An audio excerpt from Alex Van Halen's upcoming memoir, "Brothers", has been released via Spotify.

Dubbed "Overture" and read by the VAN HALEN drummer himself, the four-and-a-half minute clip serves as a eulogy of sorts for his brother, legendary VAN HALEN guitarist Eddie Van Halen, who passed away four years ago after a long battle with cancer.

"Without my brother I would not be. We fight, argue, we even argue about agreeing on things, but there is a bond and unconditional love that very few people ever experienced in a lifetime," Alex says in the excerpt (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET).

"Music was our heart and soul. That's what we did. That's what we loved. That's what we enjoyed. And that's what we were good at. It was also the thing that made us as close as two brothers can be. We were connected in every way — genetically, artistically, financially, emotionally, and though neither of us stuck with Catholicism, I'm going to go ahead and say spiritually. It's very difficult to unwind that.

"It's been almost four years since you passed, Ed, but sometimes it feels like it just happened this morning.

"One of my earliest memories — I couldn't have been more than two — is of our mother telling me to be quiet so I wouldn't wake you, my new baby brother. You weren't just younger, you were more introverted, more impressionable, and more sensitive than I was — always… You couldn't filter out criticism or adulation for that matter. Everything just got right to you. People always talk about that smile of yours, the smile of a little kid. Open. It wasn't just the way you looked. That was you. That sensitivity is part of what made you a brilliant musician. The world's greatest guitarist is what everyone says. It's kind of a dicey title. You never liked it. I can tell you this much, saying you're the greatest implies there are many more like you. But there is only one, Edward Van Halen. You could play just a single note and it sounded different, distinct. Miles Davis said it's not the notes, it's the intent. It's that intangible essence that makes the difference between one sound and another.

"From the first time you picked up a guitar — my guitar, actually — the resonance and intonation were unique," Alex continued. "Long before people were going crazy for your finger tapping, the talent was already there. Even when you just played a chord, you always said you didn't know where it came from.

"People tell me, you'll always have the music and the best tribute anyone can give you is to listen to our songs. I'm listening to 'Loss Of Control' as I write this. It's the stuff in between the licks that gets me. It's so particular, such a distinctive way of playing you had. And then within seconds you've already changed the lick. You've let it evolve ever so slightly in the most interesting way, and you weren't even aware of it half the time. Music just came through you.

"I watched you take your last breath. In that moment, all the stuff you did or made in this world, you can't take it with you.

"Since you've been gone, I catch myself talking to you, yelling at you, in my head or sometimes out loud. I still have trouble believing you're gone, and probably for me, you never will be. Outliving my little brother, this just wasn't the plan. As the older brother, I was supposed to die first. Same as always, Ed, butting in line.

"I've watched, sometimes with anger, sometimes with grief and other times with pride as the world has mourned your passing and other people have claimed to tell your story. But I was with you from day one. We shared the experience of coming to this country and figuring out how to fit in. We shared a record player, an 800-square-foot house, a mom and a dad, and a work ethic. Later, we shared the back of a tour bus, the experience of becoming successful, of becoming fathers and uncles, of alcoholism and spending more hours in the studio than I've spent doing anything else in this life. We shared a depth of understanding that most people could only hope to achieve. We shared a last name. And we shared a band, and here's what I have to say."

As previously reported, Alex will host two "Brothers" book-signing events in October. The legendary VAN HALEN drummer will also take part in a live conversation event in Los Angeles this month.

Book-signing events:

Monday, Oct. 21 @ noon - Barnes & Noble – New York City
Tuesday, Oct. 22 @ 6 p.m. - Books & Greetings - Northvale, NJ

Live conversation event in Los Angeles:

Thursday, Oct. 24 @ 8 p.m. - Live Talks LA @ the Frost Auditorium in Culver City

Tickets and pre-orders are available now via Van-Halen.com.

Alex Van Halen's deeply candid and insightful book, "Brothers" is not like any rock and roll memoir you've ever read. Alex Van Halen shares his story of family, camaraderie, immigration, music, and loss, and offers a remarkable tribute to his late little brother and bandmate, Edward, a once-in-a-generation talent and transformed our understanding of what it's possible to do with a guitar.

"I was with him from day one," Alex writes. "We shared the experience of coming to this country and figuring out how to fit in. We shared a record player, an 800-square-foot house, a mom and dad, and a work ethic. Later, we shared the back of a tour bus, alcoholism, the experience of becoming successful, of becoming fathers and uncles, and of spending more hours in the studio than I've spent doing anything else in this life. We shared a depth of understanding that most people can only hope to achieve in a lifetime."

In 1962, Alex Van Halen, his younger brother Edward or Ed (never "Eddie"),and their parents boarded a ship in the Netherlands to emigrate to America for the promise and opportunities it held. Ten years later, the boys formed a band and were launched on the path to international rock stardom. Written by Alex while still mourning Edward's untimely death, "Brothers" is a candid love letter to a sibling bond that transcended the public stages. Told with acclaimed New Yorker writer Ariel Levy, this intimate portrait of a once-in-a-generation talent goes far beyond the standard rock memoir, sharing a story of family, camaraderie, immigration, music, and loss.

