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16 май 2025
Watch: EVANESCENCE Singer AMY LEE And HALSEY Perform 'Hand That Feeds' Live For First Time
 EVANESCENCE's Amy Lee and Grammy-nominated singer Halsey performed their collaborative song "Hand That Feeds" live for the first time when EVANESCENCE supported Halsey at her show last night (Wednesday, May 14) at the famed Hollywood Bowl. Fan-filmed video of the performance can be seen below.
"Hand That Feeds" is taken from the new John Wick spin-off movie "Ballerina", which is due in theaters on June 6. The film marks the first big-screen spinoff for the popular "Wick" series. It stars Ana de Armas as Eve, an assassin seeking revenge on the people who killed her family.
When "Hand That Feeds" was first announced on May 6, Lee took to her social media to write: "So thrilled to bring you a new song, 'Hand That Feeds' with Halsey. We've been fans of each other's work for a long time and it really feels like the universe pulled us together for this moment. We already had the Hollywood Bowl show in place when Lionsgate invited us to work on a song for the Ballerina Movie together, and it's finally time to serve it UP! Cannot wait for you all to hear!!"
In a text message to fans, Halsey shared a snippet of "Hand That Feeds", writing in an accompanying message: "I really hope I see some of you guys on the For My Last Trick tour. Here is something to hold you over … (the answer is yes, I am freaking out about it)."
Halsey has reportedly been a fan of EVANESCENCE since childhood. When promoting her 2024 album "The Great Impersonator", Halsey dressed up as 18 of her musical heroes, one of whom was Lee. Recreating the EVANESCENCE "Fallen" album cover, Halsey wrote on Instagram that Lee was her "OG dark rock queen". Halsey also shared a childhood photo in which she sported an EVANESCENCE t-shirt. "I wore that shirt into the ground," she wrote.
Directed by Len Wiseman, "Ballerina" is produced by John Wick's Chad Stahelski and features performances from Anjelica Huston, Gabriel Byrne, Lance Reddick, Catalina Sandino Moreno, Norman Reedus, with Ian McShane and Keanu Reeves alongside de Armas.
EVANESCENCE last released new music in March, with the arrival of the song "Afterlife" for the Netflix series "Devil May Cry". The track, which was co-written by critically acclaimed producer, songwriter and musician Alex Seaver, professionally known as Mako, and Lee, was performed live for the first time last night during the Hollywood Bowl show (see video below).
Delivering a number of dynamic rock hits over the last two decades, EVANESCENCE recently celebrated the 20th anniversary of its landmark debut album, "Fallen", originally released in 2003. They recognized the milestone with a special anniversary edition of the smash album, which spawned gigantic rock hits like "Bring Me To Life", "Going Under" and "My Immortal", kickstarting a thriving career they're still carrying out today.
To date, EVANESCENCE has released a total of five studio albums, including the multi-platinum "The Open Door" (2004) and "Evanescence" (2011),both of which topped the Billboard 200. In 2021, the band thrilled fans with their first album of new material in a decade, "The Bitter Truth". Now 20 years on, EVANESCENCE continues to scale new heights. Featuring a lineup of Amy Lee (vocals, keyboards),Tim McCord (guitar/bass),Will Hunt (drums),Troy McLawhorn (guitars) and Emma Anzai (bass, backing vocals),the band continues to travel the globe, staging some of the most successful shows of their career, having wrapped a run of sold-out shows in Latin America, including Allianz Parque, a soccer stadium in Sāo Paulo, Brazil, which was the biggest headline show of EVANESCENCE's career to date, drawing 40,000 fans.
Shortly following its release in March 2021, "The Bitter Truth" rose to the top of the iTunes Album charts in 22 countries and also landed the top spot on Billboard's Top Hard Rock Albums chart.
EVANESCENCE first topped the Hard Rock Albums chart in October 2011 with its self-titled effort. The album stayed atop the list for three weeks.
"The Bitter Truth" was recorded during the pandemic and confronted the dark realities of the world head-on. Yet its resounding message was one of light: pushing through is better than giving up.
