To celebrate the 30th anniversary of their "Mandylion" album, the lineup of Dutch rockers THE GATHERING that recorded the LP — including singer Anneke Van Giersbergen — has reunited for several shows in their home country this summer, including the kick-off "try-out" concert, which took place this past Sunday, June 29 at Dynamo in Eindhoven. Fan-filmed video of the performance can be seen below.

According to Setlist.fm, the setlist for the show was as follows:

01. Mandylion (performed for the first time since 2001)
02. Eléanor (first time since 2019)
03. Fear The Sea (first time since 1997)
04. In Motion #1 (first time since 2018)
05. Analog Park (first time since 2019)
06. Broken Glass (first time since 2019)
07. Great Ocean Road
08. Waking Hour (first time since 2014)
09. Probably Built In The Fifties
10. In Motion #2 (first time since 2005)
11. Leaves
12. Sand And Mercury
13. Strange Machines

Encore:

14. Travel (first time since 2014)
15. On Most Surfaces (Inuït)
16. Saturnine

In a recent interview with Femmetal - Goddesses Of Metal, Anneke spoke about THE GATHERING's 2025 reunion concerts to celebrate the 30th anniversary of "Mandylion". She said: "Well, actually, I'm quite excited… This idea came kind of spontaneous. We were having conversations, we had just coffee and talking about life, other things, and then we talked about 'Mandylion' turning 30 and because time flies, we didn't really think about it. And then we said, 'Maybe we can do something nice with it,' because it's such an important album for us personally because we had a great time at the beginning of THE GATHERING career with me, of course. And we said, 'Well, if we do something, we have to do it now, because next year it's not such a good reason because now 'Mandylion' is 30 years old, and let's do something nice.' And so we made this plan, and we made these ideas for these shows. And then a lot of people wanted to come to the shows. I mean, I know THE GATHERING is still a popular band and I know it's alive — people really like THE GATHERING's music now and back then. But we didn't expect this many people to react on it and want [to buy] a ticket [to see us perform live again]. And so we are so happy. And we're gonna make a few beautiful shows and gonna have lots of fun playing together again, 'cause it's been a long time. It's been 10 years, I think."

When the interviewer inquired about the possibility of a show from THE GATHERING in Spain, Anneke said: "Everybody's asking. I mean, it's fantastic. It's a great problem to have, that a lot of people want us to come to their country. But we focus on these shows here, and a lot of people are traveling for it, so that's really, really wonderful. And then we'll see. But we just focus on these shows and take it from there."

Asked which THE GATHERING song she is most excited to play again, Anneke said: "It's kind of a wide variety of atmospheres on this album ['Mandylion'], but I like songs like 'On Most Surfaces' [from 1997's 'Nighttime Birds'], because they're heavy and we can let all the energy flow on this one. I like the more heavy songs as well, but 'In Motion #1' and '[In Motion] #2' are, for instance, very, very melodic — they're carrying you through a story — and I also like that so much. So, different vibes on the album, and I like all of it. But I like also the heavy songs, especially for playing live, 'cause I can sing really loud and headbang and have fun."

The "Mandylion" lineup of THE GATHERING will also reunite for five exclusive sold-out shows in August at Doornroosje in Nijmegen, the Netherlands.

Upcoming shows:

August 27 - Nijmegen, Netherlands @ Doornroosje
August 28 - Nijmegen, Netherlands @ Doornroosje
August 29 - Nijmegen, Netherlands @ Doornroosje
August 30 - Nijmegen, Netherlands @ Doornroosje
August 31 - Nijmegen, Netherlands @ Doornroosje

THE GATHERING previously said in a statement: "After so many years, we are very excited to celebrate this anniversary together, an album that still means so much to us."

The lineup for the concerts consists of the following musicians:

* Anneke Van Giersbergen - vocals
* Hugo Prinsen Geerligs - bass
* Frank Boeijen - keyboards, backing vocals
* Hans Rutten - drums
* René Rutten - guitar
* Jelmer Wiersma - guitar

In November 2014, THE GATHERING celebrated its 25th anniversary with a one-time special show at Doornroosje in Nijmegen. All past and present members of THE GATHERING — from 1989 until 2014 — appeared on stage and performed in this unique show together.

Van Giersbergen announced her departure from THE GATHERING in 2007. She has since released several albums on her own and with her AGUA DE ANNIQUE solo project.

In 2005, Century Media celebrated the 10th anniversary of "Mandylion" by releasing a special deluxe edition of the album. The double-CD set featured new artwork, a 16-page booklet with song-by-song liner notes from the band and never-before-seen photos from the album's recording sessions. CD2 contained the first demo recordings THE GATHERING did with Van Giersbergen in June 1994 and early 1995. "Solar Glider" was a previously unreleased instrumental while "Third Chance" appeared two years later in a different version on the "Nighttime Birds" album.

In a 2007 interview with PopMatters, Van Giersbergen stated about her decision to leave THE GATHERING and launch AGUA DE ANNIQUE: "I had been in THE GATHERING for 13 years, and I had never done anything for 13 years in my life. It's been my whole adult life, so to leave that, on one hand, was a very clear decision and a very strong feeling, and I was ready. In 13 years, things had changed in my personal and musical life. It was difficult as well, because the guys, they were like brothers, so to leave that and to change that relationship has been a long process and was probably one of the hardest things I did.

"I told them at the beginning of March, and so we really took some time to assess the situation," she continued. "Also, the guys, they wanted to see what their plans would be next. Of course they were not happy with my decision, but they are respectful and they have good spirits to continue. Of course, I put a big stamp on the sound and the look of THE GATHERING, but on the other hand I'm not the only singer in the world, so it's going to change, but it's not going to stop."

Regarding her reasons for leaving, Anneke said, "There were a lot of physical reasons, but they all came out of one big feeling in my heart that it was time to change. I was supposed to do this record besides THE GATHERING, and I was given time and it was all okay, but I like to do other small projects and work with other people a lot. I had some plans, and the feeling became stronger to develop that more seriously and also especially to be with my family a little bit more. Now, I can direct everything I do from this one agenda, and it feels very good to be the director of your own life. In a way THE GATHERING was officially a bigger band, and we were day and night constantly working with it, and it was quite intense, all the processes. So a lot of small things became one big feeling, like, 'Okay, I'm ready.'"

Posted by Dynamo Heavy on Wednesday, March 12, 2025

In a new interview with Meltdown of Detroit's WRIF radio station, KILLSWITCH ENGAGE singer Jesse Leach spoke about Ozzy Osbourne and BLACK SABBATH's farewell concert, which will take place this weekend in Birmingham, United Kingdom. Asked what the legendary heavy metal band has meant to him personally, Jesse said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "The music world owes a great debt to both Ozzy as the solo artist and BLACK SABBATH. The majority of the bands that are kicking it right now owe a debt to BLACK SABBATH. I think the thing to focus on is the legacy, and just hoping the best for Ozzy's health. And people just paying respects to a band and an artist that changed the face of the world and music. And I'll always be a massive fan of both Ozzy Osbourne solo and BLACK SABBATH. Very important stuff."

