In a new interview with The Brooklyn Blast Furnace podcast, guitarist Bobby Hambel of the reunited metal/hardcore band BIOHAZARD, which recently inked a deal with Frontiers Label Group's new imprint BLKIIBLK, confirmed that he and his bandmates will enter the studio "in a couple of weeks" to begin recording their long-awaited new album.

"After playing together — what is it? — fucking year and a half, I think we're ready to lay it down, to start puking out some more fucking stuff," Bobby said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET). "It's happening, too. It's heavy shit, too.

"A lot of people say — they give their opinions on what they think we should do," he continued. "And they're always asking questions like, 'Is it gonna be like this album or that album?', and I can't really answer any of that. I just can answer it's coming from the same place it always came from, and I think everybody's on point. Everybody wants it. So I think it's time. We've got a lot of shit to say."

Last month, BIOHAZARD drummer Danny Schuler told Pod Scum about the group's songwriting process: "It's really all over the place in BIOHAZARD. Sometimes one guy brings in a couple of songs and we kind of go with that. Sometimes somebody has an idea and we're all together in the jam room and we kind of all work through it together. It kind of happens a lot of different ways, but all four guys are very creative, some more than others, but everybody creates and brings in stuff. So there's no one writer in BIOHAZARD. There's never really been. But we all write. And now we're getting ready to record a new record and we have so much new stuff. And it's been really cool lately — a very creative environment lately to be around with everybody writing new stuff and getting psyched for a new album. It's cool right now."

Asked why he thinks right now is the best time for a new BIOHAZARD album, Danny said: "Well, I don't know if right now is the best time. I don't think in terms of, like, 'Oh, well, let's do an album out now because now's the best time.' I don't know that stuff. I don't know when's a good time to do a record. I just know when I feel inspired and I know when I'm coming up with stuff that I feel is real strong and meaningful, and lately it's been a good time for that kind of creative process. So, for me, when the ideas are flowing and everything feels real natural, real strong, that's a good time to do a record. Business-wise, I don't know when's a good time to do a record. I'm not a businessman, in that regard with the music business."

In a separate interview with France's Loud TV, BIOHAZARD bassist/vocalist Evan Seinfeld confirmed that he and his bandmates were "making a new album". Evan said: "I'm really excited about it. I'm writing a lot of lyrics right now, working on some music. All the guys are writing. It's exciting."

Evan previously discussed BIOHAZARD's plans for new music this past April in an interview with El Planeta Del Rock. At the time, he said: "We're working on our process on a couple of really cool songs, and when something is special enough and we are excited about it, I imagine we'll release a single before release an album, but there's a full-length album in the works. That's the mission… We wanna go into the studio and really lock ourselves down, like we used to do in the '90s, and spend some time really [making a strong album]. For us, it's not about one song, one song. Making an album is still something that we care about."

He continued: "I know it's not the popular [way of doing things]. How many people buy new albums by artists and listen to the whole album from beginning to end? Young people don't really ingest music like that so much. But BIOHAZARD is about authenticity. We do what we do, and we're gonna make the best album we can make in 2024."

The first reunion gig from guitarist/vocalist Billy Graziadei, Hambel, Schuler and Seinfeld took place on May 26, 2023 at the Milwaukee Metal Fest at The Rave/Eagles Ballroom in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

In 2022, Graziadei said in an interview that there had been "talk" about putting BIOHAZARD back together.

The group, which is acknowledged as one of the earliest outfits to fuse hardcore punk and heavy metal with elements of hip-hop, had been out of the public eye since Scott Roberts left the band more than eight years ago.

Roberts, who played guitar on BIOHAZARD's 2005 album "Means To An End", rejoined the group in June 2011 as the replacement for Seinfeld. Scott fronted BIOHAZARD for nearly five years before exiting the band in February 2016.

BODY COUNT, the metal band fronted by hip-hop legend, actor and director Ice-T, has released the official music video for the title track of BODY COUNT's new album, "Merciless", which is set to drop on November 22 via Century Media.

Regarding why it took four years to complete "Merciless", Ice-T told Kerrang! magazine: "We dropped 'Carnivore' in March 2020 and the pandemic dropped right on top of us. We never got to tour that album, even though we had like 40 different dates set up in Europe. Because I'm on television [as Sergeant Fin Tutuola in NBC's 'Law & Order: Special Victims Unit'] we only have this little two-month block where we can get out on the road. Then the label were, like, 'Give us another record!' I was, like, 'What?! You want me to just go shit out another record real quick?!' We'd just won the Grammy [2021's 'Best Metal Performance' for 'Bum-Rush'] so we were on a real high, but it was still pretty difficult to grind another album out. I needed time. When you've released an album — having written maybe 20 songs, of which 12 make it — you're all out of ideas. And you don't want to rehash those ideas again. But once we got going, we got it done."

Last month, BODY COUNT released a music video for its powerful rendition of "Comfortably Numb" featuring David Gilmour — a fresh take on the classic PINK FLOYD track that explores themes of detachment and introspection. Gilmour's seminal guitar work adds a haunting, authentic touch, seamlessly blending with BODY COUNT's signature intensity and Ice's profound new lyrics, making the track a fusion of rock history and raw, modern energy.

Ice-T commented: "For me, 'Comfortably Numb' is an introspective song — it's me acknowledging that I'm older now. I'm telling the younger generation, you've got two choices: you can keep the fire burning or you can give up. It's me trying to make sense of what's happening, but also pointing out that we're all in a place where we don't have to face reality. We've got flat-screen TVs and popcorn, and we can just sit back and watch the chaos of the world like it's a TV show. It doesn't feel real until it shows up at your door. I'm a little numb, too — we all are."

Gilmour stated: "BODY COUNT's version of 'Comfortably Numb' is quite radical, but the words really struck me. It astonishes me that a tune I wrote almost 50 years ago is back with this great new approach. They've made it relevant again.

"The initial contact from Ice-T was for permission to use the song, but I thought I might offer to play on it as well. I like the new lyrics. They're talking about the world we're living in now, which is quite scary.

"Ice-T and BODY COUNT played in London recently. Sadly, I couldn't make it, but if another opportunity came up to play with them, I'd jump at it."

Earlier in the year, BODY COUNT released the official music video for "Psychopath", its first new single since 2020's "Bum-Rush", which won a Grammy Award for "Best Metal Performance". The new track, which features FIT FOR AN AUTOPSY vocalist Joe Badolato, shows Ice-T and crew on maximum killing overdrive and primed for the next chapter of the legendary Los Angeles-based band's 35-plus-year career. Longtime collaborator Will Putney (KNOCKED LOOSE, THE GHOST INSIDE) produced the song, which was released via Century Media Records.

