KK's Priest - featuring former Judas Priest members K.K. Downing and Tim "Ripper" Owens - performed at the 2024 edition of Germany's Rock Hard Festival. Professionally-filmed footage of the band performing their song, "Hellfire Thunderbolt", can be viewed below:





KK's Priest unveiled their blistering sophomore offering, The Sinner Rides Again, in September 2023.




With The Sinner Rides Again, KK's Priest double down on the ripping melodic force of their debut, Sermons Of The Sinner. The Sinner Rides Again wields nine tracks of pure hellfire, produced and written by Downing and mixed/mastered by Jacob Hansen. The celebrated new album is a call for the classics while speeding full force into the future, delivered by some of heavy metal’s most essential performers.


Order The Sinner Rides Again here.





Tracklisting:


“Sons Of The Sentinel”
“Strike Of The Viper”
“Reap The Whirlwind”
“One More Shot At Glory”
“Hymn 66”
“The Sinner Rides Again”
“Keeper Of The Graves”
“Pledge Your Souls”
“Wash Away Your Sins”


“Sons Of The Sentinel” video:

Octoploid - the band founding by Olli-Pekka "Oppu" Laine (bass, keyboards, backing vocals / Amorphis, Barren Earth, Mannhai) - have released a lyric video for "Coast Of The Drowned Sailors", featuring on the debut album, Beyond The Aeons, released back in July via Reigning Phoenix Music (RPM).


A message reveals, "'Coast of the Drowned Sailors is a conscious nod to the '90s, and the only possible interpreter for it was Mister Tomi Koivusaari. The track marries the essence of original melodic death metal with elements of slide and acoustic guitar characteristic of southern rock ballads. Also featured is Jani ”Joãnitor” Muurinen, the legendary vocalist from the band Xysma, who delivers the more hopeful part of the lyrics. Overall, 'Sailors' is an unapologetically old-school melodic death metal track executed with a modern touch!"







Beyond The Aeons was crafted at E-Studio in Sipoo, Finland where Petri Majuri (Hanoi Rocks, Michael Monroe) took care of mixing the eight tracks and David Castillo (Katatonia, Leprous, Opeth) mastered the album. Orion Landau (Carcass, YOB, Russian Circles ) completed the magnificent package with dreamy artwork.


Order/stream Beyond The Aeons here





Tracklisting:


"The Dawns In Nothingness" [feat. Mikko Kotamäki] *
"Coast Of The Drowned Sailors" [feat. Tomi Koivusaari & Janitor Muurinen] *
"Human Amoral" [f

metal band, is known for their infectious riffs, melodic sensibility, and socially conscious lyrics. Throughout their long career, the band has explored numerous topical themes, and their latest single, "Sky Falls Down", is no exception.


The band shares their thoughts on the song’s message:


“This track delves into the challenges of modern communication, such as the endless flow of information and the shouting matches often seen on social media and in the mainstream media. The lyrics invite listeners to reflect on how to navigate the constant noise and maintain a healthy sense of critical thinking without being misled – whether through opinion shaping or outright manipulation. Additionally, the song emphasizes the importance of genuine, person-to-person interaction and how easily that connection can be lost through instant messaging instead of face-to-face encounters.”

Thrilled to announce the latest signing to M-Theory Audio is the progressive death metal entity, Fractal Universe. Recognized for their boundary-pushing sound, technical mastery, and captivating live performances, Fractal Universe have carved a unique path in the modern metal scene and M-Theory Audio is pleased to be a part of the French quartet’s next chapter.


This begins today as Fractal Universe unleash "The Seed Of Singularity" on the unsuspecting public via digital single on all streaming/download platforms, as well as an epic music video that showcases their genre-defying creativity.


“’The Seed Of Singularity’ talks about a dystopian future where our society reaches the technological singularity - a point of no return where technological progress becomes uncontrollable and irreversible In such a future, humans cease to be the ‘dominant’ species and have been surpassed, even in fields we thought were specific to humankind, such as art,” explains singer/guitarist Vince Wilquin. “The music video shows a painter that has become a mere tool, as she’s plugged to a machine that guides her every move.”




Find the video below.


“The Seed Of Singularity” comes from Fractal Universe’s next opus, The Great Filters, to be released on April 4. It’s the group’s most ambitious, diverse and intricate album to date pushing the boundaries of the band’s unique saxophone-drenched take on progressive metal. Fractal Universe is celebrated for their ability to push the boundaries of metal, combining heavy riffs, melodic elements, and jazz influences.





The Great Filters will be released on limited-edition (500) red with black splatter vinyl, Digipak CD, digital and an exclusive to band/label red and cream marble vinyl limited to 200 copies and bundle options with album t-shirt. Pre-order here.





Tracklisting:


"The Void Above"
"The Great Filter"
"Causality's Grip"
"The Seed Of Singularity"
"The Equation Of Abundance"
"Specific Obsolescence"
"Dissecting The Real"
"Concealed"
"A New Cycle"


"The Seed Of Singularity" video:

Tarja has released the official video for the Nightwish medley, "Tutankhamen" / "Ever Dream" / "The Riddler" / "Slaying The Dreamer", from her just released Rocking Heels: Live At Hellfest, available via earMUSIC. Watch below:





On June 19, 2016, Tarja delivered a captivating performance at Hellfest, one of Europe's largest and most prestigious metal festivals held in Clisson, France. Her powerful blend of operatic vocals and heavy metal instrumentation enthralled the audience, making her performance one of the festival's highlights. The setlist featured a carefully curated mix of her solo work and iconic Nightwish songs.