When Meltdown noted that BLACK SABBATH has a rare chance to "say goodbye" to the fans before one or more of the original bandmembers is no longer with us, Jesse concurred. "Yeah, I think that's cool when bands are able to do that," he said. "And it's also good to know when the time has come. And I hope that we have the wherewithal to know when it's just probably not the best look right now. But you look at a band like IRON MAIDEN — I mean, [MAIDEN singer] Bruce Dickinson, to me, is still prime. He's still peak. The guy is in his sixties. We've done two tours with him now, and every night he's just on it. And I'm, like, I wanna be even just a quarter that good at that age. So it can be done, but it is smart to know when to call it and to be able to have your final say in how your legacy ends."

Reflecting on KILLSWITCH ENGAGE's tours with IRON MAIDEN, Jesse said: "It's hard to put into words. School's in session, number one. There's so much to be learned from watching a band for three hours just kill it. And I would say more so than just that, that I think is really important, is the way that they treated us. They were the perfect gentlemen. We had everything we needed. They couldn't have been more polite. The entire staff — not even just the band, but the people that work for the band, their assistants. You wake up in the morning, you walk backstage and [they say to you], 'Good morning, Jesse. How are you?' They know your name. Catering is top notch. Everything runs like a well-oiled machine. You feel comfortable, you feel wanted, you feel accepted. IRON MAIDEN, man — they are the kings. I will forever look back on those two tours we did with them as the highlights of my life and my career as an artist."

Back in August 2019, KILLSWITCH ENGAGE drummer Justin Foley stated about his band's first tour with IRON MAIDEN: "The first week or so, it was pretty much being in awe. Then when you could just step back from it, then, 'Okay, this is a tour now.' Then seeing them play, to be doing that as long as they're doing it and to have the dedication and incredible show they put on every single night is really inspiring. It kind of shows what it is to be at the highest level."

A month earlier, KILLSWITCH ENGAGE bassist Mike D'Antonio told the "Thunder Underground" podcast about the experience of opening for IRON MAIDEN on the spring/summer 2018 European leg of the latter band's "Legacy Of The Beast" world tour: "That will be the summer I will judge all other summers by, as being the top-notch summer and then everyone else will fall by the wayside. But boy oh boy, that was a dream come true. And it was the first of the 'Beast' tours where they were going back and playing a lot of the older stuff, stuff that they hadn't played in a while, playing '[Flight Of] Icarus'. It was awesome. The setlist was amazing. Those guys were super-duper nice. Bruce would stop by our dressing room occasionally. He was all excited about his flamethrowers. He had two gun flamethrowers. He ran into our dressing room and said, 'I've got flamethrowers,' and then ran away. And we were, like, 'What the hell just happened? That was Bruce Dickinson that just did that.' The crew — top-notch crew. They gave us one rule, beside being on stage on time: 'Do not spit on stage.' And if IRON MAIDEN's gonna give you one rule to go by, you do it. They could have said many other things, but they were super nice, very cordial. First day there, they gave us three buckets of IRON MAIDEN beer and champagne. They just made us feel like we were part of the team. And that's what you wanna feel, especially with a big band like that. They didn't have to do any of that stuff. They could have just said, 'Stay in your bus, and we don't give a crap about you,' and they made us feel like we were family. I'll never forget it."

Asked if the MAIDEN audience was receptive to KILLSWITCH ENGAGE's music, Mike said: "The crowd was a different story. You are the band that's in the way of people seeing their favorite band. So, they're gonna tolerate you, some people are gonna be into you, but the vast majority — 99.9 percent of people — just wanna see MAIDEN, and it showed. [Laughs] Which is fine. Hey, we're not gonna have A-plus shows every time we play. And it reminds you that you have to pull deep sometimes and really give your hundred percent no matter what is going on below you. Sometimes you have to just look back, stare at the band and have fun with the dudes onstage. But hey, man, I'm sure we accrued some fans from that tour. And like I said, we were playing to some of the biggest crowds — between 40 and 80 thousand [people] per night. Sometimes two nights in a row with 40 thousand [people]. I'll never forget it. If people liked us or hated us, it was rad."

KILLSWITCH ENGAGE's latest album, "This Consequence", came out in February via Metal Blade. It was KILLSWITCH ENGAGE's ninth album overall, and sixth with Leach, who rejoined the band in 2012.

In a new interview with The Music Zoo, ANTHRAX bassist Frank Bello reflected on his early days as a musician. He said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): " I grew up in the Bronx, New York. My heroes, my father figures were musicians, for that matter. KISS were big heroes to me. They were like superheroes to me, like comic book heroes, something I could look up to and say, 'I wanna do that.'

"Charlie Benante, drummer of ANTHRAX, we're related [Editor's note: Charlie is Frank's uncle]," Frank continued. "We grew up in the same house. We would jam — we would jam all the time. I would be playing guitar, and he's a really good guitar player also, so we'd be playing and he says, 'You're playing the bass parts on the guitar.' I automatically hear bass first before a riff — I don't know why — but I was playing the bass parts. He goes, 'You should switch.' And I did, and then [we were] locked in. And immediately it was, like, 'Ah, this is what I'm made to do. This is for me.'"

Regarding his early musical influences when it comes to his bass playing, Frank said: "Obviously, my top three [are] Geddy Lee [RUSH], Geezer Butler [BLACK SABBATH], Steve Harris [IRON MAIDEN]. [Also] Gene Simmons [KISS]. There's a lot. But those are my top three for playing every day."

Bello also reflected on his debut show as ANTHRAX's bassist more than four decades ago. He said: "The early days of ANTHRAX — remember, I was a tech. People don't know that out there — I was a tech before I got in the band ANTHRAX. Before the first record came out, I was a horrible tech. I could barely change a string, but I was a friend that could help them lift gear.

"My first show [with ANTHRAX] is on YouTube," he continued. "I found this — somebody sent this link to me. My first show in ANTHRAX was L'Amours [in] Brooklyn with my — I think it was a Jackson Explorer bass. My mother gave me the money — rest her soul — she gave me the money for this bass, 'cause I couldn't afford it. I had almost half — something like that — and she gave me the rest of the money to play this gig. In my face, you could see I'm shitting in my pants at the same time, 'cause this is my first show, and I'm excited as hell. You could see both of them in my face."

