During a recent episode of the "100 Songs That Define Heavy Metal" podcast, Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel discussed SLAYER's "Raining Blood", from 1986's "Reign In Blood" album, with the man who played drums on that track, Dave Lombardo. Asked where the song's iconic intro came from — a burst of thunder, three drumbeats and lightning-strike guitars — Lombardo said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "[Late SLAYER guitarist] Jeff [Hanneman]. Jeff recorded the demo. He recorded the drums and the guitar and presented that to us at rehearsal. And we thought it was a little odd. It was, like, 'What? You just want it to start this way?' And I don't know where the idea, where the rain came in. But the song was practically done, and it was on cassette. And we thought it was great, at least once the riff kicked in. That blew us away."

Regarding his drumming approach in "Raining Blood", Lombardo said: "I think — well, especially with that song… I had an idea of what I was doing in the first three records that we did, three, four records, from learning by listening to other drummers. At that time, obviously, it was IRON MAIDEN, MOTÖRHEAD, JUDAS PRIEST. So the drummers at that time laid the groundwork for me. And learning those songs and playing those songs with SLAYER really helped me hone in my ability to contribute drums to music that was presented to me. But then later, [when we recorded] 'Reign In Blood', [the album's producer] Rick Rubin really kind of honed my creativity and he helped me apply the creativity in very special places that impacted the next part of the song. So let's say when the vocals — let's say in the verse. You keep that space open. You can add little, tiny nuances, but you don't wanna overplay, because then you're taking away from the vocals. And then when the chorus comes in, or the bridge or whatever, he helped me hone in my creativity and add, let's say, a creative drum roll to lead into the next section. So I think that's where you're hearing, as a listener, the drums being played in a more melodic form as it's part of the song instead of, 'I'm playing drums and I need to show you how good I am at these chops that I've developed through the years.' It wasn't about that. It's about the song and making it as special and giving it the right amount of drumming."

According to Lombardo, another thing that "helped immensely" in elevating SLAYER's musicianship "was the amount of touring that we were doing. That's where you really develop your chops, your stamina, and you start hearing things a little differently from the stage perspective," he explained. "And I think, at least in my experience, that's where I started hearing music in a different way, in a more performance way, rather than just creative. It's, like, you know the power that certain rhythms have when they're performed live, so you try to record those rhythms as authentically as possible. It just comes with experience, and I believe the touring really helped us in developing not only our sound, but our style."

"Reign In Blood" was released on October 7, 1986 through Def Jam Recordings. The album was the band's first collaboration with record producer Rick Rubin, whose input helped the band's sound evolve. Kerrang! magazine described the record as "the heaviest album of all time," and a breakthrough in thrash metal and speed metal.

"Reign In Blood"'s release was delayed because of concerns regarding its graphic artwork and lyrical subject matter. The opening track, "Angel Of Death", which refers to Josef Mengele and describes acts such as human experimentation that Mengele committed at the Auschwitz concentration camp, provoked allegations of Nazism. However, the bandmembers stated numerous times they do not condone Nazism, and are merely interested in the subject.

On the topic the controversy surrounding "Reign In Blood"'s lyrical content, Hanneman previously said, "'Angel Of Death' was a big problem. I remember getting a phone call after the album was done: Sony wasn't going to release it. I remember being at home, pissed, throwing things. What the fuck? I didn't think anything was wrong with 'Angel Of Death' or anything else we did, it's a documentary! There's no 'Heil Hitler' or 'white people rule,' it's a documentary; grow up, people. It took months before they picked it up again. Finally, we got signed by a distributor."

"Reign In Blood" was SLAYER's first album to enter The Billboard 200 chart (at No. 94). The LP was certified gold by the RIAA (Recording Industry Association Of America) on November 20, 1992 for sales in excess of 500,000 copies.

In a 2009 interview with Filter magazine, SLAYER frontman Tom Araya stated about "Reign In Blood", "On that first album [together], Rubin made sure that he recorded. He wanted to duplicate what he was hearing." Guitarist Kerry King added, "It was the first time you actually heard SLAYER in its pure ferocity, and it made a big difference. One funny thing about that album is if it came out today, no one would give a shit. They'd say, 'That's cool.' But at the time it came out it made such a difference. People still reflect on that as a poignant time, where shit changed."

Back in October 2021, Lombardo told Metal Injection about "Reign In Blood": "I look at that album as a masterpiece. And it's one of those albums that will stand the test of time. It's brilliant. The fire, the energy that that album has. I don't hear that in other records. I don't know if it's because I'm listening to a band that I was part of that I have this perspective that's objective. But you know, it's brilliant and I'm very appreciative … I think that album will forever be like the epitome of thrash music and part of a historic time in music history… SLAYER had a certain energy that's unlike anything else. And so that definitely is for me one of the greatest metal records ever made."

Lombardo, who splits most of his time between crossover pioneers horror-punk icons MISFITS, hardcore supergroup DEAD CROSS and MR. BUNGLE, was effectively fired from SLAYER after sitting out the group's Australian tour in February/March 2013 due to a contract dispute with the other bandmembers. He has since been replaced by Paul Bostaph, who was previously SLAYER's drummer from 1992 until 2001.

Shortly after his dismissal, Lombardo said that he discovered that 90 percent of SLAYER's tour income was being deducted as expenses, including fees to management, costing the band millions and leaving them with about 10 percent to split four ways. While he and Araya hired auditors to figure out what had happened, Lombardo said he was never allowed to see any of the information obtained.

A few years ago, King said that "when Dave was in [SLAYER] this last time, I figured I'd be on the stage with him until one of us fell off the stage, dead. Things change. He got some bad advice and listened to some bad advice, gave us an ultimatum ten days before we went to Australia [to do the Soundwave festival tour]. And I said, 'I can't have this over my head.' And I feel bad for Dave to this day; I really feel bad for him because he shot himself in the foot. Maybe he thought he had the upper hand, but you ain't gonna get me."

Photo credit: Ekaterina Gorbacheva

LED ZEPPELIN frontman Robert Plant and his band SAVING GRACE performed live at Göteborgs Konserthus in Gothenburg, Sweden on Sunday, May 11. Fan-filmed video of the entire concert can be seen below.

Plant formed SAVING GRACE back in 2019. He is joined in the band's current lineup by Suzi Dian (vocals),Oli Jefferson (percussion),Tony Kelsey (mandolin, baritone, acoustic guitar) and Matt Worley (banjo, acoustic, baritone guitars, cuatro) and Barney Morse Brown (cello).

Plant continues to push boundaries and blow audiences away with SAVING GRACE. His current European tour, which kicked off on May 3 in Brussels, Belgium, is a rare opportunity to witness the collective's unique blend of folk, Americana, and blues.

In a 2021 interview with Express & Star, Plant admitted SAVING GRACE's sound was hard to characterize.

"A lot of people call it Americana, but it is definitely not Americana," he said. "I would describe it as psychedelic soul."

Since forming six years ago, SAVING GRACE has received numerous acclaims for its live shows, with Bob Harris describing it as "one of the best gigs I've seen in years" and Toni Woodward of Americana UK providing a perfect summary: "These five musicians have produced a supreme ninety minutes of music with considered interpretations of others' compositions, ensuring they present an innovative exploration of the songs whilst maintaining their true essence. Furthermore, this odyssey has been undertaken in the spirit of appreciation, musicianship, and exultation: they truly are a band of joy!"

Robert Plant presents Saving Grace feat. Suzi Dian, Spring Fever tour 2025 dates. Visit http://robertplant.com/ for...

Posted by Robert Plant on Monday, March 17, 2025

AURI, the project featuring NIGHTWISH mainman/keyboardist Tuomas Holopainen and his wife, popular Finnish singer Johanna Kurkela, will release its third studio album, "III - Candles & Beginnings", on August 15, 2025.

Propelled by the celestial voice of Kurkela, the lush sonic landscapes of Holopainen, and the boundless instrumental artistry of Troy Donockley, AURI once again invites listeners into a world that defies genre. Fusing elements of folk, progressive and symphonic music with touches of world, pop, and avant-garde, "III - Candles & Beginnings" promises an immersive journey for the senses.

The creative process for this new chapter began in 2023, shortly after the completion of NIGHTWISH's 2024 opus "Yesterwynde". While Troy composed in the serene landscapes of Yorkshire, Tuomas and Johanna crafted melodies and lyrics from their home base in Kitee, Finland — bridging worlds both musically and geographically.

As a first glimpse into AURI's evolving soundscape, the hauntingly beautiful lead single "Shieldmaiden" is available now, accompanied by a stunning cinematic video directed by longtime collaborator Ville Lipiäinen.

Donockley comments: "Our new album 'Auri III' is waiting to be released, and one of its songs, 'Shieldmaiden', has already escaped. It's a mysterious song, obscured by its own slow rising power. AURI thrives on mystery and ambiguity so all is well…"

The drums for "III - Candles & Beginnings" were laid down in January at the Petrax facility in Hollola, Finland by Kai Hahto, best known as the drummer of NIGHTWISH and WINTERSUN. Hahto will also tour with AURI when the band hits the road later this year.

AURI released its second album, "II - Those We Don't Speak Of", in September 2021 via Nuclear Blast. The effort was the follow-up to AURI's self-titled debut LP, which came out in March 2018 via Nuclear Blast.

AURI began its life with three people, united through their shared need to hear a kind of a music which can't be described by words alone. The first song born of this mindset, "Aphrodite Rising", appeared in 2011.

Kurkela lent her unique voice, while Holopainen and English composer and multi-instrumentalist Troy Donockley (also of NIGHTWISH) cast their spells with various other instruments. Now complemented by the dynamic percussive talents of Kai Hahto (NIGHTWISH),the threesome carves fantastical worlds entirely their own.

In a 2018 interview with Dead Rhetoric, Donockley stated about AURI's formation: "It was always there for us, since 2010. We decided back then that the three of us wanted to do something together. Tuomas and I are huge fans of Johanna's voice. I had been involved in one of her albums as a guest musician, and Tuomas had written a song for her on a solo album. So the three of us realized pretty early on that we wanted to do something together, musically. It was obvious that it couldn't be like NIGHTWISH. But it was something we felt really strongly about, that we had to release this atmosphere we all felt, and were tuned into. I know that sounds fairly vague, but that's truly what it was. It was a kind of music that we wanted to get out of ourselves. We are close friends and have very similar tastes and attitudes towards life so we made our plans, but NIGHTWISH is a behemoth. We have our commitments there and we did 'Imaginaerum' and 'Endless Forms Most Beautiful' after our decision to work together on some music. As it turned out, fortune smiled on us with a sabbatical year. We decided to dive in and work on it."

Asked how he would compare the spirit/essence of AURI with that of NIGHTWISH, Donockley said: "We don't see it as very different from NIGHTWISH at all. Sonically it is, for sure. We were struggling to find a label for it, as it usually happens, so I just tossed out 'celestial metal.' So this Polish journalist said to me, 'I know what you mean about celestial metal. It's kind of heavenly music. It has the metal attitude, but without all of the electric guitars and bass.' Metal is an attitude. The metal scene — the metal fans are open-minded, as I said before. The Italian [NIGHTWISH] fan club, I did an interview with them, and this was brought up and she told me that she was a fan of DIMMU BORGIR as well as Ed Sheeran. That's it right there! So I think the NIGHTWISH connection is inevitable because of Tuomas and I are in it, so there are those elements. But I think the spirit is the same as NIGHTWISH. It does cover a lot of the same themes, it's just not obviously NIGHTWISH. It's down to the sonic side, honestly."

Holopainen and Kurkela have been married since October 2015.

Having been a studio endeavor in the past, AURI is finally going on tour, with its first-ever live European trek kicking off in August 2025. Check out the dates below.

