During a recent press conference to promote his appearance at the Bangers Open Air 2025 festival in São Paulo, Brazil, Kerry King spoke about why the setlist for the performances from his solo band includes some of the SLAYER classics he wrote or co-wrote. He said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "Part of the reason I'm doing SLAYER songs in my set is because it's part of my past, part of our legacy, and if SLAYER never comes down here again, I play these songs so people in South America, wherever I play, they can still enjoy the songs that I've written over the last 40 years. So, to me, it's an extension of SLAYER because SLAYER went away. SLAYER got taken away from me as well. I planned on being SLAYER forever. And I still am; we're just not playing that often. But I like to give fans a taste of what I am now, what I was then, songs they're probably never gonna see again live. I wanna give that to them. I wanna show people that were too young to see SLAYER the first time how cool it was, because I think we do the SLAYER songs justice. And me moving forward, I'll have more and more solo material, but I'm not ever gonna forget that I was in SLAYER and I'll always play some of that too."

The setlist for King's solo shows usually contains several SLAYER songs, including "Repentless", "Hate Worldwide", "Chemical Warfare", "Disciple", "Raining Blood", "At Dawn They Sleep" and "Black Magic".

Last year, King told Metal Hammer magazine that he wanted the setlist for the shows from his solo band to only include SLAYER songs that he "wrote or co-wrote. So nobody can say 'he's playing Jeff [Hanneman, late SLAYER guitarist] songs,' because although I love Jeff songs and he was such a big part of my life, I don't want to rely on it this year, this album cycle," he explained. "At some point, I will play 'Angel Of Death', but there's so many fucking faceless haters on the Internet, I don't want to give them ammunition."

SLAYER made two festival appearances in September and October 2024 after a five-year hiatus.

This past March, the band announced a run of 2025 North American and European dates, marking SLAYER's first U.K. and Canadian shows in six years. They expanded that run last month with the addition of the only East Coast performance of the year, in Hershey, Pennsylvania in September.

King's debut solo album, "From Hell I Rise", came out in May 2024 via Reigning Phoenix Music. All material for the LP was written by the 60-year-old SLAYER guitarist, who was accompanied during the recording sessions by the rest of his solo band, consisting of drummer Paul Bostaph (SLAYER),bassist Kyle Sanders (HELLYEAH),guitarist Phil Demmel (formerly of MACHINE HEAD) and vocalist Mark Osegueda (DEATH ANGEL). Helming the sessions at Henson Recording Studios in Los Angeles in 2023 was producer Josh Wilbur, who had previously worked with KORN, LAMB OF GOD, AVENGED SEVENFOLD and BAD RELIGION, among others.

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

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

King told Rolling Stone about the decision to call the band KERRY KING: "It was going to be KING'S REIGN for a long time, which is really cool. But even with that one, I went to the guys, like, 'I'm not a vain dude. I don't want my name to be a part of it.' We talked about BLOOD REIGN for a while, but it didn't work. Every time I came up with anything remotely cool, it was taken by some obscure band in Eastern Europe. It became KERRY KING because I love that logo."

Last month, Crown X Recordings, Canada's premier reissue label, announced the release of "Helix 50 - The Best Of", a career-spanning collection celebrating five decades of one of Canada's most legendary hard rock bands. The compilation features an all-star re-recording of HELIX's multi-platinum hit "Rock You", alongside international chart-toppers from their major label debut "No Rest For The Wicked" (1983),through to "Vagabond Bones" (2009). An all-new track completes the circle. Using cutting-edge audio technology, every track has been expertly remastered for both CD and vinyl at Iguana Recording Studios in Toronto, Ontario for a new sonic experience.

The official music video for the all-star recording of "Rock You" — featuring founding vocalist Brian Vollmer and longtime bassist Daryl Gray, along with special guests Phil X (BON JOVI),Brent Fitz (Slash),and Todd Kerns (Slash) — can be seen below. The track is available for streaming in both stereo and Dolby Atmos.

HELIX's newest studio track "Stand Up" will be released on all streaming platforms Friday, May 18.

"Helix 50 - The Best Of" is a definitive collection including the classic remastered hits "Heavy Metal Love", "Deep Cuts The Knife", "Wild In The Streets", "Running Wild In The 21st Century", "Good To The Last Drop (Radio Version)" and "Animal Inside". Additionally, unplugged versions of "(Make Me Do) Anything You Want", "The Kids Are All Shakin'" and "Dream On" have been remixed for a fresh, updated sound. Released in both CD and LP format, the CD version includes the bonus tracks "That Day Is Gonna Come", "Sleeping' In The Dog House Again", featuring Kim Mitchell, and "Look Me Straight In The Heart", a duet with Lee Aaron.

Fans will be able to order a Deluxe Signed Bundle exclusively through the band's webstore starting Wednesday, May 21. This edition is limited to 300 units and comes in a special gatefold format that holds both the CD and 180g marble color vinyl. This hand signed bundle also includes a record slip mat, a "Helix 50" guitar pick and a "Helix 50" can koozie.

Standard single CD and LP versions will be available in retail stores this July.

The band will celebrate the release of "Helix 50 - The Best Of" with a special unplugged show on Wednesday, May 21, as part of the McBowl Concert Series, an annual charity event in Mississauga, Ontario. Brian Vollmer and Daryl Gray will be joined by former HELIX guitarist Sean Kelly, who will also host a retrospective discussion on the band's history. Before the performance, Vollmer will launch "Helix 50 - The Best Of" via a livestream event, sharing stories from the band's iconic career.

"Helix 50 - The Best Of" track listing:

01. Rock You (2025)
02. Heavy Metal Love (2025 Remastered)
03. Deep Cuts The Knife (2025 Remastered)
04. Wild In The Streets (2025 Remastered)
05. Running Wild In The 21st Century (2025 Remastered)
06. (Make Me Do) Anything You Want (2025 Unplugged)
07. The Kids Are All Shakin' (2025 Unplugged)
08. Animal Inside (2025 Remastered)
09. Good To The Last Drop (Radio Version)
10. Stand Up (2025 Remastered)
11. Dream On (2025 Unplugged)

CD Bonus Tracks

12. That Day Is Gonna Come
13. Sleepin' in the Dog House Again
14. Look Me Straight In The Heart

HELIX was formed in 1974 in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada. In 1976, the twin-guitar attack of Brent "The Doctor" Doerner and Paul Hackman joined the band, helping shape the group's signature sound. After releasing two independent albums, HELIX signed with Capitol Records, launching their major-label career with "No Rest For The Wicked" (1983),featuring the breakout hit "Heavy Metal Love". The band gained further international success with "Walkin' The Razor's Edge" (1984),driven by their iconic anthem "Rock You", which received major MTV airplay, along with a controversial X-rated version of the video.

Throughout the 1980s, HELIX continued to release acclaimed albums and tour worldwide, sharing stages with KISS, ALICE COOPER, MOTÖRHEAD and Ian Gillan. Despite the tragic loss of guitarist Paul Hackman in 1992, Brian Vollmer carried the HELIX torch forward, working with various top-tier musicians, including members of BRIGHTON ROCK, KILLER DWARFS, HAREM SCAREM and CRASH KELLY.

HELIX's legacy was further cemented in 2003 when they were humorously featured in an episode of the "Trailer Park Boys" television show sparking renewed interest in their music. In 2005, Vollmer released the book "Gimme An R!", documenting his life on the road and in the studio. In 2010, Vollmer released "Smash Hits…Unplugged", an acoustic reimagining of HELIX classics, some of which are now featured on this latest compilation.

Today, HELIX continues to tour and record, with "Helix 50 - The Best Of" serving as a monument to their enduring legacy.

Fake Fan has uploaded video of AC/DC's entire April 30 concert at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan. Check it out below.

Featured songs:

Intro 0:00
If You Want Blood (You've Got It) 1:17
Back In Black 6:45
Demon Fire 11:05
Shot Down In Flames (missing; see separate video below)
Thunderstruck 16:02
Have A Drink On Me 22:01
Hells Bells 26:39
Shot In The Dark 32:35
Stiff Upper Lip 36:14
Highway To Hell 40:34
Shoot To Thrill 45:00
Sin City 51:10
Rock 'N' Roll Train 57:51
Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap 1:02:47
High Voltage 1:08:04
Riff Raff 1:15:12
You Shook Me All Night Long 1:21:25
Whole Lotta Rosie 1:25:25
Let There Be Rock 1:31:52
Angus 1st Solo (On The Riser) 1:41:33
Angus 2nd Solo (Top Of The Stage) 1:45:11
End To Let There Be Rock 1:52:48

Encore:

T.N.T. 1:53:46
For Those About To Rock (We Salute You) 1:57:47

AC/DC kicked off its 2025 North American "Power Up" tour on April 10 at the US Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

AC/DC — guitarist Angus Young, vocalist Brian Johnson, rhythm guitarist Stevie Young, drummer Matt Laug and bass player Chris Chaney — is performing in 13 stadiums coast to coast this spring. This run will conclude on May 28 in Cleveland, Ohio at Huntington Bank Field. Along the way, they will play some of the most iconic and historic stadiums in the world, including Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois on May 24. Support on the trek is coming from THE PRETTY RECKLESS.

AC/DC played the 24th and final concert of its "Power Up" European tour on August 17, 2024 at Croke Park in Dublin, Ireland.

The "Power Up" European tour marked AC/DC's first with the band's new touring lineup consisting of Johnson, Angus and Stevie Young, Laug and the latest addition to the group's touring lineup, Chaney.

The European tour was the first run of gigs since AC/DC's return to the stage at last year's Power Trip festival in Indio, California.

AC/DC's last tour took place in 2015 and 2016 and had a $180 million gross, with 2,310,061 sold tickets reported to the Pollstar box office.

Laug is an American drummer who has played with many bands/artists such as Alanis Morissette, Alice Cooper, SLASH'S SNAKEPIT and Vasco Rossi. Matt moved to Los Angeles after graduating from South Florence High School in 1986 and after attending college in L.A., Matt became a sought-after studio drummer.

In 2001, Laug supported AC/DC as part of SLASH'S SNAKEPIT on the North American and European legs of the "Stiff Upper Lip" tour.

In its announcement about Laug's addition to the band's Power Trip lineup, AC/DC offered no explanation for the absence of the band's longtime drummer Phil Rudd, who rejoined AC/DC for the recording of the group's comeback album, "Power Up", which came out in November 2020.

Rudd was ousted from AC/DC when he was sentenced to eight months of home detention by a New Zealand court in 2015 after pleading guilty to charges of threatening to kill and drug possession. He was replaced on the band's "Rock Or Bust" tour by Chris Slade, who had previously served as AC/DC's drummer between 1989 and 1994, playing on the album "The Razor's Edge".

Rudd, who appeared on all but three of AC/DC's 18 previous studio albums, toured in support of his 2014 solo debut, "Head Job". It was the release of that album that led indirectly to Rudd's arrest, with the drummer allegedly so angry at a personal assistant over the way the record was promoted that he threatened to have the man and his daughter killed.

AC/DC postponed the last 10 dates of its spring 2016 North American trek after Johnson was advised to stop playing live or "risk total hearing loss." The band went on to complete the European and North American legs of its "Rock Or Bust" tour with GUNS N' ROSES frontman Axl Rose as a "guest vocalist." At the time, Johnson had been AC/DC's singer for 36 years, ever since replacing the late Bon Scott in 1980 and making his debut on the classic "Back In Black" album.

To enable him to perform live with AC/DC again, the now-77-year-old Johnson worked with audio expert Stephen Ambrose, who said he could help resolve the singer's hearing problems.

Ambrose, who invented the wireless in-ear monitors that are widely used by touring artists today, claimed to have invented a new type of ear-bud that would allow Johnson to perform without causing further damage to his eardrums. After three years of experimenting and "miniaturizing" the equipment, Johnson previously said the technology could allow him to tour again.

Chaney is best known as the bassist of JANE'S ADDICTION and as a member of Alanis Morissette's touring and recording band. Chaney was also a member of TAYLOR HAWKINS AND THE COATTAIL RIDERS and CAMP FREDDY, as well as being a prolific and versatile session musician, having played with artists including Joe Cocker, Shakira, Slash and Avril Lavigne to Sara Bareilles, Gavin Degraw, Cher, SHINEDOWN and Celine Dion. Chaney is also a founding member and partner in the all-star supergroup ROYAL MACHINES along with Dave Navarro (JANE'S ADDICTION),Mark McGrath (SUGAR RAY),Josh Freese (FOO FIGHTERS) and Billy Morrison (BILLY IDOL).

Bassist Cliff Williams announced his retirement at the end of AC/DC's 2015-2016 "Rock Or Bust" tour, which also saw Johnson leaving. However, Williams — and Johnson — took part in the recording sessions that resulted in "Power Up". Both of them were also part of the AC/DC lineup that performed at Power Trip.