Directed by Jay Scorsese, the "Psychopath" video pulls inspiration from fictional and real-life horrors, with references spanning from Jason Voorhees to Ted Bundy.

"Merciless" is the follow-up to "Carnivore", which was released to critical acclaim in March 2020, just a week before COVID shut the entire world down.

BODY COUNT's European "Merciless" tour kicked off on June 5 at Mystic festival in Poland and brought the band to some of the world's biggest festivals and venues, across more than a dozen countries. After returning to the States, they performed at Louder Than Life festival in Louisville, Kentucky and Aftershock festival in Sacramento, California.

For BODY COUNT, it's been a history of being both respected and feared — a barbed-wire thread that stretches back to the band's origins as a project between Ice-T and Crenshaw High friend Ernie C. Their first shot fired, the song "Body Count", was a mission statement on Ice-T's 1991 "O.G. - Original Gangster". That's the blueprint they've been running on for more than 35 years.

They touched a nerve with their first, self-titled 1991 album and its divisive track "Cop Killer", which inspired hatred, fear, and paranoia, but also inspired generations of bands to follow. What they took from growing up with BLACK SABBATH and being inspired by fellow L.A. legends like SLAYER and SUICIDAL TENDENCIES has only upped the ante for generations of homies and hardcore fans.

BODY COUNT's current line-up includes surviving O.G.s Ice-T, Ernie C. and Sean E. Sean joined by bassist Vincent Price, drummer Will "Ill Will" Dorsey, Juan "Juan Of The Dead" Garcia and backing vocalist Little Ice.

"Carnivore" continued the path of its uncompromising and critically acclaimed predecessors, "Bloodlust" and "Manslaugther", in pairing Ice-T's impassioned and socio-critical lyrics with thick guitar riffs and nods to metal and hardcore greats like SLAYER, METALLICA, PANTERA, SUICIDAL TENDENCIES and RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE. Guest musicians on the LP included Amy Lee (EVANESCENCE),Dave Lombardo (ex-SLAYER),Jamey Jasta (HATEBREED) and Riley Gale (POWER TRIP).

BODY COUNT was honored with a Grammy in the "Best Metal Performance" category in the pre-telecast ceremony at the 63rd annual Grammy Awards, which was held in March 2021 in Los Angeles. BODY COUNT was nominated for "Bum-Rush", a track from "Carnivore".

One of the most iconic voices in rock and roll history, Steve Perry released "The Season 3" on November 8 via Dark Horse Records. The album expands on the former JOURNEY singer's exquisitely curated 2021 holiday album "The Season", which revealed him as a flawless interpreter of the classic Christmas songbook. "The Season 3" includes six newly recorded songs, including "Jingle Bell Rock" and "Let It Snow", as well as a moving duet with his late father, Ray Perry.

The official video for "Call Me Irresponsible", featuring Ray Perry, can be seen below. The video was designed and animated by Tolga Tarhan.

Built around a tape left to him after his estranged father's passing, the song, originally recorded by Ray as a reflection on his shortcomings, offers poignant closure as Perry confronts generational trauma and embraces forgiveness.

Talking about singing with his father on the duet of "Call Me Irresponsible", Steve Perry says: "My father, Ray Perry, was a singer and when I was a child he would sing to me at bedtime. I recently found a karaoke cassette of my dad singing that he sent me back in 1993 for Christmas. The one song that touched me the most was 'Call Me Irresponsible'. His voice was lovely, but the karaoke track was not.

"Using technology, we pulled his voice off the cassette and recorded beautiful music around him. Once that was done, an unfulfilled dream of singing with my father was now possible. You see, mom and dad divorced when I was 7, and dad and I never saw much of each other after that. Singing with my father after all these years was a very emotional experience for me. His voice was just as I remembered it as a child.

"At the end of his cassette, dad says, 'Merry Christmas, God Love Ya.' To hear him speak again brought tears to my eyes."

"The Season 3" marks Perry's first release on Dark Horse Records. He joins the highly curated home of legends on the label founded by George Harrison in 1974, alongside labelmates Joe Strummer, Yusuf / Cat Stevens, Billy Idol, Nina Simone, and more.

On signing to Dark Horse Records, Perry says: "I am so pleased to announce that I have just signed with George Harrison's label, Dark Horse Records. I've so much music in me that has yet to be heard. To be able to work with a team of people who support and respect my creative expressions, is a dream come true."

On "The Season 3", Perry says, "I've always loved the magic in holiday songs. When I was a child, I would hear them on the radio in my grandmother's kitchen while she was cooking. Today when I hear those songs, they take me back to so many wonderful memories."

He continues: "The magic of music is a very emotional gift. The idea of me recording a holiday record started many years ago and now has grown into my latest collection, 'The Season 3'. I have added six new tracks to this latest compilation, which now totals 16. I hope this record brings you precious memories too.

"All the best to you and yours this holiday season."

"The Season 3" is co-produced by Perry and engineer Thom Flowers with an immaculately arranged and richly nuanced sound. Mainly recorded at Perry's home studio, "The Season" series came to life in collaboration with drummer Vinnie Colaiuta (Sting, Joni Mitchell, Frank Zappa) and Dallas Kruse (a multi-instrumentalist who also worked with Perry on his acclaimed 2018 album "Traces"). While most of "The Season 3" encompasses an understated sonic palette — piano, strings, upright bass — each track leaves an indelible impact thanks to the soulful sincerity of Perry's vocal work. For both artist and audience alike, "The Season 3" ultimately serves as a form of emotional time travel, a direct conduit for the kind of memories that sustain the spirit and restore a sense of joyous serenity.

"The Season 3" track listing:

01. What A Wonderful World
02. The Christmas Song
03. Santa Claus Is Coming To Town
04. This Christmas
05. Jingle Bell Rock
06. Call Me Irresponsible
07. What Are You Doing New Year's Eve
08. Auld Lang Syne
09. Silver Bells
10. I'll Be Home For Christmas
11. Let It Snow
12. Maybe This Year
13. Winter Wonderland
14. Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer
15. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
16. 'Twas The Night Before Christmas

One of the most iconic voices in rock and roll history, Perry has captivated generations with the sheer power of his range and extraordinary warmth of his tone. One of Rolling Stone's "100 Greatest Singers Of All Time," he fronted JOURNEY during the band's massively successful era and was inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame. Perry returned to music in 2018 with the release of his Fantasy album "Traces" which debuted at No. 4 on the Billboard album charts and No. 6 overall — a personal best for his solo work.

