show Must Go On", "We Will Rock You" and "We Are The Champions" and in the summer of 2012, Lambert performed a series of shows with QUEEN across Europe as well as dates in Russia, Ukraine and Poland. They also performed three sold-out gigs at London's Hammersmith Apollo.

After completing QUEEN's most recent European tour in January, May described Lambert as the only singer the band had found capable of filling Mercury's shoes. "Adam is the first person we've encountered who can do all the QUEEN catalogue without blinking," said May. "He is a gift from God."

Lambert, for his part, downplayed the Mercury comparisons, saying: "There's never going to be another, and I'm not replacing him. That's not what I'm doing. I'm trying to keep the memory alive, and remind people how amazing he was, without imitating him. I'm trying to share with the audience how much he inspired me."

Lambert released his third studio album, "The Original High", on June 16 through Warner Bros.

September Mourning have released their "Eye Of The Storm" lyric video. Presented by TBoy Records and Mortem Media, "Eye Of The Storm" is the lead single from the band's upcoming debut EP, Volume I (produced by Sahaj Ticotin and Howard Benson) and debut comic book, A Murder Of Reapers, which is available worldwide on September Mourning's official website through Top Cow Comics.

"Eye Of The Storm" lyrically blends the purpose of September with an overall message to her Children of Fate: "be strong in your battle to stand against any fears you might have in life knowing that you will never be left standing alone" - September (September Mourning).

September Mourning is currently playing a string of U.S. headline dates before joining Mushroomhead on October 3rd in Greencastle, Pennsylvania for The Devils Be Damned Tour and then playing this year's Aftershock Festival on October 24th in Sacramento, California. More information on September Mourning's tour schedule can be found on the band's Facebook page.

Eye Of The Storm tells a story in 6 songs, an epic tale of “heartbreak, loss, pain, joy, love, redemption, but most of all, courage…” September Mourning revives the concept of rock star meets superhero. If Marilyn Manson and X-Men's Storm had a kid, it would be September Mourning, who also cites influences as varied as Paramore, Motionless In White, David Bowie, and My Chemical Romance.

“For me, the project is a story, a theatrical art piece,” September explains. “Music is the backbone, but for this to work, it has to include the imagery and the narrative all symbiotically linked into the whole. Music taps into your innermost being. There’s something very intimate and personal about it.”

The character of September Mourning is a human-reaper hybrid, who feels the need to give some human souls a second chance, and thus toys with Fate. To expound on this narrative, September is working with iconic comic book artist Marc Silvestri, who started out on the original X-Men comics and went on to form Top Cow Productions (Witchblade, The Darkness). Together, they are putting together the story of September Mourning in graphic form, to accompany, and enhance the musical message.

Having toured with Marilyn Manson, September Mourning has already built up an impressive fan base, which she calls her “Children of Fate,” constantly encouraging them to have “the courage to embrace their passion… to allow yourself to follow your heart and not be a slave to your fears. To know that the only boundaries that exist in our lives are the ones we allow.”

Band Lineup:
September - vox
Shadou - bass
Riven - guitar
Wraith - guitar
Stitch - drums

 

 

 

Polish ritualistic black metallers Mord’A’Stigmata are ready to unveil their upcoming EP, entitled Our Hearts Slow Down, in its entirety. The EP is coming out this Friday, September 25th, through Poland’s legendary Pagan Records. It comes after their recent Polish Satanist Tour with Behemoth; their Bewitching The Polonia tour with Morowe and Thaw; and, of course, their 2013 full-length Ansia which was one of the best-selling black metal albums of that year in Poland. Our Hearts Slow Down is now available to stream in its entirety below.

The release will be available as a 6-panel digipack CD with a 12-page booklet designed by Black Moon Design. Pre-orders are available via the Pagan Records webshop. A vinyl version will also be available at a later date.

