In a new interview with Chris Akin Presents, PRIMAL FEAR vocalist Ralf Scheepers addressed on the fact that PRIMAL FEAR bassist Mat Sinner received treatment for eight months at various hospitals after he allegedly suffered an extreme adverse reaction in 2021 to the COVID-19 vaccination. As a result of Sinner's health challenges, PRIMAL FEAR canceled all of its planned shows in 2021 and 2022, eventually recruiting Alex Jansen as Mat's temporary replacement. Speaking about some of the obstacles that he and his PRIMAL FEAR bandmates faced leading up to the release of their new album, "Domination", Ralf said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "It was hard times, [I have] to admit. So, starting with the illness of Mat, I mean, he said it in several interviews already that he's got this heart attack from the jab. And I don't wanna go into details, because everybody has a different opinion about it, but the fact is that he had the problem and he was really in hospital for more than a year, and he was suffering more than two years coming back to life. He was dead, really, but they brought him back. But that was the time when we released [PRIMAL FEAR's previous album, 2023's] 'Code Red' already, so it was before 'Code Red'. So, when we were touring with 'Code Red' with the other members, then [longtime PRIMAL FEAR guitarist] Magnus [Karlsson] wrote several [songs] for the new album again, as he got fitter and fitter that, which is great. So we were really happy to have [Magnus] back, not only as a writing member, but now also on stage again, which is great. So the preparations for 'Domination' were pretty much like we've always done it the last 15 years — it's a writing trio, [with] Mat, Magnus and I — and that's how we always proceed, writing songs coming from our soul, from our blood, without trying to be somebody else, just doing the things natural, what we love to do. And that's what you can exactly hear on 'Domination' now."

Asked if there was ever a point when he thought PRIMAL FEAR could be "over", particularly at the height of Sinner's aforementioned health challenges, Scheepers said: "Not over. I always knew that there's gonna be sort of PRIMAL FEAR, and, of course, I was hoping Mat will survive, and I was happy he did. But, of course, you always have this worst-case scenario where you think, what's gonna happen? But I didn't really wanna think about it, [and] it didn't happen. So I knew, for me, I'm always gonna be a musician and gonna be in a band no matter what happens. And I always knew that this is gonna continue somehow, because I always was the guy who continued in a way, no matter what obstacles overcame in the past. So for me, it was clear that I always continue no matter how. There's always gonna be some kind of PRIMAL FEAR."

Two months ago, Sinner (a.k.a. Matthias Lasch),who also serves as PRIMAL FEAR's producer, told Spain's Stairway To Rock about his current health status: "Well, it will be never like it was before. I was having a very evil heart attack after the COVID injection. So the COVID injection destroyed my heart. So I was in a hospital for one year. And in the first month, I was in a coma. Then I was paralyzed. I couldn't move my hands, my feet. I was three times reanimated. I was dead. They brought me back to life. And very, very slowly, some parts came back. First, my voice was coming back. My hands were moving, but my legs were not moving. So I was in a wheelchair for a longer time. From a wheelchair with a lot of training, I was able to go in such a machine — what you say with the old people, walking. I don't know the English word, but you know what I mean… And then slowly, slowly, slowly it was getting better. But I could play bass and I could compose songs, but sitting in a chair, but not far away from walking on a stage. But the last year I made a very good progress so that some things are possible again, which were not possible one year ago. So when I was lying there alone, paralyzed somewhere, my biggest dream was to play one more show."

Asked if he has any memories of the time he spent in a coma, Mat said: "Only stupid things. I got morphine, and I liked that. I had weird hallucinations. But that was not in heaven. No, no. I wasn't there. So many people say, 'Oh, I saw God' or something like that. [I saw] nothing… Just stupid things."

Regarding whether his health challenges served as a lyrical inspiration for "Domination", which will arrive on September 5 via Reigning Phoenix Music, Sinner said: "Well, if you read the lyrics of the new album very carefully, you will find some lines which are connected. But with the next album, I don't write about this. I look into the future now. This is the most important thing for me."

Joining Sinner and Scheepers in PRIMAL FEAR's current lineup are the band's latest additions, Italian/Cuban sensation Thalìa Bellazecca (ANGUS MCSIX, ex-FROZEN CROWN) on guitar and André Hilgers (AXXIS, RAGE, SILENT FORCE, SINNER, BONFIRE) on drums. Also appearing with the group is Karlsson, who has been primarily a studio member of the band for much of the past decade but who has now rejoined PRIMAL FEAR's touring lineup.