Opening with “No Bitter End” from her 2016 album, The Shadow Self, Tarja set the tone for an evening of intensity and emotion. Her dynamic stage presence and dramatic musical arrangements created an unforgettable experience, solidifying her status as one of metal's greatest female singers.


Experience the raw energy and powerful emotion of Tarja Turunen's unforgettable performance at Hellfest 2016. Rocking Heels: Live At Hellfest is available as a Ltd. 1LP Gatefold Vinyl Edition, CD Digipak in LP-replica design and on Digital. Order here.

David Coverdale, the powerful voice behind Whitesnake and former Deep Purple frontman, sees his solo work shine brightly in a new collection featuring remixed, remastered, and revisited versions of his solo albums Whitesnake (1977), NorthWinds (1978), and Into The Light (2000).


Into The Light: The Solo Albums is available through Rhino Records as a 6CD boxed set. It comes packaged in a hardcover box featuring a 60-page book with rare photos, detailed liner notes, and a new interview with Coverdale. The newly remixed version of Into The Light is also available separately as a double vinyl album presented in a gatefold sleeve.


Watch "Too Many Tears" (Official Video 2024 Remix) below:







The boxed set features two versions of Coverdale’s solo albums: one newly remixed to deliver a more dynamic sonic experience and a second remastered from the original recordings for those who want to revisit the classic sound. The remixed versions feature significant updates (particularly to Whitesnake and NorthWinds) and utilize cutting-edge audio separation software. The track "Time & Again" from NorthWinds benefited from innovative voice extraction technology, allowing for new string and piano arrangements that Coverdale has envisioned for decades.


Coverdale shares, “The remixes are modern, using new technology to squeeze the best out of them… Truly exciting to revisit and take care of any technical ‘issues’ I had with the tracks all those years ago.”


Into The Light, Coverdale’s third solo album, boasts an impressive musical lineup that includes guitarists Earl Slick (David Bowie) and Doug Bossi, bassist Marco Mendoza (who later joined Whitesnake), legendary drummer Denny Carmassi (Montrose, Whitesnake), and keyboardist Mike Finningan (Jimi Hendrix). The remixed version of the album expands the original with songs like "Let’s Talk It Over" and "All The Time In The World". The collection also offers additional remixes, demos, and outtakes from the album, including "With All Of My Heart". Coverdale wrote the song for his wife and considers it one of the best he’s ever written.


The set also revisits NorthWinds, and Whitesnake Coverdale’s first two solo albums recorded immediately after leaving Deep Purple. Both albums have been reimagined and re-sequenced for the upcoming collection. NorthWinds includes some new arrangements and additional tracks like "Sweet Mistreater" and "Shame The Devil, Tell The Truth", breathing new life into this classic. Whitesnake features impossible remixes thanks to AI sound separation softwares, courtesy of technology that has only been available in the last couple of years.


Order here.





6CD tracklisting:


CD1: Into The Light (Remix)
"She Give Me"
"River Song"
"Don’t You Cry"
"Love Is Blind"
"Slave"
"Cry For Love"
"Living On Love"
"Midnight Blue"
"Too Many Tears"
"Don’t Lie To Me"
"All The Time In The World"
"Wherever You May Go"
"Yours For The Asking"
"Let’s Talk It Over"


CD2: Into The Light (Additional Remixes)
"Love Is Blind" (Band Version)
"As Long As I Have You"
"With All Of My Heart"
"Wherever You May Go" (Strings Version)
"Love Is Blind" (Strings Version)


Demos & Unfinished Symphonies
"Lust"
"Oh No Not The Blues Again"
"Into The Light Intro"
"Into The Light"
"You Make It Hard On Me"
"Would You Be Happy"
"Fooling Yourself"
"Make The Best Of It"
"Veda of Cassandra Blues"
"I Can See The Light"
"Another Fallen Angel"
"Itchy Finger"


Original Demos 1997
"Crazy ’Bout Cha" (Original Version of "Whipping Boy Blues")
"If You Want Me"
"Lay Your Love On Me" (Original Version of "Lay Down Your Love")


CD3: NorthWinds (2024 Remix)
"Keep On Giving Me Love"
"Sweet Mistreater"
"NorthWinds"
"Give Me Kindness"
"Queen Of Hearts"
"Only My Soul"
"Time & Again" (String Version)
"Say You Love Me"
"Shame The Devil, Tell The Truth"
"Breakdown"
"Time & Again" (Piano Version)
"Time & Again" (Strings Only)


CD4: Whitesnake MCMLXXVII (2024 Remix)
"Lady"
"Blindman"
"Goldies Place"
"Time On My Side"
"Peace Lovin’ Man"
"Sunny Days"
"Hole In The Sky"
"WhiteSnake"
"Celebration"


Young Lad's Blues (DC’s 1968 Home Demos)
"Sunny Days" (Original)
"Love Me In The Morning"
"I Will Love You"
"Moment In Time"
"It Would Be Nice"
"There Was A Time"
"Why?"
"I Still Love You"


CD5: Into The Light (Original Mix 2024 Remaster)
"She Give Me"
"River Song"
"Don’t You Cry"
"Love Is Blind"
"Slave"
"Cry for Love"
"Living On Love"
"Midnight Blue"
"Too Many Tears"
"Don’t Lie To Me"
"Wherever You May Go"


CD6: Whitesnake (Original Mix 2024 Remaster)
"Lady"
"Blindman"
"Goldies Place"
"Time On My Side"
"Peace Lovin’ Man"
"Sunny Days"
"Hole In The Sky"
"Celebration"
"WhiteSnake"


NorthWinds (Original Mix 2024 Remaster)
"Keep On Giving Me Love"
"NorthWinds"
"Give Me Kindness"
"Time & Again"
"Queen Of Hearts"
"Only My Soul"
"Say You Love Me"
"Breakdown"


All tracks previously unreleased, except CD2 track 8, CD5 & CD6.

