In a new interview with Ned of the Rock 108 radio station, guitarist/vocalist Morgan Lander of Canadian metallers KITTIE spoke about their decision to reunite, initially for a couple of festival appearances before beginning work on new music.

" Yeah, I mean, it truly is a really, really wild feeling," she said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET). "I often have a hard time putting it into two words. There's so many emotions involved in the experiences that we've had in the past. And yeah, I think when we were young and wild and our first album came out, there was a lot of people that were interested in the band, a lot of people that loved the band, but I have heard a lot of people say things like, well, we just never really got to the heights, maybe, that some people thought that we possibly should have. And I think that maybe we were just a little bit ahead of our time as far as that kind of acceptance. And we definitely slugged it out year after year since then. And sometimes taking a little bit of time away to reevaluate and sort of be able to appreciate all of the things, the good and the bad. Sometimes that's needed in order to really put things into perspective, and I think this decade-plus that we were away, we really were able to do that and heal a lot of the things of the past to be able to return feeling as strong and powerful as ever."
Speaking about bands like MÖTLEY CRÜE and KISS, who have both announced farewell tours, only to "unretire" within a relatively short period of time, Morgan said: "Yeah. Well, I think it's hard. Like those instances, like a MÖTLEY CRÜE or a KISS, those people have been doing this a long time. It is their identity. And sometimes it's hard to let go, and so I can understand why the pull of the stage and the pull of creating and the pull of making music can sometimes pull people out of retirement like that. As far as MÖTLEY CRÜE, in comparison to us going away and coming back, didn't they make a big announcement? They signed some stuff saying they were never gonna come back and then they went back on that a few years later. So for us, it was different because we didn't make an announcement. And that was, I would say, intentional. For us, KITTIE is a big part of who we are, and we wanted to be able to keep the legacy alive, whether or not we were actively making music and touring and stuff like that. And so there was always a little glimmer of hope in the future that maybe one day something could potentially happen. But we didn't wanna make any grand declarations because we ourselves were not entirely sure that that was going to be the end of things. Sometimes life pulls you in a different direction, and I think that's okay. You find out more about who you are and what you really want out of life. And then, when things are right again, like they are right now, it's the right time."

Referencing a band like DISTURBED, which announced more than a decade ago that it was taking a hiatus and returned to activity a few years later, Morgan said: "I think that there's nothing wrong with that. I think sometimes you can find a lot of growth and a lot more about yourself. And, in the time that we were away, we also focused on other projects and writing with other people. And sometimes doing something else can really help to broaden your horizons. And then you all learn something more and you come back to do KITTIE, and you're, like, 'Wow, why does everything feel so great?' It's, like, all that time and all that learning that you've done and those experiences you're pouring into this project."

KITTIE's first LP in over 13 years, "Fire", was made available on June 21 via Sumerian Records.

In April, KITTIE announced an exclusive run of North American headline dates. The long-awaited shows will see the band perform in five cities across the U.S. and Canada this July and August, giving fans a very special and rare chance to see the band play a full headline set that will include their recently released singles "We Are Shadows" and "Eyes Wide Open" as well as classic hits and some deep cuts not played live since the band's early days.

Last November, it was revealed that KITTIE was working on a new studio LP with producer Nick Raskulinecz at Nashville's Sienna Studios.

Raskulinecz, who moved to Nashville from Los Angeles around 16 years ago, had previously worked with such acts as RUSH, ALICE IN CHAINS, KORN, RISE AGAINST, HALESTORM, EVANESCENCE, SKID ROW and the DEFTONES.

KITTIE played its first concert in five years in September 2022 at the Blue Ridge Rock Festival at the Virginia International Raceway in Alton, Virginia.

Joining Morgan and Mercedes in KITTIE's current lineup guitarist Tara McLeod and bassist Ivana "Ivy" Vujic.

Prior to Blue Ridge, KITTIE had not performed since its reunion show at London Music Hall in the band's native London, Ontario in 2017, celebrating the group's documentary "Kittie: Origins/Evolutions".

Vujic joined KITTIE in 2008 and appeared on the band's fifth studio CD, 2009's "In The Black". She also wrote and recorded bass for KITTIE's sixth album, 2011's "I've Failed You".

After KITTIE completed the touring cycle for "I've Failed You" album, the band entered a long period of inactivity during which Morgan focused on a marketing job for a chain of fitness clubs while Mercedes worked in real estate and more recently at a software company. The group also began work on a career-spanning documentary, "Origins/Evolutions", which finally saw the light of day in 2018 via Lightyear Entertainment in North America.

"I've Failed You" sold 3,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 178 on The Billboard 200 chart.

New York hardcore legends SICK OF IT ALL have canceled their summer European tour after vocalist Lou Koller was diagnosed with an esophageal tumor.

Koller broke the news of his diagnosis earlier today (Friday, June 28) in a video message posted on social media. He said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET):  "What's up, everybody? Lou here. As you may or may not know, we had to cancel our full European tour this summer. There's some rumors going around as to why, and we're here to set the record straight. But we wanted to wait till we got all the information before making an announcement.

"The reason it's canceled is because they found a tumor in my esophagus that goes into my stomach, and I'll have to be getting treatment all summer — and of course, with full support of the band. As soon as they heard it, they were, like, 'Forget the tour. Just get healthy.' And we're not happy about it, seriously. But, like I said, they're all behind me staying home and us staying home. We really feel sorry. I feel sorry for the fans. All of our crew was banking on the [fact that] we were all gonna have another fun summer together and all the promoters, but everyone who knows has been very supportive. And now everybody knows. So that's the reason. No other reason you heard is the truth. This is the truth.

"So, yeah, just thanks for all your support and I'll hopefully beat this thing and see you at the end of the summer. Or maybe the winter. [Laughs] Take care."

SICK OF IT ALL's latest album, "Wake The Sleeping Dragon!", was released in November 2018 via Century Media. The follow-up to 2014's "The Last Act Of Defiance" was produced by Jerry Farley (EVERY TIME I DIE, DEMON HUNTER) over a two-and-a-half-week period at Nova Studios in Staten Island, New York and was mixed and mastered by Tue Madsen (MESHUGGAH, THE HAUNTED, MADBALL). The cover artwork was created by Ernie Parada.

"Wake The Sleeping Dragon!" featured guest appearances by RISE AGAINST vocalist/guitarist Tim McIlrath and HOT WATER MUSIC frontman Chuck Ragan.

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Ensiferum played the 2023 edition of Germany's Wacken Open Air festival. Professionally-filmed footage of the band performing "Rum, Women, Victory",  "In My Sword I Trust" and "Andromeda" can be viewed below:





Ensiferum will release their long-awaited new studio album, Winter Storm, on October 18 through Metal Blade Records.




The Finnish folk-metal melodeath sensation has maintained a prolific release schedule since their first demo in 1997, gradually increasing in stature until eighth album Thalassic crowned their ascent in 2020. The nautical opus went on to top Finland's album chart, reaching #3 in Germany, and top ten in Switzerland, Canada, and the United States. Eventually, Ensiferum would take Thalassic on two massive world tours and to festivals like Wacken, Hellfest, Summer Breeze, and Ragnarök, but the global Covid pandemic ensured that the four-year wait for Winter Storm would be the longest in the band's near-thirty-year history.


Much of the new material emerged in the lockdown era, when Ensiferum's founding guitarist Markus Toivonen set himself the challenge of finding new ways to make music - eventually composing every song except the rousing, anthemic "Fatherland," written by bassist Sami Hinkka. The addition of singer/organist Pekka Montin's crystal-clear melodic high notes provided a tremendous boost on Thalassic. But on Winter Storm - a fantasy concept narrative penned by Hinkka - Montin's super-strong voice finds its optimal place in Ensiferum's sound. Bringing to life such grandiose, heroic material, the singer emerges as one of the greatest vocal discoveries of the decade.


"The way I see it, this album is more like a 'musical' than a traditional album," says Hinkka. "The lyrics of Winter Storm are based on part of my unpublished fantasy book. One day it will be out… I don't want to reveal the plot or details too much but 'Winter Storm Vigilantes' and 'Fatherland' tell of two factions in this long tale. The Vigilantes have gained knowledge to utilize certain rare elements, and even though there was already magic in this world, with this new epiphany they have reached a completely new level. This element seems to interact with living things in a way that even the wisest men don't completely understand. And through generations of trial and error, they have refined a skill to expose their horses to the element and managed to break the law of gravity, making their steeds fly. But they became ruthless and greedy on their quest to gain more of this element. A small tribe in the north keep on fighting for their land, which the Vigilantes plan to take over. These North Folks will literally fight until the last man…


"Other characters include a Vigilante castaway, the last shaman of the North Folk, and a mysterious widow. The album ends with a great battle against the Vigilantes and the unholy alliance of the castaway and the North Folk shaman, who has transcended into a spirit wolf. Who will prevail? Will this be the final battle of the book? Time will tell… I understand that all this sounds very far out -- well, it is a fantasy book -- but believe me, it will be truly an epic story!"


Adds Hinkka of Ensiferum's first single from the offering, "Winter Storm Vigilantes": "Markus had quite grandeur visions of the song and it turned out to be even more heroic than we expected. It was an obvious choice to open the new album. This epic song serves as one faction of the big story. The song pushes forward with the might of a thousand horses and will surely be a great song in the future setlist."


Watch the new video below.


Ensiferum's Winter Storm was produced by Janne Joutsenniemi, mixed and mastered by Jens Bogren, and includes guest appearances by Lassi Logrén on Nyckelharpa and violin and Mikko Mustonen on orchestration as well as Eleine's Madeleine Liljestam who provides all vocals on "Scars In My Heart".





Winter Storm will be available on jewel case CD, special edition CD featuring two additional bonus tracks, and digitally as well as vinyl in the following color variants:


- Frost (US)
- 180g Black (EU)
- Light Blue Ice Marbled (EU)
- Light Blue Ice Marbled w/ Signed Cover (EU - Ltd. 100 - Amazon EU excl.)
- Blood Red Marbled (EU - Ltd. 500)
- Pic-LP (EU - Ltd. 500)
- Red Opaque Blackdust (EU - Ltd. 200 - Band Shop excl.)
- Blood On Ice Splatter (EU - Ltd. 300 - EMP excl.)
- Frosty Blue Splatter (EU - Ltd. 200 - Levykauppa excl.)


Pre-order here.





Winter Storm tracklisting:


"Aurora"
"Winter Storm Vigilantes"
"Long Cold Winter Of Sorrow And Strife"
"Fatherland"
"Scars In My Heart" (feat. Madeleine Liljestam)
"Resistentia"
"The Howl"
"From Order To Chaos"
"Leniret Coram Tempestate"
"Victorious"
"Six Ribbons" (Jon English Cover) *
"Lambada" (Kaoma Cover) *


* Special Edition Bonus Track


"Winter Storm Vigilantes" video:





Ensiferum lineup:


Petri Lindroos - vocals, guitars
Markus Toivonen - guitars, vocals
Sami Hinkka - bass, vocals
Janne Parviainen - drums
Pekka Montin - keyboards, vocals

June 28 marked an electrifying moment in the metal music world as three of the
genre's most influential bands - Cyhra, Dead By April, and The Day We Left Earth - united to release their highly anticipated collaborative single, "Parasite". This groundbreaking track is now available on all major digital music platforms.