AURI's "A Trail Of Candles & Beginnings" tour dates:

Aug. 13 - FI - Kitee, Kiteesali
Aug. 14 - FI - Kitee, Kiteesali
Aug. 16 - FI - Tampere, Tampere-talo
Aug. 20 - FI - Oulu, Madetojan Sali
Aug. 22 - FI - Vaasa, Ritz
Aug. 23 - FI - Helsinki, Helsinki Festival / Huvilateltta (+ Eye Of Melian)
Sep. 12 - UK - Manchester, RNCM Theatre
Sep. 13 - UK - Edinburgh, Queen ́s Hall
Sep. 15 - UK - London, Union Chapel
Sep. 16 - BE - Gent, Theaterzaal Vooruit
Sep. 17 - FR - Paris, La Cigale (+ Eye Of Melian)
Sep. 18 - NL - Utrecht, Tivoli Vredenburg (+ Eye Of Melian)
Sep. 20 - CH - Zürich, Volkshaus
Sep. 21 - DE - Stuttgart, Liederhalle
Sep. 22 - DE - Cologne Theater am Tanzbrunnen (+ Eye Of Melian)
Sep. 23 - DE - Essen, Lichtburg
Sep. 25 - DE - Mannheim, Capitol
Sep. 26 - DE - Munich, St. Matthäuskirche
Sep. 27 - AT - Vienna, Simm City
Sep. 29 - HU - Budapest, MOM Kult
Sep. 30 - CZ - Prague, Hybernia
Oct. 01 - DE - Berlin, Passionskirche
Oct. 02 - DE - Leipzig, Kupfersaal
Oct. 04 - PL - Warsaw ,Palladium
Oct. 06 - DE - Hamburg Laeiszhalle
Oct. 07 - DK - Copenhagen, Amager Bio
Oct. 08 - SE - Stockholm, Nya Cirkus
Oct. 09 - NO - Oslo Sentrum Scene
Oct. 10 - NO - Bergen Grieghallen

AURI is:

Johanna Kurkela - voices, violin, viola, keys
Tuomas Holopainen - keys & backing voices
Troy Donockley - guitars, bouzouki, mandola, uilleann pipes, low whistles, aerophone, bodhran, keys, voices

Photo credit: Pete Voutilainen

MOTÖRHEAD has shared an official video recap of the unveiling of the statue of the band's founder and bassist/vocalist Lemmy Kilmister, which was held on Friday, May 9 during the "Lemmy Forever" ceremony in Burslem, Stoke on Trent, England. Check it out below.

With MOTÖRHEAD guitarist Phil Campbell attending to place Lemmy's ashes in a magnificent statue created by local sculptor, and huge MOTÖRHEAD fan, Andy Edwards, the day was filled with fun, friends, and some volume too.

The ceremony commenced in Burslem town center at approximately 4:00 p.m., with friends invited to come early and make a day of it by enjoying some pre-ceremonial MOTÖRHEAD beverages at the various site-adjacent hostelries including Old Post Office bar and Ale House, while the Market Place Café also had refreshments, including a special MOTÖRHEAD roast of the day.

Some of the ceremonial festivities included a biker's corteo accompanying the ashes, various speakers, and a roaring 21-rev salute which hit the skies in ceremonial reverence. The statue itself captures Lemmy in all his live glory from the 1981 era, which saw MOTÖRHEAD headline the Heavy Metal Holocaust just down the road at Port Vale Stadium back on August 1, 1981.

MOTÖRHEAD fan Nobby, who was at the ceremony, told BBC Radio Stoke he had been following the band since he was 15 and described the unveiling as "absolutely awesome".

"It's unbelievable — it looks alive. Looking at it now, he really has captured Lemmy to a tee. It's brilliant," he said.

"It's well worth the wait, well worth everything and I hope it brings people to Burslem to see it."

Edwards, who had previously created sculptures of THE BEATLES, Bob Marley, Sir Alex Ferguson, Muhammed Ali and the BEE GEES, said: "Of all the figures in music, there aren't that many that have the unique stature that Lemmy does. He's like an avatar of the purest spirit of rock and roll — he's one of us. I think it's right that it [the statue] has been made locally."

MOTÖRHEAD is a Grammy Award-winning British rock band renowned for their groundbreaking contributions to a variety of musical genres including heavy metal, punk rock and rock'n'roll, as well as their rebellious, free-wheeling attitude. 2025 sees the band celebrating its 50th anniversary with a series of "Motörhead For Life" and "Lemmy Forever" events to carry on the lifestyle perpetuated by the band and its iconic frontman Lemmy Kilmister.

Lemmy, who was born in Burslem and later lived in nearby Newcastle-under-Lyme and Madeley, died on December 28, 2015 at the age of 70 shortly after learning he had been diagnosed with cancer.

MOTÖRHEAD had to cancel a number of shows in 2015 because of Lemmy's poor health, although the band did manage to complete a European tour a couple of weeks before his death.

In June 2020, it was announced that Lemmy would get the biopic treatment. The upcoming film, "Lemmy", will be directed by Greg Olliver, who previously helmed the 2010 documentary of the same name, "Lemmy".

A custom-made urn containing Lemmy's ashes is on permanent display in a columbarium at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Hollywood, California.

Lemmy statue

What a fantastic day we've had in Burslem.

Hundreds of people turned out to honour Motörhead frontman Lemmy with a brand-new statue in Market Place.

Cllr Lyn Sharpe paid tribute to Lemmy before the statue was unveiled this afternoon.

Posted by Stoke-on-Trent City Council on Friday, May 9, 2025

Wicked day at the Lemmy statue unveiling in stoke. Met some great people and listened to some great music.

@...

Posted by Ethan Quinney on Sunday, May 11, 2025



The legend has returned to Burslem!

What a fantastic turnout for Lemmy's statue unveiling.

Now time for the after party in typical Motörhead style.

Posted by Stoke-on-Trent City Council on Friday, May 9, 2025

Christian rockers STRYPER enter the studio in late April to begin recording their first-ever full-length Christmas album. The 10-song effort will include five original Christmas tracks and five traditional Christmas cuts, including remakes of "Reason For The Season" and "Winter Wonderland", both of which originally appeared on a 1985 single and were also made available on the 1986 re-release of STRYPER's debut EP, "The Yellow And Black Attack".

Earlier today (Tuesday, May 13),STRYPER frontman Michael Sweet took to his social media to write: "Update on Christmas album: Today the guys are going home.

"We accomplished a lot in 13 days! Everything is sounding absolutely amazing. [Longtime STRYPER collaborator] Danny [Bernini at SpiritHouse Recording Studios in Northampton, Massachusetts] and I will go through all the songs today and make some adjustments to levels and prep mixes for me to sing too. I'll then go home and take a day or two off and then I'll start singing and tracking vocals. I'll have that wrapped up before we leave for Sweden. And then when we get back from Sweden, mixes will be finalized and it will be mastered and get turned in by the end of June or the very beginning of July.

"This album has its own unique signature to it and it's becoming a favorite of mine. There's just something about it that's really special and unique. An album weve wanted to do for so many years and here we are.

"We tried some different things on this album in terms of the sound but yet we didn't venture too far away from who we are and what we do. It's 100% STRYPER yet it has some new flavors here and there and it's really amazing how it turned out. It will be released this year.

"We'll also be starting on a brand new album in January of next year. It will be our 18th studio album (unless my math is wrong). We're almost at my goal of 21 albums. Then I have to catch up with the solo albums. With the release of the inspirational album, I'll be at 12. My goal with that is also 21."

STRYPER's latest studio album, "When We Were Kings", came out in September 2024.

The band recently completed the U.S. leg of its 40th-anniversary tour, which was described as "a celebration of both classic hits and new-era fan favorites, including outfit changes and an exciting new show production."

In December 2023, Michael underwent partial thyroidectomy, the surgery to remove part of his thyroid gland. It is the most common surgery for thyroid cancer.

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

STRYPER's albums include "To Hell With The Devil", "Second Coming", "No More Hell To Pay", "Fallen", "God Damn Evil", "Even The Devil Believes" and "The Final Battle".

In a recent interview with The Front Row Report With Reggie Edwards, Michael Sweet spoke about how his songwriting process has evolved over the four decades of STRYPER's existence. He said: "I personally think that that's my greatest gift in terms of the abilities God's given me. I'm a guitar player, I'm a singer, but I feel like I shine more at songwriting, and I get more excited about it.

"When I sit down to write, it's always a few weeks before we start recording," he continued. "I don't have any songs, and I sit down in my studio and I write a song a day. Once I have one song finished, I go down the next day, I write another song until there's 11 songs or 12 songs. And then we go in a studio, I teach the songs to the guys and we record them. And it's been that way really from the beginning, starting with [the 1984 EP] 'The Yellow And Black Attack', but the difference between now and then is we spent more time working out songs [back then]. Now it's a lot faster process, and it's not because it's rushed [or] because we have to; it's just because that's the way it is. That's the way it works.

"But I love writing," Sweet added. "Everyone has this perception that we've always written songs as a band. That's just not true. It's never been that way. I've always been open and honest about that. And sometimes people think I'm a dictator and I hold a gun to the guys' heads and I don't let 'em write and whatnot, and it's just not true. I give music to my brother all the time and say, 'Hey, why don't you write the lyrics?' Because Robert's [Sweet, STRYPER drummer] a good lyricist. I say, 'Why don't you write the lyrics for the song?' And three months later, when it's time for me to sing the song, the lyrics aren't done. So I wind up doing it myself. And it's perceived often as I don't let the guys do anything, and it couldn't be further from the truth. And I'm letting you know that, I'm going off on that a bit of tangent, because I see this online every day. I just saw something at breakfast an hour ago, someone saying that very same thing."

Michael also addressed his reputation as one of the most outspoken musicians in metal when it comes to his beliefs and thoughts. He said: "The thing is, I'm a very open book. So when I do interviews, I speak my heart. The other guys don't. And what I mean by that is when my brother does interviews, he's much more reserved and cautious about what he says. Now, behind the scenes, he'll say what's on his heart, and I hear it all. I hear it all, 'cause I travel with him. Same with Oz [Fox, STRYPER guitarist]. Same with Perry [Richardson, STRYPER bassist]. I hear everything that you hear me saying in interviews and then some. But see, people's perception is they don't say anything bad, I say everything bad. I'm the dictator, I'm the tyrant, I'm this, I'm that. And then when I talk about it, like I'm doing now, I'm a crybaby. I'm going off and I'm getting upset about it. And I guess the point I'm trying to make — as much as I love these guys, the public perception of this band isn't at all true. It's always been that way. When I left the band, people hated me. I still have people come up to me to this day and say, 'I hated you. I was so mad at you because you left the band, you left the other three guys. You betrayed them. You abandoned them.' And I'm, like, wow. I left this band to save my marriage. I had to. I had to. And I wanted my marriage to survive. I wanted to be a father to my children. And the perception is I was an asshole."

Update on Christmas album:

Today the guys are going home. We accomplished a lot in 13 days! Everything is sounding...

Posted by Michael Sweet on Tuesday, May 13, 2025

This past March, CHEVELLE unleashed its first new music in four years with the single "Rabbit Hole (Cowards, Pt. 1)". It's a gnarly, riffy rager with more hooks than a tackle box and alternately snarling and melodic vocals. Push and pull tension define the song, which leads to thrilling, dissonant breakdown at the end of the song. Put simply, it was worth the wait.

Today, the band, fresh off an appearance at Coachella, shares the official video for "Rabbit Hole (Cowards, Pt. 1)", which is rife with the same tension as the song. The black-and-white footage is stark yet startling, and is unlike anything the band has done in the past.

"The sea was angry that day, my friends, for sometimes you cast your net and win, sometimes you lose, and sometimes you just don't get that happy ending. Either way enjoy the new 'Rabbit Hole' music video, friends!," the band says.

In a recent interview with "Whiplash", the KLOS radio show hosted by Full Metal Jackie, CHEVELLE drummer Sam Loeffler spoke about "Rabbit Hole (Cowards, Pt. 1)". The track is taken from CHEVELLE's as-yet-unannounced tenth studio album, which will arrive later in the year. The follow-up to 2021's "Niratias" will mark CHEVELLE's first release through Alchemy Recordings following a long run with the Epic label. Alchemy Recordings is a record label created in partnership between Dino Paredes, former American Recordings vice president of A&R, and Danny Wimmer, the founder of Danny Wimmer Presents, the premier production company for rock music festivals in the United States.

Asked why he and his brother, CHEVELLE vocalist/guitarist Pete Loeffler decided to produce the band's new LP themselves after working with Joe Barresi for almost a decade and a half, Sam said: "Well, I'll tell you this. We did four records with Joe [starting with 2011's 'Hats Off To The Bull'], and he was awesome. And he said to us, he goes, 'You guys should do something different. Go try doing a record yourselves. See how it goes.' So we did. And it's the hardest thing we've ever done, for sure. It's probably not worth it, but we did it, and we can say we did it."

As for the decision to part with Epic and find a new label home, Sam said: "After we did eight full-length records with Epic Records, which we still have a very good relationship with them, yeah, we branched out and became part of a label with our friends that we've known for 25 years in the business. And our old friend Danny Wimmer tried to sign us to Flawless Records back in like 2000, and it didn't work out, and we went to Sony instead. So now, after all these years, we've signed with him and his current label, so it was kind of cool."