Back in 2019, Bello told The Sessions Panel about his biggest musicial influences: "Geddy Lee, Geezer Butler, Steve Harris — who's now my friend, and Geezer is too. You know what's weird? When you become friends later on. I try not to be fanboy. It's hard, because I can be talking [normally], but I still feel like, 'This is Steve Harris I'm talking to'... I still feel like that first time I saw him live on stage, [and] the first time I heard the first IRON MAIDEN record. What that did for me... at this point, I've told him so much, and he goes, 'It's okay.' He just shuts me down. Geezer's the same way. He's a sweetheart of a man. He'll give me a look — 'Okay.' That's it — I'll just shut it down [and stop] asking too many questions. But I want to learn. I still want to learn, and I want to know what amp did he use on this record. 'Steve Harris, did you use flatwound strings on every record?'"

On the topic of how he joined ANTHRAX, Frank told The Sessions Panel: "I was the roadie/tech. I didn't really know what the hell I was doing... I was friends with them, [and] being friends with the band really helps get in there. I heard through the grapevine they were going to be auditioning bass players, so of course, I put the word in — 'Look, I play. You all know me. I'm putting it out there.' Long story short, got the audition, scared. You know what's weird? You can be friends with these guys forever. [It] doesn't matter. The audition... [Charlie Benante], I think he just held back, but he was hoping, wishing [and] pumping for me, but at the same time, he said, 'Learn the parts. Learn the parts'... I was nervous. Even though I was friends with these guys, I was hanging with them all the time, I was shaking. It just worked. After the first song, then it was like, 'Okay, it's hang-out time.' I got through the first song — I think it was 'Metal Thrashing Mad'... I got through it, and I said, 'Okay, I can do this. I don't know what's going to happen later, but I know I can do this.'"

Frank played his first show with ANTHRAX in nearly a year and a half on October 12, 2024 at the Aftershock festival in Sacramento, California.

Bello and ANTHRAX were supposed to perform at the Louder Than Life festival in Louisville, Kentucky on September 27, 2024, but their show ended up being canceled due to severe weather.

Prior to Aftershock, Bello last played with ANTHRAX in May 2023 at the Milwaukee Metal Fest in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

In April 2024 and early May 2024, Bello sat out ANTHRAX's South American tour as well as two U.S. festival dates due to "personal reasons." Filling in on those shows was ANTHRAX founding member and original bassist Dan Lilker, marking his first appearance with the band in 40 years. Lilker, who co-wrote and played on ANTHRAX's debut album "Fistful Of Metal", was also a member of STORMTROOPERS OF DEATH with Benante and ANTHRAX guitarist Scott Ian.

Bello played bass for Norwegian black metal veterans SATYRICON for the band's summer 2024 European festival appearances, including Hellfest in France and Tons Of Rock in Norway.

Frank released a memoir, "Fathers, Brothers, And Sons: Surviving Anguish, Abandonment, And Anthrax", in October 2021 via Rare Bird. The foreword to the book was written by KISS bassist/vocalist Gene Simmons.

In a recent interview with Brazil's Heavy Talk, former KAMELOT singer Roy Khan was asked if there are any plans for new music from CONCEPTION, his pre-KAMELOT band which reformed in 2018 and released an EP that year, "My Dark Symphony", and a full-length album, "State Of Deception", in 2020. He said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "We're constantly working on new stuff, but the songs for 'My Dark Symphony' and 'State Of Deception', those were written from 2016 through 2019. And we have a few songs by now, but we still need quite a few songs to have a full album for CONCEPTION again. So, I don't know — maybe [we'll release something by the] end of '26, maybe '27. We'll see. And for sure we're gonna play some gigs both this year and next year. But maybe not as actively as a full group as what we do. We're gonna do this concept, me and Tore [Østby, CONCEPTION guitarist] together with a cello player in Athens. [We're] adding a show in Norway now. So that's gonna be a trio — me and Tore and a cello player, where we do CONCEPTION songs acoustically. And that might be a concept we wanna develop further. We'll see."

As previously reported, Khan will take the stage on July 5 at Tokio Marine Hall in São Paulo, Brazil for a one-night-only performance celebrating the 20th anniversary of KAMELOT's "The Black Halo" album.

Originally released in 2005, "The Black Halo" remains a landmark in metal history, featuring iconic tracks like "March Of Mephisto", "The Haunting (Somewhere In Time)" and "When The Lights Are Down".

Earlier this year, "The Black Halo (20th Anniversary Edition)" was made available in an array of special formats, including a limited-edition wooden box set featuring splattered vinyl, a collector's chalice, a ring, a pendant in a velvet bag, a 20-page booklet, and an exclusive autographed card. Other variants include deluxe marbled vinyl, a slipmat and a digipak CD edition. This must-have collector's edition was released via Napalm Records on March 14, 2025 — exactly two decades after its original debut.

Khan is also featured as a special guest on "Here Be Dragons", the latest album from Tobias Sammet's AVANTASIA. His powerful vocals grace a grand and emotional power ballad, marking another exciting chapter in his return to the scene. Sammet himself praised Khan's contribution, calling the song "one of the most moving and emotional, yet biggest ballads I have ever done."

In the summer of 2023, Roy said that a number of things contributed to his decision to leave KAMELOT nearly a decade and a half ago.

The now-55-year-old Norwegian singer announced his exit from KAMELOT in April 2011 after taking several months off to recover from a "burnout."

After his departure from KAMELOT, Khan, who is a devout Christian, joined a church in the coastal town of Moss, Norway.

Three years ago, Roy told Chaoszine about his split with KAMELOT: "I'm really, really extremely thankful that KAMELOT was able to continue without me, 'cause I had no intention to hurt the band. It was a very personal decision to quit the band and I simply had to. And I'm just glad that everything turned out in the end to be… They managed to go on without me, and I'm just very thankful for that, really."

KAMELOT officially announced Tommy Karevik as its new lead singer in June 2012. The Florida-based band has recorded four albums so far with the Swedish vocalist: 2012's "Silverthorn", 2015's "Haven", 2018's "The Shadow Theory" and 2023's "The Awakening".

Asked if he has listened to any of KAMELOT's recent material with Karevik, Roy told Italy's SpazioRock back in 2018: "Yes I have. I really like some of their new stuff. Sounds classical KAMELOT in my ears, and Tommy is a great singer."

In a new interview with Loaded Radio, VIMIC's Kalen Chase spoke about the upcoming event reuniting the surviving members of the band and honoring Joey Jordison. Taking place in Los Angeles on October 3 at Teragram Ballroom, the Joey Jordison Charitable Fund-presented concert will not only honor Jordison's memory but also celebrate the release of the long-awaited VIMIC album. VIMIC will be supported by Wednesday 13 (who worked with Jordison in MURDERDOLLS) along with some very special guests; there will be exclusive event merchandise available.