In the latest issue of Fistful Of Metal magazine — a special thrash issue — KREATOR fontman Mille Petrozza talks with Oran O'Beirne about the band's imminent European tour dates with ANTHRAX and TESTAMENT, as well as plans for a documentary film capturing a year in the life of KREATOR and new book delving into the early years of the pioneering German thrash act's career.

Check out some exclusive excerpts from the feature interview with Petrozza below.

Speaking of the documentary, which reportedly has a working title of "Dystopia And Hope", Petrozza said: "I have to be honest with you, this documentary was not our idea, and in fact, we are not involved in the production side of it. The whole concept came from [director] Cordula [Kablitz-Post], who approached us with this proposition and she has full creative control. She is a very well-respected director who has produced some incredible cinematic documentaries in the past, so I'm very excited to see the finished film."

He continued: "I'm usually a control freak when it comes to things like this, so it's a very surreal experience not being in the driving seat when it comes to creative decision making, but I have total faith and trust in Cordula."

When asked about the status of the previously mentioned "ultimate KREATOR book", he responded: "Well, I can tell you that the book is done. A friend of mine and I have been co-writing a book together looking specifically at the early years of the band, specifically up to 1992. The thing is, we have a German publisher and they're, hopefully, going to be making this book available in English. But as of now, we are looking to release the book in 2025."

He continues: "I can also tell you the working title of the book is 'Your Heaven, My Hell', and we go very deep into the struggles of starting the band, the impact of the tape-trading community back then, and loads of stores and interesting moments that led to the band being where we are today. So, keep your eyes for more details coming very soon."

Read the full interview in the latest issue of Fistful Of Metal magazine. Issue #17 is a "Thrash Attack Special" also featuring METALLICA, SODOM, BODY COUNT, XENTRIX, OPETH, ANTHRAX, TESTAMENT, MEGADETH, FLOTSAM AND JETSAM, TANKARD, GAMA BOMB, SADUS, MERCYFUL FATE, 200 STAB WOUNDS, SLIPKNOT and many more.

Fistful Of Metal is available for order online, as well as through WH Smith (U.K.) and Barnes & Noble (America).

In 2001, Cordula founded Avanti Media Fiction, through which she primarily produces feature films and high-quality television and theatrical documentaries. Her first production, "Sophiiie!", directed by Michael Hofmann, received the Bavarian Hypo-Prize for Best Director in 2002 and was awarded the Best Actress Award for Katharina Schüttler at the Munich Film Festival, while also competing for the Golden Leopard in Locarno and winning the Best Director prize at the Mediawave Festival in Hungary.

"High Maintenance", the short film , produced with the International Berlin Film Festival in 2006 and directed by Philipp Van, starring Nicolette Krebitz and Wanja Mues, was screened at all international film festivals for many years and received several prizes and awards, crowned by Silver at the American Student Academy Awards.

The film "Lou Andreas-Salomé", completed in 2016, was Cordula Kablitz-Post's full-length feature film directorial debut.

KREATOR and TESTAMENT recently joined forces for the North American leg of the "Klash Of The Titans" tour. The 33-date trek kicked off on September 12 in Reno, making its way across the U.S. and including seven Canadian dates before concluding in San Francisco on October 27. Joining the night were special guests San Francisco Bay Area death metal pioneers POSSESSED.

KREATOR is continuing to tour in support of its fifteenth studio album, "Hate Über Alles", which was released in June 2022. The follow-up to 2017's "Gods Of Violence" was recorded at Hansa Tonstudio in Berlin, Germany. Helming the sessions was Arthur Rizk, who has previously worked with CAVALERA CONSPIRACY, CODE ORANGE, POWER TRIP and SOULFLY, among others.

The "Hate Über Alles" cover artwork was created by Eliran Kantor, who has previously worked with HATEBREED, SOULFLY, TESTAMENT, ICED EARTH and SODOM, among others.

"Hate Über Alles" marked KREATOR's first album with bassist Frédéric Leclercq, who joined the group in 2019.

KREATOR played its first show with Leclercq in October 2019 in Santiago, Chile.

Before joining KREATOR, Leclercq rose to fame with U.K.-based extreme power metallers DRAGONFORCE for whom he handled bass duties from 2005 until August 2019.

TOP 50 ALBUMS OF 2024!!! In the new FOM- hitting stores soon! What's your Favourite album of 2024?? Order the new magazine NOW!!! https://fistfulofmetal.co.uk/

Posted by Fistful Of Metal Mag on Tuesday, November 19, 2024

SNOT guitarist Mikey Doling has weighed in on the fact that PANTERA's surviving members Philip Anselmo (vocals) and Rex Brown (bass) have united with guitarist Zakk Wylde (OZZY OSBOURNE, BLACK LABEL SOCIETY) and drummer Charlie Benante (ANTHRAX) for a world tour under the PANTERA banner.

Anselmo and Brown, along with Wylde and Benante, are headlining a number of major festivals across North America, South America and Europe and staging some of their own headline concerts. They are also supporting METALLICA on a massive stadium tour in Europe and North America.

According to Billboard, the lineup has been given a green light by the estates of the band's founders, drummer Vincent "Vinnie Paul" Abbott and guitarist "Dimebag" Darrell Abbott, as well as Brown, who in 2021 said Wylde wouldn't tour with PANTERA if a reunion were to happen. It's unclear what changed his mind.

Doling discussed his views on the PANTERA comeback in a new interview with "Reckless" Rexx Ruger of Pod Scum. He said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "You know what? At first, it was mixed emotions, of course, because without the Abbott brothers, it's, like, you freak out. But after it started up, I'm happy for the guys, man, because what's Philip and Rex supposed to do? Just never do it again, when they got friends like Zakk and Charlie that are willing to jump in and pay tribute to the Abbott brothers. Actually, I'm totally into it. I'm happy for them that they can go out and enjoy those songs and the fans. I think it's cool, man."

In a 2014 interview with Coachella Valley Weekly, Doling stated about PANTERA: "I was fortunate enough to tour with PANTERA more than once. I did Ozzfest with them and then I did their last tour which was 'Reinventing The Steel' which was a full-blown American tour. And every night Dime insisted on me partying with him, which I didn't mind, but every now and then I would need to take a break. And he would come and personally grab me off the bus and take me into the bar. And one night we were drunk and I said, 'Dimebag, my life would be complete if I could jump on stage and jam with PANTERA,' and the next day I was up on stage crossing guitars with him and that lasted for the next 11 nights."