During an October 2020 interview with Dean Delray's "Let There Be Talk" podcast, Cliff was asked if Johnson's departure from the road was what led to his desire to stop touring. Cliff responded: "It was before then. I spoke to Angus about it initially. I was at a point — and this is at the beginning of the 'Rock Or Bust' tour — that I just felt, for me, it was time to hang it up. I knew that I didn't wanna keep doing these two-year tours, and I didn't wanna hold them back, so I made them aware of the fact that this was gonna be my last go-round. It was a tough tour to finish. God bless Axl for coming in and helping us out, finish it up. He did a great job. And at the end of that, I was definitely — that was it for me. Done — just done. That compounded the whole thing."

According to Williams, he wanted to take part in the recording sessions for "Power Up" as a tribute to Angus's late brother, founding AC/DC rhythm guitarist Malcolm Young, who died in 2017 from effects of dementia at age 64. Malcolm is credited as a writer on all 12 tracks on "Power Up".

"If 'Back In Black' has [late AC/DC singer] Bon Scott all over it, for me, 'Power Up' has got Malcolm Young," Cliff said. "This is for him. And it's the band that we played together with for 40-plus years. And I wanted to do that — I wanted to come back and do that.

"We did some rehearsals earlier [in 2020] before this darn COVID thing popped up, and we had great rehearsals," he continued. "The band was playing really well. So [they asked me], 'Do you wanna do a few shows? 'Sure'. A few shows. We were planning on doing that. Everyone goes home to their respective homes, and bang, we've been here ever since [because of the coronavirus-related shutdown]."

Cliff went on to confirm that his commitment to AC/DC was only for "a few" dates in support of "Power Up".

"For both [my mental and physical] health," he said. "I definitely have some physical issues, which I won't bore you with the details of. But, yeah, it's tough. I'm very grateful for everything. It's been fantastic. But I just don't wanna do that anymore."

Williams previously revealed that a "terrible" bout with vertigo contributed to his 2016 retirement. He also admitted the return of both Johnson and drummer Phil Rudd convinced him to rejoin the group. "It was like the old band back together," he told Rolling Stone. "It was not like starting over again, but as close to the band that's been together for 40-plus years as we can possibly make it. I didn't want to miss that."

The follow-up to 2014's "Rock Or Bust", "Power Up" was recorded over a six-week period in August and September 2018 at Warehouse Studios in Vancouver with producer Brendan O'Brien, who also worked 2008's "Black Ice" and "Rock Or Bust".

Fan-filmed video of Sebastian Bach's entire May 2 concert at the 2025 edition of the M3 Rock Festival at the Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, Maryland can be seen below.

Joining Bach on stage at the gig were the other members of his current touring band: his son Paris Bach on drums, "Bruiser" Brody DeRozie on guitar, and Fede Delfino on bass.

Featured songs:

00:00 What Do I Got To Lose?
04:40 Slave To The Grind
08:50 Here I Am
14:02 Big Guns
18:15 Sweet Little Sister
22:44 18 And Life
28:47 Can't Stand The Heartache
32:20 Freedom
36:02 Piece Of Me
38:48 Future Of Youth
43:10 Monkey Business
54:00 I Remember You
59:15 (Hold On) To The Dream
01:04:40 The Threat
01:09:30 American Metalhead
01:15:20 Youth Gone Wild

Sebastian's latest solo album, "Child Within The Man", came out in May 2024 via Reigning Phoenix Music.

2024 was a remarkable year for the singer, songwriter, author, Broadway star and actor. "Child Within The Man" — his first album in more than 10 years — was well-received, with Associated Press saying "…it shows a fierce performer in prime fighting form…his vocals remain sharp and his songwriting talents as cunning as ever," while Ultimate Classic Rock noted: "Bach's voice has lost none of its rage or range, even in the highest registers…" In addition, the album's "(Hold On) To The Dream" track was included in Consequence's "30 Best Metal & Hard Rock Songs Of 2024" which described the song as "...a late-career masterpiece from the former SKID ROW singer. Baz hits some of the highest notes of his career on the sweeping ballad, an inspiring anthem about perseverance."

On the touring front, Sebastian performed a record 91 shows in 2024. The dates included two successful North American tours — one around the release of the album, followed by another leg of fall shows — and a series of overseas appearances just before the album's release.

In January, Sebastian was back on TV when he appeared on Food Network's "Worst Cooks In America Celebrity Edition: Heroes vs. Villains". In addition, last June Sebastian was the subject of an A&E "Biography: Rock Legends" special. This follows his 2023 appearance as "Tiki" on Fox's "The Masked Singer".

"Child Within The Man" has yielded the following singles/videos, all of which have impacted the rock charts: "Freedom", "What Do I Got To Lose?", "Everybody Bleeds" and "(Hold On) To The Dream" (along with the "(Hold On) To The Dream" alternate video),"Future Of Youth" and "To Live Again".

"Child Within The Man" was recorded in Orlando, Florida; produced and mixed by Michael "Elvis" Baskette; engineered by Jef Moll, assistant engineered by Josh Saldate and mastered by Robert Ludwig of Gateway Mastering. Bach wrote or co-wrote all the album's 11 tracks and sang all lead and backing vocals.

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

Prior to "Child Within The Man"'s arrival, Bach hadn't released a full-length disc since "Give 'Em Hell", which came out in March 2014.

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MÖTLEY CRÜE guitarist John 5 has shared a "one-take" guitar playthrough video for the band's song "Dogs Of War". Check it out below.

John 5 wrote in a caption accompanying the YouTube release of the playthrough video: "OK kids here's a little 'Dogs Of War'. There are a few diminished chords, add9 chords all sorts of good stuff."

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

The original "Dogs Of War" music video, which was made available in April 2024, is an animated, all-CGI affair directed by Nick DenBoer.

Last July, MÖTLEY CRÜE bassist Nikki Sixx told Janne Innanfors of the Swedish radio station Rockklassiker about the mixed response to "Dogs Of War" from the MÖTLEY CRÜE fans: "We like the fact that there was kind of a knee-jerk reaction, because at least people were listening. It's a very strange time now where, whether it's a news cycle or socials, everybody has turned into a critic. And I always say, they've never erected a statue of a critic. It's never happened, right? It's always the artist. But now everybody's a critic. So within a short amount of time, we get, 'We love it.' 'We hate it.' 'You're over.' 'You've reinvented yourself.' 'It sounds like 'Shout At The Devil'. 'It sucks.' And we just kind of sit there and go, 'That's cool, guys, but we didn't really ask for any input from you.' We're just artists writing music, and we're pretty cool. I'm happy with it. I like it."

During an appearance on SiriusXM Fight Nation's "Busted Open" show, Sixx spoke about "Dogs Of War", which was made available via MÖTLEY CRÜE's new deal with Nashville's Big Machine Records. He said: "A lot of people said it's a different sound, but I'll be honest with you, I don't necessarily agree with that. If you listen to the verses, they're very similar to a lot of stuff that we've done — that simple, grinding thing with those almost CHEAP TRICK melodies. And the riff, I mean, it could be off of 'Dr. Feelgood'. So I don't really feel like it's that different. I think what's different for people is that when we were working on the song, Tommy [Lee, CRÜE drummer] had the idea to just let the bottom fall out in the verses, which is not really what we do. We usually go for it, and [it's] really unique for Vince [Neil, CRÜE singer]."

Vince chimed in: "I don't ever sing like that. But it works in the song." He added that "Dogs Of War" "was very easy to sing."

Nikki elaborated on the CRÜE songwriting process, saying: "I think what we do together is we all kind of know each other so well, we know each other's strengths and weaknesses. And for me as a lyricist, I'm always thinking about Vince and his tempo as I write. So it's not like out of the wheelhouse, but it's nice to know each other so well, if that makes sense."

When "Dogs Of War" was first released, Neil described the track as "like old school meets new school. It's got that old-school vibe about it, but it's new music. Nikki came up with it and he sent me the music and I thought it was really cool. So I started singing it and we got in the studio and it turned into the song I think the fans are really gonna like it."

Last October, MÖTLEY CRÜE released the "Cancelled" EP, featuring the title track, MÖTLEY CRÜE's cover version of the BEASTIE BOYS classic "(You Gotta) Fight For Your Right (To Party!)" and "Dogs Of War". All three songs were recorded in April 2023 with longtime producer Bob Rock.

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

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

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

In a new interview Terrie Carr of WDHA-FM 105.5 FM, the rock music station licensed to Dover and Morristown, New Jersey, KISS bassist/vocalist Gene Simmons reflected on the band's classic debut studio album, which was released in February 1974 via Casablanca Records. Much of the material on the LP was written by Simmons and KISS guitarist/vocalist Paul Stanley, with the two of them splitting the lead vocal duties fairly evenly. Gene said about the effort (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "I think probably it's the most honest record we've ever done. It doesn't have to be the best, but painters and artists talk about the honesty of innocence before you learn to do things. Like kids — the most honest art is when a small child dips into mud or poop in the bathtub and starts creating imagery and stuff. That's the most honest expression of art before you know form and function and any of that stuff. So we didn't know anything about the recording process. We barely knew how to tune the instruments, and we sort of could write songs and based on our love of… We were Anglophiles. We loved the English version of what the Americans invented, which was rock and roll and blues, and it became rap and all that. It all started here [in the U.S.], but come on, the English gave us THE BEATLES and [LED] ZEPPELIN and stuff, and we gave them THE GRATEFUL DEAD. It's just leagues apart. Nothing American ever rose to that level with people that play guitar. Nothing — not even close. And when you list the top — I don't know — 10 bands of all time, they were all English or Irish. THE BEATLES and THE [ROLLING] STONES and the English invasion and stuff — on and on and on. Amazing songs. And so we started writing songs like that, and not copying or anything, but within that vein. And it came easy. Paul and I were long students of songwriting and the English bands and everything. THE KINKS — oh my goodness, those early years. 'Waterloo Sunset' was so, so simple, stripped of even production.

"The thought behind those songs [on KISS's first album] was we wanted to put together the band we never saw on stage," Simmons explained. "So on one hand we had sort of this love of Anglophile music and those English bands, but then there was the sameness of, if you didn't know much, you couldn't tell the difference between THE KINKS or THE STONES or THE BEATLES and everything. They all had basically the same hairstyle type, same age — except THE BEATLES, everybody sang, everybody was a star. That was a major, major difference. And so we looked at THE BEATLES as a template. Wouldn't it be great if everybody sang lead? That was like, 'Wait a minute.' In THE STONES, it was [Mick] Jagger. In THE KINKS, it was Ray Davies — like on and on and on. AEROSMITH, it's Steven [Tyler] — nobody else sings. But in KISS, everybody sings songs. And that was a thing that was appealing to us. Now, putting that together, you have to go through auditions, and eventually we found the right mix, those original guys. Having said that, sadly, not everybody is designed in their DNA to run marathons. Some people are just shooting stars — they just go for a little while. And Ace [Frehley, original KISS guitarist] and Peter [Criss, original KISS drummer] were so perfect for the original lineup, but they just weren't designed to last 50 years. So they were in and out of the band three different times."

Less than two months ago, Simmons confirmed to Las Vegas Review-Journal that KISS will perform without makeup at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas as part of the three-day "KISS Army Storms Vegas" event, which runs from November 14 to November 16.

"KISS Army Storms Vegas" celebrates the KISS fan club's 50th anniversary and will be the band's first live performance since Simmons, Stanley, guitarist Tommy Thayer and drummer Eric Singer wrapped up their "End Of The Road" farewell tour at Madison Square Garden in New York in December 2023.

When KISS officially announced the "KISS Army Storms Vegas" event, the band said that Stanley and Simmons — along with "special guests" — would play at least one show "unmasked," meaning without their iconic makeup. It was later revealed that Thayer would also be part of the event.

KISS had previously set a 12-show residency at Planet Hollywood Las Vegas in 2021 and 2022 but ultimately canceled all of the dates.

Simmons told Rolling Stone in a November 2023 interview that the second Madison Square Garden "End Of The Road" concert would mark "the final KISS-in-makeup appearance."

Simmons recently postponed nearly 20 dates on his forthcoming solo tour with the GENE SIMMONS BAND to 2026. Gene is now expected to launch the trek on May 2 in Peachtree City, Georgia, with dates scheduled through August 3 in Sturgis, South Dakota.

Vocalist/bassist Jeff Becerra of pioneering death metallers POSSESSED has commented on the passing of the band's former guitarist Brian Montana. The 60-year-old musician died on Monday, April 28 during a shootout with police.