Funds raised from VIMIC's very successful Kickstarter campaign are being utilized to release "Open Your Omen" on CD/double LP, market the album, print merch that Joey Jordison was involved with designing years ago, and produce the reunion event in October. Proceeds from the event will be focused on the Joey Jordison Charitable Fund's partnership with Broken Strings. Broken Strings is a non-profit in Iowa (where Joey and his family are from) that gives out guitars to kids in each school district. The family would like to be able to do the same thing, but with drums.

Asked what it means for him and the rest of VIMIC to finally get the band's album released about an overwhelmingly positive response to the Kickstarter campaign, Kalen said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "We were thrilled. But it was a shock for all of us. I can speak for myself… But for myself, I had let it go. When Joey passed, it was more about healing from that. And when this came up and the opportunity came, it was so shocking and surprising and wonderful, and then it was, like, 'Oh, wow. You haven't really done all your healing yet.' So there's been this mix of catharsis and bittersweet stuff, but at the end of the day, we are thrilled and excited mostly to give the fans what they want."

Regarding what fans can expect at the Teragram concert, Chase said: "After all the incredible help we got on the Kickstarter and booking the show, now we're in logistics mode. So there's not a lot I can say and not a lot I wanna say other than we are gonna do our very best, thanks to our amazing fanbase, to put on the best show that we can and make it a memorable night."

Asked if VIMIC will continue as a band after this event, Kalen said: "We are making no plans. The only focus that the family and the five of us have right now is to get the record out and to play this show and to honor Joey with that. There are no plans for future stuff. We're not even broaching it. We're not talking about it. It was kind of an unspoken agreement, like, 'Guys, this show, this record.' And if that's the period at the end of the sentence and we get to satisfy [fans who want us to pay tribute to Joey and perform these songs live], it'll be a beautiful way of getting that last piece out and giving it back. So next time I'm posting something about a food recipe or a silly joke I did, or something completely unrelated, I won't have 10 wonderful questions from wonderful people asking about the VIMIC record that I couldn't answer for so long. So I'm very excited about that. But that's all we're kind of focusing on right now."

As for whether there are plans to film or record the Teragram concert for fans who can't be there, Kalen said: "That would be an amazing thing. Because of finding out what we had, we recently got the confirmation for Teragram. Now it's finding out what our situation is: Can we do this? Can we film? How big is the stage? I can tell you that I would very much like to. So I'm gonna be pushing for it. But right now we're so early stages of what's possible. But I don't see why not. Worst-case scenario, I'll get my old camcorder with a VHS [tape] in there and I'll pop it by the soundboard and it'll be awful, but it'll be metal as fuck."

After Jordison was fired from SLIPKNOT in late 2013, he shifted his focus to various other ventures. One of these projects, SCAR THE MARTYR, released a self-titled album before disbanding, with some of its members going on to create a new band called VIMIC. The initial lineup of VIMIC included Jordison on drums, Chase on vocals, Jed Simon and Kris Norris on guitars, Kyle Konkiel on bass, and Matthew Tarach on keyboards. They debuted their first single, "Simple Skeletons", on May 6, 2016 via SiriusXM's Liquid Metal and received high praise from Loudwire, New Noise, BLABBERMOUTH.NET and NME, among others. Norris left shortly after its release and later that year, VIMIC introduced Steve Marshall as their new second guitarist.

VIMIC released four singles from the project between May 2016 and October 2017: "Simple Skeletons", "She Sees Everything", "My Fate" and "Fail Me (My Temple)", the last of which featured MEGADETH's Dave Mustaine.

"This album wails!" Mustaine said about "Open Your Omen" back in 2017. "Joey Jordison and VIMIC are incredible. High-octane drumming and heavy, melodic songs make this band something you definitely need to check out! I dig them so much I laid a solo down on one of their songs, 'Fail Me (My Temple)'. From there, we decided to take them on tour with us down to South America where MEGADETH is massive."

"Open Your Omen" was first expected to be released in 2018 via Universal Music Enterprises (UMe) and T-Boy Records, UMe's label partnership with rock manager Andy Gould. Produced by Jordison and Kato Khandwala (THE PRETTY RECKLESS, POP EVIL),progress came to a standstill in 2018. Khandwala tragically passed away in a motorcycle accident on April 25, 2018, and Jordison, Konkiel and Simon shifted their focus to SINSAENUM, BAD WOLVES and IMONOLITH, respectively. Jordison sadly passed away on July 26, 2021, further delaying the plans on the album.

In a December 2016 interview with Shockwave magazine, Jordison said about the LP: "The way we wrote 'Open Your Omen', is exactly like how a garage band would do their demo tape. We went all the way back to the basics, and it was cool doing it like that because you didn't have the influence of your label, and the huge studio and cars, hotels, and fancy dinners, all this bullshit that goes on along with being in the record industry. It was done literally in my home, organic, and we went out just to the studio not too far from my house and we just laid it down there. So, it was pretty much born in my home and then we just cruised up to the studio and just laid it down really quick."

The following year, Joey told Revolver: "The riffs, lyrics and drums of 'Open Your Omen' will tell you a lot. We started this record when I was coming out of the acute transverse myelitis condition. It's literally what saved me and helped me get back to where I'm healthier than ever. These guys and this album pushed me to not only relearn how to walk, but how to play the drums again. 'Open Your Omen' is the rebirth of the rest of my life."

Jordison formed VIMIC in May 2016 after the breakup of his previous band SCAR THE MARTYR. The former SLIPKNOT drummer later said that he wanted to change the name of the project to "wipe the slate clean" and start afresh.

Five years ago, Chase told Gabriel Gignac about the status of VIMIC's long-awaited album: "I would love to answer that. We're all still friends. There is a lot of issues with our business. We started on Roadrunner, and we left on good terms with them. A lot of us had other projects, and it just never worked out with the time. And there's a lot of things that just kind of went down to make the scheduling really difficult.

"I hope that the record comes out one day, and that's always a possibility," he continued. "I just don't know. It's out of my hands, because I'm not in charge of the music and there's a whole label situation, and stuff like that. If it ever happens, great. I would love for you guys to hear the other songs, 'cause they're awesome. But as of now, that's all I can on it, unfortunately. I'm just really glad that at least we have those songs to share with people so you guys at least got a taste of what we were doing."

Despite the fact that VIMIC seemingly came to a premature halt in late 2017, Kalen said that he still had fond memories of his time with the band.

"Getting to be the frontman of VIMIC with one of my closest friends, Joey, that was such a pleasure," he said. "I love all those guys, and to be able to actually be up front on stage and not behind somebody else… We got to play in South America in front of thousands of people, and all over the U.S. And those shows were so much fun… And I'm so glad I got to do that."

In 2006, Kalen joined KORN on tour, primarily on backing vocals, and can be heard and seen in the "MTV Unplugged (Live)" release in 2007 where he was featured playing an exotic array of instruments. He remained with KORN — often seen as The White Rabbit — until 2008.

