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13 июн 2025
New GODSMACK Touring Guitarist SAM BAM KOLTUN: 'I Was Very, Very Grateful For The Opportunity'
 In a new interview with Thomas S. Orwat, Jr. of Rock Interview Series, Sam Bam Koltun (DOROTHY, FASTER PUSSYCAT, BUDDERSIDE) spoke about what it was like to play guitar for GODSMACK during the latter band's recently completed European tour. Asked if he had a lot of time to get ready for the trek, Sam said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "I had found out about the auditions kind of end of January, very end of January. And that's about when I heard from management after I was looped in and connected with management. And then the auditions were kind of mid-February about, and then after that there was a week off and then rehearsals started at lke the end of February. So there was about a month, I guess, before that I knew. But I had already learned the set for auditions. They had sent out the setlist and said, 'Pick out as many as you want to learn, as many as you can learn.' I learned all of them, and I learned the studio versions and the live versions, and then a couple extra songs. So, yeah, about a month was the time prior to the first gig. But that was auditions, then rehearsals, and then I went and did [The '80s] Cruise with [FASTER] PUSSYCAT and then went to Europe, and then we had a couple production rehearsals there and then started the tour."
Reflecting on the experience of playing material that was originally recorded by the now-former GODSMACK guitarist Tony Rombola, Sam said: "I was very, very grateful for the opportunity, and it was really, really cool to do. And all those guys are really, really great. Their crew is incredible. [GODSMACK frontman] Sully [Erna] and [GODSMACK bassist] Robbie [Merrill] are really, really, really cool dudes and the stuff is really fun to play. A little heavier than — I can't really say heavier than I'm used to, just 'cause I'm used to playing all different styles, depending on what is necessary and what's needed. But it was fun to play with that much gain, as a guitar player. It's just, like, all the chunky riffs. And the crowds were incredible. The fans were really, really cool. I was very appreciative that people didn't throw stuff at me. And I had a great time with Will Hunt too, the drummer, Will Hunt from EVANESCENCE [who played drums for GODSMACK in Europe in March/April 2025 as the replacement for Shannon Larkin]. He and I had met prior to that. He was with either Stephen Pearcy or SLAUGHTER and I was with PUSSYCAT on a Monsters Of Rock cruise and we had met there. And so when we were both in [GODSMACK] auditions together, it was kind of a trip.
"I can't say anything other than [I'm] just thankful for the opportunity," Sam repeated. "It was crazy to do. I enjoyed every second of it. And how the whole thing came about in general, it was just very, very wild. But, yeah, it does something to your confidence for sure when you have to step onto a stage like that and the first show is 13,000 people, sold out, in Sofia, Bulgaria in a country that you've never been to. And so definitely something else takes over in that time, for sure. But it was really, really cool and I'm thankful to have gotten to experience a level of touring like that band does."
Regarding what Sully was like to work with, Sam said: "Sully was great. He was really, really cool to me. I was kind of unsure. The only thing I was unsure about at first is [when] we were in rehearsals and auditions... but he was really, really cool. He said that I had done my homework and he didn't really have any notes [for me], and it was great. He's a great singer, cool dude. I dig his whole vibe."
As for what he feels the most challenging part about that role in GODSMACK was, Sam said: "For me, I just wanted to hopefully try to give the most accurate presentation of the music. So, that was probably the most difficult — just trying to make sure everything was right. Yeah, just trying to present the music as close as I could, because Tony [Rombola] is a great guitar player, and I feel like a pretty underrated guitar player, especially going through and learning his parts and learning his things. And, yeah, that was definitely the most challenging thing."
Asked if there has been any talk about him playing more shows with GODSMACK in the future, Sam said: "I can't discuss anything further. I've already said too much. [Laughs]"
GODSMACK announced Rombola and Larkin's departures on April 2, revealing in a lengthy statement that both musicians had decided to retire from the band "for no other reason than to fulfill their desire to live a more simple and quiet life away from touring."
Larkin joined GODSMACK in 2002 after cutting his teeth with WRATHCHILD (later WRATCHILD AMERICA and SOULS AT ZERO) before getting picked up by UGLY KID JOE in time for a taste of their zenith.
Tony had been the lead guitarist and backing vocalist for GODSMACK since the mid-1990s following the departure of Lee Richards.
GODSMACK kicked off its 2025 European tour on March 22 at Arena 8888 in Sofia, Bulgaria.
The day before the Sofia concert, Erna told Elena Rozberg of Bulgaria's Z-Rock radio station that "personal things" were preventing Tony and Shannon from taking part in the trek and explained that "a couple of guest musicians" were playing with GODSMACK while he and Merrill were " trying to figure out exactly what's happening".