According to a press release from the South San Francisco Police Department, "South San Francisco Police Department received a 911 call [on Monday] regarding an active disturbance where a suspect was brandishing a firearm at a neighbor on the 300 block of Arroyo Drive. Officers began arriving on scene at 5:55 pm and immediately requested additional units because the suspect with the firearm was now actively shooting into an occupied residence. The suspect then re-positioned himself into a driveway of that neighboring residence and concealed his location behind parked vehicles while still armed.

"Over the next 25 minutes, the suspect armed himself with three different types of firearms (handgun, shotgun, and rifle) and fired at officers from different locations within the driveway while seeking cover and concealment using both vehicles in the driveway and landscaping. Officers used police vehicles as cover from the barrage of gunfire and were able to return fire. Officers were able to strike the suspect, effectively preventing him from continued shooting at officers and nearby residences.

"Once the suspect was confirmed he was no longer a threat to officers, an approach to take him into custody was made and he was found to be non-responsive. Life saving measures were performed and medical personnel were called to the scene. The suspect succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene.

"One resident from the home that the suspect was shooting at sustained a non-life threatening injury and was transported to a local trauma hospital. Nearby residences were also checked and officers confirmed no one else was injured. No officers were injured during this critical incident."

A witness told CBS News about the incident: "My understanding is they had a dispute over a tree that was hanging. This is how foolish this kind of thing is. A dispute over a tree that one of them cut back, which is his right …and then somebody tried to settle it with a gun."

The South San Francisco Police Department said it will release more information, including audio and video recordings, at a later time.

POSSESSED shared a comment about the shooting via the band's Instagram Story early Friday, May 2, writing, "Very tragic news. Our sympathies to the Montana family and friends," above an image of a news article. The band also posted a message that read "Rest In Peace Brian Montana" via Instagram Story on Wednesday, April 30, according to the Daily Mail.

A longer tribute to Montana from Becerra via the official POSSESSED account added: " I just feel like people should know that Brian Montana was a very nice guy. He was jovial and a gentleman. He was into martial arts and he was an excellent guitar player. Brian was always cracking jokes and he was a good person. Although we weren't in touch often and more than a phone call here and there. The Brian I know is from when we were still just kids back in the beginning of POSSESSED. He was nothing like what I'm seeing being written about him. In fact, I think that's one of the reasons that led to him leaving POSSESSED. He just wasn't willing to be as dark as we wanted him to be at that time. We were going for that evil imagery, and Brian was just so lighthearted, even goofy in a good way."

Jeff continued: "He was obviously going through some struggles and I think this is the time to be respectful towards the Montana family and friends as this is a tragic time for them.

"I'm sure there’s a lot more to this story but that would be up to Brian's family to tell or not to tell. I know that I still feel this is a great loss and I'm deeply saddened."

Montana joined POSSESSED after answering a newspaper ad placed by founding members Mike Torrao and Mike Sus. He played on the band's 1984 demo titled "Death Metal", which is credited with giving the genre its name. Montana left POSSESSED shortly after the demo's release and was replaced by future PRIMUS guitarist Larry LaLonde.

"I left the band because Torrao had a terrible attitude problem and wouldn't stop ragging at me," Montana said in an interview with Voices From The Darkside. "He was like some senile old lady that just wouldn't shut up. He had a problem with my image. He didn't think I was evil enough or something. He was always ragging on me to wear an upside-down crucifix and be satanic."

POSSESSED originally split in 1987, leaving behind a short but highly influential legacy, most notably the band's 1985 "Seven Churches" debut, widely considered to be the first-ever death metal album. Internal tensions after the release of 1987's "The Eyes Of Horror" EP led to the band's dissolution, with LaLonde joining Bay Area tech-thrashers BLIND ILLUSION, then PRIMUS, while Becerra, guitarist Mike Torrao and drummer Mike Sus each going separate directions.

Two years after POSSESSED's split, Becerra was the victim of a failed armed robbery attempt, subsequently leaving him paralyzed from the chest down and sending him into a spiral of drug and alcohol abuse. POSSESSED was reactivated by Torrao in 1990 with a completely different lineup, but only released two demos before dissolving in 1993. Becerra then reformed POSSESSED in 2007 with his own lineup, which released its first studio album in 33 years, "Revelations Of Oblivion", in 2019.

🚨 Officer-Involved Shooting Update 🚨

On 4/28/25 at approx. 5:52 PM, SSFPD responded to a 911 call on the 300 block of...

Posted by South San Francisco Police Department on Tuesday, April 29, 2025

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Former SEPULTURA drummer Igor "Iggor" Cavalera was a guest on a recent episode of White Centipede Noise, a podcast focused exclusively on noise, based out of WCN Studios in Potsdam, Germany. Asked about the fact that many of the early extreme metal bands in Brazil — including SEPULTURA, SARCOFAGO, HOLOCAUSTO and VULCANO — embraced satanic imagery and themes in the 1980s despite being based in what is largely considered a Catholic country, Igor said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET):  "For us, explaining the first wave of black metal that we had in Brazil, it wasn't really about worshipping Satan, but it was about attacking the church, which it has a huge difference. For us, it was way more political. 'Cause the church is controlling everything in South America, and they're involved in politics, and as we all know, they're the most evil thing. They came in and they really raped the land with the colonization and everything. So for us to go against the church, it was an act of rebellion. And for us it also made more sense to attack that than just attack the government in general because they're the same thing in our view. So when you had the SEX PISTOLS going like against the queen, for us, our form of aggression was, like, 'No, let's destroy the church.' 'Cause they're all connected. So I guess that's where it kind of like blurs where we've also never been Satan worshippers; that wasn't our thing. Of course, I study a lot of like the dark side of things, I read a lot of books, but I was never… 'Cause I believe they're all the creation of the same thing — the evil and the good and Satan, in my opinion, is also a creation of the church. So for us to worship that, it was almost, like, 'Oh, how come you don't accept Jesus, but you accept that one, which is kind of like — they're the yin-yang.'"

He continued: "So that's where that movement started from. It was about that aggression. And then, of course, musically, it was an extreme form of showing how we wanted to rebel. And then, of course, metal by being one of the styles that we liked the ideas, but we didn't like how metal was made in Europe or in America, 'cause it was too polished. And they were talking about dragons and slaying castles. And we're, like, 'That's not our reality.' So I guess that's where it started."

This past February, Igor launched a solo tour of the United Kingdom during which he performed electronic music from the repertoire of his solo discography inspired by the varied sub genres of avant-garde, drone, industrial and harsh noise.

Along with older brother Max Cavalera, Igor is a founding member of the Brazilian thrash metal band SEPULTURA. Igor is now the drummer for CAVALERA, CAVALERA CONSPIRACY, SOULWAX, PETBRICK and other projects. Cavalera is one half of the DJ duo MIXHELL, an electronic music project he founded with his wife, Laima Leyton, in 2006. With MIXHELL, he has toured the globe, performing in festivals such as Glastonbury, Bestival and Reading.

In 2013, Igor moved to London with his family and in 2016 joined the Belgian band SOULWAX, recording drums for their album "From Deewee" and touring as part of "Transient Program For Drums And Machinery". Soon after, he founded PETBRICK with Wayne Adams — a project that involved melting noise and crushing electronics over grinding drumming.

Igor has been performing live with analog modular gear, drum pads and visuals for intimate crowds at experimental festivals such as Dio Drone (Florence) and clubs such as Cafe Oto and Iklectik (London). His latest releases include "Aural Manifestations" on Damian Records in America and Deepthroat Records in Europe and "Alucinações Sônicas" on Hospital Productions.

Igor left SEPULTURA in June 2006 due to "artistic differences." His departure from the band came five months after he announced that he was taking a break from SEPULTURA's touring activities to spend time with his second wife and their son (who was born in January 2006).

In 1996, Max Cavalera exited SEPULTURA after the rest of the band split with Max's wife Gloria as their manager.

Portland blackened death-metal band Drouth has unveiled the title track from their impending album, The Teeth of Time, that’s out May 16 from Eternal Warfare Records.

Commenting on the single, the band states:

“‘The Teeth Of Time’ was an obvious choice for us to make the title track and centerpiece of the album, as it encapsulates the lyrical and musical themes most central to Drouth at this moment. It is the fullest realization of our artistic ambition yet, and having our friends Laurie Sue and Christy Cather contribute guest vocals was truly an honor—their projects, Ludicra in particular, are huge sources of inspiration for us and we knew their distinctive styles would fit perfectly with the song.”

Adding about the record, the band has said:

“We are proud to present The Teeth Of Time, a culmination of several years of blood, sweat and pain. It is a nightmare made manifest, and we are both eager to share our creative work and grateful to the many people who helped make it possible.”

Preorder on Bandcamp.



Tracklisting:

“Hurl Your Thunderbolt Even Unto Death”
“False Grail”
“The Teeth Of Time”
“Through A Glass, Darkly”
“Exult, Ye Flagellant”

No More Tragedy is the new live release from Japan’s Lovebites. No More Tragedy is out now on Blu-ray, DVD, and CD and features the entire show at Tokyo Garden Theater held on September 1, 2024.

New video and track for “When Destinies Align” – taken from their 2020 album Electric Pentagram is available now.



Lovebites recently announced vinyl reissues of their four full-length albums and four EPs.



The albums were previously available on vinyl, but in limited quantities. Releases included in the campaign are The Lovebites EP, Awakening From Abyss, Battle Against Damnation, Clockwork Immortality, Electric Pentagram, Golden Destination, Glory, Glory, To The World, and Judgement Day.



The reissues will be available on August 12 via Victor Records and Tower Records. Each vinyl is limited edition on colored vinyl. A special synthetic leather record bag is also available.

The power metallers will perform at the hallowed Budokan in Tokyo on March 29, 2026. Applications to attend the show for non-Japan residents are available now.

Danish hard rock act, D-A-D, performed on the Louder Stage at the 2019 edition of Germany’s Wacken Open Air festival. WackenTV has released professionally-filmed footage of the band’s full set. See below.

Setlist:

“Burning Star”
“Evil Twin”
“Bad Craziness”
“Nothing Ever Changes”
“Everything Grows”
“A Prayer For The Loud”
“Grow Or Pay”
“Riding With Sue”
“Reconstrucdead”
“Monster Philosophy”
“No Doubt About It” (with Laust setting drums on fire)
“Jihad”
“Sleeping My Day Away”
“Disneyland After Dark”

Maltese award-winning death metallers, Beheaded, will delve deep into their island’s native folklore and beliefs on new album, Għadam, scheduled for release on July 25 via Agonia Records. Watch a cinematic trailer for upcoming single and music video, “Il-Kittieb”, directed by Raul Noise, below

Għadam is an album that marks a significant evolution in the band’s journey making it the first death metal album ever written in Maltese, tying Maltese horror, literature and death metal into a cohesive concept. The album incorporates musical influences rooted in the island’s heritage, blending the band’s signature ferocity with elements of traditional religious and folklore music, creating a unique fusion that pays homage to the band’s cultural origins. With Għadam, Beheaded not only pushes the boundaries of their sound but also cements their legacy as pioneers of Maltese death metal.

Għadam is based and inspired by the books of Maltese horror author Anton Grasso including the title itself. The work comprises nine songs that all use the title of a book by the author, which are then interpreted in a story, theme or subject different from what one finds in the book. It is also worth mentioning that on Għadam, one finds passages, phrases, subjects from classic works of local poetry, as well as excerpts taken from prayers and religious references.

The idea behind the choice for Għadam to be a work written entirely in Maltese is that it pays homage and explores the local cultural heritage in the context of everything related to horror, fear, superstitions, the occult, the macabre, folklore and how these exist hand in hand with faith and devotion.

Beheaded comments: “Għadam, the band’s seventh album, is a dark narrative unfolding across the nocturne-esque Maltese landscape. It delves into the island’s folklore, where superstition and fervent religious devotion create a chilling atmosphere. This journey into the abyss is led by the authoritative voice of Anton Grasso’s works, the infamous Maltese horror writer, whose stories serve as a guiding light through the gloom. While retaining the essence of their signature sound, Beheaded infuses Għadam with the haunting sonorities of traditional religious harmonies and funeral marches, creating a sonic tapestry that is both brutal and profoundly unsettling.”

The album was recorded and mixed at MK2 Recording Studios (Italy) by Davide Billia (Antropofagus, Coffin Birth) with analog synth engineering done by Nicolò Brambilla at Echoes Studio (Italy) The song “Irmied” was recorded at Railway Studios (Malta) by Peter Borg and performed by Simone Brigo on a traditional hand made harp guitar courtesy of Josef Camilleri (Cross Guitar Work). Għadam was mastered by Wojtek Wiesławski at Hertz Studio (Poland). A photo shot by Raffaele Montepaone graces the cover artwork.

New single, album formats, and pre-orders coming soon.