Up until his passing, Vinnie remained on non-speaking terms with Anselmo, whom the drummer indirectly blamed for Dimebag's death.

Vinnie Paul and Dimebag co-founded PANTERA. When PANTERA broke up in 2003, they formed DAMAGEPLAN. On December 8, 2004, while performing with DAMAGEPLAN at the Alrosa Villa in Columbus, Ohio, Dimebag was shot and killed onstage by a troubled schizophrenic who believed that the members of PANTERA were stealing his thoughts.

Vinnie passed away on June 22, 2018 at his other home in Las Vegas at the age of 54. He died of dilated cardiomyopathy, an enlarged heart, as well as severe coronary artery disease. His death was the result of chronic weakening of the heart muscle — basically meaning his heart couldn't pump blood as well as a healthy heart.

Celebrated Dutch death metal brigade, Hail Of Bullets, is streaming its self-titled debut EP, set for re-release via Agonia Records on Friday, November 22. Listen below.


Guitarist & founder Stephan Gebédi had this to say on the reissue: "The EP that started it all in 2007 for us and turned Hail Of Bullets in a death metal force to be reckoned with overnight! After hearing this EP for the first time, Silenoz (Dimmu Borgir) said that: 'When you think there’s no more hope for brutal music, where every bands sounds the same, Hail Of Bullets come along and just level everything with the ground! Pretenders – move over!' And after producing our full-length album, Dan Swanö stated: 'One of the best, if not the best albums I worked on for a very, very, very long time!' Not much we can add to this, I guess!"


The EP, originally self-released, was distributed by the band themselves in CD-R format for a number of years. Having been unavailable since, Agonia Records will restore it back to live with revamped artwork and in several different formats, including three vinyl iterations.




Often lauded as a death metal supergroup, Hail Of Bullets started out in 2006 and released three studio albums to their name, all with the same line-up comprising Stephan Gebédi (Thanatos) on guitars, Martin van Drunen (Asphyx) on vocals, Paul Baayens (Asphyx, Thanatos) on guitars, Theo van Eekelen (Houwister, Grand Supreme Blood Court) on bass and Ed Warby (Ayreon, ex-Gorefest) on drums.





Formats:


- Jewelcase CD
- Tape
- Green splatter LP
- Red splatter LP
- Eco gray LP
- Digital


Pre-order here. Pre-save here.

Atlanta foursome Pistols At Dawn - Adam Jaffe [drums], Will James [lead guitar], Gabriel Cuevas [bass], and Jon Sookdew Sing [lead vocals] - have released their gorgeous, lilting, and sonically layered cover of the Wham! holiday classic, "Last Christmas". Stream/download the single here.


The band also shared the lyric video for the festive track. Raise a mug of eggnog or mint hot chocolate, eat some homemade cookies, and watch it below.


"'Last Christmas' is definitely the one that stood out to us amongst the Christmas staples, and we wanted to make our own version of this beloved classic," shares the band. "But we didn't just want to make a cut and paste cover. We wanted to make a true Pistols At Dawn version, and between Jon's intimate vocal performance and Will's signature guitar playing, we were able to create a song that would make George Michael proud... With its beautiful string arrangement, this will be a welcome addition to all gatherings around the fireplace surrounded by family, friends, and loved ones for generations to come."







The band has also booked appearances at upcoming radio holiday shows. Those are listed below.


December
3 - KIBZ The Blaze Kampout for Kids - Lincoln, NE
5 - KQRA Q102.1 Low-Dough Holiday Show - Springfield, MO

German hard rockers, Bonfire, are thrilled to announce the release of their new studio album, Higher Ground, out on January 24 via Frontiers Music Srl. To celebrate the album announcement, Bonfire have also released a single titled “I Will Rise”.


Guitarist Hans Ziller describes the new single, by saying: “'I Will Rise' is the story of Hans Ziller, who founded the band in 1972 and was fired by his friends in 1989. He was threatened, humiliated and cheated out of millions. In his book Rock'n'Roll Survivor he writes that he died inside at that time. But he doesn't give up and gets his band back - I will rise!”







Ziller also expresses his enthusiasm for the new album: “The new Bonfire album is a masterpiece. Bonfire have reinvented themselves with Higher Ground, never neglecting their virtues - fat hard guitars, incredible solos, great choir passages and stirring vocals. The band plays as one and is at its best.”


Pre-order Higher Ground here.





Higher Ground tracklisting:


"Nostradamus"
"I Will Rise"
"Higher Ground"
"I Died Tonight"
"Lost All Control"
"When Love Comes Down"
"Fallin'"
"Come Hell Or High Water"
"Jealousy"
"Spinnin’ In The Black"
"Rock’n’Roll Survivor" (2024 Version)


"I Died Tonight" video:





Bonfire is one of the most seminal German hard rock bands of the past fifty years. Originally founded as Cacumen in 1972 by guitarist Hans Ziller in Ingolstadt, Germany, the group initially played local venues, steadily building a fan base before releasing their first album under the name Cacumen.


In 1986, the band rebranded as Bonfire, and their debut album as Bonfire, Don't Touch the Light, marked their international breakthrough. They followed it up with Fireworks in 1987, which further cemented their status in the rock and metal scene. Despite their success, Bonfire experienced several lineup changes, including the departure of key members. However, Ziller, the band’s driving force, kept Bonfire alive, continuously adapting to the challenges faced by the group.


In the 1990s, Bonfire briefly disbanded but returned in 1996, with Ziller reclaiming the rights to the band’s name. Since then, Bonfire has released numerous albums and maintained a strong presence on the international rock scene. Bonfire has remained a resilient force in hard rock, continuing to tour and release new material well into the 21st century.


During their most successful phase with album classics such as Don’t Touch The Light (1986), Fireworks (1987) and Point Blank (1989), the group – alongside Scorpio

In a new interview with TotalRock's "Louder With Ore B" radio show, Paavo Lötjönen of Finnish cello rockers APOCALYPTICA was asked about the relevance of exploring gatekeeping in music communities in today's digital age where social media platforms and streaming services can catapult artists into the spotlight overnight. He said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "I would not be too worried about this thing. Yeah, it's natural changes. It's happening all the time on the music industry. So, it's like a river — it goes where the water goes."