Asked what lyrical themes are covered on CHEVELLE's upcoming album, Sam said: "Well, [Pete is] definitely our lyricist, and he likes to write about things going on around him, of course — anything that's just interesting that you can make interesting in an interesting way. That's a lot of 'interesting' words there. So, yeah, on this one — 'Rabbit Hole' is really about going down a rabbit hole. And that's 'Cowards, Pt. 1'. And there's a 'Cowards, Pt. 2', which deals with the same stuff but just a different part of it. And I don't wanna give that away yet 'cause I'm hoping that's gonna be the second single. And that'd be really rad if it was. But it's definitely about going down rabbit holes."

On the topic of a possible release date for CHEVELLE's tenth studio album, Sam said: "Well, I'm hoping record will be out by the time we go on tour [in August]. It's just a matter of getting all the artwork and everything finished to get in the queue for printing LPs and stuff. So, we should have a date hopefully soon, the actual date. But this album's pretty well-rounded as far as heavy songs go. I mean, it's mostly really, really hard rock, 'cause that's our thing, but there's two lighter songs on it. And this song, 'Rabbit Hole', is, as far as the rock songs, the lightest song on the record, for sure. So you just end up going with the mid-tempo song as your first single. It happens every time."

This past March, Sam told Audacy Music about the musical direction of the new CHEVELLE material: "We've worked really hard on it, and I think it's some of the best stuff we've ever done, honestly. It's so much fun to play, that's for sure."

Pete added: "We're just happy maintaining — we're trying to maintain, anyway — and put out shit that's fun to play live. And a lot of these tracks are. I'm running through four of 'em right now that I can rip out at any time. That goes both ways too. A lot of fans wanna hear the old stuff, some wanna hear the new, but we just try and mix it up. But I think this new album's gonna be a blast to see it live. So, come out to a show, please."

This summer CHEVELLE will embark on a massive tour with special guests ASKING ALEXANDRIA and DEAD POET SOCIETY. Produced by Live Nation, the 38-city trek kicks off on August 7 at Boeing Center at Tech Port in San Antonio, Texas, making stops across North America in Chicago, New York, Los Angeles and more before wrapping up in Airway Heights, Washington at BECU Live at Northern Quest on October 2.

Last July, Sam told TribLive.com about CHEVELLE's next LP: "We kind of did expect to have it done [already]. It's like pulling teeth. This is what I described: Writing an album and doing all that is like pulling your hair out and then trying to put it back in. Writers love having written, is what I learned. It's just torturous on my brother. It's torturous because there's just so many factors to making something great. And then the longer you can live with it, the more changes you're gonna make. So that makes you never want to put it out. You never want to pull the pin and throw the grenade because you're like, well, it gets better every time I look at it."

As for what the 10-song album sounds like, Sam said: We're always skewing towards heavy. [But] these [last] two songs that we've been working on right now are definitely different from everything we did, although 'Niratias', our last album, I think was a really important snapshot of what we've been learning about writing and about music and stuff. This one definitely sounds different than just rock music, definitely different."

Back in 2022, Sam told Knotfest's Cori Westbrook about CHEVELLE's songwriting process: "Well, Pete's our songwriter so he's our lyricist and everything. Basically, he just writes about what's going on around him. If he's taking the garbage out that night or has a bad day driving, he's watching a documentary that really affected him, he hears a podcast — so he's writing about those kinds of things. So if you're able to internalize that kind of a thing, I think you have a lot to write about. It doesn't just have to be a relationship that — a relationship with your dad or your significant other. I think those are some pretty powerful feelings — I get it — but if you are able to bring in all those other things in from your everyday life, there's a lot more to write about. So as far as inspiration goes, it's not hard to find; it's everywhere; it's all around you. And especially nowadays, we have so much access to what's going on around us that there's even more ideas to pull from."

In a separate interview with Heavy New York, Sam said that he and Pete had "a whole bunch of music written... Because that's what we do — you put music out, you write… It'll be our first record in a long time not with a major label, which is just neither here nor there," he added. "Epic Records did a lot of good stuff; we were with them for a long time, but we're finished with that contract now. So now we're doing something different. And we'll see how different it is."

Released in March 2021 via Epic Records, "Niratias" was recorded throughout 2019 and 2020 with Barresi. The album artwork was designed by Boris Vallejo — the famed and award-winning artist is responsible for the posters used for films like "Knightriders" and "National Lampoon's Vacation", as well as iconic '70s and '80s science fiction novel covers and magazines (such as Heavy Metal).

Over the course of its career, the Chicago rockers have generated nearly half a billion streams, notched seven No. 1 hits, and sold out shows worldwide. Their catalog spans the double-platinum "Wonder What's Next", which boasts the double-platinum smash "The Red" and the platinum hit "Send The Pain Below". "This Type Of Thinking (Could Do Us In)" attained platinum status, while "Vena Sera" was certified gold. CHEVELLE has landed four Top 10 debuts on the Billboard 200, including "Sci-Fi Crimes" (2009),"Hats Off To The Bull" (2011),"La Gárgola" (2014) and "The North Corridor" (2016). The latter two each captured the No. 1 slot on the Top Rock Albums chart.

In a new interview with the Play That Rock N' Roll podcast, Billy Sheehan was asked how he feels about the fact that MR. BIG is now a closed chapter of his career, at least as far as recording new albums and playing live shows is concerned. The 72-year-old bassist responded (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "I really feel great about it. 'Cause we did accomplish a lot. We had a Number One single, we had platinum records. We had a Number One in 14 countries. We played all over the planet. Having a hit single is your passport to the world. We played everywhere — India, Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, Korea, Japan, Russia, every country in Europe, pretty much every country in South America as well, and Australia, all over. Quite amazing. I wish everyone — I know it's impossible, but I wish everyone could at least go through that or just have a shot at having a Number One single and going all over the world."

Asked what he is working on right now, Sheehan said: "Writing like a fiend. Practicing my bass like a supreme fiend. I've got a lot of new things I'm working on and some of them take a great amount of effort and time to really get my hands and muscles grooved in on 'em, 'cause they are complex and complicated. Not necessarily sounding complex, but there's things that are difficult to do. So I'm just so happy that I get up every morning, feed the cats, and I go downstairs and I start hitting it hard. And usually when I'm off the road, I don't have calluses — my calluses are major — and I play guitar and write on guitar as well. Just learning a whole different approach to some of the chording that I've done in the past. And so I just wanna write a lot. And I have about two or three groups of people that I will be working with on some records and possibly touring as well. Nothing that I can speak of at this point, but a lot of folks."

MR. BIG played the final show of its "The BIG Finale!" tour on February 25 at Nippon Budokan in Tokyo, Japan. Earlier that same month, the band played three other shows: on February 14 at the Bloomverse Festival in Meghālaya, India, on February 16 at the Bloomverse Express in Bengaluru, India, and on February 22 at the Osaka Music Hall in Osaka, Japan.

In an October 2024 interview with Ruben Mosqueda of We Go To 11, Sheehan was asked if the band's "The BIG Finish" farewell tour was just the end of extensive touring for him and his bandmates, with plans to make special appearances from time to time, or if MR. BIG was going to become a studio-only project going forward. Billy responded: "The end is the end. It's finished. If some extenuating circumstances come up, we might do a show or two, maybe, but touring and recording… We kind of wanted to put a period at the end of the sentence. And as I've said many times, we wanted to run over the finish line, not crawl over it. And for us, a fully functional band is on tour playing live and doing the thing and writing recording, and then go out on after the record and do another tour, to do that, we've done that for 34 years, and it's been an amazing run. We have friends all over planet earth. It's fantastic. And it's probably our greatest asset, personally, for me, the amazing people that we've touched around the world. But we decided to really, 'Let's do it the right way,' and not to have some continual farewell thing that goes on for an eternity."

He continued: "Our last show [of 2024] was in Romania [in August 2024]. Unusual. That's where the roulette ball fell into that as we spun the wheel. And we had a great time. And our last shows in Europe, we did a bunch of shows in Germany. Amazing. We have a lot of friends in Germany. We had big hits in Germany as well. And all over Europe and England. We got to play Ireland — Belfast and Dublin. And I'm an Irishman, so that was very nice. We played Liverpool, the Holy Ground. It was quite amazing. I had to put one little BEATLES melody in my solo at the end. Pretty cool. So it was a nice way to go out. I'm glad we did it. We did it with as much class as we're capable of. We did the final tour, and I'm very, very pleased about it."

In a separate interview with George Dionne of KNAC.COM, singer Eric Martin once again admitted that he was second guessing the group's decision to stop touring after the completion of "The BIG Finish" farewell tour. Asked what "The BIG Finish" means to him, he said: "Yeah, I'm not pulling the wool over anybody's eyes. It means the touring is over. Which kind of bums me out, because I was there in the meeting a year and change ago going, 'Yep. I agree. It's time that we call it quits.'

"I didn't wanna quit for the longest time," he admitted. "I mean, this was brought up, like, five years ago. 'Should we do a farewell tour?' We've got other projects going, and it's kind of hard to keep the MR. BIG thing alive. And I was, like, 'No,' cheerleading, 'Please, no. We've gotta keep it going.' But yeah, a year and a few months ago, I was totally in agreement with everybody going, 'Yeah, this is it.' I even thought of the name 'BIG Finish'. So I put the nail in the coffin. But now I'm, like, oh, I wish I had a nice big hammer to unclog that nail. 'Cause the band's so good and so tight. The crowd's coming out. New album came out. The momentum is there. And the band just sounds so tight on stage.

Circling back to what "The BIG Finish" meant as far as the possibility of future MR. BIG live shows, Eric said: "What I mean by 'The BIG Finish' is there's no touring anymore. I would hope that we still leave the door open. I mean, I brought this up many times online. Even Nick D'Virgilio, our drummer, he goes, 'Man, we should do a residency in Indonesia or Japan or just anywhere,' like do a residency. And I go, 'Man, I just hope we can play in a few years, play four or five shows here and there, maybe play a festival with bands in our ilk.' It'd be great to keep that door open. And no response. I think also, a whole year and almost a half of touring, everybody just kind of wants to take a break. But I'm, like, 'Let's ride this wave, brother. Let's do this.' But yeah, no more touring. No more multiple dates. It's over. The big lady has sung."

In August 2024, Eric told Roppongi Rocks's Stefan Nilsson that there was no chance of him and his MR. BIG bandmates going back on their word that they would not tour ever again. "We're not the kind of band — when we say that we're gonna quit and it's over and we're not touring anymore… We may do a one-off here and there every couple of years or whatever, but we're not going to be like the MÖTLEY CRÜEs and the KISSes," he explained." And no offense to them, because the crowds keep coming to see 'em, but we're not gonna do it. We just maybe have too much pride in it."

Asked if there was a chance of MR. BIG making more studio albums in the future, Eric said: "I did an interview the other day with Billy, and… I'm not my brother's keeper. I don't know what he thinks. I know what I think, that I'd like to do albums. If we're not gonna tour anymore for different reasons — I mean, I just don't wanna tour lengthy…. This has been a year. I just can't do it. I'm too old to… Everybody goes, 'Oh, what about THE ROLLING STONES?' Yeah. What about THE ROLLING STONES? Flying in, playing one show and two weeks later playing another show. Yeah, this is back-to-back touring. Hardly any hotels. I mean, the bus will suffice, but it's like a big camping trip for older men. So, I would like to do other albums. But the interview went like this. The guy goes, 'You gonna do another album?' And I'm, like, 'I'd like to.' And Billy goes, 'No, that's it.' I'm, like, 'All right.' But he's the guy that always says, 'Never say never.'"

MR. BIG played the last show of its "The BIG Finish" farewell tour on August 23, 2024 at the Way Too Far Rock Festival in Bistrița, Romania.

After the concert, Sheehan took to his social media to share a picture from the gig and he included the following message: "Romania!!! Crowd was a little bit light, but they made up for it in enthusiasm! The last MR. BIG show (not MY last show, goddammit!!).

"What a great run we've had since 1988. We made Great memories and millions (literally) of friends all around the world. My unlimited love and respect to all who listened, watched, purchased records, tickets and T -shirts. — without you we would have been nothing. Fact. Moving on now to other adventures, but never forgetting this amazing experience."

Gilbert added: "What an adventure! MR. BIG wraps up over a year of touring! Many thanks to ALL! I'll get home just in time for my son's 10th birthday. I hope he remembers who I am!"

D'Virgilio, who joined MR. BIG in 2023 as the replacement for the late Pat Torpey, commented: "It has been an amazing run with @billysheehanonbass @paulgilbert_official and @iamericmartin I've been able to rock n roll all over the world with the guys and I will be forever thankful. Big Love for MR. BIG!"