Tracklisting:

“Għadam”
“Xtrajt l-infern”
“B’niket inħabbru l-mewt”
“Iħirsa”
“Il-Kittieb”
“Ix-xjaten ta’ moħħi”
“Iljieli bla qamar”
“Jidħaq il-lejl”
“Irmied”

Joe Stump’s Tower Of Babel – the hard rock quintet who bring the finest European ingredients to their no-nonsense rock ‘n’ roll – will release Days Of Thunder on Silver Lining Music on July 4.

Joe Stump’s supreme six-string shredding skills are known throughout the rock and metal scenes, both as the lead guitarist of Alcatrazz and as the shred specialist associate Professor at the Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts, and having torn new earholes with their 2017 debut Lake of Fire, Stump & co take it a step further and higher with 10 glorious slices of riff-driven, Rainbow/Deep Purple styled anthems.

Along with the soaring vocals of Jo Amore, the tight-fist-drumming of Mark Cross, the multi-dimensional Mistheria (aka The Maestro) on keyboards, and Nic Angileri nailing down the rhythms on bass guitar, Stump has once again prevailed in bringing heavy, energetic, yet gloriously melodic music to the table with a style and panache rarely seen in 2025.

“All of my influences are the classic European hard rock masters, whether it’s Ritchie Blackmore, Michael Schenker or Gary Moore,” offers Stump. “Naturally, the record gives a modern take on those classic sounds. I also love classical music of course, like Bach, Tchaikovsky, Vivaldi, and I wear all those influences on my sleeve. I do have more of a metal background, and my touch is quite a bit more aggressive, but this Days Of Thunder record is more of a hard rock album than it is a metal record.”

Released today, title track and first single, “Days Of Thunder”, propels itself off with typically blistering Stump riffs which shimmer with dazzling technique, Amore’s vocals helping to further evoke the classic era of 80’s European rock.

Joe Stump comments: “It’s a badass tune that has a Rainbow vibe to it but heavier and reminiscent of early ‘classic’ Dio, something you could hear on the Dream Evil or Holy Diver albums. The band just went for it and the track immediately took on a life of its own… Jo’s great vocals, Mark’s killer playing and of course The Maestro destroying on the keys, it all matches up perfectly!”

The “Days Of Thunder” video, by Very Metal Art, can be found below.

On Days Of Thunder, songs such as “Sacrifice” and “The Princess” dance the edge of speed and classic fireball rocking, the latter allowing some outrageous solos to unfold from both Mistheria and, of course, Stump, who proudly re-establishes his pedigree as one the world’s best axesmiths. The mysterious and hazy groove of hip-swinger “Alone In The Desert” is a smokey backbeat dragging you into its soulful swagger. All in all, taking a ride with Days Of Thunder is a Jedi mind trick of vintage sounds with ultra-fresh and vibrant sensibilities that will transport you back to the Hammersmith Odeon and the days when unabashed hard rockin’ talent, power, colour, and flare were celebrated and venerated.

Days Of Thunder is produced by Mark Cross. Mixed by George Aspiotis and Mark Cross at Studio Aspiotis, Greece. Mastered by Ade Emsley at Table of Tone Mastering, London, UK.

Days Of Thunder will be available on CD and digital formats. Pre-order here.



Days Of Thunder tracklisting:

“Dominum”
“Rules Of Silence”
“Days Of Thunder”
“Blind Are Your Eyes”
“Alone In The Desert”
“In The Heat Of The Night”
“Sacrifice”
“Black Knight’s Prelude”
“Trust Me”
“The Princess”

New Jersey’s own Spider Rockets are kicking the door down with the release of their new single “Dirty And Bad”, the first taste of their upcoming album Dirty And Bad, dropping May 23rd via FireRock Music Group.

“Our single ‘Dirty And Bad’ is part midnight confession, part battle cry — made for the wild-hearted and restless souls chasing the fire in their veins. It’s about letting go, living loud, and diving headfirst into the moment. Raw. Unfiltered. Unapologetically alive,” says vocalist Helena Cos.



“Dirty And Bad” hits hard with filthy riffs, sultry vocals, and a pounding rhythm section that refuses to let up. It’s alt-rock grit meets classic rock swagger, built for late nights, loud rooms, and anyone who’s ever lived without apologies. Lyrically, it’s a fearless dive into indulgence, lust, and the reckless thrill of now — no regrets, no looking back.

The track sets the stage for Dirty And Bad, a full album packed with the same punch, recorded between two studios — a polished space in Pennsylvania and a raw industrial zone in New Jersey — capturing the perfect clash of clean and dirty sounds.

Tom Collier, President of FireRock Music Group, says it best: “Spider Rockets are the total package. Great musicians, extremely talented. Dirty and Bad takes you on a musical journey matched by only a few. This is a breakout album — the time is now for Spider Rockets to show the world what they’re made of.”

The full Dirty and Bad album drops May 23, 2025 — and the title track already fires the first shot, loud and unapologetic. Save and add the single here.

For Spider Rockets, Dirty And Bad isn’t just an album, it’s a battle cry. A statement. A call to arms for rock fans everywhere. Mark your calendars for May 23rd and prepare for the ride.



Tracklisting:

Dirty And Bad
Monster Of Your Dreams
The Storm
Rock Your Ass Off
Casual Violence
Do Your Thing
Sucker
Everything To Everyone
Drive
Welcome To The Show

Big Big Train will issue a new live album, Are We Nearly There Yet?, on September 19 (streaming from November 3). Sub-titled Live Around The World, the album collects together a series of performances recorded in 2024 and 2025 on the band’s tours, which visited the UK, US, Canada, The Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Norway, Denmark and Portugal as well as co-headlining Cruise To The Edge in both years. The album has been compiled by bassist Gregory Spawton and lead vocalist Alberto Bravin.

“Apart from Summer Shall Not Fade, which captured our show headlining the 2018 Night Of The Prog festival in Germany, our previous live albums have been based around shows in London,” drummer Nick D’Virgilio explains. “Having spread our touring wings internationally much more in the last few years, we wanted to mix it up and release a live album drawn from the almost 40 shows we’ve played around the world since March 2024.”

“While our engineer Rob Aubrey will be spending the coming months taking the lead mixing our next studio album, mixing has fallen to me for Are We Nearly There Yet?“, Alberto Bravin comments. “It’s been really interesting to go back through all the performances and choose what we thought were the most appropriate ones to include on this live release. That doesn’t always mean the best technical performance – sometimes a song had a unique vibe on a particular night which we wanted to celebrate.”

The first song to be made available from Are We Nearly There Yet? is “Black With Ink” (listen below), recorded in London in October 2024. “’Black With Ink’ didn’t get massive attention when we originally released it on the Common Ground album in 2021,” guitarist/keyboardist Rikard Sjöblom says. “I always thought it could be a kick ass tune live and that’s exactly how it turned out. Back when we originally recorded the song, it was David Longdon’s idea that the lead vocals should be shared around the band and on tour it has been real fun for me, Nick, Clare Lindley and Oskar Holldorff each to get to sing a verse.”

Are We Nearly There Yet? will be released via Big Big Train’s own label English Electric Recordings on 2CD and 3LP housed in a gatefold sleeve, via Bandcamp high resolution download and streaming. The 3LP version of the album will be available as limited edition 180 gram transparent violet vinyl (exclusive to Burning Shed and The Bandwagon USA) and 180 gram black vinyl. Pre-orders will be accompanied by a signed Are We Nearly There Yet? art card.

Pre-order from Burning Shed, The Bandwagon USA, Bandcamp.



Tracklisting:

Part One – The Lives Of Us
“Light Left In The Day”
“Oblivion”
“Beneath The Masts”
“Skates On”
“Miramare”
“Love Is The Light”*
“Last Eleven”

Part Two – The Lives Of Others
“The First Rebreather”
“Black With Ink”
“A Mead Hall In Winter”
“Snowfalls”
“The Florentine”*
“The Transit Of Venus Across The Sun”
“Apollo”

(* Not on 3LP version)

“Black With Ink”:

Flight Of Icarus is set to release their new album, Terra Nova, via Battlegod Productions on June 13.

Oskar and Elisabeth from Flight Of Icarus: “Terra Nova is heavier and more guitar driven than our previous two. Each album has amped up the intensity just a notch, but this time it felt more natural. The pop melodies and the Icarus atmosphere is still very much present but the music is leaning more towards a metal edge, if you will. Every song brings something unique to the overall picture as we have experimented more with different styles and various sub-genres.”

Peter Kotevski, President Battlegod Productions, “Very impressed the first time I heard them, the vocals really grabbed me and the music just flowed along nicely. Great songs, awesome album and it really stands out to all other label releases due to it have a commercial sound and vibe. An enjoyable album to listen to and also fresh at the same time.”

Purchase:

– Australia $20, Shipping $3.50 here
– Europe/US 13.00 Euro, Shipping 17.00 Euro here.

Swedish pop metal duo, Flight Of Icarus, originated back in 2016 when Oskar Frantzén discovered the utmost unique and beautiful singing voice coming from his wifes best friend; Elisabeth Särnefält Rösehag. What was meant to be a quick one-off single release became so much more.

After years of playing in various metal bands, Oskar shifted gear to put his mind towards contemporary rock with a strong, solid splash of pop. After months of trying different singers on a new song, one voice would suddenly echo through the walls… and what a voice that was. Never would he expect that the talent needed for this one song was present right there in his very own home.

Elisabeth Särnefält Rösehag, a close friend to the family, was quickly approached to record vocals on what ended up being “Dawn Of A New Day”. Realising this song was something out of the ordinary, Oskar got in touch with long-time friend Oz Hawe Petersson (guitarist of Osukaru) in hopes of getting a few names of whom to contact for radio airplay. It took Oz half a listen before the duo instead was offered an all inclusive management deal with his agency Blindfoldead International MGMT. A new partnership was born. The single became a self-titled album full of powerful pop euphoria and modern day AOR nostalgia.

The duo had taken the moniker of Flight Of Icarus (inspired by the Iron Maiden song) and saw themselves compared to the likes of Roxette and Heart, with the pump of Meat Loaf and West End Musicals A touch of Within Temptation a nice mix with Evanescence and Battle Beast. The year was 2018 and Flight Of Icarus had made everyone sure they were here to stay.

In 2021 the duo released their follow-up album, Cleo, with a concept of which the world needed at the time. While everyone was isolated from each other, Flight Of Icarus provided us a tale of hope and grandeur where the character of Cleo painted us a brand new world. The music was a mix of cinematic pop and upbeat heavy metal, topped with gorgeous vocals and intersonical soundscapes. An evolution well received from critics all over.

Shortly after the release, the world opened up and Flight Of Icarus was ready for the stage. After a successful show at Scandirock Melodic in the spring of 2022, the band proved their place for a world-wide audience. Whispers endured and people wanted more.



Tracklisting:

“Icarus Rise”
“Terra Nova”
“Lost Highway”
“To The Sun (And Back Again)”
“Through Space And Time”
“Deus”
“God Bless”
“War Cry”
“Nangilima”
“Liberi”
“Flight Of Icarus” [Iron Maiden cover] – CD exclusive bonus track

“Terra Nova” video:



Lineup:

Elisabeth Särnefält Rösehag: Lead & backing vocals
Oskar: keyboards
Erik Söderman: Guitar solo on “Terra Nova”
Bobby Rösehag: Additional guitar on “Terra Nova”
Rickard Andersson: Duet vocals on “To the Stars (And Back Again)”
Magnus Dahlin: Drums
Disa Frantzén: Backing vocals

Former EXODUS singer Steve "Zetro" Souza will celebrate the 20th anniversary of the band's 2004 album "Tempo Of The Damned" on a solo tour of Latin America in September 2025. At all the shows, the details of which will be announced soon, Souza will also perform classic songs from his other former bands TESTAMENT (Zetro was the lead vocalist for LEGACY, an early incarnation of TESTAMENT) and HATRIOT, as well as the Bon Scott era of AC/DC.

Backing Zetro on stage at the shows will be the following musicians:

* Zakk Frye (SLIKK WIKKED) - Rythm Guitar/Backup Vocals
* Kyle Smith (SLIKK WIKKED) - Lead Guitar
* Paul "MX" Marsciano (NASTY TRAST, Joey Belladonna) - Drums
* Donny "Death" Weissinger (NASTY TRAST, HATE GRENADE) - Bass

SLIKK WIKKED is a metal/thrash band that was started in 2013 by Zakk Frye in Rochester, New York. Since then, they have released two EPs, including the thrash anthem "Black Wind Of Death", followed by the full-length album "Savage", all of which are available on YouTube and Bandcamp. Zakk also owns and runs 10th Ward Productions, the team helping bring Zetro back to the masses.