Bloodstock Open Air 2024 organizers have released the new video below, along with the following message:


"On August 9th, 2024, the legendary Swedish progressive metal band Opeth graced the stage as the highly anticipated headliners of the Bloodstock Open Air Metal Festival at Catton Park, UK. Known for their groundbreaking fusion of death metal, progressive rock, and atmospheric melodies, Opeth delivered an unforgettable night of music that thrilled metalheads from all over the world.


"This video captures their powerful live performance of 'Ghost of Perdition', a fan-favorite from their critically acclaimed album Ghost Reveries. The track showcases Opeth’s unique ability to balance ferocious growls, intricate guitar work, and hauntingly beautiful melodies - all delivered with unparalleled musicianship and emotional intensity. Mikael Åkerfeldt’s commanding presence as a frontman, combined with the band’s precision and energy, brought this classic track to life in a way that only Opeth can.




"The crowd at Bloodstock 2024 was mesmerized, headbanging and chanting along as Opeth worked their magic under the night sky. The sheer energy and synergy between the band and the audience made this a defining moment of the festival. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to the world of Opeth, this performance is sure to leave a lasting impression."





Opeth's 14th studio album, The Last Will And Testament, was officially released on November 22 via Reigning Phoenix Music / Moderbolaget and is now charting internationally.


The current positions can be found below:





The Last Will And Testament lands at #26 on BraveWords' BravePicks 2024 Top 30, currently counting down here.


Opeth's fourteenth album was written by Mikael Åkerfeldt, with lyrics conferred with Klara Rönnqvist Fors (The Heard, ex-Crucified Barbara). The Last Will And Testament was co-produced by Åkerfeldt and Stefan Boman (Ghost, The Hellacopters), engineered by Boman, Joe Jones (Killing Joke, Robert Plant), and Opeth, with Boman, Åkerfeldt, and the rest of Opeth mixing at Atlantis and Hammerthorpe Studios in Stockholm. The strings on The Last Will And Testament were arranged by Åkerfeldt and returning prog friend Dave Stewart (Egg, Khan) and conducted by Stewart at Angel Studios in London. Not one to miss a beat, visual artist Travis Smith returns to the fold, crafting his 11th cover, a haunting "photograph" reminiscent of Stanley Kubrick's infamous "Overlook Hotel" photograph. Miles Showell (ABBA, Queen) also revisits mastering and vinyl lacquer cutting at Abbey Road Studios in London.


Åkerfeldt rolls out the red carpet for storied flautist and Jethro Tull main man Ian Anderson. Not only do Anderson's signature notes fly on "§4" and "§7", he narrates on "§1", "§2", "§4", and "§7". Joining Anderson, Europe's Joey Tempest lends a backing vocal hand on "§2”, while Åkerfeldt's youngest daughter, Mirjam Åkerfeldt, is the disembodied voice in "§1".


The Last Will A Testament is gripping from start to finish, jaw-dropping inside and out, representing some of Opeth's finest material to date. Just as Opeth welcomed many into its distressed arms over the years, the Swedes again deliver on the promise that great music always tells a compelling story—this time with growls.


The Last Will And Testament is available worldwide via Moderbolaget / Reigning Phoenix Music. Order here.


Album cover by Travis Smith.





The Last Will And Testament tracklisting:


"§1"
"§2"
"§3"
"§4"
"§5"
"§6"
"§7"
"A Story Never Told"


"§4" lyric video:





"§3":





"§1" (Radio Edit) lyric video:





Track by track video:

Listenable Records have announced the addition of Belgium’s most ferocious offspring Coffin Feeder.


Featuring members of Aborted, Leng Tch’e, When Plagues Collide and Fleddy Melculy, Coffin Feeder spews forth a high energy blend of groove laden death metal, grind and hardcore. 
Since its inception in 2021, Coffin Feeder have unleashed two EP’s (Stereo Homicide, Over The Top) and played a ton of club shows through Europe. 


With already some festivals in Europe under their belt such as Brutal Assault & Summer Breeze, the band is continuing to take names and kick ass worldwide.
 
Hot on the heels of The Beast Against Beast European tour past November with their brothers Benighted and Baest, COFFIN FEEDER Have now been focusing on the release of their forthcoming album.

h 7, 2025 through Scarlet Records.


The band shared the following official statement to introduce the concept behind this work:


“On the occasion of the 2025 Catholic Church's Jubilee, Damnatio Aeterna will be a concept album featuring a story with strong anticlerical and satanic connotations. It is a satirical tale in which a demon named Malchrum is tasked with an inferna

In a new interview with Andrew McKaysmith of the Scars And Guitars podcast, former IN FLAMES and current THE HALO EFFECT bassist Peter Iwers was asked if he has ever been approached about writing an autobiography. Peter responded (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "A few years ago, we released a book called 'An Odd Story'. And I wouldn't say it's a biography per se, but it's a story about Daniel [Svensson, former IN FLAMES and current THE HALO EFFECT drummer] and me. It starts with our final shows with IN FLAMES and it ends with the first show of THE HALO EFFECT, and then everything in between. And the author, he interviewed us for a long, long time, individually and then together, and then he traveled with us and then he spent a lot of times with us and he kind of wrote what he saw. So that's as far as I've come."