In his singular voice, Alex remembers the brothers' childhood, first in the Netherlands and then in working-class Pasadena, California, where early on they struggled with their outsider, immigrant status. They gained different perspectives on life from their itinerant musician father and a very proper Indonesian mother. With Edward on guitar and Alex on drums, they would form an eponymous band that went on to sell over 80 million records and play sold-out shows around the world for four decades.

A fascinating story of a legendary band, its talent, and the passion to create, "Brothers" takes readers deep inside with tales of musical politics, infighting, and plenty of bad-boy behavior. But mostly Alex's portrayal of brotherhood, music, and enduring love shines through the drama. "Brothers" provides the definitive take on Edward Van Halen's life and death from the one who knew and loved him best.

Publication in the U.S. and Canada will be on October 22, 2024; Harper U.K., Australia/ New Zealand will follow on October 24 and October 30, respectively.

According to Van-Halen.com, the audiobook version of "Brothers" will contain a previously unreleased song composed by Alex and Eddie Van Halen. Titled "Unfinished", it is the last piece of music they wrote together and can be heard as Alex narrates his story.

Fans who order this book from VanHalenStore.com will receive a free exclusive collectible as a bonus.

"Brothers" will also be made available as a 720-minute audiobook and an eBook.

Alex and Eddie formed a band called MAMMOTH in Pasadena, California in 1972, then renamed it VAN HALEN when singer David Lee Roth joined the group and, later, bassist Michael Anthony.

VAN HALEN was one of the biggest rock bands in the country in the 1980s, with hits like "Runnin' With The Devil", "Dance The Night Away", "Hot For Teacher", "Panama" and "Jump". The group, which later featured Sammy Hagar on vocals, was inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in 2007.

The Van Halen family moved to Pasadena after emigrating to the U.S. from the Netherlands in 1962.

VAN HALEN was inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in 2007.

According to Modern Drummer, Alex was instrumental to VAN HALEN's electrifying, dramatic sound, leading the rhythm section on standout hits like "Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love", "Unchained" and "Panama". His double-bass pedal work throughout "Hot For Teacher" was deeply influential, combining technical prowess with a restless, thoroughly original drum composition.

Back in 2021, Hagar said that he had tried to reach out to Alex after Eddie's death but that he was rebuffed.

"Alex just seems to he just doesn't want to communicate with anybody," Sammy told Ultimate Classic Rock. "You know, Mike [Anthony, former VAN HALEN bassist] has reached out, and I reached out many times. I don't know. I'm sure he's still in pain from the whole thing, but I'm not dogging him. I'm just saying he just really doesn't want to be friends or doesn't want to communicate. I don't know why, but we've still got the rest of our lives to work this out."

When Alex turned 68 in May 2021, he commemorated the occasion by sharing the following statement: "First birthday without you, Ed. The view from my drum set will never be the same. VH forever!"

Eddie passed away in October 2020 at St. John's Hospital in Santa Monica, California. Alex was by his side, as was Eddie's son, Wolfgang. The axeman died from complications due to cancer, his son confirmed.

Eddie's final Instagram post was a tribute to Alex. On May 8, 2020, the guitarist shared a black-and-white photo of him and his brother to his followers to wish the drummer a happy birthday.

He captioned the picture: "Happy Birthday Al!! Love Ya!! #vanhalen #alexvanhalen #birthday #may #drummer #musician #musicians #family #rock #classicrock #rockband #love".

In early 2022, it was confirmed that Alex had been in talks with Roth and guitarist Joe Satriani to put on a special show in honor of Eddie. However, Wolfgang later said that it was "in such an early stage that it never even got off the ground."

1976, the new Thin Lizzy compilation boxset featuring seminal albums Jailbreak and Johnny The Fox as original mix, 2024 mix, and Blu-Ray Atmos mix, sees the legendary rock band return to the UK charts.


According to here, 1976 debuts on a pair of rankings across the pond this frame. Coincidentally, it launches at #18 on both the "Official Albums Sales" and the "Official Physical Albums" tallies, giving Thin Lizzy another top 20 win on the rosters.


Also included in the 1976 box are bonus discs including archive vault, radio, and live recordings alongside a booklet packed full of rare photos and memorabilia.







Available as 5CD+Blu-Ray, and individual 1LP coloured album formats, you can order here.





Additionally, the Super Deluxe Edition has an SDE-exclusive standalone version of the blu-ray which includes everything on the blu-ray in the box set but adds exclusive instrumental versions.





Thin Lizzy's Jailbreak (2024 Remix) is available on silver vinyl LP via UMR. The classic 1976 album features the title track and the caree

The official Rush YouTube channel has been updated to include two more videos filmed at the Montreal Forum in Montreal, Quebec on March 27, 1981.


