Legendary rocker Alice Cooper celebrates his birthday today by releasing a new single, "Social Debris", from his upcoming studio album, "Detroit Stories".

The track is released digitally and it is accompanied by an official music video, which cane be seen below.

To celebrate the special occasion in style, Cooper has decided to offer "Social Debris" as free download for 24 hours on the artist's web site.

"The single 'Social Debris' is a gift to Detroit, to my fans and to myself," says Alice, "The track was written by the original Alice Cooper band. We never thought that we would ever fit in; the Alice Cooper band didn't fit in with anybody, because we were doing things that no other band did. We didn't fit in with the folk scene, we didn't fit in with the metal scene, we really didn't fit in with anything that was going on at that time. We just always felt like we were outsiders. We felt like we were social debris, we were in our own little world. So 'Social Debris' was just the original band writing a song about us, essentially. And it came out sounding like it belonged into 1971. That's just the original band — you can't change that. It's great."

"Detroit Stories" will be released on February 26 via earMUSIC.

Named for the city that launched the original Alice Cooper group on the road to success, "Detroit Stories" follows 2019's "Breadcrumbs" EP as a modern-day homage to the toughest and craziest rock and roll scene there ever was.

In 1970, fledgling producer Bob Ezrin walked into a farmhouse on the outskirts of Detroit to work with the Alice Cooper band. Abandoning flower power Los Angeles, because they were the opposite of the hippie peace and love ideal, Alice had brought his decidedly darker gang back to his birthplace to the legendary rock scene that gave birth to hard rock, garage rock, soul, funk, punk...and more.

Ezrin drilled the band for 10 hours a day to define their signature sound. Whenever they nailed a song, the inmates at the hospital for the criminally insane across the road cheered and thus the classic Alice Cooper sound was born.

"Detroit was heavy rock central then," explains Alice, "You'd play the Eastown and it would be Alice Cooper, Ted Nugent, THE STOOGES and THE WHO, for $4! The next weekend at the Grande it was MC5, BROWNSVILLE STATION and FLEETWOOD MAC, or SAVOY BROWN or the SMALL FACES. You couldn't be a soft-rock band or you'd get your ass kicked."

"Los Angeles had its sound with THE DOORS, LOVE and BUFFALO SPRINGFIELD," he says, "San Francisco had the GRATEFUL DEAD and JEFFERSON AIRPLANE. New York had THE RASCALS and THE VELVET UNDERGROUND. But Detroit was the birthplace of angry hard rock. After not fitting in anywhere in the U.S. (musically or image wise) Detroit was the only place that recognized the Alice Cooper guitar-driven hard rock sound and our crazy stage show. Detroit was a haven for the outcasts. And when they found out I was born in East Detroit... we were home."

50 years later, Alice and Ezrin gathered some legendary Detroit musicians in a Detroit studio to record "Detroit Stories", Alice Cooper's new album that celebrates that spirit for a new era. If 2019's "Breadcrumbs" EP laid down the trail to the city, "Detroit Stories" drives like a muscle car right down Woodward Ave.

"We recorded with Wayne Kramer (guitarist and writer from the MC5), Johnny "Bee" Badanjek (drums; from the legendary DETROIT WHEELS), Paul Randolph (legendary Detroit jazz and R&B bassist) as well as the Motor City Horns and other local musicians," explains Ezrin, "We had musical ideas and encouragement from John Varvatos, the support of the folks at Shinola, and we recorded at Rustbelt Studios in Royal Oak. This was made in detroit for Detroit by Detroit denizens!"

"Detroit Stories" will be available on CD, CD+DVD digipak, CD box set (including CD, Blu-ray, t-shirt, face mask, torch light and 3 stickers), and 2LP gatefold.

The DVD and Blu-ray will show the incredible live performance "A Paranormal Evening At The Olympia Paris" for the first time on video. With the whole concert culture being shut down due to COVID-19, Alice Cooper felt the need to share one of his latest shows with his fans as he cannot wait to get back on the road — better than ever.

Track listing:

01. Rock 'N' Roll

02. Go Man Go (Album Version)

03. Our Love Will Change The World

04. Social Debris

05. $1000 High Heel Shoes

06. Hail Mary

07. Detroit City 2021 (Album Version)

08. Drunk And In Love

09. Independence Dave

10. I Hate You

11. Wonderful World

12. Sister Anne (Album Version)

13. Hanging On By A Thread (Don't Give Up)

14. Shut Up And Rock

15. East Side Story (Album Version)

According to WISH-TV, ICED EARTH guitarist Jon Schaffer is the only Indiana resident charged with entering the U.S. Capitol during the January 6 insurrection who voted in the most recent presidential election.

Schaffer, who lives in Edinburgh, Indiana, voted in 2020, but it had been 12 years since he last voted. He did not vote in the 2016 general election, according to documents uncovered by WISH-TV.

The other three Indiana men charged with storming the Capitol did not vote in the last general election.

Schaffer was arrested on January 17 for his involvement in the insurrection. The 52-year-old musician is facing six federal criminal charges after he was accused of spraying a police officer with a pepper-based bear repellant.

Schaffer was still being held at Marion County Jail as of Friday morning (January 29), a week after U.S. Magistrate for the Southern District of Indiana judge Mark Dinsmore signed an order for the musician to appear in D.C.'s district court.

During the insurrection, Jon was photographed wearing an "Oath Keepers Lifetime Member" cap, holding a container of bear spray and "engaging in verbal altercations with Capitol Police inside the Capitol building," according to a federal statement of facts in his case.

The Oath Keepers describe themselves as an association of former law enforcement and military personnel dedicated to "support and defend the Constitution against all enemies, foreign and domestic." But the Anti-Defamation League describes it as "a large but loosely organized collection of right-wing anti-government extremists who are part of the militia movement, which believes that the federal government has been coopted by a shadowy conspiracy that is trying to strip American citizens of their rights."

Schaffer has been held in the Marion County Jail since surrendering to police. He made his first court appearance on January 18.

Authorities say Schaffer was photographed and seen on surveillance video carrying a pepper-based bear repellant and arguing with Capitol Police officers inside the Capitol.

Just hours after the insurrection, ICED EARTH fans recognized Schaffer in a photo released by federal investigators in which he could be seen at the front of a mob, wearing black leather fingerless tactical gloves and pointing his finger while yelling at someone out of the frame.

Schaffer is believed to be one of at least 400 people who are being investigated by FBI officials over their roles in the insurrection.

More than 150 criminal cases have been filed so far. Charges include unauthorized access, theft, damage to government property and assault on law enforcement officers.

While Schaffer has not yet said anything publicly about his involvement in the riot, his ICED EARTH bandmates put out a statement on Instagram and Facebook opposing the insurrection.

"We absolutely DO NOT condone nor do we support riots or the acts of violence that the rioters were involved in on January 6th at the US Capitol building," they wrote. "We hope that all those involved that day are brought to justice to be investigated and answer for their actions."

Earlier last month, German daily newspaper Die Welt uploaded a video interview it conducted with Schaffer last November at a Washington, D.C. demonstration supporting Trump and protesting the 2020 presidential election results. In the chat, the guitarist said that "a group of thugs and criminals hijacked this country a long time ago" and warned that "they're messing with the wrong people here. Because now we see you, and you're going down. Mark my words."

Schaffer also seemingly threw his support behind Trump, saying "he's not your typical Republican" and claiming that America's 45th president is "dealing with a criminal mafia that has been in the shadows running the world, frankly, for a very long time. They wanna destroy all of our sovereignty and bring about global government," he added. "We're not having it… It will not happen. There will be a lot of blood shed, if it comes down to that — trust me. The American people will not go for that bullshit — once they understand what's actually happening. So, that's where we're at. Nobody wants this, but they're pushing us to a point where we have no choice."

Tomas Lindberg (AT THE GATES) has rejoined LOCK UP, and will part of a "dual vokill attack" together with Kevin Sharp. The band is currently recording a new album titled "The Dregs Of Hades", to be released in the fall via Listenable. The LP will be LOCK UP's first to feature new drummer Adam Jarvis (MISERY INDEX, PIG DESTROYER) following Nick Barker's departure last year.

Lindberg initially joined LOCK UP in 2002 and appeared on the "Hate Breeds Suffering", "Necropolis Transparent" and "Play Fast or Die - Live in Japan" albums.

Jarvis comments: "When Shane [Embury] first asked me to join the already elite league of extraordinary gentlemen, I was beyond ecstatic! THEN.... I find out Tompa was rejoining the band and I went bananas!

"So excited for everyone to hear what madness we've created so far, and for a double assault from Kevin and Tompa that is bound to make you want to punch stuff!"

Lindberg says: "I can't begin to explain how chuffed I am to be back with these, my favorite grinding beasts.

"When Shane approached me about rejoining, being part of a dual vokill attack together with Kevin, I said yes straight away.

"I love the 'Demonization' album, and Kevin's vocal delivery there. So, I was very curious and excited to work together with him, writing and arranging lyrics.

"My idea is that we have very different vocal styles, and that deathgrind fans now will get the best of both worlds. Adding Adam Jarvis to the mix has been nothing but a success as well. His relentless bashing has most definitely added an extra dimension to the LOCK UP sound.

"It will be a total blast performing these new tracks in front of a crowd. These are full on old-school deathgrind ragers! Again, chuffed!"

Embury adds: "I have said before on many occasions that creating songs, recording and playing shows with LOCK UP since the band's inception in 1998 has always been hinged on madness and old-fashioned grindcore camaraderie.

"When we discussed the possibility of another album, it made sense, I felt, to push the insanity further down the rabbit hole and ask Tompa to rejoin 'The Dregs Of Hades' to front the band alongside Kevin Sharp — ha!

"I have always loved that two-singer approach. If done right, it's marvellous dynamics, and believe me, this next album is doing it right!!!