Nikki Sixx is celebrating the 24th anniversary of his getting sober.

The 66-year-old MÖTLEY CRÜE bassist credited his "willingness to confront [his] past" with giving him the tools to help him live his life without drugs or alcohol.

Earlier today (Tuesday, July 2),he Instagrammed an image revealing he had been sober for 24 years and shared a message in which he wrote: "Today, I take a moment to reflect on how sobriety — and the willingness to confront my past — has completely transformed my life.

"Sobriety isn't just about eliminating substances; it's about the ability to be honest with yourself and those around you.

"Over the past 24 years of sobriety, I've experienced profound joy, but not without significant challenges. Through this journey, I've learned how to navigate adversity with grace and how to be truly selfless. We're not here solely for ourselves; we're here to serve those who are still struggling.

"Some people, sadly, can't be honest with themselves — and more often than not, they fail and end up hurting those around them. Honesty can be frightening, but it's also liberating.

"I'll never forget something a sponsor told me after a fellow addict passed away. He said, 'Some people have to die to teach the rest of us how to live.' That broke my heart — and reminded me just how important this journey really is.

"A friend recently gave me a copy of Marcus Aurelius's 'Meditations'. One quote that struck me deeply was: 'Practice what seems impossible.' I like that. I accept that challenge."

When Nikki celebrated the 22nd anniversary of his getting sober two years ago, he wrote: "It has been one hell of beautiful and sometimes difficult journey. People always say 'GOOD FOR YOU' like some kinda pat on my head. I do understand what they are trying to say. Truth is-Nobody held my hand while I was kicking heroin, in fact nobody even called to even check on me. Nor did anybody hold by hair while I was vomiting blood. I had to make the decision alone to change my life but it wasn't until I finally found the program that my life truly changed and I learned the tools for a beautiful life even in the face of adversity. That's where I found people who understood my addiction. Obviously you have to want to do it for YOU but untangling the messy past takes more than willpower.

"People don't always understand addiction, they think we have some kinda moral affliction when the truth is we are simply allergic to drink and drugs. You are not alone. Seek others out with some sober time under their belt who will understand where you're at. Isn't that what we need, to be understood? Sure we can blame it in our family ( etc ).

"My mom and dad failed me and I carried that pain til I almost killed myself but I also couldn't see all the beauty around that I had growing up. My grandparents raised me and took care of me. I got to spend a lot of time in country. I'll forever be in debt to their unconditional love.

"When you are ready there will be a spiritual awakening waiting for you. Simply admit you are powerless over drugs and alcohol ( etc ). Otherwise your ego will kill YÖÜ. The beneficiaries are the people you love plus the never ending joy of feeling alive in this short life. Do it for you and pass it on to the people you love and those in need.

"Since I got sober I've had people try to stab me in the back, lie about me, steal from me and kick me in the nuts. Do you know how Ive been able to handle it? By STAYING sober. Sobriety gives you a chance to be strong yet also to do the next right thing.

"I don't want a pat on the head or a good job Nikki. I would love to just pass this BEAUTIFUL message on to those in NEED of a positive program ( AA) and the message of LOVE.

"For those still suffering there is hope. I am a work in progress. I still have work to do but I try to mitigate my life one day at a time.

"I love you. Love yourself back too. God bless."

Sixx struggled with substance abuse for years and was even supposedly declared clinically dead after a heroin overdose in 1987 made his heart stop for two minutes. He has since become actively involved in a recovery "program," which he credits for helping him transform his life and relationships.

"By letting go of self and ego, working a program that connects you to a higher power and giving back to those still struggling are just some of the important things you learn through sobriety," Sixx wrote when he celebrated nine years of sobriety in July 2013. "You get to repair the damage done from drink, drugs and horrific behaviors (that broke people's hearts who loved you."

The rocker, who detailed his near-fatal drug addiction in the best-selling book "The Heroin Diaries", added: "For me, taking away the substance just gave [me] an honest view of who I had become and then the healing started. I do believe without any program to help, many are just dry drunks and there is always a danger of them going out again. I've been there. It's not pretty. This is no joking matter to me, so I take it seriously."

Asked by The Guardian about a diary entry in "The Heroin Diaries" where he described himself as an "alcoholic heroin and coke addict getting into pills" and how he spent Christmas Day 1986 naked under the Christmas tree, clutching a shotgun, Nikki said: "Well, if you shoot enough cocaine, you go into a kind of psychosis, and I believed people were coming to get me. Scary place, let me tell you. It reads like some kind of a dark horror story or bedtime thriller. But in real life, the trauma that psychosis puts your body through is on a cellular level. You believe that you’re going to have an experience even though it's not really happening. I can remember those, because you come out of them, and it's scary. But you can only imagine what it would be like to be insane and not come out of it, or a version of that, like dementia."

Sixx is not the only member of MÖTLEY CRÜE who has battled alcohol addiction. Singer Vince Neil's 1984 drunk-driving accident killed HANOI ROCKS drummer Nicholas "Razzle" Dingley and seriously injured two others. He spent 15 days in jail and received five years probation.

"It was rough for everybody after that accident," Neil told USA Today in 2020. "I tried to stay sober for a few years, but it's tough when there's no support system around you. They were still doing coke and drinking and carrying on, and I just couldn't be a part of it."

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Billy Morrison and Ozzy Osbourne released a stripped-down version of their epic track "Gods Of Rock N Roll" on July 1 across all streaming platforms, with a special vinyl limited-edition double A-side that features both versions of the song available July 4 via TLG|ZOID, distributed by Virgin Music Group.

Earlier this year, the powerful orchestral version became a Top 10 rock radio hit, and now fans will experience the song in a whole new light with a stripped-down version that showcases Ozzy like never before.

Produced and reworked by Morrison, this version removes the guitars and drums, and adds a bass track from Chris Chaney, allowing Ozzy's unmistakable vocals to take center stage. The track features Fred Coury's (CINDERELLA) masterful orchestration and a hauntingly beautiful acoustic guitar solo by Steve Stevens (Billy Idol),bringing new emotional depth to the already iconic song.

When the orchestral version of "Gods Of Rock N Roll" was released in February, Ozzy told Kerrang!: "Billy and I wrote 'Gods Of Rock N Roll' together in a hotel room while I was touring in South America about 10 years ago. This re-recorded version of the song finally has all the bells and whistles. I told Billy then that it needed an orchestra and a choir, but it took 10 FUCKING YEARS for him to listen to me."

Morrison released a deluxe digital edition of "The Morrison Project" album on February 21. This special edition was released through TLG|ZOID, distributed by Virgin Music Group. The deluxe edition features six previously unreleased bonus tracks, including "Gods Of Rock N Roll".