"Parasite" showcases the unique strengths of each band, blending Cyhra's melodic mastery, Dead By April's signature mix of metalcore and electronic elements, and The Day We Left Earth's atmospheric intensity. The result is a hard-hitting, adrenaline-pumping anthem that pushes the boundaries of modern metal.


Fans can expect an explosive blend of intricate guitar riffs, powerful vocals, and relentless rhythms. The lyrics of "Parasite" delve deep into themes of struggle, resilience, and overcoming inner demons, resonating with listeners on a profound level.




Jake E of Cyhra commented: "Working with Dead By April and The Day We Left Earth has been an incredible experience. 'Parasite' is a testament to our shared passion for music and our desire to create something truly special for our fans."


Pontus Hjelm of Dead By April added: "This collaboration allowed us to explore new musical territories and challenge ourselves creatively. We're thrilled with the outcome and can't wait for everyone to hear it."


Martin Bjerke of The Day We Left Earth stated: "Bringing together the distinct sounds of each band has resulted in a track that is powerful, raw, and honest. 'Parasite' is a reflection of our collective energy and commitment to our art."


"Parasite" is now available for streaming and download on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, and all other major platforms here.

Tristania's classic gothic metal 1998 debut, Widow's Weeds, is available now as a limited deluxe viny LP edition including the band's debut EP, which has never been released on vinyl.


There are a lot of bands with good debut albums. There are also a lot of bands with excellent debut albums. And then, occasionally, there’s a band, seemingly appearing out of nowhere, that completely eclipses all their peers.


Such is the case with Tristania’s debut full-length, Widow's Weeds, which upon its release took the metal world by storm and raised the bar for gothic metal to unimaginable heights. What’s so striking about this album, is how it managed to capture, perhaps even revive, gothic metal’s purest essence: to invigorate sorrow and sadness, to highlight the beautiful energy that can be found in melancholy. 




Musically, Widow's Weeds is a near-perfect gothic album, from start to finish. Intros and outros are always risky business, seldom having real added value on any album. Not this time though; they fit in perfectly with the orthodox approach that Tristania is taking. The intro on this album literally opens the door to Tristania's cathedral of sorrow, with the choir guiding you to album opener, "Evenfall", as you are immediately immersed in the band’s beautiful dark and wintery scenery. And for the next 50 minutes, you won’t get out.


This album is meant to express the deepest levels of sorrow and sadness. To be your only lonely companion at the heart of winter. To make you yearn for nightfall. To be the soundtrack to your stroll through desolate meadows. Widow's Weeds is stripped of all possible joy. Tristania delivered the ultimate gothic metal album, now and forever. Every other gothic metal release, past and future, needs to be benchmarked against
Widow's Weeds.


The re-issue is available as a CD digipak and 2-LP clear glitter, transparent red, black / grey marble, and black vinyl. Pre-order here. Street date is September 20th.





Tracklist:


LP 1 - Widow's Weeds


"Preludium..."
"Evenfall"
"Pale Enchantress"
"December Elegy"
"Midwintertears"
"Angellore"
"My Lost Lenore"
"Wasteland’s Caress"
"...Postludium"


LP 2 - Tristania EP


"Sirene"
"Midwintertears"
"Pale Enchantress"
"Cease to Exist"


"Evenfall"

Heavy metal masters Veil Of The Serpent make their crushing return, as the band releases their first new music since their breathtaking Gallery Of Sin II EP in October 2023.


Inspired by the horrific happenings in Jonestown, "Death Cult" is another intense metal anthem in the band's discography, that takes listeners down a merciless dark path, back to the traces of the cruel happenings on November 18, 1978 in Guyana.


Singer James about the song:




"The Jonestown Massacre was a traumatic event in United States history. Though it occurred around 50 years ago, the underlying factors that led to their demise are still in present in the world today. Power, greed and megalomania fuel cult leaders and their flock to attempt to transcend being human. We tried to write this song as historically accurate and respectful to the victims as possible. Becoming a victim of a cult is not something people do on purpose. It is our duty as family, friends, and neighbors to save as many victims of cults in the future and those who do not realize they are in one today."


Drummer Felix adds:
"We worked for quite a while on this one and we're proud that ‘Death Cult’ is finally unleashed. Actually it's the only stand alone release from Veil Of The Serpent for 2024. I don't want to give away any details to spoil the surprise, but trust me, we have something huge planned for later this year. Stay tuned!"


Stream here.

August 2, 2024 will see Swedish modern dark metal act MISTER MISERY release their hotly-anticipated, self-titled studio album via AFM Records. To shorten your wait, today, MISTER MISERY shared a new single taken from their forthcoming, third album. "The Doomsday Clock" is now streaming below, while the band tells us:

"This song is quite different from what we usually write about. The Doomsday Clock is about the violent human nature and how we as a society and individuals are so divided. It’s about the observation of the state of the world as it is today, and that is quite different for us to write about. We felt we wanted to step in to that territory as well."

In a new interview with Ultimate Classic Rock, W.A.S.P. frontman Blackie Lawless once again spoke about complaints from some of the band's fans about the use of backing tracks during the group's live performances. Asked about some fans' belief that none of W.A.S.P. concerts are actually live, he responded: "Well, if they're crazy enough to believe it, that's their business. But if they genuinely feel like that, then don't go.

"Listen, God blessed me with this foghorn in my throat. Like anybody who's got one, we like showing 'em off — and I'm no different.

"I'm sorry if this sounds arrogant, but there will be times where I'm up there and I hear what's coming out of me, when I'm sustaining a note or something. I'm thinking to myself, 'Wow, that's pretty cool,'" he continued. "I'm not sure most people would have the opportunity to experience something like that in their lives. So from my perspective, I'm pretty appreciative of it. As I said, when you've got this thing that really not a lot of people can do, you like to show it. [Laughs]

"Let me add one more thing. I grew up listening to 'Live At Leeds' [by THE WHO]. Even though I didn't realize it at the time, there are overdubs on it. But it's pretty raw. It sounds like it was done by a three-piece band. For the most part, it's pretty realistic. But they don't do it like that anymore. What they were doing was giving you a reflection of 1970. They were giving you a snapshot of that timeframe. And that's what bands did. But when technology changed and we had the ability to make it sound bigger and better, who's not going to do that? I mean, you can do the 'Live At Leeds' version. We used to. Was it good? It was okay for what it was. But you know, if I'm going to see a show — and this is my personal opinion — I want that thing to sound like the record. I don't care what QUEEN says, or any of these other bands, 'Oh, we're doing that live.' No, you don't have 20 guys behind that stage singing. [Laughs] You just don't. They're all getting help out there. The bottom line is to give the audience a good show. Who cares how it gets there?"

Lawless added: "There's the argument that some of these girl singers out here now, they don't sing a note and they probably don't. Hey, listen, if I'm going to go see Yngwie [Malmsteen], I want to see Yngwie play. But there are some guys in some rock bands that if they didn't play and it was recorded, it wouldn't bother me one iota. Because I'm not going there to see that. I would be going to see the songs. But if somebody's got a dangerous instrument that they're really good at and can do something that few people can do? Yeah, I wanna hear 'em do it. So in my opinion, I'm giving them that, but I'm also giving them the best of both worlds."

Blackie previously addressed W.A.S.P.'s alleged reliance on backing tracks last November in an interview with Canada's The Metal Voice. At the time, he said: "The conclusion that I came to was this. Up until about five years ago, we did everything — it was literally a four-piece band; what you heard is what you got. And I came to the conclusion that we did the anniversary tour for 'The Crimson Idol'. We then brought in all that orchestration. And I stood in the middle of the room and I listened to that in rehearsal for the first time. It was like an out-of-body experience. I mean, it was unbelievable. And I remember thinking, 'I've never heard this sound like this other than the record.' And I thought, 'this is what I wanna do from now on. I want it to sound exactly like the record.'"

He continued: "When you listen to a record like 'Live At Leeds' [from] THE WHO, that's a rock band doing a three-piece musical version of 'Tommy' or some of the other earlier songs. It's great for what it is, but it doesn't sound like 'Tommy'. What they do now with all the pieces that they take out, those performances sound like the record. And so you have to make a decision as an artist: what do you want that performance to sound like?"

Lawless added: "Now as a singer, I take a lot of pride in what I do. When you've been given a gift like I've been given, most singers I know wanna show that thing off, and I'm no different. So, yeah, that's me singing out there. But as far as any other orchestra tracks or backing vocal tracks, I'm sorry, there's just not enough of us on stage to make it sound like that record — it's impossible. So, again, the artist, the individual artist has to make the decision of what do they wanna sound like when they go out. And from that first time, like I said, I stood in the middle of the room, and I listened to that orchestration, it blew me away. And I thought, 'This is what I'm doing from here on out. Now I know why THE WHO do it, or other bands like that. They want them to sound like the record."

Blackie also talked about W.A.S.P.'s alleged use backing tracks during a May 2023 appearance on SiriusXM's "Trunk Nation With Eddie Trunk". He said: "About 10, 12 years ago, we did 'The Crimson Idol' the first time in its entirety with orchestration. Now, prior to that, we had just done — I call it the 'Live At Leeds' version… Because if you look at what THE WHO did with the 'Live At Leeds', which we all thought was live at the time, and we now realize there are overdubs on those as well, like most live records. We would take the bare-bones approach to doing it. Well, we decided to take an approach where we tried to make it sound exactly like the record. And we had never used orchestration or anything like that. So we went in the studio, we took all the tracks off the record as far as the orchestration, we took the background vocal tracks, we took doubles on leads — we did everything. And we took it and we tried to make it sound as much like the record as we could. I stood in the middle of the room that first night in rehearsal, and I swear to you it was like an out-of-body experience. I had never heard anything sound like that before. I had never played with a live orchestra before. And so this was the closest thing you would get to doing something like that.

"Listen, I understand both sides of the argument on it," he continued. "For me personally, when I'm up there, I'm singing my ass off. But what's wrong with having enhancement to make something sound exactly like the record? Because you're not gonna get a band like QUEEN or any other band that does big productions like that… Four guys cannot go out there and reproduce that record. It's impossible. It won't happen. So do you want it to sound like the record or do you want it to be just a general live performance? And that's a question of taste.

"If you're gonna start making records where you have a lot of orchestration and things like that going, it is impossible to make it sound like that record unless you have that," Lawless added. "And you can also make the argument, which has been going on Broadway for the last 20 years, the musicians' union has been fighting this fiercely but technology rolls on and it's not gonna stop, where they no longer have live music in Broadway productions. And the musicians' union has had a fit over that. Well, even before that happened, when you had keyboards introduced that had entire orchestras in them, you've got one guy now replacing a hundred and twenty different people. So where do you draw the line?