Our Hearts Slow Down tracklisting:

“The Mantra Of Anguish”
“Those Above”
“Our Hearts Slow Down”

EP stream:

Mord’A’Stigmata was established towards the end of 2004 in Bochnia, Poland, by a group of individualists fascinated with spiritualism and death. From the very beginning, the musicians’ aim has been to create music differing from other extreme metal bands. This resulted in a synthesis of a variety of black metal sub-genres. The debut album, Überrealistic, was released in 2008 which was followed by the sophomore full-length, Antimatter, in 2011. From 2013 Mord’A’Stigmata started working with Pagan Records, who released their third album, Ansia. The cooperation continues with the latest ritual, Our Hearts Slow Down, set for release this month.

The band will hit the road in Poland this November together with Blaze Of Perdition and Moanaa for nine dates across the country.

 

Venice Beach, California’s purveyors of psychedelic violence, The Shrine, have unveiled details about their upcoming Century Media Records debut, Rare Breed. Oozing with old-school flair, punk aggression and unbridled rock ‘n’ roll fury; Rare Breed has been set for European release on October 30th and North American release on January 15th, 2016 (with extended content). Album artwork for Rare Breed, done by Kris Kirk, can be seen below.

With anticipation for the album’s release already at a fever pitch, The Shrine give the band’s growing legion of fans a taste of things to come with the premiere of the video for “Death To Invaders”.

The Shrine guitarist/vocalist Josh Landau commented on the video, "“Death To Invaders” is pretty much the shortest straight ahead fast song on the album. The title was inspired from the old Dogtown graffiti at POP Pier, but the lyrics kinda don't have anything else to do with that.”  

Fresh off of a headlining tour of Japan, The Shrine is gearing up for a 16-city trek of epic proportions with Clutch and Corrosion Of Conformity, followed by an European tour with Kadavar and Horisont in November/December. Before striking out on what promises to be this fall’s most debaucherous rock ‘n’ roll road show, The Shrine will hit the high seas and join the likes of Motorhead, Slayer, Suicidal Tendencies and more on Motorhead’s Motorboat  Cruise.

“We just returned from Japan where they absolutely worship rock and roll. California is burning and we're taking off on a heavy trip around the USA,” said Landau about the upcoming tour. “We couldn't be more stoked that Lemmy is back on stage and we're playing Motorhead's Motorboat. We have our new jams from ‘Rare Breed’ and we're kicking them out."

Tour dates here.

 

The release of Find Me's new album, entitled Dark Angel, is scheduled for December 4th in Europe and North America.

Find Me is a collaboration between Swedish musician, songwriter and producer Daniel Flores (Issa, The Murder of My Sweet, Seventh Wonder) and singer Robbie LaBlanc from Blanc Faces. The partnership was put together by Serafino Perugino with a vision to unleash another AOR behemoth. Find Me’s debut album, Wings Of Love received excellent reviews and left fans begging for more music from the duo. No demands could have been easier to fulfill as the two guys just love working together and finding the right songs for the group from contributors the likes of Alessandro Del Vecchio, brothers Tom and James Martin (Vega, Issa), Soren Kronqvist (Sunstorm), Niclas Olsson (Alyson Avenue) or Philip Lindstrand (Strong) is never a problem.

“Serafino of Frontiers and I searched for new songs and fresh ideas from writers from all over the world”, tells drummer and producer Daniel Flores. “I personally was searching for a musical challenge and Serafino with his golden ears is always looking for the next big song. It’s the combination of the two mentalities, with Robbie’s ability to sing and work on melodies that made this album what it is.”

According to Robbie LaBlanc: “Daniel really understands how to create an awesome AOR record. He allows me some flexibility in the melodies and is a pleasure to work with and a true pro.”

The result is once again a delightful and massive melodic rock record, chock full of mighty anthemic AOR songs with Robbie’s soaring lead vocals and amazing performances from Daniel Flores and guitarist Philip Lindstrand! Sonically, this powerhouse album sits in between the classic sound of Journey and Giant and newcomers like W.E.T and Eclipse.

