JANE'S ADDICTION frontman Perry Farrell is taking time "to reflect and to heal" following his onstage altercation with guitarist Dave Navarro which led to the cancelation of the remaining shows on the band's summer 2024 tour.

In a message posted Saturday (September 21) on her Instagram, Perry's wife Etty Lau Farrell offered an update on the singer's condition, writing: "As you know, Perry is the gentlest of souls. We are equally astonished at Perry's physical outburst as you are - but you must know that Perry must had been pushed to his absolute limit.. to that end we apologize.

"We are taking a bit of time to ourselves, to reflect and to heal. Perry already has appointments with a otolaryngologist and a neurologist."

Apparently referencing speculation that alcohol and substance abuse played in part in Perry's outburst, Etty continued: "If you know and love Perry well, you know there’s no need for me to address the other false narratives. Our souls know.

"With all of your love, kindness, compassion and support, you know, Perry will persevere.. He will recover. He will be happy again. He will once again be able to share his music, vision and artistry - unbridled.

"Make no mistake when he’s ready he will take another giant leap over obstacles to make us laugh, think, while changing the world together.

"We can rejoice together then. And you will know, we would not have been able to do it without you."

An otolaryngologist is a medical professional who treats conditions affecting the ears, nose and throat, while a neurologist treats conditions in the brain and nervous system.

JANE'S ADDICTION's September 13 show at Leader Bank Pavilion in Boston came to a sudden end after Farrell bumped Navarro's shoulder with his own before seemingly yelling at the guitarist. Navarro then placed a hand between himself and Perry before Farrell appeared to throw a punch at him. Another man then jumped between them, breaking up the fight.

Farrell later apologized to his bandmates, fans and family, saying that his "breaking point resulted in inexcusable behavior, and I take full accountability for how I chose to handle the situation."

When JANE'S ADDICTION members Navarro, bassist Eric Avery and drummer Stephen Perkins announced the early end of their tour, they wrote that they had "no choice but to discontinue the trek" due to "a continuing pattern of behavior and the mental health difficulties of our singer Perry Farrell." They added: "Our concern for his personal health and safety as well as our own has left us no alternative. We hope that he will find the help he needs."

On September 13, Etty provided a "first person account" of what happened during the Boston concert, writing in an Instagram post that there had been "a lot of tension and animosity between the members" and the "dynamite was lit" that night.

She went on to say that the altercation had been a culmination of Perry's "mounting" frustration due to the "extremely loud" volume of the band's playing, and that her husband felt that “his voice was being drowned out by the band."

"Perry had been suffering from tinnitus and a sore throat every night," she explained. "But when the audience in the first row started complaining [to] Perry, cussing at him that the band was planning too loud and that they couldn’t hear him, Perry lost it."

"The band started the song 'Ocean [Size]' before Perry was ready and did the count off," Etty continued. "The stage volume was so loud at that point, that Perry couldn't hear [past] the boom and the vibration of the instruments and by the end of the song, he wasn’t singing, he was screaming just to be heard."

Etty claimed that while Navarro had tried to keep her husband "at arm's length to de-escalate the situation," bassist Eric Avery "put Perry in a headlock and punched him in the stomach three times." She said a crew member was able to pull Avery away, and he "walked off to the front of the stage to apologize to [the] audience for the show ending early."

"Dave still looked handsome and cool in the middle of a fight," Etty wrote. "Perry was a crazed beast for the next half an hour — he finally did not calm down, but did break down and cried and cried.

"Eric, well he either didn't understand what de-escalation meant or took advantage of the situation and got in a few cheap shots on Perry," she added.

In a comment below her original post, Etty insisted that alcohol was not the real issue, despite the fact that Perry was seen drinking from a bottle of wine at some of the recent concerts.

"Unfortunately, that bottle of wine is more of a prop nowadays," she wrote. "I have gotten angry at him multiple times, that he would leave a beautiful bottle of wine 3/4 full on the stage, when I would've loved a glass after the show."

The Boston show was part of JANE'S ADDICTION's co-headlining tour with LOVE & ROCKETS.

Navarro had missed JANE'S ADDICTION's tours in 2022 and 2023 because of a battle with long COVID. To fill Navarro's spot, the band brought on QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE guitarist Troy Van Leeuwen and ex-RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS guitarist Josh Klinghoffer.

Farrell admitted to the New York Post that he missed Navarro during the guitarist's absence.

"I wish I would have my dear guitar player around," Farrell said in September 2022. "[But] I live to bring entertainment and art to the world. And whatever I can do to entertain you, to blow your mind, that's what I live for."

In a recent interview with Guitar World, Avery was unsure if JANE'S ADDICTION would be still standing in 2025.

"I still don't know if we're a band that you ever assume will be here a year from now," he told the magazine.

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In a new interview with John And Heidi Show's "Something You Should Know!" podcast, JUDAS PRIEST bassist Ian Hill spoke about the recently released remixed and remastered version of JUDAS PRIEST's classic debut album, 1974's "Rocka Rolla". Regarding the decision to reissue the LP, Hill said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "It's been a long time coming, really. Those first two albums ['Rocka Rolla' and 1976's 'Sad Wings Of Destiny'], they were with our first record company called Gull Records. They were both put together on very low budgets. They were recorded overnight because the studio time, it was cheaper back then. And things were let go really because we had time constrictions as well. I mean, the whole album was done [in] probably three, four weeks maybe, not much longer. And we finally got the rights to the songs, or Reach Music has now got the rights to the songs, so we can do something with 'em. We would've done this a lot earlier, but Gull kept the songs close to the chest. And like I say, now [that] Reach has got it, we can play around with it a little bit."

When the interviewer noted that there are a lot of moving parts that have to align in order to be able to re-release an album like "Rocka Rolla", Hill said: "When we did 'Rocka Rolla' back in '74, it was more straightforward then, but there's still a lot of people involved, from the artistic point of view, from the production point of view, and, of course, the business point of view as well. Everyone's gotta be on the same page. And like I say, after 50 years, we've finally been able to do it, and it's gonna end up with the production it should have had back then. [Producer] Tom Allom's on the case, and he's been recording the band since 1979. So, it's in a very, very safe pair of hands with him."

Asked if he remembers the making of "Rocka Rolla" like it was yesterday, Ian said: "Uh, no. There's been a hell of a lot of water under the bridge since then. [Laughs] You remember some of it — you remember the studios, obviously. Some of it sort of fades into a sort of the fog of time. Some things stand out vividly. I mean, it was the first time we actually went into a professional recording studio, so we were all sort of wide-eyed, big open mouths, in awe of… I mean, Island Studios, some of the most famous acts in the world had recorded there. And, of course, Trident, we did a part of it there. And the Olympic. We actually met [THE ROLLING STONES'] Mick Jagger and Keith Richards at the Olympic, which, for an up-and-coming band, that was an absolute bonus, absolute hoot to meet them. And things like that stand out."

The remixed and remastered version of "Rocka Rolla" was released digitally in the U.S. and Canada on September 13. The CD and vinyl versions of "Rocka Rolla - 50th Anniversary: Remixed And Remastered 1974 - 2024" will arrive on Friday, November 22.

In 1974, before the eternal metal flame was ever lit, JUDAS PRIEST — singer Rob Halford, guitarist Glenn Tipton, bassist Ian Hill, guitarist K.K. Downing and drummer John Hinch — were simply five young musicians in their 20s from the Black Country an area of working-class towns in England excited to have signed a record deal. With limited funds, the band recorded during the less expensive night shift hours. The album "Rocka Rolla" was born during these sessions, under the guidance of producer Roger Bain who was brought in by the label and who had previously produced BLACK SABBATH.

