The latest episode of "The Allison Hagendorf Show" features the four members of MÖTLEY CRÜE in an unprecedented display of emotional openness and mutual admiration, marking a first in the band's storied history.

During this landmark interview, each member of CRÜE delves deep into their feelings, revealing what they cherish most about their bandmates. "It's the first time they've ever expressed these thoughts and sentiments out loud — not just to the world, but to each other," shares host Allison Hagendorf, highlighting the unique and vulnerable nature of the episode.

Hagendorf skillfully navigates this rare glimpse into the personal dynamics of one of rock's most notorious bands, making it a must-watch for fans and newcomers alike. The episode promises not only to entertain but also to shed light on the complex relationships that have propelled MÖTLEY CRÜE through decades of success.

Regarding how he prepares for a MÖTLEY CRÜE live show, singer Vince Neil said: "I do it at the gig, like a little bit before the show. 'Cause I'm always out there, like, half an hour, 45 minutes before the guys come out. I'm already on stage. I'm checking out the [setup], seeing what's going on, getting my ears going good and stuff. And that's what I really love about outdoor [shows] Everybody's out there to have a good time."

Asked if they do any training or a physical workout to stay conditioned, drummer Tommy Lee said: "I've just been doing some upper-body stuff. That's the most draining part, so for me, I try to freshen that up before we go out and play for two hours. Otherwise you get your ass kicked real quick."

Asked to name his favorite thing about Neil, bassist Nikki Sixx said: "I love Vince because he doesn't overthink things. He is our audience. When I talk to Vince about things, he won't overthink it. He'll just tell it how it is. I always appreciate I can lean on him as a friend. He's been one of my best friends forever. And without that voice, I wouldn't be sitting here today. That voice changed my life. And I get to write lyrics for this guy. And every time I write, I hear his voice. This is, I feel, such a privilege."

Hosted by renowned music journalist and media personality Allison Hagendorf, "The Allison Hagendorf Show" is your all-access backstage pass to the most intimate and electrifying sit-downs with the titans of the entertainment and music industry. This episode with MÖTLEY CRÜE follows a series of captivating interviews, including the recent headline-making sit-down with Richie Sambora (BON JOVI).

"The Allison Hagendorf Show" is produced in partnership with Danny Wimmer Presents and sponsored by functional sparkling beverage company Cloud Water.

Polish heavy metal act, Crystal Viper, will release their new studio album, The Silver Key, on June 28 via Listenable Records. It will be available as a vinyl record, compact disc, cassette, and digitally.  The album is now available for pre-order, here.


The band have released a video for the title track. Watch "The Silver Key" below.


Band leader Marta Gabriel comments: "Our second single 'The Silver Key' (which also is the title track of the new album) is one of the most epic tracks on the album, and you can clearly hear in it echoes of our heroes such as Ronnie James Dio, Tony Martin-era Black Sabbath or even Manowar. The video for this song includes footage from the studio, and which we filmed at last year's Full Metal Cruise festival, where we played 3 shows."







As all the lyrics are once again inspired by the works of the father of cosmic horror, Howard Phillips Lovecraft, The Silver Key is a natural continuation of the previous full length release, The Cult, which came out on Listenable Records in 2021. In fact, working title of the new album was The Cult II. However, The Silver Key is an album with very own identity and character, and is without a doubt the most intense release that Crystal Viper ever recorded.


The new album is heavier, faster and darker, but at the same more epic and melodic than their previous works. In the past the band was very often balancing between power metal and heavy metal, but here, there’s no doubt that we are talking about pure heavy metal. The band had very unique approach to songwriting and production, which was almost like a tribute to classic Metal acts such as Iron Maiden or Judas Priest, but except that Crystal Viper decided to show their love for the metal culture, and incorporated in their songs several new elements, characteristic for other subgenres.


So don’t get fooled by the term “female-fronted” which is usually associated with softer genres: Crystal Viper, founded and led by the vocalist and bassist Marta Gabriel (who for the last few years played rhythm guitar for the band), is simply as that METAL, and very serious about it.


The Silver Key was produced and mastered by the heavy metal veteran Bart Gabriel, and was recorded and mixed by Rafal Kossakowski. Its cover artwork was painted by respected Guatemalan artist Mario Lopez, who was also responsible for the cover artwork of the previous album, The Cult.


Like before, CD and vinyl version of the album will include different bonus tracks. "I guess everyone expected us to record another classic heavy metal cover songs, but we have decided to do something unusual this time, and we recorded Bathory and Misfits covers," says Marta Gabriel. "Both bands had huge influence on me, Quorthon was an amazing composer, and I actually even named my horse after him! And as our new album has both this very in-your-face energy and horror vibes, we thought that the Misfits song will also be a very good choice" she adds.





The Silver Key tracklisting:


"Return To Providence"
"Fever Of The Gods"
"Old House In The Mist"
"The Key Is Lost"
"Heading Kadath"
"Book Of The Dead"
"The Silver Key"
"Wayfaring Dreamer"
"Escape From Yaddith"
"Cosmic Forces Overtake"
"Gods Of Thunder Of Wind And Of Rain" - CD bonus track
"Scream!" - LP bonus track


"Fever Of The Gods" video:





The album will be promoted on a European headlining tour, on which Crystal Viper will be joined by the US heavy metal act, Savage Master.





Tour dates:


September
21 - Zabrze, Poland - CK Wiatrak *


October
4 - Wurzburg, Germany - Keep It True Festival
6 - Salzburg, Austria - Rockhouse
8 - Berlin, Germany - Lido
9 - Copenhagen, Denmark - Beta
10 - Oldenburg, Germany - MTS
11 - Hamburg, Germany - Bambi Galore
12 - Selb, Germany - Rockclub Nordbayern
13 - Ostrava, Czech Republic - Barrak
15 - Munchen, Germany - Backstage
16 - Kassel, Germany - Goldgrube
17 - Mannheim, Germany - 7er
18 - Turin, Italy - Ziggy Club
19 - Colmar, France - Le Grillen
20 - Bilzen, Belgium - South Of Heaven


* no Savage Master


Crystal Viper is:


Marta Gabriel - vocals, bass guitar, guitar, piano
Lukasz ″Andy Wave″ Halczuch - lead and rhythm guitars
Kuba Galwas - drums and percussion
Eric Juris - lead and rhythm guitars

Today, after announcing the release of her new studio album for September 20, charismatic Dutch singer/songwriter Charlotte Wessels unveiled the album’s title together with the first single.


Entitled The Obsession, the album marks Wessels’ Napalm Records debut, and while her earlier solo endeavours - full-length song compilations Tales From Six Feet Under (2021) and Tales From Six Feet Under Vol II (2022) - already gained her a remarkable number of devotees, The Obsession truly takes her solo career to the next level.


The new album promises a cohesive exploration of fear and liberation, as well as spellbinding melancholia and dark, catchy elements meeting progressive and heavier soundscapes. The storytelling within the songs gives the multifaceted album even more depth, making The Obsession an exciting listening experience and Wessels’ most mature solo offering so far.       




First single “The Exorcism” is astonishing proof of Wessels’ matchless talent and genre-bending songwriting qualities, and in addition, marks the heaviest solo offering she has released so far. Quietly drawing the listener into this sonic sphere, the song bursts into a heavy attack shortly after. It’s calm and loud, reduced and bombastic, fragile and confident alike and presents Charlotte Wessels' thrilling full vocal range - heating up the anticipation for everything that’s to come! “The Exorcism” is now available on all streaming services worldwide, and fans can now experience the official high-quality video, below.


Charlotte Wessels on “The Exorcism”: “I’ve been thinking a lot about fears and behaviours I’ve had since I was a child, and how at certain moments in life I thought I’d overcome them for good, but they’d always rear their ugly heads again in time. I keep wondering why. Did I invite them back in? ‘The Exorcism’ is a call for these demons to stay away - but also a message to myself and others facing similar challenges, to hang on – even if they don’t.”


While still writing and producing the songs in her Six Feet Under basement home studio and sharing their first incarnations with her patrons, Charlotte Wessels now takes the songs from her new album, The Obsession, to the next level with a band of her fellow ex-Delain cohorts Timo Somers (guitars, additional arrangements), Otto Schimmelpenninck van der Oije (bass) and Joey Marin de Boer (drums) as well as Sophia Vernikov (piano/hammond), contributing to the new heavier sound. The album also features arrangements by Vikram Shankar (Silent Skies, Pain of Salvation), cello by Elianne Anemaat, was mixed by Guido Aalbers (Muse, Coldplay, The Gathering) and was mastered by Andy VanDette (Porcupine Tree, VOLA, Dream Theater).             


Charlotte Wessels about the new album: "On the one hand, this album tells a very personal story – through its unintended theme of fear, obsessive thoughts and the escapes from them – and at the same time it represents the joy of finding the song's true forms with everyone involved in the making of this record. That’s why I chose The Obsession as a title. It refers to my personal challenges with OCD that inspired many of the songs - but I’ve also started referring to the band as The Obsession - because there were moments in the studio with them that truly reminded me of why I'm obsessed with making music in the first place."


Themes of fear, obsessive thoughts and escapism run rampant on the album, presenting dark and heavy on songs like “The Exorcism”, “The Crying Room” and “Ode To The West Wind” (feat. Alissa White-Gluz of Arch Enemy). In addition, there are songs that offer a more upbeat approach to the subject – like “Dopamine” (feat. Simone Simons of Epica) which deals with SSRI-induced numbness, or “Praise” – which sings the gospel of needing external validation in order to feel anything. The reimagining of fan-favorite “Soft Revolution” won’t leave a dry eye in the room, while “Soulstice” and “Serpentine” present an unprecedented dark sensuality. Each song itself functions like an exorcism, an attempt to cast out a little of the fear it deals with.    


Charlotte Wessels about the guests: “I’m extremely grateful and proud to add Simone Simons and Alissa White-Gluz to the line-up of this album. They are creative powerhouses that I have so much love and respect for. Whenever we get to work together is an absolute treat and they really elevated the songs with their performances.”








The Obsession will be available in the following formats:


- Gatefold 2-Vinyl Splatter + 2 Bonustracks (“Backup Plan” + “Breathe; Extended“), D-Side Etched – ltd. to 200 copies worldwide *Napalm Records Mailorder Only*
- Gatefold 2-Vinyl Recycled Black + 2 Bonustracks (“Backup Plan” + “Breathe; Extended“), D-Side Etched
- Gatefold 2-Vinyl Inkspot + 2 Bonustracks (“Backup Plan” + “Breathe; Extended“), D-Side Etched *Patreon Exclusive*
- Digisleeve + Shirt Bundle
- Digisleeve
- Digital Album


Pre-order here.