"When festivals do finally return, it's gonna be a lot of fun, and that's what counts in the end... Be prepared!"

Guitarist Anton Reisenegger concludes: "A match certainly made in Hades. Can't wait to unleash the dual vomit storms!"

LOCK UP's latest album, "Demonization", was released in 2017. The disc was recorded at Parlour Recording Studios in Kettering, U.K. with longtime friend and acclaimed producer Russ Russell (THE EXPLOITED, NAPALM DEATH, EVILE, THE BERZERKER, DIMMU BORGIR).

"Demonization" was the first LOCK UP album to feature Sharp.

Kevin made his live debut with LOCK UP at Manizales Grita Rock festival in Colombia in October 2

Swedish progressive metal band EVERGREY will release its 12th album, "Escape Of The Phoenix", on February 26 via AFM. The official music video for the disc's latest single, "Where August Mourns", can be seen below.

Written and recorded during the ongoing global COVID-19 pandemic, "Escape Of The Phoenix" came to life according to plans that had been laid out in 2019. Vocalist/guitarist Tom Englund and drummer Jonas Ekdahl began composing the songs in January, creating a foundation for the album before EVERGREY gathered together and arranged the songs as a group. Unlike a typical creative process, which is often interrupted by appointments, travelling and one-off shows, lockdown requirements gave the band much-needed time to work unhindered. The result is 11 songs that embody everything EVERGREY fans have to expect, albeit "a more metal version of 'The Atlantic', with songs that are more direct," according to Englund and producer Jacob Hansen.

"Escape Of The Phoenix" will be available in various formats, including regular CD digipak, limited vinyls (picture, marbled, coloured), artbook (limited to 1000 units, 36 pages, 28cm x 28cm including CD version of the album with bonus tracks, 7" picture vinyl single with exclusive bonus track "The Darkness In You", exclusive and extensive photographic footage, and introduction written by Englund). On top of that, AFM is offering a special and exclusive t-shirt print and various shirt bundles in the label's online shop.

"Escape Of The Phoenix" track listing:

01. Forever Outsider

02. Where August Mourns

03. Stories

04. A Dandellion Cipher

05. The Beholder

06. In The Absence Of Sun

07. Eternal Nocturnal

08. Escape Of The Phoenix

09. You From You

10. Leaden Saints

11. Run

12. The Darkness In You (artbook bonus track)

EVERGREY's last studio album, "The Atlantic", was released in January 2019 via AFM Records.

It’s getting cold again. On March 12th, EISBRECHER’s eighth studio album, ‘Liebe Macht Monster’, will be released. With the title ‘FAKK’, the first single and the accompanying video will be released today.

Three and a half years after the number one album ‘Sturmfahrt’ (2017), singer Alex Wesselsky and guitarist, producer / programmer Noel Pix have readjusted all the adjusting screws of the unmistakable EISBRECHER sound and put every little detail to the test in order to create a monster with love to present gripping and versatile new work. Wesselsky: “For us it has always been the case: only what knocks you down can blow away others! And so, it just started... Bamm! The first steps: cigarette on, brain on, heart on, computer on, phone on, door open, cigarette on, cigarette off, microphone on... next song!”

The first single from ‘Liebe Macht Monster’ is provocatively called ‘FAKK’ and is released on January 15, 2021, including an unmistakable video. “Check dein Limit, Alter, komm mir nicht mit Scheiß, dein Credit, deine Skills, dein Ding, dein Hype” (“Check your limit, don’t give me shit, your credit, your skills, your thing, your hype”), Alex Wesselsky begins his rabid frontal attack in ‘FAKK’ against all weirdos, agitators and pseudo-political sectarians, from whatever milieu they may come from. In the chorus he explains bluntly what he thinks of these “non-understanders”. At the same time, EISBRECHER are firing musically from full pipes and give more than just an idea of what ‘FAKK’ and also about ‘Liebe Macht Monster’ in general are all about. Wesselsky: “A typical EISBRECHER bloodline between Rock / Metal and Electro-Industrial-Pop.” Unique in the German rock circus!

Swiss industrial black metallers SAMAEL will celebrate the 25th anniversary of "Passage" by performing the album in its entirety, plus other material past and present, on a European tour this fall. The 10-country, 18-city trek will kick off on September 29 in Budapest, Hungary and conclde on October 16 in Krakow, Poland. Sweden's DIABOLICAL will provide support on all dates.

"Passage Tour" 2021 tour dates:

Sep. 29 - Budapest - Dürer Kert (HU)

Sep. 30 - Brno - Melodka (CZ)

Oct. 01 - Berlin - ORWO Haus (DE)

Oct. 02 - Arnhem - Willemeen (NL)

Oct. 03 - Eindhoven - Effenaar (NL)

Oct. 04 - Esh-Sur-Alzette - Kulturfabrik (LU)

Oct. 05 - München - Backstage (DE)

Oct. 06 - Regensburg - Eventhall Airport (DE)

Oct. 07 - San Dona Di Piave - Revolver (I)

Oct. 08 - Villeurbanne-Lyon - CCO (FR)

Oct. 09 - Wetzikon - Hall of Fame (CH)

Oct. 10 - Paris - Petit Bain (FR)

Oct. 11 - Nantes - Warehouse (FR)

Oct. 12 - Hasselt - Muziekodroom (BE)

Oct. 13 - Essen - Turock (DE)

Oct. 14 - Leipzig - Hellraiser (DE)

Oct. 15 - Erfurt - From Hell (DE)

Oct. 16 - Krakow - Kwadrat (PL)

Last June, SAMAEL announced the addition of bassist Ales Campanelli to the group's ranks.

A former member of SYBREED, and currently with OBSYDIANS and THE ERKONAUTS, Ales had been playing with SAMAEL guitarist Thomas "Drop" Betrisey for many years. He is no stranger to the machines-versus-humans music of SAMAEL and has known the band since its early black metal days.

Ales had already shared the stage with SAMAEL on a few occasions, both with his previous band and current projects.

Campanelli made his live debut with SAMAEL as part of Tohuwabohu, a worldwide, pay-what-you-want streaming metal event, in June 2020.

Ales joined SAMAEL as the replacement for Pierre "Zorrac" Carroz (SCARS DIVIDE, HEROD), who had played with the group since July 2018.

Longtime SAMAEL guitarist Marco "Makro" Rivao left the band in April 2018 "to do something different." Bassist Drop has since taken over guitar duties in the group.

SAMAEL's latest album, "Hegemony", was released in October 2017 via Napalm Records.

Norway's Vreid will be releasing their ninth full-length, Wild North West, on April 30 via Season of Mist. The conceptual record will also feature a movie companion piece. Throughout eight chapters, the listener will be taken on a journey deep into the mountains, to a dark place where the borders between reality and fantasy fade and where death is only one step behind you: The Wild North West.

Watch the official trailer below:

Vreid songwriter and bass player Jarle Hváll Kvåle comments: "Ever since February 2020, we have been working like hell on this new project. The only short break was when we hosted the livestream from my mountain farm last summer. This project has become all-consuming, and the hours we put into it is just insane. Most of the music was written during winter/early spring least year, and lyrically I started to work on this concept story. Then, me and movie producer Håvard Nesbø who did the lyric videos for 'Lifehunger' and produced our livestream started talking about taking things further. I brought up this wild idea of doing a series of music videos, one for each song and then build these together as a movie. A movie that is the actual album. Håvard who has no limits on his lunacy jumped on board, and we never looked back.

"This became the most creative adventure I have ever worked on. The whole process of writing music, recording and mixing it, writing lyrics, making the script for the movie, the actual filming and editing it and working on the design all got tangled up in one twisted world, where all these elements influenced and colored each other. It’s given a whole new dimension to our art. The result is Wild North West. This as DIY as it gets, and it’s OUR story.

"With Wild North West we have the whole legacy in our backpack, but with new adventures and visions fulfilled. From the most extreme and intense we have ever done to a heavy and melodic world where we open new doors. Vreid's origin is rooted in the blend of the aggressive 80ies metal, the grooving 70ies heavy rock and the northern black metal of the 90ies. This is our DNA and this is the spirit of Sognametal.

"Welcome to the Wild North West."

The cover for Wild North West was created by Remi Juliebø (Deformat Design).

Tracklisting:

"Wild North West"
"Wolves At Sea"
"The Morning Red"
"Shadows Of Aurora"
"Spikes Of God"
"Dazed And Reduced"
"Into The Mountains"
"Shadowland"

From its tumultuous inception, the Norwegian metal scene has always been about pioneering. While embracing the illustrious black metal history as part of their musical heritage, the many iconic bands have now evolved in various directions. Leading the black ‘n roll movement in Norway, Vreid are the perfect example of that. The band arose in 2004 from the ashes of Winder after the tragic perishing of Terje ‘Valfar’ Bakken. The Sognametal legends declared the mission of exploring new musical paths, which they have pushed to even greater heights on their new record Wild North West.

The ninth record is not just a collection of songs, but a concept album that developed alongside an entire movie. Throughout eight chapters you will be taken on a journey deep into the mountains, to a dark place where the borders between reality and fantasy fade and where death is only one step behind you: The Wild North West. Not just in sheer size of the project but also in terms of music videography, creativity, and determination, Vreid have done something truly unique and lifted their art to a new dimension.

On the concept, founder and bass player Jarle Hváll Kvåle states: "Wild North West is a concept story about life itself and its eternal shadow: death. It is built around the world of our fictional character E, but it is surely inspired by my own life, my band’s life, historical events and many tales that have inspired me over the years. Is it a true story or fictional? I would have to say both, and sometimes is hard tell the difference.”

