SKID ROW bassist Rachel Bolan has spoken out in favor of mask wearing during the pandemic, saying it can protect both the wearer and those around them from COVID-19.

On Saturday (February 6), Bolan posted an Instagram photo of him wearing a mask from his Dirty Rocker Soap Company, and he included the following message: "I really like wearing a mask. For a lot of reasons. The most important reason is obviously to help myself and others from the spread of germs and virus. Whether we want to admit it or not. Wearing the right mask helps. But there are more that make wearing a mask something I really enjoy.

1. Facial hair. I'm saving a ton on razors and Just For Men - beard and mustache color.

2. A mask is another accessory to project your style. It's just as effective as a badass leather jacket or a cool t-shirt. Style is essential.

3. As a kid that always had his face in a comic book and faithfully watched Batman, Superman and The Green Hornet on TV, wearing a mask gives me an alter ego or secret identity super heroes had. I get the same feeling putting on a mask that I used to get tying a small blanket to my neck pretending it was a cape. It's fun to me.

"I will probably wear a mask long after I receive the vaccine and further into the future. That being said, just remember if you happen to see me wearing a mask there's a strong possibility I haven't brushed my teeth.

"Stay safe everyone. #mask #staysafe #spreadlovenotgerms #style #hero #follow #dirtyrockersoap".

While 450,000 Americans have died so far as a result of COVID-19, a number of people have come out against COVID-19 response measures, including lockdowns, physical distancing and mandatory mask policies, saying that they violate constitutional rights.

SKID ROW is currently working on the final chapter of the band's "United World Rebellion" trilogy. The disc was tracked in part at a Nashville, Tennessee studio with producer Michael Wagener, who also helmed the group's 1989 self-titled debut and 1991's "Slave To The Grind".

SKID ROW's new LP will mark its first release with South African-born, British-based vocalist ZP Theart (DRAGONFORCE, TANK, I AM I), who joined the band in 2016 following the departure of Tony Harnell (TNT, STARBREAKER).
























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Phil X needs no introduction, having been an integral full-time member of Bon Jovi since 2016. Phil and his band The Drills released "Right On The Money" in June 2020. Now they are back with a brand new single, "'I Love You' On Her Lips", out now via Golden Robot Records.

"'I Love You' On Her Lips" features Phil X on guitars and lead vocals, Daniel Spree on bass and backing vocals, as well as Gary Novak on drums. Gang Vocals by Steve Ferlazzo, Joe Lester, Matt Starr (Ace Frehley) and Marq Torien (Bullet Boys). 

According to Phil X, "'I Love You' On Her Lips" is TOTAL Drills. A hooky, energetic, big guitar punch in the face with wit and a little silliness. Everyone knows someone who says one thing and feels another. This is that with a twist." 

Phil X & The Drills have finished their fifth album, Stupid Good Lookings Vol. 2, which will be released in the near future on Golden Robot Records. Featuring a different drummer on every song, which reads like a who’s who with the likes of Tommy Lee, Liberty Devitto, Kenny Aronoff and Ray Luzier, the music promises to be extremely diverse. 

Phil X and his band, The Drills have been enjoying a rapidly growing international fan base supported by the release of five strong albums: Kick Your Ass In 17 Minutes (2009), We Bring The Rock N Roll (2011), We Play Instruments N Sh!t (2012), This House Is Not For Sale (2016) with Bon Jovi and Stupid Good Lookings Vol. 1 (2019).

First a prolific session guitar staple in Los Angeles, California, recording with the likes of Alice Cooper, Rob Zombie, Daughtry, Kelly Clarkson, Chris Cornell among many others (and even extends to playing with Canadian rock royalty such as Triumph, Aldo Nova, Our Lady Peace, Avril Lavigne, Theory Of A Deadman and more), Phil X became known for hosting the Fretted Americana web show that boasted over 50 million collective views!

In March of 2016, Phil was invited to Electric Lady Studios in New York to record guitars and background vocals on the Bon Jovi record, This House Is Not for Sale. The album was released later that year reaching #1 on the charts with the album artwork including Phil in the band shots, confirming his position in the band as an official member.  

 Phil X & The Drills are looking forward to delivering their "energetic guitar-driven rock that infects your senses with addictively great anthems" to the global masses!

 

Hookers & Blow, the now legendary project formed by longtime Guns N' Roses keyboardist Dizzy Reed and Quiet Riot guitarist Alex Grossi, hit the studio last year to record a covers album that will be released in 2021 via Golden Robot Records.

Now the band have dropped the fifth single off the album, a cover of The Zombie’s "Time Of The Season".

“We love The Zombies. Great band with a great name led by the incomparable Rod Argent and his keyboard wizardry. 'Time Of The Season' is an iconic song with a timeless message," says Dizzy Reed. "It was our intention to try and honor them and all of that. To help get the word out and share the burden as well as the fun, the lovely Nadja picks up the lead vocals on this one.”

"Time Of The Season" follows the release of the singles "Shakin'" (Eddie Money), "Rocks Off" (Rolling Stones), "Ziggy Stardust" (David Bowie), and "Trampled Underfoot" (Led Zeppelin).

Get your copy of "Time Of The Season" now at this location.

"Shakin'":

"Rocks Off":

"Ziggy Stardust":

"Trampled Underfoot":

 

METALLICA performed on "A Late Show: Super Bowl Edition", a live special edition of Stephen Colbert's "The Late Show With Stephen Colbert", on Sunday, February 7.

The band played its classic song "Enter Sandman", recorded at the METALLICA headquarters in San Rafael, California.

This is not be the first time that METALLICA has appeared on a talk show hosted by Stephen Colbert. In May 2017, METALLICA performed the song "Now That We're Dead" on an episode of "The Late Show With Stephen Colbert". Prior to that, the band sat down for an interview and performed on Comedy Central's "The Colbert Report" in September 2013.

Last May, the four members of METALLICA overcame social distancing to record a new version of their song "Blackened", with each member separated in his own home. The split-screen video was posted to the band's social media channels. That same month, Ulrich told Swedish talk show host Fredrik Skavlan that he and his bandmates were "sending ideas to each other via e-mail and via Zoom and [trying to] make music in these unusual situations."