"Like I said, I understand if somebody wants a true, organic experience, but from my perspective, I looked at it and I said… Once I heard it sound exactly like the record, I thought, 'I cannot go back to this again.' I mentioned THE WHO a second ago, the 'Live At Leeds' approach. THE WHO used tapes for years until they started hiring all these other guys to go out with them. But even still, a lot of the keyboard stuff — 'Won't Get Fooled Again', things like that — that's all on tape."

"When I go out on that stage, I take a lot of pride in this gift that God's given me," Blackie added. "And I like to show it off; I'll just be flat-out honest with you. But I think people wanna see that or they wanna hear it. So I don't think there's anything wrong with it. If you've got a guitar player that is really, really good, people are going there to see that. But again, when I went into rehearsals that one night and I heard what it sounded like when it sounded like the record, I thought, 'I can never go back.' Like I said, it was a flat-out out-of-body experience."

Asked what percentage of the vocals during W.A.S.P.'s live concerts are on tape, Blackie said: "You mean from my lead vocals? For my lead vocals, I would encourage people to go… We did five shows where I was sitting. Go look at those last couple. You're gonna hear it loud and clear. 'Cause when we were in Sofia, I cracked a couple of times, which I normally don't do. But it was getting towards the end of the tour. I mean, it wasn't anything catastrophic, but for me, I don't normally crack. But it happens. It's part of the live experience. But when we start doing the choruses and things like that, myself and Mike Duda and Doug Blair, we're all out there singing, but we're using backups behind that too. Because when we did it in the studio, we were using three and four tracks at a time to create that. You cannot make those choruses sound huge like that with just individual vocals creating that, because when you're doing it in the studio, you double and triple tracks. I mentioned QUEEN a while ago — they were using 24 tracks of vocals to create those sounds. You cannot create those chorus sounds by two or three guys doing that. It is impossible… Unless there's 20 guys in that room doing that, it ain't gonna sound like that… If you're doing 24 tracks of vocals to create that chorus effect, a handful of guys cannot do that, even with electronic doublers. And then you can get into that argument — okay, you're using mechanical effects to enhance one guy out there. I mean, where do we draw the line with this now?"

W.A.S.P. has been criticized for the group's supposed use of backing tracks, including for Blackie's lead vocals, for at least several years, as Metal Sludge pointed out in 2019 after Lawless and his bandmates performed at the Helgeåfestivalen in Sweden.

In recent years, more and more artists have been given a pass for relying on pre-recorded tracks, drum triggers and other assorted technology that makes concerts more synthetic but also more consistent. For better or worse, pre-recorded tracks are becoming increasingly common for touring artists of all levels and genres and they're not just used in pop music — many rock artists utilize playback tracks to varying degrees.

Manual Manic Procedures, the anticipated new full-length from Cleveland death metal behemoths 200 Stab Wounds, is out today on Metal Blade Records.


A superlative sophomore effort that follows their tour de force debut, 2021's Slave To The Scalpel, Manual Manic Procedures is a brutal slab of old-school death metal with a contemporary edge. Not for the faint-hearted, the record may well be the album that puts classic gore-themed ferocity back into the metal community's collective consciousness. The album's artwork - graphically depicting radical surgery on somebody who may or may not be conscious - is an immediate indicator of what this record is all about. No punches pulled, no holds barred, just blood-soaked death metal.


The songs on Manual Manic Procedures are not safe for work - perhaps unsafe most anywhere. But that's it's dark charm in a world where even heavy music can play it too safely. 200 Stab Wounds have crafted Manual Manic Procedures for themselves and like-minded brethren: thrill-seekers, carnage cravers, horror fans, and aficionados of the most extreme metal. Above all, 200 Stab Wounds created a future death metal classic.




In celebration of the record's official release, today the band delivers a video for "Gross Abuse."


Describes vocalist/guitarist Steve Buhl, "'Gross Abuse' is a basic death metal torture song. It's so simple, heavy, and groovy. It's heavy as fuck and just brutal - so we needed lyrics to match that. It's your standard torture-fucking-murder-fucking-death metal song about killing somebody."





 200 Stab Wounds will return to the road this August on a North American headlining tour! The Manual Manic Procedures Tour begins August 16 in Houston, Texas and runs through September 10 in Ottawa, Ontario. Support will be provided by Balmora, Upon Stone, and Stabbing.


From there, 200 Stab Wounds will join Nails for ten dates leading up to a performance at this year's edition of the New England Metal And Hardcore Fest in Worcester, Massachusetts, followed by four more shows with Alluvial, Torture, and Killing Pace. Tickets are on sale now! See all confirmed dates below.





200 Stab Wounds with Balmora, Upon Stone, Stabbing:


August
16 - White Oak Music Hall - Houston, TX
17 - Trees - Dallas ,TX
18 - Parish - Austin, TX
20 - The Nile - Phoenix, AZ
22 - 1720 - Los Angeles, CA
23 - Brick By Brick - San Diego, CA
24 - The Cornerstone - Berkeley, CA
26 - Dante's - Portland, OR
27 - Neumos - Seattle, WA
28 - The Pearl - Vancouver, BC
30 - Starlite Room - Edmonton, AB
31 - Commonwealth Room - Calgary, AB


September
2 - The Exchange - Regina, SK
3 - Park Theater - Winnipeg, MB
5 - Turf Club - Minneapolis, MN
6 - X Ray Arcade - Milwaukee, WI
7 - Full Terror Assault - Cave In Rock, IL
10 - Rainbow Bistro - Ottawa, ON


200 Stab Wounds with Nails:


September
11 - Club Soda - Montreal, QC
12 - Axis Nightclub - Toronto, ON
13 - Tangent - Detroit, MI
14 - Avondale Music Hall - Chicago, IL
15 - Off Broadway - St. Louis, MO
16 - Exit/In - Nashville, TN
17 - The Masquerade - Atlanta, GA
18 - Hangar 1819 - Greensboro, NC
19 - Baltimore Sound Stage - Baltimore, MD
20 - Brooklyn Monarch - Brooklyn, NY
21 - New England Metal & Hardcore Fest - Worcester, MA


200 Stab Wounds with Alluvial, Torture, Killing Pace:


September
24 - Canal Club - Richmond, VA
25 - New Brookland - Columbia, SC
26 - Eulogy - Asheville, NC
28 - The Roxy - Lakewood, OH





Tracklisting:


“Hands Of Eternity”
“Gross Abuse”
“Manual Manic Procedures”
“Release The Stench”
“Led To The Chamber / Liquified”
“Flesh From Within”
“Defiled Gestation”
“Ride The Flatline”
“Parricide”








(Photo – Bailey Olinger)

Opeth bassist Martín Mendéz' second musical playground, White Stones, have released their third studio album, Memoria Viva, today via Reigning Phoenix Music (North American CD release - July 26; Vinyl - August 9).


The nine tracks continue Mendéz' own approach to progressive death metal and take listeners into a soundscape which is graced with impactful Spanish-spoken lyrics. Another perfect example of White Stones' unique creation is their rendition of Patricio Rey Y Sus Redonditos De Ricota’s “Vencedores Vencidos.” The song's introduction seduces fans with uplifting melodies alongside Mendéz' clocklike bass playing before Eloi Boucherie's initially whispery vocal patterns pull each and everything into the driving maelstrom.


Comments Mendéz, "Patricio Rey Y Sus Redonditos De Ricota is a band that had a great impact on my youth. They're a mythical Argentinian rock band and very well known all over Latin America, in particular in the ‘80s and ‘90s. ‘Vencedores Vencidos’ is one of their all-time classics and I feel honored to have a cover by them on our album!"




Adds Boucherie, "'Vencedores Vencidos' is one of the great classical hits from the Argentinian rock music scene, and it was a real challenge and unforgettable experience to make a cover of this immortal song. I hope you'll enjoy it as much as we did reinterpreting it."





Pre-order the album in the physical format of your choice [CD-digipak; sepia marbled vinyl LP (eco-friendly recycled, every copy is one of a kind!)], pre-save it on your favourite DSP or pre-order it digitally now at this location.


Memoria Viva was recorded at Farm Of Sounds Studios (Barcelona, Spain), and mixed & mastered by Gerard Porqueres at Heartwork Recording Studios.


Martín adds, "Making an album in Spanish is something that I wanted to do for a long time. We tried it out with our second record Dancing Into Oblivion, but at the time we couldn't convince ourselves that it worked on that album. This time we did and I feel very proud of the result."


"One of the most notable aspects of this new album, apart from not setting any creative limits musically, has been the challenge of having proposed to sing in the Spanish language. It has been a very exciting experience and we believe we have found a new way to continue giving something new to the White Stones sound, and make this musical proposal something more unique!" comments vocalist Eloi Boucherie.


The lineup has been enhanced with the participation of the multi-faceted Joan Carles Marí Tur on drums. The guitar solos were the job of João Sassetti. Additional guests José Ignacio Lagos (flute) and Joakim Svalberg (keyboards) accentuated the album further with their sound facets.





Tracklisting:


“Memoria Viva”
“Humanoides”
“D-Generación”
“Zamba de Orun”
“La Ira”
“Somos”
“Grito al Silencio”
“Vencedores Vencidos”
“Yemayá”


“La Ira” video:





(Photo - Sandra Artigas)

Active rock heavyweights Nothing More mark the release of their new album Carnal via Better Noise Music today (June 28) by landing their second-ever #1 single on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock Airplay charts with “If It Doesn’t Hurt.” It follows the band’s debut #1 single, 2017’s “Go To War,” which recently became RIAA Gold-Certified and received two Grammy Award nominations (“Best Rock Song” and “Best Rock Performance”).


The 3x Grammy-nominated band—Jonny Hawkins (vocals), Mark Vollelunga (guitar), Daniel Oliver (bass), and Ben Anderson (drums)—have today also shared a compelling and ferocious music video for the album track “STUCK” featuring rapper Sinizter.







Carnal also features two previously released singles: the emotionally charged “Angel Song” (featuring iconic rock vocalist / singer-songwriter David Draiman of the 5x Platinum certified group Disturbed) and the defiant “House On Sand” (featuring I Prevail vocalist Eric Vanlerberghe).


Nothing More recently announced their headlining “Carnal Tour 2024” produced by Live Nation.


The late summer “Carnal” tour will kick off in the US on August 31 in Columbia, MO and stretch to September 24 in Cleveland, OH. It will feature direct support from rock outfit Set It Off along with special guests, alt-metal vanguards/Better Noise Music labelmates From Ashes To New and rock outfit Post Profit.


Tickets available via Nothing More’s website here.


“If the tour we just finished is any indication of what’s to come, this is going to be the best Nothing More tour yet,” says Nothing More frontman Jonny Hawkins. “The Carnal Tour will be a chain reaction of energetic release across the US. We’re bringing out Set It Off, From Ashes To New, and our good friends Post Profit. Don’t miss this one. Your future self will thank you.”


“I had the pleasure of meeting the guys in Nothing More at a show of theirs in Nashville recently, and they are just the kindest guys,” says Set It Off vocalist Cody Carson. “But on top of that, what impresses me is their relentless work ethic and their incredible talent on stage. We hit it off right away, and we are very excited to hit the road with them! The whole tour package is extremely talented and really cares about their live show so these cities are in for a hell of a night!”