“To be honest, in the first album, all involved tried to find the right combination of all the elements we love in AOR music” adds Daniel. “Now we feel more confident on what people will like. Productionwise everything just came naturally in place in this recording. Also Robbie sings even better than on last record and that's no small accomplishment really.”

“I feel I connected with these songs really nicely” adds Robbie. “It's funny of all the demos I received from Daniel I think we only changed one key. It's like they were written right for me!”

“I hope we get to give the AOR fans the same feelings they got when they discovered this music for the first time,” concludes Daniel, “We try to remind people of how the old records where done in this style, with the same mentality and complete devotion but with the cutting edge sound and quality engineering that technology has brought to date. Also, we hope to have chances to play for the fans live next year.”

Tracklisting:

“Nowhere To Hide”
“Let Love Rule”
“Forever”
“Another Day”
“Dark Angel”
“Bleed In The Rain”
“Face To Face”
“Where Do I Go”
“Midnight Memories”
“Don't Slip Away From Me”
“Did You Feel Any Love”
“I'm Free”

Trailer:

Find Me is:

Robbie Lablanc - Lead and background vocals
Philip Lindstrand - Rhythm and lead Guitars, Bass
Sören Kronqvist - Keyboards
Daniel Flores - Drums and Keyboards

Additional musicians:

Angelica Rylin - Vocals on "Another day"
Christopher Vetter - Lead guitars and Clean Guitars

Backing vocals: Robert Lablanc, Philip Lidstrand, Thomas Vikström, Angelica Rylin, Redas Jefisovas and Daniel Flores.

Stockholm, Sweden-based rockers, Siena Root, have issued the following band update:

“As Jonas Åhlén decided to step aside after this summer, Siena Root are excited to present our new lead voice. The search is over for our fifth member and a new era begins with true Siena Root legacy!

“Siena Root are pleased to welcome our new voice, Samuel Björö. Samuels stinging voice is matched  by his wonderful character, full of energy and with a mighty spirit. He comes to us from the deep woods of the very north of Sweden.  As much as we welcome him on board onto the root rock train, he's equally eager to start the ride with us!”

(Photo - adelephotographic.com)

Umea, Sweden's Old Man's Will premiere the first video today from their forthcoming album, Hard Times - Troubled Man. The clip for lead single “Troubled Man" is streaming below, along with the album track "Easy Rider”.

Hard Times - Troubled Man will be available everywhere on LP, CD and download via RidingEasy Records on October 2nd. The "Troubled Man" 7" single is in stores now.

Real rock 'n' roll requires a little bit of mystique, a little bit of swagger, and a little bit of trouble for good measure. Sweden's Old Man's Will possesses all three of those ingredients in spades, and they combine into a wonderfully inebriating aural concoction on the band's second full-length album, Hard Times - Troubled Man. The quartet - Benny Åberg [vocals], Klas Holmgren [guitar], Tommy Nilsson [bass], and Gustav Kejving [drums] - delivers a brash, bluesy, and brilliant opus that's the perfect soundtrack for all kinds of trouble.

In between drunken late night jam sessions, parties in apartments with instrument-covered walls, a healthy diet of Deep Purple, Free, and Stray Dog, and other assorted mayhem, the boys emerged from Umeå's underground with their self-titled debut in tow. They embarked on a successful European tour before Riding Easy Records came upon their Soundcloud and offered them a deal to reissue their first offering. In the midst of it all, Old Man's Will began compiling ideas for what would eventually materialize as Hard Times - Troubled Man, sharing a collective vision.

"It was a step towards a more classic rock sound," says Klas. "On the first album, we were heavily influenced by a lot of contemporary sounds and bands-something we are moving away from. For Hard Times - Troubled Man, we used old hard rock and blues as a foundation, creating something that's meant to become the sound of Old Man's Will."

The first single "Troubled Man" shucks and jives between a hummable riff and a swinging stomp. "Basically, it's about being a creative musician today and the life around it," explains Klas. "Musicians and creative people are unique, and they're troubled. Sometimes, the more troubled you are, the closer you are to writing that magic An ordinary life just can't compete. Playing rock music today means big sacrifices and insane amounts of work with barely no return, but we love what we do and we don't trim our sails to the wind."