In August, METALLICA broadcast a show to hundreds of drive-in and outdoor theaters across the U.S. and Canada, as part of the "Encore Drive-In Nights" series. The concert was filmed nearly three weeks earlier, on August 10, at the Gundlach Bundschu winery, about a 30-minute car ride from the band's headquarters in San Rafael, California, and was subsequently edited and mixed by the band's award-winning production team to the highest standards possible.

METALLICA's "Live & Acoustic From HQ: Helping Hands Concert & Auction" was streamed live from the band's headquarters in November. The special acoustic show benefited METALLICA's All Within My Hands foundation.

Legendary rocker Ted Nugent discussed his lifelong anti-drugs and -drink stance during a Facebook Live with his son Rocco on Tuesday (February 2). Speaking about why some people begin to abuse drugs while others don't, Ted said: "My mom and dad were alcoholics. I didn't know they were alcoholics. I thought they just had a Tom Collins [cocktail] every night — whatever the hell that is — or a martini with olives… So my mom and dad were smoking, drinking alcoholics. And I was surrounded, in the rock and roll world, by smoking, drinking, drugged idiots.

"So what's the difference between a person that falls for that versus a person who defies that? I haven't the faintest idea," he admitted. "Because I think God gave all of us everything we need.

"Some people look for an easy way out, and some people don't. I didn't. I think it was just shit luck. 'Cause my brothers and sisters smoked and drank, and they didn't even surround themselves with goofball rock and roll dirtbags. I did."

After Rocco suggested that Ted was selective about his musical influences and only mirrored himself after artists who were clean, sharp and articulate, Ted said: "I'm gonna throw a grenade in that theory. Keith Richards [of THE ROLLING STONES] — one of the most powerful influences in my life, and if that's the mirror, I failed miserably. Because he's a walking chemical dump — always stoned. But he is so deep. I was gonna use the word 'spiritual' — I don't know; that's up to him. But he's so grinding in emotion and authoritative in his musicality…

"Most of my influences got high — right in front of me," he continued. "And I admired the living shit out of 'em. The MC5, they were all stumbling, puking, stupid drunk and stoned, and I admired them beyond description. But then it caught up with them, and I said, 'Oh.' Thank God I didn't go, 'Hey, they're smoking a lot of hashish, and they're just kicking out the jams. Maybe I'll try the hashish.' And luckily, I didn't. Luckily, I watched them blow up. I watched the drugs and alcohol destroy the energy that I admired, destroy the groove that I admired. And to this day, Wayne Kramer is a dear friend of mine. Wayne, I love you, buddy. And he knows I him. And we have great conversations. And he's probably polar opposite of my ideologies. But not really, because he has a work ethic, and he's a family guy, he's a loving guy, he's a productive guy, he's a conscientious guy, he's a caring guy. But I think to this day, he thinks that dope is essential… I don't wanna presume — I had a conversation with him not that long ago where we disagreed on the use of marijuana and other intoxicants, or whatever category you wanna put 'em in.

"The point is that lucky me, I could differentiate between the delivery of the things I admired versus the occasional and, more often than not, conduct of those that I admired," Ted added.

"Jimi Hendrix offered me his drugs, and I said no. John Belushi offered me his drugs; I said no. Keith Moon offered me his drugs and alcohol, and I said no. Bon Scott offered me his drugs and alcohol, and I said no. I said no to everybody."

Back in 2018, Nugent said that Canada was "absolutely crazy" for its decision to legalize marijuana, explaining that he has "never seen one moment of positive outcome from someone getting high." He said: "I'm all for medical marijuana, I'm all for medical anything, as long as it's really beneficial to people suffering from health issues, but to legalize recreational comfortably numb is a guaranteed script for ruined lives."

Nugent has served on the boards of more than two dozen political and charitable associations, including the National Rifle Association (NRA), Mothers Against Drunk Driving (M.A.D.D.), and Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) law enforcement program.




Posted by Ted Nugent on Tuesday, February 2, 2021

In an interview with VOA Music's "Border Crossings" — conducted before the holidays but just recently uploaded to YouTube — Tommy Lee was asked if there is a chance fans could ever get a Christmas album from MÖTLEY CRÜE. He laughed and said (see video below): "That's funny. I don't think the dudes in the CRÜE would be down with that. But I… It's funny you mention that, because I am working — and I can't tell you the title yet — but I'm working on [A Christmas song]. I started working on a Christmas song a couple of months ago. And it was, like, crazy hot here [in Southern California] — we were having, like, a heatwave; it was 104 [or] 102 [degrees Fahrenheit]. And I was here in the studio, and the air conditioning was blasting, and I just wasn't in the Christmas vibe. And I went, 'Okay, I got it going, but I'm gonna put this on hold.' And so coming up now, during the holidays, I'm gonna get back to work on it. So next Christmas, you'll be hearing something from me."

Tommy's latest solo album, "Andro", came out in October. The theme of the LP is the male and female sides of music, equal in power and status. Androgyny is a combination of the essences of male and female genders and the album is the manifestation of the concept.

Lee has had a mega-popular Netflix film ("The Dirt"), starred in and produced three network TV shows ("Tommy Lee Goes To College", "Rockstar: Supernova", "Battleground Earth: Ludacris Vs Tommy Lee"), had a New York Times bestseller ("Tommyland") and has appeared on scripted and interview TV shows — most recently, a hilarious appearance as a professor on ABC's "The Goldbergs".

Last year, Lee said that MÖTLEY CRÜE's 2019 biopic "The Dirt" sparked a renewed interest from younger fans who wanted to see the band live, contributing to the group's decision to renege on its infamous "cessation of touring" contract.

After vowing in 2015 never to play together again, CRÜE announced in December 2019 that they would be touring with fellow hard rock veterans DEF LEPPARD and POISON.

"The Stadium Tour" was originally scheduled to kick off last June and run through early September. The trek has since been pushed back to the summer of 2021 due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

WHITESNAKE frontman David Coverdale has told Meltdown of Detroit's WRIF radio station that he has been forced to delay his retirement tour due to the coronavirus pandemic which is sweeping the globe.