He continued: "Nobody's actually approached me about doing [an autobiography], but I have a lot of material and I do have a story to tell. My concern is that every time I read a biography with somebody else, there's always some — it might not be bitterness, but it comes out as bitterness. And I think that's a shame, because I wanna celebrate the life that I've lived, instead of sounding angry, because I'm not. So I do have a story to tell, but I'm very, very eager that it's being told in a positive way. Even the dark stuff needs to be approached in a different way. So, absolutely, I'm open for it."

"One of the best biographies that I've ever read is Sammy Hager's 'Red'. Even though he's basically saying that he's been such an asshole, but it's still with a smile, 'cause he never meant to be. And I think it's a very inspiring story, and he seems to have a great relationship with his kids and all that stuff these days."

Peter added: "I have a lot of stuff written down already that I actually wrote. I've been writing all my time throughout IN FLAMES, like snippets here and there. I know how I want it to start — I have the first chapter, like this is it. So yeah, maybe one day. The thing is, when I write, I've gotta get into writing mode and I've gotta kind of put my mind back to back then and take some time."

Iwers left IN FLAMES in November 2016, saying in a statement that he was exiting the group "to pursue other endeavors."

In January 2021, several months prior to THE HALO EFFECT's public unveiling, Peter told the "Vox&Hops" podcast: "I loved being on the road for most of the years that I was with [IN FLAMES], and I miss the good times. I have no regrets as far as leaving, but, of course, sometimes I really miss just being free and out and playing shows and traveling to new places every day."

He continued: "I'm kind of not missing spending time thinking about stuff like that. I'm kind of more living where I am now, where I'm actually free to do whatever I can with my own time. I own my own time, as I like to say; I can plan it however I like it. And I'm kind of focusing on enjoying that rather than missing the past.

"It's fun to reminisce, but at the same time, it can take you down a dangerous road as well," Peter added.

In a 2017 interview with Ireland's Overdrive, Björn said that he wasn't surprised by Peter's departure from IN FLAMES. "It wasn't a 'shock,' so to speak, as we kind of knew that it was coming," he said. "I think he was just done with it all and not happy. No, 'happy' is the wrong word. He just wanted to pursue other things. Peter is a very, very busy guy. He has his own brewery with Daniel called Odd Island Brewing and he's also got four or five different musical projects happening, so he's really got his hands full at the moment."

Shortly after leaving IN FLAMES, Iwers joined CYHRA, the band featuring vocalist Jake E (ex-AMARANTHE) and guitarist Jesper Strömblad (ex-IN FLAMES). He announced his departure from that band in May 2018.

British heavy metal legends IRON MAIDEN have shared a video recap of their "The Future Past Tour". Check out the two-and-a-half-minute clip below.

MAIDEN said: " Thank you to everyone around the world for making 'The Future Past Tour' one that we’ll never forget!"

IRON MAIDEN kicked off the North American leg of kicking off their highly anticipated "The Future Past Tour" on October 4 at the North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre in San Diego, treating the packed amphitheatre to an explosive two-hour, high-energy set. From the incendiary show opener "Caught Somewhere In Time", the band captivated the audience with a set that seamlessly moved through the "The Future Past" with songs such as "The Time Machine" and "Hell On Earth" from MAIDEN's most recent acclaimed studio album "Senjutsu".

Fan favorites like "The Prisoner", "Fear Of The Dark" and their iconic single "The Trooper", plus songs from their 1986 seminal album "Somewhere In Time", including the worldwide hit single "Wasted Years", alongside the likes of "Heaven Can Wait", "Stranger In A Strange Land" and the legendary "Alexander The Great" were performed throughout the night, all of which have been delighting fans around the world.

"The Future Past Tour" played to over a million fans at more than 70 jam-packed shows across Europe, Australia and Japan and sold-out arenas across North America. Featuring one of the most spectacular stage productions of the band's career, it has received rave reviews in every city and country that IRON MAIDEN visited.

IRON MAIDEN's longtime drummer Nicko McBrain played his last-ever gig with the band this past weekend in São Paulo, Brazil.

The 72-year-old British musician, whose real name is Michael Henry McBrain, announced his retirement on Saturday, December 7 in a statement on MAIDEN's web site and social media. He also said that night's concert at Allianz Parque in São Paulo, Brazil would mark his final show with the iconic heavy metal act.

Despite the fact that he is stepping away from touring, McBrain said that he will remain closely connected to IRON MAIDEN and continue to be involved in "a variety of projects" with the band, while also focusing on personal ventures and his existing businesses.

On Sunday (December 8),IRON MAIDEN announced Simon Dawson as its new touring drummer. Dawson is a former session drummer and MAIDEN bassist Steve Harris's longtime bandmate in BRITISH LION.

Saturday's performance marked the the final show of IRON MAIDEN's "The Future Past" world tour, which began in May 2023.

MAIDEN will return to the road in 2025 for the "Run For Your Lives" world tour, which is scheduled to launch in May.