Featured on the concert film, Exit… Stage Left, "Freewill" and "Closer To The Heart" join the previously posted "Intro/The Camera Eye", "Limelight", "Tom Sawyer", "The Trees", and "Xanadu". All videos, chronologically as per the Exit... Stage Left setlist, can be viewed below:

AC/DC maintains a regular presence on a number of charts all around the world - especially on the "Official Rock & Metal Albums" list in the UK, reports Hugh McIntyre for Forbes. That tally always sees the Australian rockers occupying at least a handful of slots, and this week has turned out to be an especially huge one for the band.


This time around, AC/DC fills seven spaces on the "Official Rock & Metal Albums" list, which ranks the bestselling full-lengths in the UK in those genres. The tally only features 40 rungs, so that means the superstars own nearly 20% of the entire roster.


Of those seven wins, five return to the tally. That quintet of titles all rank as AC/DC’s loftiest placements on the "Official Rock & Metal Albums" chart this week, as the other two - which include a debut - sit very close to the bottom of the tally this frame.




Among AC/DC’s five returning wins on the "Official Rock & Metal Albums" chart, Live At River Plate sits highest. That concert recording comes in at #24. Flick Of The Switch also re-enters inside the same tier of the tally, as it can be found at #29.


Read more at Forbes.com.


For those about to rock, more AC/DC 50th anniversary vinyl has arrived! Flick Of The Switch, Fly On The Wall, Blow Up Your Video, Black Ice, Live At River Plate and Power Up are now available on gold-coloured vinyl, each with an album-specific 12”x12” print featuring new AC/DC 50 artwork.





Flick Of The Switch - The self-produced album saw the band return to the rawer sound of their earlier records. Tracks like "Bedlam In Belgium" and "Nervous Shakedown" still remain firm fan favourites 40 years later.


Fly On The Wall - This 1985 album was the band’s first to be produced solely by Angus and Malcolm Young. It was accompanied by long-form video of the same name, which saw the band playing five tracks from the album in a club full of shady characters and an animated fly, like the one featured on the album cover.


Blow Up Your Video - Initiall

Reading, Pennsylvania-based progressive death metallers Rivers Of Nihil will reissue their debut EP, Hierarchy, on November 8th via Metal Blade Records.


Initially released independently in 2010, the updated edition of Hierarchy has been remixed and remastered by original producer Carson Slovak at Atrium Audio. Hierarchy will be released digitally and on vinyl in the following variants:


- Black (US)
- Grey (EU)




The vinyl edition comes with an etching on Side B. Find pre-orders at: this location.





Tracklist:


"Chambers Of Civility"
"Human Adaptation"
"Ultimate Sentience"
"Post-Mortem Prostitution"


Rivers Of Nihil have never fit neatly into a box, but with 2018’s Where Owls Know My Name, they transcended all labels applied to them. Returning in 2021 with The Work, they forged further into new territory, once again upending any expectations fans had placed on them. And now, with a new series of singles recorded in 2023 and released as singles since then – eventually appearing together on a new album – the band has once again shattered the ceiling of how far they are willing to go in search of new sonic terrain.


The band spent 2021 and 2022 burning the candle at both ends with a frenzied tour schedule including headlining runs of the US and Europe, a jaunt on the European festival circuit, and two runs in support of The Black Dahlia Murder and The Contortionist in North America. But once the latter tour wrapped up, they were short a band member.


For personal reasons, founding vocalist Jake Dieffenbach and the band went their separate ways. The split took place just three

The Wizards Of Winter are pleased to announce the coming availability of their new live album. Titled The Wizards Of Winter Live Volume 1 & Volume 2, the double CD contains music recorded live during the 2023 tour.





Scott Kelly, one of the ensembles co-founders states “While nothing replaces the raw energy of a live show, our new release truly is as close as we could get to the concert audio experience. It will provide approximately two hours of some of our best original music including the narration. All delivered "live" as performed by the world class musicians that wrote and arranged the compositions and storyline. It doesn’t contain any overlaid, prerecorded tracks to augment the sound. It is what an audience member can expect to hear at one of our shows.




"Really proud of everyone involved in the creation of our new Live album... from band, to crew, engineers. It was a total team effort to deliver this. It will start shipping in 2-3 weeks depending on production schedules. The cool thing is that it is truly is live with all of the associated minor imperfections. We just did some tweaking for running length etc. If you have the opportunity to catch any of the PBS presentations, most of this album comes from the sound tracks of that event."


While the official album release date will be November 1, as a special offer to their friends and fans, The Wizards Of Winter are offering free shipping on all pre-orders received by October 31. Shipments are scheduled to begin the last week of October.


Great set to prepare yourself for this year's upcoming Wizards Of Winter tour, relive your past Wizards concert experience, or just get in the Christmas mood! To purchase, go to the Store on the group's official website, here.





