Dark heavy metallers Crypt Sermon recently unveiled details for their bewitching new album, The Stygian Rose, out June 14 on Dark Descent.  Today, they've returned with the premiere of the album's opening track "Glimmers in the Underworld" — a song that epitomizes the band's musical and conceptual prowess. 


Vocalist Brooks Wilson comments, "'Glimmers In The Underworld' gives both a broad overview of the musical palette contained in the album beyond, while also introducing the lengths to which our unnamed protagonist will go in order to find spiritual fulfillment as they engage in a fictionalized Abremelin ritual."


The Stygian Rose follows a character inspired by Paschal Beverly Randolf, an early American spiritualist and sex magician. In The Stygian Rose, the unnamed character seeks to reconnect with his now maybe dead, definitely lost (though intentionally left vague) idealized female, embodying the Sophia/Shakti/Persephone divine wisdom/feminine concept. This lost love is believed to be waiting for him, calling for him from 'the hollow.' Conceived by Wilson, the protagonist's harrowing jaunt starts with "Glimmers In The Underworld" and ends naturally with the title track. The story, as unfurled in the lyrics, is directly connected to the album's artwork and booklet, painstakingly painted and illustrated by Wilson. Clearly, The Stygian Rose and its lyrical and artistic regalia were thought through from the onset.




Featuring guitarist Steve Jansson (Daeva, Unrest), vocalist Brooks Wilson (Unrest), drummer Enrique Sagarnaga (Daeva, The Silver), guitarist Frank Chin (Daeva), bassist Matt Knox (Horrendous, The Silver), and keyboardist Tanner Anderson (Obsequiae, Majesties), the Philadelphia-based sextet parlayed their time away into a grander, more mysterious Crypt Sermon. The interflow of doom and heavy metals underpins The Stygian Rose, but these boundaries are effortlessly transcended. "We feel unrestrained now," Wilson says. "We thought, if the word 'epic' in doom metal means anything, it's without constraint. What's more vast than being unconstrained?" Sagarnaga continues, "There's a lot of variety on the album, and I think that's not just because we get bored easily—which we do, actually—but rather this is who we are."


The songwriting for The Stygian Rose started in late 2022.  Sagarnaga says, "This is the most prepared our band has been, especially going into the studio. It's about respect for each other's time. We were more patient with one another regarding how we expressed musical ideas. We committed to practicing on a regular schedule—that was important. And as we get older, we hopefully have become better musicians. 'The Stygian Rose' is also the longest time we've had with Arthur Rizk in the studio. Every little detail you hear in the final result of the record is very deliberate."


Crypt Sermon tracked The Stygian Rose at Redwoods in Philadelphia. Arthur Rizk produced, mixed, and mastered, and Aidan Elias (Blood Incantation, Wayfarer) engineered. Since the band and Rizk had previous history, they dialed in sounds quickly and got to work. In contrast to the sporadic two-month process of their last album, The Ruins of Fading Light, Crypt Sermon had just over a week to capture their The Stygian Rose. "We knew we wanted an aggressive sound," says Wilson. "'The Stygian Rose' has way more depth than anything we've done before."


"I didn't want to feel burdened by heavy metal tropes," reveals Wilson. "I wanted to be able to use them but not be bound by them.”  Jansson continues, "We wanted The Stygian Rose to scratch a lot of itches that aren't being scratched.  That's my goal when I make music. I want to make things that I don't hear other people doing or at least don't hear others doing all in one package. I agree, it also has to have staying power and replay value. That addictive feeling you had when you listened to records as a teenager."


Preorder at the Dark Descent Records webshop.


Artwork by Brooks Wilson:





Tracklisting:


“Glimmers In The Underworld”
“Thunder (Perfect Mind)”
“Down In The Hollow”
“Heavy Is The Crown Of Bone”
“Scrying Orb”
“The Stygian Rose”


"Glimmers In The Underworld" visualizer:





“Heavy Is The Crown Of The Bone” video:





Crypt Sermon live:


May
10 – Seattle, WA – Northwest Terror Fest
22 – Baltimore, MD – Maryland Deathfest Pre-Show


June
14 – Philadelphia, PA – Johnny Brenda’s
15 – Washington, DC – Pie Shop


August
31 - Philadelphia, PA - Brooklyn Bowl


(Photo – Scott Kincade)

Sabïre have just released a new single entitled “Call Me Bastard” taken from their much debut album Jâtt schedule for a release on Listenable Records on June 28.


Band leader Scarlett Monastyrski comments:


“I think the Wild Ones and Acid Fiends have been waiting for a nice speedy one for a little while. Hopefully this will keep them satiated until the album! Within the lyrics of this song we delve into the world of envy and the hatred that grows from it. I wrote it from two different perspectives, from those individuals being envied. One is lonely and humble, and the other is big-headed and cocksure. But in the bridge I kind of throw it all back in everyone's face in a gloating ‘how great I am’ sort of thing, cos' why not? Screw em! I'm a BASTARD!!!”




Sabïre began at the tail end of 2010 as an idea to have a band that played simply what came naturally on guitar to Scarlett Monastyrski with no set genre or category. Simply the natural music. Shortly thereafter, the concept grew to accompany that sound with a big show and distinctive stylization. The biting and sharp sound production, along with their personal lyrics, birthed for them a label for their music: ACID METAL.


Scarlett Monastyrski continues:


"Jätt is meant to be THE sound of Sabïre. A monolith to what we stand for artistically. We wanted this album to be its own art piece rather than simply a collection of arbitrary songs, a really 'blue' coloured sound. The physical copies hold beautifully styled texts detailing the concept for those chosen songs, as well as small epistles to accompany each track.


“Jätt is a’blue’ sounding album; the colour. You may understand that more when listening to the album yourself. The cover of Jätt, ‘Dante and Virgil in the Ninth Circle of Hell’ - Gustav Doré, 1861, could be seen through a symbolic lens in which the listener is symbolized as Dante, the artist as Virgil, and the bodies locked within the ice of frozen lake as the music surrounding them; we as the artist are shepherding the listener through the mire. This could be perceived like this, or you may just see it as an attractive album cover. “


“Sabïre are a band with a hellbent determination to be different, break the mold, and shake up the status quo. Unafraid to show their hearts. The band bows to no one and will bring their Acid Metal to the world, burning all through the monotony of modern heavy metal.”





Tracklisting:


“The Doorway (Entry)”
“Pure Fucking Hell”
“Ice Cold Lust”
“I’m A Rock”
“Just A Touch Of Acid”
“Alone Again”
“Call Me Bastard”
“The River (Centre)”
“The Last Day”
“Toxic Man”
“Your Rending Hands”
“Chained Down”
“The Shadow In My Heart”
“Rip, Rip, KILL!!!”
“The Stairs (Exit)”


“Call Me Bastard”:

Kvaen will release their third album, and first for Metal Blade Records, The Formless Fires, on June 21.


There are many great extreme metal bands in Sweden, but only one from Kalix. This remote beauty spot near the Finnish border, on the northernmost shores of the Baltic, is home to Jacob Björnfot, creative mastermind behind melodic black/death metal project, Kvaen.