Ultimately, Old Man's Will do what their idols did. They take the foundation of rock 'n' roll and leave an indelible stamp of their own. "We never had the intention of inventing a new genre," concludes Klas. "We're not about social media, posing, being 'hip,' or playing a certain fuzz or guitar pedal. For us, it's just about great songs."

Tracklisting:

“Fools ”
“Troubled Man ”
“Easy Rider ”
“Ratking ”
“Got It ”
“Hazel Eyes ”
“How Could You Know? ”
“Another Seven Days ”

“Troubled Man” video:

“Easy Rider”:

 

What happens if you start off making a symphonic movie soundtrack portraying your darkest imaginations, add a ton of industrial metal and put it all together in a typical song box labeled “very personal stuff”?

“The musical design of The Grim deviates from your traditional ”symphonic metal” by being backwards… With a twist; We´re not enhancing feature metal songs with symphonic scores – We´re enhancing symphonic scores with metal, while making them sound like feature songs. All cast in a dark, cinematic setting. Confused? May we introduce the term Cinematic Metal Purified!”

The backstory of composer Carl Lofvenhamn covers fairytale music for educational purposes (Liber, Bonnier), themes for Scandinavian TV shows and commercials (SVT, Viasat, TV4) symphonic intros for Swedish metal bands (Spawn Of Possession, Insania, etc.) as well as his most recent classical work Anatema- a choral war symphony in one movement. However, the journey with his favourite procreation began back in 2000, shortly after graduating from the Royal College of Music in Stockholm.

He simply got tired of “all the pretentious BS associated with classical music” as he puts it himself, and soon the experimenting process started rolling. While working a lot with synthesizers and samplers in his early 20’s, the following years of occasional collaboration with various classical singers and musicians would ultimately bring Carl closer to his cinematic approach. One of those singers was the critically acclaimed opera soprano Maria Fontosh, notable for her grand performances at the Royal Opera in Stockholm, Opéra National de Paris, Opera de les Arts in Valencia et al. She later became a featured artist on the upcoming album ”Sanctified”.

By early 2013 the sound and style of The Grim was all set, but there still was some uncertainty regarding the main vocals, since Carl never intended to do them by himself. So, as he would like to put it; “like a flash from the sky”, he came in contact with Maria Storck who has quite a different background as a singer/ songwriter doing mostly rock and blues as well as conducting workshops in the vocal art of growling. According to Carl, never before had it crossed his mind that a female singer would do the job, but when hearing Maria for the first time she was simply spot on. That same fall, Carl and Maria decided to record the lead vocals together which transformed The Grim into a metal duo. At this point, “Cinematic Metal Purified” felt like the obvious term to describe what The Grim is all about in the shortest possible way.

Tracklisting:

“Down The Drain”
“Autumn Lovers”
“Purgatorial March”
“Sin”
“Saffire”
“Black Requiem”
“Like a Vampire”
“The Sanctuary”
“In My Dreams”
“End Game”

Lineup:

Carl Lofvenhamn - Composer/Singer
Maria Storck - Diva/Singer

Italian stoner doom metallers, Return From The Grave, have revealed the cover artwork and tracklisting for their forthcoming EP, Three(p), to be released via Argonauta  Records on November 9th (CD and DD).

About Three(p), Return From The Grave says: "A year after our last full length Gates Of Nowhere, we're back with other three songs, an infernal concept representing all our musical influences, an EP we think to be a big step forward for the band itself.”

Tracklisting:

“Timelessness”
“Soul’s Grime”
“Sough”

Return From The Grave will be on stage for the first time with the new lineup on September 29th, opening for Black Wizard and Pastor. The band also have the following shows scheduled:

November
7 - Cordenons (Pordenone) - Rock Town

December
5 - Montagnana (Padova) - Banhof
11 - Marghera (Venezia) - Phobic

 

Within a very few short months of announcing the band's formation, Scandinavian black metallers Nordjevel have inked a two album deal with France's Osmose Productions, and, whilst no exact date for the debut full-length album has been set, it is expected that the album, which will be titled Nordjevel, will appear before the end of the year.