The Obsession tracklisting:     
        
"Chasing Sunsets"
"Dopamine"
"The Exorcism"
"Soulstice"
"The Crying Room"
"Ode To The West Wind"
"Serpentine"
"Praise"
"All You Are"
"Vigor And Valor"
"Breathe"
"Soft Revolution (2024)"


"The Exorcism" video:





(Photo - Tim Tronckoe)


 

The Troops Of Doom, the Brazilian death metal supergroup led by Jairo "Tormentor" Guedz, former guitarist of the original Sepultura lineup, will release their new single, "Dawn Of Mephisto", on Friday (May 17). A video for the song can be viewed below:





The Troops Of Doom's new studio album, A Mass To The Grotesque, will be released on May 31 via Alma Mater Records, the Portuguese label run by Moonspell singer, Fernando Ribeiro.




“Imagine a death metal world unaltered and pure since the 1990’s, a musical style so dear to the fans, that time, business and trend, could never hurt,“ death metal fan Fernando Ribeiro recommends. “Go back to the glorious time where death metal reigned supreme, thanks to some bands, artists, studios and an untameable will of progressing and delivering extreme music to its finest shape, like occult jewellery, filigree , brutal yet elegant in its overwhelming task of splitting your ears. The new Troops Of Doom album A Mass to the Grotesque, which Alma Mater Records is brutally proud to present, rescues this long forgotten death metal class. They are the flag carriers of the authentic Morrisound sound (the legendary Florida studio where this album was mixed and mastered) and they leave no stones unturned on this one. Brace yourself for the best and most authentic Death Metal album in ages!”


The Troops Of Doom was formed in 2020, during the pandemic, by the original Sepultura guitarist Jairo “Tormentor” Guedz. He recorded the albums Bestial Devastation (1985) and Morbid Visions (1986). Jairo left the band in 1987, making way for Andreas Kisser, who continues with the band to this day. The Troops Of Doom’s lineup also includes other significant figures from the Brazilian metal scene, such as guitarist Marcelo Vasco (Patria, Mysteriis), a globally renowned graphic artist known for his work with bands like Slayer, Dee Snider, Kreator, Machine Head, Soulfly, and many others. The vocalist and bassist Alex Kafer, former live guitarist for Matanza, and drummer Alexandre Oliveira, a former member of the band Tianastácia, complete the lineup.


Acclaimed by specialized media as a supergroup, The Troops Of Doom emerged to revive the classic death metal of the 80s, inspired by Sepultura’s early era with Jairo and other influential bands such as Slayer, Celtic Frost, Kreator, and Possessed. It serves as a time machine for those nostalgic for the golden age of death metal. In just two years since its formation, the band has released three EPs: The Rise of Heresy (2020), The Absence of Light (2021), and Prelude to Blasphemy (2023), along with their debut album, Antichrist Reborn, that was released in 2022 on CD, LP, and Cassette by Alma Mater Records and lauded by both fans and music press alike.


Now, the band is gearing up for the release of their highly anticipated second album, A Mass To The Grotesque, produced by André Moraes, a multi-talented musician known for his work on Sepultura’s Dante XXI and the soundtrack of the film “Lisbela e o Prisioneiro,” at Audio Porto studio in Porto Alegre/RS. The mixing and mastering of the album were done by Jim Morris at the legendary Morrisound Recording in Tampa, Florida, known for producing some of the greatest death metal classics of the 80s and 90s.


"The entire production and recording of the album were done in Brazil, while the mixing and mastering were handled by the great Jim Morris at the legendary Morrisound Recording in Florida. It's a production that completely diverges from today's standard productions. We are very proud of it," Jairo Guedz comments.


"Every aspect of this album was chosen meticulously," Marcelo Vasco adds. "What could be more intense than having the record mixed in the studio where the greatest death metal classics of the '80s and '90s were mixed? Our idea was to take the production of this album to another level. The sound breaths, it’s organic and lo-fi, oldschool as hell. It’s an experience!”


The cover art was painted by the acclaimed artist Dan Seagrave, responsible for numerous classic death metal album covers. Guedz reveals: "The title A Mass To The Grotesque carries the symbolism of a true ode to the ugly, the evil, the feared. It encompasses everything and everyone that doesn't fit into the molds of a so-called 'evolved' society, choosing to live in the shadows. A dark liturgy to the rejected and their followers, who find shelter and comfort in the absence of light and in the supposed dictatorship of the divine word, whatever it may be. The grotesque is resistance, where nothing is sacred!"


"There wouldn't be a more perfect artist to paint the album cover than the master Dan Seagrave, whose distinctive style is deeply rooted in the genre and has created numerous album covers for death metal that have become iconic and, of course, a great inspiration in The Troops of Doom's music. We are huge fans of his work," Vasco admits, "and it is a giant honor to have him as the cover artist of this new album. It's a dream come true."


Available as:


- CD Digipack
- Black LP ltd 300
- Yellow LP ltd 300


Pre-order here.





Tracklisting:


"Solve Et Coagula" - Introduction
"Chapels Of The Unholy"
"Dawn Of Mephisto"
"Denied Divinity"
"The Impostor King"
"Faithless Requiem"
"Psalm 78 - God Of Bizarre"
"Terror Inheritance"
"The Grotesque"
"Blood Upon The Throne"
"Venomous Creed"


"Chapels Of The Unholy" video:





(Photo - Cissa Flores @cissa_flores)

“Rome Wasn’t Built In A Day” the new studio album from Babylon A.D. is out today on Perris Records. Order/purchase the album here. Along with the album release, Babylon A.D. have released a brand new video for the title track “Rome Wasn’t Built In A Day” – premiered exclusively through BraveWords!





We are so excited about this release, Rome Wasn’t Built In A Day has really put the band back on the map. All the fan support, radio play and reviews we are getting from the album are so amazing. It really feels good to know We Are Back! We can’t wait to share this album on the road and the shows we have lined up this year are gonna be a blast for the band and the fans alike. - Derek Davis, Babylon A.D.




The single "Wrecking Machine" has been featured on numerous new and classic rock radio outlets across the United States, where it recently reached the Top 40 on the Mediabase Classic Rock radio charts. The single has also featured on the nationally syndicated "Alice's Attic" hosted by the legendary Alice Cooper and has received notable airplay including major market spins from the likes of WDRV & WPJX in Chicago, KSAN in San Francisco, KSLX in Phoenix, WCXS in Detroit and KLPX in Tucson.


Too early to spoil it, but I will say 2 things about the record. IMO, it blows Revelation Highway out of the water and if you like the first 2 albums you will LOVE Rome Wasn't Built In A Day. - Brian Basher, BraveWords Radio


This is truly an amazing release! A great album from start to finish... this is truly one of the highlights of 2024 so far. - Pete Eklund, Metal Impact Radio


Babylon A.D. definitely rekindled the romance of their earlier sound with Rome Wasn’t Built In A Day. - Metal Temple


This is a record that sounds just like the band back in the day, full of fire, wonderfully heavy and firing on all cylinders: with guitar and vocals that haven’t lost a thing over the decades. Some bands come back with a bang, it seems that Babylon has just gone nuclear. - The Rock Pit


Derek Davis and his Babylonians deliver the cornerstone of their catalog. Rome Wasn’t Built In A Day is a gem-riddled roof of songs that sits firmly atop the Babylon A.D. empire that has been under construction for more than three decades. - Scott Itter / Dr. Music Podcast and All Music Magazine


Babylon A.D. can’t wait to start playing the songs live and have some very exciting shows coming up, The Whisky Go A Go in June and Monsters On The Mountain in August in Gatlinburg Tennessee.





Tracklisting:


"Wrecking Machine"
"Pain"
"Sometimes Love Is Hell"
"Rome Wasn't Built In A Day"
"Looking For A Heartbeat"
"I Will Never Break Again"
"White Hot Bullet"
"Crashed Into The Sun"
"Face Of GOD"
"Shut Up"
"Super Beast"


"Wrecking Machine":






 
Album details:


Produced, Mixed, Engineered by Derek Davis @ The BADMOFO’s Recording Studio, Pleasanton, CA.
Drums recorded by Gabriel Shepard @ 25th Studios Oakland CA.
Mastered By David Donnelly, DNA Mastering Los Angeles CA.
Photos - Angela Probst - Studio A
Vintage Artwork Concept Design - Derek Davis


Band Members:


Derek Davis - Vocals, Keyboard, Guitar
Ron Freschi - Lead Guitar, Background vocals
John Mattews - Lead Guitar
Craig Pepe - Bass, Background vocals
Dylan Soto - Drums / Background vocals


Background vocals on "I Will Never Break Again" - Lane Borchard


Tour dates:


May
18 - Retro Junkie - Walnut Creek, CA


June
7 - Whisky A Go Go - Hollywood, CA


August
3 - Fulton 55 - Fresno, CA
9 – Liquid Joes – Salt Lake City, UT
10 – Wild Goose Saloon – Parker, CO
17 – The Boardwalk – Orangevale, CA
25 - Monster On Mountain - Gatlinburg, TN


September
20 - Feather Falls Casino - Oroville, CA
21 - Horsefest - Newark, CA


About Babylon A.D.:


Formed in 1987, Babylon A.D. hail from the San Francisco Bay Area, CA. Original members, Derek Davis vocalist/songwriter, guitarist's and music writers John Mathews and Ron Freschi drummer James Pacheco and bassist Rob Reid met in high school before they began playing together as "The Persuaders" making a name for themselves with their powerful live performances and catchy songwriting skills becoming one of the top drawing original Hard Rock bands in the Northern CA.


In 1989 the band changed their name to "Babylon A.D." and caught the attention of Arista Records President and industry music mogul “Clive Davis”, who signed them at a live showcase in Los Angeles thanks to their impressive three song demo and a home made video. John Mattews departed the band and was replaced by another high school friend Dan De La Rosa just before their self-titled album Babylon A.D. was released in 1990. The album included their hard rock classic hits "Bang Go The Bells”, “Hammer Swings Down” and “The Kid Goes Wild”, which featured Screaming "Sam Kinison" and was the trailer song and promotional video for Orion Pictures (Robo Cop 2). The band scored three #1 songs at Metal Radio and reached Gold status on their first release, which spent 38 weeks on the Billboard top 200, peaking at # 46. Their sophomore effort (Nothing Sacred) was produced by the legendary "Tom Werman" and released in 1992, it produced two more top-ten metal rockers. “Bad Blood” and “So Savage the Heart”. Constant touring throughout the early 1990s and several MTV videos made them one of hard rock fans favorite bands.


In 1999 the band and released Live In Your Face on Apocalypse Records, a compilation of live tracks recorded at various cities’ across America. Their next release American Blitzkrieg soon followed in 2002 and both records were well received by critics and fans alike. In 2008 the band released Babylon A.D. In The Beginning on Perris Records, a compilation of songs from the original demo tapes that secured them their recording contract with Arista Records.


After a long hiatus the band started playing and recording again in 2014. Touring across the States and Europe releasing the four song EP Lost Sessions. in 2018 John Matthews rejoined the group and the band signed with Frontiers Records for their forth studio release Revelation Highway. Four singles/ videos and more touring followed through the beginning of 2020. In 2022 original members James Pacheco and Robb Reid left the band for other pursuits remaining connected to the bands legacy and part of a brotherhood of friendship that has lasted for over 30 years!