Dates for Zetro's tour are now being booked starting in late summer and continuing through the year. More details will be released within a month or so.

Zakk tells BLABBERMOUTH.NET: "We will be performing a full 90-minute set of all the deep classics from EXODUS and TESTAMENT/LEGACY. And also ripping tunes from HATRIOT and even AC/DC. This will be an action-packed balls-to-the-wall metal show for all Zetro fans. They will not want to miss this."

Any venues interested in booking Zetro dates can contact Zakk Frye at 10th Ward Productions via [email protected].

Three months ago, it was announced that EXODUS had parted ways with Souza and had welcomed back Rob Dukes.

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

Souza discussed his most recent split with EXODUS during a new episode of his Zetro's Toxic Vault YouTube series in which he is joined by his longtime friend and co-host Walter Morgan. Addressing the reasons for his departure, Zetro said in part: "I've been doing this since 1986 —1986, in June, I joined EXODUS for the very first time. I was 22 years old. I'm now 61. So to have kind of a rollercoaster ride in music has actually been kind of exciting,. It kept my life going. Certain things happen and certain things go on, and you kind of have to deal with them as they happen, like anything."

Clarifying that he "did not quit" EXODUS and "was let go", Souza continued: "I don't read much of what goes on the Internet. With no disrespect to anybody, I don't give a fuck what anybody thinks about me or what you say… But I was made privy by my son of something Gary [Holt, EXODUS guitarist and main songwriter] had responded to me saying that I didn't quit; I was let go. And I have to agree with his analogy. Being in a band is like a marriage — it truly is — and the marriage was over. And it was. Now, I was never gonna quit, meaning maybe I guess I would never leave the marriage, for whatever reason. But I truly think that it was probably the right thing for me especially, and I hope it's the right thing for them as well."

Regarding his mindset after his latest departure from EXODUS, Souza said: "People were calling me — my friends and my family — asking me if I was okay. And I was fine. I was, like, 'I'm great.' I'm really, really happy and more content. And again, we're in April now, and this went down in January. And actually, I knew in December — I knew before anybody knew, before it was announced. And I was cool with it."

Speaking directly to the EXODUS fans, Zetro said: "I'm gonna miss you guys. I really am. But for me, my life has changed a lot. What I liked when I was younger in my twenties and my thirties are not necessarily what I'm into anymore. I love my family. I mean, I came home and got married to Vickie, who I've been with for 17 years, and she is the love of my life. And you know how hard it is to go away from the love of my life at this point, at 61 years old for five weeks, six weeks at a time? It wasn't easy for me, even though it may not have shown on stage, and it definitely didn't show when I was with you guys, with you fans, and anybody that approached me because I would never want anyone to have an awful experience with me. But I think it was time, honestly.

"I had told Gary, and I told them that I would like to do this till I was 70 and probably not much more than that, but I think in the back of my mind I think I was kind of already done with the rigorous life of touring, 'cause it's very demanding," Souza admitted. "And the business doesn't care about what you have going on. [I'll] give you an example — in 2016, my mother died and I was in El Salvador on tour. I should have been at her bedside, but I wasn't, because I had to do this. I've had dogs pass. I've missed graduations from my children. Any musician that has been in my position can absolutely relate with this, because it is part of it. And a lot of times people don't necessarily think of that. And then there's the guys, there's the musicians that really like to do this, and they'll go out and they'll hit it hard. They'll go from one thing to another."

Elaborating on his reasons for wanting to spend less time on the road, Zetro said: "I've changed over the past few years, even in the last 10 years since I've been back. And I think I'm more interested in what's going on in my house and around what I'm doing here. I like to see my dogs every day. I have three pugs that absolutely love. I have a grandson now. I never get to see them. I wanna see my wife every day. I wanna sleep in my bed every day. It's been something that mentally has gone on and changed. But again, I would've never quit because I'm not a quitter in that type of respect. Everybody's, 'Oh, well, you quit in 2004.' No, I had to leave the band because I had a union job, three little kids and a wife, and I was trying to balance working as a foreman, as a union job, being a father, coaching baseball and soccer, and being a husband and playing in EXODUS, and I couldn't balance all three. The thing that I loved the most was playing in EXODUS, but, unfortunately, it could not take care of my wife and my kids and ballerina signups, baseball signups. The business wasn't paying that much at the time, so I needed to go and take care of my family… So coming back into the band in 2014, kids are grown, I'm set in my job. I was very, very excited. And again, I had a really good time over the last 10 years playing in the band. And it was one of those things that I have to say I'm kind of glad that I've ended up where I'm at right now, I don't like airports anymore. I don't like sleeping on the tour bus anymore… So I'm not saying that this was a decision that I would've made, but I'm saying for myself and to have a few months to look at it, it was definitely the right decision."

Souza went on to say that EXODUS fans should continue to support the band now that Dukes has returned to the group.

"I look at it now as, what about all you guys that are big fans of Rob's era? Just think — now you get to come back and see Rob maybe for the next 10 years and see him continue on," Zetro said. "So if you were fans of his era, like you were fans of my era, or both eras — I know there's some of you [that are] 'I'm [Team] Zetro' or 'I'm [Team] Rob', or whatever, 'I'm cool with whatever EXODUS does,' I get it. And I totally understand that, and I respect every one of you for those things. But now maybe for the last part of the band they get to enjoy Rob and Rob's era of the band. I mean, Gary's gonna continue to write music and record music. And Gary Holt doesn't know how to write a shitty riff. Okay? So you EXODUS fans know what you're gonna get from that, and that's what I have to say."

Souza also addressed the possibility of another reunion with EXODUS down the line, saying: "Will I ever grace the stage with them? No, definitely not. I think it's been done. This was the third time that I had joined the band, so I think it would be a bit redundant to try to do this or do this again. So just so you guys wanna know, I have no desire to do that ever again. It's been done. If you saw my last concert in Los Angeles at the Regent [in December 2024], then you truly saw the last concert that Zetro will ever sing with EXODUS."

Zetro added that he went out on top, both in term of his live performance with EXODUS and his relationship with the band's fans.

"If you saw us on the last tour with HAVOK, then, honestly, I was singing better than I've ever sung through the years," Souza said. "So I don't feel that it was something that, vocally… I did my job — I did my job quite well — and even they'll tell you that. And the fans, you guys know that I bring it. Every time I come, I bring it. And that's just the way it is. And if you walked up to me for a picture or an autograph, I never would say no and I've never pushed you guys away. I would hang out and talk to you about stuff. How many of you fans have spent time after the show talking to me about whatever? Horror, movies, metal sports, whatever. I'll sit out there and talk to you guys 'cause I've never considered myself above anybody."

Asked what specifically he didn't enjoy about the touring lifestyle, Zetro said: "Too much time in the day. Waiting to wait. It's a lot of waiting. Going to an airport, waiting four hours for the flight, getting on the flight for five hours, getting to where you've gotta go. Then you have another six-hour layover before you have another five-hour flight. And line one, line two, security this, security that. I don't have the patience for that anymore. The bus — I know this sounds very pompous. I was very fortunate to get to tour in a bus. I know bands that do not tour in buses… But for me, the bunk started to be very, very uncomfortable. And the only time I could get in there was when I truly had to sleep. But as soon as I woke up, I got up. So there's too much time in a day for you to go to museums or comic bookstores or me to go buy toys and whatever I do on the road. It is just a lot of downtime, and I feel as now 61 years old, I wanna do other things in that downtime. And I don't wanna be doing this, and all of a sudden I end up getting sick or my wife end up getting sick and one of my children, and I have to come home and I've got six months to live, or they've got six months to live and I've missed all of this with them and I missed it all. I don't want to do that anymore. I've missed too much over the years, and it's just kind of where I've been mentally — especially the last few years I've been thinking about that."

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.

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).

In a recent interview with CBS SF, Holt was asked if there was any thought of even considering a different singer with the band after parting ways with Zetro. Gary said: "You mean now? No. I don't like change, for one. I never intended to make any of these vocalist changes. Not Rob the first time, and not Steve [now]. But at 60 years old, all of us, we all demand to be happy and be surrounded by happiness. We did some amazing music with Steve back. Amazing. [EXODUS's latest LP] 'Persona Non Grata' is my second favorite album in our whole catalog. But we're moving forward."

He continued: "I didn't want to bring in a young guy. Yeah, we could have brought in some 30-year-old guy who's young and has abs and can still jump off drum risers. [Laughs] That sounds appealing, but I like familiarity. Rob keeps me laughing, and he's an amazing singer. And he's one of my best friends. So that was kind of a no-brainer. I mean, I don't know how much longer we could play this kind of ferocious stuff. Over the years, we've just gotten faster and the songs have gotten harder to play as the arthritis gets worse. So we're going to just keep going for it as long as we can."

After interviewer Dave Pehling noted that Holt wrote in his just-released memoir, "A Fabulous Disaster: From The Garage To Madison Square Garden, The Hard Way", that the EXODUS members were at the best place that they had been in their whole career, Gary said: "It's one of those things. And 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."

When EXODUS announced Souza's latest departure on January 15, the band wrote in a statement: "We thank Steve for his years fronting the band and all the killer music we made during that time. We wish him only the best in the future and much success with anything he does.

"And please help us welcome Rob Dukes back to EXODUS! We are beyond stoked to have Rob back ripping up the stage with us and he's looking forward to crushing everything like only he can.

"Next chapter begins, new record rolls along as planned and the beatings will continue."

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.

Metal On Metal Records has announced the signing of INSULT, a not-so-new thrash metal band from Bristol, United Kingdom, featuring original ONSLAUGHT drummer Steve Grice and bassist Jase Stallard, who played on the latter band's first two albums.

INSULT's debut album, "Reside Infernus", will be released on May 23. The band's first digital single, "0-60, Death Or Glory", which was made available in March on most digital streaming platforms, can be heard below.

Every self-respecting metalhead should be familiar with the talent of ONSLAGHT's rhythm section and the band's classic albums "Power From Hell" — released 40 years ago! — and "The Force". But where have the INSULT guitarists and the vocalist been hiding all these years? That is a mystery, as they surely have the chops to match, and they elevate the debut album of INSULT to the next level. Well, at least the vocalist Jase Howell (formerly a roadie for ONSLAUGHT) was already singing in INSULT back in the mid-1980s, as this is when the band was originally formed — even though, at that time, they only performed live covers songs. It wasn't until their 2022 reunion that they began working on their own music.

Grice first contacted Metal On Metal Records last year and sent several rehearsal and demo tracks over the months. They definitely sounded promising, but when Metal On Metal finally heard the finished album, there were no doubts left. This Bristol-based band's brand of thrash metal is old school and infused with punk, and — unlike the pure punk demos of ONSLAUGHT — undeniably catchy. A couple of tracks instantly brought "Kill'Em All"-era METALLICA to mind: the riffs and the energy are absolutely on par.

The band commented: "Our initial reason for putting INSULT together again came under very sad circumstances; we had no idea where the path was going to take us. Two years on, getting asked to join Metal On Metal Records is nothing short of incredible. We're beyond excited and honored to be part of such a killer, respected label, and we're looking forward to an intense and successful ride together."

Following the release of "Antibloom", revered rock group SILVERSTEIN returns with "Pink Moon": the second chapter in their ambitious 16-song double album, conceived and recorded during a transformative stretch in the high desert of Joshua Tree. The album, set to be released on September 12 via UNFD, is available for pre-order / pre-save now.

Along with the announcement comes lead single and music video "Negative Space", offering fans their first glimpse into "Pink Moon". Following the critically acclaimed "Antibloom", this new track pushes everything further: the chaos, the emotion, the dynamic contrast. With its relentless pace, shifting moods, and massive hook, it captures the disorienting feeling of spiraling out, only to land in a crushing breakdown. The video, a surreal and unhinged sequel to the fan-favorite "Don't Let Me Get Too Low", was shot guerrilla-style across Las Vegas and delivers on every level. This is SILVERSTEIN at their most explosive and cinematic yet.

"I think the coolest thing about 'Negative Space' is how off-balance it makes me feel. It's almost like it's slightly too fast so it's always trying to catch up to itself. That, combined with the fact that it's always switching vibes and using contrasting tones makes for a really interesting three minutes," shares guitarist Paul Marc Rousseau.

Adds frontman Shane Told: "This song really has it all. Tons of energy, raw power, a big hook, and a massively heavy breakdown. I also love the lyrics and the photography imagery. On top of it, the video was super fun to make and I think might be our best video as well. So needless to say, I am SUPER excited for people to hear this one. The video is the companion piece and sequel to 'Don't Let Me Get Too Low'. The songs were written together over two days with our friend Jon Lundin (POINT NORTH) and it completes the story of myself playing a madman burying himself in the Las Vegas desert."