Morrison explained: "I have always wanted the opportunity to do an expanded, 'deluxe' version of a record. It's basically where you get to have some fun, remix some things, and include songs that mean something personal. Thanks to the guys at TLG|ZOID, I have been given that opportunity! So to have Youth from KILLING JOKE actually mix an amazing dub version of 'We Are The Dead', to have Jeff Lane throw down an incredibly different remix of 'Crack Cocaine', and to have my track with CYPRESS HILL all on the extra disc is just a fantastic feeling! Plus I got the opportunity to remix 'Dystopia' myself and did the whole half-time vibe that I was originally playing with, back when I wrote it."

The original version of "Gods Of Rock N Roll" was the closing track on Morrison's sophomore album, 2015's "God Shaped Hole". Billy released his first solo album, "Stimulator", in 2008.

Ozzy previously made an appearance on Morrison's third solo album and first since 2015, "The Morrison Project", which came out in April 2024 via TLG|ZOID.

The British guitarist, singer, and songwriter — primarily known as Billy Idol's rhythm guitar player for the past 15 years alongside Stevens, and for his previous role as bassist in THE CULT — assembled 12 songs including additional guest performances by Idol, DMC, Al Jourgensen, Steve Vai, Steve Stevens, Linda Perry, Tommy Clufetos andJohn 5.

The LP's second single, "Crack Cocaine", featured Osbourne and Stevens, with Clufetos on drums.

"Crack Cocaine" marked the first new song with Ozzy on vocals since the 2022 release of his worldwide smash album "Patient Number 9" which earned him two Grammy Awards ("Best Rock Album", "Best Metal Performance").

"The Morrison Project" was produced by Billy Morrison, mixed by Barry Pointer and mastered by Dave Donnelly. All the songs on the album — recorded in Los Angeles at various studios — were written by Billy Morrison in collaboration with his guests.

Ozzy and Billy are longtime friends who co-host the "Ozzy Speaks" show on SiriusXM.

In an interview with Rolling Stone, Osbourne stated about Morrison: "Billy Morrison has been a good, good friend for such a long, long time. He's helped me out a lot of times over the years."

Asked what he and Morrison have in common on a musical level, Osbourne laughed and said: "Well, we're both fucking crazy."

Photo credit: Jane Stuart @JaneStuartPhotos

U.S. power metal act VICIOUS RUMORS has released the official music video for the song "Crack The Sky In Half". The track is taken from the band's upcoming album, "The Devil's Asylum", which will arrive on August 29 worldwide (except Japan) through SPV/Steamhammer as a CD digipak, LP version, download and stream.

VICIOUS RUMORS' founding guitarist Geoff Thorpe states: "'Crack The Sky' is a veritable anthem about never giving up and enjoying life to the full."

It's been five years since VICIOUS RUMORS unleashed its most recent album. Five years during which Thorpe and his crew played well over one hundred and fifty shows, presenting their longstanding career in condensed form and performing a playlist featuring their most important VR classics. These shows have left their mark on the bandmembers while at the same time releasing a burst of new energy. Both these factors are now about to culminate on "The Devil's Asylum", which Thorpe aptly summarizes, saying: "'The Devil's Asylum' sees us return to our roots, which we've combined with contemporary influences."

He continues: "VICIOUS RUMORS look back at a career that spans 45 years, so there's only one goal for us: Everything we do should always be significant, every show, every song, every new album. This band has always stood for maximum intensity, powerful music and lots of new, fresh ideas." In this respect, "The Devil's Asylum" couldn't be more typical of VICIOUS RUMORS and at the same time the album is bound to appeal to new fans.

Alongside Thorpe, there's original member Larry Howe on drums and vocals, with longtime bassist Robin Utbult, who has been with the group since 2019, completing the core foundation of VR. After the songs were written, the addition of two new members has made the band chemistry rise to a new level. There's vocalist Chalice and the second new member guitarist Denver Cooper, who — like Chalice — hails from Cape Coral in Florida.

Released in May, the first single and video for the song "Bloodbath" is a raw speed metal attack with melodic vocals and thrashy guitar riffs which perfectly combines the group's irresistible heaviness with speed and catchiness.

"The Devil's Asylum" track listing:

01. Bloodbath
02. Dogs Of War
03. Crack The Sky In Half
04. High Hell Hammer
05. Butchers Block
06. Abusement Park
07. Wrong Side Of Love
08. Boring Day In Hell
09. In Blood We Trust
10. Better Than Me
11. The Devil's Asylum

Thorpe formed VICIOUS RUMORS in 1979. He told The Press Democrat in a 2023 interview that there have been more than 40 different members in the band since its inception.

"One good thing about all of the members is that we have a very good relationship with almost all of them," Thorpe said. "When I need someone to fill in, I've got a lot of people I can call on."

VICIOUS RUMORS has released 17 albums, including three LPs recorded for Atlantic Records in 1990 and 1991, which were reissued as a box set titled "Vicious Rumors: The Atlantic Years" in September 2022.

JUDAS PRIEST has released an official cover version of BLACK SABBATH's "War Pigs" ahead of the Ozzy Osbourne-fronted heavy metal legends' final concert this weekend.

Although singer Rob Halford, guitarists Glenn Tipton, Richie Faulkner and Andy Sneap, bassist Ian Hill and drummer Scott Travis aren't scheduled to perform at Saturday's massive "Back To The Beginning" event in Birmingham, United Kingdom, they have paid tribute by recording a studio version of the 1970 "Paranoid" classic that they have used as PRIEST's walk-on music before hitting the stage. They have also released a performance video for the track, which can be seen below.

PRIEST said in a statement: "We are honored to show our love for Ozzy and BLACK SABBATH with our homage of 'War Pigs', a song we play at every show around the world that fans sing along to, reinforcing their love as well for the legendary Prince Of Darkness!"

This past May, Halford said that he was "absolutely gutted" to have to miss the last BLACK SABBATH concert this summer. Noting that PRIEST is scheduled to play the 60th-anniversary show of German hard rock legends SCORPIONS in Hannover, Germany on July 5 — the same day that the SABBATH event will take place at Villa Park — Rob told Metal Hammer: "I had no idea [the SABBATH show] was happening. It all got announced and was a big deal — [the Hannover concert featuring] SCORPIONS and PRIEST — and suddenly I get this phone call [from Ozzy Osbourne's wife and manager Sharon Osbourne]: 'Robbie, I know you've got this gig with SCORPIONS, but could you consider coming over to do a thing with Ozzy and the guys. He'd love to see you.'"

Halford explained that trying to make both performances happen would be "dangerous", adding: "Even with a private plane, there's a word called 'technical', where something could go wrong, or the weather that time of year could cause problems… I was absolutely gutted."

Acknowledging that K.K. Downing will perform at the Villa Park concert, Halford said that the founding PRIEST guitarist will represent "the spirit of the band".