Wild North West features the most extreme and intense work of the band to date, as well as heavy and melodic rock songs. These influences have always been a part of Vreid’s DNA, and it is this combination that makes up the spirit of Sognametal.  A remarkable homage to that same musical spirit is the song “Into the Mountains”. The ideas for that track were written in 2002 by Jarle ‘Hváll’ Kvåle and Terje ‘Valfar’ Bakken (Winder). Inspired by these ideas, Hváll wrote the song and included the original demo keyboard tracks from 2002, recorded back then by Valfar.

Vreid have always chosen a course of constant evolution that is marked by thematically denoted phases regarding their often historically inspired lyrics. This became particularly clear with albums ‘I Krig’ (2007) and ‘Milorg’ (2009), which both revolved around concepts dealing with resistance and liberation of Norway during World War II. With their following three records, the pitch black brigade returned to their Norse roots on ‘Sólverv’ which received high critical acclaim in 2015.

In 2018, the Norwegians teamed up with Season of Mist for their previous full-length ‘Lifehunger’, a record that successfully blended elements of 70’s rock, 80’s classic metal, and Norwegian black metal and which featured a remarkable guest contribution from Solstafir’s vocalist Addi Tryggvason on the track “Hello Darkness”.

Vreid have hammered out their success partly by being a heavily touring band. The four-piece performed more than 500 shows in 25 countries so far. Their everlasting march to conquer new territories has led the Norwegians to headline tours in Europe, North America, Japan, and India.

The band’s onward march did not come to a halt in 2020, a year that will go down as devastating for the international music scene. Vreid launched their own beer, which turned out to be the biggest success of the Balder Brewery as the first batches were sold out immediately. Instead of waiting to be able to tour again, the Norwegians invited the fans to their home region and hosted a massive streaming concert among the beautiful mountainous surroundings of the Sognefjord. The concert, ‘Into the Mountains of Sognametal’ took place in June 2020 was viewed by over 140.000 people from more than 40 countries.

In 2021, Vreid will once more invite the fans to their dark, cold, and wild universe but tread carefully as from these haunted mountains, no man can descend.

Welcome to the Wild North West.

Since their formation in 2004, British thrash metallers EVILE have been turning heads and taking names, delivering four pure thrash offerings blended with an uncompromising death metal assault. Their upcoming fifth studio album, titled "Hell Unleashed", will impact the metal masses on April 30 via Napalm Records, and is the long-awaited successor to 2013's "Skull". Featuring the new exciting lineup formation of Ol Drake on vocals/guitars and new member Adam Smith of RIPTIDE as rhythm guitarist, "Hell Unleashed" is a raucous and masterful thrash metal attack.

Ol Drake comments: "After a long eight years, EVILE is finally coming back with our fifth studio album, 'Hell Unleashed' in April; a nine-track onslaught of unrelenting thrash metal. I have no qualms in saying that this is the best thrash metal album in at least the last 20 years.

"Those who haven't been keeping up with EVILE may notice a change in vocals and vocalist. Matt left the band last year for health and personal reasons, and we decided it would be best to keep the new vocalist a familiar face within the band, so I stepped into the vocalist shoes, while remaining on lead guitar and I'm very happy and excited to do it. One of my heroes is Chuck Schuldiner, so it made sense to me. EVILE needs to sound evil and vile, and we've achieved that more this time with a much more aggressive approach on 'Hell Unleashed'."

In celebration of EVILE's return and the announcement of "Hell Unleashed", the band has just revealed a blistering music video for the album's title track. With double the amount of power, twice the speed, untamed brute and blazing riffs, "Hell Unleashed" will propel old and new fans to the status of eternal mayhem and thrash euphoria.

Ol Drake adds: "The title track 'Hell Unleashed' is the first single/video we're releasing, directed by James Mansell, who I previously worked with on some short films of his. We spoke for a while about maybe doing a music video for EVILE and I'm so glad we did, as we're so happy with the result. We chose the title track as the first single as we wanted the first track you hear from us in so long to be a straight-to-the-point smack in the face and this definitely delivers. (**WARNING: The video contains flashing**)"

"Hell Unleashed" was produced by Chris Clancy at Backstage Studios, U.K., and will not only feature some explosive guest backing vocals from American actor, musician and comedian Brian Posehn, who highlights the band’s irrepressible, speeding energy on the track 'Gore', but the album will also include a cover song.

Ol Drake continues: "This is the first album EVILE have done to include a cover song in the track listing. I've been a big fan of death metal for a long time, and seeing as this album is on the more extreme side of thrash vocally and musically, we thought it was a perfect opportunity to cover MORTICIAN's 'Zombie Apocalypse'. It has one of the greatest riffs in it. We're also very excited about the return of the legendary Michael Whelan (SEPULTURA, OBITUARY, Stephen King) as cover artist. He did the art for our second album and he's always a pleasure to work with."

"Hell Unleashed" track listing:

01. Paralysed

02. Gore (feat. Brian Posehn)

03. Incarcerated

04. War Of Attrition

05. Disorder

06. The Thing (1982)

07. Zombie Apocalypse

08. Control From Above

09. Hell Unleashed

EVILE is:

Ol Drake - Vocals, Lead Guitar

Ben Carter - Drums

Joel Graham - Bass

Adam Smith - Rhythm Guitar

Frontiers Music Srl will release the self-titled debut album from Italy's ScreaMachine on April 9. Pre-order the album here, and watch a video for the single, "Demondome", below.

Hailing from Rome, Italy, ScreamMachine is a driving heavy metal driving force. Armed and dangerous with molten metal riffs, the quintet is ready to take the world by storm with their blazing sound inspired by titans like Judas Priest, Metallica, Iced Earth, Savatage, and Accept. Even if the guys from ScreaMachine are in love with that legendary 80’s metal sound, they are not living in the past. Their aim is to deliver an aggressive and traditional heavy metal sound blended with a modern production and songwriting.

The musicians in ScreaMachine are no strangers to the metal scene, since most of them are members of respected Italian acts like Stormlord, Kaledon, and Lunarsea, all of whom have been active since the ‘90’s with wide discographies and hundreds of gigs under their belts.

Born from an idea by bassist Francesco Bucci, (bassist and songwriter for the extreme epic metal act Stormlord), the five metalheads have joined forces to deliver one of the heaviest metal debuts of the year.

Some of their friends have heard the metal call and delivered some killer performances to the lair of the ScreaMachine. The fretless bass hero Steve Di Giorgio (Testament, Death, Spirits Of Fire, etc.) and the powerful singer Herbie Langhans (Firewind, Avantasia, Sonic Haven) are featured in the epic hymn “Wisdom Of The Ages”. Additionally, four of the best Italian guitar players, Simone Mularoni (DGM), Massimiliano Pagliuso (Novembre, Oceana), Andrea Angelini (Stormlord), and Francesco Mattei (Noveria), are shredding their ass off on four more songs.

ScreaMachine is now eager to unleash its rage worldwide, storming the stages and the ears of all those people who are still in love with heavy metal music.

Tracklisting:

"Demondome"
"The Metal Monster"
"The Human God"
"Darksteel"
"Mistress Of Disaster"
"52Hz"
"Wisdom Of The Ages"
"Silver Fever"
"Dancing With Shadows"
"Scream Machine"

"Demondome" video:

Lineup:

Valerio “The Brave” Caricchio - Lead Vocals
Francesco Bucci - Bass
Alex Mele - Guitars
Paolo Campitelli - Guitars
Alfonso “Fo” Corace - Drums

Long-running Los Angeles hardcore outfit TERROR is preparing to release "Trapped In A World", revisiting its earliest records with former guitarist Todd Jones of NAILS, who will also be producing the band's next LP. Set for release on March 5, the effort will include the song "Overcome", which can be streamed below.

Since its 2002 inception, TERROR has held their own at the forefront of hardcore, through nonstop international touring, an incredible discography, and deep roots in the hardcore community. While their full-time touring has been halted for the past year during the ongoing pandemic, the band has been revisiting material from some of their prior incarnations, and in recent months, the current lineup met up to recapture songs from their earliest days. Joined by Jones, who formed NAILS upon his exit from the band in 2004, at drummer Nick Jett's studio, the band recorded a brutal session of songs from their seminal first two records — 2003's "Lowest Of The Low" (Bridge 9) and 2004'sn"One With The Underdogs" (Trustkill) — serving as a precursor for their upcoming studio album which will be produced by Jones.

Vocalist Scott Vogel reveals: "As the world locked down and terror went on a full pause with the pandemic hitting the USA hard, somehow this created a perfect opportunity with Nick, Todd, and myself to start writing TERROR songs twenty years after we started this band. Of course, all the other members are involved in this process, but with travel restrictions and us being so spread out location-wise, a lot of weekends the three of us were just getting in a room and creating new terror songs and it's been a pretty insane experience. Todd is a deep-thinking maniac that can write hardcore songs like no one I have seen before, and the three of us fell right back into our early mindset and the energy and aggression felt just like it did on day one."

Todd Jones adds: "Got together with the TERROR crew (in a creative sense), for the first time since recording 'One With The Underdogs'. The ideas, guitars, lyrics/vocals, songs came pouring out. Locked in with Nick and Scott as if it hasn't been sixteen years since we played together. There's no shortage of song writers in TERROR and the stuff we've collectively come up with so far... I can't stop listening to these tracks. Magic via musical chemistry. It's our aim to deliver to you a visceral and explosive hardcore record and I really hope you enjoy it."

With twelve of their most seminal and foundational tracks brutally delivered in less than twenty-four minutes, "Trapped In A World" was recorded with the band all playing together at once to capture a more raw and "rehearsal tape" type of energy in July 2020 at Jet To Mars Studio, engineered and mixed by Nick Jett with additional engineering by Ryan Marr, and mastered by Will Putney. The record is completed with cover art by Rico Pakun with additional art by Chase Mason, handwritten elements by Tyler Mullen, layout and design by Martin Stewart.

TERROR will independently release "Trapped In A World" on all digital service providers and on 12" vinyl including new merch and more on March 5.