"People, as you can imagine, are extraordinarily desperate to go to shows and to perform shows," he said (hear audio below). "It's just not safe, and it's not gonna be the energy, the atmosphere that we're familiar with. We have to make sure [to] work as a global community, and, for me, as a global artist, work together and be, as they would say, in solidarity with each other and support each other and respect each other. It's a global pandemic — it's not just us. And mask up. Let's get out of this. Get vaccinated, and let's get out of this thing.

"I don't think it's ever gonna be the same," he continued. "I think society has changed. This has been a really challenging time for people who have been alone, I think. And that's a lot of my target audience with my social media — to try to uplift people's spirits, until I can get out there and truly do my appreciation and gratitude tour. And hopefully while I'm still physically able to do it and not just farting dust."

Asked if he has already gotten a COVID-19 vaccine, the 69-year-old British-born singer who currently resides in Reno, Nevada, said: "No. I'm not going anywhere. I go from my home directly to my studio. My co-producer is a cancer survivor, so his immune system's compromised. So right now, I've spoken to my doctors — I'm not going anywhere that I can potentially be exposed or expose anybody to [the virus]. So I'm taking my time. Let the people who really need it [get the vaccine first] — the front line of our defense."

Coverdale added: "Can you believe, man, that Amazon have been delivering — these amazing drivers, the mail people, UPS? Are you kidding? They've been delivering, without hesitation, this whole challenging year. I so salute those people. So there's been a semblance of normalcy for me, and I deal with isolation pretty good. They lock me up on tour, usually, and they let me out to go on stage, and then I'm back in lockdown. [Laughs]"

David is currently promoting "The Blues Album", the third and final release in WHITESNAKE's "Red, White And Blues" trilogy, a series of compilations organized by musical themes that began last year with "Love Songs" (red) and "The Rock Album" (white).

"The Blues Album" is available for pre-order now, and will be available on February 19 digitally and on CD and as a double-LP set pressed on 180-gram, blue vinyl. Like "The Rock Album" and "Love Songs", all the tracks on "The Blues Album" have been revisited, remixed, and remastered.

Early last year, WHITESNAKE was forced to cancel its U.S. tour with SAMMY HAGAR & THE CIRCLE and NIGHT RANGER so that Coverdale could undergo surgery for bilateral inguinal hernia. Eventually, all of the shows were canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Coverdale, who will turn 70 this coming September, had both his knees replaced with titanium in 2017 after suffering from degenerative arthritis. He later explained that he was in so much pain with arthritis in his knees that it hampered his ability to perform live.

WHITESNAKE had been touring in support of its latest album, "Flesh & Blood", which was released in May 2019 via Frontiers Music Srl.

Doing the storied Montreal death metal scene proud, Canadian bruisers Intonate have signed to Willowtip Records for the release of their sophomore album, Severed Within, on April 16th. The first single, "Yearn", has just been issued:

Severed Within will be available on CD, vinyl, and digital formats. Pre-orders can be placed now at this location.

The album contains five compositionally magnificent tracks that produce a 40-minute death metal firestorm. Severed Within presents Intonate's personal catharsis and reflections on life's dual offerings constantly struggled with. Musically, the band delivers a more uncompromisingly aggressive and honest sound, while keeping true to its roots.

Tracklisting:

"Sever"
"Within"
"Yearn"
"Wander"
"Prolong"

For further details, visit Intonate on Facebook.

 

Brazilian heavy prog metal band Hevilan has released the first single from their new album, Symphony Of Good And Evil. The track, "Devil Within Part II: Hammer Of Gods" is now available on all digital platforms, and the lyric video can be seen below.

This is the first new song from Hevilan since 2013, when the band released their debut album, End Of Time. "Not by chance, we chose this song, one of the most direct tracks on the new album; it criticizes abusive religions. I think Hevilan fans, and heavy metal fans in general, will like it," explains guitarist Johnny Moraes.

Regarding the new album, Johnny emphasizes, "The expectation with Symphony Of Good And Evil is to awaken the questioning, and touch the intellect of the Hevilan fan and also of the metal fan in general. It is a little different from our first album, musically it presents epic songs, with a lot of weight and lyricism, as it was on End Of Time. But, it also has two ballads, our longest and shortest music ever released, works with a palette of contrasts more comprehensive and bigger than the first album. We questioned religion, reality, the limit of our senses, our internal conflicts and the existence of purgatory in the afterlife; if it exists, what would this place be like?"

Symphony Of Good And Evil is a conceptual record, based on the idea of ​​the conflict between good and evil within the human being. The songs bring forth the weight and melodic characteristic of the band. Symphony Of Good And Evil will be released worldwide by Brutal Records, on March 19th.

Tracklisting:

"Dark Paradise"
"Rebellion Of The Saints"
"Great Battle"
"Here I Am"
"Always In My Dreams"
Devil Within
"Part I: Evil Approaches"
"Part II: Hammer Of Gods"
"Waiting For The Right Time"
Symphony Of Good And Evil
"Part I: Revelation"
"Part II: Dark Ages"
"Part III: Song Of Rebellion"
"Part IV: Epilogue"

For further details, visit hevilan.com. 

(Photo: Alex Pasquale)

 

Dream Theater keyboardist Jordan Rudess continues to share portions of his ongoing Patreon livestreams via YouTube. Check out the first 20 minutes of his February 3rd installment below. Go to his official Patreon page here for the complete livestream.

Liquid Tension Experiment, the legendary supergroup comprised of Mike Portnoy (Transatlantic, Sons f Apollo), John Petrucci (Dream Theater), Jordan Rudess (Dream Theater), and Tony Levin (King Crimson, Peter Gabriel), recently announced their return with a new album, LTE3, due to be released March 26 via InsideOutMusic, twenty-two years after the bands’ last studio album.

The band are pleased to share the first video from the album, for the single “The Passage Of Time”. You can watch the video, created by Christian Rios, below.