Present Day...


Fast forward to 2023, Babylon A.D. announced new members Craig Pepe (bass) and Dylan Soto (drums) and a new live concert album Live Lightning from Perris Records. The new album included their top-ten rock-radio classic hits from their debut album as well as songs from “Nothing Sacred”, “American Blitzkrieg”, and “Revelation Highway”.


As 2024 begins the band is set to release their fifth studio album on Perris Records titled Rome Wasn’t Built In A Day on May 17. The 11 track album is classic Babylon A.D. firing on all cylinders, showcasing great songwriting talent, performances and the hard rock sound the band is known for. New videos and singles are coming and the band is currently booking and playing select live shows across the states in support of the new album.

Guitar legend Marty Friedman (ex-Megadeth) releases his new album, Drama, today (May 17) via Frontiers Music srl. Order the album here, and check out the official visualizer for the track "Triumph" below.





Marty Friedman's presence in the world of music, the world of guitar, and Japanese pop culture is mystifying, bizarre, and nothing short of inspiring. From his groundbreaking beginnings with Cacophony, alongside the legendary Jason Becker, to his pivotal role in propelling Megadeth to its peak of popularity with his breath-taking range and unorthodox melodic sense, Marty has solidified his status as a unique guitar icon.




With his latest solo album, Drama, Marty only slightly revisits the atmospheric elements of his acclaimed 1992 release Scenes, elevating them to a modern and exotic collection of epic, extravagant, and unapologetically emotional mini-symphonies.


Tracks like "Illumination" and "Mirage" transport listeners to captivating realms, evoking sudden tears and chills. The entire album spotlights Marty's mesmerizing melodies, game-changing arrangements, and heart-tugging motifs, even more than any of his previous work.


Recorded in Italy, where Marty had access to a treasure trove of vintage guitars along with his modern signature models, Drama is a pure delight for anyone who appreciates music that stirs emotions.





Tracklisting:


"Illumination"
"Song For An Eternal Child"
"Triumph" (Official Version)
"Thrill City"
"Deep End"
"Dead Of Winter" (English Vocal)
"Mirage"
"A Prayer"
"Acapella" (Guitar Solo)
"Tearful Confession"
"Icicles"
"2 Rebeldes" (Spanish Vocal)


"Illumination" visualizer:





"Dead Of Winter" video





Since moving to Japan in 2003, Marty has become a household name even beyond the world of music. Fluent in Japanese, he has appeared on over 900 Japanese TV shows of every variety, as well as motion pictures and commercials including an ad campaign for Coca-Cola / Fanta that ran for over two years. He was recently appointed an Ambassador of Japan Heritage by the Japanese government who also commissioned him to compose the "Japan Heritage Theme Song", recorded by Marty and the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra and is played at official government-related events. He has played the Opening Ceremony at the Tokyo Marathon 5 times, most recently in March 2024. Three books on Marty's life have been released in Japan and a brand-new full autobiography will be released worldwide later this year.


In addition to his legendary work with Cacophony and Megadeth, Marty has released fifteen solo albums starting in 1988 with Dragon's Kiss, and has had multi-platinum, platinum, and gold album sales awards in twenty-seven countries, achieving seven Grammy nominations to date. In recent years, Friedman has put out the distinguished, ongoing Tokyo Jukebox line, which, as the title suggests, is a series of albums featuring covers of Japanese songs starting with Tokyo Jukebox in 2009, Tokyo Jukebox 2 in 2011, and most recently, Tokyo Jukebox 3 in 2020. This series has become a go-to set for people all around the world who are fast becoming fascinated with Japan and its music.


Marty has played the Tokyo Dome, Budokan, and every major Japanese venue multiple times. He has toured Japan countless times with his solo music as well as alongside many legendary Japanese stars. Since the release of Tokyo Jukebox 3 in 2020, Marty has toured Japan twice, performed as a soloist with three major symphony orchestras, and made several TV appearances, most recently performing with Yoshiki of X Japan.


Since the pandemic, Marty and his band have toured the US twice and are planning to tour extensively for Drama.


Band Members:


Marty Friedman - Guitar
Wakazaemon - Bass
Gregg Bissonette - Drums
Mika Maruki - Piano, Keyboard & Synth
Hiyori Okuda - Cello
Miho Chigyo - Violin


Vocals on “Dead of Winter”: Chris Brooks (Like A Storm)
Vocals on “2 Rebeldes”: Steven Baquero Vargas
Bass on “Mirage”: Or Lubianiker
Rhythm Guitar on “Thrill City”: Naoki Morioka
Keys and Synth on “Sanctuary”: Takuro Iga
Drums  on “Thrill City”: Chargeeeeee


Additional recording: Yukiko Takada, Jordan Rudess, Naoki Morioka, Maki Furugaki, Chris Brooks, Matt Brooks, Kent Brooks, Brian Becvar

BON JOVI has released the official Nevil Bernard-directed lyric video for the band's new single "Living Proof". The track is taken from BON JOVI's upcoming 16th studio album, "Forever", which will arrive on June 7. The new LP is now available for pre-order where fans can find exclusive colored vinyl options, CDs, cassettes, and limited edition signed copies. An extremely limited run of Ocean Waves colored vinyl will include a one-of-a-kind instant photo of frontman Jon Bon Jovi.

"We bring back the talk box, the idea based on Peter Frampton and Joe Walsh and our using it first on 'Livin' On A Prayer'," Jon Bon Jovi said about "Living Proof". "This is a big ol' rock song just the way you like it."

"Forever" features Jon Bon Jovi once again alongside fellow founding BON JOVI members, keyboardist David Bryan and drummer Tico Torres. They are joined by bassist Hugh McDonald and guitarist Phil X.

"Forever" is a celebratory album that takes stock of the past and likes what it sees, while keeping one eye on the future. But it's also a defiant record, the most compelling evidence yet that BON JOVI — inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in 2018, with more than 130 million records sold and dozens of unassailable radio hits to his credit — has nothing left to prove. "Forever" features twelve new songs, including the hit lead single "Legendary".

Jon Bon Jovi's story is one of longevity. Forty years since the release of his namesake band's debut album, Bon Jovi is not only still standing, but thriving. He's stared down the toughest decade of his career — one beset by a global pandemic and his own harrowing vocal injury — to emerge with a timeless new album, "Forever", and a life-affirming discovery: Jon Bon Jovi is happy again.

"For the first time in 10 years, I have joy," Jon says. "I had lost touch with it for a number of reasons, and I'd set out to find it while writing and making this record. At the completion of the project, I realized I was at peace. I really found joy."

Produced by Jon with John Shanks, "Forever" takes stock of the past and likes what it sees, while keeping one eye on the future.

"'Forever' is an opportunity to show that you can look back with one foot firmly entrenched in the future. And that only comes with age, wisdom, and experience," Jon says.

It also helps to have people you can count on by your side. While BON JOVI's last album, the socially conscious 2020, was written almost entirely by Jon alone — "I was the narrator. It was what I saw happening when I turned on my television," he says — "Forever" is a fully collaborative effort, underscoring the bond between Jon and his band of brothers.

"It is absolutely an inclusive record," he says. "If '2020' was 'me,' this album is 'we.'"

"Legendary", which Jon debuted live at the gala honoring him as the 2024 MusiCares Person Of The Year, speaks to that union. The song is a rousing testament to the enduring relationships with his family, both those at home and in the band. "Got what I want/cause I got what I need," he sings over Torres's thumping beat, "Got a fistful of friends that'll stand up for me."

"I've come to realize in this chapter of my life that what matters is that handful of people that truly stood by your side. It's not just my band, but my wife, my kids, my longtime engineer and friend," Jon says. "Out of all this pain and suffering that I've been through in the last decade, I've wrapped my arms around all of these moments and learned that what matters is what you've got. And what I've got has been pretty good."

Jon doesn't mince words when talking about the vocal problems that plagued him beginning in 2015. He says matter-of-factly that he was singing out of tune but, for the life of him, couldn't figure out what was wrong. Finally, a doctor diagnosed an atrophying of one of his vocal cords and the singer underwent major surgery to have a permanent implant affixed to the damaged cord.

But the outcome wasn't a sure bet. To get back to singing at the level he demands, Jon committed to a rigorous daily schedule of vocal exercises. "It's been 21 months of recovery so far. There's no miracle, but there's steady progress," he says. "Recording 'Forever' in the studio in Nashville, I could take my time. And when we rehearse as a band, we make great strides. But I don't know the end game."

To listen to "Forever", though, is to hear an artist confidently in the zone. He throws himself headlong into the daring opus "Seeds", a mesmerizing composition about perseverance brought to life with rich strings and sharp metaphor. In "I Wrote You A Song" — one of those lyrical lightning bolts that came to Jon while he slept — he delivers one of the album's vocal highlights over Bryan's stark piano. And with "Walls Of Jericho", he adds the most epic arena anthem to the BON JOVI catalog since "Bad Medicine".

A pair of tracks on the album directly chronicle the band's history, which is also honestly retold in the four-part Hulu documentary "Thank You, Goodnight: The Bon Jovi Story". "We Made It Look Easy" charts BON JOVI's hard-won evolution from New Jersey bar band to stadium headliners, while "Living Proof" evokes the group's storied past through a signature sound: a TalkBox guitar intro reminiscent of "Livin' On A Prayer".

The chorus of "Living Proof" drives home one of "Forever"'s overarching themes: "This family tree got nothing left to prove now," Jon sings. "Me and you/We're the living proof."

When Jon, a 2009 inductee into the Songwriters Hall Of Fame, wrote those lines, he says they encapsulated everything he was feeling more than 40 years into a rock legacy: "I thought, 'That pretty much sums it up for me.'"

But having nothing left to prove doesn't mean not challenging oneself. "Forever" contains some of the most soul-baring songs Jon's ever written. "Kiss The Bride" he wrote especially for his daughter and is destined to be heard at every wedding from here to eternity. "My First Guitar" is the tale of the cheap but cherished Univox he played as a teenager, sold to a neighbor, and was recently reunited with. And "Hollow Man", which caps the album, is about submitting himself freely and openly to the muse.

"That's me with my hands and eyes towards the sky, saying, ‘I'm an empty vessel. Fill me up,'" Jon says. "I am the hollow man."

In a telling moment, he punctuates one line of the song — "Anyway, I got you to smile…" — with a warm chuckle.

It's the sound of a man, no longer hollow, having fun again. He's successfully navigated obstacles, both universal and personal, and is able to smile about it all.

"Over the course of my life, I've had love and loss all happen more than once," Jon says. "With this album, I'm telling you the truth."

"Forever" track listing

01. Legendary
02. We Made It Look Easy
03. Living Proof
04. Waves
05. Seeds
06. Kiss The Bride
07. The People's House
08. Walls Of Jericho
09. I Wrote You A Song
10. Living In Paradise
11. My First Guitar
12. Hollow Man

Guitarist Richie Sambora left BON JOVI mid-tour in 2013 in order to spend more time with his family. His exit came after he missed 13 shows on the band's 2011 tour when he entered rehab.