"Trapped In A World" track listing:

01. Lowest Of The Low

02. Life And Death

03. Out Of My Face

04. Keep Your Distance

05. Less Than Zero

06. Overcome

07. Better Off Without You

08. Crushed By The Truth

09. Not This Time

10. One With The Underdogs

11. Keep Your Mouth Shut

12. Push It Away

TERROR is:

Nick Jett - drums

Scott Vogel - vocals

Martin Stewart - guitar

Jordan Posner - guitar

Chris Linkovich - bass

Trapped In A World by Terror

LIMP BIZKIT guitarist Wes Borland has blasted Marilyn Manson, calling him "a bad fucking guy" who "needs to come to terms with his demons."

Borland, who was a member of Manson's band for less than a year in 2008, discussed the shock rocker just a day after Manson was accused by several women of abuse and assault.

On Monday (February 1), "Westworld" actress Evan Rachel Wood claimed that Manson "groomed" and "horrifically" abused her for years. After she shared her accusations, at least four other women posted their own allegations against the singer. The women claimed to have endured "sexual assault, psychological abuse, and/or various forms of coercion, violence, and intimidation" at the hands of Manson.

During an appearance on the Twitch channel Space Zebra on Tuesday (February 2), Borland said: "Marilyn Manson… I was in the band for nine months. He's not a great guy. And every single thing that people have said about him is fucking true. So relax about the allegations towards the women… Like when people [say bad things about] these women that are coming after him right now… Fuck off. They are speaking the truth. And I'm sorry to everyone on this podcast right now who doesn't like this, but that guy — he's amazingly talented, but he's fucked up and he needs to be put in check and he needs to get sober and he needs to come to terms with his demons. He is a bad fucking guy."

The guitarist continued: "I was there when he was with Evan Rachel Wood. I was at his house. It's not fucking cool. And that's all I'm gonna say about it. So if anyone is coming after these girls and going, like, 'You blah blah blah, this and that,' fuck you. That's all I'm gonna say.

"Sorry to take this to a dark place, but that guy is canceled. Goodbye. Don't let the door hit you on the way out."

Several hours after Wood went public with her allegations, Manson's most recent record label, Loma Vista Recordings, issued a statement discontinuing its relationship with the singer.

"In light of today's disturbing allegations by Evan Rachel Wood and other women naming Marilyn Manson as their abuser, Loma Vista will cease to further promote his current album, effective immediately," the label said. "Due to these concerning developments, we have also decided not to work with Marilyn Manson on any future projects."

On Monday, Manson issued a statement denying the abuse allegations leveled against him, writing on Instagram: "Obviously, my art and my life have long been magnets for controversy, but these recent claims about me are horrible distortions of reality. My intimate relationships have always been entirely consensual with like-minded partners. Regardless of how — and why — others are now choosing to misrepresent the past, that is the truth."

In 2018, Wood testified in front of a House subcommittee in an effort to get the Sexual Assault Survivors Bill of Rights passed in all 50 states.

Wes Borland image courtesy of Nekrogoblikon

Dita Von Teese has spoken out about the abuse allegations against her ex-husband, Marilyn Manson.

In a statement posted on her Instagram on Wednesday (February 3), the burlesque dancer and lingerie designer said she had been "processing the news" about Marilyn, who she was briefly married to between 2005 and 2006.

"To those who have expressed your concerns of my well-being, I appreciate your kindness," Dita wrote, before adding, "Please know that the details made public do not match my personal experience during our 7 years together as a couple."

"Had they," she continued, "I would have not married him in December 2005. I left 12 months later due to infidelity and drug abuse."

Dita concluded, "Abuse of any kind has no place in any relationship. I urge those of you have incurred abuse to take steps to heal and the strength to fully realize yourself."

Dita's statement came two days after "Westworld" actress Evan Rachel Wood claimed in a social media post that Manson "groomed" and "horrifically" abused her for years. After she shared her accusations, at least four other women posted their own allegations against the singer. The women claimed to have endured "sexual assault, psychological abuse, and/or various forms of coercion, violence, and intimidation" at the hands of Manson.

Manson later released a statement denying the abuse allegations leveled against him, writing on Instagram: "Obviously, my art and my life have long been magnets for controversy, but these recent claims about me are horrible distortions of reality. My intimate relationships have always been entirely consensual with like-minded partners. Regardless of how — and why — others are now choosing to misrepresent the past, that is the truth."
























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A post shared by ?Dita Von Teese (@ditavonteese)

Trent Reznor has issued a statement distancing himself from his former friend and collaborator Marilyn Manson. The statement, shared with Pitchfork, comes days after Manson was accused by several women of abuse and assault.

Reznor signed Manson's band to his Nothing Records label and produced the shock rocker's first two albums in the 1990s, but their relationship soured more than two decades ago. In a 2009 interview, Reznor called Manson "a malicious guy" who will "cross any line of decency." More recently, a excerpt from Manson's 1998 autobiography "The Long Hard Road Out Of Hell" resurfaced on social media in which Manson recounted a scene where he and Reznor allegedly assaulted a drunk woman together the night before Trent told Marilyn that he wanted to sign him.

Earlier today, Reznor issued the following statement: "I have been vocal over the years about my dislike of Manson as a person and cut ties with him nearly 25 years ago. As I said at the time, the passage from Manson's memoir is a complete fabrication. I was infuriated and offended back when it came out and remain so today."

Trent worked on Manson's 1994 debut album, "Portrait Of An American Family", as well as the follow-up release, 1996's "Antichrist Superstar".

Speaking to Mojo magazine 12 years ago, Reznor stated about Manson: "He is a malicious guy and will step on anybody's face to succeed and cross any line of decency. Seeing him now, drugs and alcohol now rule his life and he's become a dopey clown."

Manson claimed in 2017 that he and Reznor had reconciled. "He's the one who actually sent me an e-mail," he told Zane Lowe. "We had sort of mended ways after a long time through [Manson's collaborator and producer] Tyler Bates, strangely enough. He said in the e-mail something along the lines of, 'It really pisses me off that music's not dangerous anymore, and it reminds me of how great you were and I was, and the time, the era.'"

On Monday (February 1), "Westworld" actress Evan Rachel Wood claimed that Manson "groomed" and "horrifically" abused her for years. After she shared her accusations, at least four other women posted their own allegations against the singer. The women claimed to have endured "sexual assault, psychological abuse, and/or various forms of coercion, violence, and intimidation" at the hands of Manson.

Several hours after Wood went public with her allegations, Manson's most recent record label, Loma Vista Recordings, issued a statement discontinuing its relationship with the singer.

"In light of today's disturbing allegations by Evan Rachel Wood and other women naming Marilyn Manson as their abuser, Loma Vista will cease to further promote his current album, effective immediately," the label said. "Due to these concerning developments, we have also decided not to work with Marilyn Manson on any future projects."

On Monday, Manson issued a statement denying the abuse allegations leveled against him, writing on Instagram: "Obviously, my art and my life have long been magnets for controversy, but these recent claims about me are horrible distortions of reality. My intimate relationships have always been entirely consensual with like-minded partners. Regardless of how — and why — others are now choosing to misrepresent the past, that is the truth."

In 2018, Wood testified in front of a House subcommittee in an effort to get the Sexual Assault Survivors Bill of Rights passed in all 50 sta

NIGHTWISH's interactive "An Evening with Nightwish In a Virtual World" concert experiences that will kick off the "Human. :II: Nature." world tour have been rescheduled from March to May due to changes in the band's touring schedule. The new dates are Friday, May 28 and Saturday, May 29, 2021.

Tickets purchased for the original dates are automatically valid for the new dates, or can be returned by March 12, 2021.

Two-day tickets will be on sale for the current price until February 14, 2021, 22:59 CET. After this, the price will go up.

VIP packages will go on sale at the same time. The VIP package includes a virtual session with the yet-unrevealed bass player of NIGHTWISH's "Human. :II: Nature." tour, among other perks. The identity of the bass player will be revealed on the live virtual session included in the VIP package on Friday, May 28, 2021.

NIGHTWISH will perform in a tavern called "The Islanders Arms" built in a virtual world for two nights in May. On both nights, the fans will experience an unforgettable one-and-a-half-hour performance, hearing songs live off the latest album, "Human. :II: Nature.", for the first time ever. These two nights will have their own, slightly different setlists.

Tickets purchased for the original March dates are automatically valid for the new May dates and do not need to be exchanged.

Last month, NIGHTWISH's longtime bassist/vocalist Marko "Marco" Hietala announced his departure from the band.

Hietala issued a statement in which he said he hadn't "been able to feel validated by this life for a quite a few years now."

"Human. :II: Nature." was released last April. The follow-up to 2015's "Endless Forms Most Beautiful", "Human. :II: Nature." is a double album containing nine tracks on the main CD and one long track, divided into eight chapters, on CD 2.

"Human. :II: Nature." was recorded from August to October 2019 at Röskö campsite, Petrax Studios and Troykington castle, as well as Finnvox Studios, by Tero Kinnunen, Mikko Karmila and Troy Donockley. The mixing was done by Mikko Karmila at Finnvox, with NIGHTWISH keyboardist and main songwriter Tuomas Holopainen and Tero Kinnunen. Mastering was done by Mika Jussila at Finnvox.

Sharon Osbourne has spoken out about her "working relationship" with Marilyn Manson after several women came forward accusing the singer of abuse and assault.

Ozzy Osbourne's wife and manager discussed her longtime relationship with Manson during Wednesday's (February 3) episode of her daytime TV show "The Talk".

"I've known Marilyn for 25 years," she said (see video below). "[I've] worked with him for many, many years, and, obviously, I would not know what goes on in his bedroom; neither do I want to. But as far as people who've been going on all my socials, calling me names and things and putting up pictures of Marilyn and I, you know, there's something called a working relationship, and that's what I've had with Marilyn for many years. I know nothing about his sexual preferences or the way he treats women. I know how he treats an older woman, which is me, and he's always been respectful."