The Wizards Of Winter are an ensemble performing classical and progressive-influenced rock music woven throughout a theatrical holiday-themed show, perform

In a new interview with Josh Klinger of Chicago's Rock 95.5 radio station, BREAKING BENJAMIN founder/frontman Benjamin Burnley was asked when fans can expect to hear the band's next studio album. He responded (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "Well, we're working on it… It's the same thing as before. Back in the day, we were on a climb, we wanted things, and now we're all just so blessed to be here, period. And so there isn't necessarily, I wouldn't say like a climb, but there's definitely like a maintenance to stay where we are. But that being said, when there's a climb, you're really rushing yourself, you're hungry, you wanna get it. And we are still hungry and we do wanna get stuff too. But I think it's a little more relaxed now where we really only work on stuff when we're genuinely inspired to. And I feel like that's like — when I listen to the songs that are rushed from back in those days, when I listen to stuff now, I have more peace of mind listening to the newer stuff, because I know that nothing, not any part of it exists because it was rushed. It's all intentional. It's all done in a great setting and in a great mindset. And so that's kind of what takes a while, 'cause you can't like just take a pill and and be inspired. So that's what we're doing. And the record, we have the bones for the whole thing. And it's just a matter of when we're feeling it, 'cause that's going to be the best result anyway, is when you're feeling that, and so that when those moments come by, we work on it. And then when they go away, we don't."

Earlier in the month, BREAKING BENJAMIN released a new single, "Awaken". You can now check it out below.

BREAKING BENJAMIN's first new music since 2018 is being made available via the band's new global recordings agreement with BMG. The partnership with BMG also marks the group's first new label home since releasing their debut album over 20 years ago.

BREAKING BENJAMIN guitarist Jasen Rauch said about "Awaken": "Working on this song has been something new and exciting for all of us, I believe. We've been able to explore more of who we are traditionally while at the same time push boundaries and try things we haven't done in the past. Musically we've tried hard to stay true to what BREAKING BENJAMIN is, but offer a new take as well."

BREAKING BENJAMIN have consistently dominated the rock charts since their debut album in 2002, "Saturate". With 10 No. 1 hits, platinum albums, 8.5 billion streams globally, and a social following of over 6.5 million, they've solidified their global influence and a strong devoted fan base. Their last release, "Aurora", earned them their tenth No. 1 rock radio hit with "Far Away" (featuring Scooter Ward).

Their previous album, "Ember", debuted at number three on the Billboard 200, marking their fourth Top 5 debut. Their track record includes No. 1 hits like "Red Cold River" and "Torn In Two". Both "Aurora" and "Ember" achieved Top 10 status in multiple countries, and No. 1 spots across various charts, including Billboard's Top Alternative Albums, Top Rock Albums, Top Hard Rock Albums and Top Digital Albums.

In a statement, the band said: "Working on these new songs has been a fresh experience for all of us. We've stayed true to the core of who BREAKING BENJAMIN is, but we've also pushed ourselves creatively, exploring new sounds and ideas that we haven't tapped into before. It's been about striking that balance between honoring our roots while introducing a fresh take on what our music can be."

Sean Heydorn, SVP, head of rock and Rise Records, said: "BREAKING BENJAMIN has consistently pushed the boundaries of rock music with their raw energy, powerful songwriting, and a connection with fans that's both intense and enduring. We're incredibly proud to support them as they embark on their next chapter with us at BMG."

Over the course of the group's career, BREAKING BENJAMIN have earned three platinum albums, two gold albums, one four-times-platinum single, one three-times-platinum single, one two-times-platinum single, three platinum singles, and six gold singles, making them one of rock music's most highly anticipated torch bearers of new music.

Photo credit: Dominique D'Costa (courtesy of BMG)

Greek melodic metal outfit, InnerWish, have released a lyric video for "Soul Asunder". The track will be featured on the band's new album, Ash Of Eternal Flame, out on November 8 via RPM (Reigning Phoenix Music).


A message states: "A fast-paced up-tempo song, full of heavy parts but also full of melodies. Another song we love and believe from this album. No matter how heavy we go at parts, melody was and is our main characteristic. And here, the combination of heaviness and melodies worked great, especially with that open chorus. Lyric-wise it is a song about that point in one’s life where that individual says, “Enough is enough; I have to take care of myself.” Caring for others is terrific, though there’s always a line which, once you cross it and leave yourself behind for the sake of taking care of others, it’s challenging to come back to balance."







Ash Of Eternal Flame can be pre-ordered physically [ltd. CD-digipak or ltd. coloured vinyl], pre-saved on your favourite digital service provider (DSP), or pre-orderd digitally, here.


Ash Of Eternal Flame features two distinct cover designs by Giannis Nakos of Remedy Art Design (known for his work with Amaranthe, Kamelot, Arion, and more). The blue version is used for both the CD and digital formats, while the red version is reserved for the vinyl edition. The album includes twelve tracks (including a bonus cover version for physical formats), recorded at LoNe and Devasoundz Studios in Athens, Greece under the guidance of producer Fotis Benardo. Mixing and mastering were handled by award-winning engineer Henrik Udd, who has worked with acts like Hammerfall, Powerwolf, and Septicflesh.