"Domination" was recorded in autumn 2024, produced by Mat Sinner and co-produced by Ralf Scheepers as well as Magnus Karlsson. Rounded off by multiple PRIMAL FEAR mixing/mastering engineer Jacob Hansen at his own studios in Denmark, the album artwork was designed by Death.Milk.Designs.

PRIMAL FEAR's new lineup made its live debut on May 9 at the 2025 edition of the Rock In Rautheim festival in Braunschweig, Germany.

This September, PRIMAL FEAR will return to the live front with its longest European tour since 2018. Reigning Phoenix Music labelmates ELEINE have been confirmed as special guests.

In August 2024, guitarists Alex Beyrodt and Tom Naumann, drummer Michael Ehré and bassist Alex Jansen announced their departures from PRIMAL FEAR, insisting that their exit was "triggered by decisions within the band that we do not agree with" but claiming that "there was no argument or bad blood."

Formed by Sinner in 1997 as an outlet for Scheepers (who had left GAMMA RAY and was a rumored candidate for the then-open JUDAS PRIEST vocal spot, but was considering early retirement from metal),PRIMAL FEAR has emerged as one of the most consistent European metal bands, rarely straying from its core PRIEST-styled power metal sound.

FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH is marking its 20th anniversary with the release of two definitive greatest-hits collections: "Best Of - Volume 1" (available now) and, announced today, "Best Of - Volume 2" (due on October 24, 2025). Both collections feature newly re-recorded versions of the band's biggest anthems, created in response to their former label's sale of the original song masters — made without the band's knowledge or the opportunity to reclaim their legacy.

Turning that setback into something powerful and positive, the band chose not to simply remix or remaster but to fully re-record fan favorites across two volumes of greatest hits — both as a tribute to the songs and to the fans who've stood with the band over the last two decades.

While respecting and honoring the original recordings and those who helped shape them, the band is excited to revisit and bring renewed intensity to tracks like "Sham Pain", "Blue On Black", "Trouble" and "Burn MF". Together, the two "Best Of" collections celebrate the band's respect for the past while reintroducing the music for a new era. See the full album track list for "Best Of - Volume 2" below.

Leading the charge as the first single from "Best Of - Volume 2" is the 2025 version of "The End" featuring BABYMETAL. BABYMETAL vocalist Su-Metal comments: "We were invited to take part in a 20th-anniversary collaboration project featuring guest artists on past songs. FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH and BABYMETAL had performed at the same festival overseas back in 2015, so I was really happy thinking they might have remembered me from then. I sang Japanese lyrics inspired by and based on the original lyrics of 'The End', and spent a lot of time experimenting to figure out what kind of voice would best suit such a deep, cool track. My favorite part of the song is the flow from the section starting with 'Negai o kakete' right after the chorus into the break — I loved how my voice gradually got covered and engulfed by Ivan's growl, which gave me chills. I hope listeners will enjoy that moment as well."

With over 13 billion streams, countless No. 1 hits, and multiple gold and platinum certifications, FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH remain one of the most dominant rock acts of the 21st century. Their 20th anniversary continues with "Best Of - Volume 2", out October 24 via Better Noise Music, featuring 16 re-recorded classics plus three never-before-heard live versions of "Wash It All Away", "Wrong Side Of Heaven" and "Jekyll And Hyde".

"Best Of - Volume 2" is being released worldwide in multiple formats, including standard CD and vinyl, a limited edition CD exclusive to Walmart, multiple collectible vinyl editions available at Best Buy, Walmart, the FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH webstore, indie retail, and a Revolver magazine exclusive.

To commemorate the band's 20th anniversary, a special merchandise collection is also available now in the official FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH webstore.

"Best Of - Volume 2" track listing:

01. Hell To Pay (2025 Version)
02. The End (feat. BABYMETAL) (2025 Version)
03. M.I.N.E (End This Way) (2025 Version)
04. Hard To See (2025 Version)
05. Got Your Six (2025 Version)
06. Cold (2025 Version)
07. Burn MF (2025 Version)
08. Never Enough (2025 Version)
09. Sham Pain (2025 Version)
10. Blue On Black (2025 Version)
11. I Apologize (2025 Version)
12. Trouble (2025 Version)
13. When The Seasons Change (2025 Version)
14. Cradle To The Grave (2025 Version)
15. My Nemesis (2025 Version)
16. Walk Away (2025 Version)
17. Wash It All Away (Live)
18. Wrong Side Of Heaven (Live)
19. Jekyll And Hyde (Live)

FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH is a multi-platinum, chart-topping hard rock band from Las Vegas, Nevada known for their high-energy performances and impactful music (over 13 billion streams globally). The band has held firmly to a top three position on the Billboard Hard Rock chart for the last five years and amassed a record-setting 12 billboard mainstream Rock Airplay No. 1s in a row, the longest run of leading consecutive entries in the history of Mainstream Rock Airplay. FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH has 29 top 10 hit singles and 17 Active Rock No. 1 singles to its name, and the band has released nine consecutive studio albums since 2007, seven of which were certified gold or platinum by the RIAA, as well as two chart-topping greatest-hits albums. FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH is known not just for teaming up with established artists like Rob Halford, Rob Zombie, Jamey Jasta, Steve Aoki and Max Cavalera, but also known for elevating newcomers by exposing them to their worldwide audience. Founding guitarist Zoltan Bathory in 2023 was added as a playable character in the iconic "Call Of Duty" video game series adding another major achievement to the band's growing legacy. In addition, FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH has earned numerous national and international awards and honors, such as the prestigious Soldier Appreciation Award by the Association of The United States Army, an honor bestowed only upon Elvis Presley before. FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH is also well known for their charitable efforts and has donated over a million dollars from ticket sales, record royalties and streaming revenue. The band has released several videos of some of their biggest hits partnering with leading organizations in the fight against suicide prevention, youth homelessness, to support cancer survivors, veterans suffering from PTSD and to bring relief to the families of fallen first responders. The City Of Las Vegas, Nevada recognized FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH's relentless charitable efforts by officially declaring November 1 as "Five Finger Death Punch Day". In addition, FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH frontman Ivan Moody was awarded the key to The City Of Cheyenne, Wyoming, honoring the betterment of the city through his philanthropic endeavors. Having become one of the most recognizable names in music, FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH frequently plays all major festivals and sells out arenas around the world. FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH concluded a two-year long stadium tour across the globe with METALLICA at the end of 2024.

Photo credit: Chad Martel

With the band recently celebrating the Gold and soon to be Platinum certification for their single “Push It,” metal icons Static-X are releasing a 25th anniversary edition of their legendary debut, Wisconsin Death Trip.

Released in 1999, the album introduced the world to the iconic lineup of Wayne Static, Koichi Fukuda, Tony Campos and Ken Jay. Spawning unforgettable hits as “Push It”, “I’m With Stupid” and “Bled For Days”, the album found its way into pop culture through music videos, multiple video games and inclusion on various movie soundtracks. Years after its release, the album still find new audiences with Metal Hammer declaring the album one of the “Top 20 best metal albums of 1999” in 2021.

The anniversary edition – Wisconsin Death Trip (25th Anniversary Corrosive Edition) – is the ultimate death trip, containing 2 handmade, orange and black eclipse vinyl with remastered versions of the original album audio, presented in a comprehensive box set, filled with bonus tracks and never seen artwork available worldwide on December 12.

The band reunited with the original producer Ulrich Wild as well as original photographer Exum to deliver a whole new experience for the album.

The album has been remastered by Wild, and a second disc of demos, alternate versions and rare tracks are included making the album total runtime over an hour and eleven minutes. Exum unearthed hundreds of never-before-seen photos from the shoot and the band have used them to completely redesign the packaging.

Limited edition deluxe versions include signed prints, laser engraved ID tag, ID bracelet with QR code linking to the full 8mm BTS video footage of the Wisconsin Death Trip photo shoot, pill bottle, stickers and more and is only available at static-x.com.



Wisconsin Death Trip (25th Anniversary Corrosive Edition) tracklisting:

“Push It”
“I’m With Stupid”
“Bled For Days”
“Love Dump”
“I Am”
“Otsegolation”
“Stem”
“Sweat Of The Bud”
“Fix”
“Wisconsin Death Trip”
“The Trance Is The Motion”
“December”
“Down ”
“Head”
“Head (Titan AE)”
“S.O.M.”
“So Real”
“I Am” (Unedited)
“Wisconsin Death Trip” (Unedited)
“Love Dump” (Demo)
“I’m With Stupid” (Single Edit)
“December” (Unedited)

SLIPKNOT's classic song "Duality" has surpassed one billion streams on Spotify.

Billions Club is a playlist first launched in 2020 which includes all of the songs on Spotify that have surpassed one billion streams on the platform. After the achievement, Spotify gifts artists the Billions Club plaque.

"Duality", which is featured on SLIPKNOT's 2004 album "Vol. 3: (The Subliminal Verses)", joins other tracks — including METALLICA's "Nothing Else Matters", "Enter Sandman" and "Master Of Puppets", AEROSMITH's "Dream On", SURVIVOR's "Eye Of The Tiger", ABBA's "Dancing Queen", PAPA ROACH's "Last Resort", GUNS N' ROSES' "Paradise City", EVANESCENCE's "Bring Me To Life" and VAN HALEN's "Jump" — to reach the achievement. The milestone has reportedly been achieved by nearly a thousand songs so far.