Born from the same sessions as "Antibloom", the songs on "Pink Moon" were sequenced with intention, offering a distinct yet complementary listening experience. Known for their meticulous attention to flow and emotional pacing, the band crafted both halves to stand on their own while also telling a broader, interconnected story, one that ebbs and crashes like the desert winds that shaped it.

"Pink Moon" features the only guest appearances on the project, with stunning contributions from Rory Rodriguez of DAYSEEKER and Cassadee Pope — voices chosen mid-process when the band sensed the need to push certain songs into new sonic territory. The result is a bold and diverse body of work that expands SILVERSTEIN's dynamic range while staying true to their emotional core. By releasing the project in two halves, the band has given every song the room to breathe, resonate, and evolve: a fitting strategy for a year packed with touring, celebration, and reflection. The moon has risen. The story continues.

This year, fans around the world are invited to join SILVERSTEIN in celebrating their "silver" anniversary with the "25 Years Of Noise" tour. These shows offer a discography-spanning performance and fans are able to vote for their favorite songs from each record to help decide the setlist. The band recently wrapped up the initial legs in North America and Europe alongside THURSDAY, THE CALLOUS DAOBOYS, ARM'S LENGTH and SPLIT CHAIN.

SILVERSTEIN is currently continuing their trek across North America, reaching new markets with support from REAL FRIENDS, BROADSIDE and GREYHAVEN.

SILVERSTEIN enters its 25th year with two full-length albums set for 2025. The band that NME calls "legendary," and Loudwire placed among the "Most Prolific Rock & Metal Artists Of The 21st Century", continues to innovate and inspire on forward-thinking records and at crowd-embracing live shows.

SILVERSTEIN songs like "My Heroine", "Smile In Your Sleep", "The Afterglow" and "Infinite" are postmodern anthems for a devoted following earned with passionate performances and authentic artistry. As recently as 2024, The Needle Drop called them "emo hardcore legends." While their more than 750 streams reflect that, SILVERSTEIN grew up in a scene where the music and message come first.

Audiences sing and scream along in packed theaters, at festivals, and on tours around the world with groups like SIMPLE PLAN, RISE AGAINST, GOOD CHARLOTTE, PIERCE THE VEIL, BEARTOOTH and UNDEROATH.

SILVERSTEIN have continued to build on their already-wide reaching impact. Immersing themselves in new technologies like TikTok, Discord the metaverse and Twitch (even holding public writing sessions with fans over the latter) during its formation, the band have confirmed their unique ability to adapt and connect in all cycles of their career.

"Pink Moon" track listing:

01. I Love You But I Have To Let You Go
02. Negative Space
03. Drain The Blood (feat. Rory Rodriguez of DAYSEEKER)
04. The Fatalist
05. Widowmaker
06. Autopilot (feat. Cassadee Pope)
07. Death Hold
08. Dying Game

SILVERSTEIN is:

Shane Told - Vocals
Paul Marc Rousseau - Guitar
Josh Bradford - Guitar
Billy Hamilton - Bass
Paul Koehler - Drums

Photo credit: Wyatt Clough

PRIMUS is back with its first new studio track since 2022's "Conspiranoid" EP: the blistering, surrealist anthem "Little Lord Fentanyl". A twisted fable steeped in groove and dark humor, the track features a guest appearance from Maynard James Keenan (TOOL, A PERFECT CIRCLE, PUSCIFER),whose unmistakable voice slithers through the chaos with sinister glee.

The single also marks the official studio debut of drummer John Hoffman, a Shreveport native who joined the band earlier this year after beating out more than 6,100 applicants in a global audition process dubbed the "Interstellar Drum Derby".

"Little Lord Fentanyl" showcases the intricate, playful rhythms of Hoffman, whose unconventional style — described by Stereogum as a "weightless bustle of high-velocity flurries, METERS-y swamp-pocket, and cartoonish cymbal clutches" — has brought renewed fire to PRIMUS since he officially joined the band earlier this year. His unlikely journey from Louisiana jam nights to the PRIMUS drum throne was recently chronicled in a feature interview with Stereogum, as well as the band's "Interstellar Drum Derby" YouTube series.

The release of "Little Lord Fentanyl" comes in the midst of PRIMUS's spring run on the "Sessanta" tour — a collaborative outing with A PERFECT CIRCLE and PUSCIFER celebrating Keenan's 60(ish) birthday — and ahead of their "Onward & Upward" summer headline tour, which kicks off July 5 in Paso Robles, California.

The "Onward & Upward" tour marks an exciting new era for the band, with Hoffman officially at the kit. Selected after a months-long audition process, his arrival has brought fresh fire and creative reinvention to the PRIMUS universe. The tour will hit 24 cities nationwide, including iconic venues like Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Greek Theatre, The Rooftop at Pier 17, and a two-night finale at Channel 24 in Sacramento. Along the way, the band will be joined by support from Ty Segall and MONONEON on select dates.

"This fiery, cheerful, octopus-like drummer from Shreveport, Louisiana has breathed a very potent breath of freshness into this band we all call PRIMUS," Claypool said in a recent statement. "Come see why this amazing fellow was able to rise above over 6,100 applicants to win the 'Interstellar Drum Derby' and become the latest, and possibly the greatest, drummer to sit on the PRIMUS drum throne."

On December 30, 2024, PRIMUS played the first concert since longtime drummer Tim "Herb" Alexander's departure at the Fox Theater in Oakland, California. Sitting behind the drums for the show was Bryan "Brain" Mantia, who previously played with PRIMUS when Alexander originally left the band in 1996.

In light of Alexander's latest departure, PRIMUS also enlisted musicians from frontman Les Claypool's side projects, THE HOLY MACKEREL and FROG BRIGADE, to perform during the December 30 performance.

With Mantia, PRIMUS recorded two studio albums — "Brown Album" (1997) and "Antipop" (1999) — as well as the covers EP "Rhinoplasty" (1998) and the original theme song for the TV show "South Park".

In November, Alexander shared a letter with Rolling Stone magazine explaining his decision to leave the band.

"A lot of times, you do something you love for a long time, and sometimes the passion turns into a job, and sometimes that job doesn't feel like it's your being anymore," he said.

He reflected on the impact his decision had on his physical, mental and family life.

"When I discovered that I'm struggling with all these things, I had to sit and think about exactly what am I doing," Alexander said. "I don't think I've ever chosen my path in life, I think I've just always thought 'I'm a drummer, I'm just gonna do music,' and things came to me, accepting whatever happens."

The news of his departure was initially shared on October 29 by his now-former bandmates, who claimed that they received an e-mail from him nearly two weeks earlier saying he had "lost his passion for playing."

Alexander joined PRIMUS in 1989 and left in 1996, then rejoined when they reformed in 2003. He exited the group again in 2010 but returned in 2013.

In July 2016, Alexander revealed that he suffered a second heart attack after he previously endured a similar health scare in 2014.

A decade ago, Les Claypool's plan to reform the "classic" PRIMUS lineup — with Alexander and guitarist Larry Lalonde — was put on hold when Alexander suffered his first heart attack, a "minor" attack that resulted in the drummer requiring triple bypass surgery. To fulfill its touring obligations, PRIMUS recruited TOOL's Danny Carey to fill in for a few dates. Three months after open-heart surgery, Alexander rejoined PRIMUS on the road.

Photo credit: David Miller

AEROSMITH members Steven Tyler and Joe Perry performed together for the first time in nearly two years at a private concert the singer hosted Wednesday night (April 30) in San Francisco, California. The event was a benefit for Janie's Fund, the initiative Tyler created in order to bring hope and healing to girls and young women who have experienced trauma.

Also performing at the concert were THE BLACK CROWES frontman Chris Robinson, CHEAP TRICK singer Robin Zander, ex-GUNS N' ROSES drummer Matt Sorum, EXTREME guitarist Nuno Bettencourt, MEGADETH bassist James LoMenzo, and Theofilos Xenidis, better known as BON JOVI guitarist Phil X, among others.

Fan-filmed video of the show can be seen below.

The setlist for the concert was as follows:

01. "I Want You to Want Me" - Robin Zander
02. "Hello There" / "Surrender" - Robin Zander
03. "Ain't That A Shame" - Robin Zander
04. "Dream Police" - Robin Zander
05. "Kickin' My Heart Around" - Chris Robinson
06. "Twice As Hard" - Chris Robinson
07. "Jealous Again" - Chris Robinson
08. "Hard To Handle" - Chris Robinson
09. "Remedy" - Chris Robinson
10. "Toys In The Attic" - Steven Tyler and Joe Perry
11. "Same Old Song And Dance" - Steven Tyler and Joe Perry
12. "Sweet Emotion" - Steven Tyler and Joe Perry
13. "Dream On" - Steven Tyler and Joe Perry
14. "Walk This Way" - Steven Tyler and Joe Perry

Encore (all singers)

15. "Train Kept A Rollin'"
16. "Come Together"

Last August, AEROSMITH announced that they were officially retiring from touring due to Tyler's vocal injury.

The legendary Massachusetts rockers made the announcement on August 2, 2024 — nearly one year after the now-77-year-old singer fractured his larynx during a September 2023 show.

In AEROSMITH's original retirement announcement, the band wrote: "As you know, Steven's voice is an instrument like no other. He has spent months tirelessly working on getting his voice to where it was before his injury. We've seen him struggling despite having the best medical team by his side. Sadly, it is clear, that a full recovery from his vocal injury is not possible.

"We have made a heartbreaking and difficult, but necessary, decision - as a band of brothers - to retire from the touring stage," the statement continued. "We are grateful beyond words for everyone who was pumped to get on the road with us one last time."

The band also thanked its fans for their constant support.

"Thanks to you, our Blue Army, that spark caught flame and has been burning for over five decades," the statement read. "Some of you have been with us since the beginning and all of you are the reason we made rock 'n' roll history."

"It has been the honor of our lives to have our music become part of yours. In every club, on every massive tour and at moments grand and private you have given us a place in the soundtrack of your lives," the statement continued.

The "Peace Out" tour came to a halt after what turned out to be a final gig in Elmont, New York on September 9, 2023. That show came just three dates into the trek, which was supposed to last through February 2024. Tyler said in a statement at the time that the injury caused bleeding but that he hoped he and his AEROSMITH bandmates would be back on the road after postponing a few shows.

The rescheduled "Peace Out" tour was due to begin September 20, 2024 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with special guests THE BLACK CROWES.

Tyler released a solo LP in 2016.



A little collage from last night's Janie's fund gig in San Francisco with, among many others, Nuno Bettencourt, Steven Tyler and Joe Perry

Posted by Phil X Fan Club on Thursday, May 1, 2025

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In a new interview with Brazilian music journalist Igor Miranda, EPICA singer Simone Simons was asked how she and her bandmates "reinvented themselves" on their latest album, "Aspiral", as was noted in the press release from their record label, Nuclear Blast. She responded (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): " That's a good question. I think by finding a new balance between the music that we write. Of course, we have five different songwriters with all a different style, so that already is a big thing. And everybody gets to write songs and the best songs are gonna be on the album. And we wanted to change the sound a little bit by adding more synth sounds and sometimes take the orchestra a little bit back and have the rawness of the guitars and the riffs come more to the foreground. And keeping a healthy balance between the symphonic side of EPICA, but also the metal side of EPICA, and then mixing in more synth sounds and creating a little bit of a different vibe on some of the songs. Because, for example, 'Darkness Dies In Light', 'Metanoia' and 'The Grand Saga Of Existence' have that old-school EPICA vibe, but the majority of the other songs have something different. And, of course, you still have my voice, you have the choir, you have Mark's [Jansen, guitar/vocals] grunts, and the orchestra still plays a huge part in the music. But I think by hustling that up a little bit, we managed to kind of make EPICA a little bit more mature, a little bit more modern, and not repeating ourselves with each album."

Simons recently told Metal Insider that she and her EPICA bandmates "like to push" themselves during the songwriting process. "The starting point for that was after [2021's] 'Omega', when the pandemic struck," she said. "We had our 'pandemic project,' which we named 'The Alchemy Project', where we worked with other artists in the metal scene. We experimented a lot and found ourselves feeling inspired. It was a bit of a safe space for us to explore and see how our EPICA fans would react, and we got a really positive response to those songs. That gave us the motivation and a starting point to explore different sides of EPICA, and realize that there's still a lot of leeway to try new things."

Simone added: "Even though ['Aspiral'], and some of the singles, are a little easier on the ears, there are still quite a few songs that have the classic EPICA elements. I think we found a really good balance between incorporating something new and staying true to the sound people know us for… I think we really managed to explore the world of EPICA even further and grow, not just as individuals, but also as a band."