Sambora joined his former bandmates onstage in 2018 when they were inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame.

Last November, Sambora told People that a BON JOVI reunion tour was not out of the question.

Photo credit: Mark Seliger

Today, Kerry King finally releases his solo debut album, From Hell I Rise, via Reigning Phoenix Music, and unveils the project’s brand-new video, "Toxic", which has been co-directed by Jim Louvau and his partner Tony Aguilera.


Similar to King’s acclaimed "Residue" video, which was released last month, "Toxic" was shot at a downtown Phoenix studio and features a fiery, high energy, heavy assault of a performance from Kerry’s new band: Mark Osegueda (vocals), Phil Demmel (guitar), Kyle Sanders (bass) and drummer, Paul Bostaph.


Jim Louvau admits: “We’re at a point where political fatigue has set in and become an issue for most people who live in our country no matter what side of the coin they land on. The lyrics and energy of the song showcase that sentiment, so I wanted to create something visually that almost feels like a trailer for what we are about to experience. I also wanted to address PTSD for people who have serviced in the military and how the increased political landscape affects their mental health which often goes unnoticed”.




Check out the video for "Toxic" below, and stream purchase From Hell I Rise here.





From Hell I Rise tracklisting:


"Diablo"
"Where I Reign"
"Residue"
"Idle Hands"
"Trophies Of The Tyrant"
"Crucifixation"
"Tension"
"Everything I Hate About You"
"Toxic"
"Two Fists"
"Rage"
"Shrapnel"
"From Hell I Rise"


"Toxic" video:





"Residue" video:





"Idle Hands" visualizer:





This month, the band performed their first live show - totally sold out - at Reggies in Chicago. The concert was described as “dark, packed, and exceptionally loud,” everything you could ask for at such a landmark show… truly a once in a lifetime experience. In the days following, the band went from playing a more intimate venue to performing at the huge US festivals, Welcome to Rockville (FL) and Sonic Temple (OH), treating audiences to an incredible experience of pure metal firepower.


Now the band is ready to embark on a European tour that begins June 3 – on Kerry King‘s birthday. He tells us: “Can’t wait to be back in Europe and I can’t think of a better way to celebrate my birthday. Let’s fucking rage!”


The tour will combine headline shows in the UK, The Netherlands and Germany, and also major festival appearances including Hellfest, Download, Rock Am Ring, Tuska, Graspop, Sweden Rock Festival & more.


Find Kerry King's live itinerary here.





(Photo - Jim Louvau)

Serj Tankian, lead singer and lyricist for the Grammy Award-winning rock band SYSTEM OF A DOWN, has released his new single and video "A.F. Day" via Gibson Records. The track, which will also appear on Serj's forthcoming EP titled "Foundations" — due in the fall — fits right into the singer-songwriter's canon and his ability to dive straight into longstanding cultural issues and thoughts that have smoldered to the top of our daily reality demanding to be acknowledged.

Speaking about the new track, Serj reveals: "This is a song I wrote in the early days of SYSTEM OF A DOWN that I never released. The majority of the instrumentation and vocals are recordings from that time. Dystopian in mood, it's a reflection of the angst and anti-authoritarian attitude I had to conformity."

The new single and forthcoming EP kick off a massive year for Tankian, which has already seen him release his exhilarating, thoughtful, and beautifully written debut memoir "Down With The System" via Hachette Books, with remaining book events in Los Angeles at Barnes and Noble-The Grove May 21 and at Book Soup on May 24.

The 56-year-old Lebanese-born Armenian-American musician and songwriter told Metal Hammer magazine about "Foundations": "It's five songs. We just shot five videos for it last week with members of the FCC, my back-up band, which was really fun, and we're going to put it out in September."

He added: "The reason I'm putting it out is that archival nature of writing a book made me look into songs from different periods of time. So one of the songs is from early SYSTEM days, for example, that I've never put out, that I'd never worked with SYSTEM on. A couple of the songs are from my early 2007-2008 solo record period, but didn't fit the record ['Elect The Dead', released in October 2007].

"It's an interesting retrospective of rock music that I've never released from different times, and it's called 'Foundations' basically because it's the founding of my musical life," Serj added. "They're very interesting songs, very different from each other: one is really heavy, one is like, really progressive, there's just different elements to each of them. But I think they work in tandem."

Tankian is best known as the lead singer of the Grammy Award-winning rock band SYSTEM OF A DOWN, but he is also a solo artist, composer, activist, painter, poet, and filmmaker. Since launching on to the rock scene in 1993, he's performed for millions of fans and sold more than 42 million albums worldwide. He's also a proud Armenian-American and a dedicated activist; along with Tom Morello, Tankian co-founded the non-profit organization Axis Of Justice, which strived to bring together musicians, music fans, and grassroots political organizations to fight for social justice. He has composed scores for many films and television series, had his paintings exhibited in galleries in the U.S. and New Zealand, and released two books of his own poetry. He has also been an executive producer on multiple documentaries, including "I Am Not Alone", which tells the story of Armenia's 2018 revolution and which won awards at the Toronto International Film Festival, DOC NYC, American Film Institute Festival, and the Palm Springs International Film Festival, among others. Tankian lives with his wife and his son, splitting their time between Los Angeles and New Zealand.

SYSTEM OF A DOWN has toured intermittently since ending its hiatus in 2011, but has only managed to record two songs in the last 19 years, "Protect The Land" and "Genocidal Humanoidz". Released in November 2020, the tracks were motivated by the conflict between Artsakh and Azerbaijan, with all proceeds supporting humanitarian efforts in SYSTEM OF A DOWN's ancestral homeland of Armenia. Along with other donations from fans on their social pages, they raised over $600,000.

SYSTEM OF A DOWN co-headlined the second installment of the Sick New World festival in Las Vegas on Saturday, April 27.

The quartet will next co-headline a one-off concert with DEFTONES at the Golden Gate Park in San Francisco, California on August 17.

Photo credit: Travis Shinn

Rammstein kicked off their 2024 Europe Stadium Tour on May 11th in Prague, Czech Republic at Airport Letňany. Fan-filmed video of the entire show can be viewed below.


Setlist:


"Ramm 4" (first time since 2019)
"Links 2-3-4"
"Keine Lust" (first time since 2019)
"Sehnsucht"
"Asche Zu Asche (first time since 2013)
"Mein Herz Brennt"
"Puppe"
"Wiener Blut" (first time since 2013)
"Zeit"
"Deutschland"
"Radio"
"Mein Teil"
"Du Hast"
"Sonne"




Encore:
"Engel"
"Ausländer"
"Du Riechst So Gut"
"Pussy"


Encore 2:
"Rammstein"
"Ich Will"
"Adieu"














Rammstein's 2024 European tour schedule is as follows::


May
16 - Dresden, Germany - Rinne (Open Air Gelände an der Messe)
19 - Dresden, Germany - Rinne (Open Air Gelände an der Messe) **
24 - Belgrade, Serbia - Ušće Park
30 - Athens, Greece - TBA


June
5 - San Sebastián, Spain - Estadio Anoeta
8 - Marseille, France - Orange Vélodrome
11 - Barcelona, Spain - Estadi Olímpic
15 - Lyon, France - Groupama Stadium
18 - Nijmegen, Netherlands - Goffertpark
19 - Nijmegen, Netherlands - Goffertpark **
23 - Dublin, Ireland - RDS Arena
27 - Ostend, Belgium - Park Nieuwe Koers
28 - Ostend, Belgium - Park Nieuwe Koers **


July
5 - Copenhagen, Denmark - Valbyparken
6 - Copenhagen, Denmark - Valbyparken **
11 - Frankfurt, Germany - Deutsche Bank Park **
12 - Frankfurt, Germany - Deutsche Bank Park **
17 - Klagenfurt, Austria - Wörthersee Stadion
18 - Klagenfurt, Austria - Wörthersee Stadion
21 - Reggio Emilia, Italy - RCF Arena (Campovolo)
26 - Gelsenkirchen, Germany - Veltins-Arena
27 - Gelsenkirchen, Germany - Veltins-Arena
29 - Gelsenkirchen, Germany - Veltins-Arena **
30 - Gelsenkirchen, Germany - Veltins-Arena **
31 - Gelsenkirchen, Germany - Veltins-Arena **

Elettra Storm has released a video for "Sacrifice Of Angels", fourth single taken from the debut album Powerlords released on February 16 by Scarlet Records.





Powerlords will be released on a limited vinyl version too (300 marbled blue copies) on June 21. Preorder at the Scarlet Records webshop.







Elettra Storm is the brand new power metal sensation brought to life in 2023 by SinHeresy co-founder Davide Sportiello.


Featuring the talented singer and model Crystal Emiliani (Re-X) on vocals and supported by top-notch musicians, the band will start a glorious 100% power metal ride at its finest, blending the magic of early 00’s genre superheroes like Stratovarius and Rhapsody of Fire with the modern female-fronted approach of Unleash the Archers.


Be ready to be enchanted by tales of mighty archangels, moon goddesses and underground civilizations; an escapism from the daily-life fatigue, but also a reflection on humanity virtues and faults.


Powerlords is out now in the following formats:


- digipack CD
- digital


Order/save the album here.





Tracklisting:


“Higher Than The Stars”
“Redemption”
“Origin Of Dreams”
“Powerlords”
“Alone”
“Heirs Of The Descent”
“Sacrifice Of Angels”
“Spirit Of The Moon”
“Voices In The Wind”


"Origin Of Dreams":





“Higher Than The Stars” video:





“Redemption”:





Elettra Storm:


Crystal Emiliani - vocals
Francis D. Mary - guitar, vocals
Matteo Antoni - guitar
Davide Sportiello - keyboards, bass
Matteo Norbedo - drums


(Photo – Beatrice Demori / Oround Media)

Midlands outfit Cloven Hoof must rate as one of the most legendary bands of the entire New Wave Of British Heavy Metal movement. The origins of the group go back to the year 1979, when they first formed under the name of Nightstalker. In 1981, however, the band switched to their new moniker: Cloven Hoof. Original vocalist David Potter, guitarist Steve Rounds, drummer Kevin Poutney and main man Lee Payne on bass adopted the stage characters of ‘Earth’, ‘Fire’, ‘Water’ and ‘Air’.


After recording demo versions of songs such as “Return Of The Passover” and “Nightstalker”, Cloven Hoof issued their debut vinyl 12” EP The Opening Ritual on Elemental Music in 1982. In 1984, the self-titled Cloven Hoof album was released, followed by Fighting Back (1986), Dominator (1988) and A Sultan’s Ransom (1989).


After splitting up in the 1990s, Cloven Hoof returned with a new line-up and a new record called Eye Of The Sun in 2006. In 2014, Resist Or Serve was recorded, followed by Who Mourns For The Morning Star? (2017), both on High Roller Records.