"’The Passage Of Time’ was the very first song we composed together when we reunited this past summer. It was so exciting to be back in a room creating together again after so long (22 years for all 4 of us and over 10 years for the 3 of us since being together in DT). This serves as a great first taste for the listeners as it combines so many of the musical elements that makes LTE unique." - Mike Portnoy

“This was the first song we worked on and when it was done, we all knew once again how amazing it was to be working together. We knew we were on to something and that this was going to be a really amazing album. Nothing about the passage of over two decades could’ve done anything to change that. To me this song truly reflects the collaborative songwriting efforts of all four of us.” - John Petrucci

"There is an undeniable chemistry that happens when the four of us are together.  Entering the studio and starting work on ‘The Passage Of Time’ after 22 years literally gave me a whole new perspective on these important musical (and personal) relationships and the way time is so relative. We just jumped right in, it was like no time had passed at all, and we created a song that has so many of the elements that make LTE unique. Not a day has gone by since our last release when I wasn’t asked, “When is LTE getting back together again?” Now we can finally deliver, and I can’t wait for everybody to hear our creation.” - Jordan Rudess

“From the murky depths of the lockdown, LTE has re-emerged, galvanized, dripping with ideas, and taking no prisoners. ‘The Passage Of Time’ is just the beginning.” - Tony Levin

Today also marks the start of the pre-order and the album, which will be available in the following formats:

• Limited deluxe hot pink 3LP+2CD+Blu-ray Box Set (incl. a poster and 4 artcards, Blu-ray includes a 5.1 surround mix with visuals, and full band interview from the studio)
• Limited 2CD+Blu-ray Artbook
• Limited 2CD Digipak
• Gatefold black 2LP+CD
• Digital album (2CD)

Pre-order here.

Tracklisting:

"Hypersonic"
"Beating The Odds"
"Liquid Evolution"
"The Passage Of Time"
"Chris & Kevin’s Amazing Odyssey"
"Rhapsody In Blue"
"Shades Of Hope"
"Key To The Imagination"

Bonus Disc: Includes almost an hour of improvised jams.

In 1997, Mike Portnoy, John Petrucci, Jordan Rudess, and Tony Levin, joined forces to create Liquid Tension Experiment. The foursome would release their iconic, self-titled debut album in 1998 and the dazzling follow-up, LTE2 in 1999, creating a dynamic, frantic, and inventive sound all their own. The incredible creativity between the collective would prompt Petrucci and Portnoy to invite Rudess to join Dream Theater, effectively marking the end of this side project.  However, since that time, there have been few reunions more in demand. Now, with the world in lockdown and calendars unexpectedly aligned, the inconceivable has finally happened… a new Liquid Tension Experiment album.

Guitarist Toby Knapp has checked in with the following update on his new album, which has been in the works since last summer and started life as a blues record:

"I can't believe I finished this album! The writing and creative process kept coming and going throughout the last year. I can usually crank albums out very quickly without doubt or second guessing. Remember, From The Aether was going to be a complete departure from heavy metal. It started as a blues album. The end result is a pure heavy metal onslaught that utilizes everything from vintage neoclassical metal to black metal. Hopefully you enjoy it!

I am preparing the album today to ship out to maestro musician and engineer Brett Hansen of Audio Arts Studio in Las Vegas. His contributions to my music since my debut album on Shrapnel Records in 1993 have been invaluable."

From the Aether will be released this summer via Moribund Records. The tracklist is as follows. The cover artwork will be revealed soon.

"Scavenger of the Gods" 
"From the Aether"
"The Emerald Tablet" 
"Labyrinthine Windings" 
"Honorius" 
"Psychic Contagion" 
"Scythian Sea" 
"The Greater Fortune" 

Former Delain guitarist Merel Bechtold, who left the band in June 2019, has launched Dear Mother with vocalist David Pear and drummer Joey Marin de Boer. They recently released their first single, "12 Years In Exile" along with an official video, and have followed it up with a new single, "Symbiose". Check out the official video below.

Delain issued the following band statement when Bechtold announced her departure from the band:

"Today we are sharing the news with you that Merel has decided to leave Delain and focus on different musical ambitions. Merel’s performance with us at Graspop will be her last show as a permanent band member of Delain. We are aware this is very short notice, and this we regret for those of you who wanted to catch a last show with her as a part of the team. However, this is a friendly departure, and we are respecting Merel’s wishes in doing so. We had an amazing ride sharing the stage with this fireball and we are excited to see the results of her new endeavours."

"Although we will miss Merel on the road with us, we realize that our busy schedules require loads of time and commitment, and we understand and respect her decision to focus on her own path. We will continue performing live as a five-piece as before, and look forward to finishing the work for our upcoming studio album, the upcoming festival season, our US tour with Amorphis and Anneke van Giersbergen and our European Masters Of Destiny Tour. We hope to see you all soon! Thank you Merel, we wish you nothing but the best!"

Bechtold issued the following statement on he decision to leave Delain:

"After almost five amazing years the time has come for me to focus on my own dreams. Because of my previous band commitments my attention diverged from my own music and the path I want to follow, and I feel I need to give myself the time and opportunity to explore my musical ambitions. This is probably the hardest decision of my life, but in the end it’s important to follow your heart and be happy. I want to thank my bandmates and crew, I will miss you dearly! Also huge thanks to all the amazing people I’ve met on the road. And most importantly I want to thank YOU for all those amazing and warm memories! It’s been a pleasure."

Finnish goth rockers The 69 Eyes have released an official video for the song "Miss Pastis", taken from the band's Universal Monsters album. Check it out below.

Universal Monsters was released in 2016 via Nuclear Blast. The band followed up with West End in 2019.

Tracklisting:

“Dolce Vita”
“Jet Fighter Plane”
“Blackbird Pie”
“Lady Darkness”
“Stiv & Johnny”
“Never”
“Miss Pastis”
“Jerusalem”
“Shallow Graves”
“Rock ‘N’ Roll Junkie”
“Blue”

My Ruin - featuring the husband and wife team of Tairrie B. Murphy (vocals, lyrics) and Mick Murphy (everything else) - have checked in with the following update:

"Taken from our 20th Anniversary album The Cathartic Collection released on 12.24.20, 'Sacrosanctity' is a nostalgic and colorful look back at our band with never before seen live and behind the scenes footage of My Ruin, from London to Los Angeles, spanning from the first to the last shows we played together in both cities."

Tairrie B. checked in with a surprise announcement for Christmas 2020. Check it out below:

"From the moment we met it was magick. We were drawn to each other the same way we were drawn to the music we have created together over the last two decades. For some our music has been hellfire, for others holy water but for us, it has always been cathartic and something we consider sacrosanct.