Regarding the lyrical inspiration for "Aspiral", Simone told Dark Divas: "For one, this album marks the end of the 'A New Age Dawns' series, which explores the awakening of a new consciousness in humanity — the realization that only collective action can save the world from destruction. Tarot cards, as well as legends and ghost stories from my homeland, the Netherlands, also influenced the lyrics. A great example is Hoensbroek Castle and the mysterious 'Blue Lady' — a story definitely worth reading. A completely different theme is addressed in 'Fight To Survive - The Overview Effect'. The song captures the deeply moving feeling astronauts experience when they look at Earth from space and become aware of its fragility and beauty. This perspective fits perfectly with current discussions about climate change. And finally, there is a very personal aspect to the album: Mark dedicated the song 'Darkness Dies In Light' to his newborn daughter."

She added: "Our songs reflect both the darkness of the world and the hope that persists even in difficult times. We express this duality not only in the lyrics but also in the album artwork: the sun is always there — no matter how dark things seem, there is always the possibility to turn something negative into something positive. But without challenges and struggles, there is no progress — it's how we grow as human beings."

To celebrate the "Aspiral" release, EPICA will play three exclusive shows in the United States in early May: in New York City, Atlanta, and Los Angeles.

The "Aspiral" LP title is derived from the eponymous bronze sculpture made by Polish sculptor and painter Stanisław Szukalski back in 1965 and stands for renewal and inspiration — key words that define EPICA in 2025. In Szukalski's work every detail is a piece of art in its own right, and there's always more to the story than you initially think. The band saw this as the perfect analogy for the creation of this ninth album: each song stands on its own with a distinctive vibe and meaning, while together they enforce each other into a monumental effort.

The album, featuring stunning cover artwork by Hedi Xandt (RAMMSTEIN, GHOST, PARKWAY DRIVE),was recorded once again at Sandlane Studios and expertly mixed and produced by Joost Van Den Broek.

TH Entertainment and Mercury Studios, formerly Eagle Rock Entertainment, have announced the June 6 Bu-ray release of "Live In Concert" from Rock And Roll Hall Of Famer Ann Wilson and her band TRIPSITTER. The show originally aired on PBS in November of 2023.

HEART singer/songwriter Ann Wilson made a stop at Nashville's Brooklyn Bowl in July 2023 while on tour for her album "Another Door". Backed by her band TRIPSITTER, Ann performed an energetic set featuring selections from the album, as well as HEART classics including "Crazy On You", "Barracuda", "Magic Man", along with covers of LED ZEPPELIN's "Immigrant Song" and "Going To California".

"Another Door", a record of all-original material, marked the first time since the 1970s that Ann had written a full-length album collectively with a band. TRIPSITTER features Tony Lucido (bass),Ryan Wariner (guitars),Sean T Lane (drums) and Paul Moak (guitars and keyboards). Tom Bukovac (guitars) was also a primary contributor. "Another Door" was also the first time in Ann's career where she was the sole lyricist.

Track listing:

01. Crazy On You
02. This Is Now
03. Love Alive
04. Magic Man
05. Going To California
06. Ruler Of The Night
07. Even It Up
08. Straight On
09. Miss One & Only
10. Rain Of Hell
11. Immigrant Song
12. Mistral Wind
13. Isolation
14. Tripsitter
15. Rusty Robots
16. Barracuda

In a 2023 interview with Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Ann stated about how she put TRIPSITTER together: "Well, I met these guys originally when I went to do some work on demos in Alabama at the famed studio down there and I just knew one or two of them. And then I asked them to bring along some of their favorite musicians to work on these demos with me, and it turned out that we hit it off. We clicked in this way that doesn't happen that often, so we just kind of made it a band."

Regarding what it was like working with them, Ann said: "It was fun, and it was exciting and challenging because they're all really good, super good musicians. They're all sort of A-list studio musicians from Nashville who are tired of being studio musicians. They want to step out of that role and do their own thing. And, it's really great to get to play with people that are that current with their instruments and on that level… Musically, we collaborated. I wrote all the lyrics, and so a couple of the lyrics I had already written, but most of them were written during the making of the record. Some of them I had and then I went back and totally just crumpled up the paper and took another stab at it a year later."

As for what was inspiring her lyrically during the making of "Another Door", Ann said: "I was pretty heartbroken about the Ukraine situation and also about all the violence and the turbulence in our country. And out of that feeling came 'Rain Of Hell'. And just a couple of the different songs, like the song 'Still' is a pretty straight-ahead love song, just born out of emotions."

Widely praised as one of the greatest singers in the history of rock, Ann's extraordinarily powerful voice has been sending chills down her audience's collective spine for over five decades, earning record sales of more than 35 million, an induction into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame, and a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. "Barracuda", "Crazy On You" and "Magic Man" are among the many songs she's written that now reside in the pantheon of rock's greatest hits.

Photo credit: Criss Cain

Grammy Award-winning progressive metal trailblazers DREAM THEATER released their massively successful "Vol. I" box set in 2024, covering the band's 1992-1999 studio albums. Today, they are set to unveil the next installment with "Vol. II". "Vol. II" notably includes the next four acclaimed studio albums: "Six Degrees Of Inner Turbulence" (2002),"Train Of Thought" (2003),"Octavarium" (2005) and "Systematic Chaos" (2007).

This eight-LP box set is exclusively available on Rhino.com in North America and via select Warner Music Group stores internationally. It is limited to only 2,500 copies worldwide.

"Vol. II" highlights DREAM THEATER's journey through the 2000s, reflecting not only their continuous sonic evolution but also their success in carving out space for progressive metal on international charts. This volume includes the group's iconic "Six Degrees Of Inner Turbulence", which features the 42-minute title track that encapsulates their approach to redefining the boundaries of commercial music. This album also introduces drummer Mike Portnoy's twelve-step suite with "The Glass Prison" and continues throughout the next four albums in their discography. The last chord of "Six Degrees Of Inner Turbulence" serves as the opening chord to the group's follow-up album, "Train Of Thought".

Expanding on the group's heavier live sound, "Train Of Thought" is the group's most traditional metal album, using thicker guitar tones, heavier drums, and intensely targeted lyricism. The album features suites four and five of Portnoy's twelve-step suite with "The Dying Soul", a lyrical and musical continuation of "The Glass Prison". Like its predecessor, "Train Of Thought"'s final note rings through the beginning of the following, and one of DREAM THEATER's most essential albums, "Octavarium".

"Octavarium" was a commercial success, bringing DREAM THEATER to the Top 5 in Sweden, Finland, and Italy, alongside the Top 10 in Germany, Japan, and Norway. The album opens with "The Root Of All Evil", parts six and seven of Portnoy's suite. The 24-minute title track features orchestral elements inspired by progressive rock leaders GENESIS and YES.

Peaking at No. 19 on the Billboard 200, "Systematic Chaos" is DREAM THEATER's highest-charting album in their career thus far and their first with the metal/hard rock label Roadrunner. Leaning into their roots of virtuosic seven-string thrash and metaphorical fiction, "Systematic Chaos" encompasses the band's consistent progression in the definitions of rock and metal.

DREAM THEATER kicked off the North American leg of its 40th-anniversary tour on February 7 at The Met in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The trek was "An Evening With Dream Theater" and was the first tour of North America since Portnoy's return to the lineup, joining singer James LaBrie, bassist John Myung, guitarist John Petrucci and keyboardist Jordan Rudess. The tour concluded on March 22 in New York City.

DREAM THEATER's sixteenth studio album, "Parasomnia", came out on February 7, 2025 via InsideOut Music. The LP marks DREAM THEATER's first release with Portnoy since 2009's "Black Clouds & Silver Linings".

"Parasomnia" was produced by Petrucci, engineered by James "Jimmy T" Meslin, and mixed by Andy Sneap. Hugh Syme returns once again to lend his creative vision to the cover art.

Portnoy co-founded DREAM THEATER in 1985 with Petrucci and Myung. Mike played on 10 DREAM THEATER albums over a 20-year period, from 1989's "When Dream And Day Unite" through 2009's "Black Clouds & Silver Linings", before exiting the group in 2010.

Mike Mangini joined DREAM THEATER in late 2010 through a widely publicized audition following the departure of Portnoy. Mangini beat out six other of the world's top drummers — Marco Minnemann, Virgil Donati, Aquiles Priester, Thomas Lang, Peter Wildoer and Derek Roddy — for the gig, a three-day process that was filmed for a documentary-style reality show called "The Spirit Carries On".

'00s metal faves DRY KILL LOGIC have released a new single, "Now You Belong With The Dead", produced by Greg Thomas (END, SHAI HULUD, MISERY SIGNALS) and mastered by Will Putney (FIT FOR AN AUTOPSY, BETTER LOVERS). It's a masterclass in storytelling, showcasing the band at their most melodic and their most brutal.

"We wrote this song years ago, but it really came to life with Greg in the studio," states DRY KILL LOGIC singer Cliff Rigano. "It’s our most dynamic songwriting to date, and we’re stoked for everyone to hear it."

2025 also sees DRY KILL LOGIC returning to U.S. stages for the first time in 20 years, performing at major rock festivals, including Welcome To Rockville (Daytona, Florida),Rock Fest (Cadott, Wisconsin),Inkcarceration (Mansfield, Ohio) and Aftershock (Sacramento, California).

There are also two special headline performances planned in June — at Monarch in Brooklyn, New York on June 13 and at Dingbatz in Clifton, New Jersey on June 14. These shows will commemorate the 20th anniversary of the band's seminal sophomore album "The Dead & Dreaming".

Formed in late 1994, DRY KILL LOGIC quickly established themselves as a force in the heavy music scene. Under their initial moniker of HINGE, the band garnered a dedicated fanbase with their aggressive sound and straightforward lyrics. Produced by Eddie Wohl (PRIMER 55, ILL NINO) and Rob Caggiano (ANTHRAX, VOLBEAT, CRADLE OF FILTH),their 2001 debut album "The Darker Side Of Nonsense" was an essential part of the alternative metal landscape, with tracks like "Nightmare" and "Rot" still echoing in the memories of fans worldwide. The band built their live show on worldwide tours and festivals alongside FEAR FACTORY, SLAYER, KILLSWITCH ENGAGE, SPINESHANK, MASTODON, and many more.

In 2002, the band parted ways with Roadrunner Records and was joined by guitarist Jason Bozzi who took the band's signature sound to the next level. Once again with Wohl and Caggiano at the helm, the band released their sophomore album, "The Dead And Dreaming", on Repossession Records in the U.S. and SPV globally. Seamlessly traversing the lines of metalcore, post-hardcore and alternative metal the band stretched their wings, embracing melody, dynamics and more complex songwriting. Tracks like "Paper Tiger", "200 Years", "Neither Here Nor Missed" and "With Deepest Regrets…" showcases the depth and character of the new lineup, as well as a newfound live ferocity after years of nonstop touring. Co-headline U.S. tours with NONPOINT, DROWNING POOL and HED P.E. followed, along with a slot on the inaugural 2005 Gigantour featuring MEGADETH, DREAM THEATER, and many others. The band wound down the album cycle with a run of headline shows in the U.S. and shows supporting DISTURBED and CORROSION OF CONFORMITY.

In 2006, the group was joined by bassist Brendan Kane (100 DEMONS, A THOUSAND FALLING SKIES) and released both their live DVD "The Magellan Complex" and their third album, "Of Vengeance And Violence". Produced by Wohl and Caggiano and mixed by legendary engineer Paul Orofino (BLUE ÖYSTER CULT, BLEEDING THROUGH, AHMAD JAMAL),the band again evolved, pushing the limits of metalcore aggression with songs like "My Dying Heart", "Dead Man's Eyes" and "Boneyard". It was at this time the band found itself as a headline act across Europe, returning twice in the year due to demand. The band also played its first shows in Australia as support for FEAR FACTORY and DEVILDRIVER.

Following a series of challenges within the ever-evolving dynamics of the music industry, the band went on hiatus in 2007. Despite sporadic rumors of a reunion, DRY KILL LOGIC remained silent, with fans wondering if they'd ever see the band return to the stage.

In 2018, the group surprised their fans by releasing "Vices", the ferocious first single from the group in 13 years. Produced by Greg Thomas (END, MISERY SIGNALS, SHAI HULUD),the track was celebrated by fans worldwide as a triumphant return to form. In 2020, the band worked with Thomas and released "Don't See Ghosts", a hauntingly relentless track filled with the group's signature guitar work and pummeling breakdowns.

Legendary rock band FOREIGNER is honoring its Latin American fans with a reimagined release of one of its most beloved hits — this time en español. The band has debuted a powerful new Spanish-language version of its global rock anthem "Urgent", which fans can listen to below.