New though the band may be, its members, which include Doedsadmiral (Svartelder, Doedsvangr) on vocals, Nord (Fatal Impact, Tvangeste, Byrdi) on guitars and bass, and Fredrik Widigs on drums, have a wealth of experience and include some prominent musicians from the Scandinavian scene. It is a lineup whose debut track instantly caused a flurry of interest amongst black metal fans and media alike, and attracted a number of offers from serious labels.

Commenting on the decision to sign with Osmose, the band said: "They offered us a very good deal of course, but they also didn't tie us up with a lot of conditions and restrictions which was a very important factor for us . The label has also worked with Slagmaur, which is one of our manager's bands, so everyone already knows how everyone else works, and hopefully it will all be a seamless operation and a strong partnership".

Nordjevel was founded by frontman Doedsadmiral (who was formerly known as Djevel, but who changed his name for the sake of consistency in all his projects) and guitarist Nord earlier this year, when, following a series of conversations the two found that they shared the same views on back metal, the Occult and the origins of Norway. The two Norwegians were soon joined by Sweden's Fredrik Widigs on drums, who fitted right in and contributed significantly to the writing and arranging on the album. Whilst Widigs' commitment to his other projects pretty much preclude him from committing to appearing live with the band on anything other than the odd occasion, he is, nevertheless a full-time and committed studio member.

Nordjevel, which translated means "Northern Devil", are currently putting the finishing touches to the album and the artwork, which itself promises to be something very special, and are preparing for live appearance. It has already been revealed that Troll’s Nagash will be one of the guests on the album, and more information will be announced in the near future.

As a taste of what to expect Nordjevel recently debuted the track "Denne Tidløse Krigsdom”. The official video can be seen below:

 

In 1986 Joe Satriani released his first solo album through Relativity Records, "Not Of This Earth". Fast-forward to this year when Satriani released his 15th solo album, "Shockwave Supernova", to critical acclaim. To mark this major milestone anniversary, Satriani will bring to life the "Surfing To Shockwave" 2016 tour, an evening spotlighting his 30-year career.

The 45-date tour celebrating "30 years of mind-bending guitar daredevilry," a phrase coined in a June 2014 career-defining retrospective feature in Rolling Stone, launches February 25 at Seattle's legendary Paramount Theatre crossing the U.S. into Canada ending April 24. The shows will highlight music over Satriani's entire career, including songs the legendary guitarist hasn't played live in over 20 years! This August, the world renowned guitarist released his 15th studio album, hitting Satriani's highest chart debut at #19 on Billboard's Top 200 Current Albums chart. In addition, the album also debuted at # 3 on the Billboard Rock Chart and ranks as the highest charting all-instrumental rock album on Billboard's Top 200 in the SoundScan era. For two decades, the guitar virtuoso has traveled the world, playing to sold-out crowds as both a headliner and as founder of the all-star "G3" guitar extravaganza. Satriani's studio and live recordings have sold more than 10 million copies worldwide to date and of his many solo albums, two have gone platinum and four others went gold, with 15 Grammy nominations between them. His side project, CHICKENFOOT, featuring former VAN HALEN frontman Sammy Hagar, bassist Michael Anthony, and RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS drummer Chad Smith saw their debut album certified gold and their second studio album debuted at #9. Joe's touring band remains Marco Minnemann on drums, Bryan Beller on bass and Mike Keneally on keys and guitar. Tickets will be on sale beginning September 25 with exclusive Joe Satriani meet-and-greet and VIP packages available on sale starting September 23. "Surfing To Shockwave" tour dates (leg 1):