Our religion is relationships, and this collection of songs represents My Ruin at our most intense. Our most incensed. A vital and volatile, collaborative, heartfelt mix of screaming with spoken word. Fiery passion and furious anger accompanied by huge solos, thick riffs and Southern fried swagger. The master of heaviosity and his patron saint of blasphemy.

The way it was meant to be.

On Christmas Eve 2008 we were married but we began making music together in 2000. To commemorate our 20th anniversary and celebrate the music we have made in My Ruin, we wanted to release something timeless, in loving memory for those who have followed us on our musical journey since the beginning and for those who may discover us at a later date.

Over the years we have been told how much our music has meant to so many and this has always meant so much to us. As an underground band, we have no mainstream, radio friendly greatest hits but we have made music that connects, resonates and offers solace with its catharsis to those who need it. Including us.

The Cathartic Collection is a set of 36 songs which we have remastered and thoughtfully curated into 3 chapters from our extensive discography spanning our 9-album history in My Ruin. Each 12-song chapter represents 3 albums and is introduced by its own spoken word interlude. Our magnum opus begins with a new and a final song which we recorded at our home studio in Knoxville, Tennessee during the pandemic in 2020. 'Sacrosanctity' is a poetically passionate, raw throated and relentless 6-minute metallic lament meant to represent our band, past to present.

CHAPTER I – REBIRTH

Speak & Destroy (1999) 
A Prayer Under Pressure of Violent Anguish (2000)
To Britain with Love & Bruises (2001)

CHAPTER II – RESURRECTION

The Horror of Beauty (2003) 
The Brutal Language (2005)
Throat Full of Heart (2008)

CHAPTER III – REFLECTION

Ghosts and Good Stories (2010)
A Southern Revelation (2011)
The Sacred Mood (2013)

Although we love each other, it is no secret that we fell out of love with the music industry long ago. From the Devils at record labels to the duplicitous managers, promoters and a few band members who have left us cold & disenchanted along the way. Many of whom invoked the emotions and inspired the songs in this collection of immaculate confessions as well as our need to do it ourselves.

Our way.

While we have made the decision to put My Ruin on a permanent hiatus from touring, we will continue to remain true to ourselves and our music. This includes our side projects and solo recordings which are simply extensions of who we are as artists. Looking back at photos & videos, throughout the highs and lows of being on the road and playing shows over the last 2 decades, there have been many memorable moments together on and off stage with friends & fans of our band all over the world and for that, we are forever grateful.

Thank you for sharing this with us.

As 2020 comes to an end and you journey back with us amid this nostalgic walk through our rock love and listen, we hope you enjoy this free / digital only download and gift to you. Something sacred to scream to. If you choose to donate, we thank you.

May these songs invoke memories of your own and inspire you to speak your truth, trust your heart and never be afraid to turn your trauma into art."

Tairrie B & Mick Murphy

Tracklist:

"Sacrosanctity" 
"Terror"
"Beauty Fiend"
"Stick It To Me"
"Sick With It"
"Rockstar"
"Sycophant"
"Sanctuary"
"My Beautiful Flower"
"Heartsick"
"Masochrist"
"Let It Rain"
"Blasphemous Girl"
"Silverlake 6571"
"Made To Measure"
"Memento Mori"
"Cold Hands, Warm Heart"
"Burn The Witch"
"Religiosity"
"Hot In The House Of God"
"Through The Wound"
"The Devil Walks"
"Spitfire"
"Spilling Open"
"Ready For Blood"
"Tennessee Elegy"
"Long Dark Night"
"Heretic Dreams"
"Excommunicated"
"Highly Explosive"
"God Is A Girl With A Butcher Knife"
"Diggin' For Ghosts"
"Deconsecrated"
"Honey Of The Human Soul"
"The Soulless Beast"
"Abusing the Muse"
"Moriendo Renascor"

Go to the official My Ruin BandCamp page here. Go to their official Facebook page here.

Photo by Kayla Wren Photography

Rare video footage of the Scorpions performing the Animal Magnetism album track, "The Zoo", live on the German TV show Rockpop In Concert in December 1983 can be seen below. Footage licensed from ZDF Enterprises.

Previously released footage of the band performing "Make It Real", "Dynamite", "Can't Live Without You", "Holiday", "Always Somewhere", "Blackout", and "Coming Home" at the same show is available below.

Apocalyptica is streaming a clip of their performance of the Metallica classic “Master Of Puppets” at Pol'and'Rock Festival 2016.

A description reads: “Enjoy our fast forward version of 'Master Of Puppets' recorded live at Woodstock Festival Poland 2016 (currently: Pol'and'Rock Festival).”

In a previous post, Apocalyptica uploaded pro-shot video of their "House Of Chains" featuring vocalist Franky Perez performance at the Pol'and'Rock Festival 2016.

It is with great regret, but obvious and necessary compliance, that Apocalyptica has had to postpone their upcoming North American tour a second time to August/September 2021 due to the ongoing restrictions surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic. Please note that all tickets bought will remain valid for the rescheduled dates and tickets remain on sale.

Apocalyptica's performances will be comprised of new songs from most recent full-length Cell-0 as well as from the band's rich catalog. Lacuna Coil, who was scheduled to support on all North American dates, remain confirmed for the California, Oregon, Washington, Minnesota, Illinois, and Canadian shows. Support on the remainder of the tour is yet to be announced.

To keep the band's fans and everyone else involved with the tour safe at this time, the shows have been postponed to the following dates. Additionally, the Toronto show will now take place at Rebel.  

Dates:

August
16 - Masquerade - Atlanta, GA
17 - Plaza - Orlando, FL
19 - House Of Blues - Houston, TX
21 - Emos - Austin, TX
23 - Sunshine - Albuquerque, NM
24 - Van Buren - Phoenix, AZ
25 - Mayan - Los Angeles, CA (with Lacuna Coil)
26 - The Regency - San Francisco, CA (with Lacuna Coil)
27 - Crystal - Portland, OR (with Lacuna Coil)
28 - Showbox Sodo - Seattle, WA (with Lacuna Coil)
29 - Commodore - Vancouver, BC (with Lacuna Coil)
30 - Commodore - Vancouver, BC (with Lacuna Coil)

September
1 - Midway - Edmonton, AB (with Lacuna Coil)
2 - The Palace - Calgary, AB (with Lacuna Coil)
4 - First Avenue - Minneapolis, MN (with Lacuna Coil)
5 - House Of Blues - Chicago, IL (with Lacuna Coil)
6 - Rebel - Toronto, ON (with Lacuna Coil)
7 - Mtelus - Montreal, QC (with Lacuna Coil)
8 - Big Night Live - Boston, MA
9 - Webster Theatre - Hartford, CT
11 - Webster Hall - New York, NY

Four years after their Bloodwinter epic, German pagan metallers Wolfchant return with new energy and nine hotly forged irons. Their seventh studio album, Omega : Bestia, is to be released on April 9 via Reaper Entertainment.