MR. BIG's tenth studio album, "Ten", was released on July 12, 2024 via Frontiers Music Srl. The LP features 11 new original tracks written by Martin and Gilbert, along with André Pessis and Tony Fanucchi. "Ten" was produced by Jay Ruston and MR. BIG.

D'Virgilio missed most of the final European leg of MR. BIG's "The BIG Finish" tour due to his commitments with his band BIG BIG TRAIN. He was temporarily replaced on the trek by Edu Cominato, an experienced drummer from São Paulo, Brazil who has previously played with Sheehan and Martin, Jeff Scott Soto and Geoff Tate (QUEENSRŸCHE),among others.

When MR. BIG announced "The BIG Finish" tour in 2023, the bandmembers said that it was "time to mark the end of this chapter of their legacy" after drummer Pat Torpey lost his battle with Parkinson's disease in 2018. The first leg kicked off in Japan and Southeast Asia in July and August 2023, where the band performed for hundreds of thousands of loyal fans at 11 sold-out shows including Budokan in Tokyo, Japan.

MR. BIG's last-ever live album release was "The BIG Finish Live", which came out on September 6, 2024 via the Evolution Music Group.

ASHES OF ARES, the U.S. heavy metal duo featuring former ICED EARTH members Matt Barlow and Freddie Vidales, has revealed first details of its new studio album, titled "New Messiahs", that is slated for a release in Europe on July 18 and in North America on August 8, 2025 via ROAR!

A music video for the LP's first single, "Wake Of Vultures", can be seen below.

Matt comments: "'Wake Of Vultures' is derived from the idea 'misery loves company' but this goes one step further. This is the back side of involving yourself with the group of miserable people. Once you are a part of that group, you are either a vulture or you are the miserable piece of meat that they feast upon. Another cautionary tale… I'm seeing a pattern."

Formed in 2012 by Barlow and Vidales, alongside former NEVERMORE drummer Van Williams, ASHES OF ARES was born from a shared vision: to create a sound that reflects their personal influences, ideas, and visions. With their self-titled debut album released in 2013, the band quickly captivated audiences in the USA and Europe with their electrifying live performances.

In 2017, after Van's departure, Matt and Freddie continued undeterred, forging ahead with their creative journey. Their sophomore album, "Well Of Souls" (2018),showcased a more intense and expansive sound, cementing the duo's partnership in songwriting, followed by their third full-length, "Emperors And Fools" (2022),that marked a new milestone and evolution in the sound of ASHES OF ARES.

Now, ASHES OF ARES returns with "New Messiahs", continuing its relentless pursuit of sonic excellence and delivering a collection of 12 new tracks that push the boundaries of the band's signature sound. Featuring the blistering title track and standouts like "Two Graves" and "Wake Of Vultures", the LP brings an emotional intensity, sharp songwriting, and captivating melodies that reflect their journey as artists.

"New Messiahs" introduces notable collaborations, including Kyle Taylor on drums and guest appearances from Charlie Honig, Craig Blackwell and Todd La Torre (QUEENSRŸCHE). A surprise bonus track, featuring a powerful cover of Elton John's "And The House Fell Down", highlights the duo's ability to make any song their own. Recorded and mastered by Byron Filson at Villain Recording in Phoenix, Arizona, the album features stunning artwork by Kamil Pietruczynik, bringing a visual dimension to the sonic experience.

Spanning over a decade of evolution, ASHES OF ARES continues to honor their commitment to heartfelt, powerful music that transcends boundaries. With "New Messiahs", they solidify their place as masters of storytelling and architects of a sound that resonates deeply with fans worldwide.

"New Messiahs" track listing:

01. Novus Ordo
02. New Messiahs
03. Two Graves
04. Where You Go
05. Wake Of Vultures
06. Infection Deception (CD bonus track)
07. Atrophy
08. Keep On Walkin'
09. The Hawk And The Dove
10. Lust To Feed
11. From Hell He Rides
12. And The House Fell Down (CD bonus track)

Recording lineup:

Matt Barlow - Vocals
Freddie Vidales - Guitars, Bass
Guest drums by Kyle Taylor

As previously reported, ASHES OF ARES will celebrate the upcoming 30th anniversary of ICED EARTH's third album, 1996's "The Dark Saga", on a European tour in September/October 2025.

Vidales played with ICED EARTH from 2008 to 2012 and is featured on the band's 2011 album "Dystopia".

Barlow served two stints with ICED EARTH, from 1993 to 2003 and from 2007 to 2011.

Recorded in early 1996, "The Dark Saga" was a concept album based on the Todd McFarlane comic book character Spawn (who also appears on the album's cover). Upon its arrival, the LP was praised for Barlow's vocals, as well as ICED EARTH founder, songwriter, guitarist and producer Jon Schaffer and Randall Shawver's guitar playing. Eduardo Rivadavia called Barlow's vocal performance "impressive throughout", while Mike Stagno felt that "Barlow's deeper vocal style also helps the songs sound much more emotional". Rivadavia also named Schaffer and Shawver's interplay the highlight of "The Dark Saga".

Seven years ago, Barlow told "The Classic Metal Show" about ASHES OF ARES: "Sometimes it's hard to escape the comparisons [to ICED EARTH], because my voice is still my voice no matter what, and I'm still gonna deliver things emotionally like I have before, so people are always gonna draw comparisons with ICED EARTH, and that's fine; I'm completely cool with that. I'm proud of my time in ICED EARTH, proud of everything that I've done with them, proud of them right now, going on and kicking ass. So I don't have any problem with that whatsoever — the comparisons. But that being said, I want ASHES to have its own identity as well. I think, again, as my writing partner, Freddie deserves that — he deserves to have his own identity in ASHES — and I think that's really important; that's what we're striving to do."

ICED EARTH played its final show with Barlow at the 2011 edition of the Wacken Open Air festival in Wacken, Germany.

Barlow, who is married to Schaffer's sister, announced his departure from ICED EARTH in March 2011. In a heartfelt statement, he cited his commitment to his family and the need for ICED EARTH to tour more as the reasons for his retirement; however, he committed to performing with ICED EARTH on all 2011 European festival dates, including Wacken Open Air.

Back in late 2020, Barlow reunited with Schaffer to celebrate the holiday season with an EP called "Winter Nights". Released under the SCHAFFER/BARLOW PROJECT banner, the effort contained the duo's unique spin on five Christmas classics and two ICED EARTH songs.

Last October, Jon was sentenced to three years of probation and 120 hours of community service in connection with his involvement in the riot at the U.S. Capitol. He was also ordered to pay $1,000 in restitution and a $200 financial assessment. Schaffer later became one of about 1,500 people accused of crimes related to the riot who were pardoned by President Donald Trump.

This past April, Schaffer said in an interview that the legal issues and professional setback he faced as a result of his involvement in the Capitol riot have been "the biggest gift" of his life, in part because "it is what led" him "to [Jesus] Christ."

Progressive metalcore pioneers BORN OF OSIRIS have announced their forthcoming album "Through Shadows", due out Friday, July 11 via Sumerian Records. The LP is the band's newest body of work following up their critically acclaimed 2021 album "Angel Or Alien". In celebration of the news, the quartet has shared the title track, "Through Shadows", along with the accompanying music video.

BORN OF OSIRIS commented: "'Through Shadows' is a reflection of the human experience — both the quiet struggles and the heavy storms we each endure. It's about confronting the darkness with the understanding that without shadow, there is no light to shine through. When all feels lost, we're left with a choice: face demise or defend our existence. This song is our call to choose the light, even in our darkest moments."

Prior to today, BORN OF OSIRIS released "Torchbearer", "A Mind Short Circuiting", "Elevate", and, most recently, "In Desolation" which altogether have clocked up over 1.2 million views on YouTube.

"Through Shadows" track listing:

01. Seppuku
02. Elevate
03. Through Shadows
04. The War That You Are
05. Inverno
06. A Mind Short Circuiting
07. Burning Light
08. In Desolation
09. Torchbearer
10. Activated
11. Dark Fable
12. Transcendence
13. Blackwater

Following BORN OF OSIRIS's current European headlining tour, the band will next make the trek across Canada with THE BROWNING and CONVICTIONS as support.

BORN OF OSIRIS is:

Ronnie Canizaro - Vocals
Lee McKinney - Guitar
Nick Rossi - Guitar
Joseph Buras - Keys/Vocals
Cameron Losch - Drums

San Diego deathgrind band CATTLE DECAPITATION is celebrating the second anniversary of its monstrous tenth studio album, "Terrasite", by releasing a two-hour making-of documentary, "From This Flesh: A Cattle Decapitation Story".

The documentary was shot, directed, and edited by Australian videographer Nicholas VanVidler who produced the band's 2021-released "Finish Them" music video. Van Vidler captured the entire "Terrasite" recording process from beginning to end and has spent the last two years piecing together the footage. The film not only celebrates "Terrasite", but inadvertently examines the history of the band from inception.

Comments CATTLE DECAPITATION vocalist Travis Ryan, "Our buddy Nick VanVidler (NJV Media, BODY PRISON) went to make a studio documentary about 'Terrasite' and what came out was more of an extremely introspective look into the band as a whole with a specificity on how we write and record albums. It's insightful, intense, funny, sad, unfiltered, immersive, and if you're a longtime true fan of the band, you gotta see this thing."

Next month, CATTLE DECAPITATION will return to Europe on a three-week run of headlining shows and festival appearances.

Though many bands have tried, no one articulates the real apocalypse humanity is facing as vividly and succinctly as CATTLE DECAPITATION. With 2019's "Death Atlas", they reached the apex of this, perhaps leading some to believe they had no place left to go beyond such an achievement, but alas, in 2023 the band returned with "Terrasite", which is as bold a statement as they have ever made. It's an album that constantly shifts dynamics and demands a variety of emotional responses.

Metal Injection championed, "another absolutely stellar release from these guys with lyrics and themes that represent the apex of today's extreme music." MetalSucks concurred calling "Terrasite", "a powerful and important album," and, "a must-listen for fans of extreme metal and… anyone who cares about the future of our planet." Added Lambgoat, "They've evolved from a grind band into something even more maniacal with this album; a true and brilliantly executed hybrid of heavy death metal, brutal grind and lyrical terror."

"Terrasite" crushed Billboard charts upon its first week of release, earning the No. 2 position on the Current Hard Music Albums chart, No. 3 on the Current Independent Albums chart, No. 4 on the Rock Albums chart and more and appeared on multiple year-end lists both stateside and abroad.

"Terrasite" features artwork by longtime collaborator Wes Benscoter (VADER, KREATOR, BLOODBATH, HYPOCRISY),was produced by Dave Otero (CEPHALIC CARNAGE, ALLEGAEON),and includes Dis Pater of MIDNIGHT ODYSSEY handling piano and synths.

Photo by Nick VanVidler

DISTURBED's David Draiman proposed to his girlfriend on stage during the band's concert in Sacramento, California Friday night (May 9).

The emotional proposal took place before the second-to-last song of DISTURBED's set at Golden 1 Center, "The Light", which was part of the band's ongoing "The Sickness 25th Anniversary Tour".

After bringing Sarah Uli out on stage, David pulled her close to him and said into the microphone:  "Sarah, my love, you have made my life so much better. You are the light in the darkness for me. I love you more than anything I have ever loved in this world, and it would be the absolute pinnacle of my life and my existence…"

He then reached into his right pocket and pulled out a tiny box and opened it before getting down on one knee. The singer continued: "Sarah Uli, will you marry me?" Sarah quickly nodded yes before David got back up and put the ring from the box on her finger.

Draiman then addressed the crowd: "In case you didn't hear, she said 'yes'."

"Go ahead and join the rest of your family, sweetheart," he directed his soon-to-be wife.

David went public with his relationship with Sarah Uli in January 2024, less than a year after announcing that he had split up with his wife.

According to TheOrg.com, Uli — who, like Draiman, resides in Miami, Florida — has over 12 years of work experience, starting in 2005 as a sales manager at TNT Powersprot. Sarah then worked as a senior nightlife manager at GMR Marketing from 2011 to 2015. Afterwards, Sarah joined Young's Market Company as a sales representative from 2015 to 2017. Sarah then worked as an independent marketing contractor from 2009 to 2017, handling marketing and promotional projects for various companies including Samsung, JBL, and Marlboro. In 2017, Sarah became a territory sales manager at Reynolds American Inc. and worked there until 2020. Sarah then joined AstroNova, Inc. as a regional account executive from 2020 to 2021. Sarah's next role was at secure staffing as a model account manager from 2020 to 2022. She most recently held the position of senior sales account manager at JDI Distribution since April 2022. Sarah's most recent work experience is as an account executive at eSpeakers since January 2023. Acccording to eSpeakers, she is passionate about being healthy and living life to its fullest. She loves to travel and see new places. She also enjoys being in the sun, at the beach, and spending time with her puppy, Raya.