“It’s been a long time coming and we’re excited to finally be hitting the road with our labelmates in Nothing More,” states From Ashes To New vocalist Danny Case. “The whole lineup is huge and we’re looking forward to sharing the stage with them and Set It Off as well.”





Dates:


August
31 - Columbia, MO - The Blue Note


September
3 - Little Rock, AR - The Hall #
5 - San Antonio, TX - Boeing Center at Tech Port #
6 - Houston, TX - Bayou Music Center #
7 - Dallas, TX - South Side Ballroom #
9 - Atlanta, GA - Tabernacle #
10 - Nashville, TN - Marathon Music Works #
13 - Myrtle Beach, SC - House of Blues #
14 - Lake Buena Vista, FL - House of Blues #
15 - St. Petersburg, FL - Jannus Live #
17 - Asheville, NC - Orange Peel #
19 - Silver Spring, MD - The Fillmore #
20 - Richmond, VA – Virginia Credit Union Live
23 - Buffalo, NY - Buffalo RiverWorks #
24 - Cleveland, OH – Agora Theatre #


# with Set It Off, From Ashes To New and Post Profit
* no Set It Off or From Ashes To New


Recorded with Grammy-nominated producer WZRD BLD (Disturbed, Motionless In White, A Day To Remember) with mixing and mastering by Zakk Cervini (Limp Bizkit, MGK, Bring Me The Horizon), Carnal unites Nothing More’s trademark introspective philosophical lyrics and unapologetically massive anthems with in-your-face rockers designed for an all-encompassing audience.


Order Carnal now via digital download, CD, vinyl, and cassette tape, here.


“Carnal feels like a perfect encapsulation of what Nothing More has always been,” says guitarist Mark Vollelunga. “From progressive introspection to steady-state rock ‘n roll, we felt like we’ve achieved the exact balance wanted for this next installment.”


“It’s a beautiful blend of memorable guitar riffs, illustrious chord progressions and heart wrenching lyrical performances all to the beat of a drum that palpitates with syncopated obsession,” states bassist Daniel Oliver. “There’s truly something for everyone on this record.”





Carnal tracklisting:


"Carnal"
"House On Sand" (feat. Eric V Of I Prevail)
"If It Doesn’t Hurt"
"Angel Song" (Feat. David Draiman)
"Freefall"
"Blame It On The Drugs"
"Head"
"Existential Dread"
"Heart"
"Down The River"
"Give It Time"
"Sight"
"Stuck" (Feat. Sinizter)
"Run For Your Life"
"Sound"


"Angel Song" video:





"House On Sand" video:





"If It Doesn’t Hurt" video:





(Photo - Travis Shinn)

Germany’s greatest export Scorpions have uploaded classic footage performing Blackout track "Dynamite” from Rock In Rio 1985. “Dynamite" opens up side B of the album.


1985 was the first edition of the Rock In Rio festival. It was held from January 11-20 and an estimated 1.4 million attended. Scorpions performed on two days of the festival – Tuesday, January 15 and Saturday, January 19.







Check out previous footage of Blackout song "Can't Live Without You":





Watch previous footage of the Love At First Sting classic "Still Loving You":





Check out previous video of the Scorps performing Animal Magnetism track “Make It Real”:

Megadeth have released a video recap for their recent concert in Oberhausen, Germany. Watch below.


Says Megadeth, "Thank you for an unforgettable show!"







Following successful runs in Latin America (Peru, Chile, Argentina, Brazil and México) and Europe (Sweden, Italy, France, Germany, and more), Megadeth will return to the North America this summer for their 34-date "Destroy All Enemies" trek.


The Live Nation-produced tour, with special guests Mudvayne and All That Remains, kicks off August 2 in Rogers, Arkansas before wrapping in Nashville, Tennessee on September 28. Additional tour stops include Los Angeles (two shows), Las Vegas, Boston, St. Louis and many more (the full itinerary is below). Tickets and additional information for all the dates is available here.


For the live shows, Megadeth founder and frontman Dave Mustaine and his bandmates will perform classic hits from Rust In Peace, Countdown To Extinction, and more from the band’s extensive catalog, along with material from their latest studio album The Sick, The Dying… And The Dead! featuring some of Mustaine’s strongest-ever songwriting.


“We are all playing tight, and that has made it possible for me to really focus on solos and singing, we are playing more songs than ever before, and we are closer to each other, onstage AND off,” shares Mustaine. “I'm excited to see Mudvayne, and All That Remains. Join us as we DESTROY ALL ENEMIES."


Megadeth are renowned for their unparalleled energy and mastery on stage. In 2023, the band dominated arenas and festivals, reaffirming its status as one of heavy metal’s most formidable live acts. Megadeth enjoyed sold-out shows and critical acclaim on the latest run of the “Crush The World” Tour captivating audiences and showcasing the latest and greatest hits.





Tour dates:


August
2 - Rogers, AR - Walmart AMP
3 - Houston, TX - 713 Music Hall
5 - Albuquerque, NM - Isleta Amphitheatre
6 - Denver, CO - Ball Arena
8 - Phoenix, AZ - Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre
9 - Los Angeles, CA - YouTube Theater
10 - Concord, CA - Toyota Pavilion at Concord
12 - Auburn, WA - White River Amphitheatre
13 - Bend, OR - Hayden Homes Amphitheater
15 – Los Angeles, CA – YouTube Theater
16 - Las Vegas, NV - Bakkt Theatre at Planet Hollywood
17 - Salt Lake City, UT - Maverick Arena*
20 - Irving, TX - The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory
21 - Austin, TX - Germania Insurance Amphitheater
23 - Macon, GA - Atrium Health Macon Amphitheater*
24 - West Palm Beach, FL - IThink Financial Amphitheatre


September
3 - Tinley Park, IL - Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre
5 - Huntington, WV - Marshall Health Network Arena*
6 - Charlotte, NC - PNC Music Pavilion
7 - Raleigh, NC - Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek
9 - Reading, PA - Santander Arena*
10 - Albany, NY - MVP Arena*
11 - Boston, MA - Leader Bank
13 - Bethel, MY - Bethel Woods Center For The Arts
14 - Wantagh, NY - Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater
15 - Richmond, VA - Virginia Credit Union Live!*
17 - Cincinnati, OH - Riverbend Music Center
18 - Pittsburgh, PA - Stage AE
20 - Noblesville, IN - Ruoff Music Center
21 - Clarkston, MI - Pine Knob Music Theatre
24 - Minneapolis, MN - The Armory
26 - St Louis, MO - Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre STL
27 - Southaven, MS - Bankplus Amphitheater at Snowden Grove*
28 - Nashville, TN - Nashville Municipal Auditorium


*non-Live Nation Dates

Hells Headbangers Records has set August 30 as the international release date for Deceased's highly anticipated eighth album, Children Of The Morgue, on CD, vinyl LP, and cassette tape formats.


Today, the band reveal the title track, "Children Of The Morgue". Listen below.







By now, Deceased need no introduction. One of the longest-running American death metal bands, since 1985, Deceased have been there for it all: death metal's genesis, its creative peak, its commercial peak and subsequent sink into trendiness, the eventual fallout and "un-trendiness," its rebirth at the hands of a new generation, and on and on. There they have stood, simply and 100% always Deceased, not caring what year it is or what is hip - simply, always, DEATH METAL FROM THE GRAVE!


And across their sizable-yet-succinct discography, at their heart, Deceased have always been a great heavy metal band. They proved it with 1997's landmark Fearless Undead Machines and continued to prove it with every album thereafter, with 2018's Ghostly White showing that even this many years on, their pistons are pumping harder and more creatively than ever.


During those past three decades, Deceased have not been without ambition. Even when stretching the limits of complexity like on 1995's The Blueprints For Madness, true-to-death storytelling has always been at the fore of their work, vividly illustrated by the characteristic throat of founder / former drummer King Fowley. And although Fearless Undead Machines was perhaps the apex of that storytelling, never before have Deceased attempted such an emotional, topically rooted-in-death album... until now!


Enter Children Of The Morgue, Deceased's darkest record to date. The album's concept is on dying and all that it entails, and suitably do the band integrate nearly every element of their past and present arsenal into its 55-minute runtime. "There will be fast parts, slow parts, melodic parts, noisy parts, and everything in between," Fowley claimed pre-release, and he's not wrong! But how Deceased manage to thread everything together so seamlessly speaks to the strength of their songwriting - always recognizable, but never resting on past laurels.


Here on Children Of The Morgue, moody-yet-melodic riffing and lead-work take center stage as Fowley narrates this epic-length tale of life and death. The album's exceptional pacing and engaging, always-going-forward song constructions heighten the sensation that the record is a lot shorter than it actually is; however, if one was to do some quick math, he'd surmise at least half these tracks are indeed epic - at or above the eight-minute mark. Nevertheless, the sum effect is mesmerizing and even majestic, unremittingly dark as the subject matter may be. The final icing on the cake (or slamming of the morgue's doors?) is the warm and rustic recording courtesy of Oblivion Studios, where the aforementioned Fearless Undead Machines and co-classic Supernatural Addiction were rendered onto tape.


Nearly 40 years since their formation, Deceased show no signs of stopping - and, in fact, are arguably more potent than ever. You can now add Children Of The Morgue to their list of undeniable classics... but this is not the end.


Pre-order info can be found here.





Children Of The Morgue tracklisting:


"Destination: Morgue"
"Children Of The Morgue"
"Turn To Wither"
"Terrornaut"
"The Reaper Is Nesting"
"Uninvited Dirge"
"The Grave Digger"
"Eerie Wavelengths"
"Fed To Mother Earth"
"Skull With The Vacant Stare"
"Brooding Lament"
"Farewell (Taken to Forever)"


(Band photo - Thirdexposurephotography)

Turbokill, the Saxon-based band formed around ex-Alpha Tiger singer Stephan Dietrich, returns with their second album, Champion,  out September 27 via Steamhammer/SPV. The album will be released worldwide digitally as well as on CD and vinyl. The new single, "Wings Of The Thunder Hawk", is out today alongside a lyric video. Watch the clip below.


Turbokill has dedicated itself to European power metal, characterized by strong melodies and Dietrich‘s memorable voice. A short tour at the beginning of the year, under the banner "New Wave of German Metal" with the bands Sintage and Fireborn in the package, highlighted the quintet‘s instrumental skills and first-class power metal.


Revitalized by the energy of their live performances, the band subsequently recorded a suitably inspired album under the direction of Lars Rettkowitz (Freedom Call) in his Emperial Sound Studio.




Stephan Dietrich comments on the new album Champion: "Our aim is to create a modern heavy metal sound that is catchy and captivates the listener. The right hooklines must not be missing. We want our audience to have a lot of fun listening and singing along at our concerts. We want our new album to have a lot of positivity and motivational vibes to encourage people to rise above themselves and become the best form of themselves. I think in times like these, which are characterized more than ever by negative headlines, this album is exactly what people need right now."


Champion will be released on CD digipak, LP version, download, and stream. Pre-order here.