First digital single and video for “Komet” is streaming below.

The band states: "We are very happy to finally release ‘Komet’, the first song of our seventh studio album OMEGA : BESTIA. We have been working on OMEGA : BESTIA for the last two years and ‘Komet’ is not only a critical song about greed and power, two characteristics that can drive people to new cruelties again and again, but also an epic and powerful song which shows a good insight into the new album. With Mirko Witzki from Witzki Media we found the perfect partner to create the video for ‘Komet’ exactly according to our ideas. We wish you a lot of fun listening and watching!"

On the new album the popular mixture of extreme metal mixed with timeless melodies, driving riffs and epic parts as well as the aggressive screams and the choral vocals were retained and expanded with a lot of flair by several nuances.

Album art by Peter Salai:

Tracklisting:

“Omega : Bestia”
“Komet”
“Into Eternal Darkness”
“Im Zeichen des Tiers”
“Der Geist und die Dunkelheit”
“Bestie”
“Jäger der Nacht”
“Out In The Dark”
“The Flame”

"Komet" video:

The album will be available on 2CD Digibook, CD Jewelcase, Vinyl and as a limited deluxe boxset. The pre-order starts today, February 5, with the release of the first digital single, "Komet". You can pre-save the single here.

Wolfchant are:

Lokhi - Vocals
Nortwin - Vocals
Skaahl - Guitar
Seehb - Guitar
Ghust - Drums

Swedish symphonic metal band, Therion, released their 17th studio album, Leviathan, on January 22. The album ranked #11 in the German Album Charts, which marks the highest chart entry the band has ever had in Germany. Additional great European chart results are #8 (Rock & Metal Albums) in the UK, #12 in Switzerland, #14 (Physical Albums) in their home country Sweden and #25 in Poland.

Guitarist and founder Christopher Johnsson comments: "It’s great to see that Leviathan is getting such a strong support and also great to see that so many people are still buying CDs and vinyl. We charted at #11 in the German album chart, which is one of the best positions we ever had there. We also see a great support with streaming, hitting a million streams at Spotify only 2 weeks after the release. Big thanx to everyone who has been picking up/listening to the album!"

Here is a list of international chart entries for Leviathan:

UK - #8 (Rock & Metal) & #21 (Indie Albums)
Germany - #11
Switzerland - #12
Sweden - #14 (Physical) & #18 (Hard Rock)
Poland - #25
Austria - #45
Italy - #59
Belgium - #173

US - #18 (Current Hard Music Albums)
US - #28 (Top New Artist Albums)
US - #60 (Record Label Independent Current Albums)
US - #136 (Current Digital Albums)
US - #170 (Top Current Albums)

Tracklisting:

"The Leaf On The Oak Of Far"
"Tuonela"
"Leviathan"
"Die Wellen Der Zeit"
"Ai Dahaka"
"Eye Of Algol"
"Nocturnal Light"
"Great Marquis Of Hell"
"Psalm Of Retribution"
"El Primer Sol"
"Ten Courts Of Diyu"
"Eye Of Algol" (Alternative Vocals Version)
"Tuonela" (Full Marco Vocals Version)
"Tuonela" (Alternative Vocals Version)
"Tuonela" (Instrumental Version)
"Tuonela" (Orchestral Version)

"Tuonela" video:

"Die Wellen Der Zeit" video:

“Leviathan” lyric Video:

The Dead Daisies recently released their new album, Holy Ground, via SPV. The band have revealed the first week chart entries, which can be seen below:

Influenced by '70s and early '80s rock, The Dead Daisies sound is soulful and accessible – equal parts of Aerosmith, Bad Company and Foreigner: muscular vocals, bluesy riffs, big choruses, powerful melodies and strong hooks. With stellar musicianship and pulverizing live shows, fans across the globe are discovering the band that is bringing back Rock & Roll!

Order the Holy Ground album here.

Tracklisting:

"Holy Ground (Shake The Memory)"
"Like No Other (Bassline)"
"Come Alive"
"Bustle And Flow"
"My Fate"
"Chosen And Justified"
"Saving Grace"
"Unspoken"
"30 Days In The Hole"
"Righteous Days"
"Far Away"

"Holy Ground (Shake The Memory)" video:

"Like No Other (Bassline)":

"Come Alive":

“Bustle And Flow” video:

"My Fate":

"Chosen And Justified":

"Saving Grace":

"Unspoken" lyric video:

"30 Days In The Hole":

"Righteous Days":

"Far Away":

Fretless / harp guitarist Tim Donahue - who released the self-titled Madmen & Sinners album with Dream Theater's James LaBrie in 2004 - recently announced the launch of his new signature Nightmoon guitar. The video below features Donahue playing his track "Love Drug" on the new axe.

Donahue: "The result of 35 years of development, we're excited to announce limited production of these innovative instruments, fretted or fretless. For pricing & order info contact: nightmoonguitars@gmail.com."

In a new interview with DEATH ANGEL's Ted Aguilar as part of the "Alive & Streaming" YouTube series, Gary Holt reflected on EXODUS's legendary New Year's Eve gig in San Francisco with METALLICA, as the two bands rang in the year 1986 along with MEGADETH and METAL CHURCH.

"We crushed METALLICA," the EXODUS guitarist said. "And look, I'm not gloating — we crushed 'em, and they knew it. It was their big homecoming. They just finished recording 'Master Of Puppets', and we came out, and we had more amps, we had a bigger riser. We came out looking like the headliners. And we were partying hard after, and James [Hetfield, METALLICA frontman] comes up, and we were just getting wasted. [And he said,] 'That'll be the last time you guys open for us.' And it was. [Laughs] We never played with METALLICA again until in the recent decade, and that was, like, festivals somewhere."