With a diverse range of lyrical themes -- spanning social and global issues, personal struggles, mythology, and even fantasy -- InnerWish are poised to shine brighter than ever with Ash Of Eternal Flame. Musically, the album cements their legacy as a formidable force in the melodic metal scene.





Ash Of Eternal Flame tracklisting:


"Forevermore"
"Sea Of Lies"
"Higher"
"Soul Asunder"
"Primal Scream"
"Ash Of Eternal Flame"
"Cretan Warriors"
"The Hands Of Doom"
"Once Again"

Melodic power metal band, Signum Regis, are thrilled to announce the release of their new single, "Power", paying tribute to the German metal legends, Helloween! The cover is available on all digital platforms, and you can also check out an official music video below.


Jota Fortinho of Signum Regis comments: "Helloween, as expected, is one of our biggest influences and when we decided to pay tribute to some of our references, the hit 'Power' immediately came to mind. It is without a doubt one of the greatest classics of heavy metal worldwide and it was extremely fun and nostalgic to record it."

French melodic death metal outfit. Apocryphal. have unveiled their third single, "My Hero Inside", taken off their upcoming album Facing The End, which is scheduled for release on November 12 via The Circle Music.


The new single, as well as the full album, features Soilwork and The Night Flight Orchestra vocalist, Björn "Speed" Strid, on vocals.


Watch the video for “My Hero Inside” below. The single is also available via all major streaming services.




“The song ‘My Hero Inside’ delves into the dependencies and the lies we tell ourselves when we fall prey to these afflictions,” said the band. “It perfectly reflects the various states generated by addiction, alternating between dark, violent passages that punctuate the daily lives of addicts and a superb chorus that offers a brief moment of deliverance before the next fall. This very catchy and relatively short track is bound to get you hooked.”





Facing The End will be the band’s first since the 1999 debut Black Dreams Of Silence, and features the powerhouse vocals of Soilwork's legendary frontman, Björn "Speed" Strid. It will be released in November on CD, vinyl and digital formats via The Circle Music.


The artwork for Facing The End was done by Valnoir of Metastazis, while the mastering for the album was done by Nino Helfrich at Skull Tone Studios.


The band said: “Our new album may come as a surprise to those who know us, but all the ingredients that make us unique are there. Perhaps less atmospheric, but more effective, the mix of melody and aggression will make every song stick in your head from the first time you listen to it.”


Pre-order the album here. Pre-save the digital here.





Tracklisting:


"Smells Like The End Of The W

Billy Idol and Steve Stevens performed “Dancing With Myself” live from the secret balcony on the 103rd Floor of the Empire State Building to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the iconic Rebel Yell album. Watch the official video below:





Idol and Stevens also performed "Rebel Yell" at the Empire State Building:







Billy Idol is celebrating the 40th anniversary of his landmark album, Rebel Yell, with a deluxe expanded edition, out now via Capitol/UMe.


Available to order here, the reissue includes a selection of previously unreleased songs and demos, the Poolside remix of Idols smash hit "Eyes Without A Face", and the never-before-heard Billy Idol/Steve Stevens original "Best Way Out Of Here" from the original sessions.


Originally released in November 1983, Rebel Yell is the twice-platinum follow-up to Idols self-titled debut. The album features the iconic singles "Eyes Without A Face", "Flesh For Fantasy", "Rebel Yell", and "Catch My Fall". The reissue is available in 2xLP, 2xCD, and digital formats. See below for complete tracklistings.





Rebel Yell (Expanded Edition) tracklistings:


2xLP:


Disc 1, Side A
"Rebel Yell"
"Daytime Drama"
"Eyes Without A Face"
"Blue Highway"


Disc 1, Side B
"Flesh For Fantasy"
"Catch My Fall"
"Crank Call"
"(Do Not) Stand In The Shadows"
"The Dead Next Door"


Disc 2, Side A
"Best Way Out Of Here"
"Love Don't Live Here Anymore"
"Daytime Drama" (Demo)
"Flesh For Fantasy" (Demo)


Disc 2, Side B
"Catch My Fall" (Early Version)
"Crank Call" (Demo)
"(Do Not) Stand In The Shadows" (Demo)
"Eyes Without A Face" (Poolside remix)





2xCD/Digital Album:


Disc 1
"Rebel Yell"
"Daytime Drama"
"Eyes Without A Face"
"Blue Highway"
"Flesh For Fantasy"
"Catch My Fall"
"Crank Call"
"(Do Not) Stand In The Shadows"
"The Dead Next Door"


Disc 2
"Best Way Out Of Here"
"Love Don't Live Here Anymore"
"Daytime Drama" (Demo)
"Flesh For Fantasy" (Demo)
"Catch My Fall" (Early Version)
"Crank Call" (Demo)
"(Do Not) Stand

Bloodstock Festival recently announced "Megadeth Week" with the following message:


"Metal fans, get ready for a treat! We’re showcasing THREE killer live tracks from Megadeth's unforgettable headlining show at Bloodstock Open Air 2023! From October 21st through 27th, don’t miss these legendary performances."