"All my mates are going to be there though, great bands and artists," Rob added. "It's a wonderful and epic moment for SABBATH and heavy metal — it re-emphasizes that Birmingham is where metal came from."

Regarding PRIEST's choice of "War Pigs" as the walk-on music before gigs, Halford told Steve Newton of The Georgia Straight: "Yeah, that's kind of a nod to these boys that we've known from day one. We're from the same neck of the woods, and there’s a very strong friendship that still exists with us all. And it's kind of a rallying cry, really. Even our fans know now that when they hear that song it's almost time for PRIEST to hit the stage. It also gets our road crew to put the beer down and get ready for the show. Oh! It's time! Yep, yep — put the beer down! Okay!"

"Back To The Beginning" sold out in less than 10 minutes in February. The concert will mark the first time that the original lineup of BLACK SABBATH — Osbourne, guitarist Tony Iommi, bassist Geezer Butler and drummer Bill Ward — have played together in 20 years.

Also set to appear at the event are METALLICA, GUNS N' ROSES, TOOL, SLAYER, PANTERA, GOJIRA, ALICE IN CHAINS, HALESTORM, LAMB OF GOD, ANTHRAX and MASTODON.

In addition, there will be a performance by a "supergroup of musicians" including Duff McKagan and Slash (GUNS 'N' ROSES),Billy Corgan (THE SMASHING PUMPKINS),Fred Durst (LIMP BIZKIT),K.K. Downing (JUDAS PRIEST),Jake E. Lee (OZZY OSBOURNE),Tom Morello (RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE),Andrew Watt, Chad Smith (RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS),David Ellefson (MEGADETH),Vernon Reid (LIVING COLOUR),Whitfield Crane (UGLY KID JOE),David Draiman (DISTURBED),Frank Bello (ANTHRAX),Jonathan Davis (KORN),Lzzy Hale (HALESTORM),Mike Bordin (FAITH NO MORE),Rudy Sarzo (OZZY OSBOURNE, QUIET RIOT),Sammy Hagar, Scott Ian (ANTHRAX),Sleep Token II (SLEEP TOKEN) and Papa V Perpetua (GHOST).

In August 2023, Halford picked BLACK SABBATH's classic 1970 self-titled debut album as one of the albums he'd be willing to listen to in perpetuity if he found himself stranded and alone on an island. He said: "I would have to go with BLACK SABBATH, the original 'Black Sabbath' album that I think is the motivator for all great things in heavy metal."

Back in 2020, Halford broke down his top 10 favorite albums in an interview with Rolling Stone and explained how they helped make him who he is. Among the records included on the list was BLACK SABBATH's debut. At the time, Halford said about his choice: "They were local guys from the same neighborhood, the same neck of the woods as PRIEST. We literally grew up together, inventing this great music that we love and cherish so much called heavy-metal music.

"I chose the 'Black Sabbath' album just because, like so many bands, your first one or two records really establish who you are as a band," he explained. "It's a bit like PRIEST with 'Rocka Rolla' and 'Sad Wings Of Destiny'; 'Sad Wings Of Destiny' becomes the one we love so much because it becomes defining. With 'Black Sabbath', here was the first example of what heavy-metal music should sound like, just the texture, the tone, the structure of all of the material, Ozzy's very unique voice. It's just become a very important record in the discography of BLACK SABBATH."

Halford joined SABBATH for two gigs to support Ozzy Osbourne on his last shows for the "No More Tours" tour in November 1992 in Costa Mesa, California after SABBATH's singer at the time, Ronnie James Dio, refused to take the stage. Rob also performed with SABBATH members Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Bill Ward on August 26, 2004 at the Camden, New Jersey stop of Ozzfest after Ozzy came down with an "attack of bronchitis" and was unable to take part in the concert.

Asked which SABBATH tune he'd most enjoying performing with the band, Halford told The Georgia Straight: "Ooo, that's a good question. Um, I'd probably say the actual song 'Black Sabbath', which is, to me, the most evil song that's ever been written. [Laughs]. It's very fucking scary. There's something very malevolent about that song. It's just the whole — it's the way it starts, and then it's almost deathly quiet, and then that opening line: 'What is this I see before me?' You know, I just get goosebumps thinking about it now. And when I sang that song live, it makes you feel really… Wow… I can't describe it. It's just very overwhelming, the emotion is very overwhelming. And when you see Ozzy singing it you can see him change, you know, his whole demeanor, he just changes as a person to sing that song. It's really spooky."

Photo credit: Andy "Elvis" McGovern

Following the runaway success of their surprise physical-first album "Big Ole Album Vol. 1", A DAY TO REMEMBER are back with a brand new music video for their current, Top 20 radio single "All My Friends". Perfectly encapsulating the energy of the song, the new clip is an unfiltered, shot-shooting celebration of chaos and camaraderie featuring WWE superstar Seth Rollins and his flame thrower. Sound crazy? It is. Watch the raucous new video below.

The "All My Friends" video drops viewers into the middle of a rowdy dive bar night with A DAY TO REMEMBER and their friends — including Seth Rollins and Cody Quistad of WAGE WAR. Complete with crowd surfing, shots flying and a signature world-conquering, sing-along chorus made for losing your voice to, it's reckless, it's fun and is perfectly representative of the kind of debauchery the song's energy deserves.

Now riding high off a hugely successful European run of headline shows and stellar festival performances, A DAY TO REMEMBER will hit the road again this fall for a 36-date North American co-headline tour with fellow heavyweights YELLOWCARD. The "Maximum Fun Tour", produced by Live Nation, kicks off September 5 in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio and wraps November 22 in Corpus Christi, Texas, hitting major cities including Toronto, Camden, Dallas, San Diego, Minneapolis, Atlanta, and San Diego. Support will rotate across the run, with THE WONDER YEARS, STATE CHAMPS, DINOSAUR PILE-UP and BOUNDARIES all joining on select dates.

A DAY TO REMEMBER's "Big Ole Album Vol. 1", which arrived earlier this year via an unorthodox physical-first release strategy, landed Top 10 on the Billboard charts before it ever hit streaming. The album features mega-hits "Miracle" (initially released as a stand-alone single in 2022),"Feedback", "Make It Make Sense" and current single "All My Friends". The project has been widely praised by fans and media alike, with Kerrang! calling it "a powerful, razor-sharp reminder of why ADTR still dominate," while Rock Sound hailed the record as "a confident, explosive statement from a band whose creative well is nowhere near dry."

The "Maximum Fun Tour" marks A DAY TO REMEMBER's first major North American run since the album's release and is guaranteed to be an all-out party, the likes of which only A DAY TO REMEMBER can bring. Don't miss the opportunity to catch the band firing on all party cannons as they bring their new album, and the brand new video for "All My Friends" to life in the live arena this fall.