According to Holt, he still gets along great with all the members of METALLICA. "I love 'em to death, and I'll always support 'em and always give them all credit where credit's due," he said. "I consider 'Master Of Puppets' the greatest metal album ever made. Nobody's ever come up with anything close to it. Maybe close would be JUDAS PRIEST 'Stained Class'. But I give 'em all respect. Even with 'St. Anger', I always said, yeah, if they made it sound right, it wouldn't be so bad. [I saw a thing] on YouTube, some guy re-recorded the whole album, but did it with a proper drum sound and guitar sound, and the songs are killer… I never listened to 'Lulu', because I don't want it to sully my opinion of the band I admire so much. [Laughs]"

"Lulu", METALLICA's controversial collaborative disc with Lou Reed, polarized fans around the world and earned the band some of the most scathing reviews of its career. The effort featured the late THE VELVET UNDERGROUND frontman's spoken-word poetry and lyrics combined with METALLICA's musical assault for a jarring experience that didn't sound like anything METALLICA had ever attempted before.

EXODUS recently completed work on its new album, "Persona Non Grata", for a tentative summer release via Nuclear Blast. It will be the follow-up to 2014's "Blood In Blood Out", which was the San Francisco Bay Area thrashers' first release since the departure of the group's lead singer of nine years, Rob Dukes, and the return of Steve "Zetro" Souza, who previously fronted EXODUS from 1986 to 1993 and from 2002 to 2004.

"Persona Non Grata" was recorded at a studio in Lake Almanor, California and was engineered by Steve Lagudi and EXODUS. It was produced by EXODUS and was mixed by Andy Sneap.

"Blood In Blood Out" was notable for featuring a guest appearance by former EXODUS guitarist Kirk Hammett, who left the band in 1983 to join METALLICA.

The original lineup of EXODUS consisted of guitarists Hammett and Tim Agnello, drummer Tom Hunting and vocalist Keith Stewart. Holt joined the band in 1981, while Kirk left two years before EXODUS's debut album, "Bonded By Blood", saw the light of day.

Souza is now on his third stint with EXODUS, having previously fronted the band from 1986 to 1993 and 2002 to 2004. A decade following his second departure, Souza returned to the fold in 2014, just in time to appear on "Blood In Blood Out".

"Persona Non Grata" will be EXODUS's first since the completion of SLAYER's final tour. In 2011, Holt began filling in for Jeff Hanneman at SLAYER live shows, and became the band's full-time co-guitarist as of 2013, while remaining a member of EXODUS.

Twinkle Twinkle Little Rock Star, the company which creates "beautiful lullaby versions of your favorite artists," has just released "Lullaby Versions Of Kiss" via Roma Music Group.

"Lullaby Versions Of Kiss" track listing:

01. I Was Made For Lovin' You

02. Rock And Roll All Nite

03. Detroit Rock City

04. Heaven's On Fire

05. Forever

06. Lick It Up

07. Strutter

08. Beth

09. Crazy Crazy Nights

10. Love Gun

The song "I Was Made For Lovin' You" can be streamed in the YouTube clip below.

Twinkle Twinkle Little Rock Star was born for the parent that wants to pass along their biggest passion to their child, music. Twinkle Twinkle Little Rock Star transforms popular music into instrumental lullabies perfect for babies, yoga or just relaxation. Now, parents can enjoy the music from LADY GAGA to METALLICA in soothing lullaby style. With over 135 titles to choose from, Twinkle Twinkle Little Rock Star is the largest line of pop, rock, metal and jamband music lullabies in the world.

These aren't novelty recordings. They are cute, they are soft but these are serious recordings. Roma Music Group, which releases Twinkle Twinkle Little Rock Star, is run by two music industry veterans who put the fidelity of these recording at the top of the priority list. Let's face it, much like the brand name clothes you buy for your infant, this music is really for you. Whether you are raising a metal baby, rocker or hippie baby, Twinkle Twinkle Little Rock Star has your music transformed from arena anthems into nursery classics.

The official lyric video for "The Hunter", a new song from KORN guitarist Brian "Head" Welch's LOVE AND DEATH project, can be streamed below. The track, which features special guest Keith Wallen from BREAKING BENJAMIN, is taken LOVE AND DEATH's upcoming album, "Perfectly Preserved", which will arrive on February 12 via Earache Records.

"The Hunter" is accompanied by a thought-provoking lyric video providing a visual commentary to the lyrical theme of the song, showing the state our society currently finds itself in.

Elaborating on the meaning behind the new track and its visual accompaniment, Welch says: "We've been very fortunate to have such a professional team around this project to help us put out such quality content with our latest release. Our newest track 'The Hunter' is no exception. Naro Studios along with Soft Surrogate really helped get our message across in 'The Hunter' regarding the many different crises that our society in America has been facing as of late. It truly is a work of art."

"Perfectly Preserved" is described in a press release as "a blistering but accessible full-length follow-up, driven by the spiritual resilience inherent in the first record, combined with an even starker depiction of real-life struggle." Anger, broken relationships, lowered self-worth, and the collision of optimistic values with oppressive systems are all on display, from the arresting refrains of "Tragedy", "Death Of Us" and "Affliction" to the bold, conqueror driven anthem of "White Flag".

To coincide with "Perfectly Preserved"'s release, LOVE AND DEATH will play a livestreamed concert on February 12. Joining the band for the streaming event will be Lacey Sturm of FLYLEAF, Keith Wallen of BREAKING BENJAMIN and Matty Mullins of MEMPHIS MAY FIRE. Tickets for the show, along with album merchandise bundles, are available at this location.

LOVE AND DEATH harness soaring melodies and crushing riffs, weaponizing them like a supernatural dagger to strike at the blackened heart of disillusionment from both within and without. With an instantly recognizable relatability, for anyone who has felt discarded or without value, the band crafts invigorating anthems filled with earnest pleas for mercy and certainty amidst the chaos of an uncertain world. This is heavy music to vigorously confront depression, heartbreak, and pain.