A sumptuous but bitingly intense exploration of beauty and violence, Kvaen's The Formless Fires is a melodic black metal masterwork radiating an inspirational sense of place. Even more than 2020's folky, speed metal-infused debut The Funeral Pyre or 2022's compelling, expansive follow-up, The Great Below, the vast pine woods and icy lakes are powerfully evoked in the elemental gloom riffs, chilly melodies, and windswept solos running through these eight mighty songs.




Assisting in this record's immersive sweep are Björnfot's fascinating lyrics. Like many Swedish songwriters, his use of English reveals a love and care for the language that few native speakers even bother to rival. If this album seems less intimate and more universal than the raw candor of its predecessor, it's only because Björnfot's knack for allegory has improved. Illuminating some of the lyrical themes, Björnfot asserts "I love mythology. ‘Basilisk' is, for example, the king of serpents but is rarely mentioned by the mainstream. 'The Perpetual Darkness' is about being born different from those who are 'normal.' It is also about being a lone wolf and banished from society. That song has become a personal favorite of mine." Additionally, “De Dödas Sång (Song Of The Dead)” tackles the disturbing theme of Ättestupa, the ancient Norse suicide ritual whereby elderly villagers jump to their deaths from sheer precipices.


Comments Björnfot on the record's eponymous opening track and first single, "'The Formless Fires' was actually written for another project of mine featuring members from Dissection, Lord Belial, Sacramentum, and Naglfar but I convinced myself to keep it for the next Kvaen album instead and I'm glad I did - this is one of my top favorites off the new album."


All instrumentation on The Formless Fires was composed and performed by Björnfot with the exception of drums which were resoundingly hammered by ex-Amon Amarth basher Frederik Andersson. The record features the guest solos of Sebastian Ramstedt (Necrophobic) on "Traverse The Nether" and Chaq Mol (Dark Funeral) on "The Wings Of Death."





The Formless Fires will be available on CD and digital formats as well as vinyl in the following color variants:
180g Black
Dark Midnight Blue Marbled
Copper Orange Marbled - Ltd. 400
Dark Violet Marbled - Sound Pollution Exclusive Ltd. 300
Fiery Orange Red Splatter - Ltd. 300
Blue Black & White Splatter - Ltd. 200


Preorder at metalblade.com.





Tracklisting:


“The Formless Fires”
“Traverse The Nether”
“Tornets Sång”
“The Ancient Gods”
“Basilisk”
“De Dödas Sång”
“The Perpetual Darkness”
“The Wings Of Death”


“The Formless Fires” video:





Kvaen:
Jacob Björnfot - everything


Kvaen Live Lineup:
Jacob Björnfot - vocals/guitars
Kristian Gustavsson - guitars
Rasmus Rova - guitars
Per Lindström - bass
Fredrik Andersson - drums

During an appearance on the latest episode of The Hook Rocks podcast, Michael Anthony once again weighed in on the proposed all-star VAN HALEN tribute concert, saying that it fell through because "one of the ingredients was not playing ball with everybody else."

No progress has been reported on a possible VAN HALEN tribute show since April 2022 when former METALLICA bassist Jason Newsted revealed to The Palm Beach Post that he was approached by VAN HALEN drummer Alex Van Halen about six months earlier about playing bass for the project. Newsted told the Florida newspaper that he agreed to go to California to jam with Alex and legendary guitarist Joe Satriani and see if it felt right, but he eventually realized that it would be impossible to do justice to VAN HALEN's legacy.

Regarding why the VAN HALEN tribute concert failed to materialize, Michael told The Hook Rocks (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "You're talking about Joe being approached by Alex and Dave [VAN HALEN singer David Lee Roth]. And then there've been people that — all of a sudden, in the press, I read that Jason Newsted, who played with METALLICA, was [approached about it as well]. Now I, myself, I got a call from Alex and Dave a few years, a right around that same time. And they wanted to put something together, and Joe was in the mix. I remember talking to Joe a couple of times after that, too. And Joe was telling me, 'Yeah, well, they gave me some of that album and told me to listen to it or whatever.'"

He continued: "All I can say is — I'm not gonna point fingers — but through all of this, one of the ingredients was not, let's say, playing ball with everybody else. And that's all I'm gonna say. I'll let you all figure it out. And that's why none of it worked. And you've read it probably with Wolfgang's [Van Halen, former VAN HALEN bassist and son of late VAN HALEN guitarist Eddie Van Halen] interviews, too, that he's been doing this past year.

"It's pretty sad, because even when the band was inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame — this was in 2007 — Sammy [Hagar, former VAN HALEN singer] and I were the only two from the band that showed up, and we weren't even in the band at the time. And it was pretty sad, because I turned to Sammy during the show — I forget who was on stage playing — and we were sitting at our table and I go, I go, 'Sammy, could you imagine if all of us, if we were all here and everybody got along and we got up there, we would kick the ass out of this thing. It'd be a induction ceremony that nobody would ever forget.' And sadly enough, it wasn't to be."

On the topic of "The Best Of All Worlds", his upcoming summer 2024 tour with Hagar, Satriani and drummer Jason Bonham that will focus largely on the music of VAN HALEN, Anthony said: "I love going out and playing VAN HALEN music. People who know me, they know I'm the first guy, when we're on tour, whatever, on a night off, I'll go out and I'll have a couple of drinks and I'll go, 'Let's go jam.' And I'm up there playing VAN HALEN music with bands, I'll walk into a club or whatever.

"At this point, the music is bigger than any of the guys in it," he explained. "And let's just get over all this crap and play what the people wanna hear. They wanna hear the music. And Sammy and I said, 'Hey, let's take it to the fans. Let's just go out there and do it,' because, let's face it, we're not getting any younger. And what? You gotta wait for somebody else to, unfortunately, pass away or whatever, and then all of a sudden we'll be, like, 'Oh, God, we should have done this. We should have done that.' We're already going through that right now with Eddie being gone."

"It'd be great to get Alex out there [with us]," Michael added. "He's obviously welcome anytime he wants to join us, but with Eddie passing… I've spoken with Alex a handful of times, and we speak more about family than anything else when we talk. But I can put a band together and go out and play VAN HALEN music, but wouldn't it be nice to have the other guys that are still around with you from the band to go out and play it too? And, unfortunately, Sammy and I are the only two guys right now. So, we said, 'Hell, let's go out and do it.'

"I don't wanna be the guy that goes out there and, myself, the only one from the band, playing VAN HALEN music," Anthony concluded. "Half the people would be going, 'Oh my God, yeah,' and the other half would be going, 'Oh, he's doing it for a cash grab because he's trying to soak any money out of the VAN HALEN stuff,' which I'm totally not all about it. When this thing is not being able to be done properly and all of us having fun, then I'm finished."

In recent months, Wolfgang has repeatedly said that "drama" in the VAN HALEN camp has prevented a proposed all-star VAN HALEN tribute project from materializing.