"Duality" is the first SLIPKNOT song to surpass the one-billion mark on Spotify. The band's second most played track is "Psychosocial", which has garnered around 765 million streams, "Before I Forget" comes in the third place, having racked up 667 million listens so far.

Speaking to MTV ahead of "Duality"'s release more than two decades ago, then-SLIPKNOT drummer Joey Jordison said: "It's got one of the heaviest grooves we ever came up with. It's a dark song, but the chorus is very liberal as far as tones and things that we've never done before, and the things we've done with [singer] Corey's [Taylor] voice are really wild."

"Duality" reached No. 5 in the Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks and No. 6 in the Hot Modern Rock Tracks in the U.S., while getting to No. 15 in the U.K.

Billboard reported last month that SLIPKNOT is close to completing a deal to sell its music catalog for approximately $120 million. The deal between members of the long-running metal band and HarbourView Equity Partners includes the rights to SLIPKNOT's publishing and recording masters royalties. It reportedly covers the band's archival catalog but does not extend to future releases.

Based on streaming data and other metrics, Billboard estimates that the band's music has generated $15.5 million in annual revenue over the last three years, while publishing brought in an additional $5.2 million per year.

Since releasing its debut album in 1999, SLIPKNOT has captured a Grammy Award alongside 11 nominations, scored a number of platinum and gold album certifications around the world, and logged billions of global streams and video views to date. Rolling Stone cited the seminal platinum-selling 2001 album "Iowa" among "The 100 Greatest Metal Albums of All Time," while The Ringer attested, "They're the most important heavy band of their era."

SLIPKNOT's latest full length album, "The End, So Far", landed at No. 1 on Billboard's Top Album Sales chart and at No. 2 on the Billboard 200, marking their sixth Top 10-charting album on the Billboard 200.

In a new interview with Brazil's Rádio Kiss FM 92.5, former SLAYER drummer Dave Lombardo was asked for his opinion of the current generation of metal drummers and the direction that the metal genre is heading. He responded (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "Well, there's a lot of great musicians out there. I'm not gonna say anything negative, unless I wanna get shot or something. But there's a lot of great music, great bands out there. I'm looking forward to seeing what more comes out. Let's see — it's been about a year since we've been on tour, so I'm looking forward to seeing what's out there, watching some new bands at festivals and stuff like that."

Six months ago, Lombardo spoke to the RRBG podcast about how the music industry has undergone a dramatic transformation with the advent of digital technology and social media platforms. He said in part: "We all know the negative part of it — obviously, the change we've had to witness But, hey, that's evolution. That's life. We're gonna be viejitos [little old men] if we start complaining about it. It's, like, 'Oh, you know, back in my day,' this and that. It's, like, no — you have to go with the flow.

"I think there's a lot of advantages in today's industry," he continued. "One, you could put music out — anybody could put music out and anybody could record it at home. And there are just so many advantages. The research that you can do online to clear up any questions, if you have an idea, if you have a problem. All those are brilliant advantages. And I think we should embrace those and use them to our benefit. I think also if we sit around and complain about things, you're really missing the point. You've been given all these great tools, and I think it's just better for us all around. Yes, I can go down the path and complain and nitpick all these little things, but, man, I don't view life that way. If something's holding it back, if you fall, get up, brush yourself off, keep moving forward. If something happens, 'Fuck. That hurt. Well, let's go. Come on. So that's just my personality."

Lombardo also weighed in on a debate about people using an A.I. (artificial intelligence) music generator as a tool to create melodies, harmonies and rhymes based on artificial intelligence algorithms and machine learning (M.L.) models. He said: "Actually, I'd like to see A.I. perform it live. The human element, the feeling of having a Marshall stack being played in front of you and some subwoofer and low end from a drummer on a real drum set, there's nothing like that. It could be possible that people will forget, something will come in and take its place and people will forget what that feels like, but hopefully not. That aspect, live music, I think people need that, people need to get out and see and experience that, a live performance, so I don't see that going away. And A.I. definitely can't replace that."

Dave's VENAMORIS project, in which he is joined by his wife Paula, released its sophomore album, "To Cross Or To Burn", in February via Ipecac Recordings.

While Dave drafted the blueprint that would define thrash metal drumming, he's also applied his finesse to solo percussion (2023's "Rites Of Percussion"),hip-hop and classical music, as well as boundary-pushing recordings and performances with everyone from John Zorn's ensembles to punk icons MISFITS and MR. BUNGLE.

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

Photo credit: Hannah Verbeuren