The band began with similar raw, authentic emotional honesty to what drove Welch to multiplatinum and Grammy Award-winning heights as a co-founder of genre trailblazers KORN. Forged as an outlet for recovery and redemption in a season of change, the creation of LOVE AND DEATH resulted in the powerful and dynamic 2013 debut "Between Here & Lost". The album spoke plainly to the hearts of similarly disenfranchised fans all across the world.

"Perfectly Preserved" marks the introduction of guitarist, bassist and co-songwriter Jasen Rauch as a full-fledged member of the band, as well as second time producer for LOVE AND DEATH (co-produced by Joe Rickard). Jasen, best known as an integral part of chart-topping rockers BREAKING BENJAMIN, produced LOVE AND DEATH's first album in 2013. The duo first met a year or two after the release of Head's solo album, "Save Me From Myself" (2008). As Head experimented with synthesizers, it was Rauch who encouraged him to pick up his guitar and churn out new riffs.

"Jasen and I started writing together. I was trying to do new things, writing music on a keyboard at my house," Welch recalls. "I credit him with the rediscovery of my love for the guitar."

LOVE AND DEATH charge into this new chapter with a definitive lineup, which sees Head and Jasen side by side with the band's original guitarist, JR Bareis, also on vocals and guitar, and powerhouse drummer Isaiah Perez. It was a perfect storm of friendship and creativity, as they all worked on the album in Nashville, Los Angeles, and Chicago, over several years.

Like A PERFECT CIRCLE or STONE SOUR, LOVE AND DEATH isn't a "side project" or replacement for the guys' respective bands. It's an extension and companion, offering each of them a unique outlet to explore different aspects of their creative passions. "There are certain things we can do melodically in LOVE AND DEATH that might not work in KORN," Rauch explains. "For me, there are certain creative risks I can take with the arrangements and production that wouldn't fit with BREAKING BENJAMIN. In this band, we don't worry about how long a song might be, for example."

It's also an opportunity for further collaboration with their friends from other bands. "The Hunter" features Jasen's BREAKING BENJAMIN bandmate (and solo artist) Keith Wallen, who was also a major co-writer on the project. And Longtime comrade Lacey Sturm, formerly of FLYLEAF, sings on a metallic rendition of a surprising pop cover.

As with the "Lo Lamento" single released in 2016, Bareis steps up vocally, sharing frontman duties with Welch, whose own delivery draws on jaw-dropping life experience. From the heights of rock stardom to the depths of addiction, through an exciting resurrection to the daily battle to stay above water, every moment of truth is evident in his brutally honest screams. Bareis, by contrast, delivers anthemic and even haunting melodic vocals.

"Everybody knows my foundation," says Welch, regarding the contrast in lyrical themes between "Perfectly Preserved" and the first LOVE AND DEATH album. "I feel like what our world needs most in this very unique moment in time are real storiesabout overcoming struggle. These are honest songs co-written by our group of friends targeting depression/mental health, challenging relationships, trauma, loneliness, and related issues."

As their fans have learned to expect, LOVE AND DEATH is fearless in its open examination of contradictions and failure, making confessional music with an underlying anchor of purpose and hope. Like the band's very moniker suggests, both "Love" and "Death" are very present in all that they do.

Track listing:

01. Slow Fire

02. Infamy

03. Down

04. Death Of Us

05. Lo Lamento

06. The Hunter (feat. Keith Wallen)

07. Tragedy

08. Let Me Love You (feat. Lacey Sturm)

09. Affliction

10. White Flag (feat. Ryan Hayes)

LOVE AND DEATH is:

Brian "Head" Welch - Vocals, Guitar

Jasen Rauch - Bass

JR Bareis - Guitar, Vocals

Isaiah Perez - Drums

New Orleans disciples of hardcore, blues-based, post-amplified audio wreckage EYEHATEGOD have released "Built Beneath The Lies", the third single from their first new full-length album in seven years, "A History Of Nomadic Behavior", due on March 12 via Century Media Records.

Singer Mike IX Williams said: "'Built Beneath The Lies' is another acidic EYEHATEGOD song playing in the background while the back alleys burn with nervous alcoholic tension and people all over cancel their summer plans to stare at the wall..."

"A History Of Nomadic Behavior" was produced by EYEHATEGOD, Sanford Parker (YOB, VOIVOD) and James Whitten (THOU, HIGH ON FIRE), with mixing by Whitten. The band recorded at HighTower Recording and Hypercube studios. The artwork for the LP was created by Gary Mader and Mike IX Williams.

Williams said of the songs on the album: "We're not a political band, but it was hard not to be affected by the news from the past year. During this recording, I thought a lot about how stupid humanity has become and how America is now completely divided with these people who don't believe in science and blindly follow liars and nonsensical ideologies. Some of those feelings may have found their way into these songs, but it is mostly subliminal."

"A History Of Nomadic Behavior" follows a period that saw EYEHATEGOD on the road for three years, preceded by Williams suffering liver failure and a transplant. "We toured our asses off for three years and that's where 'A History Of Nomadic Behavior' basically comes from," Williams said before touching on his health challenge: "Death is a part of life; it's a roll of the dice. Sometimes you take life as it comes, other times you fight to stay alive."

"A History Of Nomadic Behavior" track listing:

01. Built Beneath The Lies

02. The Outer Banks

03. Fake What's Yours

04. Three Black Eyes

05. Current Situation

06. High Risk Trigger

07. Anemic Robotic

08. The Day Felt Wrong

09. The Trial Of Johnny Cancer

10. Smoker's Place

11. Circle Of Nerves

12. Every Thing, Every Day

Last March, EYEHATEGOD scrapped the last three shows of its European tour due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The band later blamed "bumbling dolt" Donald Trump for announcing a ban on travel to the U.S. from 26 European countries, which caused chaos at European airports as Americans, fearing being caught up in the ban, attempted to travel home early.

EYEHATEGOD's last album, a self-titled affair, came out in 2014. It arrived a decade and a half after its predecessor, 2000's "Confederacy Of Ruined Lives".

EYEHATEGOD's 1990 "In The Name Of Suffering" and 1993 "Take As Needed For Pain" studio albums are considered their seminal works and are often cited as pillars of the American sludge sound alongside ACID BATH, BUZZOV*EN and CROWBAR.

Photo credit: Robb Duchemin