The album was a bit of a game changer for the band, as they were able to tour with it in North America for the first time in their career. Since then, Cloven Hoof have issued two more studio albums, Age Of Steel on Pure Steel Records in 2020 and Time Assassins on FM Revolver two years later.


With songs like “Do What Thou Wilt”, “Sabbat Stones” and “The Summoning” their brand new album Heathen Cross marks the return to High Roller Records. “We are back now where we belong,” smirks Lee Payne. “Heathen Cross is Cloven Hoof’s most dark and heavy album yet! It has the satanic undertones of our debut album, but with the best vocalist the group has ever had. Personally speaking it is hands down my favourite Cloven Hoof album. We wanted to recapture the spirit and the supernatural majesty of the debut album. Talking to the fans we have given them what they wanted most, a return to the roots of the NWOBHM. They are going to love it!”


The bassist is indeed full of praise for the band’s new vocalist, enter a certain Harry “The Tyrant” Conklin, of all people: “Harry Conklin is a world-class vocalist. He is super dedicated and highly professional and we knew he would fit in the band seamlessly. His vocal performance on the new album raises the band to new heights, so I can’t wait for the fans to hear him. Harry is an astounding singer, he is so versatile. He can sing high, low and always with power and passion. He knows how to live and sell a song. Harry is like an actor telling a story, no one interprets my lyrics like Mr. Conklin. I can’t praise him enough. We should have worked together years ago.” – Matthias Mader


Preorder at hrrecords.de.





Tracklisting:


“Benediction”
“Redeemer”
“Do What Thou Wilt”
“Last Man Standing”
“Darkest Before The Dawn”
“Vendetta”
“Curse Of The Gypsy”
“Frost And Fire”
“Sabbat Stones”
“The Summoning”


“Sabbat Stones” lyric video:





“Last Man Standing” lyric video:

All For Metal have released their new single and music video, "Valkyries In The Sky". This song is a true heavy metal hymn marking the band's journey as they gear up for their new album, Gods Of Metal, out on August 23 via Reigning Phoenix Music.





"Valkyries In The Sky" encapsulates the fierce and beautiful presence of the Valkyries, maidens sent by Odin to choose the slain on the battlefield. The powerful chorus warns, “Watch out! Valkyries in the sky! Watch out! They hear your battle cry!” This anthem guides listeners through a realm of warriors, battle, and myth, highlighting the unbreakable spirit of those who fight bravely and die, guided by Valkyries to Valhalla. This new heavy and powerful track features fierce vocals by Laura Guldemond (Burning Witches) and a striking guitar solo by Tim Kanoa Hansen of Induction.




Antonio, singer of the band, exclaims, “All For Metal is coming stronger than ever, and this time we brought some friends with us, Laura from Burning Witches and Tim from Induction!! We were waiting for this collab for far too long.” Tetzel, vocalist, adds, “The legendary Valkyries themselves will headbang to this song! All For Metal are back, and we will not stop - so watch out!”





Pre-order the Gods Of Metal album in the physical format of your choice, pre-save it on your favourite DSP or pre-order it digitally to receive "Gods Of Metal: instantly now, here.





Gods Of Metal will be available in the following formats:


- collector's statue [Tetzel OR Antonio + CD-digi + patch; each of them limited to 500 copies!] & other bundles [signed CD-digi + ticket + patch | CD-digi + t-shirt | vinyl + patch | CD-digi + patch]
- CD-digipak
- coloured LP [green "dragon scale" & silver "divine metal" vinyl]
- digital


"Gods Of Metal" video:





All For Metal are:


Tetzel - vocals
Antonio Calanna - vocals
Jasmin Pabst - guitars
Ursula Zanichelli - guitars
Florian Toma - bass
Leif Jensen - drums
Christina Schulz - showgirl
Luisa Lohöfer - showgirl


(Photo - Patryk Kaszubski)

During an appearance on the May 13 episode of SiriusXM's "Trunk Nation With Eddie Trunk", SLAYER guitarist Kerry King was asked if he thinks the band's upcoming reunion shows will have a positive or negative impact on the promotional efforts for his debut solo album, "From Hell I Rise", which will arrive on May 17 via Reigning Phoenix Music. He responded (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "I see it both ways. We've [SLAYER] been turning down [reunion] offers for the last four years. Unfortunately, when the right offer came around, this one, it was right as my project was releasing. So there's certainly people, like my management and booking agents, who say, 'Oh, that's great. It's gonna boost your solo thing.' And I'm, like, 'Well, I don't know the business side of it, but it is what it is.' And every time I talk about it to journalists and magazines and stuff, I say, 'Listen, SLAYER is not gonna make another record. SLAYER is never gonna tour again.' May SLAYER do a one-off here or there? Maybe. I told my [solo] band when [the SLAYER reunion shows] came up, I'm, like, 'Listen, this is a blip on the radar to me. This isn't a solo project that's gonna recycle musicians every record cycle. You guys are with me till you don't wanna be.'"

Asked if he envisions SLAYER as the type of thing where the band will do one or two shows a year when a great opportunity comes up, Kerry said: "I'm not even talking yearly. I'm, like, every two years, every three years, every five years. I don't know. 'Cause I'm gonna be super busy with [my solo band] once 2025 rolls around."

On the topic of whether he has spoken to SLAYER bassist/vocalist Tom Araya since the band's reunion shows were announced, Kerry said: "I'll tell you the truth, 'cause you know that's how I roll. No, we haven't. But you know what's weird about that? It's not weird. [Laughs]"

He continued: "We'll go probably rehearse off and on for a couple weeks [before the first show], 'cause even though me and [SLAYER drummer] Paul [Bostaph, who is also in Kerry's solo band] will be sharp from playing, playing with different people, you've gotta get sharp together."

Elaborating on his belief that SLAYER's comeback shows will not lead into a full-fledged reunion for the legendary thrash metal act, Kerry said: "The way I look at it, and when I tell you this, it puts it into perspective for a lot of people, I see it as three five-year anniversary shows of our last tour."

King went on to say that he hasn't started thinking about which songs SLAYER might play at its upcoming shows. "I got asked for a setlist," he said. "I'm, like, 'Man, I haven't even got my setlist done yet.' [Laughs]"

Five years after SLAYER played the last concert of what was being billed as the band's farewell tour and just weeks after the SLAYER guitarist unveiled the details of his solo project, Kerry and his longtime bandmates announced that they will play at the Aftershock, Riot Fest and Louder Than Life festivals in September and October.

King previously addressed the SLAYER reunion while speaking to Revolver magazine about "From Hell I Rise". Asked if he had known about these shows well before they were officially announced, King said: "If you ask promoters, they're going to have another answer. If you ask booking agents, they'll probably have a third answer. But to me, it kind of came out of nowhere. Have we been getting offers the past few years? Yeah, we turn down offers every year, probably every month of every year. These three festivals are right around the five-year anniversary of our last tour, which I thought was kind of cool. So, I thought this might be the right time to test the water. It will be great to play for the fans again."

Regarding whether the upcoming SLAYER shows will steal some of the thunder away from the touring his solo band will do in support of "From Hell I Rise", Kerry said: "Well, time will tell, and my answer would be, 'hopefully not'. The funny thing is, it never occurred to me until the day the SLAYER announcement came, but [Phil] Demmel [guitarist in Kerry's solo band] said, 'Dude, is this real?' And I'm, like, 'It's just a few weekends and that's it.' Of course, Paul knew. But I didn't tell Phil, I didn't tell Kyle [Sanders, KERRY KING bassist] and didn't tell Mark [Osegueda, KERRY KING singer] — and I said to the guys, 'There's no master plan here.' I didn't want anybody to start getting cold feet. I said, 'This is a little moment in time, and yeah, KERRY KING is going to be touring, you know, hopefully later in the year, as well. But SLAYER is an entity and I'm just a person.' But hopefully, we drive on with the solo project."

King also spoke about the SLAYER reunion in an interview with U.K.'s Metal Hammer magazine. Admitting that the announcement of SLAYER's comeback "was not my favorite timing", Kerry said that the SLAYER reunion "is not going to translate into recording and it's not going to translate into touring. For me, it's three shows marking five years since our final shows, a fun, 'Hey, remember us from before the pandemic?' celebration."

Kerry also explained in more detail why he still has not spoken to Tom since the news of SLAYER's reunion was announced. "It's not like I'm angry with him or anything," King clarified. "We're very different people, and we evolved into business partners at the end of the day. He has very different interests from me, and very different outlooks. Does that make me hate him? No. But I don't need to talk to him every day… We just don't have much in common. When it comes time to rehearse, I'll have no problem showing up. We're professionals, and that's what we do."

When Kerry's solo project was first announced, King told Rolling Stone that he was almost positive he and Tom would never resurrect the band. "I can pretty much a hundred percent say no because I have a new outlet, and it's not SLAYER, but it sounds like SLAYER," King said of a potential SLAYER reunion.

The lineup for SLAYER's comeback will be the same as the one which last toured in 2019: Araya and King, along with guitarist Gary Holt (also of EXODUS) and longtime drummer Paul Bostaph.

Days after SLAYER's reunion was announced, Tom Araya's wife wrote on social media that she "harassed him for over a year" before he "agreed finally" to play more shows with the band. "We shared that news with SLAYER's awesome managers and they did the rest!" she explained. "So yes without Tom it wouldn't have happened.. without me BUGGING HIM it wouldn't have happened."

Both Gary and his wife Lisa Holt were among the hundreds of people who "liked" Sandra's Instagram post, with Lisa sharing three heart emojis in response to Sandra's message.

In a statement confirming SLAYER's return, Tom said: "Nothing compares to the 90 minutes when we're on stage playing live, sharing that intense energy with our fans, and to be honest, we have missed that." King added: "Have I missed playing live? Absolutely. SLAYER means a lot to our fans; they mean a lot to us. It will be five years since we have seen them."

The same day that SLAYER's comeback was announced, Holt's wife Lisa Holt took to her social media to write: "Yes, it's true..and an exciting adventure for the band and fans !

"To all the people saying 'they are liars' 'they must have ran out of money' 'its not SLAYER without so and so' ..I have an idea for you all...DON'T GO.. and for all the people who did go to the final tour dates and enjoyed it...awesome!!

"This isn't a 'TOUR' it's some dates..and GREAT NEWS!!!" she added. "And everyone that thinks they know all the inside info..you can't possibly know. so just enjoy the fact that this amazing band will play some amazing shows this year...go or don't..nobody cares!!!!!"

Three weeks before SLAYER's reunion was announced, Kerry told Rolling Stone that he didn't foresee SLAYER coming back together for the foreseeable future.

"Will SLAYER tour again? I'm pretty sure that's not going to happen. Could SLAYER play a show again? I'm sure there's a scenario," King said, adding that he hadn't spoken to Araya since that final show. "Am I looking for it? No, I'm just getting ready to start my [solo] career. So if that happens, it happens. But I'm going to be doing this for the next 10 years at least."