We are so excited to be joining Halsey at her Hollywood Bowl show on May 14th! The signup for the Ticketmaster presale...
Posted by Evanescence on Thursday, February 13, 2025
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16 май 2025
What Part Did Religion Play In TOBIAS FORGE's Upbringing? The GHOST Mastermind Responds
 In a new interview with Markus Brandstetter of Rolling Stone Germany, GHOST leader Tobias Forge was asked if religion played a "big part" in his upbringing. He responded (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "Yes, but not in the traditional sense… We all know people who grew up in religious homes, or maybe in times where religion was more part of the mainframe. However, I grew up with religion from a cultural aspect because my mom is just a very cultural person and very interested in art and films. And so there was a natural sort of influx of more the cultural aspect of…"
He continued: "Whenever we were traveling someplace, we would always go to a church — not for religious reasons, [but] because of cultural reasons, for the artwork, like a museum. And as an imaginative kid, of course I was interested in the fairytale aspect of it. It was almost from an Indiana Jones point of view, because it was magic. But that was a positive thing. That felt historical, that felt magical, that felt ancient and cool. And then the other aspect of it was people in my vicinity that were religious who weren't necessarily very nice, or at least I didn't find them to be very pleasant. And one of them was my teacher in first and second grade. This was late '80s, and she was probably around retirement age at the time. So, she was born in, like, 1915 or something, or '20. I don't know. I don't remember. But she was very much like an old-school disciplinarian — very unmodern, mean. Everybody hated her. And even before I started school, just because in my kindergarten, there was a lot of kids who, who were older and they were, like, 'Yeah, you're gonna end up in her class. She's a real bitch.' So it was sort of served that way as well, and as soon as I started, we immediately clashed. And I remember her so clearly telling — I mean, anybody who was in my class might say that, 'Oh, she never said that,' but I remember clearly that she was, like, 'Had this just been a few years ago, I could have hit you.' And she was, like, 'Back in in the day — it was not very far, very long ago — I would've been allowed to hit you kids.' And you could really tell that she wanted to be that sort of physical disciplinarian. And you can argue maybe that maybe someone like me deserved it. I was very stuck up. I didn't like authoritarian people when I was a kid, so I didn't like it at all. And she was very deeply religious."
Forge added: "As my memory of it, and this might go against what anybody else's memory of it was, but there was a lot of singing psalms, or hymns, and there was a lot of biblical… I think she went off course in the amount of biblical study that we did. On the other hand, that served also my interest in history. So it wasn't like a waste, but she was definitely like an embodiment of, to me, the paradox of her self-proclaimed representing the good side and she was actually evil. She was mean and petty and bitter and represented negativity and regression, and I'd say that skewed me a lot. But I definitely, obviously fell out of favor of her. And then that sort of continued throughout school. We had another [teacher]… When I started seventh grade — I don't know to whatever extent she was religious, but she was definitely a righteous woman and she hated me. And this was right when I was in my most blooming satanic adolescent, 13-year-old kid. And I came into her class and she was, like… I know afterwards, because when my kids started school, for a brief time they actually went to the same school that I attended in seventh grade, and they had the same teacher as I had at the time, and he [told me], like, 'She was really mean to you.' 'Oh, that was not just in my head?' He was, like, 'No. She went around to other teachers trying to color their perception of you and how she wanted you to fail.' But I was very, very opinionated and I tried to diminish her thing with the class. I was the sort of kid that that would stand up in the middle of class and, like, 'Nobody here likes you. You're just a dumb cow.' [Laughs] So I was also a little shit. But as a kid and a teenager, I was in constant sort of collision with the world. I also have a great respect thinking about my own role in it. But if I wanna give myself a little slack, I would say that had I had nicer teachers, it would've been better. There are definitely others that I knew that had other teachers — had I been in their classes, I probably would've succeeded better. Succeeded with what? Things turned out okay. So it's, like, it's fine. But, yeah, that's the short answer to your question."
Forge previously spoke about religion while discussing GHOST's cover of GENESIS's 1992 song "Jesus He Knows Me". He told Australia's The Music at the time about the song's subject matter — a satirical look at televangelism: "It's frighteningly horrible. It's easy not to laugh about the accuracy in which Phil Collins wrote a lyric that ten years ago felt almost dated, even outdated, which now feels so contemporary and important."