Wolfgang played three VAN HALEN songs over the course of two Taylor Hawkins tribute concerts in September 2022 alongside FOO FIGHTERS members Dave Grohl on bass, Josh Freese on drums and THE DARKNESS's Justin Hawkins on vocals.

Wolfgang, who played "On Fire", "Hot For Teacher" and "Panama" at the Hawkins tribute concerts, told Classic Rock magazine that he was no longer actively interested in pursuing the idea of a standalone Eddie Van Halen tribute event. "I think I already did it with the Taylor Hawkins tributes," he explained. "I feel a lot of closure because my part of the show was a tribute to my father."

"When it comes to VAN HALEN and entities surrounding the band it's unfortunate, certainly compared to FOO FIGHTERS who have their shit together with interpersonal relationships," Wolfgang added.

"I don't know what it is with some bands but certain personalities just can't get over themselves to work collectively for one purpose. That's been the curse of VAN HALEN for its entire career. So my playing at the Taylor shows delivered that catharsis without the stresses of dealing with the VAN HALEN camp, and the players involved. Their camp is very dysfunctional — everyone! Hell, it was difficult to make plans even when the band was active."

Eddie died in October 2020 at the age of 65. The legendary VAN HALEN guitarist passed away at St. John's Hospital in Santa Monica, California.

Hagar and Anthony previously worked with Satriani in the supergroup CHICKENFOOT. They recorded two albums between 2009 and 2011 and toured across America but never performed any VAN HALEN material. More recently, Hagar and Anthony have played some of the VAN HALEN catalog with guitarist Vic Johnson and Bonham in SAMMY HAGAR AND THE CIRCLE.

Hagar mended his relationship with Eddie Van Halen months prior to the legendary VAN HALEN guitarist's passing.

Sammy, Eddie, Alex Van Halen and Michael last teamed up in 2004 for a U.S. summer tour. In exchange for taking part in the tour, Anthony reportedly had to agree to take a pay cut and sign away his rights to the band name and logo.

Produced by Live Nation, the 28-date "The Best Of All Worlds" tour will commence on July 13 in West Palm Beach, Florida and will conclude on August 31 in St. Louis, Missouri.

SLAYER guitarist Kerry King's solo band played its first show ever Tuesday night (May 7) at Reggies in Chicago, Illinois.

The group's 17-song setlist included six SLAYER tracks as well as 11 of the 13 songs that appear on King's upcoming debut solo album, "From Hell I Rise", which is due on May 17 via Reigning Phoenix Music.

The setlist for the concert was as follows:

01. Where I Reign (live debut)
02. Toxic (live debut)
03. Rage (live debut)
04. Repentless (SLAYER song)
05. Two Fists (live debut)
06. Residue (live debut)
07. Hate Worldwide (SLAYER song)
08. Idle Hands (live debut)
09. Trophies Of The Tyrant (live debut)
10. Chemical Warfare (SLAYER song)
11. Everything I Hate About You (live debut)
12. Disciple (SLAYER song)
13. Shrapnel (live debut)
14. Crucifixation (live debut)
15. Raining Blood (SLAYER song)
16. Black Magic (SLAYER song)
17. From Hell I Rise (live debut)

In a recent interview with Metal Hammer magazine, King stated about the setlist for his solo band's shows: "For this coming summer in Europe, we're gonna do like nine or 10 tracks from the album and, depending on set length, fill it with stuff I've done — something I wrote in SLAYER or co-wrote. So nobody can say 'he's playing Jeff [Hanneman, late SLAYER guitarist] songs,' because although I love Jeff songs and he was such a big part of my life, I don't want to rely on it this year, this album cycle. At some point, I will play 'Angel Of Death', but there's so many fucking faceless haters on the Internet, I don't want to give them ammunition."

All material for "From Hell I Rise" was written by the 59-year-old SLAYER guitarist, who was accompanied during the recording sessions by the rest of his solo band, consisting of drummer Paul Bostaph (SLAYER),bassist Kyle Sanders (HELLYEAH),guitarist Phil Demmel (formerly of MACHINE HEAD) and Mark Osegueda (DEATH ANGEL) on vocals. 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.

In a new interview with Martha Wingen of the Bleeding Metal podcast, King was asked to name "the most important message" on "From Hell I Rise". He said: "I don't know that there's a message on the album. I'm not that kind of person. I like to bring things to a conversation. Say, for instance, I've been talking today about, I think a lot of people are born into a religious belief based on being handed down from their parents, friends, whatever. What I like to present to people is ideas that if that makes them question what they believe, what they were taught… I think everybody should make up their own mind. And at the end of the day, that would be my message. Make up your own mind, be it politics, be it religion. Just be your own self."

Asked if he was able to realize something in his music he always wanted to do, like new influences or new styles, on "From Hell I Rise", Kerry said: "Realistically, my influences were influences 40 years ago and they still are my influences. And along that way, did I pick up more? Yeah, absolutely. But I think in doing this project, it's just the next record for me. I didn't have anything that I wanted to achieve that necessarily I hadn't achieved. I just wanna make up the next batch of music for people that I think are my fans, that I think they would like, because SLAYER has a gigantic amount of fans, and if I make 95 percent of them happy with what I do, I think I had a good day."

Pressed about whether there is anything he wants to achieve musically and personally with his solo project, King said: "Musically, not really. Just keep putting out music that translates between me writing it and the fans liking it. The thing that I can't wait for, which is a lot closer than I expected — I was told today our first show is in, like, 10 days [laughs], so I gotta go home and rehearse. But I'm looking forward to playing with the guys, 'cause even though we've done a video, we've never actually played together all at once. So, that's gonna be pretty exciting. And that happens Sunday. I fly home Saturday, and then I gotta fly to the West Coast Sunday and start rehearsing. So I've got a big week, but that's what I look most forward to these days, is getting in the rehearsal room and then finally getting on stage and showing the new band to everybody."

In a separate interview with with France's Loud TV, Kerry said about the prospect of launching a solo career: "It's kind of funny, right? It's kind of funny to have 40 years in this business at all, let alone be starting a new band. It's funny, our first show in Europe is gonna be on my 60th birthday at the only venue I've ever canceled in my life, which is super ironic."

Referencing the fact that SLAYER hasn't released a new studio album since 2015 and hasn't played any live shows since 2019, King added: "I'm obviously not done. I've got lots more music and lots more things to say, a lot more people to piss off and argue about. So, let's start this new endeavor now. Move on."

When the interviewer noted that it takes "courage" to launch a new project several decades into his career, King concurred: "It is a lot more difficult than I thought. I've been kind of pampered for the last at least three decades. And starting over, even though I have a gigantic history in SLAYER, starting over, you're still starting over — you're lower on the bills, you're not making the [same kind of] money. Having to figure out how to make sure everybody in my band makes money so it's worth their time. But, yeah, never for a second did I consider not going on, because at this point in life, any record could be your last. I don't think this is my last record, but I have to move on like it is. So put it out, hope the fans like it, hope the fans show up. I like it. I think the fans are gonna like it, and I think we're gonna have a lot of good times."