SLAYER played the final show of its farewell tour in November 2019 at the Forum in Los Angeles. One day later, Kerry's wife Ayesha said that there is "not a chance in hell" that the thrash metal icons will reunite for more live appearances.

SLAYER's final world tour began on May 10, 2018 with the band's intention to play as many places as possible, to make it easy for the fans to see one last SLAYER show and say goodbye. By the time the 18-month trek wrapped at the Forum, the band had completed seven tour legs plus a series of one-off major summer festivals, performing more than 140 shows in 30 countries and 40 U.S. states.

All material for "From Hell I Rise" was written by King, who was accompanied during the recording sessions by Bostaph, Demmel, Sanders and Osegueda. Helming the sessions at Henson Recording Studios in Los Angeles last year was producer Josh Wilbur, who has previously worked with KORN, LAMB OF GOD, AVENGED SEVENFOLD and BAD RELIGION, among others.

The 30th anniversary of AMORPHIS's landmark album "Tales From The Thousand Lakes" is celebrated with a live recording that sets new standards in terms of brilliance and intensity. This unique release, available on Blu-ray+CD and vinyl, was recorded at the iconic Tavastia club in Helsinki, Finland, in chronological order. Available from July 12, 2024 via Reigning Phoenix Music (RPM),"Tales From The Thousand Lakes (Live At Tavastia)" manifests AMORPHIS's unparalleled dynamism and artistic uniqueness. Rarely has the raw power and emotional depth of a live performance been captured so authentically as on this sonic memento and extraordinary concert film.

Get in the mood for the upcoming "Tales..." celebrations, and watch the "Drowned Maid" live video, which is also part of the forthcoming Blu-ray below.

"'Drowned Maid' is classic '90s crossover AMORPHIS. Retrospectively, sporting primitive keyboards and sound effects, the marriage of doomy death metal and folk-prog somehow does the trick," recalls bassist Olli-Pekka Laine. "This song was a live favourite back then, and it's still a pleasure to play it to this day!"

"Tales From The Thousand Lakes (Live At Tavastia)" track listing:

01. Thousand Lakes
02. Into Hiding
03. The Castaway
04. First Doom
05. Black Winter Day
06. Drowned Maid
07. In The Beginning
08. Forgotten Sunrise
09. To Father's Cabin
10. Magic And Mayhem
11. Vulgar Necrolatry
12. My Kantele

In a recent interview with RichardMetalFan, AMORPHIS drummer Jan Rechberger spoke about the band's plans for the follow-up to 2022's "Halo" album. He said: " Well, there is ideas and some schedules coming. So it would be fair to say that the next record will be out somewhere during next year. So I think probably after we're done with some touring with 'Halo', 'cause there's still some touring left, [we'll] probably hit the studio with a new producer somewhere November, December this year, I guess. So there's some writing happening at this very moment. And, yeah, it's coming your way."

AMORPHIS's fourteenth studio album, "Halo" came out in February 2022 via Atomic Fire Records.

Produced by Jens Bogren, "Halo" was previously described in a press release as "progressive, melodic, and quintessentially melancholic heavy masterwork."

As had been the case with AMORPHIS albums in the past, "Halo" featured the imaginative and poetic storytelling of renowned lyricist and "Kalevala" expert Pekka Kainulainen.

Two years ago, AMORPHIS guitarist and founding member Esa Holopainen told Westword that the band is "not as radical" as it once was.

"Back in the day, I think we did too much of what we wanted to do," he said. "For us as musicians, we needed to do that, because we never wanted to get stuck in one form. Today we blend all the new nuances and influences pretty nicely into our music. Even though there's a lot of different elements from different genres and the musical world, even from ethnic music, I have to say, we're pretty good to blend all of those elements into our music without sounding too different."

On Göden's latest album, Vale Of The Fallen, the sound is heavier than ever and the title track does not disappoint. The new album will be out May 17 via Svart Records. Preorder at the Svart Records webshop. The video “Urania” by Dan Blafford aka Dreambreeder 079 is out now


Göden creator Stephen Flam is best known for his previous work with the band Winter whose sludgy dirge earned a loyal cult following. One could consider Göden to be the spiritual successor to Winter - Winter is to Göden as Celtic Frost is to Triptykon.


And Vas Kallas shared these comments:




"These songs were slowly written starting in 2020 during the pandemic. They are mostly conjured up by the science fiction world we all had to endure as humans on this one planet we share. I believe in individualism, freedom, and self-wisdom. I also believe in finding yourself and escaping into yourself or meditative worlds to understand it all or to just look to the skies from where we all came.. or did we? I don’t expect everyone to understand any of this and I don’t ask anyone to, since it is purely art and up to the interpretation of the individual. Words and lyrics to me are like psychic colors on a paintbrush. It’s either pretty or ugly, soothing or disturbing.


"Since the last 4 years, there has been a lot of darkness in the truth, a lot of hatred, humanity going absolutely mad, and a lot of people striving to find their tribe. I personally strive for hope and seek the higher realm of positivity always, but in the meantime, we find ourselves in the 'Vale Of The Fallen'…."


Göden's debut album, Beyond Darkness stood on its own in creating a distinctive world. Now, four years later, they explore new sonic territories with their second album, Vale Of The Fallen. Where Beyond Darkness was a concept album that propelled listeners into space, both inner and outer, Vale Of The Fallen brings us back to twisted reality. The in-your-face approach intensifies the experience - much like a walk through a post-apocalyptic landscape in the bleakest imaginable conditions.


Sound-wise, Stephen Flam's heavier-than-life riffs, Vas Kallas's sardonic delivery, and Tony Pinnisi's keyboards create oppressive atmospheres atop Jason Frantz's powerful drumming, while in contrast, Margaret Murphy’s violin weaves ghostly motifs throughout. Like its predecessor, Vale Of The Fallen features interludes that provide brief respites between some tracks, only to return to the crushing avalanche of sound.





Tracklisting:


“The Divine”
“In The Vale Of The Fallen”
“Urania”
“Black Vortex”
“Rings Of Saturn”
“Death Magus”
“Zero”
“Manifestation IX”
“Requiem”
“Majestic Symphony”


"Urania" video:





“In The Vale Of The Fallen”:





Svart Records will also re-release Winter’s Into Darkness once more, putting the album back in print for a new generation of listeners. Into Darkness was a gateway drug to the dark depths of sludge metal, and now awaits a whole new throng of acolytes to bow down before the throne of heavy doom.


Now available for preorders on different limited color editions, classic CD-version, and beautiful c-cassette. Into Darkness will also be released on May 17, 2024. Preorder at the Svart Records webshop.

To further tease their forthcoming new album It’s Inside You due June 7 via Relapse Records, Candy shares their new single “You Will Never Get Me” featuring Justice Tripp of Angel Du$t and Trapped Under Ice. “You Will Never Get Me” follows the recently shared single “Love Like Snow” featuring MIRSY and mmph, which arrived with the cheeky and eerie video directed by Candy’s Michael Quick, and lead single “eXistenZ”.


To celebrate the release of It’s Inside You, Candy will be performing a record release show at Salty’s Beach Bar in Lake Como, New Jersey on July 6 with Everybody Gets Hurt, Division of Mind, Final Resting Place, Sector, and Last Man Out. Additionally, Candy will be performing two nights with The Dillinger Escape Plan at New York City’s Brooklyn Paramount on June 21 and June 23. Find tickets at groundcontroltouring.com.


It’s Inside You is a kind of manifesto of kinship and inner strength. The album serpentines its way through the dark and bright corners of the human psyche. While nihilism and pains of the modern world still exist on the album, It’s Inside You sees the band turn toward tenderness more than ever before, as well. It’s Inside You creates an energizing and empowering atmosphere, in which seeking connections with oneself and with others is central. While constructing the album, Candy opened up and invited collaborators  — like Aaron Melnick (Integrity), Justice Tripp (Angel Du$t, Trapped Under Ice), David Gagliardi (Trash Talk), Mirsy (Fleshwater’s Marisa Shriar) and mmph (Sae Heum Han) — who all helped enrich and further define the band’s already distinctive energy. 




Candy is principle songwriter and guitarist Michael Quick, vocalist and lyricist Zak Quiram, drummer Steve DiGenio and bassist Drew Stark. It's Inside You follows Candy's sophomore album Heaven Is Here.


Preorder at relapse.com.


Artwork by Nick Atkins:





Tracklisting:


“eXistenZ”
“Short-Circuit” (feat. Aaron Melnick)
“You Will Never Get Me” (feat. Justice Tripp)
“It’s Inside You” (feat. David Gagliardi)
“Love Like Snow” (feat. MIRSY & mmph)
“Dehumanize Me”
“Faith 91”
“Terror Management”
“Dreams Less Sweet”
“Silent Collapse”
“Dancing To The Infinite Beat”
“Hypercore”


"You Will Never Get Me" feat. Justice Tripp:





“eXistenZ”:





(Photo – Jason Nocito)

Stone Whiskey has officially signed with Kivel Records, marking the next step in the band's career. This partnership promises a new chapter for the band and their fans alike.


"All of us in Stone Whiskey are thrilled to become a part of the Kivel Records family," says Alan Rueda (vocals). "We look forward to working with a label that shares our passion for rock music and understands our vision."


Kivel Records, known for its dedication to nurturing and promoting exceptional rock talent, is equally excited about this collaboration. "We couldn't be more excited or happy to welcome Stone Whiskey into our stable of talent," expresses John Kivel. "Their unique sound and undeniable talent make them a perfect fit for our roster. We are very eager to see what we will achieve together."




As part of this partnership, Kivel Records will be re-releasing Stone Whiskey's debut album, Rebels Of The Sun, which will include a new track order, expanded artwork and a bonus track (because nine was not enough!). This is to introduce the Kivel Records customer base to Stone Whiskey while we all patiently wait for the band’s new album in August.


Moreover, the anticipation doesn't end there. Stone Whiskey's sophomore release, titled Scream For Rock, is set to debut through Kivel Records on August 27th. Packed with adrenaline-pumping tracks and heartfelt lyrics, this album no doubt will promise to captivate audiences.


"We poured our hearts and souls into Scream For Rock, and we're incredibly excited to share it with everyone," adds Bill Spears (guitar). "We're confident that this album will resonate with rock enthusiasts everywhere."


But that's not all folks! The band's upcoming sophomore release will have renowned producer Anthony Focx of A.Focx Productions at the helm. Anthony has worked with everyone from Ace Frehley, and Aerosmith to Buckcherry and Black Veil Brides. Anthony has brought his impressive experience and talent taking on the duties of producing, mixing, and mastering Stone Whiskey’s new album. Focx's expertise and artistic vision promise to elevate Stone Whiskey's sound to new heights, setting the stage for an unforgettable end product. A perfect storm is brewing for us and we suggest that you hold on tight!


Fans eager to get their hands on the upcoming album can now pre-order Rebels Of The Sun at  the Kivel Records Store. The album is due May 31st.