Champion tracklisting:


"Inner Calling"
"A Million Ways"
"Time To Wake"
"Champion"
"Wings Of The Thunder Hawk"
"Tear It Down"
"Go Your Way"
"Mirage Mirror"
"Power Punch"
"Sons Of The Storm"
"Shine On"
"Overcome"


"Wings Of The Thunder Hawk" lyric video:





"Tear It Down" video:





Turbokill are:


Stephan Dietrich – Vocals
Ronny Schuster – Rhythm Guitar
Daniel Kanzler – Lead Guitar
Marco "Fox" Grünwald – Bass
Kevin Käferstein – Drums

DarWin, ongoing musical exploration featuring Simon Phillips, Mohini Dey, Greg Howe, Derek Sherinian and Matt Bissonette, have released a video for "Hulks & Heroes", a track from their new album, Five Steps On The Sun. Watch the clip below.


Five Steps On The Sun is available on CD and strictly Limited Heavyweight Vinyl including exclusive poster.







Tracklisting:


"Soul Police"
"Inside This Zoo"
"Be That Man"
"One Step On The Sun"
"Five Steps On The Sun"
"The Sun"
"Imitation Suede"
"Seasons Of A Life"
"Hulks & Heroes"
"What Do We Know"


"Hulks & Heroes" video:





"One Step On The Sun" video:





"Be That Man" video:

In a new interview with Radioactive MikeZ, host of the 96.7 KCAL-FM program "Wired In The Empire", ADEMA guitarist/vocalist Tim Fluckey spoke about the recent departure of the band's previous singer, Ryan Shuck, who joined the group in 2019. Asked what happened to cause the "divorce", Tim said: "I don't know if I would characterize it as a divorce. And Ryan — I'll start by saying we wish Ryan and Amir [Derakh, Ryan's bandmate in JULIEN-K] the best, for sure. It's nothing like that. And there's maybe a kind of a divergence of —and he can say what he wants to say — just kind of things like… We knew from the beginning, let's say, that he was in another band and that he was helping us out, and that we needed somebody in the band, including Amir, to be around. And for people don't know Amir was in ORGY with Ryan and they've been partners for years. And they don't just do music together; it's kind of definitely a package thing. But it just came to a point where, and even in his own words, he knew that it was somehow temporary. We just didn't know how temporary. And so it just came down to our band was heading in one direction as far as how we wanted to do what we're gonna do — like massive amounts of touring, get these new songs out and take advantage of what our band's about. And then his band was doing his thing. And it really was one of those things, we just [went], 'Do we do this now or do we do it six months from now? Do we do it two years from now? And so it was just pretty much, 'We're doing it now.'"

Regarding the progress of the songwriting sessions for ADEMA's long-awaited new album, Tim said: "We've been writing music for years now, and so we have a bunch of music. But also it was logistics of kind of putting it out. As soon as we parted ways with Ryan, we signed a record deal. And so we're on a timeline to do a record and get it done, and like any other record deal, get it out there. And so we've been sitting on a lot of music. And so we kind of focused on the timing of the Ryan thing and we were focused on the tour that we just did. And then now that we're back, we're doing some one-off shows. But most of what we're doing is concentrating on just getting this record done and making sure it's the best thing we can do."

As for a possible release date for the new ADEMA record, Tim said: "Yeah, we're trying to get it done by the end of the year. I mean, we're gonna get it done before the end of the year. What happens with us is, we've done a lot of independent stuff. And we're the kind of people, like, if you give us a date or something, then we can do that. We've always been able to do that. We somehow become organized and become the best pre-production band in history. But then when it's just up to us, we're, like, 'All right. Okay. Next week. Well, two weeks.' That tends to happen. I think probably most people do that. So now we're actually excited to have an actual deadline."

He continued: "You don't want normal people in a band, because that would be boring, that have normal habits and can actually function all the time, but when it comes to that, you kind of wanna be told, like, 'Hey, we've gotta get this done.' So, yeah, we're capable of that, I guess, is what I'm saying."

Asked which label will be releasing the next ADEMA album, Tim said: "Well, it hasn't been officially announced, and I said something on a radio interview last week that went up on Blabbermouth in, like, four minutes. But I don't think it's that big a secret. It's Cleopatra, and this is the first time I've announced it, so I'm sure that will be announced. We'll see if they're cool with that or not. But I'm sure they're fine with it. So it's Cleopatra."

Last month, Tim told the 97.7 QLZ radio station about the musical direction of the new ADEMA material: "I don't know if everybody knows, but everybody in the band is original members. So we really want it to be just an all-in ADEMA record where everybody goes, 'That's ADEMA.' We've strayed a little bit over the years, 'cause we had different members, but I think now that we're back together, it's gonna be back to those days of the real ADEMA sound."

Asked if he will be handling lead vocals on the upcoming ADEMA album, Fluckey said: "On the new one, I will be, yeah. We're done picking singers. We're terrible at it."

This past February, ADEMA "abruptly" parted ways with Shuck. A short time later, the remaining members of ADEMA — Fluckey, Dave DeRoo (bass),Kris Kohls (drums) and Mike Ransom (rhythm guitar) — posted a message on social media in which they said: "ADEMA has made the decision to move forward without Ryan Shuck. Our plan is to continue on indefinitely as a four-piece, and we sincerely wish Ryan all the best in the future."

In June 2022, ADEMA released a new song, "Violent Principles". It was the follow-up to ADEMA's first single in nearly a decade, "Ready To Die", which came out in August 2021. Both tracks were planned for inclusion on ADEMA's upcoming album, which was tentatively titled "360 Degrees Of Separation".

Original ADEMA frontman Marky Chavez first
left ADEMA in 2004 due to "creative differences" after two successful albums, "Adema" and "Unstable". The singer — who is the half brother of KORN frontman Jonathan Davis — quit ADEMA again in January 2011 in order to pursue his "solo project." He rejoined the group again six years later and played his first comeback show with ADEMA in May 2017 at the Whisky A Go Go in West Hollywood, California.

After Chavez's original exit from ADEMA, the other members of the band found their way with new lead singers Luke Caraccioli and later Bobby Reeves, while Mark founded MIDNIGHT PANIC with his cousin Peter Shubert. He also produced fellow artists.

ADEMA's last official release was 2013's "Topple The Giants" EP. The group's first CD since 2007's "Kill The Headlights" contained brand new tracks plus re-worked versions of ADEMA's chart-topping hits "Giving In" and "Unstable". A three-song EP, "The Cerberus", was sold exclusively on ADEMA's 2023 "Nu Metal Madness 2" tour.

Photo courtesy of ADEMA

September 13, 2024 will see hard rock titans VICTORY strike back with their brand new studio album, entitled ‘Circle Of Life’, slated for a release on AFM Records.

‘Circle Of Life’ sees the five-piece surrounding founder and iconic guitarist Herman Frank not only effortlessly build on earlier feats, but also sounds stronger than ever. Frank describes the release with its first-rate production as “even more grown-up and mature than its predecessor, we’ve taken the new songs to a whole new level in every respect.” He knows what this optimised performance is due to: “The group operates as a tight unit, based on the experience of the many live shows we’ve played together. ‘Circle Of Life’ brings together what has grown together and belongs together.” ‘

Following the previously-released first album appetizer, "Count On Me", today, VICTORY are premiering a music video for their latest single "American Girl"!

All of the ten new album tracks were recorded by Herman Frank together with vocalist Gianni Pontillo, rhythm guitarist Mike Pesin, bassist Malte Frederik Burkert and drummer Michael Stein at Hanover’s famous Horus Sound Studios, featuring a mix courtesy of sound engineer Arne Neurand.

The album title and matching cover artwork, into which graphic designer Oleg (Voodoo) Shcherbakov has incorporated a philosophical “maths problem” by German artist Rune Mields, also deserve an explanation: They’re about the cycle of life mentioned in the moniker and what people leave behind at the end of their earthly existence. As far as Herman Frank is concerned, it’s pretty obvious that ‘Circle Of Life’ will be VICTORY’s powerful statement for posterity which their fans will continue to enjoy. He says: “For us, this recording is also the perfect ticket for even more and even more passionate Victory concerts.”

This weekend only, jump in to Fortnite to experience METALLICA's music like never before in "Metallica: Fuel. Fire. Fury." This immersive music experience journeys through five classic METALLICA tracks plus — because this is a METALLICA concert — the customary live intro of Ennio Morricone's "The Ecstasy Of Gold".

Watch the "Metallica: Fuel. Fire. Fury." concert teaser below.

"Metallica: Fuel. Fire. Fury." will have six different showtimes across two days. Mark your calendars, because these times will be your only chance to experience the concert live in Fortnite:

Saturday, June 22, 2024:

2 p.m. ET
5 p.m. ET
11 p.m. ET

Sunday, June 23, 2024:

10 a.m. ET
2 p.m. ET
5 p.m. ET

Want to hear more about METALLICA's journey across Fortnite? Listen to this week's "The Metallica Report" podcast where METALLICA frontman James Hetfield shares insight into how the band feels about taking over Fortnite.

During the episode, James shared about METALLICA's collaboration with Fortnite (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "What I kind of equate it to is we have a huge family out there. The METALLICA family is international and obviously every corner of the earth, there's a METALLICA family member. And Fortnite is kind of the same. They've reached many people all over the planet, so getting the two together makes sense. And they've got a lot to gain from our family and vice versa. So it is a really cool idea. And like it was explained to me, it's like it's a whole another continent. And we've played all seven, [so we] might as well play the eighth one. So let's get in on that and, yeah, explore and be adventurous and see what comes out of this. Why would we not?"

Addressing the similarities between the METALLICA and Fortnite communities, Hetfield said: "You're able to be welcomed in no matter who you are or what you are or how you wanna dress or however you wanna accessorize or whatever."

Asked if he thinks he could play the Fortnite game to his own song, Hetfield said: "I haven't tried it. I mean, I've tried 'Guitar Hero', and, um, it's not much to do with guitar playing, really. It's a game. You're jumping around on stuff and you're hitting things at a certain time. It's more about timing. It's more about being a drummer than it is a guitar player, really, in a way. It's about the timing. But, yeah, it is fun. But, yeah, here you're doing more than one note at a time. But [I'd] probably not [be] great. I'd be competitive and try to get better. Yes, of course… Especially if you're living in this world and you're doing it every day, you're gonna get good at it — as simple as that. And gosh, there's so much that I don't know about it that it's kind of interesting to be able to learn about it. And, yeah, it's like it's its own continent, it's its own language, it's probably got its own set of, I don't even wanna call them rules, but etiquette and shit like that, that is probably very different from the outside world, that I don't even know about. And so people are kind of creating their own whole own universe, which is pretty unbelievable and fantastic."

Hetfield, Lars Ulrich, Kirk Hammett and Robert Trujillo of METALLICA are the icons of Fortnite Festival Season 4, where fans can shred along with METALLICA on classics, including "Enter Sandman", "Ride The Lightning" and "Master Of Puppets".