Asked if he feels it's easier for bands to break through in the media today, whether it's traditional media, radio and streaming, Paavo said: "No, not really. I would say I'm really sad for the newcomer bands. It's so difficult to start touring and get some money for touring. We are lucky we've done it already in the past. To make this as a profession, it's difficult… And people [have] kind of learned to get everything for free, and that's a bit tricky if you really would like to create proper shows and live with this, 'cause many bands, newcomer bands, they are doing other jobs on the side and they can't concentrate [on] playing and creating music. Only lucky ones."

Touching upon the fact that production and recording technology has become increasingly accessible, causing the number of aspiring musicians uploading their sounds to Spotify to skyrocket, leading to an oversaturation that has transformed the music industry's landscape, Paavo added: "In a way, it's fantastic that it's possible to spread your music all around. But the fact is that every day Spotify is releasing 140,000 songs — every day. How can you be found from there if you're a newcomer? And if you are signed for the big record companies, like labels, if they take your deal, they take all your money in the future as well."

Released in June via Throwdown Entertainment, APOCALYPTICA's "Apocalyptica Plays Metallica Vol. 2" continues the journey that began in 1996 when cellists from Helsinki's world-renowned Sibelius Academy played symphonic tribute to the biggest of the big four–heavy metal titans METALLICA.

The "One" single from "Apocalyptica Plays Metallica Vol. 2" saw METALLICA frontman James Hetfield joining proceedings for a soul-stirring, spoken word of those inimitable, now-immortal lyrics.

APOCALYPTICA's version of "The Call Of Ktulu", the original of which first appeared on METALLICA's second album — 1984 landmark "Ride The Lightning" — features the original bassline laid down by METALLICA bassist Cliff Burton, who tragically lost his life in a tour bus accident in 1986.

The album's lead single was "The Four Horsemen", a song that originally appeared on METALLICA's 1983 debut "Kill 'Em All". It features a guest appearance by METALLICA bassist Robert Trujillo.

"Apocalyptica Plays Metallica Vol. 2" was the APOCALYPTICA's final studio release with the band's longtime member, drummer Mikko Sirén, who amicably departed after the new LP's completion. "Plays Metallica Vol. 2" was produced by longtime collaborator and studio supremo Joe Barresi (QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE, SOUNDGARDEN, NINE INCH NAILS, TOOL).

In a new interview with Loud & Unfiltered, DROWNING POOL singer Ryan McCombs was asked if title of the band's new single, "Revolution (The Final Amen)", which was released on September 20 via SBG Records, is a reference to it being DROWNING POOL's "last hurrah". Ryan responded (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "I wish I would have had the foresight to see what that would have read, how people would have read into that, because you're not the first [to ask that] and I'm sure you won't be the last. No, it's far from the band's final amen, 'cause we've got so much material right now. As soon as we got back in… I flew into Dallas two or three days before our first show [back] together, and we went straight from the airport to the rehearsal room. And it was, like, there was a little bit more white hair in the room, but other than that … we didn't miss a beat, man. It was just instantaneous. C.J. [Pierce, guitar] and I and Stevie [Benton, bass] and Mike [Luce, drums], we just started writing music, and it just start flowing. It was like opening up the floodgates. So we've got so much material. The problem we have right now is we don't have the time. We keep trying to schedule studio time and then something else show-wise comes up. So our producer, actually, flew out and was on the road with us for a few days on this tour that we're on now so that we can get some stuff down and have the pre-production out of the way so that as soon as the tour's over, I can run to [Las] Vegas and throw some vocals down before we have a show in Mexico City. So in between there, I'll run to Vegas real quick and throw vocals. We're just trying to utilize time, but we just don't [have] enough."

He continued: "But no, to your question, it's definitely not the band's final amen. I mean, we've got too much stuff in the works. We've got too many awesome opportunities that are being presented to us for next year. And we've got a lot of plans band-wise for the next couple of years. So we're definitely not going anywhere. And thankfully, we're not going anywhere because the number one reason we ain't is because people allow us to be around. We'll stay around as long as people are allowing us to. And then thankfully people are giving us the time of day and allowing us to do what we love to do. So we're definitely not going anywhere."

"Revolution (The Final Amen)" marks the first piece of music Pierce, Luce and Benton have completed with McCombs in 13 years.

Last month, Pierce told Radioactive MikeZ, host of the 96.7 KCAL-FM program "Wired In The Empire", that DROWNING POOL began working on new music right away after McCombs rejoined the group in early 2023: "He came in and we started writing stuff before we even talked about the first show, man," he said. "We sat out here. I have a big gazebo in my backyard, and I have the house set up… My house looks like Guitar Center out there, man. It's a home studio, if you will, and it's just a place of creativity, man. We just started working on stuff. There was one or two riffs and songs that we had worked on that we touched on that we were working on right before we took the hiatus, which is pretty cool. I'd like to finish those. But we've been through so much the last 13 years, so we have a lot of things to share and write about, especially what's going on nowadays. So we're that kind of band that writes what you feel at the time. So a lot of ideas on the plate.'

Regarding DROWNING POOL's plans to release a new full-length album, C.J. said: "We plan on finish up a couple more tracks in the next two weeks before we go out on this next tour. And then we have a little bit of break at the end of the year, and I wanna get back in there and try to finish up some more songs. So we do plan on putting out a record here at some point next year, and then leading into the 25th anniversary of [DROWNING POOL's debut album] 'Sinner' the year after that [in 2026], man. It's pretty wild. We have a lot of stuff coming up."

Asked if "Revolution (The Final Amen)" was the first new song he and McCombs worked on, Pierce said: "It's the first thing that came up right away, man. I started jamming that riff literally out on my gazebo, and then Ryan started singing along to it. And then we went in the room, just rehearsing for the shows that were coming up with Ryan, and we just started jamming that riff like we do, man. We get a lot of stuff done. We're still an organic band. We love to get in that rehearsal room and just hash it out together. Sometimes I'll come up with ideas here at my house or Steve will come up ideas at his house, and once we bring them all together in a room, it really makes it a DROWNING POOL song. But that song, we spent a lot of time on it as well because we wanna come out with every song that sounds strong. We didn't wanna just, 'Oh, Ryan's back,' and just shit out some song, man. We mean what we said. We put a lot of time and effort into our art and what we wanna say with the song, and I'm glad that we did that. It took a little longer just because we started touring so much… So it was just us getting into the studio to get it down. And here it is, man. Finally."

The "Revolution (The Final Amen)" video was filmed at El Paso, Texas's Speaking Rock Entertainment Center and can be seen below.