In May 2023, Draiman said he deleted his account on Tinder, calling it "an absolute shitshow". One week after he confirmed that he had been using the dating app to find "the right woman" following his divorce, Draiman offered an update on his search for romance, writing on Twitter: "Holly fucking dumpster fire Batman, @Tinder was an absolute shitishow. Scammers, grifters, fakes and phonies abound. What a colossal fucking nightmare. Deleted it. Dear lord."

On May 5, 2023, one of Draiman's Twitter followers shared a screenshot of what appeared to be the singer's Tinder profile, and he wrote: "Lol dude you see this?! I'm tagging you bc I believe it's fake @davidmdraiman". David quickly responded: "Not fake lol. It's me". This prompted the fan to write, "My bad bro for assuming", to which Draiman replied: "All good. You'd be surprised. It's hard for a guy like me to meet the right woman. I'll tell you, it's been weird so far. Lots of scammers. Trying to figure out how to navigate this new terrain."

Another fan also chimed in on Draiman's presence on Tinder, writing: "Read: David Draiman can't get laid anymore." Draiman fired back with: "I can get laid anytime I want if I'm willing to drop my standards, but my standards are quite high, and I won't dishonor myself that way. Looking for the RIGHT woman, not just ANY woman. Oh. And btw? You're a dick".

In April 2023, Draiman confirmed that he finalized his divorce from his wife of 11 years, Lena Draiman.

The singer opened up about his split in an interview with Kyle Meredith. Speaking about why DISTURBED continues to make music and stay creative after being together for nearly 30 years, David said: "Therapy. [Laughs] It's as pure and simple as that. Right now for me it's the most effective form of therapy.

"I'm very much looking forward to the performance end of things, which is coming up shortly, but the creative end is the perfect way to come to terms with your demons, and I'm definitely stocked up," he explained. "I need this, and I need the music — creating it, performing it, living it — right now more than I ever have.

"I just recently finalized my divorce. I just recently said goodbye to my Akita [dog], my best friend of 14 years. There's gonna be plenty of inspiration for the next body of work. Battling depression, battling all the demons that normally come along with it. And I know that music — our music, other music like it and different types of music in general — is just the perfect means of therapy for so many other people. And it really is my saving grace. I don't know what I would do without it."

Draiman touched upon his divorce again later in the interview when the conversation turned to the DISTURBED song "Don't Tell Me", which appears on the band's latest album "Divisive". A duet with HEART's Ann Wilson, the track was inspired by DISTURBED guitarist Dan Donegan's own recent divorce. "Mine hadn't been finalized yet [when the song was written]," David revealed. "And to be honest, when I wrote the song, I didn't realize how prophetic it was going to be. I kind of hate that shit. [Laughs] It ended up becoming not just about Dan's divorce, unfortunately. It wasn't exactly the same situation, but I definitely have added reverence for the song, and it has added meaning and power to me, especially now."

When David first announced his divorce on his Facebook page in February 2023, he described himself as "heartbroken" and "very lost" and revealed that there was "no infidelity" involved in the split. He went on to say that there was "no bad blood" between him and his now-ex-wife and added that they would "continue to be the best parents" we can be to their son Samuel, who was born in September 2013. "Lena is still the best mother I could ever hope for, so we've got that going for us," he wrote at the time. He added: "I will continue to try to be the best father, and frontman that I can be, and I hope that Sam can forgive me one day for my part in this failure."

In November 2022, Donegan told the Z93 radio station that DISTURBED drummer Mike Wengren also "went through a divorce early on in the pandemic."

More than three years ago, Draiman and his then-wife and son moved to Miami, Florida after living in Honolulu, Hawaii for a few years.

Draiman first announced his family's decision to relocate to Miami in February 2022, explaining on his Facebook page that he and his then-wife "gave it our best shot, but between the extraordinarily long travel times for business, island fever, and a bunch of other factors, we've decided to move on." He also shared a link to a video tour of his then-Honolulu home which had just been listed. That house has since sold for more than $6 million, according to public records.

In September 2023, Draiman sold his house in the Miami suburb of Pinecrest for $5 million. David bought the modern Spanish-Moroccan villa for $5.22 million in March 2022 and first listed it for $5.75 million in January 2023. It was last asking $5.19 million.

This past March, Draiman filed a lawsuit against his former landlord, alleging that mold in a rental home in Coral Gables, Florida caused him to suffer health issues that negatively affected his singing career.

DISTURBED kicked off the U.S. leg of "The Sickness 25th Anniversary Tour" on February 25 at Ford Idaho Center Arena in Nampa, Idaho. The trek celebrates 25 years of DISTURBED's seminal debut album which launched the band into public consciousness and is one of the most important and influential heavy metal albums of all time

On February 21, DISTURBED released a new single, "I Will Not Break", via the band's own label, Mother Culture Records.

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In a recent interview with Billboard Brasil, Kerry King was asked when fans will see SLAYER get inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame. The SLAYER guitarist responded (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "Pfft. Why don't we see them there yet? [Laughs] I don't know. We've never even been on the nomination list, so I don't know what they're waiting for. How many more decades do we have to play? Forty years isn't enough, I guess. I don't know. We'll see."

He continued: "I went to [the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame museum in Cleveland, Ohio] thinking I'd be there for, like, a half hour, and I didn't go there until like 10, 15 years ago. It took me a while. And I'm, like, 'Eh, I'll go check it out for maybe like a half hour.' I was in there for four hours, and there's a lot of cool stuff in there."

Circling back to the possibility of SLAYER one day being inducted into the Rock Hall, Kerry said: "Is it something that's gonna make my career complete? Absolutely not. If my parents were alive, I would be stoked if we got in there so I can say, 'Hey, mom, I'm in the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame.' That would be cool.

"To me, if it happens, it happens, 'cause, obviously, the voting process and the election process is a little faulty. So we'll see. And me here badmouthing it probably isn't helping my situation. [Laughs]

"If we ever got nominated and the fans elected us to be in, it would be honorable, for sure, just to say these kids from Los Angeles got together and ripped the world a new fucking asshole," he added.

When the interviewer noted that SLAYER "changed heavy metal music forever", Kerry said: "Yeah, we were part of it, for sure. There was a movement of a lot of bands, ironically at the same time, that came out and then put thrash on the map."

King previously addressed the likelihood of SLAYER being inducted into the Rock Hall during a 2015 interview with VH1.com. He stated at the time: "I went there [Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame And Museum] last year, and I was surprisingly amazed. It was awesome… I thought I'd be there for, like, 40 minutes. I spent three and a half hours. The stuff in there is amazing. It's way cooler than I ever imagined it would have been. It is really cool."

He continued: "I'm not making a ploy to get in, but it makes me think, 'Man, I hope they call my name one of these days.' I think it took them a long time to get METALLICA in there. But METALLICA basically opens door for us, because when you think of metal who do you think of next from that generation? Of course there's [BLACK] SABBATH, [JUDAS] PRIEST and [IRON] MAIDEN, without question. But for the 'Big Four,' you think METALLICA… We've always been number two on the 'Big Four' shows. So come on, Rock Hall, give us that call! We're ready! I'll donate some change or something. [Laughs]"

Even though artists are eligible for the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame 25 years after the release of their first album or single, iconic hard rock and metal bands like IRON MAIDEN and MOTÖRHEAD have yet to be recognized by the institution, which inducted GUNS N' ROSES in that group's first year of eligibility.

The Rock Hall didn't induct BLACK SABBATH until 2006, and METALLICA followed three years later.

Rock Hall rules state that artists become eligible a quarter century after their first records were released, but the Hall also claims that other "criteria include the influence and significance of the artists' contributions to the development and perpetuation of rock 'n' roll," which is, of course, open to interpretation.

Eligible for induction since 1999, KISS didn't get its first nomination until 2009, and was finally inducted in 2014.

DEEP PURPLE was eligible for the Rock Hall since 1993 but didn't get inducted until 2016.

Having been eligible for induction since 1999, JUDAS PRIEST was finally inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in 2022. PRIEST received the Musical Excellence Award — originally titled the "Sidemen" category when it debuted — which is given to artists, musicians, songwriters and producers whose originality and influence creating music have had a dramatic impact on music.

Asked about the fact that MOTÖRHEAD's Lemmy (born Ian Fraser Kilmister) and Ronnie James Dio had not yet been inducted into the Rock Hall, King told Loudwire in a 2017 interview: "It's kind of like Ken Stabler not going to the NFL Hall Of Fame. They waited till he died, when he can't enjoy it, and that's a super bummer. Dio is one of my top two singers of all time, and he was a good friend and a good dude. Lemmy, the career speaks for itself.

"The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame, it's weird. It's private. It's privately owned, so people from the music industry don't vote. I don't actually know how it works. I've been there and it's very cool, I've gotta tell you that. I went there, like two, three years ago, and I expected to hang out for, like, an hour, and I was there for, like, three hours. It was very cool. If you ever get around Cleveland, check it out. But that being said, I still don't understand the process. But yes, [Lemmy and Ronnie James Dio] motherfucking should be in the Hall Of Fame."

ALICE IN CHAINS has canceled all of its previously announced shows this month after drummer Sean Kinney fell ill.

One day after scrapping a concert at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut due to Sean's health, the band released a follow-up statement saying: "After careful consideration and following the advice of medical professionals, we have made the decision to cancel our upcoming festival performances and the ALICE IN CHAINS headline shows.

"While we were all eager to return to the stage, Sean's health is our top priority at this moment.

"Although the issue requires immediate attention, his long-term prognosis is positive.

"We sincerely appreciate your understanding and support during this time."

When the Uncasville show was called off on Thursday, ALICE IN CHAINS said in a social media post that "Sean experienced a non-life-threatening medical emergency" after the band's soundcheck earlier that evening."

No additional information is currently available on Kinney's condition or medical issue.

The Connecticut show would have been ALICE IN CHAINS' first full concert since an April 2024 appearance at the Sick New World festival in Las Vegas.

ALICE IN CHAINS was scheduled to appear at a few festivals this month, including the MMRBQ in Camden, New Jersey (May 10),Sonic Temple in Columbus, Ohio (May 11) and Welcome To Rockville in Daytona Beach, Florida (May 16). They had also lined up several other headlining shows, in Nashville, Tennessee (May 13) and Dothan, Alabama (May 15). ALICE IN CHAINS is also on the bill for the final BLACK SABBATH/Ozzy Osbourne show on July 5 in Birmingham, United Kingdom.

In a recent interview with "Whiplash", the KLOS radio show hosted by Full Metal Jackie, ALICE IN CHAINS singer William DuVall was asked where things stand with him and his bandmates at the moment. He responded: "Well, we're excited for these dates we have coming up in May. We're excited to get out there and see everyone. We are in regular contact and communication, and so we'll just have to see what comes after May. I really wouldn't wanna say anything more than that. But we're excited about these shows in May. We're really looking forward to it."

In the last four years, ALICE IN CHAINS guitarist/vocalist Jerry Cantrell has released two solo albums, 2021's "Brighten" and 2024's "I Want Blood", and has toured extensively in support of both efforts, performing material spanning his solo career and ALICE IN CHAINS.

ALICE IN CHAINS regrouped in 2006 with DuVall joining the band, and released its third LP with DuVall in the lineup, "Rainier Fog", in August 2018.

Prior to joining ALICE IN CHAINS, DuVall was a member of punk rock bands AWARENESS VOID OF CHAOS, NEON CHRIST, BL'AST! and FINAL OFFERING. DuVall's long musical history also includes COMES WITH THE FALL and Cantrell's solo work.

Cantrell befriended the members of COMES WITH THE FALL in the early 2000s, playing shows with the band on the West Coast, then enlisting the musicians to tour with him as both opening act and backing group in support of his album "Degradation Trip".

DuVall appears on the last three ALICE IN CHAINS albums: 2009's "Black Gives Way To Blue", 2013's "The Devil Put Dinosaurs Here" and the aforementioned "Rainier Fog".

Posted by Alice in Chains on Friday, May 9, 2025

Joe Lynn Turner needs no introduction. Long before he launched his solo career in 1985, his years fronting Ritchie Blackmore's RAINBOW ("Difficult To Cure", "Straight Between The Eyes", "Bent Out Of Shape") established him among the most dynamic vocalists on the metal scene, an accolade that was only amplified by stints with DEEP PURPLE ("Slaves And Masters") and Yngwie Malmsteen ("Odyssey").