JUDAS PRIEST learnt over time how to record an album, and the experience of working in a professional recording studio helped prepare them for the next album to come, one of the most definitive and foundational heavy metal albums of all time, "Sad Wings Of Destiny". But with "Rocka Rolla", the band was not there for the mixing, the mastering process or any final approvals — they didn't have a say when it was finished or how it ultimately sounded. Although the band felt positive about how the songs sounded in the studio, they were particularly disappointed when they received a finished copy of the album in the mail to listen to for the first time.

Halford recalled: "I took the record and I put the needle onto the groove and I sat back. And I just slowly started to deflate, deflate. I was so disappointed with the way it was sounding. All of us were — we'd all worked so hard to get to this place. And now this music that we know when we play live is roaring — the heavy metal is roaring even in those early primitive days — none of that was coming out of the speakers"

The band never had a future say in "Rocka Rolla" in the intervening decades — the re-releases and early-era compilations… but that was about to change.

During JUDAS PRIEST's "50 Heavy Metal Years" tour in 2022, something remarkable was happening behind the scenes. The label that originally signed JUDAS PRIEST in 1974, Gull Records, and its owner David Howells, decided to sell the masters and publishing rights for the two albums the label owned, "Rocka Rolla" and "Sad Wings Of Destiny", and David contacted Tipton's music publisher, Michael Closter of Reach Music Publishing.

After discussing this opportunity and collaborating with JUDAS PRIEST's manager Jayne Andrews, a compelling offer from Reach Music was made to Gull Records. Terms were accepted. An acquisition agreement was prepared, and after almost 50 years from the release of these albums, Reach Music and its label Exciter Records, in partnership with JUDAS PRIEST, was now the owner of "Rocka Rolla" and "Sad Wings Of Destiny".

The first order of business was to retrieve the original multitrack tapes from storage (which miraculously still existed and kept in usable condition for all these decades) — and to begin the process of resurrecting "Rocka Rolla" from these multitrack recordings...

With the task of delving back into time and putting the tapes of "Rocka Rolla" back on the recording studio console, JUDAS PRIEST put their full faith in Tom Allom, known in the JUDAS PRIEST world for producing the iconic "British Steel" and "Screaming For Vengeance" albums, among many others.

As Allom stated: "What we did with the multitracks is quite unusual, to completely remix an album from that era, from scratch. So to clarify what we're doing, we're not adding anything musically. We're not re-recording any of the musical parts… We're remixing them, rebalancing them using the technology we have, the modern tools we have now, to sonically upgrade them, and make them sound more powerful."

The results of this remixed version are now available for posterity — the artist-approved version of "Rocka Rolla" is finally here for fans to add to their JUDAS PRIEST collection.

Halford said: "It's great to look back and see our future unfurl — from little metal acorns mighty metal oaks do grow. One small step for metal, one giant leap for metalkind — a lifelong metal journey began with these songs. This album lit the eternal metal flame — as real and fresh as ever five decades on.

He added: "I'm just thrilled… because it just goes to show you when you get an expert involved in a project, it's likely that you have a second chance. And I think that Tom Allom is giving us a second chance here with the way that a lot of the elements were lost in 'Rocka Rolla'. And it's also nice, like a really nice feeling, especially to attach it to what will be a 50th-anniversary moment. It's just a beautiful feeling."

Tipton said: "This is where it all started for us and 50 years later, we have a great re-mixed and re-mastered version of the original...and the band are still going strong!"

Hill stated: "Recorded during nighttime sessions to save costs, over a few weeks in June and July 1974, on a shoestring budget, 'Rocka Rolla' was always going to have its flaws! But walking into my local record store and seeing it on a shelf amongst all your idol's records was the proudest feeling in the world, and I thought, 'Whatever happens now, nothing can change that!' Now remixed by Tom Allom and remastered, 'Rocka Rolla' has finally got the production it deserved!"

Downing said: "At last! This! The first JUDAS PRIEST album can be listened to and enjoyed in the way it was always intended to be!"

"Rocka Rolla (50th Anniversary Remixed & Remastered)" track listing:

01. One For The Road
02. Rocka Rolla
03. Winter
04. Deep Freeze
05. Winter Retreat
06. Cheater
07. Never Satisfied
08. Run Of The Mill
09. Dying To Meet You
10. Caviar And Meths

Photo courtesy of Chipster PR & Consulting, Inc.

Mike Portnoy says that the rehearsals for his first tour with DREAM THEATER in 14 years are sounding "like no time has passed".

The drummer co-founded DREAM THEATER in 1985 with guitarist John Petrucci and bassist John Myung. Mike played on 10 DREAM THEATER albums over a 20-year period, from 1989's "When Dream And Day Unite" through 2009's "Black Clouds & Silver Linings", before exiting the group in 2010. Portnoy returned to DREAM THEATER last October after being replaced by Mike Mangini, who played with DREAM THEATER across five studio albums and accompanying world tours.

On Friday (September 27),Portnoy took to his social media to write: "Rehearsals have been sounding and feeling GREAT!!!!! Incredible how quick and seamless we have jumped right back into these songs together again after all these years…(in some song's cases, it been DECADES since playing them together!)

"I don't want to be overconfident, but I have to say it's already sounding and feeling so comfortable and natural…like no time has passed…a little over 3 weeks away from kickoff!!! Can't wait…"

DREAM THEATER's 2024-2025 40th-anniversary tour will kick off with a European leg this fall. The outing — presented as "An Evening With Dream Theater" — will launch on October 20 in London and run through November 24 in Amsterdam, hitting cities in numerous European countries along the way.

DREAM THEATER recently spent time in the studio recording the band's sixteenth album. The upcoming effort will mark the progressive metal legends' first LP since Portnoy's return to the group.

Mangini joined DREAM THEATER in late 2010 through a widely publicized audition following the departure of Portnoy. Mangini beat out six other of the world's top drummers — Marco Minnemann, Virgil Donati, Aquiles Priester, Thomas Lang, Peter Wildoer and Derek Roddy — for the gig, a three-day process that was filmed for a documentary-style reality show called "The Spirit Carries On".

In an interview with Chile's Sonar FM, Portnoy was asked if he missed playing with DREAM THEATER during his time away from the group. He responded: "Well, of course, I always missed DREAM THEATER and the music and the guys and the fans. Not all DREAM THEATER fans went on the ride with me with all of my other bands. So, every time I would tour with SONS OF APOLLO or WINERY DOGS or SHATTERED FORTRESS or NEAL MORSE BAND, I would see someDREAM THEATER fans, but there's a big portion of the fanbase that wasn't with me for all those years. So yeah, I missed them and I missed the guys and I missed the music. We were always a family first and foremost."

Regarding the fact that he is once again in charge of coming up with the setlists for DREAM THEATER's live shows, Mike said: "Yeah, it's an area that was always my department and my passion. I always wrote all the setlists for DREAM THEATER, as well as any of my bands or projects. That's an area that's very important to me. And yeah, when I came back to DREAM THEATER, a lot of the things we have to figure out who's gonna be in charge of what. There's a lot of areas that I used to be in charge of, which now John [Petrucci, DREAM THEATER guitarist] may do, or maybe the band makes band decisions. So I have to kind of find my place within the band's chemistry now. But yeah, one of the things that they did give back to me was the setlist and writing the setlist. So yeah, it was something that was a lot of fun and exciting — a great open palette to work with, really. 40 years of music, and I haven't played any of this music with the guys in almost 15 years. So it's all so fresh. Back in 2010, I might have been bored with it, but now in 2024, I'm just as excited to play those songs as any of 'em."