Photo by: John McMurtrie

Earlier this year, the reunited expanded classic lineup of German power metallers HELLOWEEN signed with Reigning Phoenix Music (RPM) for the release of their next studio album. The band entered the studio this past summer to begin work on the follow-up to 2021's acclaimed self-titled effort, with plans to issue the LP in 2025.

HELLOWEEN singer Michael Kiske spoke to Australia's The Rockpit about the progress of the new LP recording sessions, saying (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "We're working on it. We're right on it. We're getting this done. I will be flying to Tenerife [Spain] 3rd of January to start working on vocals [at Mi Sueño Studio, owned by HELLOWEEN co-vocalist Andi Deris], trying to figure out vocal parts. Sometimes they still have to do lyrics, but then figuring out who does what and trying things out. I'm looking forward to it, because it's really cold and gray and dark here [in Germany] at the moment. So I don't mind flying over there for a couple of weeks."

Earlier this month, Deris was asked by The Metal Command how the material for HELLOWEEN's next album compares to that on "Helloween". He said: "I'd say it's much more easy listening, because there's less constructed stuff on it. It's more flowing with the wind, so to say. It's very, very positive, so I would rather say it's more happy, happy HELLOWEEN than the other album. I think it's a bit more… yeah, the flow is, for my taste, not as edgy as the last album, which was cool — I like edgy stuff — but we should have more or less some counterpart to edgy, more exhausting things. The last album, for me, was great to listen through — it was edgy, it was heavy, it was complicated here and there — but after listening to it, then I needed a pause. It was exhausting. After [listening to 'Helloween'], I needed some break, put it that way. I loved it, and I still love it, but it's demanding. I think the next album will be much more easy listening, I think much more enjoyable to sing along [to]; there are lots of parts in there. So I would rather describe it as a more happy, happy HELLOWEEN album. That would be the best description."

Andi continued: "It's hard to describe, because there are lots of speedy and heavy things on it. But when I listen through it, I feel good. I mean, that's a good sign. Not that I felt bad when I listened to the last album — that's not what I mean. It's fun. I listen to it, and it's fun. Definitely."

Regarding what he and his HELLOWEEN bandmates learned from the making of "Helloween" that they improved upon this time around, Andi said: "Yeah, I think the main keyword would be confidence. The last album, we had to get to know each other in that new setup, lineup, how to work with [each other], how to work here and blah, blah, blah, and this time we just realized, okay, actually everybody has such great ideas; just don't control each other. We don't need to actually stick in a studio for pre-production for two months because everybody did it for himself. Let's just listen to it and say, 'Wow, cool.' So this time we've been some lazy backs, actually, and just said, you know, pre-production we just do ourselves back at home, everybody in his own studio, and we just take the technique we are given. Internet is great, and you can have live sessions online, and that made life so much easier because everybody is just relieved that you [are] still at home. You still work hard, but you're at home. And as we all know, when you're at home, work doesn't hurt that much as being back in the studio again somewhere in the world, but not with your family. And nowadays you can actually have your family life, you have your eight, nine hours per day in the studio, you yourself decide when you make a break or when you go and have a meal with your lady or go down to the beach, in my case. That makes life so much easier and much more enjoyable than sitting in a fricking studio again and again and again, each and every day for two months, just for a pre-production, which you could easily do at home together. So this time, I have to say there's confidence that we earned for each other that helped a lot to make things even more easygoing. And I think that's exactly what you listen, when you go through the songs and you listen to them — you feel that easiness: 'Wow. Wow. Okay, cool.' I love it. So that's the way to go."

He then clarified: "I don't wanna say that I want to be back at home when I'm on tour. So I hate the idea of laser shows or something like that. As long as I can walk, I want to be on stage. But production-wise, I have to say I love the technique we have nowadays."

Regarding how HELLOWEEN has managed to pull off the seemingly impossible by keeping all seven members of the band happy — returning singer Michael Kiske and guitarist/vocalist Kai Hansen along with Deris, guitarists Michael Weikath and Sascha Gerstner, bassist Markus Grosskopf and drummer Daniel Löble — Andi said: "I think the only thing you need to accept [is] that you are different people. I think that's the main problem we had back in the days because everybody actually expected the other to be and react and have the same opinion [as] yourself. And when you are realizing, okay, we are all different people, so you have to accept that everybody probably has a different point of view, at least a millimeter to the left or millimeter to right. And you have to sit down and actually find a compromise. If you accept that everybody is different, that's not a bad thing. You just have to accept that you yourself may fail here and there, and maybe the other one is right. And when you're getting older, you have decades of comparisons, and you realize, 'Okay, here I fucked up, there I fucked up, here I wasn't right, here I wasn't right.' You need that experience, and when you have that, you are a little bit more humble, because you know you did things wrong or you know you haven't been right back in the days here and there and blah, blah, blah. So, if you take that at a base, everything works out fine. And you just sit down with that knowledge and try to find a solution, which is good enough for all here in the room. And, yeah, that went down super the last few years, I mean, no problem at all. Even if somebody was pissed off, completely pissed off for whatever reason, again, that somebody did not react like he did back in the days, like with aggression or something like that, but in normal words and said, 'Hey, I have a little problem here. You said this and that and blah, blah, blah. And how did you mean that?' And then here comes the explanation and you go, like, 'Oh, okay, all good. Thanks.'"

Upon its release in June 2021, "Helloween" landed in the Top 10 in more than 10 countries, including Germany, Spain, Finland, Sweden, Switzerland and Austria. The cover artwork for the LP was painted by artist Eliran Kantor, who has previously worked with HATEBREED, SOULFLY, TESTAMENT, ICED EARTH and SODOM, among others.