Clearly, Turner knows a great guitarist when he hears one, and Marcus Nand is no exception. Born in Spain and a student of flamenco guitar along with blues and rock, Nand has incorporated his diverse influences on such projects as the Los Angeles-based metal band FREAK OF NATURE, which featured WHITE LION singer Mike Tramp, and the world music-influenced rock band ZIROQ with famed David Bowie bassist Carmine Rojas.

Nand's first solo album, 2024's "The Traveler", was described by Forgotten-Scroll.net as "a PERFECT album" for anyone enjoying "sweet, harmonious, exceptional rock music." FOO FIGHTERS keyboardist Rami Jaffee raves, "Marcus knows how to write a song that feels truly rock and at the same time, truly worldly"; ALICE IN CHAINS' Mike Inez says, "He is a great example of a dedicated musician carrying the torch of his genre well into the future."

And still "Ride Captain Ride", the mighty fruit of this devastating partnership, leads both players into a whole new arena. According to the late songwriter Mike Pinera, the song was written "in about 15 minutes [and] we cut it right that day." It lifted his band BLUES IMAGE to international fame and, with close to 25 million Spotify plays to its credit, it remains one of the greatest rock standards of all time.

And one of the greatest Yacht Rock classics as well, which is what makes Turner and Nand's treatment of the song so fascinating, as it preludes one of Cleopatra Records' most highly anticipated albums of the year, "Yacht Metal - Yacht Rock Goes Heavier & Louder".

Nand has always loved the number. "I've been a big fan of Joe Lynn Turner for years, so getting the chance to play on this track was a real thrill," he said. "It was also a lot of fun to revisit 'Ride Captain Ride' — such a classic! I wanted to stay true to the spirit of the original while giving it a heavier edge without losing what made it special in the first place."

Turner added: "It was 1970 and 'Ride Captain Ride' was the big song...it went to #4 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart but was forever engraved in our lives. I played it in my cover band a thousand times.

"It was a real joy to do a new version for Cleopatra...a fun tune with a positive message...hope you enjoy it as much as I still do!"

Featuring contributions from Thor, Vinnie Moore, BULLETBOYS, Cherie Currie, URIAH HEEP veteran Mick Box, MEGADETH's Chris Poland, MANOWAR's Ross The Boss, VIXEN's Britt Lightning and another RAINBOW alumnus Graham Bonnet, "Yacht Metal" is guaranteed to uproot everything you have ever thought you knew about both the genre and the songs that sail on it. A lineup that also includes "Takin' It To The Streets", "Just The Two Of Us" and "You Can Do Magic".

Pinera spoke about the super-weird coincidence that has also established "Ride Captain Ride" in the annals of rock's most Fortean favorites. He wrote the song on a Model 73 Rhodes piano, and the song's opening rhyme riffed on that number… "73 men sailed out from the San Francisco Bay…."

He said: "Now, here is the weird thing that happened. It got released, it was in the Top Ten, No. 1 in a lot of regional markets, and my manager gets a call from the Pentagon, wanting to know how I, as the writer of those words, knew about the secret spy ship USS Pueblo? My manager goes 'what are you talking about? I don't think Mike knows anything about that stuff. Ask him about the latest Gibson guitar and he'll know, but he doesn't know anything about secret spy ships.' Which I didn't. But it turned out that I had written a song that coincided with an incident that had not yet happened; it took place after the song was released; and here's what made it so freaky. There were seventy-three men on board who sailed out from the San Francisco Bay on this secret spy mission that nobody was supposed to know about, and they got in trouble out there on the ocean, they were captured and taken prisoner. Seventy-three men sailed off into history. As far as I was concerned, those lyrics were free form flow of consciousness stuff, but then you get to the third verse…

"At one of my concerts years later, I met the radio guy from the USS Pueblo who told me something I didn't know about that third verse, that while they were actually being captured, it was during a massive storm and they couldn't get the word out that they needed help because the bad weather was blocking the radio transmission."

Photo credit: Agata Nigrovskaya

During an appearance on Full Metal Jackie's nationally syndicated radio show, EXODUS guitarist Gary Holt opened up about the recent departure of singer Steve "Zetro" Souza and the decision to bring Rob Dukes back. He said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "Well, no one foresaw lineup changes. We never foresaw 'em the first time [we had Rob in the band], but you'd come to kind of a road crossing where we just felt like things were not going the way they needed to be, with everybody being on the same page and being happy about things. And as far as Rob coming back — I'm 60 years old. I don't wanna meet new people [laughs] — I don't. And Rob's one of my best friends and we talk all the time. And yeah, I thought for, like, half a second, 'Maybe we'll get some guy half my age who's got washboard abs and could still jump off a drum riser without his knees giving out for a week.' But no — I'd rather stick with my friend. And his vocals on these new songs are just fucking gonna blow people's minds. It's insane."

Asked how Dukes's return to EXODUS changed the direction or his approach to the band's next studio album, which is currently being recorded for a 2026 release, Holt said: "I write songs for myself, and we all do; EXODUS writes for EXODUS. And I've never changed approach for anything. When Steve Souza rejoined us for '[Blood In] Blood Out', I'd already written those songs. And some people are, like, 'Oh, they were perfect for him.' Well, they were what was written, and I'm gonna write 'em regardless of who's manning the microphone. But Rob's coming back certainly energized me. And that's when I was, like, 'Let's record two [albums],' and then I can have that mythical vacation in between albums and not have to go back in the studio until I'm 70. Who knows if that'll even happen? So that's the way we look at it — record two albums and who knows what happens between now and then? I could get hit by a car, and then have a posthumous release — 'Gary Holt's last performance', whatever. You think about that stuff at 60 years old. It's crazy."

Souza joined EXODUS in 1986 after previously fronting the band LEGACY (which later became TESTAMENT). He remained in the band until their hiatus in 1993, but rejoined them for two years from 2002 to 2004. Dukes had joined EXODUS in 2005 (following Souza's departure) and remained until 2014, when Souza rejoined.

Dukes previously joined EXODUS in January 2005 and appeared on four of the band's studio albums — "Shovel Headed Kill Machine" (2005),"The Atrocity Exhibition... Exhibit A" (2007),"Let There Be Blood" (2008, a re-recording of EXODUS's classic 1985 LP, "Bonded By Blood") and "Exhibit B: The Human Condition" (2010).

EXODUS played its first concert with Dukes in nearly 11 years on April 5 at the Decibel Magazine Metal & Beer Fest: Philly at the Fillmore in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

In a recent interview with CBS SF, Holt stated about Souza: "I've got nothing but love for [Zetro]. It's not like the last time he left the band, when it was on really bad terms. At 60 years old, this job gets fucking hard. And if you don't like to travel, and no longer like to be out on the road and and you want to cut the touring way back and all that, we can no longer make a living at this. We literally would have to go get day jobs. That's pretty much what happened. One guy wasn't enjoying it anymore. And none of us enjoy being away from home all the time. It sucks. My happy place is being around my family. I can speak for all of us, Steve included. But while I can — this whole age thing — while I can still tour for six weeks and crush it and go out and play seven, eight, nine shows in a row, I'm going to do it. Until I can't, and then I'll slow down. But if we start slowing down now, eventually it's just going to come to a stop."

Regarding how he ended up back in the EXODUS fold, Rob told Mark Strigl in February: "How it happened was Lee [Altus, EXODUS guitarist] and Gary called me, and Tom [Hunting, EXODUS drummer] called me, and they all spoke to me individually to kind of see where I was at. And then they asked me, and I said, 'Sure.'

"I'm not gonna talk about why they did what they did [as far as parting ways with Zetro] — that's on them to talk about, 'cause I have no idea," he continued. "I mean, I kind of do, but it's not my place. So, I'll let them handle that end.

"I was as surprised as you, man," Dukes admitted. "I mean, when I got the call… Me and Gary didn't speak as much, but me and Tom talk all the time. Me and Lee constantly talk about hockey and give each other shit — I'm a Rangers fan; he's a Flyers fan — so we're always in contact, especially during hockey season. And then, like I said, man, it came out of nowhere for myself too. And I took a day and decided, 'Yeah, okay, I can make it work.' 'Cause I have to put my life on hold, the life I've been building for 10 years as a car builder and a welder. But I sat down with the people I work for and the people I work with and I explained the situation and they were all, like, 'Yeah, go do it, man. You only live once.' And I was, like, 'Yeah, cool. That's exactly how I was thinking about it.' So, it all worked out, man. And everybody's stoked and happy."

During an appearance on a recent episode of the "Rock And Roll Geek Show" podcast, which is hosted by former EXODUS bassist Michael Butler, Holt opened up about Souza's departure, saying: " People ask [why we fired Zetro] — everybody wants to know because we've chosen not to tell anybody. All I ever tell people is, marriages don't often work. And just 'cause you saw a married couple out in public that seemed happy, you don't know what's going on at home. I don't know if the wife's throwing frying pans at his head or he's fucking drunk out of his ass, fucking screaming at him and slapping the kids. You don't know. Just 'cause they go out in public and they put on a happy face.

"We've got nothing but respect for Zetro, and we've got love [for him] and I'm honored to have made some great music [with him]. But I'm also 60 years old, and the five of us need to be on the same page. And now we are."

After Butler suggested that musicians sometimes have different personalities and "people can get on your nerves sometimes", Holt clarified: "It's not even a matter of [anything] like that because we all get on each other's nerves. It's just as you get older, this job, either you still love it or it becomes incredibly difficult… For me, [it's] fucking not [difficult] at all. And so, for whatever our reasons, four guys had a reason to do what we did."

Asked if he personally called Zetro to tell the singer he was fired, Gary responded: "I don't really wanna go into all that. [Laughs] There's no hate involved. It's just the fucking marriage didn't work. Sometimes you get along with your ex. Sometimes you don't hate your ex; you just can't be married to them anymore… Sometimes the wife still likes him and he's a good father, but God, what a fucking crappy husband. Or what a bad life. But she was good with the kids and she's a member of the PTA. Who fucking knows?

"What's funny is online people are coming up with their conspiracy theories [about why Zetro was fired]," he continued. "It's like Pizzagate. It's fucking crazy. Like that it had something to do with that he just got married. Like, 'Rob Dukes got married right when he got fired, and Zetro got married [before he got fired]. Hmm. Pattern?' Dude, I've got grandkids. Like I fucking have a problem with my singer being married. Fucking stupid. I had one guy, when it happened, he got on my Instagram and he broke down his timeline of how we treat singers. Well, the first thing he said was, 'Gary Holt's just all about the money.' And if you fucking think parting ways with your singer is a fucking path to financial security, you're fucking high. What the fuck's wrong with you? And then he broke down his whole timeline. And I politely corrected his timeline for him. I don't respond to fucking people — I ain't got time for — but the guy goes, 'Band hires Paul [Baloff]. Fires Paul.' True. Paul was fired. Paul's life was a mess. In hindsight, we later became just as big a mess as he ever was. And then he said, 'Band hires singer, Steve Souza.' And he goes, 'Band fires Steve Souza.' No, we broke up [after] 'Force Of Habit'. He goes, 'Band rehires Paul Baloff. Band fires Paul Baloff.' I'm, like, 'He fucking died. We didn't fire him. He died.' And then he said, 'Band hires Steve Souza. Band fires Steve Souza.' No, he quit… In his eyes, we fired the dead guy. And I was, like, 'Just fuck off,' you know?, I politely said, 'Hey, buddy, let me correct your timeline for you.' I didn't go, 'Fuck you, dude.' I just said, 'Let me fix your timeline.'

"People are dumb," Holt added. "And I don't like to be mean to people. I've done stupid shit myself. But people fucking create whatever theories they can come up with in their little brains."

Although EXODUS rarely gets mentioned alongside the so-called "Big Four" of 1980s thrash metal — METALLICA, MEGADETH, SLAYER and ANTHRAX — the aforementioned "Bonded By Blood" LP inspired the likes of TESTAMENT, DEATH ANGEL, VIO-LENCE and many others to launch their careers and is considered one of the most influential thrash metal albums of all time.

QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE will unveil the cinematic realization of a dream with the June 5 premiere of "Alive In The Catacombs", an audiovisual document of the band's long-rumored performance in the tunnels of the famed Catacombs of Paris.