Sharon's comments came two days after "Westworld" actress Evan Rachel Wood claimed in a social media post that Manson "groomed" and "horrifically" abused her for years. After she shared her accusations, at least four other women posted their own allegations against the singer. The women claimed to have endured "sexual assault, psychological abuse, and/or various forms of coercion, violence, and intimidation" at the hands of Manson.

Manson later released a statement denying the abuse allegations leveled against him, writing on Instagram: "Obviously, my art and my life have long been magnets for controversy, but these recent claims about me are horrible distortions of reality. My intimate relationships have always been entirely consensual with like-minded partners. Regardless of how — and why — others are now choosing to misrepresent the past, that is the truth."

Manson was set to support Osbourne on tour in 2020, but those dates were canceled as Ozzy sought treatment for various health issues.

Last year, Manson spoke to Consequence Of Sound about the influence that Ozzy has had on his career, and he reminisced about his early exposure to the legendary BLACK SABBATH singer's music.

"I remember getting [Ozzy's solo debut] 'Blizzard Of Ozz' when I was in Christian school," he recalled. "My mother took me to get it at the record store when it was highly frowned upon and forbidden in Christian school. But I just remember that he had this strange mystique that he's never really escaped from, despite the fact that he even had a reality TV show. Somehow his music outlived that [show]. That's something I would not have done 'cause I would never want to share my personal life on reality TV. But his music completely exceeds that, which I find to be amazing."

Manson continued: "I remember having a 'Shot In The Dark' poster on my wall, in 10th grade I think, and it was so great to have gotten to tour with him and with BLACK SABBATH as well. And he's always been a very quiet and interesting person. We bonded over painting, strangely enough, at one point on tour."

According to TMZ, police were summoned to Marilyn Manson's home in Hollywood Hills, California on Wednesday night (February 3) after a friend expressed concern about the singer's well-being. Law enforcement sources told the site they received a call for a welfare check by someone who said they hadn't heard from Manson and were worried something may have happened to him.

Los Angeles police officers were called to Marilyn's house just after 6 p.m. due to reports of a "disturbing incident," The Sun revealed. They knocked on the 52-year-old rocker's door, but no one answered.

After initially leaving, law enforcement went back to Marilyn's home two hours later, around 8 p.m., and attempted to speak to someone at the residence, but once again no one answered. At one point, an LAPD helicopter circled overhead, shining a spotlight onto the property. (See video below.)

After some time, authorities were able to reach a representative of the singer, who assured the officers that "everything was fine," and that he "simply didn't want to come out."

The incident came two days after "Westworld" actress Evan Rachel Wood claimed in a social media post that Manson "groomed" and "horrifically" abused her for years. After she shared her accusations, at least four other women posted their own allegations against the singer. The women claimed to have endured "sexual assault, psychological abuse, and/or various forms of coercion, violence, and intimidation" at the hands of Manson.

Several hours after Wood went public with her allegations, Manson's most recent record label, Loma Vista Recordings, issued a statement discontinuing its relationship with the singer.

Manson later issued a statement denying the abuse allegations leveled against him, writing on Instagram: "Obviously, my art and my life have long been magnets for controversy, but these recent claims about me are horrible distortions of reality. My intimate relationships have always been entirely consensual with like-minded partners. Regardless of how — and why — others are now choosing to misrepresent the past, that is the truth."

Former PORCUPINE TREE frontman Steven Wilson has apologized to Wolfgang Van Halen for offending him with his recent comments about Eddie Van Halen.

Last month, Wilson was asked in an interview with FaceCulture if the passing of the legendary VAN HALEN guitarist affected him at all. He responded: "Honestly, it didn't, because I was never a fan. I know he's an extraordinary musician, and it's always sad when an extraordinary artist dies, [but] I was never a fan of the so-called shredder mentality. And I think in many ways, he was the father of that whole kind of movement.

"I never understood that 'playing as fast as you can' thing," he continued. "And I know that wasn't all he did — I know he was a more flexible musician than that — but I think that the legacy that he has, Eddie Van Halen, is in creating the shredder phenomenon, which is something so vile to me. That kind of idea that you play music almost like you're playing an Olympic sport is kind of anathema to my kind of ideas on creativity and music."

In response to Wilson's comments, Wolfgang tweeted: "Damn this bums me out hard. Been a huge fan of his for years. [PORCUPINE TREE's 2005 LP] Deadwing is one of my favorite albums of all time."

Earlier today, Steven took to his Twitter to clarify his position to Eddie's son, writing: "Dear @WolfVanHalen, apologies, no disrespect was meant to your father, an extraordinary musician.

"I personally never owned any @VanHalen records and didn't ever get into the style of playing, but he was clearly an incredible innovator," Steven continued. "So when asked about his passing I couldn't honestly say I was affected deeply by it, at least not in the way that my heroes [David] Bowie or Prince's passing had affected me.

"This statement was given in honest humility. Forgive me for any offence unintentionally given, and I offer my deepest condolences."

A short time later, Wolfgang saw Steven's tweet and responded: "Incredibly kind of you to say, @StevenWilsonHQ. I meant no ill will in my previous tweets. As I said, the internet was exacerbating what you had said, as the internet tends to do. Still very kind of you. Be well, friend".

Steven previously touched upon the subject of guitar shredding in a 2018 interview with Music Radar. Speaking about his third solo album, 2013's "The Raven That Refused To Sing (And Other Stories)", Wilson said: "My stuff isn't super-hard to play, but it isn't easy. It's somewhere in the middle. You need chops to be in my band, but the one thing I can't stand is shredding. I cannot abide and it has nothing to do with music and everything to do with sport. And music is not sport. It never should be. Being able to play fast has got nothing to do with my music at all.

"One of the struggles with ['The Raven That Refused To Sing' guitarist] Guthrie [Govan] was trying to get him to stop playing fast… because when he plays slowly, as everyone knows, he is sublime. But his natural setting is to play quite fast and shred. I had this kind of battle with him where I'd try to pull him back and say, 'Play slower, play less notes…' which he did absolutely beautifully when he did.

"That's the number one prerogative for me: every musician has to come in understanding the importance of playing slow, playing nothing, playing with space and feeling. They sound like really obvious things, but you'd be amazed at how many people and kids out there haven't learned that lesson. Be creative, play with space [and] understand the importance of silence."

Wilson's latest studio album, "The Future Bites", was released last year via Caroline International. The follow-up to 2017's "To The Bone" was described in a press release as "an exploration of how the human brain has evolved in the Internet era." The effort was recorded in London and co-produced by David Kosten and Steven Wilson.

Eddie died in October at the age of 65 after a long battle with cancer.

Rolling Stone magazine ranked Van Halen No. 8 in its list of the 100 greatest guitarists.




Dear @WolfVanHalen, apologies, no disrespect was meant to your father, an extraordinary musician. I personally never owned any @VanHalen records and didn’t ever get into the style of playing, but he was clearly an incredible innovator.

— Steven Wilson (@StevenWilsonHQ) February 3, 2021








So when asked about his passing I couldn’t honestly say I was affected deeply by it, at least not in the way that my heroes Bowie or Prince’s passing had affected me.

— Steven Wilson (@StevenWilsonHQ) February 3, 2021








This statement was given in honest humility. Forgive me for any offence unintentionally given, and I offer my deepest condolences. SW

— Steven Wilson (@StevenWilsonHQ) February 3, 2021








Incredibly kind of you to say, @StevenWilsonHQ. I meant no ill will in my previous tweets. As I said, the internet was exacerbating what you had said, as the internet tends to do. Still very kind of you. Be well, friend ✌️ https://t.co/obx3R79KgP

— Wolf Van Halen (@WolfVanHalen) February 4, 2021








Damn this bums me out hard ? Been a huge fan of his for years. Deadwing is one of my favorite albums of all time.

Although... the title is a little too clickbait-y, because what he said really wasn’t that rude.

https://t.co/67YPG7pzjr

— Wolf Van Halen (@WolfVanHalen) February 1, 2021

Cited by many as one of the greatest professional wrestlers of all time, Chris Jericho joins the latest episode of "AC/DC Beyond The Thunder" to salute his favorite band and put the beatdown on such topics as Angus Young and Brian Johnson recently guesting on his "Talk Is Jericho" podcast, adding AC/DC songs to the setlist in his own band FOZZY, sporting a massive "For Those About To Rock" cannon tattoo, sprinkling a little Axl Rose love, and explaining just how rock and wrestling makes for the perfect tag team.

Jericho discusses his two childhood dreams while growing up in Winnipeg — becoming a professional wrestler and playing music. By the year 2000, he would achieve both, fronting FOZZY, churning out a half dozen albums while touring the world, and now celebrating his 30th year as a pro wrester with an undisputed 35 championships under his belt.

Currently signed with All Elite Wrestling (AEW) and New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), Jericho describes how the sport that made him famous has become so synonymous with AC/DC's music.

"The reason why you hear so much AC/DC is because that's Vince McMahon's favorite band of all-time," talking about the chairman and CEO of WWE, who's used everything from "Highway To Hell" to "War Machine" and "Are You Ready" as theme songs. "There's a real synchronicity between what AC/DC does and wrestling. It's very hard-hitting. Electric. It's a very aggressive feeling that you get."

As the frontman of FOZZY, Jericho recalls opening for IRON MAIDEN in 2019 and deciding to close the set with AC/DC's "Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap" to ensure the crowd was truly warmed up. "It was a 'cheap pop,' as they say in wrestling," he laughs.

And when asked if he could have pulled off replacing Brian Johnson during the singer's unexpected departure from the "Rock Or Bust" tour, Jericho confidently responds, "I could do it. That's kind of my wheelhouse," all the while reminding listeners just how difficult it is to hit those incredibly high notes.