"Urgent" is performed by FOREIGNER's own guitarist and vocalist Luis Maldonado, who takes the spotlight on vocals in a deeply personal tribute to Spanish-speaking fans across the Americas. The release comes as FOREIGNER rocks across its 2025 South American tour, which takes the band through Mexico, Colombia, Chile, Argentina, Brazil and more.

"We've been embraced by fans in Latin America for decades," said Maldonado. "Recording these songs in Spanish is our way of saying thank you and sharing the music in a more intimate, personal way."

On tour, fans can expect to hear all of FOREIGNER's iconic anthems, including "Cold As Ice", "Juke Box Hero", "Hot Blooded", "Say You Will" and, of course, "I Want To Know What Love Is".

FOREIGNER's Spanish-language recording marks an exciting new chapter for the band and a celebration of the diverse audiences that have kept its music alive for nearly five decades.

FOREIGNER kicked off its spring 2025 Latin American tour Monday night (April 28) at Arena Ciudad de México in Mexico City, Mexico. Handling lead vocals for most of the set was Maldonado, while original FOREIGNER vocalist Lou Gramm joined in for the last four songs.

In March, FOREIGNER singer Kelly Hansen released a statement regarding his absence from the band's Latin American and Canadian tours. The 63-year-old vocalist, who has fronted the legendary rockers for the past two decades, said that "some residency issues" had forced him to limit appearances outside of the USA this year.

Prior to the Mexico City concert, Gramm most recently joined FOREIGNER's current lineup on stage at the end of the band's March 15 concert at the BayCare Sound in Clearwater, Florida to perform two of the legendary rock group's classic songs, "I Want To Know What Love Is" and "Hot Blooded".

Gramm previously said he planned to retire at the end of 2024, but later revealed that he was in talks to make appearances at "select" tour dates with FOREIGNER's current lineup in 2025. Bassist Rick Wills and drummer Dennis Elliott are also expected to appear at some shows, including FOREIGNER's upcoming Las Vegas residency.

Gramm was the voice on FOREIGNER's biggest hits, including "Feels Like The First Time" and "Cold As Ice" from the band's eponymous debut in 1977, and later songs like "Hot Blooded" and "I Want to Know What Love Is".

The 74-year-old Gramm left FOREIGNER for good in 2002 and has battled health issues in recent years, including the removal of a non-cancerous tumor. He told the Democrat & Chronicle in 2018 that he was planning to retire, but still reunited with FOREIGNER for several shows that year.

FOREIGNER replaced Gramm with Hansen in 2005. Guitarist Mick Jones, the only remaining original member of FOREIGNER, suffered from some health issues beginning in 2011, eventually resulting in heart surgery in 2012. In February 2024, Jones revealed on social media that he was battling Parkinson's disease, which explained his absence from FOREIGNER's live shows since 2022.

During an appearance on the Mark And Me podcast, MACHINE HEAD frontman Robb Flynn discussed the unenviable task of having to describe his band's music in the lead-up to the release of a new album. He said in part (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET):  "I think music's just such a personal thing. It doesn't matter what I say. I just feel like until you hear what we did, you're either gonna connect with it or you're not. Because I think so much of music is a moment in time. I feel like even if you love MACHINE HEAD — I don't expect everybody to connect with it. Sometimes music is just such a personal… It helps you through this moment you're going through, or it's an amazing moment. So many people lost their virginity to [MACHINE HEAD's 2007 album] 'The Blackening'. [Laughs] That record's always gonna be this incredibly special record because one of the best things that ever happened to 'em happened. And so I get it."

Referencing MACHINE HEAD's eleventh studio album, "Unatoned", which came out on April 25 via Nuclear Blast/Imperium Recordings, Flynn continued: "Even if the songs on this record don't connect with you right now, that's totally fine, because there was so many songs and so many albums the first time that I heard them, they just didn't connect with me — they didn't hit, they didn't whatever. And then, like, a year later, two years later, five years later, I listened to that album and I was, like, 'Oh my God. This is the fucking best music I've ever… How did I not get this the first time I heard this?' Maybe you're just in the wrong headspace or maybe you don't have time. Sometimes life gets in the way, man.

"It trips me out because there's so many bands out right now that are really paying a lot of respect to like the 'Burn My Eyes' era of MACHINE HEAD," Robb added. "Bands are covering [the classic MACHINE HEAD song] 'Dividian' like crazy and covering songs off that record… And it's crazy to me that they're kind of rediscovering this music that we did 30 years ago. And it's awesome. And so I'm just trying to do my thing."

Circling back to "Unatoned", Flynn said: "The one thing that I am very proud of about this record, because I really think that… I think one of the hardest things is to kind of find your own lane. And we've kind of made the lane go this way and we've kind of made the lane go this way and kind of just spread it out a little bit. But it really is our own lane. And for a while it was weird because we didn't really fit with everybody. So kind of being an outsider was like this weird, bad thing. But then now, as time has gone on, it's just, like, you hear it and you're, like, 'Oh, shit. Yeah, that's MACHINE HEAD.' And I'm really proud of that. My guys are all, like, 'We know what MACHINE HEAD sounds like and we're just out here doing our thing, man.' So, come along and enjoy the ride."

"Unatoned" was recorded at Robb's Jam Room, Sharkbite Studios and Drop Of Sun Recording between July 2023 and December 2024. The album was produced by Flynn, as well as Zack Ohren, who was also responsible for the engineering. The mixing and mastering was handled by Colin Richardson and Chris Clancy at Audioworks UK, and the mastering of the record was handled by Ted Jensen and his assistant Justin Shturtz. The only exception was the track "Landscape Of Thorns" which was produced by Flynn and Joel Wanasek who was also in charge of mixing the single alongside Zack Ohren. MACHINE HEAD once again tapped Seth Siro Anton to create the album artwork.

MACHINE HEAD performed the "Unatoned" songs "These Scars Won't Define Us" and "Unbound" live for the first time during the kick-off concert of the band's North American tour on April 1 at Revolution Concert House And Event Center in Garden City, Idaho. MACHINE HEAD also played in Spokane, Washington on April 3 before teaming up with IN FLAMES, LACUNA COIL and UNEARTH for another 25 dates across the U.S. and Canada.

Last November, MACHINE HEAD released "These Scars Won't Define Us" as the first single from "Unatoned".

MACHINE HEAD's current lineup includes former HAVOK guitarist Reece Alan Scruggs. Scruggs stepped in for MACHINE HEAD's previous guitarist Wacław "Vogg" Kiełtyka, who had been unable to make some of the group's dates due to his touring commitments with his longtime band DECAPITATED.

Reece made his live debut with MACHINE HEAD in November 2022 at Strummer's in Fresno, California at the opening show of the "Electric Happy Hour (Live)" tour.

Vogg joined MACHINE HEAD's touring lineup prior to the launch of the band's "Burn My Eyes" 25th-anniversary tour in late 2019.

The rest of MACHINE HEAD's lineup consists of guitarist/vocalist Flynn, bassist Jared MacEachern and British drummer Matt Alston (DEVILMENT, EASTERN FRONT).

Photo credit: Travis Shinn

Legendary rocker Sammy Hagar has once again clarified his recent comments about no longer wanting to spend any time on the road. Referencing his Las Vegas residency, "Best Of All Worlds Tour - The Residency", which kicked off last night (Wednesday, April 30) at Dolby Live, the 77-year-old former VAN HALEN and MONTROSE frontman told KQRS host Steve Gorman (former THE BLACK CROWES drummer) (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "I used to [not] like [it] in VAN HALEN when we used to play four nights in New York, four nights in Detroit, four nights in Chicago, four nights in San Francisco, four nights in L.A. I used to think, 'God, I hate that because I feel so, 'Man, I did that last night.' 'Oh, I said that last night.'' Even my clothes, 'Oh, I wore that last night' — even though it's been dry cleaned. 'I can't wear it tonight.' So that puts stress on me, 'cause I'm a spontaneous guy; I don't like to do the same show every night. So that's the only thing that worries me, is that element of it. But I guess Vegas turns over every weekend,. And the crazy fans, there's always those fans, the hardcores, that are gonna see multiple nights. I guarantee you there's a handful of guys that will see every single show — a handful of people that will see every single show — and I'm more worried about them than I am the people that are seeing it for the first time. I'm just goofy. I still care a lot, and I drive myself crazy. But I'm hoping that I'll love this residency, so we don't have to move every day and I'll have time to work out a couple new songs in the show every night, like change a song here and a song there. 'Cause you can't do that on tour. You're packing your bags, you're getting on a plane, you're getting in a car, you're trying to get something to eat, you're trying to get some sleep. Next thing you know, you're on stage going, 'Damn.' And so the rest factor, that I don't have to travel, is gonna be great for a guy my age. So I'm really looking forward to it being the secret to me being able to continue to do this."

He continued: "I don't think I can go on tour again. I don't wanna say I'm retiring — I would never say that — but I just don't know. My head, my mind, my heart and soul is not saying to me, 'Oh, boy, let's book another tour next year.' And my manager's talking about all these offers, 'cause this show has done so well that all the promoters, 'Oh, we want it. We want it Europe.' I'm going, 'I can't say yes to it.' I wanna get through the residency and see if that satisfies me and I can pull it off on the level I want to pull it off. And if I can, I'll probably do it again."

Hagar previously discussed his unwillingness to tour again this past January in an interview with the Las Vegas Review-Journal. He said at the time: "I don't think I want to go on tour anymore. I hate to say that, because I don't want to piss my fans off. I'll go out and do a one-off show and do things like that, but the residency is going to give me a good extension of my career. That's what I'm hoping for."

Referencing the Vegas residency, Sammy said: "With this, I don't have to travel, I don't have to unpack and pack and get on an airplane every day. You know, at my age, it hurts my shoulders to do all this. And I have to perform. I'm a performer, at the end of the day."

"I keep telling my manager, 'Don't take any tours, let me do this residency,'" Hagar added. "If I like it enough, I'll do another one. And if that's successful I'll do another one, and I can squeeze a few more years out of my career."

A few days after he made his original comments to the Las Vegas Review-Journal, Hagar shared a video message on his Instagram in which he attempted to offer more insight into his thinking with regard to potentially touring in the future. He said:  "The last couple of weeks, yeah, I've been getting all these messages from people, 'Oh my God. You're not gonna tour anymore.' I didn't say I'm not gonna tour anymore. I was referring to the residency coming up in May with Joe Satriani, Michael Anthony, Kenny Aronoff, Rai Thistlethwayte, the same 'Best Of All Worlds' band, 'Best Of All Worlds' tour. We're gonna do a residency [at] MGM Park. And I'm hoping that that will be a lot easier for me than packing bags every day and getting on an airplane, flying in the next city, checking in the hotel, running a soundcheck, trying to get something to eat, go to the meet-and-greet, get to the show and then doing a show. Without all that crazy travel and all that extracurricular stuff, it should be easier for me — waking up, having a nice breakfast in the town where you're gonna play, not having to do anything but maybe go to the gym, maybe rehearse. Yeah, man, now you're talking. [Laughs] I'll be chomping at the bit when it comes showtime, because I will be well rested without all that travel. I just think it's gonna be great. And maybe I will able to squeeze fifty, a hundred more shows out of this voice and this body.

"I'm a performer," he continued. "I like to perform, and it takes it out of you. So that's all I'm saying, is hopefully the residency will be the answer to be able to continue on for many more years, because if not, touring is getting tough, and I will be doing less and less. And eventually, I probably won't be able to do it at all. I mean, it's inevitable. I'm only human. [Laughs]

"Anyway, it's all good," he added." I'm not gonna stop performing ever. I will play music — live music — as long as I can. I fricking love it. Are you kidding me?

"All right, there's your answer."

Last November, Hagar admitted to People magazine that retirement had "crept into my head for 10 years."

"I get insecure in between shows, in between tours, and I think, 'Gee, do I still have it? Can I really still do all that?' And I get out there, and it's like it's riding a bike or having sex," he said.

"I'm going to retire when I can't do this, when I can't sing anymore… I'm not going to have people pay the kind of money that it costs to see these concerts these days and not deliver. So that's where my retirement is. It's in the hands of the higher being."

"The Best Of All Worlds Tour - The Residency" reunites the rock powerhouse band of Sammy, Michael Anthony, Joe Satriani and Kenny Aronoff with a new "only in Las Vegas" setlist.

This residency showcases Sammy's career-spanning hits, from seminal breakouts with MONTROSE, his iconic solo hits, and a deep dive into his tenure with VAN HALEN, CHICKENFOOT, and everything in between. Presented in partnership by Live Nation and MGM Resorts International, the residency is custom-designed for Dolby Live, giving fans an intimate, high-energy concert experience in the 5,200-seat entertainment venue.

The Las Vegas residency follows on the heels of the chart-topping success of "The Best Of All Worlds" tour, which sold out amphitheaters and arenas across North America and Japan in 2024.