In the Z-Rock interview, Sully said about GODSMACK's current status: "I can tell you that there has definitely been some changes that have happened in the last few months. They are changes that we're not sure will be permanent or temporary, but everybody and everyone is in good health and in really good spirits. And the band is doing better than ever. We're [playing to] the biggest audiences ever, and the shows are just becoming more and more valuable, because, as we get older, we still appreciate coming to places like Sofia that is so far away from where we started and being able to come here and sell out a 13,000-seat arena.
"All I can tell you right now is that the band is in good health, we're in good spirits, but there's gonna be a little bit of a different visual for everybody. Tony and Shannon have some personal things going on, and they're not with us. So we have a couple of guest musicians playing with us that are phenomenal."
Asked to elaborate on the reason for Shannon and Tony's absences from the trek, Sully said: "Hmmmm… I don't know. I don't know. I don't know if I feel safe enough talking about that yet, because I don't wanna give people the wrong impression. Right now we're still at a stage where we're trying to figure out exactly what's happening, but we're also trying to respect their privacy. So whatever Tony and Shannon have going on in their personal life, we're just trying to respect that and at the same time still come here and put on a really great show. I can tell you right now that we have a guest drummer playing with us, who's Will from EVANESCENCE. And he is such a good friend of ours and such a great musician, and we've been having so much fun with him. So that's been a real surprise. And then we have a guitar player with us named Sam Koltun, who is somebody who — he's played with several different bands and a really, really nice guy and great guitar player. So as far as the music goes and the sound, it sounds exactly like we've always sounded, which is even surprising to me."
GODSMACK's spring 2025 European tour featured support from P.O.D. and DROWNING POOL.
The 14-date trek ended on April 12 in Oberhausen, Germany.
GODSMACK's latest album, "Lighting Up The Sky", was released in February 2023 via BMG. The LP was co-produced by Erna and Andrew "Mudrock" Murdock (AVENGED SEVENFOLD, ALICE COOPER).
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13 июн 2025
ORANGE9MM Releases First New Song In 26 Years, 'Turn It Up'
 Fresh off supporting REFUSED and QUICKSAND in New York City as part of "The Refused Are Fucking Dead" farewell tour, ORANGE9MM has released its first new music since the 1990s. The latest single, "Turn It Up", which can be heard below, solidifies the new lineup, furthering 9MM's legacy as a band fundamental to the DNA of New York City post-hardcore. The artwork for "Turn It Up" was created by Mike Saes.
Exploding on to the scene with its self-titled EP in 1994 (Revelation Records),ORANGE9MM was founded by singer Chaka Malik (BURN, GHOST DECIBELS) and guitarist Chris Traynor (formerly of FOUNTAINHEAD, HELMET, currently BUSH). Chaka was raised in New York City housing projects and Chris continues the lineage of successful and influential musicians from Long Island. Driven by a mutual desire to explore how they could expand their punk and New York hardcore roots, the result was a riff- and rhythm-heavy, hook-laden danceable groove under cutting, urban vocals. This diverse, multi-genre approach was the foundation of ORANGE9MM.
Adding Matthew Cross on drums and Davide Gentile on bass, they recorded "Driver Not Included" (Atlantic Records),a seminal record in the post-hardcore and nascent nu-metal genres. The record was produced by Dave Jerden (ALICE IN CHAINS, JANE'S ADDICTION, RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS).
Soon after, ORANGE9MM's appearance on the first Warped Tour led to amplified exposure with a new and enthusiastic audience. Subsequent tours with KORN, DEFTONES, SEVENDUST, HELMET, QUICKSAND and BIOHAZARD broadened their fanbase, bringing their raw, emotionally charged energy to new fans across the globe.
Toward the end of recording their sophomore album "Tragic" (Atlantic Records),recorded with producer Dave Sardy (OASIS, INCUBUS, WOLFMOTHER),Long Island based multi-instrumentalist Taylor Mclam joined the fold. His gifted ear for melody and natural groove were apparent on ORANGE9MM's MTV/radio hit single "Failure", his contribution to the "Tragic" LP. He remained a core songwriter through the band's subsequent full-length "Pretend I'm Human" (Ng/Artemis Records).
Known for their engaging live shows and heavy groove, ORANGE9MM reformed in 2024 with the addition of Long Island natives Chris Enriquez (drums; SPOTLIGHTS, JULIE CHRISTMAS, ON THE MIGHT OF PRINCES) and Cory Bonfiglio (bass; TOTAL MELTDOWN). With a new LP in the works and high demand for shows, ORANGE9MM is set to deliver more aggressive yet optimistic music to a world that needs it now more than ever.
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12 июн 2025
PRIMAL FEAR Unveils 'The Hunter' Single From Upcoming 'Domination' Album
 German power metal veterans PRIMAL FEAR have released the second single from their upcoming album, "Domination", due on September 5 via Reigning Phoenix Music. "The Hunter" tells a conceived story while it musically sounds the attack for the quintet's new record.