METALLICA's not just visiting Fortnite to perform — they're here to battle. This new season of Fortnite Festival introduces the Battle Stage, a new competitive way to play the rhythm music game, and will be available even after the METALLICA collaboration concludes.

Fortnite Festival's Battle Stage will see 16 players in a match, all will play from the same four-song setlist, and one will emerge victorious.

Season 4 ends August 16, 2024 at 12 a.m. ET. For more info on Season 4, the "player-vs-player" (PvP) Battle Stage, check out the Fortnite Festival blog.

METALLICA-themed gameplay is also coming to additional Fortnite games: Battle Royale, LEGO Fortnite and Rocket Racing.

How to jump into Fortnite:

* Download Fortnite for free on PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, Android, PC.
* Fortnite is also available on cloud-based streaming services.
* Once in the Fortnite Lobby, select the game you'd like to play. For starters:
- "Fortnite Battle Royale" for the classic, action-packed shooter
- "Fortnite Festival - Main Stage" for rhythm-based gameplay
- "Fortnite Festival - Battle Stage" for competitive, player-vs-player music gameplay
- "LEGO Fortnite" for a survival crafting LEGO adventure
- "Rocket Racing" to drift, fly and boost in a supersonic arcade racer

METALLICA is also introducing the official Fortnite x Metallica merch collaboration. Look the part while you immerse yourself in METALLICA's takeover of Fortnite. Four t-shirts are available now in The Met Store, the Probity UK shop and in "M72" tour venues and pop-up shops for the remainder of the summer.
This week on The Metallica Report…

Metallica takes over Fortnite, & Fortnite takes over The Metallica Report! James talks a bit about how the band feels about embarking on a journey across this so-called eighth continent.

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In a new interview with Brazil's Marcelo Vieira and Mateus Ribeiro, DREAM THEATER drummer Mike Portnoy was asked if he thinks Eloy Casagrande is "the perfect drummer for SLIPKNOT". Portnoy responded (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "I do. Eloy really… Well, actually, no. The perfect drummer for SLIPKNOT would have been [my son] Max Portnoy. [Laughs] But the second-best drummer for SLIPKNOT, behind Max, is definitely Eloy. I mean, he's a perfect fit, a perfect pick. He has so much incredible technique, but beyond technique, he plays with a lot of spirit and balls and personality. And sometimes for me, that's way more important than technique. But in his case, he has both. He has it all. And I couldn't be happier for him. And I'm also happy for Greyson [Nekrutman] who took his place in SEPULTURA, 'cause he's another favorite modern drummer of mine. So, the kind of triangle between SEPULTURA, SLIPKNOT and SUICIDAL TENDENCIES, with [former SLIPKNOT drummer] Jay Weinberg going to SUICIDAL, it's the perfect metal triangle. I think all three of those drummers are tremendous, and they've all Gotten great gigs."

25-year-old Max Portnoy has played drums for such bands as TALLAH and CODE ORANGE.

After parting ways with Jay Weinberg last November, SLIPKNOT teased fans with a hint about a new drummer more than four months ago, posting a photo of a single broken drumstick online with the caption "Rehearsal."

The band explained in a statement that the split with Weinberg was a creative decision. Jay followed up with a statement of his own, saying that he was "heartbroken and blindsided" by his dismissal.

Weinberg has since joined SUICIDAL TENDENCIES and INFECTIOUS GROOVES.

Casagrande abruptly quit SEPULTURA four and a half months ago, shortly before he was supposed to begin rehearsals for the band's recently launched 40th-anniversary farewell tour.

"February 6th, a few days prior to the first rehearsal, drummer Eloy Casagrande informed the band that he was leaving SEPULTURA to pursue a career in another project," the band said in a statement.

Casagrande joined SEPULTURA nearly 13 years ago as the replacement for Jean Dolabella.

SLIPKNOT's latest album "The End, So Far", arrived in August 2022. It marked the band's the last full-length LP before the departure of both keyboardist Craig Jones, who left the group in June 2023, and Weinberg.

SLIPKNOT recently announced the North American portion of the "Here Comes The Pain" tour. The band is celebrating the 25th anniversary of its seminal debut album, "Slipknot", which catapulted the band back in 1999.

In addition to the already announced dates across the globe, the "Here Comes The Pain" tour, produced by Live Nation, includes arena plays nationwide this summer. Highlights include New York City's Madison Square Garden, Los Angeles's Intuit Dome, Austin's Moody Center and more with direct support from Kentucky's young and vibrant hardcore/metal forerunners KNOCKED LOOSE. ORBIT CULTURE and VENDED are confirmed as support on select dates.

Mike Portnoy photo credit: Travis Shinn

L.A. GUNS guitarist Tracii Guns has weighed in on bands who rely heavily on pre-recorded tracks during their live performances.

In recent years, more and more artists have been given a pass for relying on pre-recorded tracks, drum triggers and other assorted technology that makes concerts more synthetic but also more consistent. For better or worse, pre-recorded tracks are becoming increasingly common for touring artists of all levels and genres and they're not just used in pop music — many rock artists utilize playback tracks to varying degrees.

Speaking to The Rock Experience With Mike Brunn, Tracii was asked for his opinion on rock bands who use pre-recorded tracks. He responded (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "I would be really embarrassed to even think of doing that. It's embarrassing to me. Could you imagine Chuck Berry playing to [pre-recorded guitar] tracks? Or Keith Richards, or anything like that?

"If I was playing in a band playing original music, a rock and roll band, and I was there, and all of a sudden that band I was in was all over the Internet getting fucking mud thrown at 'em [for playing along to tracks], I couldn't do it," he continued. "[I would say], 'Hey, I love you, guys. Thanks for the dough, man.' But my legacy, I don't want my legacy to be, like, 'Yeah, I was the guy playing live in the band that wasn't. That ain't cool.

"There's been so many claims that like KISS uses tracks," Tracii added. "Man, I was there [watching them play on the 'Kiss Kruise'], I was on stage, I was with their techs, man. Those guys lit that place up with no [pre-recorded enhancements]. I don't know what the fuck people are talking about.

"I think some bands need it because that's part of their production on their album," Guns explained. "They'll do, like, a three-part vocal harmony [on the album], but there's only two guys in the band, and [there'll be] a full orchestra [on the record] and shit like that. So those bands are more geared towards that thing, like they go in going, 'Okay, this has to be set up like this because we're doing it this way. And this is how we create this huge sound.' And if that's the intent going in, well, then there's nothing to be ashamed of because then you're known as 'we're an electronic band.' Like NINE INCH NAILS, for example, or a lot of those first electronic, really heavy bands. What's an even better one? MINISTRY. They've got a lot of electronic music going on, a lot of stuff going on. So when that's the intention, that's cool. But Johnny Martin [L.A. GUNS bassist], he ain't gonna pre-record his bass tracks. We're not gonna have a click track with L.A. GUNS or anything like that. But everybody's different. It's kind of laughable, I guess. But people do what they feel they've gotta do."

KISS frontman Paul Stanley, who has been struggling to hit the high notes in many of the band's classic songs for a number of years, has been accused of singing to a backing tape on KISS's recently completed "End Of The Road" tour.

Back in 2015, KISS bassist/vocalist Gene Simmons slammed bands who used backing tapes for not being honest enough to include that fact on their concert tickets.

"I have a problem when you charge $100 to see a live show and the artist uses backing tracks," Simmons said. "It's like the ingredients in food. If the first ingredient on the label is sugar, that's at least honest. It should be on every ticket — you're paying $100, 30 to 50 percent of the show is [on] backing tracks and they'll sing sometimes, sometimes they'll lip sync. At least be honest. It's not about backing tracks, it's about dishonesty.

"There's nobody with a synthesizer on our stage, there's no samples on the drums, there's nothing," Gene continued. "There's very few bands who do that now — AC/DC, METALLICA, us. I can't even say that about U2 or THE [ROLLING] STONES. There's very few bands who don't use [backing] tracks."

In March 2023, KISS's longtime manager Doc McGhee defended Stanley's vocal performance on "End Of The Road", explaining that the "Star Child" "fully sings to every song" at every concert. He explained: It's enhanced. It's just part of the process to make sure that everybody hears the songs the way they should be sang to begin with. Nobody wants to hear people do stuff that's not real, that's not what they came to hear."

When McGhee was asked to clarify if he was "actually saying there are backing tracks that [Paul is] singing to," Doc said: "He'll sing to tracks. It's all part of a process. Because everybody wants to hear everybody sing. But he fully sings to every song."

In March 2020, SHINEDOWN guitarist Zach Myers said that "90 percent" of rock artists use at least some pre-recorded tracks during their live performances. He told Rock Feed: "It bothers me that it bothers people. I'm, like, 'Why does this bother you?' It's the way it is. People have been doing this since the '80s. And we want the sound to be the best it can be. Could we go up there, just the four of us, and put on the best rock show ever? Of course. But that's not how we wanna do it."

Former SKID ROW singer Sebastian Bach has previously said that he is "one of the last people" who are still not using pre-recorded tracks at their live shows. "I don't know how much longer I can say to you that I don't use tapes onstage, because I don't, and I never have," he told Consequence Of Sound. "And I still don't. When I have opening bands, and they're using tapes, and then I come out and I don't use tapes… sometimes, it makes me feel stupid, because I'm like, 'What am I doing, when all these kids half my age can come onstage and do all of my moves, but they don't have to warm up for an hour before the show, or weeks, before the first show?' Sometimes, I'm like, 'Why do I even bother, if the public is so used to this other way?' It's becoming very rare to come see a good band that's actually a real band — that's not miming or doing silly moves while a tape is running. It just becomes more rare as the years go on."

In 2019, IRON MAIDEN guitarist Adrian Smith said that he doesn't "agree" with certain rock artists relying on pre-recorded tracks during their live performances. "I tell you what, I see it with a lot of younger bands, and I don't think it's a good thing at all," he told the New York Post. "I mean, the music is getting too technical now. You have computerized recording systems, which we use, but I think we use them more for convenience than because we need to. We've toured with a couple bands that use tapes — it's not real. You're supposed to play live; it should be live. I don't agree with using tapes … I think it's a real shame."

One musician who has been open about his band's use of taped vocals during live performances is MÖTLEY CRÜE bassist Nikki Sixx, who said: "We've used technology since '87." He added the group employed "sequencers, sub tones, background vox tracks, plus background singers and us. [MÖTLEY CRÜE also taped] stuff we can't tour with, like cello parts in ballads, etc.... We love it and don't hide it. It's a great tool to fill out the sound."

In a 2014 interview, MÖTLEY CRÜE guitarist Mick Mars admitted that he wasn't comfortable with the fact that his band used pre-recorded backing vocals in its live shows, claiming that he preferred to watch groups whose performances are delivered entirely live. "I don't like it," he said. "I think a band like ours… I have to say '60s bands were my favorite — '60s and '70s bands — because they were real, like, three-piece bands or four-piece bands, and they just got up there and kicked it up. Made a mistake? So what? Sounded a little bit empty here or there? So what? It's the bigness and the rawness and the people that developed and wrote the songs and made them and presented them. To me, that's what I really like. I mean, I could put on a MÖTLEY CD and play with it all day long. I don't wanna do that."