He continued: "When we started touring America, I was asked so many times, 'Do you have a problem with the Christian fundamentalists or picket fencers or any of that stuff?' I was, like, 'No, never.' Like, there seems to be a sort of undercurrent of that stuff over there. I didn't see that, we were all over the place, even in the South, and definitely a lot in the heartland.
"My impression of those cities is just wonderful — a lot of nice people who come to rock shows, and they're super friendly, and everything is just fucking dandy," he added. "And then, obviously, the last five or six years, the people are still the same, I still feel that they're in the same climate. But obviously, parallel to that, there is this complete Flat Earth cult that has just decided to throw in the towel. I don't know what their aim is."
Referencing the fact that some televangelists ask people to give cash to earn financial favor from God, Forge said: "I cannot neglect to underline the fact that the followers, they are people who don't know better. I pity them — they are being used and humiliated and the leaders are just completely exploiting them. The exchange is supposed to be: 'Give me money, and I will give you the past back'. Look, I'm a nostalgic person as well. I wish it was 1985, too, believe me. But if anyone would come to me and say that, 'If you pay me $1 or $10 — anything you can spare — and I will give you 1985 back,' I would know you're lying. You're obviously lying. You're obviously telling me something that is not true. But yeah, such is the world now.
"You never reach the status quo. Unfortunately, the pendulum swings and sometimes you're in the shitter and sometimes the opposite side, that's how it's always been," he said. "That's the horrid thing about the shit that they're trying to sell you, especially when they're trying to sell it as some sort of religion sandwich because they're telling you that the world is linear, and time is linear. In this case, they're talking about heaven or hell. That is not how it really works. Everything else in this world is circular. So why wouldn't that also be circular? That's the true essence of evil — tricking people into believing something in order to get something out of them and trying to sell them salvation."
Earlier this month, GHOST's new studio album, "Skeletá", landed at position No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart with 86,000 equivalent album units earned in the United States in the LP's first week of release. 89% of that figure (77,000) consisted of traditional album sales, with vinyl purchases accounting for over 44,000 copies. Notably, "Skeletá" was the first hard rock album to reach the No. 1 spot on the Billboard 200 since AC/DC's "Power Up" in 2020, according to Billboard.com.
"Skeletá" arrived on April 25 via Loma Vista Recordings.
Forge performed as a "new" Papa Emeritus on each of the band's first three LPs, with each version of Papa replacing the one that came before it. Papa Emeritus III was retired in favor of Cardinal Copia before the release of 2018's "Prequelle". In March 2020, at final show of GHOST's "Prequelle" tour in Mexico City, Mexico, the band officially introduced Papa Emeritus IV, the character who fronted the act for its "Impera" (2022) album phase.
The European leg of GHOST's 2025 world tour kicked off on April 15 in Manchester, United Kingdom and will conclude on May 24 in Oslo, Norway. The North American leg of GHOST's 2025 tour will launch on July 9 in Baltimore, Maryland and wrap up on August 16 in Houston, Texas. | +2 | |
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16 май 2025
CANDLEMASS's LEIF EDLING Reiterates Athens Concert With MESSIAH MARCOLIN Will Be A One-Off: 'We Have No Recording Plans'
 CANDLEMASS leader Leif Edling has reiterated that the band's upcoming reunion concert with Messiah Marcolin will be a one-off event, with no chance of further dates being added.
As previously reported, Messiah will front CANDLEMASS for an appearance at this year's edition of the Rock Hard Festival Greece, slated for September 12-13, 2025 in Athens, Greece. It will mark Marcolin's first performance with CANDLEMASS in nearly 20 years.