Filmed and recorded in July 2024, "Queens Of The Stone Age: Alive In The Catacombs" captures QOTSA as you've never seen or heard them before. This utterly unique once-in-a-lifetime experience features a carefully selected setlist spanning the QOTSA catalog, each song chosen and epically reimagined for the Catacombs. The result is an unprecedented incarnation of QOTSA at their most intimate, yet surrounded by literally millions of human remains — "the biggest audience we've ever played for," says QOTSA leader Joshua Homme.

The Catacombs Of Paris is a sprawling 320km (200 miles) ossuary beneath the surface of Paris. With a foundation of several million bodies buried in the 1700s, skeletal remains are largely exposed, with much of the walls built of skulls and bones.

Homme had dreamt of staging a QOTSA performance in the Catacombs since his first visit nearly 20 years ago. The city of Paris, however, had never granted permission to any artist to play within the sacred tunnels. QOTSA, being law-abiding citizens, waited until their vision was sanctioned.

Hélène Furminieux (Les Catacombes de Paris) said: "The Catacombs Of Paris are a fertile ground for the imagination. It is important to us that artists take hold of this universe and offer a sensitive interpretation of it. Going underground and confronting reflections on death can be a deeply intense experience. Josh seems to have felt in his body and soul the full potential of this place. The recordings resonate perfectly with the mystery, history, and a certain introspection, notably perceptible in the subtle use of the silence within the Catacombs."

Every aesthetic decision, every choice of song, every configuration of instruments… absolutely everything was planned and played with deference to the Catacombs — from the acoustics and ambient sounds — dripping water, echoes and natural resonance — to the darkly atmospheric lighting tones that enhance the music. Far from the sound-insulated confines of the studio or the comfort of onstage monitors, "Alive In The Catacombs" sees the band not only rise to this challenge, but embrace it.

Homme recalls: "We're so stripped down because that place is so stripped down, which makes the music so stripped down, which makes the words so stripped down… It would be ridiculous to try to rock there. All those decisions were made by that space. That space dictates everything; it's in charge. You do what you're told when you're in there."

The result is QOTSA distilled down to their most elemental form — Homme, Troy Van Leeuwen, Michael Shuman, Dean Fertita and Jon Theodore augmented by a three-piece string section, employing chains and chopsticks as makeshift percussion instruments. "Alive In The Catacombs" is QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE stripped to their barest essence by necessity (you can't call it "unplugged" if there are no actual electrical outlets to plug into),McGyver-ing a car battery to power an electric piano. And unfiltered, as every song was recorded live in a complete take with no overdubs or edits.

Words fail to convey the magnificence of "Queens Of The Stone Age: Alive In The Catacombs". Its truly stunning balance of subtlety and grandeur must be experienced to be appreciated. The beauty is in the struggle (both internal and external). This is Homme at his most physically vulnerable yet ultimately his most triumphant.

"Queens Of The Stone Age: Alive In The Catacombs" was produced by La Blogothèque and directed by Thomas Rames, and is being released by QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE and Matador Records. The film will be available to rent or purchase via qotsa.com where pre-orders are currently available. Fans who purchase "Alive In The Catacombs" by June 7 will receive exclusive access to behind-the-scenes footage in addition to full streaming and download access. An audio-only version will be announced in the coming weeks.

The world can be cruel, but electronic metal group Solence offers a simple cure. The charming quartet of high-energy Swedes is defined as much by their endless optimism as their boundless talent. Their upcoming fifth album, Angels Calling, due out October 3 via Better Noise Music, combines big pop hooks and electro savvy with the heavy yet melodic intensity of trailblazing Swedish metal into a distinctive international sound equal parts hypnotic and uplifting.

Preorders for Angels Calling, which include an instant download of the first single “Where Were You..?” are available here.

Solence will hit the road later this year for a European tour opening for Nothing More, which launches November 7 in Finland, along with Catch Your Breath and Ankor. General tickets will be available on Friday, May 16 at 10 AM CET on their official website.

“‘Where Were You..? is a fast and fun song about a friend letting you down when you needed them the most,” says guitarist David Strääf. “The song really keeps the tempo up with a big chorus, modern production and a very heavy, bouncy and genre bending breakdown!”

Solence returns with fresh visuals, a new look, and a retrofitted sound that combines the best of their past with a look into the future for both the group and the genre. “For some reason, I’ve always felt like my time on earth is limited, as if I might die young,” frontman Markus Videsäter explains. “Our music is about making the most of life, relationships, and passion before heaven calls us home.”

Based out of Los Angeles and originally hailing from Sweden, Solence’s lineup consists of frontman Markus Videsäter alongside guitarist David Strääf, keyboardist Johan Swärd, and drummer David “Viking” Vikingsson. They focus all its energy on uplifting anyone in a dark state of mind to a brighter place. “Solence is all about having a good time,” Videsäter declares. “Our message to our existing fans and potential new ones is that we want to bring the fun back into rock n’ roll.”

“Storytelling is a lot of fun,” he continues. “I write about motivation and how to get myself up in the morning. So, yes, there’s still a lot of that. We bundle it up in a lot more energy and craziness. Angels Calling is so cool. I love every single song. I’m so excited about how massive it feels.”

Angels Calling is the follow-up to their EP Blue Monday (Better Noise Music), released this past January with three new songs: “F**k The Bad Vibes,” “A Banger A Day Keeps The Doctor Away,” and “Who You Gonna Call? (Solence),” which Houston Chronicle highlighted in their “Top 50 Best Underground Music Videos of 2024” list. It also includes two remixed versions of their hit track, “Good F**king Music” by Swedish-based producer MVRE and L.A.-based producer kodeblooded (Asking Alexandria, Charlotte Sands).

The band have built a dedicated global audience on past tours opening for bands including Five Finger Death Punch, Ice Nine Kills, Electric Callboy, We Came As Romans, and The HU, in addition to festival appearances across Europe (Rock For People Festival, Graspop Metal Meeting, Resurrection Fest, Tuska Festival, Nova Rock Festival) and the U.S. (Aftershock, Louder Than Life, Blue Ridge Rock Fest). A Solence performance is a participatory sport, with audiences encouraged to sing and bounce along.

In 2025, Solence continues to spread its life-affirming message. “‘Until I hear the ‘Angels Calling’ reminds us that life is way too short to worry about doubt or making mistakes,” Markus Videsäter points out. “We never know when our time is up, so let’s make the most of it while we can!”



Tracklisting:

“Angels Calling”
“Monsters In My Head”
“Where Were You…?”
“MESS”
“ “Dead_Alive”
“Wish You The Worst”
“Dangerous To Love”
“All Of The Pain Must Go”
“Angels vs Demons”

Today, Argentinian singer Santiago Ramonda is pleased to announce his debut album, The Walls Are Crumbling Down, due out on July 18 via Frontiers Music Srl. To celebrate the announcement, Ramonda has released the first single titled “Gone,” which is accompanied by a visualizer, available to view below.

Talking about the first single, Santiago Ramonda commented: “I think this song is a deep reflection on the importance of living in the present and taking advantage of the opportunities that come our way. The lyrics are emotional and resonant, and the melody is catchy and memorable. I like how the song invites us not to wait too long to do what we want, and not to let fear or uncertainty hold us back from making decisions and enjoying life. The song has a powerful and relevant message for anyone looking to live more authentically and fully.”

Santiago started as a guitarist and later became a singer, developing his skills primarily through practice and self-knowledge. Although he has received valuable advice and guidance from some experts, including Iván Sencion, his growth as an artist has been largely self-directed.

In 2020, after posting a cover of Joe Lynn Turner’s “Prelude/Endlessly” on his YouTube channel, Santiago began to catch the attention of some players in the global melodic rock scene. Guitarist Stuart Smith (Heaven & Earth), with whom the label has a long-standing relationship, shared Santiago’s videos with the label.

Ramonda had already caught the attention of the melodic hard rock scene with Stormwarning’s debut album, and he’s back again—this time under the direction of Serafino Perugino, president of Frontiers Records – to prove his immense vocal talent, crafting an album of melodic rock gems!

The Walls Are Crumbling Down is a solid album, showcasing songs with big choruses, a wide range of vocal arrangements, and Santiago’s tone – striking a perfect balance between vocal extension and a warm, bluesy digression (with “Blue Heart Of Stone” being a clear example) – alongside amazing guitar work by Suraz Sun, guitarist for Girish And The Chronicles.

Describing the album, Ramonda added: “This album is a battle cry for all those who love rock and refuse to let it die. With this album, we want to keep the flame of classic hard rock alive and take it to new places. For all those fighting to keep the spirit of rock alive, this album is a message of hope and resilience. And to see my name on that banner is a dream fulfilled, an honor that drives me forward with passion and dedication. I especially want to thank having had the opportunity to work with Alessandro Del Vecchio, a great honor for me that has enriched this project in an invaluable way. We will keep on rocking, and with you, we will take it to the top again!”

Pre-order the album here.



The Walls Are Crumbling Down tracklisting:

“Under The Moonlight”
“The Walls Are Crumbling Down”
“Don’t Look For Love”
“Fight Fire With Fire”
“Blue Heart Of Stone”
“Without Love”
“High Voltage Hearts”
“Gone”
“Bad Girl”
“The One To Blame”
“World’s Gone Crazy”

After leaving UFO and the Scorpions, guitar genius Michael Schenker fulfilled a dream in 1979 and founded his solo project, the Michael Schenker Group (MSG).

With the band, in which his virtuoso guitar playing remains the centerpiece, Schenker consistently continues the classic hard rock sound of the 1980s. In 2023, the Michael Schenker Group performed at the Rock Hard Festival in Gelsenkirchen, where WDR Rockpalast recorded their concert.

Watch “Armed And Ready” below, and find the full show here.

German metalcore crew, The Narrator, announce their signing to Nuclear Blast Records. After a very successful time with Blood Blast Distribution, Nuclear Blast Records are more than happy to welcome the band to the label.

To celebrate this new partnership The Narrator announce today their brand new single, “Unbind Me”, for May 28. Pre-save “Unbind Me” here.



The Narrator states: “Signing with Nuclear Blast marks a true milestone for us. Throughout our journey, it’s always been important to work with partners who understand and support our vision. With Nuclear Blast, we’ve found exactly that. We’re beyond excited for what’s ahead. And it all kicks off soon: our first single of this new collaboration, Unbind Me, drops at the end of May.”

Marcus Hammer, Managing Director for Nuclear Blast Records comments: “Witnessing The Narrator’s steady growth whilst distributing their music via our in-house BloodBlast offering over the last couple of years has been a real joy. So, it gives me great pleasure to welcome the band on to a full label deal here at Nuclear Blast, where we can build the team around them and continue to grow their success internationally. Here’s to the future!”

Nuclear Blast Records A&R Manager Leoni Dowidat comments: “We are super happy and proud to welcome The Narrator into the Nuclear Blast family. Despite a still young band history, The Narrator have established themselves as one of the most exciting players in modern metalcore. We can’t wait to be a part of the next bright chapter in their career!”

Professionally filmed video of METALLICA performing the song "Holier Than Thou" on April 24 at Rogers Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada can be seen below.

METALLICA played the first concert of 2025 on April 19 at the JMA Wireless Dome in Syracuse, New York. Support at the show came from PANTERA and SUICIDAL TENDENCIES.

Since opening April 2023 in Amsterdam, "M72" has seen METALLICA play to some three million fans. Variously hailed as "an altogether life-affirming experience" (Billboard),"impossible to leave unsatisfied" (Austin Chronicle),"a stone-cold stunner of a show" (Detroit News),"the mother of all summer concerts" (Worcester Telegram Gazette) and "as tight and furious as METALLICA has sounded in ages" (Los Angeles Times),"M72" continues to amaze fans and critics alike. The tour concluded its triumphant 2024 run with four nights at Mexico City's Estadio GNP Seguros, where METALLICA played to more than 250,000 fans over the course of two No Repeat Weekends.

The "M72" world tour's 2025 itinerary continues the hallowed No Repeat Weekend tradition, with each night of the two-show stands featuring entirely different setlists and support lineups. These include the band's first Nashville shows in five years on May 1 and 3 at Nissan Stadium, as well as METALLICA's return to Tampa after 15 years on June 6 and 8 at Raymond James Stadium. "M72" has also confirmed its much-anticipated Bay Area hometown play, to take place June 20 and 22 with the band's debut performances at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara.

In a new twist, "M72" 2025 features several single shows bringing the tour's full production, with its massive in-the-round stage, to venues including two college football stadiums: the aforementioned JMA Wireless Dome in Syracuse, New York on April 19, and METALLICA's first ever visit to Blacksburg, Virginia, home of the Virginia Tech Hokies. The May 7 show at Lane Stadium marked the culmination of 20-plus years of "Enter Sandman" playing as the Hokies take the field.