Abramorama announced today that they have acquired global theatrical distribution rights to the full-length documentary "Electric Lady Studios: A Jimi Hendrix Vision" from Experience Hendrix L.L.C.Abramorama previously distributed two other Jimi Hendrix documentaries, "Electric Church" and the 2022 Grammy-nominated "Music, Money, Madness: Jimi Hendrix Live In Maui". An August release is planned, starting in New York City at the Quad on August 9, 2024, followed by a global roll out.

Evan Saxon, Abramorama's president and head of international distribution, states: "Abramorama is honored to once again collaborate with Experience Hendrix L.L.C., this time to share an insightful and never before seen documentary about one of the most famous recording studios in the world. Listen to an hour's worth of music on your favorite playlist, DSP or radio station and odds are at least one of the songs was recorded at Jimi Hendrix's Electric Lady Studios."

"Electric Lady Studios: A Jimi Hendrix Vision" chronicles the creation of the studio, rising from the rubble of a bankrupt Manhattan nightclub to becoming a state-of-the-art recording facility inspired by Hendrix's desire for a permanent studio. Electric Lady Studios was the first-ever artistowned commercial recording studio. Hendrix had first envisioned creating an experiential nightclub. He was inspired by the short-lived Greenwich Village nightspot Cerebrum whose patrons donned flowing robes and were inundated by flashing lights, spectral images and swirling sound. Hendrix so enjoyed the Cerebrum experience that he asked its architect John Storyk to work with him and his manager Michael Jeffery. Hendrix and Jeffery wanted to transform what had once been the Generation Club into "an electric studio of participation." Shortly after acquiring the Generation Club lease however, Hendrix was steered from building a nightclub to creating a commercial recording studio.

The documentary includes never-before-seen footage and photos as well as track breakdowns of Hendrix classics such as "Freedom", "Angel" and "Dolly Dagger" by recording engineer Eddie Kramer who was awarded an Emmy for his work on the film "Jimi Hendrix: Hear My Train A Comin'".

An award-winning producer/engineer and longtime Jimi Hendrix collaborator Eddie Kramer stated: "Jimi loved jamming at The Generation night club in the Village and when it went bankrupt, he and [manager] Mike Jeffery purchased it with a view to making it a place for him and his friends to relax and possibly record their jams on an eight-track tape machine in the corner. Soon thereafter I was asked to evaluate the space. I remember walking down the stairs to a demolition site as they had started to tear stuff down to see how much bigger they could make it. I knew at once that a club would be disastrous. I remember saying something like, 'You guys must be out your #$%^&ing minds! Do you have any idea of what Jimi spends in studio time in a year? Let's build the best studio in the world for him so when he walks in, he can relax and record whenever he wants. The club idea was scratched, and Electric Lady Studios was born. By June of the next year (1970) Studio A was completed and after a few test sessions Jimi came in to record in HIS studio. Man was he proud of it. He loved the way it sounded and its vibe. We recorded many tracks for a new album over the next four months which became 'Cry Of Love'. The legacy of what Jimi wanted endures to this day: a place where one could create without being interrupted. Every artist who comes to Electric Lady Studios feels the spirit of Jimi Hendrix, a spirit that helps them create their own music!"

Directed by John McDermott and produced by Janie Hendrix, George Scott and McDermott, the film features exclusive interviews with Steve Winwood (who joined Hendrix on the first night of recording at the new studio),EXPERIENCE bassist Billy Cox and original Electric Lady staff members who helped Hendrix realize his dream. The documentary includes never-before-seen footage and photos as well as track breakdowns of Hendrix classics such as "Freedom", "Angel" and "Dolly Dagger" by recording engineer Eddie Kramer.

The documentary explains in depth that while Jimi Hendrix's death robbed the public of so much potential music, the continued success of his recording studio provides a lasting legacy beyond his own music. John Lennon, THE CLASH, AC/DC, CHIC, David Bowie, Stevie Wonder, Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga, Beyonce and hundreds more made records at Electric Lady Studios, which speaks to one of Jimi's lasting achievements in an industry that has radically changed over the course of the last half century.

Janie Hendrix reflects: "Jimi's creative mind was always filled with next level ideas. He was never content with the ordinary but was driven by the burning desire to create something incredible that hadn't been done before. That was the catalyst for Electric Lady Studios. The film 'Electric Lady Studios: A Jimi Hendrix Vision' brings to light just how forward-thinking and inventive Jimi was in every aspect of his music, including production and recording. It was at Electric Lady Studios where he pushed beyond the musical limits of what was known, and he then opened the door to other musicians, allowing them the space to realize their own artistic hopes and dreams. My brother conceived something so amazing and so big that it has lived on for decades since its inception, serving as a passageway for hundreds of artists to bring their creativity to a waiting world audience. This is what Jimi envisioned when he founded the New York brainchild, and his prophecy is fulfilled through the countless, brilliant musicians who have tapped into the energy of the studio Jimi created. Legendary artists such as Stevie Wonder, John Lennon, David Bowie, U2, Prince, Jon Batiste, Lana Del Rey, Beyoncé, Jay-Z, D'Angelo and so many others have produced their finest work in the inspired recording house. This film tells the story of how the dream of a visionary, who dared to think outside the musical box, can have a limitless reach, generation after generation. It tells Jimi's story with his Electric Lady."

Visit the "Electric Lady Studios: A Jimi Hendrix Vision" web site at ajimihendrixvision.com.

Following the release of their latest song, "Giving It Back", Sons Of Silver are releasing the official video and a heart-to-heart conversation with music historian Matt Pinfield about the song and their upcoming new album, Runaway Emotions.





"I think Sons Of Silver’s music embodies the spirit and enduring elements of classic rock with a thoroughly modern twist and a flair for critical thinking, which is something the world certainly needs more of right now," shared Pinfield.










“Giving It Back” follows the release of their songs "Just Getting Started" and “Tell Me This.” Since the release of the new songs the band’s monthly Spotify listeners have surpassed 140k, and collectively exceeded over 450k streams to date.


Their debut full-length album, Runaway Emotions, out this fall, was self-produced by the band and mixed by renowned producer/engineer Tim Palmer (Robert Plant, David Bowie, U2). Runaway Emotions follows their EP releases, Doomsday Noises in 2020 and Ordinary Sex Appeal in 2022. Sons of Silver have secured three spots on the Billboard Active Rock Chart, and their songs have collectively accumulated over fifteen million views and streams.


In January of 2025, Sons of Silver will embark on a 22-city tour run with Myles Kennedy and Tim Montana. Dates below:





January
17 - Joliet, IL - The Forge
18 - Minneapolis, MN - Varsity Theater
21 - Flint, MI - The Machine Shop
22 - Toronto, ON - The Concert Hall
25 - Glenside, PA - Keswick Theatre
27 - Boston, MA - Brighton Music Hall
28 - Asbury Park, NJ - The Stone Pony
30 - Baltimore, MD - Baltimore Soundstage
31 - Charlotte, NC - Neighborhood Theatre


February
2 - Nashville, TN - Brooklyn Bowl
3 - Atlanta, GA - Variety Playhouse
5 - Destin, FL - Club LA
7 - San Antonio, TX - Vibes Event Center
8 - Dallas, TX - Echo Lounge & Music Hall
11 - Lawrence, KS - Liberty Hall
12 - Denver, CO - Summit
14 - Mesa, AZ - The Nile Theater
16 - Los Angeles, CA - El Rey Theatre
18 - Sacramento, CA - Ace of Spades
20 - Seattle, WA - The Neptune
21 - Spokane, WA - Knitting Factory


Sons Of Silver comprises vocalist and guitarist Pete Argyropoulos (PeteRG), drummer Marc Slutsky (Splender, Peter Murphy, Tonic), keyboardist and engineer Brina Kabler, guitarist Kevin Haaland (Skillet), and bassist Adam Kury (Candlebox).

Finnish doom metal act, Grain Of Pain, has unveiled a lyric video for the track "The Witch", a composition featured on the band's debut album, The Moon Lights The Way, which was officially launched through Noble Demon on May 31st.


Commenting on the track, mastermind Timo Solonen offered the following insight:


"More happiness. In weak moments in life, to whom or to what you reach for. And was it worth it. Wanted to compose a bit different song but still dark one."







Led by Timo Solonen, the band's music is a potent fusion of dark, emotional melodies and powerful, guttural vocals. Grain Of Pain's lineup features a stellar cast of musicians, with Timo Solonen at the helm, showcasing his skills not only as a composer but also contributing growls and guitars. Joining him are Juho Räihä on guitars, Lars Eikind on bass and clean vocals, Juuso Raatikainen on drums, and Sini Pajunen lending her captivating vocals to the mix. Taka Eliel adds backing growls to enrich the band’s gloomy sound.


Grain Of Pain's sound is characterized by its intense emotional depth and draws inspiration from a variety of influences to create a unique blend of dark atmospheres and powerful melodies. The band's commitment to their craft has already attracted attention: Lars Eikind won the prestigious Spellemannsprisen in Norway and both Juho Räihä and Juuso Raatikainen were nominated for a Finnish Grammy with Swallow The Sun.


The Moon Lights The Way artwork and tracklisting:





“Beneath”
“Sun For Thee”
“The Moon Lights The Way”
“As Suffering Ends”
“The Witch”
“Can’t Be Fallen”
“Last Morning”
“The Path” (bonus track)
“Black Dust” (bonus track)


Order your copy now at this location.


“The Moon Lights The Way” video:





(Photo – Jaakko Manninen)

The Sabaton Cruise 2023 took place between December 13-15, 2023. Bands performing on the cruise included Visions of Atlantis, Phil Campbell And The Bastard Sons, Twilight Force, Curse Of Cain, Frozen Crown, The Gems, The Bombshell Belles, and of course, Sabaton.


Italian power metallers Frozen Crown have shared a video recap of the cruise. Check it out below.







Frozen Crown recently shared the following message with their fans:


"New album complete!


Dear friends, many of you asked us what we were doing behind the scenes during the last months. Now, after some hints here and there, we can say we're happy and proud beyond words to finally be able to listen to this new material. It's the best stuff we ever recorded and yes, we know, all bands say this about their latest album, but this time it couldn't be truer. Not only cause this is the first material recorded as a 6-piece band, but also cause this is the very first time every single Frozen Crown member actively contributed to the final result.


Once again we worked with the best, who has been the hidden additional band member for all these years: Andrea 'Fusix' Fusini, which crafted the sound of all our albums since the beloved debut The Fallen King. You may have listened to some of his latest work on Napalm Records if you happened to check the latest Delain album!"





Frozen Crown inked a worldwide contract with Napalm Records in June 2023. The five-piece was founded in 2018, and have since become one of the most influential Italian metal bands in the current scene.


So far, Frozen Crown have released four albums - The Fallen King (2018), Crowned In Frost (2019), Winterbane (2021) and this year’s Call Of The North - which have brought the band huge media exposure, millions of streams and video views, and big European tours with the likes of Dragonforce and Nanowar Of Steel, as well as two headlining tours in Japan.