Produced by Charlie Bauerfeind and Dennis Ward, the last HELLOWEEN LP was recorded in part at the H.O.M.E. Studios in Hamburg (where everything started in 1984). The same recording console used for such HELLOWEEN albums as "Master Of The Rings", "Time Of The Oath" and "Better Than Raw" was utilized to record the band's new material. The effort was mixed at the Valhalla Studios of Ronald Prent (IRON MAIDEN, DEF LEPPARD, RAMMSTEIN).

"Helloween" saw the legendary German power metallers going "back to the roots," with the band recording fully analog and Löble playing the drum kit previously used by HELLOWEEN's original drummer, the late Ingo Schwichtenberg, on the legendary "Keeper Of The Seven Keys" recordings.

HELLOWEEN will release a new live album, "Live At Budokan", on December 13, 2024 via Reigning Phoenix Music (RPM). The colossal effort immortalizes HELLOWEEN's September 16, 2023 performance at Tokyo's legendary Nippon Budokan.

"Live At Budokan" will be available in a plethora of formats: 2CD-digipak and 3LP vinyl in trifold with the first print run of both coming as "deluxe edition" including embossed cover artwork, as well as Blu-ray, DVD and digital. Each version is meticulously crafted to suit the metal community's diverse tastes, ensuring every fan can relive the raw, unfiltered energy of HELLOWEEN in their preferred medium.

This release celebrates the grand finale of HELLOWEEN's epic world tour from 2022 to 2023. Spanning over 30 countries on three continents, the tour was nothing short of a triumph, drawing massive crowds and showcasing the band's undying appeal, the sold-out concert in Tokyo is the crowning glory of the cycle.

ENVY OF NONE, the band featuring Alex Lifeson (RUSH),Andy Curran (CONEY HATCH),Alfio Annibalini and singer Maiah Wynne, has released a new single, "Under The Stars".

Curran stated about the track: "Alf and I toiled over this one for months and really felt, even at its rough demo stage, that we had something special. We left a ton of space for Maiah in the verses and there's such a cool mood shift when the chorus hits. Joe Vitale's drum track and percussion added an almost trance-like vibe and the icing on the cake is an unmistakable Alex guitar solo. I'm a romantic at heart and the message here is universal. Soul mates, 'two against the world!'"

The single is accompanied by a stunning new video created by Olivier Boscovitch. Check it out below.

ENVY OF NONE previously released another new single, "Not Dead Yet" in October. Speaking on the song's meaning, Maiah, who penned the lyrics, shared that it was inspired by Andy's raw chorus line: "I'm not dead yet, come on along and see what I am good for." She describes the track as a cathartic anthem, one that embodies resilience and defiance against the forces that aim to tear us down. "You have to continue to exist, to create, and to fight. That's the heart of the song: keep going and enjoy the ride." The single is accompanied by a video inspired by the Mexican Dia De Los Muertos 'Day Of The Dead' holiday.

As the band blends their dynamic soundscapes, "Not Dead Yet" unfolds as a layered journey, driving forward with tight rhythms and Alex Lifeson's legendary guitar lines. The breakdown, Wynne's favorite part, is the song's emotional peak, offering listeners a moment of release before launching back into its resilient conclusion. The mix, by Annibalini, coupled with Harry Hess's mastering, guarantees that every element shines with clarity and force.

ENVY OF NONE is:

Alf Annibalini - Guitar, Keyboards
Andy Curran - Bass Guitar, Background Vocals, Guitar
Alex Lifeson - Guitar, Mandola, Oud,
Maiah Wynne - Lead Vocals, Background Vocals, Keyboards

ENVY OF NONE is busy in the studio putting the finishing touches on its next album and the follow-up to 2022's self-titled debut, expected in spring 2025.

Photo credit: Richard Sibbald

Josh Rand, guitarist for Grammy Award-winning metal band STONE SOUR, is selling a truly one-of-a-kind collection of guitars on Reverb, the largest online marketplace dedicated to music gear. The assortment of rare and vintage guitars — which includes custom shop items and axes signed by Sting, Munky from KORN, John Petrucci of DREAM THEATER, Paul Stanley of KISS, and more — are now available in the official Josh Rand Reverb shop.

Formed in the '90s by SLIPKNOT's Corey Taylor, STONE SOUR released their self-titled debut in 2022, receiving critical acclaim and Grammy nominations, in addition to a number of charting singles. The band's follow-up, "Come What(ever) May", raised the bar, earning the band another Grammy nomination for the single "30/30-150", while the singles "Through Glass" and "Sillyworld" reached No. 1 and No. 2 on the Mainstream Rock charts, respectively. The next decade would see continued success for STONE SOUR, before the band went on hiatus in 2020. Throughout STONE SOUR's run, Rand worked on a number of other projects, including MOONSHOT and THE L.I.F.E. PROJECT, which released an EP in 2021. Now, Rand is parting ways with dozens of guitars amassed throughout his storied career.

"My store is going to consist of 26 guitars and five basses. 90% of these instruments are custom shop signature models from other artists spanning over three decades," said Rand.

Among the incredible selection of guitars available in the official Josh Rand Reverb shop is a 1997 Gibson Ace Frehley Custom Shop Les Paul — one of just 300 made, but one of three rare instruments from the band that taught you how to "rock and roll all night and party every day." In addition to the Les Paul, official Josh Rand Reverb shop also features a signed 1996 Gene Simmons "Punisher" bass sold directly to Rand from Simmons, and a '90s build Ibanez PS-10 signed by Paul Stanley.