Asked if the lineup for his solo band is made up of "friends", Kerry said: "Absolutely. The thing that meant the most to me about moving forward in this project was getting my friends. I could get anybody in the biz — I can get people I don't know, people I've never met, but I have enough friends in this business to know that I could put a band together of outstanding musicians that are friends that, after the show, we can get on the bus and have a drink and just have fun. No drama. Nothing weird is gonna happen that we don't foresee. I look forward to getting out on the road with these guys and having a good time."

Pressed about which member of his solo band was "the most surprised" when Kerry called him to offer him a spot in the group, Kerry said: "I think the most surprising moment was when I finally gave Mark the gig. Mark put his name in the hat very early, and he's the only one that did demos with me and Paul. We had him come down every six weeks or so, and he would just come down and sing the songs he'd already sang and just every time he'd come down, make 'em better. But I didn't tell him until, like, 14 months ago that he got the gig. And I was super nonchalant about it. He was at my place in [Las] Vegas, and I said, 'Dude, if you still want the gig, I guess you can have it.' And he was super excited, super excited, like almost fan excited. He was so excited, he texted his mom and texted me by accident. [Laughs] And I said, 'I love you too, man. It's cool. It's cool.' So we went in and recorded, like, two months after that."

When the interviewer remarked that Mark sounds like he is really pushing himself vocally on "From Hell I Rise", Kerry said: "Like I said, we did demos, and we always made the demos better. And then we got to the studio in Hollywood, and I was in another room doing something, and he sang 'Residue'. And the producer got me and says, 'Hey, I want you to hear where the song is.' And I went, 'Okay, cool,' expecting to hear what I was used to hearing. And I hear the first verse and I'm going, 'How did you guys get to this register?' It's, like, I'd never heard that before. He was, like, 'Well, that's where he started singing and felt comfortable.' So I went to Mark immediately and I said, 'Hey, dude, you can recreate this, right?' It's, like, 'You're not setting yourself up to fail the first show and blow your voice out and be canceling shows all over the place.' And he assured me he can do it. So, he carried on and went on and did even crazier performances on the later songs that he sang. So, apparently, he's very confident in what he can do. And I think it sounds great. So, I'm anxious to get out and start doing it."
King told Rolling Stone about the decision to call the band KERRY KING: "It was going to be KING'S REIGN for a long time, which is really cool. But even with that one, I went to the guys, like, 'I'm not a vain dude. I don't want my name to be a part of it.' We talked about BLOOD REIGN for a while, but it didn't work. Every time I came up with anything remotely cool, it was taken by some obscure band in Eastern Europe. It became KERRY KING because I love that logo."

King said the album is about "various religious topics, some war entries, heavy stuff, punky stuff, doomy stuff, and spooky stuff, with Herculean speeds achieved," adding, "If you've ever liked any SLAYER throughout any part of our history, there's something on this record that you'll get into, be it classic punk, fast punk, thrash, or just plain heavy metal."

King added there's more to come, too. "Even with a record in the can, I've still got so many songs that need to be finished," he said. "This is what I know how to do…number one being music, number two being metal. It's been a part of my life for 40 years, and I'm nowhere near being done."

KERRY KING will be special guest on the upcoming LAMB OF GOD/MASTODON North American "Ashes Of Leviathan" co-headline tour. The six-week run will launch on July 19 in Grand Prairie, Texas and will wrap on August 31 in Omaha, Nebraska.

KERRY KING will next play at the Welcome To Rockville festival on May 9 and at the Sonic Temple festival on May 16.

Image credit: MusicJunkie422

In a new interview with Terrie Carr of the Morristown, New Jersey radio station 105.5 WDHA, Jon Bon Jovi spoke about Hulu's "Thank You, Goodnight: The Bon Jovi Story", the first-ever docuseries on the band's history with full cooperation from all past and present members of BON JOVI. The docuseries is a ROS production, the banner of filmmaker Gotham Chopra, and celebrates the band's 40th anniversary of its self-titled debut album which was released on January 21, 1984 via Polygram/Mercury Records, less than a year after forming in their home state of New Jersey.

"Look, creatively, it was not in my control," Jon told WDHA about the docuseries. "That was part of the deal that we cut with the director. He was in absolute control, and I relinquished it. I liked his work. I liked who he worked with and I knew what his family background was. This is [world-renowned spiritualist] Deepak Chopra's son, Gotham Chopra, and I thought very highly of his work. So I didn't want a 'Behind The Music' kind of VH1 thing; that was not what we were doing here. So it is everybody's truths. The only talking heads that are not actually in the organization were Bruce [Springsteen] and Southside [Johnny]. And that's, of course, because of their influence on all of us in New Jersey and on me personally, and they're only in a snippet of episode one, just to sort of set the tone. But I mean, one of my closest childhood friends was [SKID ROW's Dave] 'Snake' Sabo. He's not in it. So when I tell you that if you weren't in the band, you're not in this, this is just the truth of those who were doing it." He added: "You have to tell the truth — and it's everybody's truth. It's not just mine."

Asked if it was emotional when he watched the docuseries for the first time, Jon said: "There were absolutely emotional moments throughout the course of this film, I think for all of us. And we, the band, the current band, all got together during some rehearsals midsummer to see a working cut of several of the parts, and everybody just felt good about the way it was going. And then I showed Richie [Sambora, former BON JOVI guitarist] three of the four episodes in late August. And then I haven't seen anything since. So now it's done, but it's out of my hands. I don't really know anything."

The four-part "Thank You, Goodnight: The Bon Jovi Story" series premieres Friday, April 26 on Hulu in the U.S. and coming soon to Star+ in Latin America and Disney+ in all other territories.

As thrilling as the story of a once-in-a-lifetime talent is, it is even more rare that a legend like Jon Bon Jovi lets the world into his most vulnerable moments while he's still living them. Forty years of personal videos, unreleased early demos, original lyrics and never-before-seen photos that chronicle the journey from Jersey Shore clubs to the biggest stages on the planet. The series relives the triumphs and setbacks, greatest hits, biggest disappointments and most public moments of friction.

"Thank you, Goodnight: The Bon Jovi Story" is directed and executive produced by multiple Emmy Award winner Gotham Chopra ("Kobe Bryant's Muse", "Man In The Arena", "Tom vs. Time"). The film is also executive produced by Giselle Parets and Ameeth Sankaran for ROS, and it is produced and edited by Alex Trudeau Viriato, who played a critical, creative role in shaping the series.

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.

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

Jon Bon Jovi was honored as the 2024 MusiCares Person Of The Year last month, two days before the 66th annual Grammy Awards.

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

"There's a documentary that's being done about the band and stuff that I've participated in, and people want to come see us play, and it's going to make everybody happy," the guitarist said. "I mean, essentially, that's why you do it at this point."

He continued: "I think that we wrote a lot of songs that changed a lot of people's lives just by letting them have a good time. I know that's what music did to me … kept me company. And I hope that I can reflect that in what I do.