Their current album, Call Of The North, is Frozen Crown’s most mature work so far, showcasing the best of the band’s unique power metal style infused with classic heavy metal, melodic death metal and speed metal influences, all topped with bombastic production highlighting opulent orchestrations and harmonies.


Frozen Crown on the signing: "We're happy and honored to join the Napalm Records family and we're ready for our next big step together. Since we founded this band in 2018 we worked hard incessantly, day after day, not only trying to put our best in our studio albums and live, but also managing the band all by ourselves, conquering every single little accomplishment with our DIY attitude, always keeping loyal to our (extremely) small entourage. Thanks to the support of our lovely fans, Frozen Crown eventually grew bigger, and got to a point where we were not able to handle it all by ourselves anymore. At the same time, we knew we needed more firepower to push the band further and bring it to the next level. And speaking of firepower, Napalm Records was just the best record label to start this new chapter with... We're excited beyond words to be part of the best metal label in the world, and we can't wait to start working together on our new album, joining forces with this huge team of professionals."


Sebastian Muench, Senior A&R Napalm Records, adds: “Frozen Crown are simply one of the most creative power metal bands to emerge in the last five years. Their previous releases, Winterbane and Call Of The North, are brilliant. We look forward to working with Frozen Crown to reach the next level in their career.”


Frozen Crown are:


Giada “Jade” Etro - Vocals
Federico Mondelli - Vocals, Guitar
Fabiola Bellomo - Guitar
Francesco Zof - Bass
Niso Tomasini - Drums

U.S. doom metal pioneers PENTAGRAM have revealed a brand new lineup for their upcoming new album and tours. Around legendary frontman and band founder Bobby Liebling comes the melodic power of guitarist Tony Reed — known for fronting Seattle rock stalwarts MOS GENERATOR as well as producing and engineering some of the modern heavy scene's cornerstone releases from ELECTRIC WIZARD to BLUES PILLS — and the sheer grooves of bassist John "Scooter" Haslip, also of MOS GENERATOR and formerly of SALTINE. The new lineup is rounded out by scene heavyweight and internationally renowned drummer Henry Vasquez of SAINT VITUS, SPIRIT CARAVAN, THE SKULL/LEGION OF DOOM and SOURVEIN.

PENTAGRAM recently signed to Heavy Psych Sounds for the reissue of the "Review Your Choices" and "Sub-Basement" albums as well as the long-awaited follow-up to the 2015 full-length "Curious Volume".

PENTAGRAM is currently entering the studio, poised to usher in a bold era with a new album and tours that will see the band traveling to distant ends of the globe.

The band's return to the States will be elevated by a headline performance at Levitation 2024 on November 3 in Austin, Texas. The night's stage will be honored by a live resurrection of hometown legends THE SWORD.

PENTAGRAM is set to reissue "Review Your Choices" and "Sub-Basement" (originally released in 1999 and 2001 via Black Widow Records) in a fully remastered version engineered by Tony Reed, with preorders starting on July 2 via www.heavypsychsounds.com.

PENTAGRAM is considered one of the very pioneers of the doom metal genre alongside BLACK SABBATH and WITCHFINDER GENERAL. Formed in 1971 in Virginia by Liebling (vocals) and Geof O'Keefe (drums) with Vincent McAllister on guitar and Greg Mayne on bass, the band was prolific in the underground scene of the 1970s, producing many demos and rehearsal tapes, but did not release their self-titled full-length album until reforming in the early 1980s with a new lineup. With Liebling remaining the only original band member throughout the band's 50-year career span, PENTAGRAM has welcomed many well-respected musicians from the heavy and doom metal scene, with members spending time in other acts such as RAVEN, THE OBSESSED, PLACE OF SKULLS, INTERNAL VOID and SPIRIT CARAVAN.

Liebling was the focus of "Last Days Here", the critically acclaimed 2011 documentary that detailed his lifelong struggle with drug addiction and followed him as he revived PENTAGRAM in his 50s while emerging from his parents' basement to start afresh with a wife less than half his age and their newborn son.

Back in 2017, PENTAGRAM guitarist Victor Griffin, bassist Greg Turley and drummer "Minnesota Pete" Campbell completed a tour without Liebling after Bobby was arrested for one count of assault on a vulnerable adult. He was later sentenced to 18 months in the Montgomery County Detention Center, minus time served. Although it was not publicly disclosed, the victim was believed to be Liebling's mother, who was 87 years of age at the time of Bobby's arrest.

In a new interview with Riff X 's "Metal XS", MÖTLEY CRÜE bassist Nikki Sixx spoke about the band's plans for the coming months. He said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "We're just playing festivals, and that takes us into October. We don't have any plans next year yet. I know there's some conversations about stuff. I mean, we have a few singles [already recorded], so I don't see us [recording any new music right now]… We're not gonna be around. I live in Wyoming and Vince [Neil, CRÜE singer] lives in Tennessee, two guys in California, so I don't… I don't actually see a reason right now to go in the studio, 'cause we've got two more singles [recorded and ready] to [release]. And I always wanna be sure that if we go in the studio, we have a reason or we have something we're really inspired by, but it's a lot of scheduling, and we tour and we have families. For me specifically, I have a five-year-old daughter, and I really wanna be with her as much as possible. So when the time came to go do these demos of these three songs and then go in the studio with [producer] Bob Rock, it was like a perfect time. And that time will happen again, but there's no rush."

Regarding the possibility of returning to Europe next year, Nikki said: "We're in '24, and we don't really know what '25 looks like, but I'm sure we'll come up with something fun to do and make sure that we're there for the fans. I mean, we just did Europe, so I don't see going back there for a second. But we love it over there. We had such a great time in Europe this last time. We got to spend two months over there, which is a long time. But what was nice about that is once we got over there, we got unjetlagged and the schedule wasn't so tight. And I had my family with me. I was able to be with the band and play concerts, but also experienced Europe, all over Europe. So that was a really good time.

"I'm enjoying this pace of working," Nikki added. "I really enjoy it. I don't feel burnt out. In the past, artists, we get burnt out, 'cause, you, you tour so much. And I'm really enjoying where we're at. We make music when we feel it. We do shows when we feel it."

MÖTLEY CRÜE's latest single, "Dogs Of War", was made available on April 26 via the band's new deal with Nashville's Big Machine Records

The "Dogs Of War" music video is an animated, all-CGI affair directed by Nick DenBoer.

In addition to "Dogs Of War", MÖTLEY CRÜE recorded a new song called "Canceled" and a cover of BEASTIE BOYS' "(You Gotta) Fight For Your Right (To Party!)", the latter two of which have not yet been released.

MÖTLEY CRÜE's deal with Big Machine sees the band and the label working together again after making the 2014 project "Nashville Outlaws: A Tribute To Mötley Crüe", which featured CRÜE tracks covered by country stars RASCAL FLATTS, FLORIDA GEORGIA LINE, Darius Rucker and more. Big Machine also partnered with MÖTLEY CRÜE's new guitarist John 5 for the release of his 2021 album "Sinner".

MÖTLEY CRÜE's last studio album was 2008's "Saints Of Los Angeles", which was followed by a 2009 "Greatest Hits" compilation.

In 2018, MÖTLEY CRÜE recorded four new songs for "The Dirt" movie, including the single "The Dirt (Est. 1981) (Feat. Machine Gun Kelly)", "Ride With The Devil", "Crash And Burn" and the band's own spin on Madonna's "Like A Virgin".

John 5 joined MÖTLEY CRÜE in the fall of 2022 as the replacement for the band's co-founding guitarist Mick Mars. Mick announced his retirement from touring with MÖTLEY CRÜE in October 2022 as a result of worsening health issues.

Long Beach, California underground rock band CarSex has a supercharged sound that is what the name implies: sleazy, primitive, uncomfortable and just as good as your friends told you it’d be.


They have just released their new single / video “Crooked Canvas”, produced by Steve Evetts (Sepultura, The Dillinger Escape Plan, Butcher Babies). The track is a diatribe about their intense disdain for blind consumerism and uninformed fealty to political parties. It starts out with a spoken word warning that is underlined by a fierce guitar riff that builds alongside a staccato drum beat and then explodes into a supersonic blast that never lets up.


CarSex singer Nigel Burk says, “'Crooked Canvas' is about the metaphorical wool being pulled over people’s eyes and the blind, general consumption of what’s being put forth. Whether it’s politics, religion, what shoes to buy, which pill will make your dick bigger. It’s about consumerism at its finest and my distaste for it.” 




Bassist Jeremy Schott adds, “The music video was shot by our pals Brad Walther and Jason Lazo at Big Walrus Productions in Long Beach. We worked with them on our last video for 'Your Generation'. We shot the video on a church set, keeping with the theme of the song being about the public being told how to think and what to consume – and blindly doing so. Steven Burhoe of Plague Productions edited the video.”








CarSex has previously released two EPs: 2019’s CarSex and 2020’s 2020 EP, which featured the singles “Your Generation” and “Lovesick”.   A new EP is being finalized and will be released later this summer.


For further details, visit CarSex on Facebook.


 

Avenged Sevenfold will wrap up their Life Is But A Dream... Tour across Europe this weekend. They have shared a new video recap of their jaunt through Germany earlier in June. Check it out below.


 







Avenged Sevenfold played the final show of their Life Is But A Dream North American Tour in Newark, NJ at the Prudential Center on March 31st. YouTube user Jim Powers has shared video of the entire show. Check it out below.


Setlist:


"Game Over"
"Mattel"
"Afterlife"
"Hail to the King"
"We Love You"
"Shepherd of Fire"
"The Stage"
"Roman Sky"
"Blinded in Chains"
"Bat Country"
"Nobody"
"Nightmare"
"Unholy Confessions"
"Save Me"
"Cosmic"

Finnish masters of melancholic brutality, Wolfheart, are gearing up for the release of their forthcoming seventh studio album, Draconian Darkness, which is due out on September 6 via Reigning Phoenix Music (RPM). They recently released the official music video for the first digital single, "Grave", which can be viewed below.


Stream/purchase the track here.


Now, Wolfheart has released drum and guitar playthroughs for "Grave".










Mastermind Tuomas Saukkonen comments, "'Grave' was the first song that was written for the album and became the beacon that was leading the whole production of the album. Push the dark elements even further from the light to give maximum contrast to the melodies and huge choruses. From every album we have clear favourites for live songs and 'Grave' stands on the podium unchallenged!"


Pre-order Draconian Darkness in the physical format of your choice (CD-digipak, coloured vinyl), pre-save it on your favourite DSP or pre-order it digitally now, here.


The opus was recorded at Deep Noise Studios and produced, mixed and mastered by the band's long-time collaborator Saku Moilanen; its artwork was crafted by Nikos Stavridakis (VisionBlack).





Draconian Darkness tracklisting:


"Ancient Cold"
"Evenfall"
"Burning Sky"
"Death Leads The Way"
"Scion Of The Flame"
"Grave"
"Throne Of Bones"
"Trail By Fire"
"The Gale"


"Grave" video:





(Photo - Valtteri Hirvonen)