Being also the opening track of "Domination", "The Hunter" builds up tension with anthemic lead harmonies before bursting drums and guitars break through the idyll to set the tone for another highly melodic piece from PRIMAL FEAR's musical forge. The single additionally cements the thoroughly positive impression the group left with first single "Far Away", which saw PRIMAL FEAR introduce its striking new lineup.
"Science fiction scenery, the beast is behind you, it's me, I'm the hunter, so better watch out, I smell your blood and I'm gonna get you!" warns vocalist Ralf Scheepers grinningly.
Joining Scheepers and Mat Sinner (bass, vocals) in PRIMAL FEAR's current lineup are the band's latest additions, Italian/Cuban sensation Thalìa Bellazecca (ANGUS MCSIX, ex-FROZEN CROWN) on guitar and André Hilgers (AXXIS, RAGE, SILENT FORCE, SINNER, BONFIRE) on drums. Also appearing with the group is Swedish guitarist Magnus Karlsson, who has been primarily a studio member of the band for much of the past decade but who has now rejoined PRIMAL FEAR's touring lineup.
Picking up the dystopian theme of "The Hunter" single, director Patric Ullaeus (IN FLAMES, AMARANTHE, EVERGREY) placed the band in a ruined environment to create a "metal-as-fuck" music video where they find themselves surrounded by hellfire.
The "Far Away" music video, which was released in April, was filmed at Dennis Ward's Kangaroo Studios in Karlsdorf-Neuthard, Germany, where the "Domination" recording sessions took place in late 2024.
Going strong for nearly three decades, PRIMAL FEAR was founded and is still led by Sinner and Scheepers, who have never let down their global fanbase. Relentless and constantly pushing their limits, PRIMAL FEAR ensure that no two albums ever sound the same. After "Code Red" (2023) hit some of the highest chart positions of their career, expectations for the next release were higher than ever. And as "Domination" makes clear, no obstacle is too great for PRIMAL FEAR's powerhouse songwriting trio — Sinner, Scheepers and Karlsson, who also rejoins the band's live lineup after several years away.
From the hard-hitting opener "The Hunter" and first single "Far Away" to the uplifting mid-tempo anthem "Tears Of Fire" and the epic ballad "Eden" — featuring a guest appearance by AD INFINITUM's Melissa Bonny — "Domination" delivers on all fronts. Add in neck-breakers like "Scream" and "Crossfire", and the reflective, string-and-piano-driven closer "A Tune I Won't Forget", and it's clear: PRIMAL FEAR aren't here to reclaim the crown — they're here to prove they've never left the throne of heavy/power metal royalty.
"Domination" was recorded in autumn 2024, produced by Mat Sinner and co-produced by Ralf Scheepers as well as Magnus Karlsson. Rounded off by multiple PRIMAL FEAR mixing/mastering engineer Jacob Hansen at his own studios in Denmark, the album artwork was designed by Death.Milk.Designs.
"Domination" track listing:
01. The Hunter
02. Destroyer
03. Far Away
04. I Am The Primal Fear
05. Tears Of Fire
06. Heroes And Gods
07. Hallucinations
08. Eden (feat. Melissa Bonny of AD INFINITUM)
09. Scream
10. The Dead Don't Die
11. Crossfire
12. March Boy March
13. A Tune I Won't Forget
Bonus track (physical only, excluding jewel case CD)
14. Bridges Will Burn
PRIMAL FEAR's new lineup made its live debut on May 9 at the 2025 edition of the Rock In Rautheim festival in Braunschweig, Germany.
Sinner (a.k.a. Matthias Lasch),who also serves as PRIMAL FEAR's producer, reportedly suffered an extreme adverse reaction to the COVID-19 vaccination in 2021 and received treatment for eight months at various hospitals. As a result of Sinner's health challenges, PRIMAL FEAR canceled all of its planned shows in 2021 and 2022, eventually recruiting Alex Jansen as Mat's temporary replacement.
Warming up at five select summer festivals, PRIMAL FEAR will return to the live front with its longest European tour since 2018. Reigning Phoenix Music labelmates ELEINE have been confirmed as special guests.
In August 2024, guitarists Alex Beyrodt and Tom Naumann, drummer Michael Ehré and bassist Alex Jansen announced their departures from PRIMAL FEAR, writing in a statement: "Dear fans and friends of PRIMAL FEAR, we unfortunately have to inform you today that Alex Beyrodt, Tom Naumann, Michael Ehré and Alex Jansen, who helped us on bass for the last two years, are no longer part of the band PRIMAL FEAR. Triggered by decisions within the band that we do not agree with, this step was anything but easy for us to take. We would like to make it clear that despite the differences of opinion, there was no argument or bad blood.
"We would like to thank you for the time we spent together, the numerous albums, the tours, shows and festivals that have taken us around the world together, and of course for the love of the fans. We wish Mat and Ralf all the best for the future!"
Formed by Sinner in 1997 as an outlet for Scheepers (who had left GAMMA RAY and was a rumored candidate for the then-open JUDAS PRIEST vocal spot, but was considering early retirement from metal),PRIMAL FEAR has emerged as one of the most consistent European metal bands, rarely straying from its core PRIEST-styled power metal sound.
PRIMAL FEAR 2025 is:
Ralf Scheepers - vocals
Mat Sinner - bass, vocals
Magnus Karlsson - guitars
Thalìa Bellazecca - guitars
André Hilgers - drums
Photo credit: Heiko Roith
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12 июн 2025
MOTÖRHEAD Releases Video For New Single 'Leavin' Here' From 'Lost' Album 'The Manticore Tapes'
 MOTÖRHEAD has released "Leavin' Here", the second single and its accompanying music video from the forthcoming album "The Manticore Tapes", which is due on June 27.
The music video for "Leavin' Here" is an explosively raucous mixed media visual combining unique model characters and set pieces with archive footage of the band.
In 1976 the seminal line-up of MOTÖRHEAD was solidified a year after the band's initial inception. Known as the "Three Amigos" era of MOTÖRHEAD, Lemmy (bass/vocals),Fast Eddie Clarke (guitar) and Phil "Philthy Animal" Taylor (drums) joined forces and began their extraordinary journey to the top of the hard rock elite.
In August 1976 the band set up at EMERSON, LAKE & PALMER's legendary Manticore Studio in Fulham to rehearse and showcase the new lineup. While they were there they recorded together for the very first time and now, forty-nine years later, this long-lost tape has surfaced, been dusted off and restored in all its raw glory, to celebrate the seminal hard rock band's 50th anniversary
It's quite surreal, even unbelievable that a whole half century has elapsed since that vital time in 1976. Just as remarkable, especially for those who remember Lemmy hammering the fruit machines of London's pubs or as the era's most extraordinarily approachable rock star, has been this always humble man's ascension to Mount Rushmore-like immortality as rock 'n' roll's ultimate icon, this despite his having sadly passed away nearly ten years ago. Lemmy himself certainly would have cackled.
The dogged struggles MOTÖRHEAD faced in the first four of their 50 years are well documented and the almost accidental manifestation of this album — and the circumstances under which it was recorded — present a previously barely known new element in the band's history from that time when it's very future looked bleak had events not taken a different course.
Part of that early story involved a little-mentioned man called Frank Kennington, who roadied for THE WHO before moving into management and briefly taking on the struggling MOTÖRHEAD. One of Kennington's moves was booking the trio into the converted ABC cinema on Fulham Palace Road that served as prog supergroup EMERSON, LAKE & PALMER's HQ — which was known as Manticore. Named after the mythical beast in Persian folklore that adorned their album sleeves, Manticore was one-stop shopping for bands, with the projection room housing offices while the seatless main auditorium provided a useful soundstage for bands to rehearse in. MOTÖRHEAD were ensconced at Manticore recording their set on Ronnie Lane's mobile studio, which was operated by Ronnie's trusted mate Ron Faucus.
Faucus did a fine job capturing MOTÖRHEAD's blossoming raw power and high-velocity onslaughts on songs that would remain in their live set until 1979. These aging tapes were brought to life with restoration duties dutifully handled by longtime MOTÖRHEAD collaborator Cameron Webb at Maple Studios in California and mastered by Andrew Alekel at Bolskine House in Los Angeles. The result is a truly historical moment in the evolution of hard rock's finest heavy icons, restoring and bringing to the public eye for the first time ever a vital part of MOTÖRHEAD's evolution and history.
"The Manticore Tapes" will be available as a deluxe expanded bookpack containing a double LP and seven-inch single, a single LP, CD and digital.
See below for full details of "The Manticore Tapes" releases and be sure to visit www.iMotorhead.com for news and updates.
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12 июн 2025
BLAZE BAYLEY: 'I Was Absolutely Gutted' When I Got The News That PAUL DI'ANNO Had Died
 In a new interview with Canada's The Metal Voice, former IRON MAIDEN singer Blaze Bayley spoke about the passing of another ex-MAIDEN vocalist, Paul Di'Anno, who died last October at the age of 66. Asked how he initially reacted to the news of Paul's death, Blaze said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "Well, he wasn't in good health the last time I saw him, and he'd been stuck in a wheelchair for a while. But we did a lot together. We went to a lot of places together. Before all the problems with Ukraine, we did a tour of Russia. We played Sweden Rock [Festival] together. We went to Australia and New Zealand together. And we did a a lot together.
"I wouldn't say that I didn't expect it, but I was absolutely gutted when [I got] the news that Paul had gone," Blaze admitted. "I didn't think he would go then. It just didn't feel right. Of course, it was too soon. He shouldn't have gone at all. But it was a lot. And you think we did so much together. And his voice, man. There were some nights on tour when we were together — we had some good bands together that people put together for us — and you close your eyes and you listen to him singing those early MAIDEN songs, and you go, 'He sounds better than he ever did on the record.' It was incredible. If you were lucky, there was a couple of times that he had a good rest and a good sleep and he hadn't been too stressed and he just sounded incredible. And he's a legend. That is the voice that began, that first record. You can never take that away. Those first two albums, they're the Di'Anno records. And that's a band that doesn't care about the rules, that's doing their own thing, that's making music that they think is the best that they can do. And they really don't care too much about what people are saying, 'Oh, the chorus should be here,' or, 'The guitar solo should…' They didn't care at all — absolutely didn't care. There's no click track, there's no nothing. Everything they did in the studio is all about vibe and the timing, and you can hear what Paul does. It just feels like, wow, he's there pissed off and expressive. And that's in his voice. You can hear it… That's his energy. And his energy was there. His solo albums that he did, he did some fantastic work as well. He's done some great recordings. So it's tragic, that he's gone."
Blaze added: "So what I've been doing in my setlist [at my solo shows] is a small tribute, and it's fun for me. I do [MAIDEN's classic song] 'Wrathchild' in my set. And it's for Paul — it makes me think of Paul. And so it's for Paul, it makes me think of Paul. It's an excuse to do a song I like as well. And it's, yeah, let's remember Paul. Just for four minutes, think of Paul. And that song comes to life. It's a great song. It breaks the rules, the way the arrangement is and everything. So all of that, it fits right in with my mentality."
Bayley went on to call Di'Anno's passing "a sad loss" and he expressed his regret that he, Paul and current IRON MAIDEN frontman Bruce Dickinson never got a chance to perform together. "I always hoped that it would be Paul, Bruce and me somewhere on stage together," he said. "One gig. It would be so fantastic for the fans. And that dream died with Paul, which is a great shame. Because I thought it was unlikely, but I didn't think it was impossible. Now it is impossible, which is sad."
When Paul's passing was first announced, Bayley took to his social media to write: "Very sad to hear of the death of my friend Paul Di'Anno.
"Paul & I did quite a few tours & concerts together over the years… Sweden Rock, Ukraine, Australia, Scandinavia. He had a great sense of humour & those were crazy times.
"His voice & his music with IRON MAIDEN & his own projects will live on.
"Fondly remembered, sadly missed. RIP."
Di'Anno, whose real name was Paul Andrews, passed away at his home in Salisbury.
Born in Chingford, East London on May 17, 1958, Paul first came to prominence as lead singer of IRON MAIDEN between 1978 and 1981. He sang on their groundbreaking debut album "Iron Maiden" and the influential follow-up release, "Killers".
Since leaving IRON MAIDEN, Paul Di'Anno had a long and eventful recording career with BATTLEZONE and KILLERS as well as numerous solo releases and guest appearances.
Despite being troubled by severe health issues in recent years that restricted him to performing in a wheelchair, Paul continued to entertain his fans around the world, racking up well over 100 shows since 2023.
His first career retrospective album, "The Book Of The Beast", was released in September 2024 and featured highlights of his recordings since leaving IRON MAIDEN.
The day that Di'Anno's death was announced, IRON MAIDEN released a statement in which the band said: "We are all deeply saddened to learn about the passing of Paul Di'Anno earlier today. Paul's contribution to IRON MAIDEN was immense and helped set us on the path we have been travelling as a band for almost five decades. His pioneering presence as a frontman and vocalist, both on stage and on our first two albums, will be very fondly remembered not just by us, but by fans around the world. We were very grateful to have had the chance to catch up a couple of years ago and to spend time with him once more.
"On behalf of the band, [managers] Rod [Smallwood] and Andy [Taylor], and the whole IRON MAIDEN team, we extend our deepest sympathies to Paul's family and close friends. Rest in peace, Paul."
MAIDEN bassist and founder Steve Harris added: "It's just so sad he's gone. I was in touch with him only recently as we texted each other about West Ham and their ups and downs. At least he was still gigging until recently, it was something that kept him going, to be out there whenever he could. He will be missed by us all. Rest in peace, mate."
The 62-year-old Bayley fronted IRON MAIDEN from 1994 until 1999. The two MAIDEN albums he appeared on, "The X Factor" and "Virtual XI", sold considerably less than the band's prior releases and were their lowest-charting titles in the group's home country since 1981's "Killers".
Since leaving IRON MAIDEN in 1999, Bayley has released a number of albums, including several under the moniker BLAZE and more than a handful under his own name. He also appeared on 2012's "Wolfsbane Saves The World", the first album of new material by WOLFSBANE since the group's self-titled 1994 effort, and a follow-up LP, 2022's "Genius".
Blaze's latest studio album, "Circle Of Stone", came out in February 2024.
In March 2023, Blaze underwent a quadruple bypass surgery following a heart attack. He later shared details of the massive outpouring of well-wishes he received, including messages from his former MAIDEN bandmates.
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BURNING WITCHES Announce Sixth Studio Album, 'Inquisition'
 Swiss/Dutch/American heavy metal powerhouse BURNING WITCHES will release a new studio album, "Inquisition", on August 22, 2025 via Napalm Records. On BURNING WITCHES' sixth studio album, the band returns with a darker, more thunderous brew — diving headfirst into the themes of medieval persecution, religious oppression, and the unbreakable spirit of resistance. Featuring 12 brand-new tracks, the album marks a bold new era: forged in the flames of power/heavy metal, sharpened by anthemic songwriting and epic instrumentation.
A music video for the album's title track has just premiered. This first single breaks open the gates with a tempest of high-energy power metal, as thunderous bass lines, pounding drums and twin guitars dripping in witchery support Laura Guldemond's hair-raising vocals, channeling raw emotion and groove.
The band says about the track: "We are happy to present you with this epic, classic heavy song full of depth and occult moments that go straight under your skin! From a dark time of mankind, this song was composed with respect to all blood that this time has poured. 'Inquisition' will stay as a song that moves our engine with power to do more and more..."
Following the classic heavy metal tones of BURNING WITCHES' previous record, "The Dark Tower" (2023),"Inquisition" delivers tight production and an unrelenting onslaught of burning riffs, crushing drums, and vocal sorcery, driven by producers Damir Eskic (DESTRUCTION) and V.O. Pulver (Little Creek Studio, PRO-PAIN, DESTRUCTION),and shaped by the songwriting of founding guitarist Romana Kalkuhl.
With "Inquisition", BURNING WITCHES unleash their most focused and ferocious album yet, honoring classic heavy metal roots while diving into darker, more powerful territory. From mystical ballads to breakneck shred-fests, the album channels both the sacred and profane, the melodic and the menacing — a testament to a band unafraid to evolve, fight, and enchant!
Kalkuhl says about the album: "As we celebrate our 10-year anniversary in 2025, I am very happy as well to announce our sixth album with pride and satisfaction. I am extremely happy to start the next chapter of our metal journey with my girls. The album 'Inquisition' is for those of you who are into legends like IRON MAIDEN, JUDAS PRIEST and SLAYER. Full of power, melodies, double bass drums, heavy riffs and speedy guitar solos, 'Inquisition' is not only our style and lifestyle, it's our life! From the beginning to the end, it's the best of us.
"We and our label Napalm Records are a huge supporter of vinyl records, so with passion and joy we chose some great editions to add to your collectables. Now it's your time to pick your 'Inquisition'!"
"Inquisition" track listing:
01. Sanguini Hominum
02. Soul Eater
03. Shame
04. The Spell Of The Skull
05. Inquisition
06. High Priestess Of The Night
07. Burn In Hell
08. Release Me
09. In For The Kill
10. In The Eye Of The Storm
11. Mirror, Mirror
12. Malus Maga
BURNING WITCHES are:
Romana Kalkuhl - Guitar
Laura Guldemond - Vocals
Courtney Cox - Guitar
Jay Grob - Bass
Lala Frischknecht - Drums
Photo credit: Martin Rahn
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12 июн 2025
Watch: STEPHEN PEARCY And WARREN DEMARTINI Joined By SEBASTIAN BACH At Las Vegas Concert
 Former SKID ROW singer Sebastian Bach joined RATT singer Stephen Pearcy and guitarist Warren DeMartini on stage last night (Tuesday, June 10) at Count's Vamp'd in Las Vegas, Nevada to perform a few RATT classics, including "Round And Round". Fan-filmed video of Sebastian's appearance can be seen below (filmed and uploaded by Shawn McCullough).
Playing alongside Pearcy and DeMartini were former RATT and QUIET RIOT guitarist Carlos Cavazo, former RATT and ROUGH CUTT bassist Matt Thorr and former SLAUGHTER drummer Blas Elias. Thorr and Elias are both current touring members of Pearcy's solo band.
In a recent interview with Waste Some Time With Jason Green, Pearcy spoke about his reunion with DeMartini for a handful of shows this spring and summer. He said: "It's always been going around, 'You guys should get together.' I believe I actually approached Warren a few years ago. I go, 'Hey, why don't we try doing this [Jimmy] Page-[Robert] Plant [-style] thing or something.' And nothing became of it. So, I'm, like, hey, well, he's grooving. He's still that guy — he's the lead guitar player in RATT, the guy who co-wrote those songs; he's the guy. So I went about my business, as you know, and do my solo thing. And I have great players, but this is the real deal.
"So what happened was, over seven years later here, we get a contact from a promoter at M3 [Rock Festival], and it was, like, 'Well, I have this idea. Maybe we can get you guys back together and you can headline one of these nights.' And I'm, like, 'Okay. Yeah, right. Okay, well, let's see what happens.' So anyway, long story short, I said, 'Hey, whatever it takes, I'm in. Let's see if we can make this happen.' Well, it just happened to be the right timing for Warren too, to go, 'Hey, why not? Let's play again.' And here we are."
Regarding Pearcy and DeMartini's first reunion show at Mohegan Sun, which took place in April, Stephen told Waste Some Time With Jason Green: "It was fucking amazing. And we kind of blundered here and there and it's a given. We had a few rehearsals.
"The way Warren and I worked in RATT was we do like to be loosely tight," he explained. "We don't wanna be that technical out there when we play. So it kinda worked out the other day, like, 'Okay, we got our feet wet. Now we know what's happening.' So, some of those songs you may never hear us play again, that we played."
Asked if there are any other songs that he would like to perform at the future shows, Stephen said: "Oh, a hundred percent. And I think [Warren] would do it. I wanna play 'Eat Me Up Alive'. And that's a song Carlos and I wrote, so what the fuck? We played it before. That's a song I wanna do. I liked the couple songs Warren picked.
"For me, it's kind of cool, and even being this sobered up guy for years, is going out there and it's still the same as it was in '85, '86 with Warren up there," Pearcy added. "That's the vibe I got. I mean, we were able to sit there and chit-chat and didn't give a fuck on stage. 'Let's take a second out for us, dude. This is funny, huhThis is a trip, right?' That's our conversation up on stage."
Regarding the fact that drummer Bobby Blotzer and bassist Juan Croucier, who were both members of RATT's classic lineup, are not playing with Pearcy and DeMartini at the current shows, Stephen said: "People are already going, 'Oh, bring back the other guys.' Well, I don't really think they know how complicated it is or it would be, or if it even need be. Because the reason Warren and I are out here in the first place is to kick about the legacy of the music. Hey, we had great songs.
"It wouldn't have worked [with the other members], nor would I think I would've… Of course if you're really doing 'business business', you have to consider all aspects," he added. "But do I wanna fuck with our fans or our friends and go out there and pretend it's fucking cool and it's really not? You know what I mean? I mean, look, it took seven years for Warren and I [to play together again], and it was, like, 'Hey. Wow.' I never thought it would happen, but now we're talking about writing new music. So what the fuck?"
Asked if he thinks he will ever play under the RATT brand again, Stephen said: "Uh, well, I could say it would be cool, but I've proven it's not necessary right now. If you're doing 'business business', so to speak — but it's not necessary. That's why I've been out there busting ass for the last few years, is to establish that… It's irrelevant. I'm the guy who co-wrote or wrote those songs, created the band. Here I am — I'm singing. Because one day I'm gonna wake up and go, 'I don't wanna do this shit anymore.' And it happens… But, yeah, I think about that all the time. I mean, I'm fucking Evel Knievel right here, so I've gotta take it carefully.
Pearcy and DeMartini will also perform a set of RATT classics at Rock The Dam 8 in Beaver Dam, Kentucky, on July 26.
"It's all good," Stephen said. "And I'll tell you what we've decided to move forward and because of that show, because we were touchy-touchy, if we wanted to stay out. And so we're gonna entertain some more shows. It's by overwhelming demand. I mean, this might be it, the last you'll see of RATT, for all I know. I don't know. But I'm enjoying this shit. It's fun again. It's been fun for me for the last few years, and I'd like to keep it that way."
During an appearance on the January 29 episode of SiriusXM's "Trunk Nation With Eddie Trunk", Stephen said about the lineup of his new band with DeMartini: "We're gonna have Carlos out there, which is cool. And I'm bringing in Matt Thorr on bass, who's pretty much an original RATT guy from 1981, '82, when Jake E. [Lee] and Warren pulled in. And then we're taking Blas Elias on drums from SLAUGHTER and my band. And we're ready to go."
Added Warren: "When I moved up to L.A. to join RATT, I stayed at a house with Jake E. Lee for a few months, and, it was like a three-bedroom [house], and Jake had one, and Matt had the other, and this other musician had the third. And I was on the couch. But Matt goes way back with [RATT]. I'm actually kind of looking forward to checking that out again. He was playing bass at the time I joined [RATT]."