The Canadian-American wrestler also gives props to Axl Rose, comparing the notorious singer joining AC/DC to THE ROLLING STONES enlisting Paul McCartney for a special tour. "I think that if you ask the other guys in GUNS N' ROSES, I think Axl really got a sense of, like, 'Holy smokes, this is how it can be. You can be in a great rock 'n' roll band and [I don't have to] worry about the egos or the bullshit that surrounds it.' I think he really came alive as the singer of AC/DC."

From their latest release, "Power Up", to his unsung favorites like "Fly On The Wall", Jericho sums up just how AC/DC's music has inspired him throughout his entrepreneurial career: "When you find something that you're good at, and you do it better than anybody else, don't mess with it."

"AC/DC Beyond The Thunder" features well known actors, authors, athletes, comedians, musicians, media hosts, and even members of the band, all paying homage to one of the greatest bands of all time. Guests have included Slash, Hall Of Fame MLB pitcher Trevor Hoffman, "SNL" comedian Jim Breuer, U.S. military war hero Mike Durant from the film "Black Hawk Down", classically trained Croatian duo 2CELLOS, Dweezil Zappa and AC/DC drummer Chris Slade.

Created by duo Gregg Ferguson and Kurt Squiers, "AC/DC Beyond The Thunder" originally set out to be a feature-length documentary film. After shooting on the Highway To Hell for years, Ferguson and Squiers approached AC/DC's management to seek partnership with the band for a worldwide commercial release. After countless attempts for a face-to-face, the duo sent a proof of concept edit for review, and while the band said they, "weren't quite ready to make a historic film while still making history," AC/DC liked what they saw. But with no partnership, and no music rights from the band, "AC/DC Beyond The Thunder" was, for all intents and purposes, shot down in flames.

Wondering if the film would ever catch lightning, Ferguson and Squiers decided to unearth these wonderful stories of extraordinary fans discussing their affinity for AC/DC and harness that energy into a vehicle that just might work…a podcast. After capturing over 50 interviews and with a newfound momentum to create all-new episodes with sound engineer Eric Kielb, "AC/DC Beyond The Thunder" is back, serving up inspirational stories about the fans, for the fans, by the fans.

"AC/DC Beyond The Thunder" can be heard on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or any of your favorite podcast apps.

THE DEAD DAISIES' Glenn Hughes and Doug Aldrich have opened up about the recent departure of Deen Castronovo. The drummer announced his exit from the group two days after THE DEAD DAISIES' publicist revealed that Tommy Clufetos (BLACK SABBATH, OZZY OSBOURNE, ROB ZOMBIE, TED NUGENT, ALICE COOPER) will rejoin the band when they hit the road in support of their new album, "Holy Ground". Clufetos previously toured with THE DEAD DAISIES in 2015.

During an appearance earlier today (Tuesday, February 2) on SiriusXM's "Trunk Nation With Eddie Trunk", Aldrich stated about Castronovo's decision to leave THE DEAD DAISIES: "Deen was having a hard time with some back problems. We got together and played in October of last year, and he was struggling — he was having a hard time. And he just said, 'Look, guys, I need to get some work done, and it's gonna put me out of business for a little bit. I know you guys wanna move fast and you've got plans to do things.' So he decided to do that."

Glenn praised Deen, who laid down the drums on "Holy Ground" as well as on 2018's "Burn It Down" LP.

"[Deen] sang on a couple of ['Holy Ground' songs] with me. I would have liked to have had Deen sing more. We have a great blend together, and you can hear it.

"It's such a shame that he's not with us. But we have to continue. And Tommy was the guy."

Both Doug and Glenn said they were looking forward to sharing the stage with Clufetos, who worked with such rock icons as Nugent, Alice Cooper and Rob Zombie before joining Ozzy Osbourne in 2010. That led to a spot as the drummer on BLACK SABBATH's last two world tours.

"Tommy's an incredible player," Aldrich said. "I'm so excited to hear him and Glenn together. It's gonna be amazing."

Asked if they ever played with Tommy before, Glenn said: "I have not. I've met him a couple of times at Geezer's [Butler, BLACK SABBATH bassist] house. I've seen him play on YouTube, of course."

Added Doug: "I haven't played with him, but I've watched him a lot, especially since him signing up. And, man, it's such a small world, that Glenn played with Tony [Iommi] and Tommy's played with Tony, and that feel is very important, and Tommy's got it. I think it's even gonna be a step deeper with Tommy."

Continued Glenn: "I think it's gonna be way heavier. With all due respect to Deen, who I love, Tommy is meat and potatoes. For me, I'm a [John] Bonham fan, so I've gotta have the meat and potatoes behind me."

"Holy Ground" was released on January 22. Recorded at La Fabrique Studios in the south of France with producer Ben Grosse, the LP is the band's first to feature Glenn Hughes (DEEP PURPLE, BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION), who joined the group in 2019 as its new bassist and vocalist, replacing John Corabi (MÖTLEY CRÜE) and Marco Mendoza (THIN LIZZY).

Castronovo's 17-year tenure with JOURNEY ended in 2015 when the group fired him after his arrest for a variety of charges involving his now-wife (including physical abuse, coercion, and unlawful use of a weapon).

In 2019, Castronovo, who had recorded and toured with THE DEAD DAISIES for the past three years, played several shows with JOURNEY guitarist Neal Schon under the "Neal Schon's Journey Through Time" banner. Joining them were founding JOURNEY and SANTANA singer/keyboardist Gregg Rolie, bassist Marco Mendoza of THE DEAD DAISIES and THIN LIZZY, a musician named Chris Collins (on guitar and keyboards) and super-producer Marti Frederiksen (multi-instrumentalist, voca

Legendary Dutch death doom elite, Asphyx, recently released their 10th full studio album, Necroceros, via Century Media Records. Vocalist Martin van Drunen unboxes the album in this new video:

Necroceros was recorded at Tom Meier’s Tom Meier Studio and at Paul Baayens’ The Mörserstudio and then finally mixed and mastered by Sebastian “Seeb” Levermann at Greenman Studios. The album once again features front cover artwork by Axel Hermann.

Order Necroceros in all its various formats here.

Tracklisting:

"The Sole Cure is Death"
"Molten Black Earth"
"Mount Skull"
"Knights Templar Stand"
"Three Years of Famine"
"Botox Implosion"
"In Blazing Oceans"
"The Nameless Elite"
"Yield or Die"
"Necroceros"

“The Nameless Elite” video:

"Knights Templar Stand" lyric video:

“Botox Implosion” video:

Asphyx lineup:

Martin van Drunen - Vocals
Paul Baayens - Guitars
Alwin Zuur - Bass
Stefan “Husky” Hüskens - Drums

Swedish melodic death metal pioneers AT THE GATES are "finishing up" the mixing of their new album with producer Jens Bogren at Fascination Street Studios in Örebro, Sweden. The follow-up to 2018's "To Drink From The Night Itself" was recorded in part at Studio Gröndahl in Stockholm, Sweden.

In its latest Instagram post, AT THE GATES promised that the new LP would be "massive."

AT THE GATES guitarist Jonas Stålhammar recently told Italy's Poisoned Rock about the music he and his bandmates have written for the upcoming effort: "It's kind of progressing even more from the last album. It's gonna be different than that one too, but still you know it's AT THE GATES. It's evolving even more. All of us are kind of on the same page with why should we do the same record over and over again. It's gonna be an interesting album to record, actually."

"To Drink From The Night Itself" was produced with Russ Russell (NAPALM DEATH, THE HAUNTED, DIMMU BORGIR) at Parlour Studios in the U.K. The follow-up 2014's "At War With Reality" featured conceptual artwork created by Costin Chioreanu of Twilight13Media, who also worked with AT THE GATES on the band's previous disc.

"To Drink From The Night Itself" was the first AT THE GATES album written and recorded without lead guitarist/primary songwriter Anders Björler, who departed in 2017. He has since been replaced by Stålhammar.

Back in 2018, AT THE GATES singer Tomas Lindberg told Decibel magazine that Stålhammar came into the band too late to be involved in the composing process for "To Drink From The Night Itself". "This one is basically Jonas [Björler] and me when it comes to the writing," he said. "All the guys have contributed in some way, but the main writing comes from Jonas and me. Most of the songs were already in the finishing stages when Jonas Stålhammar joined, so there wasn't much time for him to contribute, but we look forward to having him more involved next time around."

AT THE GATES 2021 is:

Adrian Erlandsson - Drums

Jonas Björler - Bass

Tomas Lindberg - Vocals

Jonas Stålhammar - Guitar

Martin Larsson - Guitar
























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Wymer Publishing has set a June 11 release date for "Judas Priest: Decade Of Domination".

When the world thinks of heavy metal in its pure, potent, undiluted form, it is none other than the Metal Gods, JUDAS PRIEST, that instantly come to mind. Chrome and black leather, studs and whips and chains, a chopper on stage to announce the coming… these are the tools of the trade for Rob Halford and his legendary band of Birmingham bashers.

Indeed, the PRIEST are the bringers of metal's biggest anthems. "Breaking The Law", "Living After Midnight", "Exciter", "Electric Eye", "Victim Of Changes" and especially "You've Got Another Thing Comin'"… these are songs woven into the fabric of metal's wild ride, PRIEST having been there since its origins, revving up crowds as superstars certainly for 30 years of that run.

Lifelong fan and preeminent metal historian Martin Popoff examines the PRIEST's rich legacy from 1974 to 1984, album by album, anthem by anthem, in this hugely expanded update on the early years portion of his long-out-of-print "Heavy Metal Painkillers" book.

Having interviewed all the principals in the band repeatedly over the years, Popoff gives a first-hand account of PRIEST's rocky, often comical ride through the '70s, and through the gold and platinum records of the '80s, expertly detailing the long road to the arena headline status the band now enjoys as heavy metal's proudest ambassadors.

"Judas Priest: Decade Of Domination" includes extensive commentary from reclusive drummer Les Binks, along with new interview footage from Tom Allom, Chris Tsangarides, K.K. Downing, Glenn Tipton, Ian Hill, Rob Halford and various other insiders who are part of the PRIEST saga during this hallowed, golden era. Also included are tons of memorabilia shots, live photography, and two tipped-in color sections.

To reiterate, this is the most extensive analysis ever in book form of:

"Rocka Rolla", "Sad Wings Of Destiny", "Sin After Sin", "Killing Machine/Hell Bent For Leather", "Unleashed In The East", "British Steel", "Point Of Entry", "Screaming For Vengeance" and "Defenders Of The Faith" — song by song, lots of stories, looking at licks and fills, and what's in the right channel and left, lyric analysis… the deepest dive ever on these records.

BLACK SABBATH unleashed its fourth album in two years in 1972 with "Vol 4". Stacked with classic tracks like "Supernaut", "Changes" and "Snowblind", the record harnessed the group's surging popularity to reach the Top 10 on the albums chart in the U.K. and the Top 20 on the Billboard 200 in the U.S., on its path to being certified platinum by the RIAA.

The innovators of heavy metal revisit "Vol 4" on a new collection that includes a newly remastered version of the original album along with a trove of 20 unreleased studio and live recordings. "Vol 4: Super Deluxe Edition" will be available on February 12 as a 4-CD set and a 5-LP set pressed on 180-gram vinyl. Both versions come with extensive booklets featuring liner notes with quotes from the era from all four band members, rare photos, and a poster with previously unpublished early artwork of the album using the working title "Snowblind". Both the 4-CD and 5-LP versions are available for pre-order now at this location.

The newly remastered version of the original album will also be available on digital download and streaming services on the same day.

A newly remastered version of "Changes" is available below.

Bolstered by a fresh remastering, "Vol 4"'s ambitious arrangements and complex grooves have never sounded more inspired and menacing. Originally released in September 1972, the album marked two major changes for the members of SABBATH: Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Bill Ward. While their previous albums — "Black Sabbath", "Paranoid" and "Master Of Reality" — were produced by Rodger Bain and recorded in England, they instead chose to produce "Vol 4" themselves and record it at the Record Plant in Los Angeles.

The generous addition of bonus material on "Vol 4: Super Deluxe Edition" begins with six previously unreleased studio outtakes from the original sessions for the album. Each one has been newly mixed by Steven Wilson using the analog multi-tracks. Highlights include outtakes for "Supernaut" and "Changes", as well an instrumental version of "Under The Sun".

The set also features 11 additional studio recordings (also newly mixed by Wilson from the analog multi-tracks) that spotlight alternative takes, false starts and snippets of studio dialogue. These tracks transport listeners into the studio with the band and offer some insight into the making of the album. Along with several alternative takes for "Wheels Of Confusion", these recordings also include outtakes for "The Straightener" and "Snowblind".

The collection concludes with a searing collection of live performances that re-create a typical setlist from BLACK SABBATH's tour for "Vol 4". Recorded in March 1973 at various stops along the band's U.K. tour. The recordings were originally slated for a live album that was ultimately shelved. Although some of these performances have been previously available in various states, the release marks the first time that a full 1973 live SABBATH show has been recreated. The live audio has been newly mixed by Richard Digby Smith using the original 16-track analog tapes to achieve a level of fidelity not heard on any previous incarnations. Included here are thrilling live versions of "Vol 4" tracks ("Tomorrow's Dream" and "Cornucopia") and fan favorites ("Paranoid" and "War Pigs").

"Vol 4: Super Deluxe Edition"

CD Track Listing

Disc One: Original Album Remastered

01. Wheels Of Confusion / The Straightener

02. Tomorrow's Dream

03. Changes

04. FX

05. Supernaut

06. Snowblind

07. Cornucopia

08. Laguna Sunrise

09. St. Vitus Dance

10. Under The Sun / Every Day Comes And Goes

Disc Two: Outtakes - New Mixes

01. Wheels Of Confusion / The Straightener *

02. Changes *

03. Supernaut *

04. Snowblind *

05. Laguna Sunrise *

06. Under The Sun (Instrumental) *

Disc Three: Alternative Takes, False Starts & Studio Dialogue

01. Wheels Of Confusion (False Start with Studio Dialogue) *

02. Wheels Of Confusion (Alternative Take 1) *

03. Wheels Of Confusion (Alternative Take 2) *

04. Wheels Of Confusion (Alternative Take 3) *

05. Wheels Of Confusion (Alternative Take 4) *

06. The Straightener (Outtake) *

07. Supernaut (Outtake) *

08. Supernaut (Alternative Takes with False Starts) *

09. Snowblind (Alternative Take 1 - Incomplete) *

10. Under The Sun (False Start with Studio Dialogue) *

11. Under The Sun (Alternative Take with Guide Vocal) *

Disc Four: Live In The UK 1973

01. Tomorrow's Dream *

02. Sweet Leaf *

03. War Pigs

04. Snowblind *

05. Killing Yourself To Live

06. Cornucopia

07. Wicked World (includes excerpts of:)

i. Guitar Solo

ii. Orchid

iii. Into The Void

iv. Sometimes I'm Happy

08. Supernaut / Drum Solo

09. Wicked World (Reprise)

10. Embryo

11. Children Of The Grave

12. Paranoid

LP Track Listing

LP One: Original Album Remastered

Side One

01. Wheels Of Confusion / The Straightener

02. Tomorrow's Dream

03. Changes

04. FX

05. Supernaut

Side Two

01. Snowblind

02. Cornucopia

03. Laguna Sunrise

04. St. Vitus Dance

05. Under The Sun / Every Day Comes And Goes

LP Two: Outtakes - New Mixes

Side Three

01. Wheels Of Confusion / The Straightener *

02. Changes *

03. Supernaut *

04. Snowblind *

Side Four

01. Laguna Sunrise *

02. Under The Sun (Instrumental) *

Alternative Takes, False Starts & Studio Dialogue

03. Wheels Of Confusion (False Start with Studio Dialogue) *

04. Wheels Of Confusion (Alternative Take 1) *

05. Wheels Of Confusion (Alternative Take 2) *

06. Wheels Of Confusion (Alternative Take 3) *

LP Three: Alternative Takes, False Starts & Studio Dialogue

Side Five

01. Wheels Of Confusion (Alternative Take 4) *

02. The Straightener (Outtake) *

03. Snowblind (Alternative Take 1 - Incomplete) *

04. Supernaut (Outtake) *

Side Six

01. Supernaut (Alternative Takes with False Starts) *

02. Under The Sun (False Start with Studio Dialogue) *

03. Under The Sun (Alternative Take with Guide Vocal) *

LP Four: Live in the UK 1973

Side Seven

01. Tomorrow's Dream *

02. Sweet Leaf *

03. War Pigs

Side Eight

01. Snowblind *

02. Killing Yourself To Live

03. Cornucopia

LP Five: Live in the UK 1973

Side Nine

1. Wicked World (includes excerpts of:)

i. Guitar Solo

ii. Orchid

iii. Into The Void

iv. Sometimes I'm Happy

Side Ten

01. Supernaut / Drum Solo

02. Wicked World (Reprise)

03. Embryo

04. Children Of The Grave

05. Paranoid

* previously unreleased

Photo Duffy © Duffy Archive

In the latest installment of "Mavericks With Ari Melber", a MSNBC series of interviews with artists, musicians and cultural icons, Rock And Roll Hall Of Famer Jon Bon Jovi opens up about his songwriting, from classics like "Livin' On A Prayer" to new ballads about COVID-19 and the BLM protests; why he runs his band like a CEO; and how he has learned to measure true success.

Speaking about the advice he would give to younger artists looking to break into the music industry, Jon said (see video below): "I got a record deal in such a unique way that I don't know how I was so smart to think of it. But I said, 'Who is the loneliest man in the record business?' And my answer to myself was, 'The DJ.' And so I went and I knocked on the door of a brand new radio station that, fortunately for me, was so new, it didn't have a receptionist. And the DJ [told me to wait] one minute, 'cause he was on the air. He came out on the commercial break, and I told him that I wanted to talk to him. I had these songs, one of which was 'Runaway'. He said, 'Stick around until after I'm off the air. We can talk.' I did. Eventually, that song got on the radio in New York City — no band, no record deal, no manager, no nothing. A 20-year-old kid knocked on the door."

He continued: "Now, looking 37 years later, kids have the Internet, so they have to find their own way to reinvent the wheel. They have to think of something that's as unique so that they stand out. 'Cause there's a lot of other talented kids out on the street, and a lot of other talented songwriters out on the street. In order to differentiate yourself, you've gotta think differently. And so go and be that me from 37 years ago and find your DJ, find your way. It can be done. And do not succumb to fads and fashions, because by the time you get up to speed on whatever is fashionable, the trend has changed. You have to be your own self. That's why you don't see me doing collaborations with rap guys and pop guys and dance bands, because unless you're true to who you are, it's not gonna resonate — it's gonna be a fad, and it's gonna be there for a moment. Move on. It's like candy — it's a sugar high."

BON JOVI's latest album, "2020" was released in October via Island Records. Originally due last May, it was a completed album with a breadth and depth of songwriting, titled for a challenging and pivotal election year. Along with all of America, Jon Bon Jovi found himself unexpectedly experiencing a world-altering coronavirus pandemic, followed quickly by the staggering events of George Floyd's death and the ensuing national movement for racial equality. He knew there was even more to say about 2020. Writing from a home studio, two new songs were born: "American Reckoning" and "Do What You Can" encompass these events and made the album a complete body of work.

On "2020", Jon Bon Jovi delves into socially conscious matters such as soldiers dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder ("Unbroken", featured in the documentary "To Be Of Service"), gun violence ("Lower The Flag"), our shared social experience ("Let It Rain", "Brothers In Arms") and the political climate ("Blood In The Water").

Once again co-produced by John Shanks and Jon Bon Jovi, the record features the entire touring band — keyboardist David Bryan, drummer Tico Torres, bassist Hugh McDonald, guitarist Phil X, percussionist Everett Bradley, and guitarist John Shanks.

FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH guitarist Zoltan Bathory recently spoke to Pablo of the Minneapolis, Minnesota radio station 93X about the band's 2009 album "War Is The Answer". Watch the one-hour chat below to hear more about the "blood, sweat and ass-kicking" it took to complete the LP, some of the crazy stories along the way, and what success means to the group.

On the topic of FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH's work ethic, which has propelled him and his bandmates from undercard hopefuls to arena-filling headliners, Zoltan said: "I love what I'm doing. That's the secret of life — if you do what you love doing. I can speak for all of us — this is what we wanted to do our whole lives, and now that it's here, this is not the time to step off the gas pedal. So, yeah, we didn't wanna take time off, and this situation right now, this COVID thing, is the first time in 15 years that I am actually home… And Andy James is here, our new guitarist, so we're jamming around and writing music. So that's another thing — if we can't tour, we'll just make another record, maybe even a double one. Why not?"

The second instalment of FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH's greatest-hits collection, "A Decade Of Destruction - Volume 2", came out in October.

"A Decade Of Destruction - Volume 2" contains four previously unreleased tracks: "Broken World", a Steve Aoki remix of "Bad Company", a Joe Hahn remix of "Wash It All Away", a Felmax remix of "Trouble" and a new acoustic version of "Wrong Side Of Heaven".

In October, FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH confirmed that it officially parted ways with guitarist Jason Hook back in February 2020, during the band's sold-out European arena tour. He has since been replaced by the aforementioned renowned British virtuoso Andy James, who is also featured on "Broken World".

"F8" was once again helmed by Kevin Churko, the Canadian record producer/engineer and songwriter who currently lives in Las Vegas, where he works out of his private studio, The Hideout Recording Studio. The drums on the LP were laid down by Charlie "The Engine" Engen, who made his live debut with the group during its fall 2018 tour with BREAKING BENJAMIN. The follow-up to 2018's "And Justice For None" capped a turbulent period for FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH in which singer Ivan Moody finally got sober after a near-fatal struggle with addiction, while co-founding drummer Jeremy Spencer bowed out of the band due to physical issues.

ACCEPT guitarist Wolf Hoffmann spoke to SiriusXM's "Trunk Nation With Eddie Trunk" about the band's latest studio album, "Too Mean To Die", which was released on January 29 via Nuclear Blast. The LP is the group's first without bassist Peter Baltes, who exited ACCEPT in November 2018. He has since been replaced by Martin Motnik. ACCEPT's lineup has also been expanded with the addition of a third guitarist, Philip Shouse, who originally filled in for Uwe Lulis during 2019's "Symphonic Terror" tour, before being asked to join the band permanently.

Asked if he has had a chance to talk to Peter since his departure from ACCEPT and if he has gotten clarification on why Baltes left the group, Wolf said: "No, man. That's kind of the sad part about it. He kind of made that decision alone, and we never really had a sitdown and a man-to-man talk that I was hoping we'd have. He just announced it to the world, and that was it, and at that point, it was almost too late. I have to respect his decision.

"I miss him very much, and I think he's always gonna be my buddy or whatever," Wolf continued. "But right now, we don't really have much in common. Because when somebody leaves the band, it's usually that we never really see them much again, as sad as it is. I wish we would, and maybe one day we will. But right now, we don't, really. But we didn't have any fights or anything. I can only speculate why he left the band, but I'd rather not."

Hoffmann was also asked if he was surprised to see Baltes working briefly with original ACCEPT singer Udo Dirkschneider on some new music last year. He responded: "Yeah, I probably shouldn't say much about that. Again, I can only speculate what that was all about. At the end of the day, we do our thing, and everybody has to know for themselves what they wanna do. Yeah, let me not say as much about that as I can, please."

Dirkschneider's long-running metal band U.D.O. released an album last July called "We Are One", featuring contributions from two other former ACCEPT members, Baltes and Stefan Kaufmann. Baltes and Kaufmann also reunited with Dirkschneider in the studio to record a song called "Where The Angels Fly" as a tribute to the frontline workers who have protected others from the pandemic.

"Too Mean To Die" was recorded in Nashville, Tennessee with British producer Andy Sneap (JUDAS PRIEST, MEGADETH), who has been responsible for the studio sound of ACCEPT since 2

A little over a year after the death of RUSH drummer Neil Peart, his bandmate of more than four decades, singer-bassist Geddy Lee opened up to Rolling Stone about his friend in an extensive interview.

When asked whether there were there times when he was truly awed with stuff that Neil either conceived or was just pulling off technically, Geddy responded: "With regularity. I've never met a musician like him. He was a monster drummer of the highest magnitude. I've met some great musicians but I had the pleasure to watch him every night onstage and watch him improvise, as he got older, through his solos."

Lee continued: "When he became determined to add improvisation as part of his drum solo every night, that's a bold, brave step for him and the level of complexity that he functioned at. I don't know many other musicians that can function at that level. So for me, I was always trying to live up to his watermark, so to speak, because he pushed me. He would say the same thing about me, but of course, I always thought, ‘No, no, I'm following you.'”

He added: "[Peart] set the bar really high for himself, and as his body started to let him down he worried that he would betray that. He was really big on that. He used to say all the time that he never wanted to let down the kid in him."

Lee also spoke about Peart's health issues, particularly during RUSH's final tour, "R40", which commemorated the 40th anniversary of Neil joining the band.

"He struggled through that tour," Geddy said. "He had lot of weird issues, physical issues, a tendency to get infections. He was so fucking stoic. He would never let, you know … You'd see him limping or something and you'd go, 'Man, what's going on?' 'Oh, fuck … I need to tell you.' But you had to guess if he even had a cold, because he didn't grumble about that kind of stuff. He was the exact opposite of me. When I have something wrong, everyone in the fucking organization knows I have something wrong. [Laughs] I really tried to teach him how to whine but he just couldn’t learn."

Peart died on January 7, 2020 in Santa Monica, California after a three-year battle with glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer. He was 67 years old.

RUSH announced Peart's passing three days later, setting off shockwaves and an outpouring of grief from fans and musicians all over the world.

RUSH's final show took place at the Forum in Los Angeles on August 1, 2015. Peart indicated at the time that he wanted to retire while he was still able to play well, along with a desire to spend more time at home with his young daughter.

Peart joined RUSH in 1974. He was considered one of the best rock drummers of all time, alongside John Bonham of LED ZEPPELIN; Keith Moon of THE WHO; and Ginger Baker of CREAM. Peart was also RUSH's primary lyricist, drawing inspiration from everything from sci-fi to Ayn Rand

Alexi Laiho's wife has shared photos of the private funeral service for the former CHILDREN OF BODOM frontman, who passed away on December 29 in his home in Helsinki, Finland. The 41-year-old had suffered from long-term health issues leading up to his death.

On Wednesday (February 3), Australian-born Kelli Wright, who has previously worked as a publicist for various extreme metal bands, took to her Instagram to post a picture of what appears to be an invitation to the January 28 service, along with a photo of Alexi's casket surrounded by beautiful flower arrangements.

She wrote in an accompanying caption: "Although Shelby" — referring to Kelli's daughter from an earlier relationship" — "and I were unable to be there physically on the 28th of January, we were still able to share this heartbreakingly beautiful day with Alexi's closest.

"I'd like to thank my family @annalaiho and @nadanada_i_know_you for trusting me in all arrangements.

"My perfect love, your memory is sown in our hearts where it will stay forever, cherished and honored."

When Alexi's death was first announced on January 4, Kelli called him "the most loving and magnificent husband and father."

Last month, Finnish tabloid Ilta-Sanomat reported that Alexi was still married to former SINERGY bandmate Kimberly Goss at the time of his death.

Laiho tied the knot with Goss in February 2002, and the couple never officially divorced. Goss confirmed this information directly with Ilta-Sanomat.

Although Laiho filed for divorce in November 2002, he quickly withdrew the petition and never filed another.

According to Finnish law, Laiho and Wright would not have been able to wed, as Laiho and Goss had never terminated their marriage.

At the time of Alexi's death, Goss was at her current home in Chicago, Illinois, while Wright was in Australia.

In December 2017, Wright shared an Instagram photo of what she called her and Alexi's "wedding day," and described it as "full of love and magic".

Goss moved to Finland in 1999 and stayed in the country for a number of years before moving back to the United States in 2012.

Laiho reportedly spent the last 10 months of his life in Finland.

Alexi and drummer Jaska Raatikainen founded CHILDREN OF BODOM in 1993, and the band was one of the most internationally acclaimed metal acts in Finland up until their very last farewell concert in December of 2019. Last year, Alexi put together BODOM AFTER MIDNIGHT, which recorded three songs and shot one music video, to be released posthumously.

Besides CHILDREN OF BODOM, Laiho had played in such acts as WARMEN, SINERGY, KYLÄHULLUT and THE LOCAL BAND. Awarded with a Metal Hammer Golden God and several other international prizes, the guitarist was also the main star, leading a group of one hundred guitar players at the Helsinki Festival in 2015 in "100 Guitars From Hel" — a massive concert piece he composed.

BODOM AFTER MIDNIGHT made its live debut last October at Rytmikorjaamo in Seinäjoki, Finland. The 17-song show consisted entirely of CHILDREN OF BODOM material.
























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