In a separate interview with iHeart Radio personality Debbie Sexxton, Pierce stated about "Revolution (The Final Amen)": "Yeah, it was great working on the song together. It's the first one with all of us back with Ryan, and we spent a lot of time on it. We started on it, actually, beginning of last year. And just between touring and stuff like that, we weren't able to get it down yet. But the whole process, all of us working together, I mean, we literally sat down at a table and we all had different ideas and every one of us kind of approached the song in a different way. And then we came together as a band. It was just amazing. That sounds like a DROWNING POOL song. That's what we want it to sound like. It sounds like us with Ryan."

Regarding the lyrical themes covered in the new DROWNING POOL single, Pierce said: "We spent a lot of time trying different things out to make sure all the bases were covered and we came across with the message lyric-wise too. We had a couple of different rewrites and redrafts just to make sure the flow is right to get the point across. It's more of a general thing about what's going on now. We definitely need a big change — not specific to any country or government or religion as much as just as a whole. It's more [about] planet earth."

In August, Pierce told the "Thunder Underground" podcast about the musical direction of the new DROWNING POOL song: "I'm so excited, man. It just came out naturally. We never tried to write like a 'Bodies Part Two' or a 'Tear Away Part Two'. We just write what we feel at the time, and the excitement that we had and the energy we have with Ryan being back in the band, the song definitely has that vibe to it. It's in drop C [tuning], and I got a new wah pedal in the studio when I was doing the song. So I'm wah-pedaling all over just like on [DROWNING POOL's] 'Sinner' record. So it has that old-school vibe to it. The people that have heard it so far, that's what they relate it to. It's got that same type of energy. It's its own song and entity. But yeah, it's intense, man. It's a banger."

In July, McCombs was asked by 94 Rocks KFML's "The Dark" rock music program if the sound of the new DROWNING POOL material harkens back to what Ryan did with the band in the past, McCombs said: "It's C.J. It's Stevie. It's Mike. It's myself. We did a couple of really — not to toot our own horn — I think we did a couple really good albums back in the day. And we pick up right where we left off.

"I think the coolest thing about DROWNING POOL is it's really easy with DROWNING POOL to separate things with the singers, as far as eras go, but there's always been the DROWNING POOL sound," Ryan continued. "There's always been a certain aspect of just the tones and everything. So it's still just like it always has been — DROWNING POOL."

In June, Pierce told Scott Penfold of Loaded Radio that he and his DROWNING POOL bandmates are once again working with producer Shawn McGhee. "He has his own studio," C.J. explained. "We did the last record with him as well. We did [2022's] 'Strike A Nerve' [with him]. And he's just a great guy to work with. He's on the same page as us and a great friend and a great musician and a killer producer and mixer. So, we love working with Shawn. He really knows how to capture what we're trying to do, man. That's the kind of producer you want. We put him in a driver's seat and somebody you can trust to have that outside ear to take what we have already and elevate it."

McCombs played his first shows back with DROWNING POOL in March 2023 at Club L.A. in Destin, Florida and at the inaugural Throwdown At The Campground festival in Fruitland Park, Florida.

The longtime SOIL frontman, who has lived in Swindon, England since 2018, originally joined DROWNING POOL in 2005 and appeared on two of the band's studio albums, "Full Circle" (2007) and "Drowning Pool" (2010),as well as a live album, 2009's "Loudest Common Denominator". He rejoined SOIL after exiting DROWNING POOL in 2011.

McCombs is continuing to front SOIL and will carry on recording and performing with both bands.

DROWNING POOL's debut album, "Sinner", was certified platinum within six weeks of its release in 2001, while the CD's first single, "Bodies", was one of the most frequently aired videos on MTV by a new band. DROWNING POOL reached out to an ever-greater audience with dynamic performances at Wrestlemania XVIII and Ozzfest during the summers of 2001 and 2002. Unfortunately, their streak of success was not to last. Shortly after rousing the crowd at Ozzfest in Indianapolis, Indiana, on August 3, 2002, vocalist Dave "Stage" Williams was found dead of natural causes on the tour bus.

Photo courtesy of O'Donnell Media Group

Swedish hard rockers, Crazy Lixx, are thrilled to announce the release of their new studio album, Thrill Of The Bite, set for release on February 14 via Frontiers Music Srl.


Today, to get a first “bite” of the new record, Crazy Lixx shares the first single, “Midnight Rebels”, which is accompanied by an unofficial soundtrack music video, made with clips from the classic 1986 horror movie Trick Or Treat, starring Marc Price, Gene Simmons and the late Tony Fields.


Vocalist Danny Rexon expresses his enthusiasm for the new album, by saying: “So stoked to finally reveal the news of our upcoming album, set to be released in February 2025. Even though we did release some new songs on the compilation album earlier this year, it has been quite a while since the fans got a proper full length studio album with all originals, but now we can finally announce that that time is soon upon us. And dare I say that this album is one really worth waiting for? Personally, I'm really proud and happy with how it came out and I think that the response to the two singles we've put out so far ('Call Of The Wild' and 'Little Miss Dangerous') gives us a clear indication that our fans seem to agree.”




Rexon also comments on the first single: “And just to sweeten the good news even more here we are with another banger from the upcoming album, called 'Midnight Rebels'. Probably one of the happier and more party-friendly songs on the album, but still with that darker lyrical theme (which you might have guessed by now, no?). Happy listening, hope you guys enjoy it!”


Watch the video below.


Since the latest studio album release with Street Lethal back in the winter of 2021, fans have been eager to hear new Crazy Lixx material, and even though the compilation album Two Shots At Glory (2024) gave the listeners some covers, fresh takes on old songs, and a couple of new tracks, this next studio album is what they have all been dying to hear.


Thrill Of The Bite promises to elevate Crazy Lixx’s rock music to new heights. Following the success of their previous album Street Lethal (2021), this new record is packed with powerful anthems, memorable riffs and melodies, electrifying guitar solos, and the larger-than-life sing-along energy that fans have come to expect from the band, delivering what is already shaping up to be one of the bands strongest works in their 20+ year career.


The album features tracks that highlight the band’s ability to balance their nostalgic, sleaze-metal roots with their love for the 80s and early 90s, drawing inspiration from the flamboyant heavy metal and movies of that era alike. Crazy Lixx have teased a few tracks, suggesting a turn to a heavier, riff-driven style while maintaining their signature melodic choruses and glam-influenced attitude.