Tracklisting:


"Into The Moonlight"
"Rebels Of The Sun"
"Out On The City"
"Mirror"
"Feels Like Yesterday"
"Empty Eyes"
"Talkin Dirty"
"Livin' Wild"
"Troublemaker"
"Doom And Gloom" (Rolling Stones cover)


Stone Whiskey vocalist Alan Rueda talks about the release of Rebels Of The Sun through Kivel Records:





Guitarist Bill Spears speaks about the release of Rebels Of The Sun through Kivel Records:





"Stay tuned for more updates and announcements from Stone Whiskey and Kivel Records as we get the party started. We already have some surprises planned for all of you."


 

AC/DC has announced the original 1975 Australian versions of High Voltage and T.N.T., are being reissued on vinyl and will be available only at the AC/DC Dive Bars this summer, starting in Gelsenkirchen on May 16. These albums were never before released outside of Australia. Limited quantities available so only one of each title per customer. Visit the High Voltage Dive Bars and get them while you can.





The AC/DC High Voltage Dive Bar is coming to five cities during the Power Up Tour.️




Plug in with fellow AC/DC fans in Gelsenkirchen, Seville, Munich, London and Paris to check out iconic AC/DC props and pick up exclusive merch.


Further details here.


AC/DC’s Power Up Tour launches in Germany on May 17 with support from The Pretty Reckless.


When the band announced their first tour in eight years, they said: "We are thrilled to finally announce the 'Power Up' European Tour. Angus, Brian, Stevie, and Matt will be joined by Chris Chaney to carry the torch for Cliff. The tour will see us play shows across Germany, Italy, Spain, The Netherlands, Austria, Switzerland, England, Slovakia, Belgium, France & Ireland this Summer. We can't wait to see you all out there."





Tour dates:


May
17 - Gelsenkirchen, Germany - Veltins Arena
21 - Gelsenkirchen, Germany - Veltins Arena
25 - Reggio Emilia, Italy - RCF Arena
29 - Seville, Spain - La Cartuja Stadium


June
1 - Seville, Spain - La Cartuja Stadium
5 - Amsterdam, The Netherlands - Johan Cruyff Arena
9 - Munich, Germany - Olympic Stadium
12 - Munich, Germany - Olympic Stadium
16 - Dresden, Germany - Rinne
19 - Dresden, Germany - Rinne
23 - Vienna, Austria - Ernst Happel Stadium
26 - Vienna, Austria - Ernst Happel Stadium
29 - Zurich, Switzerland - Letzigrund Stadium


July
3 - London, England - Wembley Stadium
7 - London, England - Wembley Stadium
13 - Hockenheim, Germany - Ring
17 - Stuttgart, Germany - Wasen
21 - Bratislava, Slovakia - Old Airport
27 - Nuremberg, Germany - Zeppelinfeld
31 - Hannover, Germany - Messe


August
4 - Hannover, Germany - Messe
9 - Dessel, Belgium - Festivalpark Stenehei
13 - Paris, France - Hippodrome Paris Longchamp
17 - Dublin, Ireland - Croke Park

The Classic Rock Podcast has uploaded a career spanning interview with Blaze Bayley. The chat covers growing up in Birmingham, the Wolfsbane years, and receiving the call on Christmas Eve with the offer to join Iron Maiden.


Blaze on the call to front Iron Maiden: “Well, I lived with my girlfriend at the time and we were, you know, pretty much broke. We were hoping that we'd, maybe that I'd get a chance and we were thinking, ‘oh well, will we hear or not and everything.’ And that was it, it was just sitting at home and then the call came, you've got it. And it was, first it was a bit, well, first it was a big relief, like, oh, I've got a future in music. And then it was, wow.


“I bought myself a crate of Guinness and an answer phone were the first things that I got. And I remember my girlfriend at the time saying, we're spending a lot of money, you know, when we bought because we bought an answer phone because you had to have one. 




“I said well would it be possible to get some money for a car and they said yeah so they gave me a little advance towards a car and I bought I bought my girlfriend's uncle's old Jag 10 years old series 6 Jag."

Guitar legend Marty Friedman (ex-Megadeth) recently announced that, "After an exhaustive and seemingly endless process, I’m beyond excited to let you know that I’ve just turned in the final manuscript for my autobiography, Dreaming Japanese."


Friedman talks about his new book and more in a new feature at The Guardian. The following is an excerpt...


Friedman has poured it all into an autobiography, Dreaming Japanese, which will be published later this year with a focus on what he calls his “transformation to Japanese society. So many people have asked me about it over the years, saying no one else has done what I’ve done. Maybe some see me as this guitar guy who fucked off to Japan to do TV shows and that’s where it ends for a lot of people, but even my hardcore fans don’t know anything that I’m putting in this book – like first love, first sexual experiences, marriage, divorce.”




There’ll certainly be stories of strife – before landing the Megadeth gig in 1990, Friedman auditioned unsuccessfully for Madonna, KISS and Ozzy Osbourne amid periods of homelessness – but it won’t contain the typical tales of excess you might normally find in a rock’n’roll memoir: “I was the only one in Megadeth who was completely sober throughout my time in the band, so I have an outlook that’s accurate and from a different standpoint.”


To write a compelling rock memoir, he says, you don’t necessarily need “the tragic, near-death experiences or drug overdoses. I think a lot of people wanna do crazy shit, take risks and leave a comfortable situation to chase a dream – it sounds cliche but it’s exactly what I did, and hopefully that part is inspiring.”


No other rock band in history has enjoyed a greater wealth of lead guitarist talent than Megadeth. Seven different players have performed across their 16 studio albums and, given the constantly revolving door, speculation around a Friedman return has endured for two decades. Last year, the stars briefly aligned as Friedman joined Megadeth live to perform a trio of songs at Tokyo’s illustrious Budokan arena – including "Tornado Of Souls", which features a famously intoxicating guitar solo. “People were crying and screaming and smiling from ear to ear. It was just a different kind of night!”, he says. “The show couldn’t have been any better, and to be completely honest, the band sounded better than when I was in it.”


He calls it the “perfect reunion”, although only half of the band’s classic lineup was present. Former drummer Nick Menza died from heart failure aged 51 in 2016 after collapsing during a gig in Los Angeles. Long-serving bassist David Ellefson was fired in 2021 after a sex scandal. But Friedman suggests that it was more about him and Dave Mustaine – Megadeth’s ever-present leader – coming full circle.


“[Mustaine and I] love each other but it was time for me to leave the band when I did. The only piece of unfinished business that we had was Budokan. It was equally important for both of us because we’re both rock fans at heart – growing up with Cheap Trick at Budokan, and all our heroes who played there, we both wanted to play it together. Dave got hold of me and said ‘Dude, have you ever played Budokan?’ I said yeah, and he said: ‘Do you wanna play it again?’ It was the sweetest exchange.”


Read more at TheGuardian.com.


Announcing Dreaming Japanese, Marty added: "I've always kept my private life completely out of the media, so with nervous excitement, I am thrilled to share the story about my upbringing, home life and career for the first time. You will enjoy the deepest dive into never before revealed details about my life in Megadeth and the personal relationships within the band written with alarming clarity. Same goes for all of my other bands, from the very beginning.


I outline the entire story why - and exactly how - I dropped living the high life in a multi-platinum band to start from scratch in Japan dreaming to play J-Pop, and how that spiraled into eventually exceeding even my loftiest goals, even becoming a government appointed Ambassador. It`s a complete immersion into my daily Japanese life as I guide you through the inner workings of the Japanese television industry and music scene, from my my unique and unprecedented perspective.


The book releases December 3 and I can’t wait for you to read it. We’re working on the cover now and I’ll share that soon. In the meantime, Dreaming Japanese is available now for pre-order here."





Book description: Marty Friedman’s upbringing was as atypical as his career. Growing up in a Jewish household in Maryland, the son of an NSA executive, he lacked motivation until he accidentally discovered the guitar and immediately found his calling. Enjoying a hazy adolescence overflowing with partying, music, and teen antics, he achieved local stardom in Deuce, then burst onto the national scene by pioneering a radically new style of playing, bringing attention to the guitar aficionado label, Shrapnel Records. Acclaim didn’t breed success or money, but undeterred, Friedman moved to California, and after attempts to join Madonna, KISS, and Ozzy Osbourne, finally scored a gig in Megadeth at a time when the band members were just recovering from the verge of self-destruction, and Marty was in and out of homelessness. Friedman is the most revered guitarist to play in any Megadeth lineup. During his ten years, his exotic, innovating style helped define the sound of their biggest albums, and while it elevated him to guitar hero status with all the accompanying perks, it came at a significant cost. As the only clean and sober member, Friedman vividly recalls the triumphs and trials of each album cycle and more, bringing to light previously undisclosed personal feelings surrounding the circumstances that forced the band into hiding in the midst of the Countdown to Extinction Tour and the brutal effort it took to get the band back up and running. His profound and complicated relationship with frontman Dave Mustaine was symbolic of the band’s insane dynamic, and Marty poignantly and generously shares his experiences within the band’s inner sanctum during the highs, lows, and daily routines. But, Dreaming Japanese is far more than a memoir about Friedman’s multi-Platinum years in Megadeth. The riveting narrative captures his relentless perseverance as he struggles to start again from nothing. Spontaneously leaving his home in the US and feeling lost in the middle of Tokyo, with few connections or concrete plans, the story traces his journey to acclimate and assimilate into the inner core of an alien society, language and culture, almost like a double agent spy. In fascinating detail and clarity, Marty shares how he gradually made inroads into the Japanese entertainment industry, becoming a household name and fixture on mainstream television and earning respect as a highly influential solo artist. Dreaming Japanese follows the wildly entertaining, inspiring, and above all, unprecedented path of a rock and roll guitar player who took the biggest risk, leaving worldwide success to start over from scratch in a country, culture and society far from his own, ultimately becoming an official ambassador of Japan.

Jonas Ekdahl, longtime drummer for Swedish metallers EVERGREY, has announced his departure from the band.

Earlier today, Jonas released the following message via EVERGREY's social media: "Over the last couple of years, my passion within music has gradually shifted from touring and playing live shows to the creative aspect of being in the studio: writing songs, recording, producing, and mixing. It has reached a point where I no longer find joy and excitement in touring, making it difficult to continue. It has felt like I was traveling away from something rather than toward something whenever we would go out to play. Instead, I want to dedicate my time, focus, and energy to writing, producing, and mixing. Therefore, I will no longer be performing gigs or tours as a drummer.

"It's important for me to clarify that the lack of passion for playing live is solely the reason for my decision. It wouldn't be fair to the band or to myself to continue doing something that doesn't excite me or bring me happiness. Equally important for me to mention is that I still hold just as much love for the guys in the band as before. They will always be like older brothers to me, having taken me under their wings since I was 17 years old. I have nothing but love and respect for them!