Feb. 25 - Paramount Theatre - Seattle, WAFeb. 26 - Historic Elsinore Theatre - Salem, ORFeb. 27 - Grand Sierra Theatre - Reno, NVFeb. 28 - Fox Theater - Oakland, CAMar. 01 - Balboa Theatre - San Diego, CAMar. 03 - Fox Performing Arts Center - Riverside, CAMar. 04 - Pearl Concert Theater @ Palms Casino - Las Vegas, NVMar. 05 - Talking Stick Resort Ballroom - Scottsdale, AZMar. 07 - Historic Paramount Theatre - Denver, COMar. 08 - Abraham Chavez Theatre - El Paso, TXMar. 09 - The Majestic Theatre - Dallas, TXMar. 10 - House of Blues - Houston, TXMar. 11 - Laurie Auditorium - San Antonio, TXMar. 12 - Orpheum Theater - New Orleans, LAMar. 14 - Iron City - Birmingham, ALMar. 15 - Saenger Theatre - Pensacola, FLMar. 16 - Parker Playhouse - Ft. Lauderdale, FL *Mar. 17 - Ruth Eckerd Hall - Clearwater, FLMar. 18 - Hard Rock Live - Orlando, FLMar. 19 - Florida Theatre - Jacksonville, FL

* Tickets on sale October 2

Getting set to release Ancient Evil, their seventh album, San Diego-based metallers Cage have created a concept record with ex-Iron Maiden vocalist Blaze Bayley doing narration. Oddly enough Bayley was the recipient of a Sean Peck fist, backstage at Bang Your Head in 2004. A couple of years ago, Blaze joined Cage onstage to sing 'Man On The Edge'. Now they appear to be old friends, says Peck, "I did not want to do any of the character voices this time, so we got some really great talent to act out the scenes. Blaze did an incredible job. His acting chops were freaking great." He continues, "The writing for this record came together effortlessly even though it was a concept record. It is pretty much just blazing fast the whole way through which is just how I like it!"

The main character, Elliot Worthington, is played by Bayley. Cage are already masters of the concept album. “We had great success with 'Hell Destroyer,' but doing a scary story type of thing and making the songs catchy and memorable while keeping the listener captivated by the content, is a real challenge." 

Ancient Evil, due out on October 30th, has been prefaced by a lyric video for "The Procedure".

"We really love how creepy the video came out, it's like a mini movie almost," explains singer Sean "The Hell Destroyer" Peck. "This song will give people a good idea of what they are in for on this massive, heavy metal, horror story thrill ride!" Rounding out the band are Dave "Conan" Garcia (guitars), Casey "The Sentinel" Trask (guitars), Alex Pickard (bass guitar), and Sean "The Thrash Machine" Elg (drums).

Based on a horror novel written by lead singer Sean Peck, 'Ancient Evil' continues the legacy of Cage as a heavy metal innovator. This nearly 80-minute monstrosity has 19 tracks that combine songs and narrated interludes to forge a unique musical journey that rocks! 

However, according to Sean, making a concept record work is never an easy task - "With this being our 7th release, we wanted to try our hand at another concept album. We had great success with 'Hell Destroyer,' but doing a scary story type of thing and making the songs catchy and memorable while keeping the listener captivated by the content, is a real challenge." 

The story's main character, Elliot Worthington, is played by none other than ex-Iron Maiden frontman Blaze Bayley. "I did not want to do any of the character voices this time, so we got some really great talent to act out the scenes. Blaze did an incredible job. His acting chops were freaking great, I have to say," says Peck. "The writing for this record came together effortlessly even though it was a concept record. It is pretty much just blazing fast the whole way through which is just how I like it!"

Ancient Evil tracklisting:

"There Were Others"
"Ancient Evil"
"Behind The Walls Of Newgate"
"The Procedure"
"The Appetite"
"Cassandra"
"Blinded By Rage"
"Tell Me Everything"
"The Expedition"
"Beholder"
"I Have Awakened"
"Across The Sea Of Madness"
"To Save Love"
"Christ Protect Me"
"Sinister Six"
"Symphony Of Sin"
"The Antidote"
"Tomorrow Never Came"
"It Can't Be"