Additional items available in official Josh Rand Reverb shop include:

* A Fender Custom Shop "Yngwie Malmsteen" Duck signed by Malmsteen. Limited to just 100 pieces, each of these rare guitars were supposed to be built by masterbuilder John Cruz. However, in order to meet deadlines, Rand's guitar was one of just six built by masterbuilder Yuri Shishkov.

* A 2010 ESP Jeff Hanneman Signature Series in Urban Camo. Said Rand: "At first glance, you might ask yourself, 'Well that looks the same as all the other ones,' but if you take a closer look, what makes this one specifically unique is it has a Floyd Rose instead of the Kahler. It also has the SLAYER eagle logo instead of the H Hanneman logo."

* An Ibanez Prestige 12-string. "Although this has a prestige neck on it, it was actually built during the L.A. custom shop for me to use during the recording of 'Hydrograd'," said Rand.

* A Gibson Museum 70th Anniversary John Lennon.

* A 2013 Fender "Sting" Artist Series Precision Bass signed by Sting.

* A 1963 Ibanez PGM. Rand said: "As a guitar collector, when you get the opportunity to buy one of your heroes' guitars, you just must do it. That's the case with this guitar. When the opportunity arose to buy one of Paul Gilbert's guitars used to record a RACER X project, I just couldn't turn it down. After being on display at my house, I've decided it's time for someone else to enjoy it."

* A 2017 Ibanez Apex-20 signed by Munky from KORN.

* An EVH 78' Eruption. One of just 40 made worldwide, with custom-made, period correct G&G. This guitar comes with the following items:

- '78 chain strap * 3-in-One oil can
- Two packs of '70s-era Fender Super Bullets strings in recreated packaging
- Van Halen '70s tortoiseshell picks
- Backstage Pass vinyl cloth sticker on the case plus one unused sticker inside
- Exclusive Eruption Collector's Booklet

* A 2008 JSBDG "Black Dog." Limited to just 88 ever made, and built by Ibanez's Sugi Custom Shop.

To shop the guitars available in official Josh Rand Reverb shop, click here.

Reverb is the largest online marketplace dedicated to music gear. Since launching in 2013, Reverb has helped millions of music makers find the perfect piece of gear from its trusted community of music shops, top brands, and other music makers around the world. Built by musicians and gear lovers, Reverb combines one of the largest selections of musical instruments with tools to help music makers find music gear that fits within their budget. Sales on Reverb help support Reverb Gives, which provides youth music programs with musical instruments. Reverb is a subsidiary within the Etsy, Inc. "House of Brands" portfolio.

In a new interview with Robert Cavuoto of Myglobalmind, QUEENSRŸCHE guitarist Michael Wilton spoke about a possible follow-up to the band's 2022 album "Digital Noise Alliance". He said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): " Yeah, we have submitted a bunch of demos to each other, and we're working on that. We hope to get Zeuss [Chris Harris], the producer, to do this one. But, basically, we're in a situation of touring now post-pandemic, where the bands have to tour a lot. And we do a lot of fly dates as well. So it's hard to pick a certain amount of time to get another album done. But we are gonna do another one. And hopefully we can get it started or recorded in 2025."

Wilton also talked about the 1997 departure of original QUEENSRŸCHE guitarist Chris DeGarmo. Asked if it was a "big blow" to the band when Chris left QUEENSRŸCHE to embark on his new career as a pilot, Michael said: "Yeah, I think we had reached a certain peak at that point. And he was looking for a change of pace. I mean, you could see in the last album he wrote — he was talking about flying a lot. So he literally started going to school for flying, and to this day that's what he's doing. But, yeah, I think we needed some time to just kind of refresh and see if we could go on without him. But anyway, we gave it our best shot, and it took a while. And now you've got all these different versions of the band throughout our career. But Chris and I were great writing partners. We just kind of knew what each other was thinking when we would write double solos or write parts for songs and just bounce ideas off each other. So, those were great times. But, yeah, it just kind of burned itself out. But we're doing great right now. We're having a great time and still playing the old stuff but playing the new stuff as well."

QUEENSRŸCHE performed the band's 1983 EP and 1984's "The Warning" album in their entirety as part of "The Origins Tour".

"Digital Noise Alliance" came out in October 2022 via Century Media. The record was once again helmed by Chris "Zeuss" Harris, who previously worked with QUEENSRŸCHE on 2015's "Condition Hüman" and 2019's "The Verdict" LPs.

Guitarist Mike Stone, who rejoined QUEENSRŸCHE in 2021, contributed guitar solos to the band's latest studio album.

Since late May 2021, Stone has been handling second-guitar duties in QUEENSRŸCHE, which announced in July 2021 that longtime guitarist Parker Lundgren was exiting the group to focus on "other business ventures."

Stone originally joined QUEENSRŸCHE for the 2003 album "Tribe" and stayed with the band for six years before leaving the group.

For the past seven and a half years, drummer Casey Grillo has been filling in for original QUEENSRŸCHE drummer Scott Rockenfield, who stepped away from the band's touring activities in early 2017 to spend time with his young son.