With Thrill Of The Bite, Crazy Lixx are poised to continue their reign as one of Sweden’s premier retro hard rock bands, solidifying their legacy in the global scene while pushing their creative boundaries even further.


Pre-order Thrill Of The Bite here.





Thrill Of The Bite tracklisting:


"Highway Hurricane"
"Who Said Rock N' Roll Is Dead"
"Little Miss Dangerous"
"Call Of The Wild"
"Recipe For Revolution"
"Run Run Wild"
"Midnight Rebels"
"Hunt For Danger"
"Final Warning"
"Stick It Out"


"Midnight Rebels" video:





"Little Miss Dangerous" video:





"Call Of The Wild" video:





Crazy Lixx are a Swedish heavy metal / hair metal / hard rock band hailing from Malmö, Sweden formed in 2002. Known for their energetic performances, catchy hooks, and an unapologetic revival of the glam metal sound from the late 80s, Crazy Lixx ha

Finnish metal/hardcore hybrid Heathen Hearts have released a new single, “All My Friends Are Dead". This single is a cover of Norwegian band Turbonegro’s track, with Heathen Hearts adding their own raw and energetic twist to the song. 


The release is accompanied by a music video, compiled from footage collected throughout the band’s journey.


Heathen Hearts has gradually made a name for itself in Finland’s heavy music scene, known for their intense performances. 




The new cover single, “All My Friends Are Dead,” continues the band’s established sound but incorporates a dose of uncompromising “death punk” energy—remaining true to Turbonegro’s spirit.


“We’ve had Turbonegro with us from the very beginning, and we’ve played this song at every one of our shows, so it was pretty natural to record this cover. Originally, this group was meant to play a Turbonegro set at the local Turbojugend’s birthday party. Then a certain pandemic ruined that fun, and that’s how Heathen Hearts was born,” says guitarist Lauri.


Their discography includes two EPs and a recent standalone single, “Delicate Violence,” from the spring of 2024. The release of the latest single marks an important moment for the band. Heathen Hearts has just begun recording their debut album.


“We were thinking for a long time about what to do with the song and if we’d release it at all, and what would be a better way to celebrate the start of the recording of

In Genesis’ incredible body of work, The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway is a landmark record. Originally released on November 22, 1974 (50 years ago this week), at the pinnacle of their early success, it came at a pivotal point in Genesis’ history. It is rated as one of the greatest albums of its era and one of the most influential progressive rock albums of all time.


The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway 50th Anniversary Super Deluxe Edition is the album's definitive compendium, following the arc of the album’s creation and tour. With input from all of the band members involved in the record – Tony Banks, Phil Collins, Peter Gabriel, Steve Hackett and Mike Rutherford - it comes in 5LP/Blu-Ray Audio, 4CD/Blu-Ray Audio and Digital (including Dolby ATMOS) formats, all providing a deep dive into the music and visual elements around this album and includes:


- The original album mix, remastered at Abbey Road Studios by Miles Showell from the 1974 analog tapes.
- A Blu-ray audio disc includes the remastered 96kHz/24-bit high-resolution audio and Dolby ATMOS mixes of the studio album done by Bob Mackenzie at Real World Studios under the supervision of Peter Gabriel and Tony Banks.
- The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway Live At The Shrine Auditorium from January 24, 1975. It is remastered and includes two encore tracks, “Watcher Of The Skies” and “The Musical Box.” This is the first time the full live show, including the encore tracks, has been released in its entirety.
- Three never-before-released demos from the legendary Headley Grange Session included as part of a digital download card with the full audio from the set.
- A 60-page coffee table style book with Alexis Petridis liner notes, who interviewed all five band members to tell the story of The Lamb… – from the writing sessions to live performances – which is believed to be the only time this has happened since its original release.
- The book also features images from Armando Gallo, Richard Haines and other noted photographers. A 1975 tour program reproduction, replica ticket and poster







This 50th-anniversary Super Deluxe Edition is a true celebration of a remarkable album that embraces the groundbreaking music, giving the whole band’s insight alongside evocative imagery and unseen photos. Ultimately, it celebrates the huge magnitude of what this record is, which Alexis Petridis sums up perfectly in the opening paragraph of the liner notes…


“Perhaps it makes sense that an album as complex as The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway has an equally complex history. The saga of its making is a strange and lengthy one, involving rat-infested country houses, uncanny presentiments of the future—or at least the future of rock music—Hollywood directors, personality clashes and inflatable penises. It’s also occasionally controversial: Talking to the former members of Genesis about The Lamb…nearly half a century on, it’s hard not to be struck by the fact that they seldom agree about it. Some members of the band have said they think it’s the best album of their career. Others think of it as a brave but flawed experiment. Some people view it as the absolute apotheosis of early-’70s progressive rock: a double concept album filled with dense, intricate, ever-shifting music, featuring a plot so knotty and strange even some members of the band didn’t understand it (“Ask Peter—I’m just the drummer,” shrugged Phil Collins when a journalist quizzed him about it shortly after release) and subject to one of the most famously theatrical live presentations in rock history. Some people think it presages the arrival of punk rock. In fact, there’s every chance that The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway is all those things—flawed experiment, career highlight, prog masterpiece, weirdly prescient precursor of punk—at once, which might account for its longevity.”


Available on March 28, you ca pre-order/pre-save the release here.





Tracklisting:


The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway Remastered 2024 (from the original 1974 tapes)


Side 1
"The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway"
"Fly On A Windshield"
"Broadway Melody of 1974"
"cuckoo Cocoon"
"In the Cage"
"The Grand Parade Of Lifeless Packaging"


Side 2
"Back In N.Y.C."
"Hairless Heart"
"Counting Out Time"
"The Carpet Crawlers"
"The Chamber Of 32 Doors"


Side 3
"Lilywhite Lilith"
"The Waiting Room"
"Anyway"
"Here Comes The Supernatural Anaesthetist"
"The Lamia"
"Silent Sorrow In Empty Boats"


Side 4
"The colony Of Slippermen (The Arrival · A Visit To The Doktor · Raven)"
"Ravine"
"The Light Dies down On Broadway"
"Riding The Scree"
"In the Rapids"
"it."


The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway Live From Te Shrine Auditorium, Los Angeles, CA (January 24, 1975), Remastered 2024


Side 1
"The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway"
"Fly On A Windshield"
"Broadway Melody of 1974"
"cuckoo Cocoon"
"In the Cage"

Brazilian melodic rockers Landfall announce the release of their new album, Wide Open Sky, set for release on January 17, 2025, via Frontiers Music Srl. They have also shared the new single and accompanying visualizer, “Running In Circles”.