In addition to playing football stadiums across the nation, the "M72" world tour's 2025 itinerary will also include one festival headline — May 9 and 11 will mark a festival/No Repeat Weekend combo as METALLICA plays two headline sets at Sonic Temple at Historic Crew Stadium in Columbus, Ohio.

Support on "M72"'s 2025 North American run comes from PANTERA, LIMP BIZKIT, SUICIDAL TENDENCIES and ICE NINE KILLS.

"M72"'s 2025 North American leg is produced by Live Nation and presented by new sponsor inKind. inKind rewards diners with special offers and credit back when they use the app to pay at 2,000-plus top-rated restaurants nationwide. The company provides innovative financing to participating restaurants in a way that enables new levels of sustainability and success. METALLICA fans can learn more at inkind.com.

As always, a portion of proceeds from every ticket sold will go to local charities via the band's All Within My Hands foundation. Established in 2017 as a way to give back to communities that have supported METALLICA over the years, All Within My Hands has raised over $15 million — providing $8.2 million in grants to career and technical education programs including the ground-breaking Metallica Scholars Initiative, now in its sixth year, over $3.6 million to combat food insecurity, more than $3.5 million to disaster relief efforts.

Today, melodic hard rockers, Laguna, are excited to announce the release of their debut album, The Ghost Of Katrina, out on July 11 via Frontiers Music Srl.

In addition, the first single, “Ghost Behind The Mask,” is out now accompanied by a music video, available to view below.

Vocalist Andrés Espada describes the new single by saying: “’Ghost Behind The Mask’ is a song with a dark aura. Exploring that insidious part of our minds that shows doubt and fuels insecurity, whispering criticism and messages of inadequacy. The song captures the internal struggle against those thoughts that tell us we’re not good enough, that we’re not worthy of love or success. It’s a reminder that often, the toughest battle we face is the one waged within our own minds.”

Hailing from the northern part of Mexico, from the arid desert of Torreón, Coahuila, Laguna is a five-piece hard rock band ready to take the world by storm with their debut album, The Ghost Of Katrina.

Drawing from the European and Scandinavian melodic hard rock scene, Laguna’s sound is an electrifying blend of powerful production, anthemic choruses, and in-your-face guitar riffs deriving from influences like One Desire, H.E.A.T., and other renowned acts from the scene.

The Ghost Of Katrina is produced by Jimmy Westerlund (known for his work with One Desire and more recently Giant), and perfectly captures Laguna’s high-energy and dynamic style, bringing to life a heavy yet melodic sound that’s both thrilling and emotionally charged. The songs feature strong hooks, vibrant instrumentation, and an intensity that reflects the band’s unrelenting passion for hard rock.

Pre-order The Ghost Of Katrina here.



The Ghost Of Katrina tracklisting:

Intro – “Katrina”
“Ghost Behind The Mask”
“Living On The Line”
“Punk Boy” (ft. Jimmy Westerlund)
“Wildfire”
“These Chains”
“Electric High”
“My Syndrome”
“Bring Me To Life”
“Sinner Of Tomorrow”

The Portugal News is reporting that Coimbra City Council has approved global support in the order of €450,000 to the promoter Everything Is New for the Guns N’ Roses concert at the Estádio Cidade de Coimbra in Coimbra, Portugal on June 6.

The financial support of 125 thousand euros – to which 325 thousand euros in indirect support are added – was approved by a majority in a meeting of the municipal executive of Coimbra, with votes in favour from the Juntos Somos Coimbra coalition (PSD/CDS/NC/PPM/ALIANÇA/RIR/VOLT) and votes against from the PS and the CDU.

The city government’s support for the promoter Everything Is New provides for direct financial support of 125 thousand euros, in addition to exemptions relating to the use of the Stadium (between May 19 and June 10), replacement of the lawn and irrigation systems, cleaning of landscaped areas, provision of stalls and fences, support for communication and promotion, exemptions from noise licenses, improvised enclosure and occupation of public space, totalling 325 thousand euros.

It also proposes close collaboration between municipal services, the promoter and the security and civil protection forces, in order to guarantee all logistical, operational and security conditions for the event, which “is expected to attract thousands of visitors and have broad media coverage.”

In a new interview with Thomann's Drum Bash, RAMMSTEIN's Christoph Schneider was asked what the most important thing is for him, from the drummer perspective, when it comes to playing with the band. He responded (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "Don't make the singer angry. Yeah, that means that you have to support the band and lay down your fundament for the other musicians. And this has to be clear, simple and steady. When you are doing too complicated things — it depends on the songs, [but if] you're doing things where they do not belong in the songs, then everybody else will be upset and you get a look. [Laughs] So, for me, it's a question of [having] some discipline, not to do too much, even if you are excited and have some ideas sparking in your head. Stick to the song like the song is."

Asked if there was ever a moment when he tried something in a song during a RAMMSTEIN concert and the other members of the band gave him a disapproving look, Christoph said: "Many times. Of course. There were also other earlier times in my drummer career I wanted to develop maybe more double bass or whatever, and then you're trying to do these things all the time in different songs where they do not belong, but it works somehow. But then mostly my colleagues, they're not very excited about it. They want me to play very straight and easy and more, yeah, supportive than to show off what maybe all drummers can do. And that's why [my style] became quite simple over the years. Of course I had more the intention, more ideas for my style, but when we started playing to click tracks and sequences, I figured out that I had a lot of things I couldn't play anymore, like I thought I could play, because I didn't keep the timing. And then that I set them beside at first, and so my style become more transparent and more simple."

Schneider was born in Berlin, East Germany. His parents wanted to learn him an instrument, so he went to a school connected with an orchestra where he got the choice between trumpet, clarinet or trombone. His musical hearing abilities were educated during that time and he became very talented on the trumpet. He always was interested in being a drummer and was trying hard to educate himself without having access to a real drum set in his early years. Finally he managed to take the seat in his first bands like DIE FIRMA and later FEELING B. The bands became bigger, the music heavier and finally RAMMSTEIN was founded.

RAMMSTEIN's latest European stadium tour launched on May 11, 2024 at Airport Letňany in Prague, Czech Republic and wrapped up with two performances at Veltins-Arena in Germany, Gelsenkirchen on July 26, 2024 and July 27, 2024.

In August 2023, Berlin public prosecutor's office dropped its investigation into accusations of sexual offenses by RAMMSTEIN singer Till Lindemann, citing a lack of evidence. Lindemann always denied the allegations, with his lawyers calling them "without exception untrue".

In August 2024, RAMMSTEIN released a statement addressing the past allegations, saying: "Since last summer, we have been actively dealing with the accusations made against the band. We take this dispute very seriously, even if much of it is unfounded and excessively exaggerated. It is an inner process that will accompany us for a long time to come. Each of us does this in our own way and deals with it differently."

The band also expressed gratitude, saying: "At this point, we would particularly like to thank our families and loved ones for their unrestricted support and love; they too were hit hard by the allegations made and the media's handling of them.

"We thank our crew, our management, all our employees and everyone who has supported us and remained loyal along this journey. This massive stadium tour with this great show and this extraordinary stage has now come to an end after 135 concerts in 5 years with 6 million fans."

"It's not RAMMSTEIN. It's not us. It's not you. The path continues."

RAMMSTEIN's latest album, "Zeit", arrived in April 2022.

Lindemann (vocals),Paul Landers (guitar),Richard Z. Kruspe (guitar),Flake (keyboards),Oliver Riedel (bass) and Christoph Schneider (drums) spent two years working on the eleven songs on the LP. They were once again assisted by Berlin producer Olsen Involtini. "Zeit" was recorded at La Fabrique Studios in St. Rémy de Provence, France.

Tonic Breed, the metal project led by Norwegian musician Patrik K. Svendsen, is gearing up to release “Anew” on June 19, a crushing new single featuring none other than legendary drummer Chris Adler (Lamb Of God, Megadeth).

“I was quite curious when I got an email – and some riffs – from Patrik,” says Adler. “Clearly he’s done some cool shit and I was flattered to be on his radar… I researched it for a minute and agreed.”

Patrik originally sent over a rough demo of the song, a storm of riffs strung together with placeholder drums and a suggested structure. “Chris was actually on board right away,” Patrik explains. “We worked together on a new structure for the song, and Chris took the lead on shaping it into something far more unique and effective than my original draft.”

“His riffs are fucking sick,” Adler continues. “We did have to take a minute to both feel good about what this would be – meaning I beat up his song like a fucking Rocky movie – but I knew it had the parts and strength.”

The final version of “Anew” is a precision-crafted, high-energy track that fuses Patrik’s Norwegian riff work with Adler’s unmistakable rhythmic drive. “To me, this is the most Lamb Of God-style drumming I’ve heard from Chris since he was in Lamb Of God,” Patrik says. “I’m sure some metal guitarists would kill to hear Chris Adler’s drumming behind their riffs – I’ve been lucky enough to experience that firsthand.”

By the end of the collaboration, Adler described the finished product as “sounding like an action movie that’s fun to watch,” a nod to the song’s explosive dynamics and cinematic flow.

“It’s been a privilege to work with Patrik,” Adler says. “Humbling. You’ll know what I mean when you hear it.”

The track was mixed and mastered by acclaimed producer Machine, who also handled Lamb Of God’s Ashes Of The Wake and Sacrament. “The sound is brilliant,” says Patrik. “Machine absolutely nailed it.”

“Anew” will drop June 19 as a stand-alone single and is also set to appear on the next full-length Tonic Breed album. The new release continues the project’s series of high-profile collaborations, which already include Dirk Verbeuren (Megadeth), Michael Gilbert (Flotsam And Jetsam), and Björn Strid (Soilwork).

Until “Anew” is released, check out Tonic Breed’s latest collaboration with Flotsam and Jetsam guitarist Michael Gilbert for a guest solo on the new single “The Die Is Cast”.

Straight to the point. No fluff, no filler, “The Die Is Cast” is pure, hard-hitting thrash from start to finish, with a touch of melody woven in. The song is about a powerful war machine that lies broken and abandoned, surrounded by the wreckage of others like it. Its silence feels heavy, as if it’s aware of the destruction it once brought and the emptiness that followed.

“The Die Is Cast” was performed, written, and produced by Patrik K. Svendsen with mixing by Adrian Bjerketvedt in Sarpsborg, Norway, and mastered by Steve Kitch.

Playing with acts such as ELO, Elton John, Glen Campbell, Lee Aaron and John Waite, amongst a plethora of other platinum selling pop and rock icons not only makes you an in demand sideman, it also helps you develop your creative side. And, silly name aside, that’s exactly what the three members of The Squirts have capitalized on.

Formed while they were on tour as Rick Springfield’s backing band two decades ago, Matt Bissonette (bass / lead vocals), George Bernhardt (guitars, backing vocals) and Rodger Carter (drums, percussion) aka The Squirts came to life as a way to burn up some creative energy – and wound up becoming Rick’s opening act before turning around and playing alongside the headliner himself.

Releasing two albums in short order – 2003 and 2005, respectively – they had intended to release a third album to round things off but life took them all in sorts of different directions.



Two decades later that third album, creatively titled, III surfaces on independent label F-Bomb Records, which is realizing it’s own resurrection of sorts, releasing it’s first string of new albums since 2006.

III sees The Squirts deliver ten tracks of bombastic, high energy no-holds-barred power pop nirvana as only they can.

New York metalcore powerhouse Dead Within Days has ignited the scene with the release of their explosive new single “Lost Light”, out now on all streaming platforms. Known for their ferocious energy and unapologetic authenticity, Dead Within Days is making history as the world’s first blind-led metalcore band , delivering heavy music with unmatched heart and purpose.

“Lost Light” was produced, mixed, and mastered by Billy Pfister of Westfall Records , capturing the band’s signature sound with clarity and intensity. The single isn’t just a song — it’s a statement. A roar in the face of adversity. A rallying cry to embrace life’s disarray and keep pushing forward, no matter the odds.



Emerging from the vibrant New York underground, Dead Within Days fuses melodic riffs, blistering vocals, and technical precision with a deeply human message of resilience, accessibility, and inclusivity . Rooted in the nostalgia of 2000s metalcore and shaped by the raw aggression of classic metal and hardcore punk, their sound is both familiar and fiercely fresh. Fans of Bullet For My Valentine, Darkest Hour, and Blessthefall will feel right at home in the storm of sonic chaos Dead Within Days creates.

Dead Within Days is not just another band. They are a movement. A beacon. A band that doesn’t just break boundaries — they obliterate them.