"So yeah, it definitely could happen," he added of a reunion. "It's just a question of when everybody's ready to go do it. It will be a big, massive kind of undertaking."
We've got a story to tell. Here's your first look at our new documentary, 'Thank You, Goodnight: The Bon Jovi Story,' airing April 26th on @hulu and internationally on @disneyplus. #BonJoviDoc#BonJovi40pic.twitter.com/lNNlsEEhM2

— Bon Jovi (@BonJovi) February 9, 2024

In a new interview with Mexico's Summa Inferno, AVATAR frontman Johannes Eckerström was asked if it's "too soon" to think about new music from the band, seeing as AVATAR released its latest album, "Dance Devil Dance", in February 2023. He responded (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "Oh, no, not at all. We've been writing since last year. We are always writing. The ambition is to — in less than a year, we hope to be in a studio recording new great songs. So it's always ongoing, because remember, when we put out an album, it's already old to us in a way, so at some point, it's time to move on and start looking forward. And that lives together with the touring and everything else. So all of that is kind of happening all at once. But no, it's not too soon, but the exact details of it, how it's gonna [be] released and stuff… Well, I can tell you that second half of 2025, we sure can imagine that an AVATAR album could and should come out. Then we'll see if we live up to that. But we intend to."

Johannes was also asked about the supposedly mixed fan reaction to "Dance Devil Dance", considering that AVATAR once again experimented with its sound. He said: "Well, I think we are experimenting as much as we always do, because we always want to change. Every album is based on wherever we were at that given time, so we will never — whatever we did in the past…. I mean, okay, AVATAR will always be a metal band, but beyond that, we kind of never really worry about what we have already done. We do go for the next great thing. And I think our fans are used to this — they're used to that 'Avatar Country' can happen and then 'Hunter Gatherer' can happen immediately after that, and so on."

He continued: "And as far as reception, I do believe that this is our best-received album so far, in terms of that more people liked it than disliked it. But you can't anyway please everyone. So I can't worry about that. As a matter of fact, I always prepare myself for even worse results every time an album is done. I listen to it one last time for myself and ask myself, 'Okay, if everyone hates it, is that okay?' Well, yes, because I like it and everyone else can just forget about this and go and listen to something else. But we have to live with this. So I answer that question every time. So I'm always ready for way worse reception, but instead this is the biggest thing we have ever made. So, I think it went pretty well."

"Dance Devil Dance" was recorded in the Swedish wilderness, far away from all the perceived glamor of the big city and modern studios. Jay Ruston (ANTHRAX, MR. BUNGLE, CROBOT, STONE SOUR, AMON AMARTH, URIAH HEEP) returned as producer. He first worked with AVATAR when he mixed "Hail The Apocalypse", a role he reprised on "Feathers & Flesh" before taking the wheel as producer on "Avatar Country" and "Hunter Gatherer".

"Dance Devil Dance" featured a guest appearance by Lzzy Hale of HALESTORM on the song "Violence No Matter What". The record also included the single "The Dirt I'm Buried In", which hit No. 1 on Billboard's Mainstream Rock Airplay chart.

Johannes formed AVATAR in 2001. The band's lineup has remained virtually the same ever since, save for guitarist Tim Öhrström, who entered the fray just over a decade later. AVATAR also includes guitarist Jonas Jarlsby, bassist Henrik Sandelin and drummer John Alfredsson.

Lithuanian-born Swedish artist, Michael Palace, is announcing today another chapter in the Palace saga, his new record Reckless Heart, out on July 12th via Frontiers Music Srl. The new Palace’s brainchild is anticipated by the first single and video, "The Widow’s Web". Watch the video below, and pre-order the album here.


This explosive musical journey resurrects the essence of the 1980s, each track pulsating with the potential to score a classic action blockbuster or drive the adrenaline of a training montage.


“It was time to go back to the roots, as they say, and finally make that true '80s AOR album that I’ve dreamt of creating since I started Palace. It's the missing link between 1985 and 2024,” said Michael.




"The new single, 'The Widow's Web,' takes listeners on a journey back to the original 80s soundtrack AOR soundscape that ignited the project with the debut album in 2016,” he added. “With its mysterious femme fatale and a detective hot on her heels, the song plunges you into the heart of the action.”


Inspired by genre-defining icons such as Aviator, FM and Dare alongside contemporaries Chez Kane and Crazy Lixx, Michael Palace meticulously rebuilt the Palace sound from the ground up, returning to the true origins and inspiration of the project. Reckless Heart is an essential cornerstone in any AOR and melodic rock aficionado's collection.


Michael Palace embarked on his journey with Frontiers as a songwriter and guitarist for various projects such as First Signal, Cry Of Dawn, Toby Hitchcock and Kryptonite. These successful collaborations paved the way for a deal with Frontiers, enabling Michael to deliver songs aligned with his vision under the name Palace. Reckless Heart marks the fifth release, maintaining a bi-annual album release schedule since 2016. Recently, Michael has produced albums for Kent Hilli and Nevena and done work across diverse genres while taking on various roles such as a songwriter, musician, producer, and engineer.


Embracing a hands-on approach, Michael has written all of the songs, played all instruments, produced, mixed and mastered the new album. Reckless Heart stands as a testament to his ongoing musical evolution, inviting fans of Master Of The Universe, Binary Music, Rock and Roll Radio, and One 4 The Road to plunge into the captivating world of AOR and the iconic soundscape of the 1980s.





Tracklisting:


"Reckless Heart"
"The Widow’s Web"
"Back In Your Arms"
"Girl Is An Angel"
"You Give Me A Reason To Live"
"Back To ‘85"
"For The Love"
"Turn This Car Around"
"Weightless"
"Move Me"
"Stronger By The Day"


"The Widow’s Web" video:

Heavy metal legend, Thor, has just returned from his triumphant North American tour to promote the new album, Ride Of The Iron Horse, available via Cleopatra Records. Every city was one big party celebrating the 50th anniversary of Thor with packed houses and the fans expressing their love of each song by singing along loud and proud.


One of the most exciting shows was at the legendary Whisky a Go Go in Hollywood, California where Thor, aka Jon Mikl Thor, was able to have his full stage setup with giant dogs and large Viking horns at each side of the stage.


Says Thor about the new video, “5-0 Let’s Go”: “The song is my ultimate 50th anniversary celebration anthem for surviving through five decades of rock n rRoll mayhem.”




The new video shows highlights of various Thor concerts from his comeback in the 1990’s to the recent Ride Of The Iron Horse tour. The new video also introduces Thor's appearances at the BC Sports Hall of Fame Induction Week, to be held at BC Place Stadium. The song was recorded in Vancouver and Calgary. Produced by Kevin Stuart Swain who also played guitar and bass. Lisa Freakrock played drums.





Jon Mikl Thor who owned the trademark rights to the 1915 Stanley Cup Champions Vancouver Millionaires, and sold them to the Vancouver Canucks and NHL, now controls the rights to the Vancouver Amazons 1922 Women’s World Hockey Champions. On May 15, he will be appearing at the VIP Induction into the Hall of Fame of the Vancouver Amazons 1922 Women’s World Hockey Champions. On that same date Jon will be launching his new line of Vancouver Amazons apparel.


On May 16 Thor will be dining at the Banquet Of Champions to be held at the Vancouver Fairmont Hotel. He and his wife, designer Katherine Elo, will be sitting at the same table as descendants of the 1922 Vancouver Amazons team.


Currently Jon has three more video productions in the works for the current album and soon to be announced upcoming appearances.


Ride Of The Iron Horse was released on March 22 on both CD and vinyl. In a nod to the vibrant visuals that have always accompanied Thor’s music, the album features original art design by internationally renowned comic book artist Timo Wuerz. With his dynamic illustrations, Wuerz captures the essence of Thor’s larger-than-life persona, bringing a visual dimension to the sonic onslaught.


Buy the CD/vinyl here; order/save the digital here.





Tracklisting:


"Ride Of The Iron Horse"
"Lightning Rod" feat. KHEMI$T
"5-0 Let's Go"
"Peace By Piece"
"Unlock The Power"
"No Time For Games"    
"Bring It On"
"Flight Of The Striker" (Unreleased 1987)
"Had It Been Another Day" (Unreleased 1986)
"Watch Your Back" (Unreleased 2002)
"Hit And Run" (1979 Demo)
"100%" (1979 Demo)
"Shields Up"


Bonus tracks:


"Thunder On The Mountain" (Unreleased 1979)
"To The Extreme" (Unreleased 1999)


"Shields Up" video:





"Flight Of The Striker" lyric video:





"Ride Of The Iron Horse" lyric video:

Mr. Big have announced the July 12 release of their tenth studio album, appropriately titled Ten. You can pre-order the album in various configurations here.


The tenth studio album from Mr. Big (Eric Martin - Vocals, Billy Sheehan - Bass, Paul Gilbert - Guitar and Nick D’Virgilio - Drums) features 11 new original tracks written by Eric Martin, Paul Gilbert, Andre Pessis and Tony Fanucci. This album is produced by Jay Ruston and Mr. Big.


The Limited Edition 180g Color Vinyl LP comes with an A2 band poster, available in only 1,000 pieces.







Tracklisting:


"Good Luck Trying"
"I Am You"
"Right Outta Here"
"Sunday Morning Kinda Girl"
"Who We Are"
"As Good As It Gets"
"What Were You Thinking"
"Courageous"
"Up On You"
"The Frame"
"See No Okapi" (Instrumental - Japan Bonus Track)


(Photo - Stephen van Baalen)

Hatebreed frontman Jamey Jasta & company are back with a brand new Jasta music video for the song "Suicidality”, which features special guest Phil Demmel (Vio-lence). The song is taken from the upcoming And Jasta For All album, which will arrive digitally on May 17. The clip, which was shot by Alex Zaranak, can be found below. The video was filmed at The Rave / Eagles Club during Milwaukee Metal Fest in 2023.





The album is "All Rippers No Skippers" and features guest appearances from Scott Ian (Anthrax), Chuck Billy (Testament), Zetro (Exodus), Joey Concepcion (Arch Enemy) and Phil Demmel.




Jamey Jasta comments on the story behind Jasta, "Fan funded, four years in the making, got to work with my thrash heroes and couldn’t be happier with this album, it’s ALL RIPPERS, NO SKIPPERS! Play loud it!"


And Jasta For All guitarist Charlie Bellmore (Toxic Holocaust, Dee Snider, Many Eyes) adds, "Jamey asked me to write “a few thrash songs” quite a while ago and over the years they slowly grew into a remarkable love letter to thrash metal. Jamey, Nicky and myself busted our butts to make a serious ripper of an album, and Jamey delivered some of his best vocal performances of his career on this. I can’t wait for everyone to crank this up!!!"


Pre-orders can be placed at this location. Use code AJFA.


The artwork, an obvious tribute to Metallica's ...And Justice For All, was created by Dan Goldsworthy.





Tracklisting:


"They See Us Prey"
"Armor Your Mind"
"Create The Now"
"R.M.P.C."
"Suicidality"
"Assimilation Agenda"
"Ring Of Truth"
"Terminal Lucidity"
"No Dream Is Free"
"The Phoenix Way"


"Assimilation Agenda" visualizer:





Jasta will be performing a series of album release shows, which will kick off at the official Milwaukee Metal Fest Pre-Party on May 16 at The Rave/Eagles Club and will feature special guests Bobby Blitz (Overkill), Steve "Zetro Souza" (Exodus), Bobby Hambel (Biohazard), Hoya Roc (Smoke AD, ex-Madball), and more surprises. Milwaukee Metal Festival pass holders will be given access to the pre-party in addition to all three days, while single tickets are available for those who are not attending the full festival.





Release shows:


May
16 - Milwaukee, WI - Milwaukee Metal Festival Pre-Party
31 - Lititz, PA - Mickey's Black Bx (w/ Overkill)


June
1 - Sayreville, NJ - Starland Ballroom (w/ Overkill)





 

2024 marks 40 years since the inception of The Black Crowes, and the Robinson Brothers are claiming this momentous year as their own. A salute to their past and a celebration of the present and future, Happiness Bastards is The Black Crowes’ tenth studio album and their first original music in 15 years. Produced by Grammy Award-Winning producer Jay Joyce, the album includes ten new tracks, with a very special feature from Grammy-winning superstar Lainey Wilson.


The band's new single, and album opener, 'Bedside Manners", will be impacting radio on May 14. Listen to the song below, and order Happiness Bastards here.







Tracklisting:


"Bedside Manners"
"Rats And Clowns"
"Cross Your Fingers"
"Wanting And Waiting"
"Wilted Rose" (Feat. Lainey Wilson)
"Dirt Cold Sun"
"Bleed It Dry"
"Flesh Wound"
"Follow The Moon"
"Kindred Friend"


"Bedside Manners":





"Wanting And Waiting" video:





"Cross Your Fingers":





The Black Crowes will be supporting Aerosmith this fall and winter. Dates are listed below.





Peace Out Farewell Tour dates with Special Guests The Black Crowes:


September
23 - Wells Fargo Center - Philadelphia, PA
26 - KFC Yum! Center - Louisville, KY
29 - Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse - Cleveland, OH


October
2 - Spectrum Center - Charlotte, NC
5 - Thompson Boling Arena - Knoxville, TN
8 - Capital One Arena - Washington DC
11 - State Farm Arena - Atlanta, GA
14 - Enterprise Center - St Louis, MO
17 - Heritage Bank Center - Cincinnati, OH
20 - Bridgestone Arena - Nashville, TN
31 - Footprint Center - Phoenix, AZ


November
3 - Frost Bank Center - San Antonio, TX
6 - Moody Center - Austin, TX
9 - American Airlines Center - Dallas, TX
12 - BOK Center - Tulsa, OK
15 - CHI Health Center - Omaha, NE
18 - Ball Arena - Denver, CO
21 - Moda Center - Portland, OR
24 - Climate Pledge Arena - Seattle, WA
27 - Delta Center - Salt Lake City, UT
30 - Chase Center - San Francisco, CA


December
4 - SAP Center - San Jose, CA
7 - The Kia Forum - Los Angeles, CA
28 - Prudential Center - Newark, NJ
31 - TD Garden - Boston, MA


January
4 - Little Caesars Arena - Detroit, MI
7 - Scotiabank Arena - Toronto, ON
10 - Bell Centre - Montreal, QC
13 - Schottenstein Center - Columbus, OH
16 - Gainbridge Fieldhouse - Indianapolis, IN
19 - United Center - Chicago, IL
22 - Xcel Energy Center - St Paul, MN
25 - T-Mobile Center - Kansas City, MO


February
11 - Kia Center - Orlando, FL
14 - Amalie Arena - Tampa, FL
17 - Amerant Bank Arena - Sunrise, FL
20 - PNC Arena - Raleigh, NC
23 - Madison Square Garden - New York, NY
26 - KeyBank Center - Buffalo, NY


The Black Crowes returned to the road this spring with their 35-date Happiness Bastards Tour. Remaining dates listed below.





May
7 - Philadelphia, PA - The Met Philadelphia
14 - Manchester, UK - O2 Apollo
15 - London, UK - Eventim Apollo
17 - Newcastle, UK - O2 City Hall
18 - Wolverhampton, UK - The Civic at The Halls
21 - Brussels, BE - Ancienne Belgique
22 - Amsterdam, NL - AFAS Live
24 - Paris, FR - L'Olympia
27 - Milan, IT - Teatro Arcimboldi Milano
29 - Frankfurt, DE - Alte Oper
30 - Stuttgart, DE - Liederhalle


June
1 - Berlin, DE - Verti Music Hall
4 - Copenhagen, DK - Falkonersalen
5-8 - Sôlvesborg, SE - Sweden Rock Festival
9 - Mérida, ES - Stone & Music Festival


July
19 - St. Paul, MN - Minnesota Yacht Club*


September
13 - East Aurora, NY - Borderland Festival
14 - Asbury Park, NJ - Sea. Hear. Now Festival


(Photo - Ross Halfin)

Emerging West Australian outfit, Ammify, has announced that they have signed with Italy-based metal label, Wormholedeath, who will oversee global marketing and digital distribution for their forthcoming debut album, Lost, Not Hiding.


Featuring the musical pairing of Ammy Phoenix (vocals/lyrics) and Pete Renzullo (music/production) Lost, Not Hiding makes its way through the heavier genres. Still, the duo has themselves described it best as CineMetal.


"I am so excited that Wormholedeath is taking us on as a band!" says Ammy. "I have never been more proud of any project as I am of Ammify, and I am so happy that thanks to Wormholedeath, we get to put it out for people to hear. There's nothing quite like being able to share a piece of yourself like this and I really hope it makes people feel understood in a way they really need to be."




The cinematic lyrics and crushing soundscapes of Lost, Not Hiding speak like a song cycle of those who have been beaten down by life, by love, by relationships and by society… but not broken. And clearly resolute.


Check out the official video for the first single, "Coward's Way Out", below.





Born from a chance studio encounter and remote collaboration, the album explores resilience in despair. The creative journey began in 2018 and culminated in a four-month recording process in 2022, resulting in 13 genre-defying tracks. Drawing from personal experiences, the lyrics offer raw authenticity. 


Post-release, Ammify plans to venture into videos, mixed media, and acoustic renditions for a dynamic audience experience. Their collaboration promises a lasting impact on music.


Lost, Not Hiding will released internationally by Wormholedeath on June 14th, 2024.

In a new interview with Rocking With Jam Man, POP EVIL singer Leigh Kakaty was asked if he was "shocked" by the recent departure of the band's drummer Hayley Cramer. The U.K.-based musician, who joined the Michigan rockers in 2016, announced her exit from POP EVIL in a social media post last December. Leigh said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "[It was] shocking, for sure. We all go through things that we're going through personally. And she's got her family, she's got her friends and she's from another country, so there's a lot of variables for her and reasons for her, why she probably didn't wanna be here anymore. But definitely to lose a band member is always shocking for me. But you've gotta go on. Our personal families, everyone's counting on the band to provide. And the fans wanna see you keep going, so we just knuckle up and face adversity. You've gotta just meet it head on and keep going."

Asked how new POP EVIL drummer Blake Allison is adjusting to the band, Leigh said: "Blake's been incredible. I mean, he's learned the whole catalog in about two months So to have Blake here, he's been so helpful to POP EVIL on and off the stage for the past three or four years now, so now to have him in the band hopefully as long as we can keep him is an honor. And he's just such an incredible talent on and off the stage. And we're looking forward to seeing how long we can run with this lineup now."

When Hayley announced her exit from POP EVIL, she wrote in a statement that "reached a point" where she wanted "to branch out and find new paths and adventures - into the unknown!"

Cramer joined POP EVIL in May 2016 as the replacement for Josh "Chachi" Marunde, who exited the group in April that year.

Regarding how she came to be part of POP EVIL, Cramer told Modern Drummer magazine in a 2017 interview: "It's been crazy. It came about at the end of [2015] through a mutual friend of ours, who knew that I wanted to get back to the States. I was stepping in and out of bands in England and throughout Europe, and I felt like I couldn't find anything. I was like, 'You know what? I'd really like to go back to the States, so if you hear of anything, let me know.' He called me a couple of months later and said, 'POP EVIL are looking for a drummer. You should apply.' So I applied, and through various FaceTime and other online conversations, they took the chance and flew me out. We had one rehearsal and then went straight out on the road. I wasn't playing the shows — the previous drummer was, and I was playing the soundchecks. And I spent a couple of weeks watching the shows and hanging out with them. It was pretty obvious that we hit it off straight away. It just felt really good for all of us. Chachi sort of said, 'You know what, Hayley, it's yours now. I can see that the rest of POP EVIL are happy and you seem happy, so take over.' That was at the beginning of the DISTURBED and ROB ZOMBIE tour, which had some of the biggest shows for both the band and me. So they were pretty important shows, and it was important to do a good job. I'm a great a believer in diving into the deep end and either sinking or swimming. And usually I swim! [Laughs]"

Regarding what she was doing before she joined POP EVIL, Hayley said: "My first real band was called MCQUEEN, and that's were I got to tour Europe and Australia. We did okay, but it kind of ran its course, and we all got sick of each other. I kind of stepped away from original bands for a while because I wasn't ready to commit to one thing. I love so many different types of music, and I love playing with different people. So I was just in and out of bands, and I did quite a bit of teaching. [In 2015] I started feeling that I might want to find a band to commit to. I was sick of being the new guy all the time and thinking at every show, Oh, God. Am I going to remember this song? That's when I started to look to America. I've toured Europe quite a lot and I wanted some new scenery, new people, and new cultures again. And that's when POP EVIL happened."

Press photo credit: Amber Paredes

RUSH guitarist Alex Lifeson has revealed to Ultimate Classic Rock that he has been revisiting the group's catalog with his bandmate, bassist/vocalist Geddy Lee.

"We decided that we would play some RUSH songs. Because, you know, we haven’t played these songs in 10 years," Lifeson said. "We started that a couple of weeks ago. We get together one day a week over at his place. We just picked some RUSH songs and we started playing them and we sound like a really, really bad RUSH tribute band."

Lifeson went on to say that RUSH fans shouldn't get their hopes up that he and Lee will go back on tour and perform any of the band's classic songs again.

"I'm 70. It's not as easy to get my fingers to do what my brain tells me to do," Lifeson said. "They're much lazier than they used to be and they have a poor memory. Doing this really helps a lot, and it's fun. That's it. The whole thing was that in the beginning, it was just fun. We're having a riot together doing that. There's no rhyme or reason. We're not planning on going back on the road, finding a new drummer or anything like that. It's just fun to do it."

This past January, Lifeson didn't rule out the possibility of playing with Lee again, telling Greg Prato of Ultimate Guitar: "There's certainly a lot of interest in us doing something. I think for a lot of RUSH fans, they've been hoping for… Geddy had his book tour. I went out on a few of those dates with him. I think that's kind of sparked more interest in us working together.

"Ged's a very busy guy," Alex continued. "He's written a couple of books over the years. He has a lot of stuff that he's into. This is my studio in my apartment. I've been working on the ENVY OF NONE stuff as well as a few other projects. So I've been playing and recording for all these years.

"When he's ready, he always says, 'Come over for a coffee and we'll go down to the studio and bash around a few notes.' Yeah, call me. And so far he's been so busy, but I think maybe in the new year — or this is the new year — maybe soon we'll find the time to sit down and see what happens," Lifeson added. "Maybe nothing happens. Maybe it's not there anymore. Maybe it's gonna be amazing. I don't know. We'll see. Honestly, it's not a priority for us. We're happy in our lives. So, it's not like we need to go back to something. And that's my fear. That if we — that would be the expectation, this is like RUSH 2. But by necessity it has to be something different. And it can never be RUSH. Without Neil [Peart, late RUSH drummer], it can never be RUSH. That's it. It's over. But you never know what can happen. So we'll see."

For the past couple of decades, Lifeson has been suffering from psoriatic arthritis, a chronic, autoimmune form of arthritis that causes joint inflammation and occurs with the skin condition psoriasis. During an appearance on the January 10 episode of SiriusXM's "Trunk Nation With Eddie Trunk", the now-70-year-old Canadian musician opened up about the severity of longtime physical ailments, saying: "I would say that's slowly getting worse, as to be expected. I have psoriatic arthritis, and I've been dealing with it for quite a while — for almost 20 years. I'm on two biologics [biologic drugs for the treatment of arthritis], so sort of like a double whammy in dealing with it. And it's been very, very effective. Despite the side effects and all of that, it's been a really effective regimen for me, and it's really helped my hands. I have times where the inflammation has its own mind, and that's when you'll see me shaking my hands [while I am playing]. But it is what it is, and I can still get by, and I'm so used to it, I don't really even think about it that much anymore. "

Lifeson also talked about the possibility of him returning to the road, either with Lee or with another project. He said: "[After] 40 years of touring, I'm not interested in touring anymore. I enjoyed it when we did it. There were lots of ups and downs. The gig is great, the show is great, and for the other 21 hours in a day, you're just waiting for those three hours. And it gets tiring, especially when you have a family and you have loved ones at home that you're estranged from for months and months and months at a time. I don't miss that aspect of it. Do I like playing in front of people? Yeah. I still like that — maybe not to the point where I have to do it. But when [Geddy and I] did the Taylor Hawkins benefits and we did the 'South Park' thing in Denver, and I do these Christmas shows with Andy Kim and lots of great musicians that I get to play with, then it's fun. I really enjoy that, and it's controlled, and it's great. To make a big deal and do a tour and get back into that thing, I don't really have an interest in that. I know Ged would like to play again and he would like to spend some time writing. But beyond that, honestly, we haven't talked about anything beyond just getting together and having a coffee and just bashing out a few notes."

Alex continued: "[Geddy] has a lot of stuff in his life. He's a very busy person. He's really enjoying this phase of being [a book] author. He's on the go, go, go, go all the time. And I'm here, and I'm playing on all these different projects. So, in a way, I've continued being that musician, and he's gone off to do other things. So, whenever he's ready, like usual, I only live five minutes away from him, like we have all our lives. I go over and hang out and we'll turn the recorder on and do some stuff, but there's no plan for a tour. There's no plan for anything. And I know rumors get started and people have their desires and lots of people would love to see us get back and play again. Well, I don't know. I don't know. Who knows? Maybe if we're together, we're messing around and we get excited… Certainly after we did those gigs, it was quite heady and very exciting. But I really love my life right now, and I don't know if I'm gonna disrupt it by being away from the things that I'm really enjoying, for any reason."

Lifeson also reflected on RUSH's final tour, which concluded in August 2015 in Los Angeles. According to Rolling Stone, the trek took the novel approach of presenting the band's music in reverse chronological order, meaning Alex and his bandmates — Lee and drummer Neil Peart — began the show with songs from their most recent albums and slowly worked back to their earliest material. As time went backwards, stagehands would swap out the backdrop to match the period they were visiting. That meant by the time they reached the encores, it looked like they were playing in the high school gyms of their youth.

"The last tour I thought was a terrific tour for RUSH," Alex said. "I thought we played really well. I thought the show was really fun. Going back in time to the beginning was a great way to celebrate the end of the band. I don't know if, at 70 years old, 10 years later, if I can play like I played back then. I haven't played that material in nine years. And if I can't play it like I played it nine years ago, then I really have no interest in doing it. I think RUSH has a strong legacy because of the way things ended. We ended on a high note, and that's the way people remember us. And I think that that also is partly the reason why so many people would love to see us back out, because that's the memory they have of us. We were dedicated to what we were doing. We practiced a lot. We were passionate. We played our hearts out. Physically, ten years later, at this stage, [after] these ten years, I don't know if we can do that. I don't know, can Ged sing like he did? Can I play guitar? Can he play bass like he did? I don't know. Unless we did a big rehearsal and tried to do all that stuff, we'll never know. But just thinking intellectually how this would work, I'm not keen on doing it, really."

Peart died on January 7, 2020, after quietly battling brain cancer for three and a half years. RUSH waited three days to announce Peart's passing, setting off shockwaves and an outpouring of grief from fans and musicians all over the world.

In 2022, Geddy revealed that Neil wanted to keep his cancer diagnosis a secret prior to his death.

Lee went on to say that he and Lifeson had to be "dishonest" to fans in order to protect Peart's privacy.

As one of the most successful Canadian music group in history, RUSH has performed before millions of fans around the world.

Lifeson made his mark on the music industry over 50 years ago, redefining the boundaries of progressive rock guitar. His signature riffing, copious use of effects processing and unorthodox chord structures befitted him the title by his RUSH bandmates as "The Musical Scientist." While the bulk of Lifeson's work in music has been with RUSH, he has contributed to a body of work outside of the band as a guitarist, producer and with the release of his 1996 solo album "Victor". Lifeson ranks third overall in the Guitar World readers' poll of "100 Greatest Guitarists" and is also included in Rolling Stone's "100 Greatest Guitarists Of All Time."