Having previously released the live video for "Sweating Bullets", Bloodstock continues "Megadeth Week" with professionally-filmed footage of the band performing "Symphony Of Destruction".




A message states: "Get ready for a thrash metal masterpiece as Megadeth takes command of the Bloodstock Open Air 2023 stage! On August 13th, the metal legends delivered a headlining performance that fans have been anticipating for years. This video showcases their iconic live rendition of 'Symphony Of Destruction', one of their most powerful and fan-favorite tracks that had the crowd roaring.


"Megadeth, one of the most requested headliners in Bloodstock's recent history, delivered an unforgettable set filled with intensity, energy, and the razor-sharp musicianship they are known for. Led by the legendary Dave Mustaine, the band tore through hit after hit, leaving no doubt as to why they remain at the top of the thrash metal world. From the precision of Mustaine’s shredding to the pounding rhythm section, their performance was nothing short of e

In the clip below, Stephen Pearcy of Ratt performs live at a private party throwback to the Sunset Strip at Fat Jacks Oyster And Sports Bar in Texarkana, Arkansas. The Ratt-loaded show took place on October 12. .


Setlist:


"Wanted Man"
"Slip Of The Lip"
"Way Cool Jr."
"The Morning After"
"You're In Trouble"
"You're In Love"
"Lay It Down"
"Lack Of Communication"
"You Should Know By Now"
"Lovin' You's A Dirty Job"
"I'm Insane"
"Nobody Ride For Free"
"Back For More"
"You Think You're Tough"
"In Your Direction"
"Round and Round"

Metal band Dystopica released their first full-length album, entitled Infinite Reflection, via Pavement Entertainment earlier this year. They have shared a cover of the Judas Priest classic, "Freewheel Burning". Check it out below.





Listen to Infinite Reflection here.




Singer Becky Brideau says, “Infinite Reflection is about reflecting on the past, taking hold of the present, and redefining the future.”


Heavy, aggressive, and melodic, Infinite Reflection elevates the band’s sound to a whole new level. It combines the strength of heavy metal, the driving force of thrash metal, and the complexity of progressive metal in a way that is unique and catchy.


With harmonized guitar riffs, epic guitar solos, vigorous drumming, and powerful female vocals, the band stays true to their core sound while further expanding upon it. Each song is very distinct from one another, but together they tell a story of evolving through time that parallels the evolution of Dystopica’s sound.


Catch Dystopica live on May 18 at The Beeracks for their album release show in East Haven, Connecticut. Special guests include Ellimist, A Well Oiled Machine, and American Amnesia. Doors open at 5:30 PM and tickets are $10.00.


Formed in 2019, Dystopica is made up of Becky Brideau on vocals, Rob Muller on guitar, and Erich Bender on drums. Lucas Dellaporta (bass) and Connor Sperry (guitar) will join the lineup on live shows. The band’s unique sound is a perfect blend of melodic, harmonizing guitar riffs and powerful female vocals while still pulling influences from classic heavy metal.





Tracklisting:


“Images Reflecting Within”
“Revenge”
“Awaken”
“I Am A Gemini”
“Far From Perfect”
“Episodic Waves”
“My Fault”
“Animosity”
“Infinite Reflection�

Hailing from Greece, modern death metal act, Caelestia, have signed a deal with Wormholedeath for the CD release of their EP, Infernalia. More info coming soon.


The word "Infernalia" is the exact antonym of "Caelestia" and marks the band's foundation to a more extreme and guitar-riff-based modern death metal style (with melodic & black metal passages). The EP consists of 4 tracks, which are indicative of the band’s new musical direction, aimed at reintroducing the band to the public. In terms of lyrics, the band explores a wide array of dark subjects, spanning from grim historical events to horror/dark literature, or insidious states of the human mind. Orchestral parts are still part of the music, but now they serve more as introductions or intervals, and not as the main foundation like in the ‘regigad’ releases. Prominent guitar riffs and variating bass lines intertwine with each other, setting the frame in which extreme drumming unfolds, outlining the clear and direct new song.

New Jersey hard rockers Who On Earth are back with a fierce new single, "DAWGZ," delivering a powerful anthem that takes a bold stance against corporate greed and corruption. The hard-hitting track channels a collective fury over profit-driven entities that prioritize wealth over the well-being of people, making "DAWGZ" a rallying cry for those demanding a better world.


With driving energy and impactful lyrics, "DAWGZ" calls listeners to stand together in the face of unchecked power. Bassist and songwriter Pete Rizzi explains, “'DAWGZ' is our way of saying 'ok, enough is enough.' Corporations own our government, and together, they control the medical industry that profits from our sickness. There’s no money in cures, no collective morality—just a drive to make money."