"It feels like I'm going out with a bang in the most positive sense. I'm so proud of what the five of us have accomplished together with 'Theories Of Emptiness'. The album truly feels special in so many ways and I hope that it will translate and resonate with you guys just as much as it does to me, and, I will still be involved in EVERGREY in terms of songwriting and production.

"With all this being said, we have an incredible drummer ready to take over for me in 2024, and I can't wait to hear and see him play! He's truly exceptional, and I'm sure you'll love him because behind the drums, he's a beast!

"Thank you, thank you for everything!"

Ekdahl was previously EVERGREY's drum tech and was quick to jump behind the kit when Patrick Carlsson decided to leave the band in 2003.

EVERGREY's fourteenth studio album, "Theories Of Emptiness", will arrive on June 7 via Napalm Records.

"Theories Of Emptiness" was produced by EVERGREY founder, singer and guitarist Tom S. Englund and Ekdahl, and was mixed by Adam "Nolly" Getgood (ex-PERIPHERY),who worked closely with the band from the start — bringing out the vividness of the album's overall sonic profile. Rounding out the album's production, mastering was helmed by Thomas "Plec" Johansson (SOILWORK, THE NIGHT FLIGHT ORCHESTRA, ONSLAUGHT, THE GEMS, ELEINE and many more).

Gothenburg 14th of May 2024

"Over the last couple of years, my passion within music has gradually shifted from touring...

Posted by Evergrey on Tuesday, May 14, 2024

Ulcerate offer a final preview of their forthcoming album, Cutting The Throat Of God (June 14, Debemur Morti Productions) with today’s release of “To See Death Just Once” and an accompanying video.


As has been the case with each of the three singles released from Cutting The Throat Of God, the video was created by Dehn Sora. The band previously shared tracks “The Dawn Is Hollow ”and “To Flow Through Ashen Hearts”.







Cutting The Throat Of God was recorded in the fall of 2023, under the watchful eye of drummer Jamie Saint Merat, who also oversaw production and provided artist direction for the collection. Renowned mastering engineer Magnus Lindberg (known for his work with Cult Of Luna, Russian Circles and Tribulation) put the finishing touches on the release. Cutting The Throat Of God explores a cohesive lyrical theme centered on the rupture of morality, the delicate boundary between depravity and extremity, and the irreversible descent into darkness.


Pre-order here.





Tracklisting:


“To Flow Through Ashen Hearts”
“The Dawn Is Hollow”
“Further Opening The Wounds”
“Transfiguration In And Out Of Worlds”
“To See Death Just Once”
“Undying As An Apparition”
“Cutting The Throat Of God”


“To Flow Through Ashen Hearts” video:





“The Dawn Is Hollow” video:





(Photo courtesy of Ulcerate)

Rising symphonic metal force, Elvellon, is back with an electrifying announcement as they unveil their new single, "The Aftermath Of Life", from their upcoming album Ascending In Synergy, set to be released this Friday, May 17.


"The Aftermath Of Life" is accompanied by an official music video that promises to seduce the listener’s senses.


Elvellon state:"'The Aftermath Of Life' is a song that perfectly combines two different sides of Elvellon, which are heavy guitar riffs with dark keyboard sounds and big choruses with catchy melodies. Thematically, it's about the process that all of us who have made it to this day can accept decay and aging as part of life and make peace with it."




Watch the music video below:





Ascending In Synergy proves that this promising German unit is on top of their game and skillfully manages to balance the tightrope act between diving into the early beginnings of symphonic metal, yet splicing all songs with a contemporary vibe. Opening track “Unbound” impresses with skillful orchestral arrangements and vocalist Nele Messerschmidt’s extraordinary voice. Dramatic, dark soundscapes and heavy riffs on songs like “Ocean Of Treason” and “The Aftermath Of Life” keep the listener in a tight grip. Elvellon’s dreamlike, cinematic side shines especially bright on tracks like “Last Of Our Kind” and “The Aeon Tree”. Massive album finale “Epiphany Of Mine” closes Ascending In Synergy impactfully, leaving the listener wanting for more.


Magical Ascending In Synergy proves that Elvellon is one of the most promising current bands in the German symphonic metal scene. Join Elvellon on an exciting journey between childlike wonders and hard-hearted bitterness.


Elvellon about Ascending In Synergy: “We are incredibly excited to see how our fans will receive Ascending In Synergy. A lot has happened since our debut album and the songwriting process has changed a lot. It still feels like 100% Elvellon to us, but the dynamics have expanded. It has become more orchestral and more metal at the same time. Also, lyrically we no longer stick to a single concept, but the songs are held together by a common thread.”





Ascending In Synergy will be available in the following formats:


- 1 LP Gatefold Black Vinyl
- 1 CD Digipak
- Digital Album


Pre-order here.





Tracklisting:


"Unbound"
"A Vagabond’s Heart"
"My Forever Endeavour"
"Ocean Of Treason"
"The Aftermath Of Life"
"Last Of Our Kind"
"Into The Vortex"
"A Legacy Divine"
"The Aeon Tree"
"Epiphany Of Mine"


"A Vagabond’s Heart" video:





Elvellon are:


Nele Messerschmidt - vocals
Gilbert Gelsdorf - guitars
Maddin Klüners - drums
Pascal Pannen - keyboards
Jan Runkel - bass


(Photo - Paul Epp)

Former SKID ROW singer Sebastian Bach has released the official music video for his latest single, "Freedom". The clip, which can be seen below, was directed by Jim Louvau and Tony Aguilera and was shot at Madhouse Studio in Phoenix, Arizona. Making a special guest appearance in the video once again is Bach's former SKID ROW bandmate, drummer Rob Affuso.

"Freedom" is taken from Sebastian's latest album, "Child Within The Man", which was released on May 10 via Reigning Phoenix Music. The LP was recorded in Orlando, Florida; produced and mixed by Michael "Elvis" Baskette; engineered by Jef Moll, assistant engineered by Josh Saldate and mastered by Robert Ludwig of Gateway Mastering. Bach wrote or co-wrote all the album's 11 tracks and sang all lead and backing vocals.

"Child Within The Man" features guest appearances from John 5 (MÖTLEY CRÜE, ROB ZOMBIE, MARILYN MANSON),Steve Stevens (BILLY IDOL) and Orianthi (ALICE COOPER, MICHAEL JACKSON) — who all co-wrote their respective tracks with Bach — and two tracks co-written with ALTER BRIDGE's Myles Kennedy ("What Do I Got to Lose?" and "To Live Again"). Devin Bronson (guitars),Todd Kerns (bass) and Jeremy Colson (drums) round out the players on the album. The album is available on jewelcase CD, cassette, and double LP in a variety of color options.

In a recent interview with Kyle Meredith, Bach was asked if he wanted to give the fans what they want on "Child Within The Man" by incorporating sounds that harken back to his former band. He responded: "Well, the sound of my voice harkens back. I was gonna be the singer of VELVET REVOLVER before Scott Weiland. You can Google interviews with Duff [McKagan, VELVET REVOLVER bassist] and he'll tell you, 'We wanted Sebastian, but the problem with Sebastian is that you just think of SKID ROW when you hear his voice.' And I didn't take that as an insult, 'cause it's true. That's the way it is.

"But do you give them what they want? I don't think the audience knows what they want," he continued. "I give the audience what I want [laughs], and I'm a son of a bitch, getting stuff the way I want to get it. And for 'What Do I Got To Lose?', the first song and video, I wanted fun. I wanted F-U-N. I wanted a video like WHITESNAKE or VAN HALEN or RATT where Nikki Sixx and Tommy Lee play the cops and Bobby Blotzer arrests them and throws them in jail. That's, to me, fun. I wanna put a smile on people's face when everything is so fucking miserable. I want people to laugh and have fun, and that's what I want. Even the second video, which is a tough subject, because I wrote it about losing my home in a hurricane, and then the record company [said], 'But we want a video.' And I was, like, 'That's not very fun.' [Laughs] But I turned it around and I made it about the Maxell tape commercial, which is fun. And in the end, I'm watching all the footage of my house being destroyed and climate change, and I turn off the news and I put on my new record and start rocking out. And so that's still fun."

Bach added: "It's my mission to bring back the fun of rock and roll, which I find sorely lacking. I can't find fun on the Internet. No matter how hard I try, I can't find it. It's all negative fighting. This guy said this about this guy. That's not rock. Rock is supposed to be coming together, and that's what it always was before it all went to the Internet and now it's all clickbait and fighting and bickering. So I'm trying to just bring back the fun. That's it. That's all I'm trying to do."

In an interview with "Whiplash", the KLOS radio show hosted by Full Metal Jackie, Sebastian spoke about the inspiration for the "Child Within The Man" title. He said: "Well, my wife calls me man-child. That's kind of been a theme for me my whole career. I bring a youthful energy to the stage when I get up there. People are smiling and excited and hooting and hollering. But the line 'child within the man' is a line of one of the songs on the record. And I scream it like bloody murder. And it kept haunting me. "

Sebastian also talked about the "Child Within The Man" artwork, which holds special meaning since it was designed by Bach's father, noted visual artist David Bierk.

"I have a lot of my dad's artwork," Bach said. "He's no longer alive. And we all, all of his kids, we got a lot of his art when he passed away. And I unrolled a roll of paintings that I knew had the SKID ROW 'Subhuman Race' painting in it, and I wanna take care of it and make sure it's preserved. But in that roll was this painting that I remember my dad doing of me when I was 10 in a field next to this beat-up old Cadillac car in the field and then behind the car, it's Jesus ascending into heaven, and I'm running next to the car. It looks like an album cover. And then he also did a painting of me from Circus magazine, the first centerfold of me on stage at Giants Stadium. He did a gigantic painting of that, like 12 feet high. And so the cover is gonna be me running as a child into me on stage as a man, and it's child within the man. And it just reminds me of the '70s, like child in time, and it just reminds me of a good '70s album cover. And the fact that I can bring back a painting from the year 1978 and make it into artwork in 2023, 2024, that's really mind-blowing to me."

Bach's "What Do I Got To Lose?" tour is a mix of solo gigs and festival appearances. The stateside tour got underway May 10 in Jefferson, Louisiana before wrapping June 29 in San Diego, California.

Bach performed "What Do I Got To Lose?" live for the first time during his February 24 concert at Palace Theatre in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Bach released the official music video for "What Do I Got To Lose?" in December. The clip was directed by Jim Louvau and Tony Aguilera. For the video, which shows Bach cruising through the desert in a convertible and performing with a full band, Sebastian was joined by Affuso. The clip also features an appearance by actor and comedian Craig Gass and Sebastian's wife Suzanne, who plays a scantily clad car wash attendant.

Prior to the arrival of "Child Within The Man", Bach hadn't released a full-length disc since "Give 'Em Hell", which came out in March 2014. Like its predecessor, 2011's "Kicking & Screaming", the disc was released through Frontiers Music Srl, the Italian label which specializes in what's commonly called AOR, a term that once signified a popular radio format ("album-oriented rock") but nowadays applies to acts whose airplay is marginal.