Regarding why they were not playing these reunion shows under the RATT banner, Pearcy said: "Well, I'll tell you right straight up — it's not about RATT. It's about the legacy of our music. And who better to deliver it, because we don't have all the proper original elements, which would include [late RATT guitarist] Robbin [Crosby]. So we just decided — no. This is great. This is perfect. I mean, we don't wanna hit a brick wall. We want this nice and smooth. So that's what we intend to do. It's not about that — it's about the legacy of RATT. Period."
DeMartini went on to say that he was open to playing more shows with Pearcy in the future, beyond the M3 Rock Festival gig and the other concerts that have been announced.
"Since we announced the M3 show, other stuff has come up," he revealed. "When this [M3 concert] came up, I was treating it as a one-off, but everything has a momentum, or it can have a momentum. And in this case, it just feels better and better.
"I've always wanted to play these songs to the people, like we always have," he added. "So I'm totally game to doing more."
Asked if Blotzer and Croucier would have any involvement in M3 and other gigs Pearcy and DeMartini plan to play together, Stephen said: "No, no, no. Not on this. No. Like I say, we wanted it to be about the music and Warren and myself delivering it, because it is gonna be a little different. If you were to throw the other guys in the mix, it wouldn't be exactly what it is now, the opportunity."
On the topic of what he has been doing in the seven years since he last played with Stephen, Warren said: "What I always did and what I always do. When I'm not sort of dealing with all the stuff that we deal with in life, I drift back into the studio and either start working on something that I hear in my head or refining something that I have going. So it's been a really nice thing to be able to do all this time, because basically since Stephen and Robbin and I wrote 'Round And Round', it's, like, 'Okay, you can be a writer if you wanna be,' so that's what I do, basically."
Asked if he missed being on stage and being in front of an audience, Warren said: "Oh, of course. It's hard to find words to describe the kind of energy that we have with our audience. It's just fantastic… I did do some gigs with some friends, like the last one was with Billy Gibbons and Sebastian Bach, and we would all play each other's songs. It was two or three songs each. And stuff like that kind of kept it burning, but this is the real fire."
Last year, Pearcy celebrated the 40th anniversary of RATT's classic debut album, "Out Of The Cellar", by performing it in its entirety and in sequence for the first time.
RATT exploded on to the national scene in 1984 with the release of "Out Of The Cellar". Featuring an undeniable hook and legendary music video, lead single "Round And Round" hit No. 12 on the Billboard Hot 100, while "Out Of The Cellar" reached No. 7 on the Billboard Top 200 and was certified triple platinum. Two more charting singles followed with "Back For More" and "Wanted Man". RATT started the tour as an opening act, but by the end of the tour had climbed to arena headliner.
RATT returned in 1985 with its second full-length album, "Invasion Of Your Privacy". Certified double platinum and also reaching No. 7 on the Billboard 200, "Invasion Of Your Privacy" also featured the classics "Lay It Down" (No. 40 on Billboard Hot 100) and "You're In Love".
"Dancing Undercover" followed in 1986 as RATT toured North America with a then-brand new Los Angeles band called POISON as the opening act. Lead single "Dance" hit the Billboard Hot 100 and spawned another music video hit with "Slip Of The Lip", while "Body Talk" was featured in a key scene in the Eddie Murphy film "The Golden Child". "Dancing Undercover" became RATT's third consecutive platinum album and reached No. 26 on the Billboard 200.
1988's "Reach For The Sky" saw RATT return to the Top 20 of the Billboard 200 album charts, peaking at No. 17. Driven by the bluesy hit and MTV favorite "Way Cool Jr.", "Reach For The Sky" was also certified platinum and became RATT's fourth album in a row to move well over a million copies. "I Want A Woman" was also a successful single and the video captured the excitement and energy of RATT live.
RATT released its last full-length record of the Atlantic era, "Detonator", in 1990. Music was changing, but "Detonator" was still a success, peaking at No. 23 on the Billboard 200 and going gold. It was the first RATT album to feature major outside songwriting contributions (Desmond Child, Diane Warren) and guests (Jon Bon Jovi, Michael Schenker). Lead single "Lovin' You's A Dirty Job" hit No. 18 on the rock chart while the power ballad "Givin' Yourself Away" reached No. 39.
In 1991, they released the single "Nobody Rides For Free" from the hit film "Point Break", starring Keanu Reeves and Patrick Swayze.
In January 2021, Pearcy told SiriusXM's "Trunk Nation With Eddie Trunk" that he was open to the idea of making a new RATT album with all the surviving members of the band's classic lineup.
RATT hasn't released any new music since 2010's "Infestation" LP.
Posted by Count's Vamp'd on Tuesday, May 20, 2025 | 0 | |
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12 июн 2025
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12 июн 2025
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12 июн 2025
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12 июн 2025
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12 июн 2025
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Seasons in Black