Lead vocalist Coosh adds, “We’re being pushed to the breaking point. We’ve been abandoned by the so-called caretakers of our country. We’re saying no more!”







The release of "DAWGZ" comes in the wake of a heartbreaking loss for the band. In July, Who On Earth completed recording their new material, only to lose their lead guitarist, Bruce Gatewood, to a sudden heart attack. Bruce was a beloved musician, friend, and mentor whose legacy is deeply embedded in the band’s music.


“Bruce will always live on in our hearts, and his contributions will be heard for many years to come,” reflects the band. “We’ve vowed to honor him by getting this music out to the world and keeping his memory alive.”


Who On Earth turned to direc

MEGADETH's Dave Mustaine has spoken fondly about his bandmates, saying that they "have become such good friends".

The 62-year-old MEGADETH leader, who is the sole remaining original member of the group, addressed his relationship with his current bandmates while checking in on social media from MEGADETH's Latin American tour on Monday (April 29). He wrote: "We have had the most righteous time down here in Latin America. The fans have been insanely loud. Every city has had a different set list, and we've practiced our fingers off on this tour! We hope that the fans got to hear their favorite songs, as well as some deeper tracks that we haven't play for some time.

"Fast forward to today. I was looking down at some papers on the hotel suite desk. and noticed something different about the rooming list. It stated that we are going home from here and I always feel melancholy when we do.

"The four of us have become such good friends, and we are all thriving together in MEGADETH. If I may elaborate...

"Dirk [Verbeuren] is an amazing drummer, and I often wonder how I got so fortunate to play with him (he is a lot like [late MEGADETH drummer] Gar [Samuelson]),he is a wonderful, humble man who I've learned a lot from.

"James [LoMenzo, bass] has been our anchor and my mentor for singing out here. He is a killer bassist, who sings so confidently that I can easily accept direction and criticism from him. He has learned every song we play live, note for note, and I love seeing him every morning out here.

"I can't say enough about Teemu [Mäntysaari, guitar], and I don't have to, because you have no doubt seen footage of us together. He is a mad scientist on guitar, he plays ALL previous guitarists parts effortlessly with finesse, and the utmost respect for his predecessor.

"The four of us play, and go over songs every day, reviewing, perfecting, and building up our repertoire to play for you. By the time we reach Europe this summer, we will have even more songs added, to provide the variety to our playlists of songs played in concert.

"Well, that's it for now. I have to get some rest for my body. Tomorrow we are going to take back the night in San Salvador! Mother Nature tried stopping us last time, with insane wind and sideways torrential rain, but the sun is out and we're back!

"Hasta mañana chicos!"

MEGADETH recently announced a North American tour "Destroy All Enemies", produced by Live Nation. Support on the 33-city trek, which includes stops in Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Boston and St. Louis, will come from MUDVAYNE and ALL THAT REMAINS. The tour begins in Rogers, Arkansas on August 2 and runs throughout the month before wrapping in Nashville, Tennessee on September 28.

Finnish guitarist Mäntysaari joined MEGADETH last September after the band's longtime axeman Kiko Loureiro, announced earlier that month that he would sit out the next leg of MEGADETH's "Crush The World" tour in order to stay home with his children back in Finland. It was later revealed that Mäntysaari would continue to play guitar for MEGADETH for the foreseeable future, with Loureiro seemingly having no plans to return.

The 37-year-old Mäntysaari was born in Tampere, Finland and began playing guitar at the age of 12. In 2004, he joined the band WINTERSUN. He has also been a member of SMACKBOUND since 2015.

MEGADETH played its first concert with Mäntysaari on September 6, 2023 at Revel in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Loureiro officially joined MEGADETH in April 2015, about five months after Chris Broderick's exit from the group.

Since its inception in 1983, MEGADETH has ascended from its raw thrash metal roots to become an unstoppable force in the heavy metal world. With founder Dave Mustaine at the helm, MEGADETH's journey has been marked by a penchant for pushing the boundaries of speed, technicality, and complexity in their music. Their groundbreaking album "Rust In Peace", released in 1990, is frequently cited as a seminal work in the thrash metal genre. Along with the critically acclaimed "Peace Sells... But Who's Buying?", it cemented MEGADETH's place in the annals of metal history.

Over four decades, the band's discography has earned numerous certifications, including platinum and multi-platinum awards, with albums like "Countdown To Extinction" and "Youthanasia" achieving widespread critical acclaim. 2016's "Dystopia" not only marked a high point with their first Grammy Award for "Best Metal Performance" after twelve nominations but also set the stage for their latest triumph, "The Sick, The Dying... And The Dead!" in 2022. MEGADETH's status as part of the "Big Four" of thrash metal underscores their trailblazing role in the genre, laying the groundwork for countless bands and musicians who have followed in their wake.

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In a new interview with Tom Power, host of "Q" on Canada's CBC Radio One, EXTREME guitarist Nuno Bettencourt spoke about how he felt when he first heard Eddie Van Halen's classic instrumental "Eruption". He said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "That's the shot heard around the world, man. That's the real shot heard around the world. When Edward Van Halen, when we dropped that needle on 'Van Halen 1', and we didn't know what spaceship had landed, what happened, what alien that was, and he just changed guitar playing forever, period. In a good way."