Discussing about the new single, vocalist Gui Oliver says: “First of all, I believe it is a strong song with a strong message. We must be warriors in a world full of sin and greed. In our lives we must never lose faith and never stop fighting, no matter what.”


Preorder Wide Open Sky here.




“I consider Wide Open Sky our best album so far! We expanded our creativity to find a unique style. The album is full of strong songs and ultimately defines Landfall’s sound - instrumentally and vocally. Our first single “Running in Circles” navigates into a more mysterious and serious side of the band - already available on some songs we did in the past. The song is catchy, and the chorus will stick in people’s heads!” adds guitarist Marcelo Gelbcke.


Landfall, the hard rockers from Curitiba, Brazil, features singer Gui Oliver (ex-Auras), guitarist Marcelo Gelbcke, bassist Luis Rocha, and drummer Felipe Souzza, are back with an almighty bang.


The band’s delightful melodic rock/AOR sound can best be described as falling somewhere between classic melodic rock, a là Journey, and slightly heavier influences, such as classic era Dokken, White Lion, and Extreme. With phenomenal musical and songwriting abilities and the golden voice of Oliver, Landfall is truly a welcome addition to the melodic rock genre.


The new album delivers a solid band and the new songs are stronger, able to capture the best of each band member, melodic rock has never sounded better.


Landfall was originally formed by drummer Felipe Souzza and guitarist Marcelo Gelbcke, childhood friends who have been playing together since they were about 15 years old. Some years later, bassist Thiago Forbeci joined up with them and added new musical input and influences, at which point the band decided to go in a new direction.


During this period, they released three independent albums under the name Wild Child, performing several concerts around Brazil, including opening for acts such as Glenn Hughes and Mike Vescera; until 2017 when the former Auras singer Gui Oliver, joined the band and Landfall began writing songs that would eventually become their first album released by Frontiers Records, The Turning Point.


As a songwriter, Oliver had previously written songs for several artists from the label, including Jimi Jamison, Bobby Kimball, Fergie Frederiksen, and Issa.

ELLEFSON At Bloodstock Open Air 2024; Pro-Shot Video Streaming">
Venezuelan sludge-thrash legends Cultura Tres delivered an unforgettable performance at the Bloodstock Open Air Festival 2024 on August 11, taking to the main stage with fierce intensity. Known for their raw sound that fuses elements of sludge, thrash, and a distinct South American influence, Cultura Tres showcased their track “The World And Its Lies”, which captivated the crowd with its massive riffs, relentless bass, and haunting, guttural vocals. The audience responded with enthusiasm, headbanging in unison as the energy of the music resonated through Catton Park on a sun-scorched day.


This year’s Bloodstock performance was also special due to the addition of David Ellefson, former Megadeth bassist, who brought an extra layer of heaviness and technical expertise to the band’s already formidable sound. His presence amplified the set, enhancing the live experience with his signature bass lines and deep-rooted metal pedigree. Together, they delivered a seamless, thunderous performance that served as a test

In a new interview with Matt Pinfield of 95.5 KLOS's "New & Approved" show, SYSTEM OF A DOWN bassist Shavo Odadjian spoke about being part of the so-called "nu-metal" genre which swept the airwaves and peaked for a brief period in the late '90s and early 2000s. He said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "Someone asked me recently about being a 'nu metal' band. And I have a different outlook on nu metal. It's not a style. It was an era where bands played heavy music, but did it in another way. They didn't do the basic '80s heavy. They mixed rock-metal with something different, whether it be hip-hop, punk rock, eclectic stuff, complicated, progressive stuff, psychedelic prog. People did different things. For example, DEFTONES had that PORTISHEAD vibe that they brought into metal. It's so freaking cool. There's a whole style now — there's a whole DEFTONES-style music right now popping off on TikTok."

He continued: "If you think about it, bro, even though we got villainized a little bit — the nu metal thing was cheesy for a while because every era comes out and it's cool. Then some bands come up that ruined that cool vibe… Heavy metal was great in the '80s. Then these bands came out that kind of ruined it, the cheesier glam metal bands came out. I don't wanna name 'em, but some cheesy bands came out."

Last month, Odadjian admitted to U.K.'s Metal Hammer magazine that he was initially opposed to being lumped into the same genre as KORN, SLIPKNOT, LIMP BIZKIT and others but that he has since come around to accept it.

"I never liked being compared to anyone," Odadjian told the magazine. "When they put us in a group, I would always be, like, 'We're not nu metal. We're our own thing.' Now I'm older and wiser."

Speaking about some of the other bands that came out of the "nu metal" movement, Shavo said: "Those are my bros, man. I made great friends in that community. Touring with these guys and hanging out with them every night, it created some special bonds and I'm proud of that. We're still in that group and that era.

"You can't compare SYSTEM or KORN to STATIC-X. It was an era of doing metal a different way. It was bringing in other elements to metal as a whole and not giving a fuck. That's what the kids of today are attracted to and bonding with in that genre."

Comparing the diversity of the nu metal bands to the early days of punk rock in the 1970s, Shavo said: "Our era was like that in a different way: we didn't care we were mixing Arabic and Armenian elements with death metal, KORN didn't care that they were mixing in hip-hop, DEFTONES didn't care they sang like Sade. STATIC-X added disco… There was such a cool melting pot. You can't deny that it was cool and special, right?"

Nu metal thrived during the remarkable decade from 1994 to 2004 when mainstream charts, magazines, radio and TV were all taken over by a host of diverse artists performing their own brands of hard rock, hip-hop and heavy metal.

Essentially a fusion of rap and alternative rock (arguably born out of RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE),nu metal inexplicably swept the airwaves and peaked for a brief period, with Gregory Heaney of AllMusic describing the genre as "one of metal's more unfortunate pushes into the mainstream." Along the way, several bands associated with nu metal, including KORN, DEFTONES and SLIPKNOT, took a somewhat defensive stance against being labeled as such. Even those less apologetic nu metal groups eventually changed their sound, effectively disowning the genre that they helped pioneer.

The Two Minutes To Late Night crew have shared the new video below, along with the following message:


"Hey! You got Painkiller in my Turbo Lover! This is the 66th bedroom cover made with the support of Patreon. Become a Patreon patron today and get access to exclusive rewards like patches, t-shirts, even custom songs! Plus, you get to see every cover we make before it publicly premieres."


This cover features: