MOGGS MOTEL, the new band featuring UFO singer Phil Mogg, has released its second single and video, "Sunny Side Of Heaven". The track is taken from the group's self-titled album, which is due on September 4 via Cleopatra Records in the U.S. and Steamhammer/SPV outside North America.

Mogg said: "Motel update: We have just employed a new chef for the Motel: James Ormsby. He's from San Francisco and highly recommended. And as the Tonka Town Bar has just opened for our latest single release, he has created a new cocktail called 'Sunny Side Of Heaven'.

"I was figuring that after all that 'Apple Pie' you might want to wash it down with something special, and as the Devil's Angels in this particular song are related to a Mr. Way and a Mr. Chapman, it's an ideal way to celebrate being on the Sunny Side.

"I hope you enjoy it and don't forget now drink responsibly. Yes, I'm talking to you."

It's over 50 years since Mogg and co convened the first ever lineup of UFO, but it did not take long at all for them to establishing themselves among the crowned heads of metal, performing before hundreds of thousands of fans and riding the highs of chart success with singles such as "Doctor Doctor", "Lights Out" and "Only You Can Rock Me". Now, at an age when most artists would be hanging it up, Mogg is looking forward to an entire new chapter in his historic career, a new band project and a full-length album that delivers everything a fan could hope — stellar songwriting, slick production courtesy of bassist Tony Newton, and unmatched musicianship, including guitar from UFO alum Neil Carter, alongside guitarist Tommy Gentry and drummer Joe Lazarus.

The album's first single, "Apple Pie", has already previewed some of what lies in store, a dynamic blast of pure rock fury, complete with harmonizing guitar solos and heavy atmospherics, all topped off by that unmistakable Mogg voice.

"Sunny Side Of Heaven", if anything, is even more thunderous, a lascivious riff and blitzkrieg percussion. Mogg turns in a vocal for the ages, while guest vocalist Zoe Devlin Love sings her heart out behind him. It's a devastating combination… but what else would you expect?

Mogg previously said about the LP's first single: "'Apple Pie' is the first track off the MOGGS MOTEL extravaganza. It concerns the quest for a piece of the pie, namely 'Apple' because I would like a nice large creamy slice this time around. Also I would get to ride the pony while she's swishing her tail — how sweet is that! I just need that elusive pie. This track was conjured up towards the end of lockdown. This was our first get together as a team, and a very jolly affair it was too — so enjoy the ride and get a bite... not a nibble please."

UFO fans, watch out! Anyone who'd feared over the past two years that Mogg, one of the most influential rock vocalists worldwide, would disappear completely from the scene after the demise of his band, in addition to his health problems, has now thankfully been proved wrong.

After a brief hiatus to catch his creative breath, the 76-year-old British musician with the distinctive voice is ready to present his latest band and release, "Moggs Motel", which he composed together with Tony Newton (bass and keyboards) from the band VOODOO SIX, who had been touring partners with UFO previously, and long-standing associate Neil Carter (guitar, keyboards, vocals). The album was recorded at IRON MAIDEN bassist Steve Harris's studio in Essex, U.K. In the studio, the band was joined by Joe Lazarus (drums) and Tommy Gentry (guitar) to complete the lineup.

The album's twelve timeless songs show that Mogg has lost none of his artistic charisma, uniquely expressive voice and love of unbridled creativity.

MOGGS MOTEL lineup:

Phil Mogg - vocals
Tony Newton - bass, keyboards
Neil Carter - guitar, keyboards, vocals
Joe Lazarus - drums
Tommy Gentry - guitar

In a recent interview with Ultimate Classic Rock to promote the 2024 remastered reissue of UFO's 1977 album "Lights Out", Mogg was asked if there was still "more to do" with the band. He responded: "No, no. I think it's come to a conclusion. We did that last U.K. tour in 2019, just before COVID. So that was kind of the end of it, and the time was right."

Mogg suffered a heart attack in August 2022. The musician was rushed to the hospital where he had two stents implanted into his coronary arteries. This is known medically as a coronary angioplasty and aims to re-open the blocked coronary artery by inserting one or more stents. This helps keep the narrowed artery open.

UFO's farewell tour was scheduled to kick off on October 15, 2022 at the De Casino in Sint-Niklaas, Belgium and run through a final show at the Fuzz Club in Athens, Greece on October 29, 2022.

In 2021, UFO announced that it would embark on its final tour featuring a series of exclusive concerts in summer 2022 to bid farewell to its fans in style. UFO was scheduled to play the very last concert of in Athens, where the band performed its first show featuring current guitarist Vinnie Moore in February 2004.

UFO guitarist/keyboard player Paul Raymond died in April 2019. He appeared on more than a dozen of UFO's albums, including "Lights Out" and the live classic "Strangers In The Night".

UFO's most recent lineup included original members Mogg and drummer Andy Parker, as well as Moore, who joined in 2003, and Rob De Luca (bass),a member since 2012.

UFO's latest release was the 2017 covers collection "The Salentino Cuts".

Photo by Charlie Smith

In a new interview with Bear Wiseman of Off The Record, NIGHTWISH keyboardist and main songwriter Tuomas Holopainen was asked to name his favorite thing about each one of his bandmates, guitarist Emppu Vuorinen, multi-instrumentalist Troy Donockley, singer Floor Jansen, drummer Kai Hahto and bassist Jukka Koskinen. He responded (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "They are the only other people in the world that I think about when I'm writing songs, because it's really important that they would be inspired about the stuff as well.

"I've known Emppu for more than 30 years, and he's just an incredible persona in the way that everything's always good with him," Tuomas continued. "He's the easiest-going bandmember there is. He does his job — his guitar playing is as professional as anybody — but other than that, it's always, like, 'Yeah, whatever.' 'Yeah, that sounds good. I'm fine.' He's so carefree, I'm almost envious about that because I worry about stuff constantly. So to get into his mind every now and then would be something else. He's a wonderful character. Same goes with Troy. He's just the most positive guy in the world. An incredible musician. Every time he enters the room, the room is filled with light and happiness and comedy. Yeah, he has definitely realized something thorough about life. Yeah, wonderful."

Tuomas added: "Floor is the best in the world in what she does. Really passionate about music, really understands the core of NIGHTWISH. And for me as a songwriter, that's such a relief because I know that whatever I do, whatever I want her to do, she's able to do. And a good example of this was when we recorded her vocals for this new album [the upcoming 'Yesterwynde']. We hadn't rehearsed once because we didn't have a chance. And we went to her home studio in Sweden. We had reserved two weeks for the recordings, and she was done in six days. Incredible, just incredible in what she does. Then Kai, too, again, the most amiable guy there is. I think he has like 25 guests on every single show we do and he doesn't know half of them. Yeah, everybody's his friend. So easy to be with. Pro musician, of course, obviously. What a drummer. But just fantastic guy. And same goes with Jukka. I mean, I've never, ever seen him angry or even agitated. He's just, like, 'Yeah, things will be okay. Let's talk about this.' And yeah, just a grounding personality. When you feel a bit agitated yourself, Jukka comes to you and you're, like, 'Oh, okay.' And a great bass player, of course. So lucky to be surrounded by these wonderful people. I really am."

NIGHTWISH's new album, "Yesterwynde", will be released on September 20 via Nuclear Blast. It marks the band's tenth studio LP, following on from the release of "Human. :II: Nature." in 2020.

In 2023, NIGHTWISH announced that the band wouldn't stage any tours in support of its then-unannounced tenth album. In a statement, Tuomas and his bandmates explained that "personal" reasons were the reason for the live hiatus and clarified that it had nothing to do with Jansen's then-pregnancy. The singer gave birth to her second daughter in October 2023.

In an interview with Metal Hammer last month, Holopainen said that NIGHTWISH still have no plans to tour after the release of "Yesterwynde".

"The reasons [for the live break] are personal," he said. "We're not going to go into it, but it was something that had to be done for this band to continue. There's no bad blood between the members, nothing like that. We just have to take a long breather."

The follow-up to 2015's "Endless Forms Most Beautiful", "Human. :II: Nature." was a double album containing nine tracks on the main CD and one long track, divided into eight chapters, on CD 2.

In August 2022, NIGHTWISH announced the addition of Koskinen as an official member of the band. Koskinen, who made his live debut with NIGHTWISH in May 2021 at the band's two interactive experiences, had spent the previous year touring with NIGHTWISH as a session musician.

In November 2022, Jansen revealed that she was "cancer free" after undergoing surgery to have a tumor removed following a breast cancer diagnosis.

Photo credit: Tim Tronckoe (courtesy of Nuclear Blast)

Today Nightwish held a pre-listening session at Finnvox studios 🤘
Credits to: Mika Jussila - Mastering of the Universe

Posted by Nightwish Family on Friday, August 9, 2024

With guitarist Chris Bishop having made the decision that Crobot needs “one of those “MTV-style videos,” the band - Bishop, vocalist Brandon Yeagley, bassist Pat Seals, and drummer Dan Ryan - ventured out into the wilds of Pennsylvania’s woods to do just that.


Crobot’s brand new music video, “Nothing”, not only demonstrates the band’s ability to produce a seismic, sonic event, but to locate and feature one of the most sought-after legends in history - the seven-foot tall, hairy creature who stalks the woods - Bigfoot.


The “Nothing” video is loud and bombastic, with an unanticipated, happy ending, and you can check it out below:







Crobot’s upcoming album, Obsidian, is set for a September 13 release (Megaforce Records). Produced by Crobot, recorded at The Machine Shop Studios in Austin, TX, and engineered, mixed, and mastered by Alberto De Icaza, the 12 tracks on Obsidian dive into the deep, murky waters of the human condition, threading ancient myths with personal demons across its tracks.





Obsidian tracklisting:


"Obsidian"
"Come Down"
"Nothing"
"From The Ground"
"Disappear"
"Metal"
"The Flood"
"Ancient Druid Crown"
"Head Of The Beast"
"White Rabbit"
"Happiness"


"Obsidian" video:





"Come Down" visualizer:





Crobot will join up with CKY for a 16-date US tour that kicks off September 12 in Nashville, TN at The Mil at Cannery Hall.










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INFRARED - "Demon's Blood"




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Saskatoon, Canada’s Pythonic continues their metal assault with the release of their second single “Pills” – premiered exclusively through BraveWords – from their upcoming EP EP 1, due out on September 27, 2024. The single is the oldest song on the EP being the second song ever written by the band. It came out super quickly like the previously released “Love H8” and has a large emphasis on speed. The song tempo jumps up and down sporadically as does someone’s mood on opioids. 


The band comments further:


“The single Pills is another fan favorite song not as harped about as Epica is but still held in very high regard. This song didn't have a real solo for most of its life but when it came to recording the leads Ryan said he had a solo to throw in it so Vince had not heard the solo at all up until this point hit record on the track and watched Ryan lay down one the tastiest solos for the recording.”







The simplicity of the riffs in the song is what helps drive this song to listeners. It has a very catchy chorus backed with some catchy lyrics to draw the listener in. In the end, it has an unhinged-sounding solo which is a perfect close to the song almost as if the junkie is frantically looking for their next fix.


“Pills” delves deep into the struggles of addiction and the societal pressures that come with it. Dustin Reiner's searing vocals deliver a poignant narrative, perfectly complemented by the crushing riffs of lead guitarist Ryan Hunter and the unyielding rhythm guitar of Vincent Kohut. The Warriner brothers, Jayden on drums and Morgan on bass provide a relentless backbone that drives the song's intense momentum. It is recommended for fans of Devildriver, Machine Head, and Trivium.


EP 1 will be released on all digital platforms September 27.





Tracklisting:


“Positive Deconstruction”
“Love H8”
“Pills”
“Practice What You Preach”
“Epica”


EP Lineup:
Dustin Reiner - Lead Vocals and Bass
Ryan Hunter - Lead Guitar
Vincent Kohut - Rhythm Guitar and Backing Vocals
Jordan Gall Drums


Live Lineup
Dustin Reiner - Lead Vocals
Ryan Hunter - Lead Guitar
Vincent Kohut - Rhythm Guitar and Backing Vocals
Morgan Warriner - Bass and Backing Vocals
Jayden Warriner – Drums


(Photo: Mac Ulmer)







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Japanese metal band Nemophila, formed in 2019, performed a live cover of the Loudness classic, "Crazy Doctor", featuring Loudness members Akira Takasaki (guitar) and Minoru Niihara (vocals) in 2022.  Check it out below. 


Nemophila originally covered "Crazy Doctor" in 2022. The official video can be also be viewed below










On August 12, Loudness performed at Crash Crisis 2024 in Tokyo. Fan-filmed video of their entire set can be viewed below.


Setlist:


"Crazy Nights"
"Heavy Chains"
"Metal Mad"
"Yamato Damashii"
"Soul on Fire"
"Crazy Doctor"
"In the Mirror"
"S.D.I."













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In a new interview with Church Leaders, John Cooper, the frontman and bassist for the Grammy-nominated Christian rock band SKILLET, spoke about the lyrical inspiration for the group's just-released single "Unpopular". He said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "The song is not overtly preachy. It's not really proselytizing. It's almost like you can kind of take it to mean what you want.

"I think people that know SKILLET or have heard of the band are probably aware that we're Christians [laughs], because we're so vocal about it," he continued. "And so there's an assumption made there, but certainly this is something that, like the Joe Rogan crowd, the Kid Rock crowd, even the Bill Maher crowd, which Bill Maher is an atheist Democrat, would hear and be, like, 'Yeah, I get this,' because people have gone crazy. And I do think it's kind of a rock and roll thing to do, but rock and roll is always — there's lots to say about that, but it always had that rebellious tinge to it."

Cooper went on to say: "I'm not writing a song to please the crowd. I'm writing a song because it's what I believe, and rock and roll is inherently rebellious. That's true; it was when it began. But for SKILLET, it hasn't been about rebellion against God or rebellion against traditional values, or, as they would call them now, Western mores, Western sexual taboos or something like that. No, for us, it was, like, well, yeah, there's things I wanna sing about and I wanna do it the way we wanna do it. That's what I think is so cool about this song. It's got that rebellion to it, but I'm, like, yeah, this is something that everybody can relate to. Part of it is alluding to even just this idea of cancel culture too, that if you speak what's on your mind, you're gonna lose your friends."

Cooper added: "I've gotta tell you, it's been remarkable to me. I mean, I've got tons of friends who are not Christians and who are on the left and who are progressives and they say stuff against my faith all the time [laughs], and they're still my friends. I'm, like, yeah, that's who they are. I don't know. They're my friends. I love 'em. And if I don't like it, I'll tell 'em. But at the same time, I think that tolerance has kind of gotta work both ways. I'm not asking for them to be kicked off of social media because they said something that hurts my feel feels or something like that.

"So anyway, I guess that's kind of like going over the same territory as I already said, but there is that element. It's that rebellion. But I also think that the song just rocks. It's got a rebellious attitude to it that it's kind of funny and catchy."

Cooper also talked about SKILLET's upcoming album "Revolution", which will arrive on November 1 via the band's Hear It Loud imprint. He said: "If people see the artwork, which we've just released, you'll see there's a flag and it says SKILLET on there. And in the corner of the flag, if you look, you'll see it's got a verse, 1 Corinthians 13:13. I wanted to put that on there. In fact, I should just give a little bit of a nod to STRYPER. STRYPER always had their verse under their logo. And I thought, 'I wonder if we should do like a verse.' And I thought, 'STRYPER always did that. That was kind of clever.' And because they're just going, 'Hey, this is our motto,' or whatever. But I thought it would be important because we're in a time in this country of revolution."

John, who has said in the past that his Christian faith directs him to speak out on cultural issues, continued: "I wanna make sure that people know the kind of revolution that I am talking about is very different than some of the revolution that we often hear about on the news, which is a revolution against America, against God, against Western civilization, against the Bible. And I'm thinking, 'Well, certainly people will know that's not what I mean.' So I put that little verse. And that's the one that says we hold on to these things — faith, hope and love — that these things will never go away, and the greatest is love. And the reason that's so important is because the revolution we're talking about on this record is not a political revolution. It is certainly not a militaristic one, which I've never supported. It's a revolution of love. It's a revolution — I should say for love, is what I should say. It's a revolution to love your enemies. In fact, you could even really philosophically call it a counter revolution, really. It's revolution against the revolution that wants to tear down these traditional things that are so wonderful. I don't want to end freedom of speech and freedom to assemble, to go to my church and worship God, to preach the gospel unhindered. Now we're going to preach the gospel no matter what the government says, but it sure is nice to be able to preach the gospel without being fined or having penalties or worse, going to jail or something like that. This is a really wonderful thing. And so that's a revolution. But it's also a revolution, very much a spiritual awakening."

Cooper added: "We're living in a really atheistic time in our country. It used to not be like this. And so what you now have is a generation of people that are now becoming young adults who were raised in an America where people just don't believe in God. Because if you don't believe in God, then you don't believe in any sort of almost like eternal consequences to the way you live your life, because there are no consequences and we don't know what matters and what doesn't matter. And I just live for me. I live for the way I feel and I try to do what's right. And because of that, we now have a generation of just depressed people, and it makes sense that they're depressed. They are medicated — highly medicated. They have been told that their lives don't have any grand purpose outside of basically Darwin's evolution. Just basically either the strongest survive or they have to try to manufacture a reason that they matter. That's what I'm trying to say. When you believe in God, you know that you matter because you were created by a creator, and that gives you a sense of purpose and identity. And then you begin to go, 'Okay, well, if there is a God, then how does he want me to live?' Those are normal questions. And maybe there's eternal significance to my life. You take God out of it, and now you're dealing with young people — the highest rates of suicide in recorded history in America, depression, medication. It's just so sad. And so there is this revolution against these false ideologies that are so harmful — so harmful. And so it's a little bit of a, 'Hey, guys, we are losing the plot here, and it ain't going good.' And so you're gonna hear those kinds of songs on the record."

John has written in depth about his views in the two books he has released so far, "Awake & Alive to Truth", which came out in December 2020, and "Wimpy, Weak, And Woke", which became available in late 2023.

Cooper told Baptist Press about how his faith directs him to speak out on cultural issues: "If Jesus is the truth, then that means He has something to say about culture, politics, abortion and sexuality. The Bible has something to say about these things."

In various interviews over the years, John has said that he "always had faith in God" and that his mother was a "Jesus fanatic." He also claimed that he was willing to put his career on the line to take a stand for Christ.

In April 2021, Cooper told the "Undaunted.Life: A Man's Podcast" that it was perfectly fine for Christians to play rock music. "I would say that music is created not by the Devil; [it is] created by the Lord," he said. "All things were created by God. So instead of thinking that the Devil owns a genre of music, I would say capture that music and bring it back into subjection under the Lordship of Christ."

In a new interview with Guitar Interactive magazine, CREED guitarist Mark Tremonti was asked if he would like to work on some fresh music with his bandmates. He responded (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "Yeah, I love writing music and I love doing it in many different ways. I love challenging ourselves, I love to be challenged, and writing for all these different acts, when you get into it, you're, like, how am I gonna differentiate this from my other projects? How are we gonna make this its own thing and not sound like this other band with just a different vocalist on it?"

Elaborating on CREED's possible mindset while working on new music, Tremonti said: "I think putting a fresh look, but also um realizing what people loved about the band and trying to trying to keep that intact and not get too progressive in any way with CREED. We keep that to [my other bands] ALTER BRIDGE and TREMONTI and we keep CREED a little more the way it was back in the day — the big melodies, just the stuff that worked back in the day. I think on [CREED's last album, 2009's] 'Full Circle' record, we got somewhat a little more — I think we strayed a little bit from our original sound with that album. So I think it'd be good to try to get back to that original sound a little more."

CREED kicked off its first tour in 12 years, "Summer Of '99", on July 17 at Resch Center in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

With more than 53 million albums sold worldwide, CREED remains one of modern rock's most successful acts. Now, 30 years into their incredible journey, CREED is bigger than ever. In late 2023, the Texas Rangers made "Higher" their unofficial anthem, as it spurred them to their first World Series win. Earlier this year, the song appeared in a high-profile Paramount+ Super Bowl commercial, while a NASCAR Daytona 500 campaign also incorporated the hit single. Along the way, CREED has gained a new generation of fans, thanks to countless TikTok videos that feature their songs.

Last summer, after an 11-year hiatus, CREED announced their long-awaited reunion — returning to the stage for the first time in April 2024 at the sold-out Summer Of '99 cruise and Summer Of '99 And Beyond cruise. In May, meanwhile, the band's multiplatinum-selling "Greatest Hits" collection made its wide debut on vinyl (via Craft),this month landing the collection back into the Billboard Top 200 (currently No. 166, in a list of the most consumed albums in the U.S.),as well as hitting Top Hard Rock & Alternative Albums (No.48),Top Alternative Albums (No. 21),and moving up the Top Hard Rock Albums rankings (No. 11). Originally issued in 2004, the 14-track compilation spans the band's first three albums (1997's "My Own Prison", 1999's "Human Clay" and 2001's "Weathered"). In the months ahead, fans can catch the band on their "Summer Of '99" tour, running through September, where they are joined by the likes of 3 DOORS DOWN, FINGER ELEVEN, SWITCHFOOT, FUEL, BIG WRECK and DAUGHTRY. The band will be heading into arenas this November and December on the "Are You Ready?" tour with 3 DOORS DOWN and MAMMOTH WVH in the U.S. and MAMMOTH WVH and FINGER ELEVEN in Canada.

In a recent interview with Ryan McCredden of the I-Rock 93.5 radio station, singer Scott Stapp spoke about the fact that younger generations of fans have discovered CREED's music in the 12 years since he and his bandmates played their last concert. He said: "Yeah, a hundred percent. And the analytics don't lie. We've started seeing, in late 2020, CREED beginning to go viral on TikTok, Instagram and then Facebook. And then it just seemed like every two or three months… The first couple months in 2021, we went viral again, and it just kept happening every two or three months. And then you look at the analytics, and you realize that when you look at the numbers, it's three generations. And now it's gotten down into high school kids. And so, what a gift and what a blessing. And I do not take that for granted. I understand how rare that that is. And I think I can speak for all of CREED, because we've had these conversations in private, that it's something we definitely understand is a gift, it's rare and we're not taking it for granted and we're just so grateful and appreciative that this has happened. And I think we're in the nurture phase of this whole thing and not taking a single bit of it for granted and just want to just share how grateful we are and fortunate we are that all these years later [so many people are discovering our music."

Stapp went on to discuss the overwhelmingly positive response to the announcement of CREED's first shows together in 12 years.

"I learned this from Mark the other day in a Guitar World interview that we did together," Scott said. "One thing about Mark, and I hope he doesn't get mad at me for sharing, but he's always in touch with our long-term agent from day one, Ken Fermaglich at UTA. He started with us when we were doing clubs and nobody was showing up, and he's still our agent today. And Mark checks in with him to get analytics and get numbers. And Ken shared with him that right now we are bigger in terms of sales and how things are moving than we were at our peak in 2001, 2002, which blows my mind. It still doesn't seem that way to me, but Mark made a comment. He goes, 'Oh, well, you'll see it when you step out and there's 25,000 people in front of you.' And I said, 'Don't scare me, man.' It's been a long time since I've stepped in front of an audience that big."

When McCredden suggested that "the social media world of TikTok and Instagram" played a huge part in generating interest in a CREED reunion tour, Stapp said: "I've learned in my journey in sobriety and in recovery that… I believe in God and I believe that God has a plan. And looking at this from a thousand-foot perspective, it just all just seems, to me, without a doubt that God's had a hand in it. And I'm just grateful that I'm included on the ride and I'm just not gonna take a moment for granted and [I'm gonna] try to deliver every night and give the fans what they're asking for."

Photo credit: Chuck Brueckmann

Craft Recordings celebrates the 15th anniversary of ALICE IN CHAINS' seminal 2009 album "Black Gives Way To Blue" with a special vinyl reissue. The LP, out of print since its original release and a long-sought treasure for hard rock devotees, will arrive on September 27 and is available for pre-order today. In addition to the wide 2-LP release, fans can also pick up the album on three limited-edition color pressings: Black Widow (available exclusively through the ALICE IN CHAINS store),Black Smoke (via the Craft Recordings store),and Electric Smoke (available at Revolver).

"Black Gives Way To Blue" is ALICE IN CHAINS' fourth studio album, first released on September 29, 2009. The project marks a significant moment in the band's history, being their first record to feature William DuVall sharing vocal and guitar duties with founding member Jerry Cantrell, alongside bassist Mike Inez and drummer/founding member Sean Kinney.

Upon release, "Black Gives Way To Blue" was an instant smash hit, debuting at No. 5 on the Billboard 200 and achieving gold certification from the RIAA by May 2010. It includes singles "Your Decision", "Lesson Learned", "Check My Brain" and "A Looking In View", plus the poignant title track "Black Gives Way To Blue", which features a guest performance from Elton John on piano. This song, a heartfelt tribute to late frontman Layne Staley, captures the band's process in coming to terms with their loss while finding a path forward. Both "A Looking In View" and "Check My Brain" were Grammy Award nominated for "Best Hard Rock Performance" in 2010 and 2011, respectively. Additionally, "Black Gives Way To Blue" won a Revolver Golden Gods Award for "Album Of The Year" in 2010.

Consequence praised "Black Gives Way To Blue" as "11 songs that will remind listeners of why ALICE was and is so vital to the hard rock scene," while BLABBERMOUTH.NET described the album as achieving "a newfound level of clarity and humanity that only comes from putting everything [in] the past where it belongs; this could mark the beginning of a new era of stellar music from the band that broke through the grunge barrier and redefined modern rock."

Despite the near unanimous acclaim, the band felt apprehension in pursuing new music after the tragic death of founding frontman Layne Staley. In a 2009 interview with Billboard, the band discussed the delicate balance between honoring their beloved band member and continuing to evolve the group's sound in new directions. "It took a lot to get through this process and to even take the chance, and stand-up and risk," Cantrell said.

DuVall added: "I think initially people came [with] arms crossed, sort of hoping against hope. I hear that a lot. I'm not trying to do a Layne. One of the things I loved about him was how individual he was. He was just being himself, so that's what I do."

Cantrell also reflected on that era in a 2024 interview with Metal Hammer, sharing details about the recording process, which took place at Studio 606 in Los Angeles, owned by the band's friend Dave Grohl. Cantrell explained that the new chapter of ALICE IN CHAINS was a pure artistic pursuit of creating excellent music: "There was no master plan, despite what people think," he said. "This felt right, so we did the next thing, and then the next thing… It's more than just making music and it always has been. We've been friends a long time. We're not doing this to please anybody. It had to be okay from here," he said, pointing to his chest.

Now, 15 years on, the band still feels deeply connected to "Black Gives Way To Blue", which signaled a significant turning point in their legendary career. All these years later, the album remains an important touchstone for the group and their millions of devoted fans. Blending heavy grunge with pummeling, unrelenting hard rock, the album was both a tribute to Staley's impact on the band and a map for moving forward.

Track listing:

Side A:

01. All Secrets Known
02. Check My Brain
03. Last Of My Kind

Side B:

01. Your Decision
02. A Looking In View

Side C:

01. When The Sun Rose Again
02. Acid Bubble
03. Lesson Learned

Side D:

01. Take Her Out
02. Private Hell
03. Black Gives Way To Blue

Over the course of their remarkable career, seminal rock band ALICE IN CHAINS (vocalist/guitarist Jerry Cantrell, drummer Sean Kinney, bassist Mike Inez and vocalist/guitarist William DuVall) have garnered multiple Grammy nominations, sold more than 30 million albums worldwide, and amassed a diehard international fanbase whose members number in the millions. Their discography features some of the biggest and most important albums in rock history, including 1990's triple-platinum certified "Facelift", 1992's quadruple-platinum-certified "Dirt", 1994's triple-platinum-certified EP "Jar Of Flies", which was the first EP in music history to debut at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, and 1995's self-titled double-platinum-certified "Alice In Chains", which also entered the Billboard 200 at No. 1. They returned in grand style in 2009 with the critically acclaimed "Black Gives Way To Blue", which hit No. 1 across the rock and alternative charts, was certified gold, and was hailed by Vice as "a record that's as powerful as anything the band has done." ALICE IN CHAINS remains one of the most successful and influential American rock bands of all time.

Photo credit: James Minchin

In a new interview with Marcelo Vieira, HAMMERFALL singer Joacim Cans was asked if he has achieved everything he dreamed of in his musical career. He responded (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "Absolutely not. Because in that case, it could only go down. [Laughs] There are always territories you wanna play, there's always venues you wanna play. So, no — absolutely not.

"I achieved a lot," he continued. "Let's say if the career would be over tomorrow, I would be happy because I have experienced so many good things in my career. So, hey, I couldn't ask for more, but I still have bigger dreams."

Asked what is still missing, Cans said: "I mean, the dream is still to do a world tour. Wherever you go, you play venues that you can come in with your full production that every fan, no matter where they live in the world, they will get the same show. That is my dream."

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hammerheart Records has announced that due to popular demand, they will finally repress Phlebotomized's Immense Intense Suspense on vinyl.


"It has been 9 years since we did a first edition and this classic Dutch death metal album is in high regard and demand. Several variants will be available. And it will be a last and final repress."


Pre-order here







Tracklisting:


"Immense Intense Suspense / Barricade"
"Desecration Of Alleged Christian History"
"Dubbed Forswearer"
"In Search Of Tranquility / Subtle Disbalanced Liquidity"
"Devoted To God"
"Mellow Are The Reverberations"
"Gone..."










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Today, Ripped To Shreds shares "Force Fed", the second single off their forthcoming new album, Sanshi, out September 27 via Relapse Records. Pre-order the album here.


Bearing all the blood-soaked hallmarks of their hellacious sound, Sanshi is an onslaught of frenetic duelling solos, blasting drums, and van Drunen-esque vocals that further fuse the grit and grime of old-school death metal and grind with the here and now. Helmed by guitarist and frontman Andrew Lee, Ripped To Shreds is as fierce and focused as ever.
Lee comments on "Force Fed": "In the infinite hells of the afterlife, you will be dismembered, steamed alive, made to crawl through knives, until your soul is purified of earthly sins. Then you're force-fed an elixir of forgetfulness so that you can be reborn to sin and to be tortured all over again."


Stream the song here, listen below:







Conceptually, Sanshi sees the band dig into a morbid fixation on death and the afterlife in the context of traditional Chinese folklore. Tracks like the lead single “Perverting The Funeral Rites, Stripped For The Dead” is a song inspired by obscure funeral rites in Taiwan, wherein exotic dancers perform lithe rituals for living and dead alike. Elsewhere, “Force Fed” delves into the legend of Meng Po’s "Elixir of Forgetfulness", which when drunk by the dead wipes their memories clean before they are reborn into their next incarnation. “Living In Effigy” was inspired by real life tales of photographers traversing remote rural China, taking funeral portraits of the elderly  who died in solitude.


Sanshi's cover art comes courtesy of Lee’s long-term collaborator, artist Guang Yang, and depicts a scene of Yan Luo Wang, The God of Hell, and the dead who must face his judgment in his demonic court.





Tracklisting:


"Into The Court Of Yanluowang"
"Force Fed"
"燒冥紙 (Sacrificial Fire)"
"孽鏡臺 (Visions Of Sin, Mirror Of Darkness)"
"Feast Of The Deceased"
"Horrendous Corpse Resurrection"
"Living In Effigy"
"冥婚 (Corpse Betrothal)"
"Cultivating Towards Ascension"
"Perverting The Funeral Rites, Stripping For The Dead"


"Perverting The Funeral Rites, Stripping For The Dead" video:





(Photo - Christopher Johnston)







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Lords Of The Trident are back with the third single off of their upcoming EP, V.G.E.P. (out October 1), with "Valerie," a cover of the Steve Winwood classic. The single is accompanied by a music video, paying homage to the original.


Frontman Fang VonWrathenstein explains: "When I was a kid, the local mall arcade - 'Aladdin's Castle' - was a short bike ride from my house, so I basically grew up there. I remember parking my bike, entering the mall out of the hot summer air, and listening to the canned mall music being played over the tiny, ceiling-mounted speakers as I walked toward the arcade. More often than not, 'Valerie' by Steve Winwood would be playing as I reached the doors of Aladdin's Castle, where the busy noises of the arcade machines would overtake the sound of Mr. Winwood belting out the name of his lost lover. That's why, for whatever reason, I associate 'Valerie' with the childhood thrill of exchanging my quarters for tokens and challenging the latest video game. We wanted to pay homage to the original hand-painted video by attempting to recreate the look and feel (and aspect ratio!) of Steve Winwood's legendary music video. How'd we do? Let us know in the comments of the video!"







The EP made its "sudden drop" as an exclusive release for Lords Of The Trident's Patreon supporters. Anyone who pledges $5 or more to the Lords Of The Trident Patreon gets immediate access to download the full EP as well as the band's last four albums, 25+ live albums, 10+ singles, and more.





Tracklisting:


“To Kill A God”
“Master Of Speed”
“Jet Set City”
“Valerie”
“The Ballad Of Jon Milwaukee”


"The Ballad Of Jon Milwaukee" video:





“To Kill A God” video:










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Blackmore’s Night continue celebrating their 25th Anniversary (and counting) with the release of a very special edition of their acclaimed third studio album, Fires At Midnight. Fully remixed from the original multi-track masters, the 25th Anniversary Edition will be released on September 27 via earMUSIC.


Today, the band share an official lyric video for bonus track "Sake Of the Song" (25th Anniversary New Mix). Stream the single here, and watch the video below:







With shared love for the tradition of Renaissance and Folk-Rock music, legendary guitarist Ritchie Blackmore and award-winning lyricist and singer Candice Night founded Blackmore’s Night in 1997. They have been enchanting audiences around the world ever since.


After hitting off the celebrations for their 25th anniversary with a fully remixed edition of their debut album, Shadow Of The Moon, in 2023, this year Candice and Ritchie continue with the worldwide release of a very special edition of their acclaimed third studio album, Fires At Midnight, originally released in July 2001. The album entered the Official German Album Charts at #9, making it Blackmore’s Night’s first record to hit the Top 10 Charts in Germany.


On this album, Blackmore’s Night started incorporating electric guitar into their songs, alongside organic instruments like hurdy gurdies, shawms and harps. They had been touring for several years at this point and were playing concerts in castle courtyards, churches and theatres. One evening, when leaving a venue in the Czech Republic late at night, the idea for Fires At Midnight was born. "It was bonfire night, and we could just see all of these bonfires that were lit on the hillsides," Candice Night recalls, "and that inspired the idea of the song ‘Fires At Midnight’."


Like Shadow Of The Moon, the 25th Anniversary Edition of Fires At Midnight has been fully remixed from the original multi-track masters. The album will be released as a Vinyl LP for the very first time and includes all bonus-tracks from the previous editions as well as two brand new versions with new vocal parts recorded by Candice Night in 2024 (‘Written In The Stars’ and the album’s title track).


Pre-order Fires At Midnight (25th Anniversary Edition) here.





CD tracklisting:


CD 1:
"Written In The Stars"
"The Times They Are A-Changin'"
"I Still Remember"
"Home Again"
"Crowning Of The King"
"Fayre Thee Well"
"Fires At Midnight"
"Hanging Tree"
"Storm"
"Mid Winter's Night"


CD 2:
"All Because Of You"
"Waiting Just For You"
"Praetorius (Courante)"
"Benzai-Ten"
"Village On The Sand"
"Again Someday"
"Possum’s Last Dance"


Bonus Tracks:
"Sake Of The Song"
"Written In The Stars" (2024 New Vocal Version)
"Fires At Midnight" (2024 New Vocal Version)


"Written In The Stars" (25th Anniversary New Vocal Version) lyric video:










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Cleveland.com is reporting that a former vocalist for Cleveland heavy metal band, Mushroomhead, has sued a former bandmate and fellow co-founder over accusations of copyright infringement.


Jeffrey Hatrix (aka Jeffrey Nothing) said in the lawsuit that Steven Felton, a drummer, producer and co-founder of Mushroomhead, failed to pay him royalties over the last several years.


Also named as a defendant is Filthy Hands Company, which was registered in 2000 by Mushroomhead’s former keyboard player to handle the band’s business.




The lawsuit - filed earlier this week in federal court in Cleveland - does not name the band itself as a defendant, Hatrix’s attorney Ronald Stanley said.


No attorneys are listed in court records for Felton or Filthy Hands Company. Attempts to reach Felton and an attorney who previously represented Filthy Hands Company were unsuccessful.


The lawsuit said Hatrix is seeking at least $3.5 million.


Read the full report at Cleveland.com.







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Future alternative metal greats, Defences, have released their new single, "Silence & The Sound", from their upcoming album Shadowlight, out November 8 via Long Branch Records.


Following strong support in the form of millions of streams across their catalog of releases, numerous UK tours with multiple sell-out headline shows, not to mention numerous festival appearances including Download, Takedown, Turbulence and Burn It Down - the band from Hertfordshire, UK now presents its label debut for Long Branch Records.


The band comments: "With this song sonically, we wanted to create a somewhat eerie soundscape, but with a juxtaposition feel-good Paramore-esque chorus. Ultimately the music itself ties in with the song’s theme of Cherry alone with her thoughts walking in nature, whilst going through a myriad of different emotions in the process. We also decided to feature the original voice notes of Cherry documenting her thoughts, which can be heard subtly in the final mix."




Watch the visualizer for "Silence & The Sound" below:





Defences comments about the album: “Shadowlight stems from a period of solitude and deep reflection, as we explore what it means to accept your inner darkness. Acknowledging, understanding and ultimately accepting it for what it is, learning how to sit with it or use it to change your outlook. The album sees all sides of this, tying in the parallel of the artistic process itself and what it is to create. To open yourself up to the possibility that you may not achieve what you believe in your core to be something you deserve, that you may not reach your potential. This cycle of disappointment and self-sabotage is commonplace, with nothing left but to chase a sense of absolution and validation forever out of reach."


Pre-order the album here.





Shadowlight tracklisting:


"The Curse"
"Gold In The Dark"
"Perish"
"Ego(Maniac)"
"Silence & The Sound"
"Breathe It In"
"Inspirit"
"The Almost"
"Greatness"
"Shadowlight"


"Perish" video:





"The Almost" visualizer:





In September, Defences will return to British stages with new material. Swarm6ix will be joining them as special guests.





Defences are:


Cherry Duesbury - Vocals
William Young - Keys, Vocals
Calum Wilmot - Guitar
Owen Hughes-Holland - Bass
Kyle Parke – Drums


(Photo - Fordtography)







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Riff Crew are delighted to announce the release of a pro-shoot from the Kings Of Thrash 2023 Australian tour, featuring former Megadeth members David Ellefson and Jeff Young.


Kings Of Thrash performed at Max Watt's House Of Music in Melbourne on July 27. This tour featured the band playing the albums So Far, So Good... So What! and Killing Is My Business... And Business Is Good! in their entirety. Ellefson has described the video as the best live footage of Kings Of Thrash to date. Watch below:







Kings Of Thrash recently announced their "Anarchy In The UK" tour with special guests Andry and Hellgrimm. The tour is set to kick off October 24 and run through November 2. This tour will feature none other than Grammy Award winning bassist David Ellefson and guitarist Jeff Young, drummer Fred Aching and vocalist/guitarist Chaz Leon.


The tour promises an electrifying experience for fans as Kings Of Thrash makes its debut in the United Kingdom, paying homage to the birthplace of heavy metal. This tour holds special significance as it coincides with the 30th anniversary of the groundbreaking album Youthanasia, platinum (US) and gold (UK) a milestone in Ellefson's illustrious career.


"We are super thrilled to finally bring Kings Of Thrash to the UK, in many ways the origins of heavy metal," said David Ellefson. "Even more so, celebrating some highlights of the 30th anniversary of the 'Youthanasia' album. The UK has been such a fantastic supporter for more than 40 years of our music, so it'll be great to bring to our fans rare tracks and highlights of some of the most monumental albums in thrash metal history."


Says Jeff Young, “I can’t wait to get back to the UK! The last time I played there was with Megadeth in 1988 at Castle Donington for the “Monsters of Rock” festival, so this return trip is long overdue!”


In addition to commemorating the Youthanasia anniversary, the tour will also showcase select cuts from"Killing Is My Business...And Business Is Good, So Far...So Good... So What!, and Peace Sells...But Who's Buying? promising an unforgettable experience for both longtime fans and newcomers alike.


The "Anarchy In The UK" tour will be a testament to Kings Of Thrash's enduring legacy and their unwavering commitment to delivering high-octane performances that captivate audiences worldwide.


Limited edition VIP upgrades, Stage Used basses, Best Of The West on CD digipack and LP will be available. For ticket information and tour updates, visit KingsOfThrash.com.





Dates are as follows:


October
24 - The Camden Underworld - London, England
26 - The Waterloo Music Bar - Blackpool, England
27 - Old Fire Station - Carlisle, England
28 - La Belle Angele - Edinburgh, Scotland
29 - Opium Live! - Dublin, Ireland
30 - Limelight 1 - Belfast, N.Ireland


November
1 - Corporation - Sheffield, England
2 - Academy 3 - Manchester, England







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Finland's Where's My Bible is set to release their long-awaited second full-length studio album, Kave, on September 11th via Inverse Records. The single "Rahko" is released today and a stunning music video can be viewed below. 





Vocalist Jussi Matilainen comments:




"First of all, I need to explain what 'Rahko' means. It is a malevolent night spirit from Finnish mythology that paints the moon black. Imagine if the moon is the only lantern in the dark that keeps the beasts at bay. What happens when even that light is taken away?"


"'Rahko' and the other songs on the album are based on Finnish and Nordic mythology, which we use as metaphors. We focus on the dark aspects of the human mind and how they can take over. Rahko depicts the full power of the night’s horrors and the threat of dawn. The song gives a taste of what adrenaline-filled death/black metal from Where's My Bible offers while maintaining melodicism. It also feels dangerous to write such songs because I always strongly empathize with them while creating them and try to infuse the emotional state into the music. I am pleased with the result and the way I used my voice brutally and diversely. And all of this is just a glimpse into the song and the overarching theme of the entire album, which unfolds like a story. I would love to share it all with you, but we need to arrange an interview separately so I can elaborate on the whole concept in detail."


Guitarist Pasi Löfgren adds:


"'Rahko' was the second to last song I wrote on the album. I had a feeling that the album need's a fast and massive song where Jussi can also show off his talent. And when i started to record ideas at my home studio it was that magical moment as a composer when the whole song came out from one sitting as it is now." 


Listen to "Rahko" on streaming services here.





Tracklist:
 
"Yö"
"Màni"  
"Fenrir"
"Suden Hetki"
"Creator of Abyss"
"Waves"
"Musta Kuu"
"Kave"
"Deyr Sjalfr It Sama"
"Ghost From The Past"
"Rahko"
"Runo"
"Sòl"
"Aamu"


"Creator Of Abyss"





Photo by Teppo Ristola Photography







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Mr. Big guitarist Paul Gilbert has shared the following message via Instagram:


"Stolem guitar alert! These four guitars were stolen in Frankfurt, Germany today (August 14). Here are the serial numbers. Please keep an eye out for them, and DM me, or write to paulvsgodzilla@paulgilbert.com if you have any information.


Again, a giant THANK YOU to Ibanez guitars for rushing some instruments to me so I can complete the Mr. Big shows. The guitars 'off the rack' are top quality, and I am rocking with full power!"






 

 
 

 


View this post on Instagram

 

 
 
 

 
 

 
 
 

 
 

A post shared by Paul Gilbert (@paulgilbert_official)



Confirmed dates for Mr. Big's current European / UK leg of Mr. Big's The BIG Finish! Tour are as listed:










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On August 12, Japanese metal legends Loudness performed at Crash Crisis 2024 in Tokyo. Fan-filmed video of their entire set can be viewed below.


Setlist:


"Crazy Nights"
"Heavy Chains"
"Metal Mad"
"Yamato Damashii"
"Soul on Fire"
"Crazy Doctor"
"In the Mirror"
"S.D.I."















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M-Theory Audio brings another promising new signing with Lacabra. The group’s new single “Fractured” is available on all digital platforms and also as a music video.


Their enthusiasm about the music and their future made this a no-brainer fit with M-Theory Audio, and they are excited to expose this band to the masses. Lacabra is primed for big things and a name to be reckoned with in the metal world. 







“We are extremely proud and honored to be a part of the M-Theory stable,” says vocalist Lance Neatherlin. “Thank you, Marco and Scott for believing in us and we are beyond excited to see where the upcoming years take us on this insane journey! We would also like to give a huge thank you to our fans! Thank you everyone for their support and here’s to the future! Cheers!”


The Seattle based metal outfit Lacabra, which rose from a previous band Locisteller and out of the ashes of the Covid-19 pandemic, brings together the talents of Lance Neatherlin (Lead Vocals), Eric Snyder (Guitar/Vocals), Eric Weber (Bass), Michael Anthony (Guitar), and Richie Sather (Drums).  The Locisteller line-up transformed into Lacabra minus founding member Didier Almounzi (Dragonforce, Destroyer 666).  


Neatherlin and Snyder (also key members) knew this band was something special and couldn’t be wasted, thus went on to forge a more straightforward and punishing approach with the music.  


All of them have been tried and tested in other bands, but it’s fair to say that in Lacabra they’ve caught lightning in a bottle.  The band’s eclectic influences range from traditional heavy metal, dark wave, black metal as well as 1990’s melodic death metal, which they interweave seamlessly throughout their songs in a unique and purely original way. 


Their live shows are crushingly heavy and intense with dueling lead guitars and stage presence that rival any band out there today.  Their performances and unique sound have garnered them a reputation as a must-see band in the Pacific Northwest (US) and beyond, having shared the stage with bands such as Goatwhore, Crypta, Destruction, Swallow The Sun, Abigail Williams, Nervosa, and more.


The band just wrapped up a US west coast tour with French thrash outfit Anthares with a warm-up gig in Seattle coming up opening for Goatwhore before embarking on a French tour with tourmates Anthares overseas in October.  


Armed with new management at Extreme Management Group, the band has many plans in the works, between tours and their debut album coming in early 2025 via M-Theory Audio. Stay tuned for updates.





Dates:


August
27 – Seattle, WA – Substation


October
10 – Redon, France – Danett Music
11 – Morlaix, France – MJC
13 – St. Herblain, France – AK Shelter
18 – Esquevilly, France – Le Barde Atomique
19 – Le Haillan, France – Salem
20 – Loriant, France – Pit Dog 







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Latest Reviews

Progressive death metal band Carnosus will release new album, Wormtales, October 18 on CD digipak, gatefold vinyl LP, cassette, and digital formats via Willowtip Records. The release is the band's third overall and first for Willowtip.


Whispered among worms were the rumors of a new album by death metal outfit CARNOSUS. Heavier and darker, slithering its way from Sweden, comes Wormtales, a prequel to the critically acclaimed 2023 album, Visions of Infinihility. Wormtales contains some of the band's most impressive riffs thus far and once again lures the listener into the realm of infinihility.


Indeed, Visions Of Infinihility, the quintet's independently released second album, garnered loads of positive press, further amplifying the anticipation for Carnosus' Willowtip debut, Wormtales.




Carnosus was established in 2011. The band members all come from different subgenres within metal, resulting in a mixture of technical melodic death metal, thrash, progressive metal and a pinch of black metal influences scattered throughout.


Album preorders will be available on Friday, August 16.


Artwork by Timon Kokott:





Tracklisting:


“Birthless”
“Within Throat, Within Heart”
“Neglectikon”
“Yearnings Of A Rotten Spine”
“Worm Charmer”
“Harbinger Of Woundism”
“Paradoxical Impulse”
“Wound Of Wisdom”
“Cosmoclaustrum”
“Solace In Soil”


“Within Throat, Within Heart” video:





(Photo: Anders Larsson)







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As part of the "1 Question With…"interview series, Michael Sweet of Christian metallers STRYPER was asked if the band's increasingly heavy and aggressive musical direction has been inspired by the fact that he and his bandmates have never fully embraced in heavy metal and hard rock circles, largely because of their Christian lyrics. He responded (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "Well, it does upset me often when you see a band come out or a person come out and speak about openly their faith, their belief, whether it's they're a Muslim or they're an atheist or they're Satanist or whatever it is. And [they get applauded for it]. But often when a Christian comes out, a Christian band like STRYPER or what have you, they get [criticized for it]. And it's just the way it is. And people that don't agree with that, they're clueless. Because it's out there everywhere for the world to see. Anyone with eyes and ears can hear it and see it. So, continue to deny that. It's truth.

"We've been mocked from the very beginning," he continued. "If we sang about girls or Satan, we would have been the cool kids. But we're not, because we sing about Jesus.

"METALLICA and SLAYER — no disrespect to those guys, I would never wanna be like those guys," Sweet added. "Not in a million years. Yeah, [METALLICA are] playing stadiums. Who cares? I didn't get in this for the money. I didn't get in this to play stadiums. I mean, obviously, there's a rush that comes with that when you play to a big crowd and it's electrifying. But my point is that's not what we're doing this for. So we don't long to be METALLICA or SLAYER, and we're not that style. I grew up on [IRON] MAIDEN and [JUDAS] PRIEST. That's metal to me. Those are the true metal bands. Classic metal with a great singer and great melody — not the other stuff. Again, this is my opinion. People will disagree with me. Perfect. Totally, that's the way it works. But, man, we're gonna keep being who we are. We have been for 40 years. I don't know how much more time we have left in us or [how many] years we have left in us. It could be another 10 or 15. And we'll just keep doing what we do."

Two and a half years ago, Michael claimed that STRYPER was never a "Christian" band despite the fact that the lyrics in a number of STRYPER songs explicitly point to Christ. During an appearance on an episode of the "Talk Is Jericho" podcast hosted by FOZZY frontman and wrestling superstar Chris Jericho, he explained: "I recently, in the past few yeas, said quite a few times, and it's really caused a stir, that we're not a Christian band. And people say, 'What?' But we're Christians in a rock band. And there's a difference.

"I look at PETRA as a Christian band, I look at SWEET COMFORT, I look at REZ BAND as Christian bands, 'cause they were Christians in a rock band," the STRYPER frontman continued. "And they were brought up in the church, for the most part. We weren't brought up in the church; we were brought up on the streets of L.A. playing Gazzarri's, Troubadour, Whisky, and we became Christians. And we just continued doing what we always did, but with a different message.

"So we're a rock band that's comprised of Christians," Sweet added. "We're really not a Christian band. But if people wanna call us a Christian band, that's okay. But I view us as just a rock band that decided to take a different path."

Michael went on to say that STRYPER's lyrics come from the heart and are not meant to be a marketing gimmick, as is the case with some of the band's more extreme counterparts.

"With a band like SLAYER — not just SLAYER but a number of other black metal bands… What's interesting is STRYPER, we read the Bible, we pray, we go to church, we believe in what the Bible says," Michael said. "So by doing so, so to speak, we practice what we preach. We're not perfect — in any sense of the word, we're not perfect — but we really do our best to represent Christ, represent God and all that God stands for. But it's funny when you hear about SLAYER, and you think Satanic band, pentagram, evil, and then Tom [Araya, SLAYER frontman] is going to church every Sunday with his kids. Which is great. But my point is it's a polar opposite of what they represent themselves as. STRYPER, on the other hand, you get what you get. We are what we are on stage and off stage. It's not like we're going to the satanic church after we get off stage."

Even though STRYPER's third album, 1986's "To Hell With The Devil", made Sweet and his bandmates the first contemporary Christian act to score a platinum album, the group has often felt unwelcome in Christian circles, with some members of the church feeling that Christianity and heavy metal are incompatible.

In a 2018 interview with the Detroit Free Press, Michael said: "We've never been accepted by either side. The secular side, the mainstream, they've never accepted us to this day. We're probably that band that everyone's going to go to whenever there's a time to mock. We'll be the band used for that in most cases. Now on the Christian side, we've never really had the full support of the Christian side because we don't fit into their little club. We're not wearing suits and ties and going to every church and preaching."

Formed 41 years ago, STRYPER's name comes from Isaiah 53:5, which states: "But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed."

STRYPER's albums include "To Hell With The Devil", "Second Coming", "No More Hell To Pay", "Fallen", "God Damn Evil", "Even The Devil Believes", "The Final Battle" and the band's upcoming effort, "When We Were Kings".

Decibel Books has announced the publication of "Into Everlasting Fire: The Official History Of Immolation", a massive 400-page history of one of the most beloved bands in death metal history. Fans can pre-order their copy now, with an expected ship date in November.

Propelled by the dissonant harmonic acrobatics of guitarist Robert Vigna and the subterranean growl and slashing rhythms of bassist/vocalist Ross Dolan, IMMOLATION's core duo not only led death metal landmarks like "Dawn Of Possession" but piloted the band through music industry pitfalls of dubious record contacts, sketchy agents and the mid-'90s commercial collapse of the subgenre they helped perfect — and never abandoned.

For an exclusive preview of "Into Everlasting Fire", fans can read the first excerpt online, which takes readers back to early '90s as the death metal scene was about to explode, and IMMOLATION were about to sign to their first record deal with Roadrunner subsidiary R/C Records.

Ahead of this release, IMMOLATION fans can witness a special "First 20 Years" set at Decibel's 20th-anniversary show on August 31 at Brooklyn Bowl Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

"Into Everlasting Fire: The Official History Of Immolation" provides eyewitness accounts from ex-members, label owners, producers and fellow artists who were part of the band's relentless climb to the top of the modern death metal landscape. Penned by longtime extreme metal journalist Kevin Stewart-Panko ("Do You Have Anything To Declare?"),featuring a foreword by DEADGUY guitarist Keith Huckins, and boasting stunning new art from legendary IMMOLATION cover artist Andreas Marschall, "Into Everlasting Fire" is IMMOLATION's fully authorized, unprecedented look into the band's career via countless in-depth interviews, studio recollections, harrowing and hilarious road stories and dozens of exclusive photos.

"We are very excited and extremely proud to announce 'Into Everlasting Fire'," says the band. "It provides a unique glimpse into our world throughout the years as well as a glimpse into our scene from its earlier beginnings right up until the present. Kevin Stewart-Panko did an amazing job in assimilating almost 40 years of stories and memories into a book that will finally give our fans a unique look into IMMOLATION's long and rich history rooted in the beginnings of the death metal scene."

At over 400 pages (including a 16-page color image section) this gorgeous hardcover is available for pre-order now exclusively through Decibel Books.

Photo credit: Dennis Coleman

Neon Sunsets - The 80's Channel has uploaded a short video interview with SLAYER guitarist Kerry King conducted this past spring by two German kids. Asked about the lyrical inspiration for the song "Everything I Hate About You" on his recently released debut solo album, "From Hell I Rise", and what he hates most about people, Kerry replied: "People are the cockroaches of the earth. We destroy everything we touch, basically.

"'Everything I Hate About You', I've been asked many times who that's about, and, really, it's not about anybody particularly," he added. "I mean, it's basically for every day of the week. Today I hate somebody different than I hated yesterday. So that's basically how that came about."

The SLAYER guitarist's solo band played its first concert as the support act for LAMB OF GOD and MASTODON on July 19 at the Texas Trust CU Theatre in Grand Prairie, Texas.

The six-week "Ashes Of Leviathan" tour will wrap on August 31 in Omaha, Nebraska.

Joining Kerry in his new band are Mark Osegueda (vocals; DEATH ANGEL),Phil Demmel (guitar; MACHINE HEAD, VIO-LENCE),Kyle Sanders (bass; HELLYEAH) and drummer Paul Bostaph (SLAYER, TESTAMENT, EXODUS).

In early May, the KERRY KING band performed its first live show at Reggies in Chicago. In the days following, the band went from playing an intimate venue to performing at the huge U.S. festivals Welcome To Rockville (Florida) and Sonic Temple (Ohio).

KERRY KING launched a European tour on June 3 — King's 60th birthday – in Tilburg, The Netherlands. The trek combined headline shows in the U.K., The Netherlands, Germany, Italy and Spain but also festival appearances such as Rock Am Ring, Hellfest, Tuska, Download, Sweden Rock Festival and many more.

"From Hell I Rise" was released in May. All material for the LP was written by the 60-year-old SLAYER guitarist. Helming the sessions at Henson Recording Studios in Los Angeles last year was producer Josh Wilbur, who has previously worked with KORN, LAMB OF GOD, AVENGED SEVENFOLD and BAD RELIGION, among others.

David Coverdale, the powerful voice behind WHITESNAKE and former DEEP PURPLE frontman, sees his solo work shine brightly in a new collection featuring remixed, remastered and revisited versions of his solo albums "WhiteSnake" (1977),"NorthWinds" (1978) and "Into The Light" (2000).

"Into The Light: The Solo Albums" will be available from Rhino.com on October 25 as a six-CD boxed set. It comes packaged in a hardcover box featuring a 60-page book with rare photos, detailed liner notes, and a new interview with Coverdale. The newly remixed version of "Into The Light" will also be available separately as a double vinyl album presented in a gatefold sleeve. Additionally, the newly remixed version of "Midnight Blue" is available digitally today.

The upcoming boxed set features two versions of Coverdale's solo albums: one newly remixed to deliver a more dynamic sonic experience and a second remastered from the original recordings for those who want to revisit the classic sound. The remixed versions feature significant updates (particularly to "WhiteSnake" and "NorthWinds") and utilize cutting-edge audio separation software. The track "Time & Again" from "NorthWinds" benefited from innovative voice extraction technology, allowing for new string and piano arrangements that Coverdale has envisioned for decades.

Coverdale shares: "The remixes are modern, using new technology to squeeze the best out of them… Truly exciting to revisit and take care of any technical 'issues' I had with the tracks all those years ago."

"Into The Light", Coverdale's third solo album, boasts an impressive musical lineup that includes guitarists Earl Slick (DAVID BOWIE) and Doug Bossi, bassist Marco Mendoza (who later joined WHITESNAKE),legendary drummer Denny Carmassi (MONTROSE, WHITESNAKE),and keyboardist Mike Finningan (JIMI HENDRIX). The remixed version of the album expands the original with songs like "Let's Talk It Over" and "All The Time In The World". The collection also offers additional remixes, demos, and outtakes from the album, including "With All Of My Heart". Coverdale wrote the song for his wife and considers it one of the best he's ever written.

The set also revisits "NorthWinds" and "WhiteSnake", Coverdale's first two solo albums recorded immediately after leaving DEEP PURPLE. Both albums have been reimagined and re-sequenced for the upcoming collection. "NorthWinds" includes some new arrangements and additional tracks like "Sweet Mistreater" and "Shame The Devil, Tell The Truth", breathing new life into this classic. "WhiteSnake" features impossible remixes thanks to A.I. sound separation softwares, courtesy of technology that has only been available in the last couple of years.

The collection also unearths several unreleased demos from Coverdale's archives, including songs destined for future WHITESNAKE albums. "Lay Your Love On Me" would later appear as "Lay Down Your Love" on 2008's "Good To Be Bad", while "Crazy 'Bout Cha" evolved into "Whipping Boy Blues" on 2011's "Forevermore". The set even goes back to 1968 with demos Coverdale recorded as a teenager, including an early version of "Sunny Days", a track that would appear on his solo debut, "WhiteSnake".

While Coverdale originally released these albums as a solo artist, he now considers them WHITESNAKE albums. He says: "As I'm recognized as 'Mr. Whitesnake,' I thought, Why not? They're all WHITESNAKE albums to me…we've remixed them to stand proudly alongside any WHITESNAKE album."

"Into The Light: The Solo Albums" CD track listing

Disc One: Into The Light (2024 Remix)

01. She Give Me *
02. River Song *
03. Don't You Cry *
04. Love Is Blind *
05. Slave *
06. Cry For Love *
07. Living On Love *
08. Midnight Blue *
09. Too Many Tears *
10. Don't Lie To Me *
11. All The Time In The World *
12. Wherever You May Go *
13. Yours For The Asking *
14. Let's Talk It Over *

Disc Two: Into The Light (Additional Remixes)

01. Love Is Blind (Band Version) *
02. As Long As I Have You *
03. With All Of My Heart *
04. Wherever You May Go (Strings Version) *
05. Love Is Blind (Strings Version) *

Demos & Unfinished Symphonies

06. Lust *
07. Oh No! Not The Blues Again *
08. Into the Light Intro
09. Into The Light *
10. You Make It Hard On Me *
11. Would You Be Happy *
12. Fooling Yourself *
13. Make The Best Of It *
14. Veda of Cassandra Blues *
15. I Can See The Light *
16. Another Fallen Angel *
17. Itchy Finger *

Original Demos 1997

18. Crazy' Bout Cha (Original Version of "Whipping Boy Blues") *
19. If You Want Me *
20. Lay Your Love On Me (Original Version of "Lay Down Your Love") *

Disc Three: NorthWinds (2024 Remix)

01. Keep On Giving Me Love *
02. Sweet Mistreater *
03. NorthWinds *
04. Give Me Kindness *
05. Queen Of Hearts *
06. Only My Soul *
07. Time & Again (String Version) *
08. Say You Love Me *
09. Shame The Devil, Tell The Truth *
10. Breakdown *
11. Time & Again (Piano Version) *
12. Time & Again (Strings Only) *

Disc Four: WhiteSnake MCMLXXVII (2024 Remix)

01. Lady *
02. Blindman *
03. Goldies Place *
04. Time On My Side *
05. Peace Lovin' Man *
06. Sunny Days *
07. Hole In The Sky *
08. WhiteSnake *
09. Celebration *

Young Lad's Blues (1968 Home Demos)

10. Sunny Days (Original) *
11. Love Me In The Morning *
12. I Will Love You *
13. Moment In Time *
14. It Would Be Nice *
15. There Was A Time *
16. Why? *
17. I Still Love You *

Disc Five: Into The Light (Original Mix 2024 Remaster)

01. She Give Me
02. River Song
03. Don't You Cry
04. Love Is Blind
05. Slave
06. Cry for Love
07. Living On Love
08. Midnight Blue
09. Too Many Tears
10. Don't Lie To Me
11. Wherever You May Go

Disc Six: WhiteSnake (Original Mix 2024 Remaster)

01. Lady
02. Blindman
03. Goldies Place
04. Time On My Side
05. Peace Lovin' Man
06. Sunny Days
07. Hole In The Sky
08. Celebration
09. WhiteSnake

NorthWinds (Original Mix 2024 Remaster)

10. Keep On Giving Me Love
11. NorthWinds
12. Give Me Kindness
13. Time & Again
14. Queen Of Hearts
15. Only My Soul
16. Say You Love Me
17. Breakdown

Into The Light (2024 Remix)

2LP Track Listing

LP One: Side One

01. She Give Me *
02. River Song *
03. Don't You Cry *
04. Slave *

Side Two

01. Love Is Blind *
02. Cry For Love *
03. Yours For The Asking *
04. Midnight Blue *

LP Two: Side One

01. Too Many Tears *
02. Don't Lie To Me *
03. All The Time In The World *
04. Wherever You May Go *

Side Two

01. Living On Love *
02. With All Of My Heart *
03. Let's Talk It Over *

* Previously unreleased

Iconic rock band LIVE has released a brand new single, "Lady Bhang (She Got Me Rollin')" featuring STONE TEMPLE PILOTS' Dean DeLeo on guitar.

"I'm so excited for our fans to hear LIVE's first new release in six years with 'Lady Bhang (She Got Me Rollin')'," says LIVE founder Ed Kowalczyk. "It was such a blast to produce this totally 'in-house' with LIVE's Zak Loy (lead guitar) and Nick Jay (keyboards) producing, with otherworldly rhythm section grooves by LIVE's Johnny Radelat (drums) and Chris Heerlein (bass)… and last but not least, the mystical slide guitar-stylings of the incredible Dean DeLeo of STP! We can't wait to play it onstage this summer with Dean as we share the stage for a nationwide tour with STONE TEMPLE PILOTS! Lyrically, it's that last cocktail before closing time, that final lap of a race that's gone on too long…the song is also a kind of thank you letter to the late Junior Kimbrough and his hill-country brethren for all the inspiration they have given me over the years with their unique and strikingly original blues music. Enjoy and see you on the road!"

Dean DeLeo adds, "Love the track and loved playing on it. Thank you for letting me be a part of it."

The multi-platinum selling bands join forces to celebrate the 30th anniversary of two of the most beloved albums of the 1990s, LIVE's "Throwing Copper" and STONE TEMPLE PILOTS' "Purple". Fans of the iconic bands can expect a night of hit songs from those albums and much more, with a full set of music by each group spanning generations.

"Throwing Copper", the third studio album from LIVE produced by Jerry Harrison of THE TALKING HEADS, set alternative radio on fire with consecutive hit singles, including "Selling The Drama", "I Alone", "All Over You" and the unforgettable radio mainstay "Lightning Crashes", which was No. 1 at Modern Rock Radio for 10 consecutive weeks. "Throwing Copper" reached No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and went on to sell over 10 million copies.

LIVE has sold over 22 million albums worldwide and earned two number one albums: "Throwing Copper" and "Secret Samadhi". Their catalog is filled with such gems as "Lightning Crashes", "I Alone", "All Over You" and "Lakini's Juice", which live on today as classics on rock radio. "Throwing Copper" — which the band celebrated in 2019 with a new deluxe 25th anniversary edition via Radioactive/Geffen/Ume along with a global tour across major festivals, amphitheaters and arenas — produced the band's biggest single, "Lightning Crashes", which was No. 1 at Modern Rock radio for ten consecutive weeks. "Throwing Copper" reached No. 1 on the Billboard Top 200 and eventually surpassed sales of 10 million albums sold, with Rolling Stone honoring the album with placement on their list "1994: The 40 Best Records From Mainstream Alternative's Greatest Year." "Secret Samadhi" (1997) immediately shot to No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and eventually went double platinum. The release of the platinum-selling "The Distance To Here" (1999) turned LIVE into an international powerhouse and moved the band from arenas into stadiums. LIVE has been and remains today a global concert juggernaut.

Up-and-coming Italian power metal unit, Frozen Crown, are gearing up to unleash their new studio album and Napalm Records debut, War Hearts, out October 18. The band has shared a new video introducing the album. Check it out below.





Founded in 2017, Frozen Crown has garnered significant media exposure with their previous four albums and their massive hit, "Neverending”, which has gathered over 11 million views on YouTube to date. The fresh ten track offering marks their first as a six-piece band, capturing the essence of Frozen Crown's dynamic sound brimming with powerful riffs, unforgettable melodies, and raw energy.




The band recently revealed their driving single, "Steel And Gold”, featuring swift guitar riffs, relentless drums and a catchy refrain. Transporting the uplifting spirit to keep on fighting, the track is accompanied by an official music video that captures the band in a stunning castle ruin.


Giving a first impression of the youthful, raw and passionate approach to metal, get ready to experience their powerful live performances as the band heads out on tour with Kamelot in the fall of this year.


Frozen Crown comments the new single "Steel And Gold": "We're extremely excited to have the ‘Steel And Gold’ official video finally released via Napalm Records. This is the fulfillment of years of hard work, as well as a fresh start! This video doesn't deviate from the usual Frozen Crown style, it just consolidates it. Very often, our videos have been labeled as 'just a bunch of people having the time of their lives playing metal in some beautiful scenery... plus a lot of hair'. We must say, we totally agree!


This time, though, the beautiful scenery is the gorgeous "Castello dei Doria", in Dolceacqua, Liguria, in northwestern Italy, and the 'bunch of people’ is just one more person on guitar, adding firepower (and hair) to the ensemble. ‘Steel and Gold” is a song about loyalty, integrity and self improvement. It’s about remaining true to your ideals and about the search for unattainable perfection.”


Check out the official music video for "Steel And Gold" below.


Featuring all members on the recording for the first time, War Hearts symbolizes a fresh start and pays homage to the legendary Children Of Bodom with its album title, a band that inspired Frozen Crown's youthful, raw and passionate approach to metal. Addressing themes of self-improvement, awareness, personal growth and inner struggles, album opener and title track "War Hearts” is about fighting for your dreams in the darkest of nights and creates a powerful and uplifting message of always staying strong, making it through the storm as war angels. "I Am The Wind” features soaring choruses with dual vocals from frontwoman Jade and guitarist Federico, ingenious guitar riffs and perfectly blended drums, while the lyrics inspire listeners to let go like the wind and rise to shine again. To wrap up the album, tracks like "Edge of Reality”, inspired by the ’86 Highlander movie, and "Bloodlines”, referencing the Vampire: The Masquerade series of board and video games, showcase the band's colorful storytelling.


Frozen Crown on their new album: "War Hearts is our fifth album, but it's also the first one as a 6-piece band and the first one on Napalm Records. It’s also the first album where all members actually make their appearance on the recording. For these reasons, War Hearts represents a new beginning, a fresh start, and it may be considered the first episode of Frozen Crown "reboot”. We wrote and arranged this album acting like we had no history at all, never afraid to repeat some of our trademark stylistic features. On the contrary, we highlighted and gave more value to them, to make our new songs sound 100% like us. We worked hard on the material to cut away all the useless parts and make the songs as catchy and straightforward they could be, and to make them sound like quintessential Frozen Crown.”





War Hearts will be available in the following formats:


- Ltd. 1LP Gatefold Crystal Clear Black Marbled (Napalm Records Mailorder exclusive) - strictly ltd. to 200 copies
- 1LP Gatefold Translucent Red (Napalm Records Mailorder exclusive)
- Digisleeve
- Digital


Pre-order here.





War Hearts tracklisting:


"War Hearts"
"Steel And Gold"
"To Live To Die"
"Night Of The Wolf"
"On Silver Wings"
"Edge Of Reality"
"Bloodlines"
"I Am The Windv
"King Of The Sky"
"Ice Dragon"


"Steel And Gold" video:





Frozen Crown are:


Giada "Jade" Etro - vocals
Federico Mondelli - vocals, guitar
Fabiola Bellomo - guitar
Francesco Zof - bass
Niso Tomasini - drums
Alessia Lanzone - guitar


(Photo - Federico Mondelli, Alessia Lanzone)







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Temple Of Dread unchain the brutal track "Sacrificial Dawn" as the next lyric video / single taken from the forthcoming album God Of The Godless, which is scheduled for release on October 4, 2024. Pre-orders can be placed now at this location.


Temple Of Dread comment: "Our second single 'Sacrificial Dawn' is about the Trojan War and about brave warriors who fall victim to the games and intrigues of the gods," guitar shredder Markus Bünnemeyer explains. "Troy... bloody Troy. The song is deliberately kept musically very simple. It is also very groove-driven and rhythmic in places. Once again, our good friend Marc Grewe from AsInHell and formerly Morgoth is supporting us with his vocals. Marc's screams are highly unique, so it is quite remarkable that even for us it's sometimes difficult to make out whether he or Jens is singing. What a brutal dream team!"







God Of The Godless artwork / tracklisting:





“Carnage Ritual”
“Spawn Of Filth”
“Black Scream”
“Sacrificial Dawn”
“God Of The Godless”
“Prophetic Misanthropy”
“Monstrosity Divine”
“Terminal Putrefaction”
“Demise Of Olympus” 


“Carnage Ritual” lyric video:





 







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After teasing fans for the past few days, Swedish hard rock/metal quintet Days Of Jupiter have announced that a new album is finally in the making, the first to be released through Reigning Phoenix Music (RPM). To bridge the gap until their upcoming fifth studio album, tentatively set for release in early 2025, Days Of Jupiter give fans an early taste with their new single “Original Sin” today.


"'Original Sin' is hard hitting and intense with great melodies. It's a killer song with great energy and has quickly become one of our favourites, and we hope it will become one of yours. Are we all destined to be sinners?" the band add.







Days Of Jupiter create an intense, yet empathetic and thoughtful style of metal with a contemporary touch, making them a standout addition to the label's roster. They join a roster which includes many promising acts as well as some of the heavyweights of the scene.


"We are back! Yes, it has been a minute, but now we are back and we are very excited to announce that Days Of Jupiter have signed a worldwide multi-album deal with RPM. We are highly confident that RPM will be able to take us to another level and to spread our music all over the world. We think this is a fantastic combo!" the band admit.


RPM label strategist Nils Wasko adds, "We are delighted to welcome Days Of Jupiter at RPM! The band, with their exceptional singer Janne Hilli, have a truly talent on the microphone who, together with his band members, offers a load of melodic hard rock and alternative metal songs that will amaze fans all over the world. RPM will actively support Days Of Jupiter on this path and advance their career on a national and international level."





Days Of Jupiter are:
Janne Hilli | vocals
Marcus Lindman | guitars
Johnny Grenwald | guitars
Janne Karlsson | bass
Magnus Larsson | drums


(Photo: Robert Hilli / Editing: Jenny Pettersson)







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