In a new interview with Sakis Fragos of Rock Hard Greece, Edling stated about CANDLEMASS's upcoming concert with Messiah (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "Well, it feels great. And we [are celebrating CANDLEMASS's] 40-year anniversary with many happenings, so this is one of the happenings that we have. So we have a special EP out with a couple of tracks, and we will have a special line of merchandise out. And we will do special shows in Sweden, and we will also do the thing with Messiah Marcolin in Athens. So there's several ways we can celebrate. We put a lot of old photos up on social media right now, for example, and I think there's a documentary about CANDLEMASS being filmed during the year as well. So, we celebrate in many ways."
Regarding the possibility of more concerts with Messiah being added, Leif said: "Yeah, it will be a one-off show. Absolutely. And we have no recording plans, we have no reunion plans. There are no plans whatsoever but just one show and one show only. So that's the entire thought behind it. Go down to Greece where we have a lot of true fans, loyal fans, and have a blast. Play a great show and enjoy ourselves for the 40-year anniversary's sake. Not many bands survive to have a 40-year anniversary. So we feel very lucky that we have managed to survive this long."
Asked if he sees the upcoming concert in Athens as "the perfect closure" of CANDLEMASS's chapter with Messiah, Leif said: "I think we had a closure, like, 20 years ago, actually. [Laughs] I mean, we didn't know that we would survive one year after Messiah left. And we didn't know that we would be playing 20 years after. So this is a bonus. And it's a bonus for all the people that would like to see us live with Messiah. So why not? Let's do it. Let's have fun for an evening in Athens."
On the topic of the setlist for the Rock Hard concert, Edling said: "I think we'll do the classics with a couple of surprises. So, I'm sure people will enjoy the setlist that we are discussing right now, actually. But I don't wanna give anything away right now. Let it be a surprise. So I don't think anybody will be disappointed. That I can say."
During the chat, Leif also reflected on some of the "biggest challenges" CANDLEMASS's career, particularly in the first couple of decades of the band's existence. He said: "Well, difficult times — I guess it was when Messiah left the first time, and also the second time. It's not easy for a band to recover after that. We had quite a few changes of singers, and every time you make a singer replacement, you go through a difficult time. But it's been 40 years, so I think it's also kind of a natural thing, when you have such a long career. So, I don't think of it as we have a band with a lot of problems or anything. I mean, if you change a singer every eight years or whatever, I think that's quite natural that some members come and go. If it's not the singer, maybe it's the guitar player or the bass player or the drummer. So this happens in every band on the planet — they change the personnel. But we have four people playing for 40 years together — me, Jan [Lindh, drums], Mats [Björkman, guitar] and Lars [Johansson, guitar]. And now we have Johan [Längqvist, vocals] back in the band, and it's fucking fantastic. So I think we are very lucky to have survived these 40 years, and we are lucky enough to still be regarded as a headliner band or co-headliner band. And we play great shows for a lot of people. And every gig we play, we have all the hands in the air and people are cheering. So it makes me feel fucking fantastic every time, because you still attract people, you still make people happy with your music. That's absolutely fantastic."
In a recent interview with Finland's Chaoszine, Längqvist (a.k.a. Johan Langquist) was asked if he will be a part of CANDLEMASS's upcoming performance featuring Messiah. He responded: "No, I'm not a part of that performance, because the Greeks, they loved CANDLEMASS from the very beginning, and we are very popular in Greece. And I think the reason is because [Messiah] has a part of their history, the music listeners in Greece. So I do respect they wanted us to do a gig with Messiah."
Johan continued: "What can I say? I wish him the best. And he was a character in the band and we've actually met two nights together, partying together. And I wish him the best. I hope they're gonna make a great show down there. Yeah, that's it."
As the godfathers of epic doom metal, CANDLEMASS defined the genre with releases such as "Epicus Doomicus Metallicus" (1986) and "Nightfall" (1987). Through their evil riffs, crushing rhythmic attack and dramatic vocals, they changed the landscape of metal worldwide. Led by Edling, CANDLEMASS reunited with Längqvist in 2018, 32 years after the singer performed on "Epicus Doomicus Metallicus".
Längqvist originally exited CANDLEMASS after "Epicus Doomicus Metallicus" and was replaced by Marcolin.