Asked why Van Halen was the guy that changed his life, as opposed to someone like Jeff Beck or Eric Clapton, Nuno said: "Well, because a lot of the guys you just spoke about, which were incredible and still are incredible at their generation, let's say, possibly a generation before me, were doing things, as guitar players, as creatives, almost in what they played and stylistically. Edward did the same thing, but he did one thing a little bit different. He changed the sound of a guitar player. He changed it in an innovative way, so innovative on the types of things we were hearing that we were confused about. It wasn't just like a blues scale that Clapton or [Jimi] Hendrix might have played that had been around for a minute from Chuck Berry and everybody else, but they were just taking that to a different place. When we heard Edward, and I'm sure as quiet as they were, the Claptons and the and the Jimmy Pages of the world, I'm sure they were doing the same thing we were doing — putting it on and going, 'Okay. What is this? What is he doing? What is going on?' Even though the guys before them, they were incredible and they were game changers and they were influential, we could still visualize and we could still intellectualize where the fingers were and what was going on. When we heard 'Eruption', we were just, like, 'Wait a second. Wait a second.' Go back. Listen to it again. Listen to it again. It was just a different level of technicality, but also creativity, and it was just so innovative. And you know what? For me, that stuff, 'Eruption', was one thing. I'm talking more about the rhythm playing. Edward was doing something where all the guys before him, while they were playing their rhythm tracks, if a change to a section happened, it was always the drummer who did a fill, who did something to make a change. Edward was now — we were hearing a guitar player and going, 'Wait a second. We can also have fun with rhythm playing?' He's doing fills, almost like drum fills, going into sections, having fun and putting a smile on your face and really being creative and playing little vignettes of solos for — I don't know — a bar or two in between sections. That was something really fresh and new. It made you go, 'I can be creative with rhythm playing.' That was wild."

Back in September 2023, Nuno once again dismissed suggestions that his is Eddie Van Halen's heir in the realm of rock guitar playing. Discussing the late guitar legend's legacy in an interview with Tony González of Made In Metal, the EXTREME guitarist was asked to share his thoughts on being referred to as Van Halen's successor, to which he replied: "I think when somebody like Edward changes guitar that much, I don't think there will ever be anybody — not me, not anybody else — that is gonna take that throne. But for guys like me who were influenced by him, the best thing we can do is keep that torch alive, keep the guitar playing alive and hopefully keep passing it on to other generations as well. We definitely don't want guitar to go away in that way, and we want people to keep inspiring younger generations to play. So I'm hoping at the very least that's something I can do — on behalf of Eddie Van Halen."

Nuno went on to say that Eddie has been a huge influence on his playing. "I wouldn't be playing the same way, the way I play, if it wasn't for Edward Van Halen," he said. "I wouldn't be playing the way I'd be playing if it wasn't for Brian May or Jimmy Page or Randy Rhoads or Neal Schon or Elliot Easton from THE CARS. There's so many guitar players that make up a part of who you are. Steve Lukather, Steve Vai, Yngwie Malmsteen — all these guys are influences."

Bettencourt previously addressed comparisons between him and Van Halen in June 2023 in an interview with Metal Edge. "I mean, I never asked for that," he said about being referred to as Van Halen's successor, "but listen, when [EXTREME's] 'Rise' [single and video] came out, I was getting some great responses on the solo and everything in general, and that felt really good. A lot of my peers and heroes, like Steve Lukather, Steve Vai and Brian May, sent me personal texts and e-mails after sharing the song, which was amazing. And then, I was starting to read everywhere that I was, like, 'the heir to the throne' that Edward left."

He continued: "I have to say that while that is gratifying, there is no heir to the throne of Eddie Van Halen. Nobody sits on that throne. Nobody takes that throne. Here's why it's different with Eddie: when a great guitar player passes, you just move on to another, right? But in this case, Eddie wasn't just a 'guitar player.' We're talking about a guy who changed culture and how we play guitar. He was like an alien coming in and fucking everything up so much that even the legends beforehand are like, 'Okay… what is happening here? What sorcery is this?'

"All I can say is that after seeing [Eddie] while I was working on 'Rise' and then hearing the news of his passing, I did feel a little bit of a responsibility," Nuno added. "It's not about me being 'the guy' or some great guitar player because there are lots of them, right? But I definitely felt that within my genre and my generation, I felt like that after Edward passed, I had at least a little bit of responsibility to set an example."

EXTREME's latest album, "Six", came out in June 2023 via earMUSIC. "Six" landed at position No. 10 on Billboard's Top Album Sales chart with first-week sales of 12,500 copies. The set marked the band's first studio album since 2008. The act was last in the Top 10 with "III Sides To Every Story", which debuted and peaked at No. 10 back in October 1992.