In October 2021, Rockenfield filed a lawsuit against Wilton and bassist Eddie Jackson, alleging, among other things, breach of contract, breach of fiduciary duty and wrongful discharge. A few months later, Wilton and Jackson filed a countersuit against Rockenfield, accusing him of abandoning his position as a member of the band and misappropriating the group's assets to his own personal benefit. That dispute has since been settled out of court.

Wilton released his solo album, "Volume 1", on December 6 via Rat Pak Records.

In May 2022, Mark Tremonti — guitarist/singer-songwriter/founding member of the rock bands CREED, ALTER BRIDGE and TREMONTI — released a collection of Sinatra covers to support NDSS (National Down Syndrome Society). "Tremonti Sings Sinatra" was made available as part of a new charity initiative created by Tremonti called Take A Chance For Charity. Proceeds from the album will go to support NDSS and the work they do to advocate for and support individuals with Down syndrome and their families. Mark and his family were blessed to welcome their first daughter Stella in March 2021 — who was born with Down syndrome — and the idea for the project was born.

In a new interview with producer and YouTuber Rick Beato, Tremonti stated about "Tremonti Sings Sinatra" (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "It's one of the things I'm most proud of in my entire career. It's been the most gratifying, satisfying thing. I always tell people, I could have recorded a thousand rock records before some of the people that heard this and commented on it would have ever taken notice. I remember Slash [of GUNS N' ROSES] gave us a great quote. He loved it. And Paul Stanley from KISS was online talking about it. And I remember one day I was on tour in Europe. And I had a bad day. I forget what it was. I was just kind of in a rotten mood. And I get off stage and I pick up my phone, and it's my buddy Tom Robb. And he's security for Robert Plant [of LED ZEPPELIN] and METALLICA. He's just an awesome guy, a good friend of mine. He's, like, 'I gotta tell you, I was taking Robert [Plant] to Bonnaroo, and I played him your Frank Sinatra CD, and he loved it.' I'm, like, 'What? Robert Plant listened to my Sinatra thing?' And, of course, I'm trying to promote it, so I'm, like, "Could you get a quote for me?' I never got the quote, but just to know that Robert Plant listened to it and enjoyed it… When would that have happened with anything I've ever done?"

Regarding how the idea for "Tremonti Sings Sinatra" came about, Mark said: "I was just practicing singing like Frank Sinatra 'cause I loved it, just like a young guitar player would. It would be like me practicing jazz and knowing that I'm never gonna write a jazz song. But when we got the diagnosis that my daughter was gonna be born with Down syndrome, I'm, like, 'I wanna do this record and do it for charity.' So I called my manager, Tim, and I said, 'Let's call some local musicians and put a band together.' He's, like, 'How about we do something better? My guitar teacher was Frank Sinatra's guitar player on tour.' So he set up a meeting with Dan McIntyre, his guitar player, and Mike Smith, Frank Sinatra's alto sax player and one of his band leaders. And they had lunch, and he told 'em what I wanted to do. [And they said], 'Well, can your boy sing?' And Tim had never heard me sing Frank Sinatra. So I'm, like, in my bathroom singing ['Luck Be A Lady']. And I sent him a clip of it, and they set up a studio session. We were just gonna do two songs to see how it worked out. And one of the most difficult things was really convincing the Sinatra family and the business to let us do this. And when they heard it, they liked it. And they said pretty much, 'You have to do your own arrangements, though. We just don't want the old arrangements.' It's like you're going to drink a Coke, but it's not a Coke, kind of a thing. So we took 'My Way' and changed it. We took 'I Fall In Love Too Easily' and added a rhythm section. And we took half the record and changed it.

"It's crazy when you're in the studio with these guys," Mark continued. "Imagine a room about this big and you have 17 brass instruments in there. And when I'm first meeting these guys, Mike calls me in, and I chose the song that the vocals set the rhythm for the song. All the other songs you can start with the music, but 'Luck Be A Lady' starts with the vocal. 'They call you lady luck, but there is room for doubt.' So I set the pace. So I'm in there having to do that, first meeting these folks. But I had fun. I loved it."

When "Tremonti Sings Sinatra" was first announced, Tremonti said in a statement: "For years, I've loved singing along to Frank's songs. One night, I found an old video of him performing 'The Song Is You' from 1944. It made me want to dive into his vocal approach. I was all in and I wanted to do something with it. When we found out about our daughter Stella's Down syndrome diagnosis, the stars aligned. My obsession with Sinatra had its reason. Frank Sinatra raised more than a billion dollars for charity and that is a fact I wish the public the public knew more about. Beneath his cool and calm persona, he had a big heart. Doing this charity in his name was another way the stars had aligned. I decided to do this record to raise funds for families and individuals with Down syndrome. This project is the start of a new purpose that I will have for the rest of my life."

Tremonti came together with surviving members of Frank Sinatra's orchestra, creating new takes on some of the classics and some deeper cuts from Frank's catalog. From the opening horns and piano of "I've Got You Under My Skin" to final vocal outro of "All Or Nothing At All", Tremonti showcases the signature vocal approach and exemplary musicianship that made Sinatra's work timeless. To see his vision through, Mark reached out to Sinatra's musical director Mike Smith who collected as many remaining members as possible of Frank's touring band to record the music for "Tremonti Sings Sinatra". Popular standards like "I've Got The World On A String", "My Way" and "That's Life" find new life in the hands of these incredible musicians. Tremonti — known for his guitar work that has won him countless accolades — leaves the instrument behind and just sings on the 14-track album. The artwork on the album cover is an original painting that Tremonti created especially for this project.

Photo credit: Chuck Brueckmann