Marcolin exited CANDLEMASS for the presumably final time in 2006, one year after the release of the band's self-titled album. He was later replaced by Robert Lowe (SOLITUDE AETURNUS),who sang on the band's "King Of The Grey Islands" (2007),"Death Magic Doom" (2009) and "Psalms For The Dead" (2012) LPs. CANDLEMASS's frontman between 2012 and 2018 was Mats Levén, who previously recorded and toured with YNGWIE MALMSTEEN and THERION. Seven years ago, CANDLEMASS fired Levén and rehired Längqvist.
Back in October 2022, Messiah and longtime CANDLEMASS guitarist Mats "Mappe" Björkman joined Canadian metallers ANVIL on stage at the Slaktkyrkan venue in Stockholm, Sweden to perform the classic ANVIL song "Metal On Metal". The event marked the first time in 16 years that the two musicians performed together.
CANDLEMASS's new EP, "Black Star", came out on May 9 via Napalm Records.
Johan's solo project JOHAN LANGQUIST THE CASTLE will release its self-titled debut album on CD and vinyl on June 27 via I Hate Records. The record was initially made available digitally without a label in 2024.
Photo credit: Linda Åkerberg
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DAVE LOMBARDO Reflects On Making Of SLAYER's Classic Song 'Raining Blood': JEFF HANNEMAN's Demo 'Blew Us Away'
 During a recent episode of the "100 Songs That Define Heavy Metal" podcast, Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel discussed SLAYER's "Raining Blood", from 1986's "Reign In Blood" album, with the man who played drums on that track, Dave Lombardo. Asked where the song's iconic intro came from — a burst of thunder, three drumbeats and lightning-strike guitars — Lombardo said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "[Late SLAYER guitarist] Jeff [Hanneman]. Jeff recorded the demo. He recorded the drums and the guitar and presented that to us at rehearsal. And we thought it was a little odd. It was, like, 'What? You just want it to start this way?' And I don't know where the idea, where the rain came in. But the song was practically done, and it was on cassette. And we thought it was great, at least once the riff kicked in. That blew us away."
Regarding his drumming approach in "Raining Blood", Lombardo said: "I think — well, especially with that song… I had an idea of what I was doing in the first three records that we did, three, four records, from learning by listening to other drummers. At that time, obviously, it was IRON MAIDEN, MOTÖRHEAD, JUDAS PRIEST. So the drummers at that time laid the groundwork for me. And learning those songs and playing those songs with SLAYER really helped me hone in my ability to contribute drums to music that was presented to me. But then later, [when we recorded] 'Reign In Blood', [the album's producer] Rick Rubin really kind of honed my creativity and he helped me apply the creativity in very special places that impacted the next part of the song. So let's say when the vocals — let's say in the verse. You keep that space open. You can add little, tiny nuances, but you don't wanna overplay, because then you're taking away from the vocals. And then when the chorus comes in, or the bridge or whatever, he helped me hone in my creativity and add, let's say, a creative drum roll to lead into the next section. So I think that's where you're hearing, as a listener, the drums being played in a more melodic form as it's part of the song instead of, 'I'm playing drums and I need to show you how good I am at these chops that I've developed through the years.' It wasn't about that. It's about the song and making it as special and giving it the right amount of drumming."
According to Lombardo, another thing that "helped immensely" in elevating SLAYER's musicianship "was the amount of touring that we were doing. That's where you really develop your chops, your stamina, and you start hearing things a little differently from the stage perspective," he explained. "And I think, at least in my experience, that's where I started hearing music in a different way, in a more performance way, rather than just creative. It's, like, you know the power that certain rhythms have when they're performed live, so you try to record those rhythms as authentically as possible. It just comes with experience, and I believe the touring really helped us in developing not only our sound, but our style."
"Reign In Blood" was released on October 7, 1986 through Def Jam Recordings. The album was the band's first collaboration with record producer Rick Rubin, whose input helped the band's sound evolve. Kerrang! magazine described the record as "the heaviest album of all time," and a breakthrough in thrash metal and speed metal.
"Reign In Blood"'s release was delayed because of concerns regarding its graphic artwork and lyrical subject matter. The opening track, "Angel Of Death", which refers to Josef Mengele and describes acts such as human experimentation that Mengele committed at the Auschwitz concentration camp, provoked allegations of Nazism. However, the bandmembers stated numerous times they do not condone Nazism, and are merely interested in the subject.