On the topic of how different it is to play with DREAM THEATER in 2024 compared to how it was 14 years ago, Mike said: "There's two sides to that question. The first I'll say, personally, I think we're just all older and wiser, more mellow. I am not as much of a control freak as I used to be; I'm a lot more easygoing, a lot more mellow. So, yeah, there's the one side of the natural age of everybody just — we're now in our fifties and sixties, and I think we're just more mature and experienced. But the other side to that question is, like I just mentioned, finding my place within this new chemistry and overseeing every area. And then when I left the band, they needed to take some of these areas and divide them up amongst themselves and have different people overseeing different areas. And now that I'm coming back, I have to kind of see what's comfortable. I have to very much respect that they've had 13 years without me and they may do things a certain way differently now. So it's up to me to really be very respectful to that and not try to force myself in any of the areas. So anytime something comes up, whether we're talking about a setlist or the merchandise or how they wanna record in the studio, no matter what the subject is, it's always now, like, 'Okay, well, how do you guys do it now? How do you want me involved? Do you want me to oversee it? Do you want me to stay out of it? That's fine too.' And it's kind of like a learning process to find myself comfortable with the way that the band works now."

Portnoy also talked about DREAM THEATER's upcoming sixteenth album, which is still in the process of being recorded. He said: "We started the new album in February of this year, and we figured that was about 15 years since we last made a record together with 'Black Clouds & Silver Linings' in 2009. So we got together — February 7th, 2024, I think is when we moved into the studio to begin — and it felt like it had only been one week since we finished 'The Count Of Tuscany' and wrapped the last album. It felt like it was only one week. It felt like only a week had passed. Like, okay, here we are 15 years later, but it felt like just yesterday. That's how familiar and comfortable the chemistry is with the five of us. We immediately felt comfortable, like not a day had passed, and immediately started writing ideas and bouncing ideas off of each other. And it just quickly snowballed and we were up and running and off and going."

Portnoy recently told the "So...You Want To Be A Musician?" podcast about his mindset when rejoining DREAM THEATER: "At our ages, we realized when we decided to reunite and get back together, I'd be lying if I didn't say we didn't start to look in the mirror and look at the clock and say, who knows how much time we have left? The clock is ticking, and we realize we're not gonna be here forever. And we wanna spend whatever time we have left together making music with the people that we grew up with and the people that we love. So, yeah, that's kind of where we're at at this stage."

Portnoy admitted to Mariskal Rock that he "needed to get used to was being the 'new guy'" after rejoining DREAM THEATER, "being the new guy in a band that I helped form when I was a teenager. So it's a bit of a transition for me to go from being a bit of the leader, as I was back when I left the band, now I have to kind of find my way back into the chemistry and I need to respect the fact that they've been doing this for 13 years without me and they have maybe new ways of doing things, new ways of making decisions," he explained. "So … I have had to be very respectful for my role as the new guy and finding my way back into the chemistry of the band."

This past June, Portnoy was asked by Brazil's Marcelo Vieira and Matheus Ribeiro if DREAM THEATER's upcoming sixteenth studio album picks up from where the last DT LP he played on, 2009's "Black Clouds & Silver Linings", left off or if it's a different thing entirely. He responded: "If I'm being honest, I think it picks up right where 'Black Clouds' left off, to be honest. There's a certain style that the five of us have when we write together. And if you listen to the album with this lineup from 1999, '[Metropolis Pt. 2:] Scenes From A Memory', through 2009's 'Black Clouds & Silver Linings', if you look at that string of five or six albums, that's the sound and style of these five people. So I think that's a good indication of what you can expect with the new DREAM THEATER album. It definitely sounds like classic DREAM THEATER."

My view at the office…🥁 Rehearsals have been sounding and feeling GREAT!!!!! Incredible how quick and seamless we have...

Posted by Mike Portnoy on Friday, September 27, 2024

CANNIBAL CORPSE guitarist Erik Rutan has left the band's European headlining tour after his home in St. Petersburg, Florida sustained "catastrophic damage from Hurricane Helene".

Hurricane Helene barreled through the Southeast on Friday, September 27, causing flooding in Florida, Tennessee and Georgia. The Tampa Bay area of Florida, particularly St. Petersburg, was hit hard.

According to the Tampa Bay Times, St. Petersburg experienced more than six feet of storm surge, and more than 100 miles of flooded roads.

Earlier today, CANNIBAL CORPSE released the following statement via social media: "Due to catastrophic damage to his home from Hurricane Helene, Erik Rutan has left the tour to be present with his family at this time. Our hearts go out to Erik and his wife as they deal with this situation."

CANNIBAL CORPSE's European tour with MUNICIPAL WASTE, IMMOLATION and SCHIZOPHRENIA kicked off on September 20 in Oberhausen, Germany and is scheduled to end on October 20 in Frankfurt, Germany.

Rutan was named a permanent member of CANNIBAL CORPSE in 2021. He joined the band as the replacement for CANNIBAL's longtime guitarist Pat O'Brien.

Rutan, one of the death metal's most acclaimed guitarists, is known for his time as part of MORBID ANGEL throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, as well as handling vocals/guitars for HATE ETERNAL. He is also an acclaimed producer, working mostly out of his Mana Recording facility in St. Petersburg.

Hurricane Helene is one of the most powerful storms ever to hit the United States, with wind gust speeds of 140 mph and heavy rain.

Posted by Cannibal Corpse on Saturday, September 28, 2024

FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH frontman Ivan Moody fractured his rib while performing with his bandmates this past Thursday (September 26) at the Louder Than Life festival at Highland Festival Grounds at the Kentucky Expo Center in Louisville, Kentucky.

The 44-year-old singer sustained the injury during the eleventh song of FIVE FINGER's set, "IOU", on the first day of the festival when the weather turned rainy toward the end of the day. Video of the incident (see below) shows Moody losing his footing as he makes way across the stage, before quickly lifting himself back up and continuing with the final song of FIVE FINGER's regular set.

Moody later took to his Instagram Stories to offer an update on his condition, explaining that he had a "bruise that's running from the inside of my armpit down to the side of my knee." In addition, he said that his hand felt "like it's shattered."

After visiting a local hospital, Moody said that the final diagnosis was a "fractured fucking rib." He added: "You've gotta be fucking kidding me. It's always something, man. Well, I will say this much: it was worth it. Louder Than Life. For real real."

Conditions at Louder Than Life worsened on Friday as heavy rain from Hurricane Helene pushed into the area, forcing the organizers to cancel the day's shows.

FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH recently completed a headlining U.S. tour with support from MARILYN MANSON and SLAUGHTER TO PREVAIL. The trek kicked off on August 2 in Hershey, Pennsylvania and ran through September 19 when it concluded in Houston, Texas.

Prior to the U.S. run, FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH toured Europe as the support act for METALLICA on the latter act's "M72" world tour in addition to headlining shows with special guest ICE NINE KILLS and select appearances at major festivals.

FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH is continuing to tour in support of its ninth album, "AfterLife" which was released in August 2022 via Better Noise.

On April 5, FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH released the digital deluxe edition of "AfterLife", featuring the original 12 tracks recorded with the band's longtime producer Kevin Churko (OZZY OSBOURNE) in addition to four bonus tracks: three acoustic versions of the album's songs "The End", "Judgement Day" and "Thanks For Asking" plus "This Is The Way", featuring DMX.

Former WHITESNAKE and DIO and current THE DEAD DAISIES guitarist Doug Aldrich has undergone a successful surgery being after diagnosed with a treatable throat cancer.

On Friday (September 27),Doug's wife Daniela "Danni" Aldrich shared an update on her husband's condition, writing on her personal Facebook page: "I just want to take a moment to thank each and every one of you who sent prayers, texts, and love for Doug. It truly meant the world to him to feel the outpouring of support. Your messages really lifted his spirits, and it made such a difference knowing how many people care about him.

"All your prayers were heard!" she continued. "The surgery went incredibly well—five long hours of multiple steps—but Doug pushed through like the fighter he is. Even the nurse called him a superhero for his strength and determination right after! He is the strongest person I know.

"It's going to be a long road ahead, but Doug is strong, and he is so loved. We are beyond grateful for all of you standing by his side through this. As soon as he's able, Doug will share more updates himself.

"Thank you again, from the bottom of our hearts!

"Also to everyone who cared about the kids and me. Thank you so much".

As a result of Doug's surgery, he will not be able to take part in THE DEAD DAISIES' upcoming European tour and will be temporarily replaced by Reb Beach (WHITESNAKE, WINGER).

Aldrich played with DIO for a short period between 2002 and 2006. He was also a member of WHITESNAKE from 2002 to 2014 before leaving to spend more time with his family. The guitarist played on two WHITESNAKE studio albums, 2008's "Good To Be Bad" and 2011's "Forevermore", and appeared on several live releases, including 2013's "Made In Japan" and "Made In Britain/The World Records".

Aldrich left WHITESNAKE 10 years ago, saying in a statement that he "had several recording and live commitments," so he "needed a more flexible schedule to conclude these before going full force as normal." He added: "Unfortunately, my schedule was not workable."

Having also played with LION, HOUSE OF LORDS, BAD MOON RISING, HURRICANE and Glenn Hughes, Aldrich joined THE DEAD DAISIES in 2016 and can be heard on that band's last five albums, 2016's "Make Some Noise", 2018's "Burn It Down", 2021's "Holy Ground", 2022's "Radiance" and 2024's "Light 'Em Up".

Thought we’d give you guys an update on Doug!🎸🎸
Doug’s wife Danni posted on her FB page today, it sounds like everything...

Posted by The Dead Daisies on Friday, September 27, 2024

Vocalist Lou Koller of New York hardcore legends SICK OF IT ALL has undergone his final pre-surgery round of chemotherapy after recently being diagnosed with an esophageal tumor.

Earlier today (Friday, September 27),Koller shared a video update via social media in which he said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "Hey, everybody. Lou here. I just wanna give you a quick update. Today was chemo session number four, last of the pre-surgery chemos. So now I have a month till the surgery, which is on October 24th. So far I feel okay. Little dizzy, little tired, body aches, same thing that happens all the time. Have my take-home pack of chemo right here. Mm-hmm. See, I get a bonus every time. I wear it for 24 hours and they then they take it out tomorrow. This is the one that really messes me up. So after tomorrow, I will be useless for, like, four or five days. So that's that.

"I'm really thankful that you guys sold out the benefit show [on Saturday, November 23 at Irving Plaza in New York City] that quickly," he continued. "The lineup is insane. It's gonna be an amazing show. I don't know if I can be there. Depends on how much I healed after the surgery. It's gonna be a good time in between the surgery and the show. But also, my doctor's advice was, 'Don't test your immune system in that environment.' What are you gonna do?

"But, like I said, I'm doing good. I got a lot of chemo side effects, like numbness in my fingertips, losing hair… At least I got my eyebrows still… And I got my eyelashes.

"I miss my hair. I hate looking in the mirror. I scare myself in the bathroom at night, like, 'Who the hell's that guy?' [Laughs]

"Anyway, just messing around. I hope you are all doing good. And thank you for supporting me and SICK OF IT ALL.

"I know Craig's [Setari, SICK OF IT ALL bassist] out on the road with Marky Ramone, so go see that," Lou added. "And I think he might be doing some shows with JUDGE. Just write to the guys — write to Armand [Majidi, SICK OF IT ALL drummer], Pete [Koller, SICK OF IT ALL guitarist] and Craig — and tell 'em hello. Keep their spirits up too. I'm doing all right.

"All right, guys. Thanks. And take care of each other."

After Lou went public in late June with the news that doctors discovered a cancerous tumor in his esophagus, his brother Pete, SICK OF IT ALL guitarist, set up a GoFundMe campaign to help cover some of the costs of his cancer treatment and assist with living expenses while the group is off the road and unable to tour. That campaign has since raised more than $300,000, with fellow artists AFI, RANCID and DROPKICK MURPHYS contributing $5,000 apiece, and bands such as SNAPCASE and HOT WATER MUSIC also making generous donations.

The long-running New York Hardcore band subsequently canceled its previously announced European tour dates.

When Lou first posted about the diagnosis on social media, he said: "[Doctors] found a tumor in my esophagus that goes into my stomach, and I'll have to be getting treatment all summer — and of course, with full support of the band. As soon as they heard it, they were, like, 'Forget the tour. Just get healthy.' … They're all behind me staying home and us staying home."

Koller ended the message by saying: "I'll hopefully beat this thing and see you at the end of the summer … or maybe the winter."

SICK OF IT ALL's European tour was supposed to kick off in the Czech Republic on July 4.

SICK OF IT ALL's latest album, "Wake The Sleeping Dragon!", was released in November 2018 via Century Media.

Update

Here is an update! I had my last pre-surgery chemo on the 26th. Now I have to recover and get ready for the surgery on October 24th. Still dealing with insurance insanity etc. Thank you for your continued support. Don’t for get to go to our instagram home page and check out the post on the raffle that Pete is organizing. I’ve been told there are some rare and museum worthy items in there! Also check out Craig on tour with Marky Ramone this month. And go say hello to all the guy on their pages @armand.of.it.all @petesickofitall and @craigahead I feel like shit but that’s how you tell if the chemo is working haha. Thank you again and talk to you soon. #sickofitall #soianyc #nyhc #hardcoreworldwide #undergroundmusic #punk #thrash #metal #newyorkhardcore #itsclobberingtime #fuckcancer #

Posted by Sick Of It All on Friday, September 27, 2024

NYC! Saturday November 23 at Irving Plaza!Vision of Disorder (OG lineup) is playing a benefit show for Lou Koller of the...

Posted by VISION OF DISORDER OFFICIAL on Tuesday, September 10, 2024

Singer, poet, songwriter, visual artist, film producer, activist and author Serj Tankian, lead singer and lyricist for the Grammy Award-winning rock band SYSTEM OF A DOWN, has just released "Foundations", his EP of new music, worldwide via Gibson Records. Serj has also debuted the new video for the song "Cartoon Buyer" which begins with hushed, folk tones of Serj playing acoustic guitar, gradually building in intensity before exploding in sonic and spiritual catharsis.

"Foundations" track listing:

01. A.F. Day
02. Justice Will Shine On
03. Appropriations
04. Cartoon Buyer
05. Life's Revengeful Son

"Foundations" mines music and lyrics from previous decades and reframes them in a hard-hitting, intensely focused collection. Like all of Tankian's work, the five songs that comprise "Foundations" encompass a wide range of sounds and styles. It is music that traverses multiple eras and vast swaths of emotions. It is also very much a rock album — "music of rebellion," says Tankian.

"Foundations" kicks off with "A.F. Day", a raging, heavy-riffing track that sounds like classic Tankian. The origins of the song date back almost three decades, to his earliest days with SYSTEM OF A DOWN. Tankian never brought it to the band to record, and when he happened upon "A.F. Day" more recently he "felt it should finally be released." In doing so, he retained much of the original music, including his vocals — a decision that was partly pragmatic: "My voice has naturally changed over time," Tankian explains. As the lyrics demonstrate, his attitude has not. "Medieval educators locking horns at the playground at 5 / Real live police crime shows submission of the population at large," he rails, expressing disgust with indoctrination and blind deference to authority at every turn.

"A.F. Day" is followed the album's most anthemic track, and also its emotional centerpiece: "Justice Will Shine On". Another song whose compositional roots date back to the early SOAD days, the impassioned hard rocker is nonetheless instilled with a message that is as hard-hitting and vital today. Over potent riffs and pummeling rhythms, Tankian grapples with the atrocities of the Armenian genocide experienced by his grandparents firsthand. He addresses their suffering in jarringly personal and direct terms, singing, "Can you tell me dear grandfather of your childhood so far away / You can see the death of laughter in his teared eyes disarray / Can you tell me dear grandmother of your childhood from hunger and pain / Of the orphans you called brothers in her teared eyes disarray." As the song launches into its soaring chorus, Tankian declares that his grandparents' torment, and the anguish experienced by all Armenian victims, will not be in vain. "We are the children of all the survivors / Justice will shine on!"

Elsewhere on "Foundations", "Appropriations" (an older song I've 're-appropriated' to modern times," he says) juxtaposes a snake-y, arpeggiated verse with a crushing chorus in a clash of eastern and western modalities, as Tankian unspools lyrics that play off complementary sounds and contrasting sensibilities: "Resignation, provocation, segregation… imagination and creation," he croons. And "Cartoon Buyer", which dates to a period just prior to Tankian's first solo record, 2007's "Elect The Dead", begins in hushed, almost folk-y mode, and gradually builds — both in intensity and actual tempo — before exploding in sonic and spiritual catharsis. Throughout the track, Tankian scrutinizes the divides within humanity ("You see me without emotions / I see you across the oceans," he intones) before ultimately declaring our oneness: "California to Argentina…Saudi Arabia to Tunisia…Armenia to Australia…Israel to Indonesia / They are us and we are them."

Finally, "Life's Revengeful Son", originally recorded prior to Tankian's 2010 "Imperfect Harmonies" album, incorporates a variety of instrumentation, including acoustic and electric guitars and dramatic orchestration, into an epic closer with unmatched imagery: "The final revolution will occur when the arms of the clock fall," Tankian sings. "Jesus seen in the streets, dragging a car axel instead of the cross."

A true creative tour de force, Tankian recorded "Foundations" primarily at his own Serjical Strike Studios in L.A. He wrote, performed, orchestrated and produced all the material, as well as contributed the artwork — an original piece titled "Sunburst" — that adorns the album cover. Additional instrumentation on the record was provided by Dan Monti (guitars, bass and drum programming) and, on "Cartoon Buyer", by bassist Mario Pagliarulo and SOAD drummer John Dolmayan.

"Foundations", Tankian says, is "a retrospective of songs from different eras of my life, meant to complement the memoir," and caps what has been an incredibly prolific year for Tankian, from the release of his memoir The New York Times bestseller "Down With The System", to the massive, sold-out SYSTEM OF A DOWN headlining show at Golden Gate Park in San Francisco with over 50,000 fans. But even as he is now revealing his "foundations," Tankian is already looking ahead. "The next record will likely be a record of covers, collaborations and collages," he envisions.

Credit his restless, ever-curious creative spirit. "I'm always moving in different directions," Tankian says. "Repetition is boring, and the death of art."

As previously announced, on November 1, Tankian will release a diverse selection of limited-edition variants of the "Foundations" EP on colored vinyl with an etching featured on Side B of every package. The "Foundations" vinyl package includes a red-and-black starburst vinyl available on Tankian's own official webstore, and an opaque purple version only available in U.S. record stores nationwide.

In celebration of Tankian's fall 2024 Revolver magazine cover story, an exclusive and limited-edition vinyl in a striking dark blue marble, is bundled with a special edition of the cover story wrapped in a one-of-a-kind photo slipcase.

Photo credit: Travis Shinn

During an appearance on the latest episode of "The Metallica Report", the podcast offering weekly insider updates on all things METALLICA, METALLICA frontman James Hetfield was asked if feels the influence of the band's late bassist Cliff Burton in his writing. James responded (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "Absolutely. Cliffstill lives in all of us. The way he lives in me is I get to channel, you know, 'Cliff, what would be really cool right here?' And I do — I do hold him in such high regard that I ask for his help still. And I challenge myself, 'Would Cliff like this?' That, to me, is a pretty high standard. We already have high standards for ourselves, but you know, if I could impress Cliff, it was a good day."

Cliff was asked to join METALLICA in 1982 after the band saw him perform with his group at the time, TRAUMA.

The bassist was not willing to move to Los Angeles, where METALLICA was based, so they decided to move to the San Francisco area so that he would join.

Burton played on METALLICA's first three studio albums — "Kill 'Em All", "Ride The Lightning" and "Master Of Puppets" — and co-wrote classic songs like "Ride The Lightning", "For Whom The Bell Tolls", "Fade To Black", "Creeping Death" and "Master Of Puppets".

His life was tragically cut short at the age of 24 in a tour bus crash on September 27, 1986 in Sweden.

Burton's initial replacement in the group was Jason Newsted, who stayed in the lineup until 2001. Robert Trujillo joined in 2003 and remains in the band to this day.

February 10, 2018 was proclaimed "Cliff Burton Day" by Alameda County supervisors. The late METALLICA bassist would have turned 56 years old on that date had he lived.

Back in 2016, METALLICA drummer Lars Ulrich spoke to Seattle's KISW 99.9 radio station about Burton's tragic loss when METALLICA's tour bus skidded on ice while the group was on tour in Scandinavia and Cliff was thrown out the window and crushed. Lars said: "We were so shocked and stunned that we didn't know what hit us. And, like most, I guess, kids in their early 20s who get ambushed with that type of thing, we jumped into a bottle of, in this case, vodka, for me, and stayed in there for quite some time. We weren't mature enough or seasoned in life enough to know how to deal with this other than just to sort of, basically, almost hide behind the alcohol and compartmentalized it. So the next few months were very difficult, and it was crazy, but we just put the blinders on and started auditioning bass players. And we knew in our hearts that Cliff would be the first one to kick us in the ass and tell us to keep going, if he could see us mope. And so there was no moping; we just kept going the best we knew how to."

Hetfield was asked in an interview with TeamRock what he thinks Burton might have thought about the drastic changes in its look and sound that METALLICA made through the 1990s and early 2000s with albums like "Load", "Reload" and "St. Anger". Hetfield replied: "Well, I certainly would have thought there would have been some resistance, for sure. I think the 'Black Album' was a great album and I appreciate the fact that we did have the balls to do that… I would certainly think that the 'Load' and 'Reload' [era], I would have had an ally that was very against it all — the reinvention or the U2 version of METALLICA."

Asked if Hetfield was personally comfortable with the more "alternative" image and music METALLICA made on those albums, the singer/guitarist replied: "No, no, not at all. There's some great, great songs on there but my opinion is that all of the imagery and stuff like that was not necessary. And the amount of songs that were written was… it diluted the potency of the poison of METALLICA. And I think Cliff would have agreed with that."

Burton's huge talent and achievements were chronicled in book form with the 2009 global publication of "To Live Is To Die: The Life And Death Of Metallica's Cliff Burton", written by U.K.-based author Joel McIver and published by Jawbone Press. The foreword was provided by METALLICA guitarist Kirk Hammett.

In a new interview with Sakis Fragos of Rock Hard Greece, NIGHTWISH multi-instrumentalist Troy Donockley spoke about the band's announcement that it would take a break from touring and not hit the road in support of the band's just-released studio album "Yesterwynde". He said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH>NET): "Well, I was part of the decision, as we all were. We weren't forced into the conclusion, but we were pointed in the direction of it quite early on, even before the pandemic. We realized that we were in danger of burning out of doing too much. So we made the decision, and extraordinarily, the decision to have this hiatus, this time off, is for all of us. It has no time limit. We have absolutely no plans at all for when we will bring the band out again to play live."

He continued: "At the moment, we're just trying to, I suppose, personally, for all of us, recapture our balance, recapture, I suppose, our sense of direction for the band. It hasn't been easy — there's been lots of personal problems — but I must stress that we're an unusual beast, NIGHTWISH, in that we actually love being with each other. It's a rare thing for bands. A lot of bands, they'll have separate dressing rooms and all that kind of nonsense, whereas we actually enjoy our own company. And we socially mix with each other even when we're not working. We have fun with each other. Last year, Emppu [Vuorinen, NIGHTWISH guitarist] and Tuomas [Holopainen, NIGHTWISH keyboardist] came over to Yorkshire [England] and we went metal detecting for a week, just for the fun of it. Yeah, that's what we do. And have massive fun doing it."

Circling back to NIGHTWISH's decision to not play any live shows for the foreseeable future, Troy said: "So, it's not terminal. It's an extended time off. But I can envisage some more live work probably in 2027, which is the 30th anniversary of the band. I should imagine we'll do something live to mark that. We might do that."

When Fragos noted that NIGHTWISH's long album-tour cycles must have become more emotionally demanding as Troy and his bandmates kept doing it year after year, Donockley said: "That's a major part of it, but when you take that with six people, all of them feeling the same way, and you take it out on tour for seven weeks, or you travel to South America, three weeks in South America, then you're in Japan, then you're in America for five weeks. And we've all got families — all of us have families. Floor [Jansen, NIGHTWISH singer] has two tiny children. It's gonna cause confusion, with the lifestyle."

"Yesterwynde" was made available on September 20 via Nuclear Blast. It marks NIGHTWISH's tenth studio LP, following on from the release of "Human. :II: Nature." in 2020.

In August 2022, NIGHTWISH announced the addition of Jukka Koskinen (WINTERSUN) as an official member of the band. Koskinen, who made his live debut with NIGHTWISH in May 2021 at the band's two interactive experiences, had spent the previous year touring with NIGHTWISH as a session musician.

In November 2022, Jansen revealed that she was "cancer free" after undergoing surgery to have a tumor removed following a breast cancer diagnosis.

Photo credit: Tim Tronckoe (courtesy of Nuclear Blast)

Modern metal band, League Of Distortion, has unveiled their new track, “Chainsaw”, taken from the upcoming album, Galvanize, out October 25 via Napalm Records. The song features a powerful electronic intro, hard-hitting verses, a catchy chorus and showcases Anna “Ace” Brunner’s (Exit Eden) commanding vocals alongside Jim "Arro" Müller’s (Kissin’ Dynamite) dynamic guitar riffs and cutting energetic shouts.


With the lyrics, League Of Distortion are tackling the injustice and hypocrisy taking place every day all over the world. In combination with the official music video, that delivers finest horror movie vibes, it gets undoubtedly clear that “Chainsaw” is a modern metal hymn that fills the listeners with energy and hope.
 
Two years ago, the band entered the scene with their bombastic self-titled debut album, delivering a fresh sound and unique style that interprets modern metal in a creative way. Now, the German quartet is about to make a ferocious statement with their second album, Galvanize. Their most successful song, "Wolf Or Lamb”, reached over 1 million streams, and beyond this, they demonstrated their raging live performance at major festivals like Metalfest, Rock Harz, Baltic Open Air and Castle Rock, as well as an absolute kick-ass show at Summer Breeze in 2023. In addition, they took various stages by storm as support for German stadium rockers Kissin’ Dynamite, metalcore heroes Caliban on their German tour, and the legendary Kamelot on their European tour. Later this year, League Of Distortion will hit various stages for their very first headline tour in fall and winter, kicking off November 15 in Cologne.


League Of Distortion on “Chainsaw”: "Our new single ‘Chainsaw’ cuts deep with its unapologetic commentary on the brutality of life, injustice, and karma. It channels our rage and frustration of living in a world where greed and hypocrisy reign. The song serves as both a warning and a catharsis — reminding us that vengeance and consequence are inevitable. This track is a sonic explosion of rebellion, a visceral call for justice in a broken system.”




Watch the official music video:





League Of Distortion  is composed of the aformentioned, talented vocalist Anna “Ace” Brunner (Exit Eden) and exceptional guitarist Jim “Arro” Müller (Kissin’ Dynamite), who succeeds on this album as vocalist as well. Together with the strong and steady beats of drummer Tino “Aeon” Calmbach and edgy rhythm of bassist Felix “Ax” Rehmann, the quartet is ready to add to their wins with their newest onslaught.


Starting off, the brute title track sets the tone for this relentless album, as an electronic intro is followed by a stomping verse. This soon melds with a blasting chorus and catchy melody, as Ace’s forceful vocals unleash her power and incredible skills. Followed by previously released single "My Hate Will Go On”, the intense track is a raw onslaught embodying everything League Of Distortion stands for - sincerity, honesty and incredible power - topped by hard beats and bludgeoning guitar riffs. Interchanging and irresistible, soft and aggressive vocals fire with emotion, reflecting Ace’s inner “hate” that can no longer be contained. The indisputable center of the music is her voice, as the quartet bleeds the essence of League Of Distortion into the track - bravely reflecting on the painful, dark parts of life. But instead of falling deeper into despair, the musical force turns darkness into relentless power, taking these obstacles head on.


With intense and empowering tracks like the aggressive and forward stomping “My Enemy” and “Suck My Blood”, the band is self-assured with lyrics reflecting toxic relationships and defending against an oppressor. Thematically similar, speeding “The Crown” further impresses with incredible synthesizers evoking invincibility. Another standout track is “In our DNA”, featuring guest genre-mates Cypecore, which addresses the long-standing debate of nature vs. nurture and is underlined by stunning male and female vocal lines.  This potent combination can also be found on “Crucify Me”, which bribes with a stomping rhythm. Musically, the band doesn’t shy away from crossing genre-boundaries, proven on tracks like “What's Wrong With Her?”, which deals with the theme of envy and competitive behavior among women. The song boasts a reggae inspired intro before bursting into an intense modern metal wall of sound with electronic elements and rap-like vocals. Similarly, genre-fusing is “Anti-Hero”, with rap and hip hop-beats in the verses that build up to a hymnic metal chorus.


Galvanize is like a brutal thunderstorm of unbound energy, guiding the listener into eternal darkness while still shining with the bright, lightning-like energy that lies within. The quartet proves they’re a perfect modern metal match, combining creative performance, composition, provocation and pure emotion. It’s clear that this album is only the beginning of an untamable modern metal storm.


League Of Distortion on Galvanize: “We are excited and euphoric to share this second album with you. Yes, the relentless modern metal storm is raging on. Untamed and rampant we are again, openly and honestly speaking our minds, trying to process what's going on in this world, sharing very personal topics and lyrics and providing a badass sound-wall. Fearless of crossing lines and musically borders we created an album which has its own personality and sound.”





Galvanize will be available in the following formats:


- 1LP Gatefold Red
- CD Digisleeve + Shirt Bundle
- 1CD Digisleeve
- Digital Album


Pre-order here.





Galvanize tracklisting:


"Galvanize"
"My Hate Will Go On"
"Chainsaw"
"Suck My Blood"
"My Ene

Melodic death metal outfit, Apocryphal, have unveiled their second single, “Swallow My Lies”, 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. The single is available via all major streaming services. Watch the music video below.




“'Swallow My Lies' is very representative of the band’s sound today,” said the band. “It has a good balance between power, rage, and these heady melodies which are our trademark. The chorus will not leave anyone indifferent, it anchors itself in the head from the first listen. The texts reflect the current global political landscape, and the influence of the media in public opinion among other things.”





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 n

Like a fine wine, Flotsam And Jetsam just get better with age, having released their 15th studio album, I Am The Weapon, to great acclaim around the world. Out via AFM Records, the album, that more than deserves its self-confident title, not only takes up seamlessly where its two outstanding predecessors The End Of Chaos (2019) and Blood In The Water (2021) left off, but even doubles down on all expectations.


I Am The Weapon was composed and produced by the whole band and the eleven new songs were recorded at SonicPhish Productions, Gnome Lord Studios, Wayne Manor Studios, and Seventh Spike Studios. The cover artwork was again created by Andy Pilkington.



“It feels pretty good to do another release,” original guitarist Michel Gilbert tells BraveWords on Streaming For Vengeance. “We were kind of on the fence if it was going to be on par with Blood On The Water. When we finally let everyone hear the album, everyone kind of came to the same consensus. I’m proud of the guys and what we’ve done with it. And I’m very grateful to still be relevant in this business almost 40 years. The old guy still has some tank in the gas, I guess. We’re lucky, we just keep going and going and going and there’s no end in site. You see a lot of bands these days who are our age and a lot of them are hanging it up. What were worried about is who is the new blood that’s coming in who’s gonna take the place. Who’s going to be the next Metallica? And I don’t know the answer to that. Will that ever happen again? Like I said, we are very fortunate to be still doing it, and people are still listening to it.”




BraveWords: When we were hanging out at Summer Breeze Brazil, I asked you a bizarre business question. Let’s set the record straight. You said that over time you’ve lost money over your name, Flotsam And Jetsam. The “And” sign “versus the “&” sign. When it comes to contracts it’s been a big problem.


Gilbert: “I can’t tell you how much money that cost me. Ever heard of Sound Exchange? Our whole repertoire, every song I upload, I have to do it twice with the ‘And’ sign and the ‘&’ sign. It’s been a pain in the ass.”


BraveWords: So initially, who thought of the correct writing of the name. 


Gilbert: “That’s (Jason) Newsted. He still owns the rights to it.”


BraveWords: So he owes you the money then (laughing)! 


Gilbert: “Yeah, he owes me a lot of money.”


BraveWords: Ever talk to him about it? 


Gilbert: “No, we really don’t talk about Flots and stuff, it’s always about his projects and where he is at. He seems to be moving around quite a bit. And his paintings as well. They are awesome, and super unique.”


The entire BraveWords chat with Michael Gilbert airs tomorrow on Streaming For Vengeance at 9AM EST. 





I Am The Weapon tracklisting:


"A New Kind Of Hero"
"Primal"
"I Am The Weapon"
"Burned My Bridges"
"The Head Of The Snake"
"Beneath The Shadows"
"Gates Of Hell"
"Cold Steel Lights"
"Kings Of The Underworld"
"Running Through The Fire"
"Black Wings"


"The Head Of The Snake":





"A New Kind Of Hero" video:





"Burned My Bridges":





"Primal" video:





"I Am The Weapon" lyric video:





It’s been almost 40 years since Flotsam And Jetsam, formed in Phoenix, Arizona released their landmark debut, Doomsday For The Deceiver, the only album to ever receive a 6K rating from the influential British magazine Kerrang! Bassist Jason Newsted would jump ship to Metallica while the band released the unstoppable No Place For Disgrace in 1988. Cuatro (1992), Drift (1995), High (1997), and My God (2001) all still rank extremely high in heavy metal circles. But it was the first part of this unofficial trilogy in 2016’s self-titled Flotsam And Jetsam that a certain rejuvenation and reset was clearly felt.


Fast-forward five years to a planet that was forced to its knees. While spending m

LOVE IS NOISE have announced details of their debut album, TO LIVE IN A DIFFERENT WAY , set for release on February 14th, 2025. With influence from Portishead, Radiohead, My Bloody Valentine, Oasis, Bowery Electric, Boards of Canada and Deftones, the band set about to create a record that makes you feel every emotion possible.

Speaking of the album, vocalist Cam Humphrey says: “TO LIVE IN A DIFFERENT WAY is the story of a kid from Bolton trying to understand the world he lives in. It’s 10 tracks full of love, heartache and dream-soaked melody, I believe we’ve created something special.”

In addition to the album news, LOVE IS NOISE have released another new track, take.one.minute.

Oakland, CA blackened progressive metal band DAWN OF OUROBOROS has today shared a new music video for their track Cephalopodic Void, taken from their 2023 sophomore album Velvet Incandescence. Filmed during the summer months whilst on tour in North American in support of Fallujah, Cephalopodic Void‘s music video sees the band close the chapter on their latest album cycle whilst promising new material in 2025.

Stream Velvet Incandescence via Apple Music | TIDAL | Deezer | Bandcamp and Spotify
Order Velvet Incandescence here.


Speaking on the music video release, DAWN OF OUROBOROS‘ Tony Thomas (guitar / synths) comments: “During our tour supporting Fallujah this year we were able to capture fantastic footage of Cephalopodic Void which made its live debut during the tour. 2024 has become one of the most exciting years for us as a band, we had the privilege of participating in this fantastic tour, and we recently completed our third album. We can’t wait to share more news on that as soon as possible!”

Comprised of Tony Thomas (Botanist, Callieach Calling) and vocalist Chelsea Murphy (Callieach Calling) DAWN OF OUROBOROS’ formative years saw the band solidify their core lineup to a five-piece before releasing their debut album, The Art of Morphology, in 2020. The Art of Morphology showcased the young band’s penchant for hybridising the extreme and canorous qualities of progressive, atmospheric black and death metal, ushering in a warm reception from both fans and critics.

Invigorated by the response to their debut album DAWN OF OUROBOROS came together in November 2021 to commence recording of Velvet Incandescence, once again opting to team up with Nick Loiacono at Fang Studios in San Mateo, CA for recording and mixing, before being mastered by Jack Shirley (Deafheaven, Oathbreaker, Bosse De Nage) at The Atomic Garden Studio. Placing an emphasis on melody and feel above technical virtuosity, Velvet Incandescence’s eight tracks revel in sanguine triumph both musically and lyrically.


DAWN OF OUROBOROS’ latest offering refined and redefined their sound to critical acclaim, serving as a luminous spark for the quintet’s increasingly bright future.

Velvet Incandescence tracklist:
1. Healing Grounds
2. Testudines
3. Iron Whispers
4. Levitating Pacifics
5. Rise from Disillusion
6. Castigation
7. Cephalopodic Void
8. Velvet Moon

DAWN OF OUROBOROS is:
Tony Thomas – Guitar / Synths
Chelsea Murphy – Vocals
David Scanlon – Bass
Ian Baker – Guitar / Piano
Ron Bertrand – Drums

Following up their 2023 debut “Xibalba“, cinematic Black Metal project ERSHETU, led by conceptualist/lyricist Void and composer Sacr, presents a second offering. New album “Yomi” finds the band growing in confidence and stature, heading to deeper and darker climes as they immerse themselves in the death folklore of Japanese Shinto.

Tracklist:

01. Ketsurui
02. Jikoku
03. Sekiryō
04. Abikyōkan
05. Kagutsuchi
06. Nenokatasukuni


As with the debut, Vindsval (BLUT AUS NORD, FORHIST) returns on bass and additional guitars. However, in line with the album’s concept, he also assumes lead vocal duties on “Yomi“, translating the inner voice of the kami via the authority of his tortured snarl and hypnotic choirs.

The album was recorded and mixed by V. at Earthsound Studio and mastered by Bruno Varea at Upload Studio, with artwork/design by Maciej Kamuda and poetry by Manon Gayet.

Composer Sacr shares insights into the conceptual background of “Yomi“:

“Void and I love Japanese culture, especially for its history, mythology, Buddhism and, of course, its sounds. This country is fascinating because of its high-tech side and its attachment to ancestral customs. It was a completely natural choice for us. There are no similarities between “Xibalba” and “Yomi” because this time, we are addressing death linked to a religion that is still practiced by more than 90 million people today. The Mayans were a civilization. The approach is therefore different – from my point of view.“

ERSHETU introduces “Yomi” via opening track, ‘Ketsurui‘, paired with a haunting video directed by David Tomanek. Watch the clip below and stream the song on Bandcamp:

Prog-psych/krautrock band WEITE, featuring Nicholas DiSalvo (Elder, Delving), Michael Risberg (Elder, delving), Ingwer Boysen (delving), Ben Lubin (Lawns) and Fabien deMenou (Perilymph), has announced the release of their brand new studio offering, entitled “Oase”, for November 22, 2024 on Stickman Records!

“Oase” is the sophomore album from Berlin-based progressive rock collective Weite, and the follow-up to the band’s 2023 debut LP “Assemblage”. Clocking in at almost an hour, “Oase” — German for “Oasis” — takes listeners on an intricate and textured journey that draws inspiration from the pioneering spirit of 70s psychedelic rock, blending influences from “Canterbury scene” prog, Krautrock, early electronica, post rock, and Americana. The new album showcases Weite‘s ability to merge the old with the new, creating an immersive, exploratory sound that moves from contemplative and pastoral to riffy and doomy without ever sacrificing melody. “Oase” is characterized by longer expansive, atmospheric compositions yet is undoubtedly more composed than the band’s debut, with more of a focus on songs, albeit in the broader sense of the word. With the focus on melody, texture and mood— although not necessarily always in that order — Weite create a sound that’s intricate and meditative, inviting the listener to embark on a journey through shifting soundscapes and evolving musical narratives.


[Cover Art by Sofia Hjortberg]
“We’re really proud of this album and worked super hard to channel all our influences into it: everything from the 70s prog we all love, to krautrock, americana and ambient, among other stuff,” Ben Lubin comments. “It’s definitely much stronger compositionally-speaking because of it, and we’re a much better band after gigging over the past year since the first LP came out.”

Nick DiSalvo adds: “Weite has come to embody a sort of collective spirit both within the band and within our little Berlin scene – musicians and friends, all in a seemingly rotating cast with each others’ bands, as guest musicians, tour help, etc. Each member takes the strengths and experiences from their other projects and pours it into our music, which results in a pretty interesting mashup, especially the longer we play together. “Oase” is for me personally an homage to the little oases in life: the couch, the rehearsal space, and yes, even the Späti – a Berlin biotope, a small convenience store where you can sit and take a break from the daily stress and enjoy a drink, a smoke or a conversation.”

Weite was formed in Berlin in winter 2022 by bassist Ingwer Boysen recruiting drummer Nick DiSalvo and guitarists Michael Risberg and Ben Lubin. Initially intended as a one-off recording session, the four recognized an obvious musical chemistry and common ground and decided to turn the project into a proper band. Keyboardist Fabien deMenou joined in 2024. “Oase” will be available on 180gr. pink marbled 2LP, on CD and digitally on November 22, 2024 via Stickman Records. Watch out for many more details, single releases and the album pre-sale to start soon!

Prepare for a sonic and spiritual awakening! Progressive metal pioneers EXODUS RISING unveil the awe-inspiring music video for their soul-stirring ballad, “Blazing Love”.

This powerful track, a cornerstone of their upcoming album “The Book of Life” (releasing October 18th, 2024 via Wormholedeath Records), ignites a firestorm of emotions, drawing inspiration from the timeless Songs of Solomon. Witness progressive metal mastery’s explosive fusion and divine love’s profound language.

Embark on a groundbreaking journey where heavy metal meets heavenly inspiration. Exodus Rising transcends the genre’s boundaries, inviting listeners to explore the depths of human connection blessed by a higher power.


In the progressive heavy metal scene, Exodus Rising has emerged as a transcendent force, blending musical mastery with spiritual storytelling. Founded by brothers NY Charlie, a skilled bassist and studio engineer, and KC Bonet, a gifted guitarist, the band began their journey in New York City. Joined by keyboardist Chris Zapa, they set out to create a concept album inspired by biblical themes. After several lineup changes, including the departures of drummers Otoniel Vargas and Willie “Speedy” Gonzalez, the band found their perfect rhythm with Luka Stone. Vocalist J Slate, with his three-octave range and spiritual devotion, completed the lineup, infusing new energy into the band. Together, they are preparing to release a groundbreaking album that fuses progressive metal with a divine narrative, taking listeners on a profound journey from Genesis to Revelation.

“The Book of Life” by EXODUS RISING is a Christian Progressive Heavy Metal album that spans the entire biblical narrative, from Genesis to Revelation. This concept album humanizes ancient stories, presenting them in digestible bites. Drawing inspiration from classical composers like Beethoven, Bach, and Mozart, and blending them with the progressive metal influences of Symphony X, Dream Theater, and Queen to name a few. With that inspiration, EXODUS RISING creates a unique sound. Our music is a melting pot of classical essence and modern metal, embodying the spirit of metal, while being envoys of light, and ministers of heavenly brutality.

BLIND CHANNEL release their infamous boyband cover EVERYBODY (BLOODBROS BACK).
After releasing their latest album EXIT EMOTIONS in March 2024, the chart-topping Finnish nu-metal stars are finally unleashing their legendary cover EVERYBODY (BLOODBROS BACK) of Backstreet Boys’ 1997 hit single ‘Everybody (Backstreet’s Back)’. The cover, which has been part of the bands’ live set-list all over the US and Europe, can already be considered a fan-favorite and turns the original boyband pop song into a high-octane headbanger that will have both metalheads and 90s fans moshing together.

The track comes with an impressive music video that recaps the band’s significant growth and success over the past three years and showcases their non-stop dedication to their career.

Stream the single here: https://blindchannelfi.lnk.to/EVERYBODY-SingleNe


The band shares about the single: “Over 10 years ago we were starting our career as a group of teenagers playing energetic metal while being dressed like 2010’s Justin Biebers. People started calling us a ”boyband trying to play metal”. We chose to embrace what was originally meant as an insult. Now it’s time to turn this absolute boyband-classic from our live shows to a full-on studio version with low tuned guitars & modern nu metal vibes. Instead of ”original and sexual” we are ”emotional and miserable”. Check out our cover of this iconic song and the music video recapping our career’s craziest moments on & off stage.”

According to Rolling Stone, former RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS guitarist Josh Klinghoffer pleaded not guilty to a misdemeanor charge in connection with a car accident that left a pedestrian dead.

Klinghoffer did not attend today's (Thursday, September 26) hearing at the Alhambra, California courthouse but entered the plea through his lawyer, Blair Berk.

According to court records, Klinghoffer was driving a Black 2022 GMC Yukon on March 18 when the vehicle struck 47-year-old pedestrian Israel Sanchez on Meridian Avenue near West Main Street in Alhambra. Video of the incident shows the car then pulling to the side of the road and a man stepping out and apparently calling 911. Sanchez was pronounced dead at the Huntington Hospital in Pasadena — about three miles away from the crash — later that day.

Sanchez's daughter Ashley filed a civil lawsuit against Klinghoffer in July, seeking a jury trial and damages including funeral, burial and medical expenses, attorney fees and pain and the loss of her father's "love, companionship, comfort, care, assistance, protection, affection, society and moral support."

"Video of the incident shows that Defendant Klinghoffer made no efforts to brake or slow down until after he fatally struck Mr. Sanchez, indicating that Klinghoffer was likely to be driving while distracted," Sanchez's family's attorneys stated in a news release. "Video taken seconds before the incident shows an object between the steering wheel and the driver that is believed to be a phone."

Klinghoffer's legal team denied that their client was distracted, saying it was "purely a tragic accident."

"It's clear from the evidence that Mr. Klinghoffer was not on the phone at the time of the accident," attorney Andrew B. Brettler said in a statement to KTLA 5 News. "This was a tragic accident. There was no criminal intent, nor is any alleged."

Klinghoffer joined the RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS in 2009 following the departure of John Frusciante, and was fired in 2019, before Frusciante's return. He recorded two albums with the CHILI PEPPERS, "I'm With You" (2011) and "The Getaway" (2016). He has also worked with PEARL JAM and JANE'S ADDICTION.

Image credit: Tuna On Toast With Stryker