Formed in Florida in 2003, A DAY TO REMEMBER has spent over two decades defining and redefining the blueprint for modern heavy music. With nearly two billion global streams, multiple gold and platinum singles, and a fiercely loyal global fanbase, they've built a legacy on unpredictability, energy, and unshakable connection. Their latest release, "Big Ole Album Vol. 1", debuted to critical acclaim and commercial success — and marks a bold new era for the band.

Photo credit: Jimmy Fontaine

Long-running Swedish rap-metal combo CLAWFINGER has released the official Rune Foss-directed music video for its new single, "Scum". The track, which was mixed by Jocke Skog at the Sunmountain Facilities and mastered by Jens Bogren at Fascination Street, is a clear jab at U.S. president Donald Trump, with such lyrics as "a bad taste in my mouth, a sore sight for my eyes a foul stench in the air, a nasty vibe in the house a bad excuse for a man, a dark time for the earth" and "another pussy to grab, yes that's what you said, a small cock in your pants, no brain in your head".

CLAWFINGER vocalist Zak Tell said in a statement: "'Scum' is a raw, loud, and brutally honest punk rap anthem that goes straight for the throat. It's aimed at the kind of guy who's selfish, sexist, full of himself and somehow still talking. With sharp lyrics and a beat that hits like a punch, 'Scum' says what we're all thinking about that one guy we all wish would just vanish from the face of the earth. It's angry and it's dark. If you've ever wanted to spit in someone's face but lacked the upper-body strength or social permission, this song's for you."

Five years ago, Tell expressed his disdain for Trump while speaking to Germany's Metalogy about the enduring lyrical themes covered on the band's debut album, "Deaf Dumb Blind", which came out more than 30 years ago. He said: "I wish I could say that things have changed [since that record has released]. I guess a couple of things did that too. But if you look at what's going on in the world and how we behave as human beings, I think we haven't made much progress. And it looks like there is a Trump for every Greta [Thunberg] — that's just an example because it's just so much on the news. For every person who wants to improve the world, there is an idiot who wants to turn everything back. It kind of feels like it happens every time. I already thought that maybe this is simply human nature; the constant back-and-forth and colliding. I'm really not sure if things have gotten better. I wish I could say that they were. But I don't think they are. So I think that the 'Deaf Dumb Blind' message is still up to date and that it has stands the test of time quite well. Of course, it's difficult to be objective with something that is a big part of me."

CLAWFINGER recently announced that it has signed a new record deal with the Perception label, a division of Reigning Phoenix Music.

On Friday, June 20, CLAWFINGER shared the following message via social media: "Well, well, well... look who signed a record deal again, just a quick 32 years after our first one. Yes, it's true: we've officially signed with Perception label — a division of Reigning Phoenix Music.

"Do we understand how the music business works anymore? Absolutely not. Do we know if this is a brilliant move or a beautifully misguided one? Also no. Is the industry still a fickle beast that eats its young and spits out vinyl? Naturally. But are we thrilled to once again be caught in the trap? You bet your nostalgic little heart we are.

"Here's to new tunes, old habits, and making the same mistakes... but with better shoes."

Last July, Tell was asked by Metal Mad TV if he and his CLAWFINGER bandmates would ever release a follow-up album to 2007's "Life Will Kill You". He responded: "Well, [GUNS N' ROSES'] 'Chinese Democracy' took a long time too. I don't know. The thing is we don't really have a record deal anymore. We have a management. We release stuff via his label whenever we feel like it. We have maybe like five songs almost ready now. Maybe we'll release that as an EP.

"I don't know if there will be an album," he continued. "I don't know if there won't be an album. We're not planning an album. We write songs whenever we have ideas. Most of us have full-time jobs and do other stuff. So it's a question of time, and we have families. It's just putting the life puzzle together. So we don't have an album in the making. But we do have a few songs that are ready, more or less."

Asked if he and his CLAWFINGER bandmates still play small club shows, Zak said: "We only we only play really big festivals, because it's more people and it's more fun. No. To be honest, right now it's just festivals over the summer. Maybe there'll be some club dates later in the year.

"It's different times," he explained. "Buses cost more, planes cost more, crew cost more — everything has become more expensive And we've done pretty much everything. But there's one thing we refuse to do in our old age, and that is pay to play. We will not pay to play. But we've done that in the past. We did that in certain territories back in the '90s and early 2000s. We're not doing that again. We don't need to make big money or be rich fucking rock stars or anything, but we wanna come back with something. And also, what a lot of people don't realize is to put on a show, it costs you money. I mean, it probably costs us at least two thousand euro to do a gig — just in costs for crew members and flights. And it's probably even more than that. I don't know the figures, 'cause I'm just a stupid vocalist. But it costs money to play. It's not free. You don't just leave home and walk up on the stage, plug a guitar in and then go, 'Okay.' There's a lot of work behind it. And especially in this streaming and TikTok age, people don't realize that. They think everything is easy and simple."

In March 2022, CLAWFINGER released the official music video for its previous single, "Environmental Patients". The track marked the first new music from CLAWFINGER in more than two years.

Prior to the arrival of "Environmental Patients", CLAWFINGER released a single called "Tear You Down" in September 2019 and "Save Our Souls" in 2017. "Save Our Souls" was made available four years after CLAWFINGER announced it was calling it quits.

During the break from the studio, the members of CLAWFINGER were reportedly taking care of their families while performing sporadic reunion shows, mostly at European festivals. "CLAWFINGER no longer is our main job," the band explained at the time. "We all have other jobs and families to love."

CLAWFINGER's last studio album, the aforementioned "Life Will Kill You", was released in the U.S. in July 2008 via Locomotive Records. The CD, which entered the German Media Control chart at position No. 89 upon its European release in 2007, was recorded and produced at Sweden's Fear And Loathing Studios, a facility that CLAWFINGER runs along with the members of MESHUGGAH.

DANKO JONES's namesake frontman has weighed in on bands who rely heavily on pre-recorded tracks during their live performances.

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

Speaking to Austria's Mulatschag, Danko stated about acts who rely on pre-recorded tracks (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "Who am I to determine what rock and roll is and isn't? But for my taste, I don't really like it. But that's just me. I'm not the dictionary definition of what rock and roll is. And also, I think music is its own per generation. So each generation gets to decide what their music is. And the generation that uses backing tracks is a few generations removed from when I got into music, so who am I to hold everyone to my entry point? That's ridiculous and arrogant and all kinds of words you can use for that. Personally speaking, I don't really dig it. I don't get anything out of it, but that's just me personally."

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

DANKO JONES's twelfth studio album, "Leo Rising", will be released on November 21, 2025 via Perception, a division of Reigning Phoenix Music, and Sonic Unyon (for Canada).