On the topic the controversy surrounding "Reign In Blood"'s lyrical content, Hanneman previously said, "'Angel Of Death' was a big problem. I remember getting a phone call after the album was done: Sony wasn't going to release it. I remember being at home, pissed, throwing things. What the fuck? I didn't think anything was wrong with 'Angel Of Death' or anything else we did, it's a documentary! There's no 'Heil Hitler' or 'white people rule,' it's a documentary; grow up, people. It took months before they picked it up again. Finally, we got signed by a distributor."
"Reign In Blood" was SLAYER's first album to enter The Billboard 200 chart (at No. 94). The LP was certified gold by the RIAA (Recording Industry Association Of America) on November 20, 1992 for sales in excess of 500,000 copies.
In a 2009 interview with Filter magazine, SLAYER frontman Tom Araya stated about "Reign In Blood", "On that first album [together], Rubin made sure that he recorded. He wanted to duplicate what he was hearing." Guitarist Kerry King added, "It was the first time you actually heard SLAYER in its pure ferocity, and it made a big difference. One funny thing about that album is if it came out today, no one would give a shit. They'd say, 'That's cool.' But at the time it came out it made such a difference. People still reflect on that as a poignant time, where shit changed."
Back in October 2021, Lombardo told Metal Injection about "Reign In Blood": "I look at that album as a masterpiece. And it's one of those albums that will stand the test of time. It's brilliant. The fire, the energy that that album has. I don't hear that in other records. I don't know if it's because I'm listening to a band that I was part of that I have this perspective that's objective. But you know, it's brilliant and I'm very appreciative … I think that album will forever be like the epitome of thrash music and part of a historic time in music history… SLAYER had a certain energy that's unlike anything else. And so that definitely is for me one of the greatest metal records ever made."
Lombardo, who splits most of his time between crossover pioneers horror-punk icons MISFITS, hardcore supergroup DEAD CROSS and MR. BUNGLE, was effectively fired from SLAYER after sitting out the group's Australian tour in February/March 2013 due to a contract dispute with the other bandmembers. He has since been replaced by Paul Bostaph, who was previously SLAYER's drummer from 1992 until 2001.
Shortly after his dismissal, Lombardo said that he discovered that 90 percent of SLAYER's tour income was being deducted as expenses, including fees to management, costing the band millions and leaving them with about 10 percent to split four ways. While he and Araya hired auditors to figure out what had happened, Lombardo said he was never allowed to see any of the information obtained.
A few years ago, King said that "when Dave was in [SLAYER] this last time, I figured I'd be on the stage with him until one of us fell off the stage, dead. Things change. He got some bad advice and listened to some bad advice, gave us an ultimatum ten days before we went to Australia [to do the Soundwave festival tour]. And I said, 'I can't have this over my head.' And I feel bad for Dave to this day; I really feel bad for him because he shot himself in the foot. Maybe he thought he had the upper hand, but you ain't gonna get me."
Photo credit: Ekaterina Gorbacheva
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15 май 2025
Watch: ROBERT PLANT And SAVING GRACE Perform In Gothenburg During Spring/Summer 2025 European Tour
 LED ZEPPELIN frontman Robert Plant and his band SAVING GRACE performed live at Göteborgs Konserthus in Gothenburg, Sweden on Sunday, May 11. Fan-filmed video of the entire concert can be seen below.
Plant formed SAVING GRACE back in 2019. He is joined in the band's current lineup by Suzi Dian (vocals),Oli Jefferson (percussion),Tony Kelsey (mandolin, baritone, acoustic guitar) and Matt Worley (banjo, acoustic, baritone guitars, cuatro) and Barney Morse Brown (cello).
Plant continues to push boundaries and blow audiences away with SAVING GRACE. His current European tour, which kicked off on May 3 in Brussels, Belgium, is a rare opportunity to witness the collective's unique blend of folk, Americana, and blues.
In a 2021 interview with Express & Star, Plant admitted SAVING GRACE's sound was hard to characterize.
"A lot of people call it Americana, but it is definitely not Americana," he said. "I would describe it as psychedelic soul."
Since forming six years ago, SAVING GRACE has received numerous acclaims for its live shows, with Bob Harris describing it as "one of the best gigs I've seen in years" and Toni Woodward of Americana UK providing a perfect summary: "These five musicians have produced a supreme ninety minutes of music with considered interpretations of others' compositions, ensuring they present an innovative exploration of the songs whilst maintaining their true essence. Furthermore, this odyssey has been undertaken in the spirit of appreciation, musicianship, and exultation: they truly are a band of joy!"
Robert Plant presents Saving Grace feat. Suzi Dian, Spring Fever tour 2025 dates. Visit http://robertplant.com/ for...
Posted by Robert Plant on Monday, March 17, 2025 | 0 | |
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15 май 2025
NIGHTWISH Side Project AURI Announces Third Album 'III - Candles & Beginnings'
 AURI, the project featuring NIGHTWISH mainman/keyboardist Tuomas Holopainen and his wife, popular Finnish singer Johanna Kurkela, will release its third studio album, "III - Candles & Beginnings", on August 15, 2025.
Propelled by the celestial voice of Kurkela, the lush sonic landscapes of Holopainen, and the boundless instrumental artistry of Troy Donockley, AURI once again invites listeners into a world that defies genre. Fusing elements of folk, progressive and symphonic music with touches of world, pop, and avant-garde, "III - Candles & Beginnings" promises an immersive journey for the senses.
The creative process for this new chapter began in 2023, shortly after the completion of NIGHTWISH's 2024 opus "Yesterwynde". While Troy composed in the serene landscapes of Yorkshire, Tuomas and Johanna crafted melodies and lyrics from their home base in Kitee, Finland — bridging worlds both musically and geographically.
As a first glimpse into AURI's evolving soundscape, the hauntingly beautiful lead single "Shieldmaiden" is available now, accompanied by a stunning cinematic video directed by longtime collaborator Ville Lipiäinen.
Donockley comments: "Our new album 'Auri III' is waiting to be released, and one of its songs, 'Shieldmaiden', has already escaped. It's a mysterious song, obscured by its own slow rising power. AURI thrives on mystery and ambiguity so all is well…"
The drums for "III - Candles & Beginnings" were laid down in January at the Petrax facility in Hollola, Finland by Kai Hahto, best known as the drummer of NIGHTWISH and WINTERSUN. Hahto will also tour with AURI when the band hits the road later this year.
AURI released its second album, "II - Those We Don't Speak Of", in September 2021 via Nuclear Blast. The effort was the follow-up to AURI's self-titled debut LP, which came out in March 2018 via Nuclear Blast.
AURI began its life with three people, united through their shared need to hear a kind of a music which can't be described by words alone. The first song born of this mindset, "Aphrodite Rising", appeared in 2011.
Kurkela lent her unique voice, while Holopainen and English composer and multi-instrumentalist Troy Donockley (also of NIGHTWISH) cast their spells with various other instruments. Now complemented by the dynamic percussive talents of Kai Hahto (NIGHTWISH),the threesome carves fantastical worlds entirely their own.
In a 2018 interview with Dead Rhetoric, Donockley stated about AURI's formation: "It was always there for us, since 2010. We decided back then that the three of us wanted to do something together. Tuomas and I are huge fans of Johanna's voice. I had been involved in one of her albums as a guest musician, and Tuomas had written a song for her on a solo album. So the three of us realized pretty early on that we wanted to do something together, musically. It was obvious that it couldn't be like NIGHTWISH. But it was something we felt really strongly about, that we had to release this atmosphere we all felt, and were tuned into. I know that sounds fairly vague, but that's truly what it was. It was a kind of music that we wanted to get out of ourselves. We are close friends and have very similar tastes and attitudes towards life so we made our plans, but NIGHTWISH is a behemoth. We have our commitments there and we did 'Imaginaerum' and 'Endless Forms Most Beautiful' after our decision to work together on some music. As it turned out, fortune smiled on us with a sabbatical year. We decided to dive in and work on it."
Asked how he would compare the spirit/essence of AURI with that of NIGHTWISH, Donockley said: "We don't see it as very different from NIGHTWISH at all. Sonically it is, for sure. We were struggling to find a label for it, as it usually happens, so I just tossed out 'celestial metal.' So this Polish journalist said to me, 'I know what you mean about celestial metal. It's kind of heavenly music. It has the metal attitude, but without all of the electric guitars and bass.' Metal is an attitude. The metal scene — the metal fans are open-minded, as I said before. The Italian [NIGHTWISH] fan club, I did an interview with them, and this was brought up and she told me that she was a fan of DIMMU BORGIR as well as Ed Sheeran. That's it right there! So I think the NIGHTWISH connection is inevitable because of Tuomas and I are in it, so there are those elements. But I think the spirit is the same as NIGHTWISH. It does cover a lot of the same themes, it's just not obviously NIGHTWISH. It's down to the sonic side, honestly."
Holopainen and Kurkela have been married since October 2015.
Having been a studio endeavor in the past, AURI is finally going on tour, with its first-ever live European trek kicking off in August 2025. Check out the dates below.
AURI's "A Trail Of Candles & Beginnings" tour dates:
Aug. 13 - FI - Kitee, Kiteesali
Aug. 14 - FI - Kitee, Kiteesali
Aug. 16 - FI - Tampere, Tampere-talo
Aug. 20 - FI - Oulu, Madetojan Sali
Aug. 22 - FI - Vaasa, Ritz
Aug. 23 - FI - Helsinki, Helsinki Festival / Huvilateltta (+ Eye Of Melian)
Sep. 12 - UK - Manchester, RNCM Theatre
Sep. 13 - UK - Edinburgh, Queen ́s Hall
Sep. 15 - UK - London, Union Chapel
Sep. 16 - BE - Gent, Theaterzaal Vooruit
Sep. 17 - FR - Paris, La Cigale (+ Eye Of Melian)
Sep. 18 - NL - Utrecht, Tivoli Vredenburg (+ Eye Of Melian)
Sep. 20 - CH - Zürich, Volkshaus
Sep. 21 - DE - Stuttgart, Liederhalle
Sep. 22 - DE - Cologne Theater am Tanzbrunnen (+ Eye Of Melian)
Sep. 23 - DE - Essen, Lichtburg
Sep. 25 - DE - Mannheim, Capitol
Sep. 26 - DE - Munich, St. Matthäuskirche
Sep. 27 - AT - Vienna, Simm City
Sep. 29 - HU - Budapest, MOM Kult
Sep. 30 - CZ - Prague, Hybernia
Oct. 01 - DE - Berlin, Passionskirche
Oct. 02 - DE - Leipzig, Kupfersaal
Oct. 04 - PL - Warsaw ,Palladium
Oct. 06 - DE - Hamburg Laeiszhalle
Oct. 07 - DK - Copenhagen, Amager Bio
Oct. 08 - SE - Stockholm, Nya Cirkus
Oct. 09 - NO - Oslo Sentrum Scene
Oct. 10 - NO - Bergen Grieghallen
AURI is:
Johanna Kurkela - voices, violin, viola, keys
Tuomas Holopainen - keys & backing voices
Troy Donockley - guitars, bouzouki, mandola, uilleann pipes, low whistles, aerophone, bodhran, keys, voices
Photo credit: Pete Voutilainen
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15 май 2025
MOTÖRHEAD Shares Official Video Recap Of LEMMY Statue Unveiling In His English Birth Town
 MOTÖRHEAD has shared an official video recap of the unveiling of the statue of the band's founder and bassist/vocalist Lemmy Kilmister, which was held on Friday, May 9 during the "Lemmy Forever" ceremony in Burslem, Stoke on Trent, England. Check it out below.
With MOTÖRHEAD guitarist Phil Campbell attending to place Lemmy's ashes in a magnificent statue created by local sculptor, and huge MOTÖRHEAD fan, Andy Edwards, the day was filled with fun, friends, and some volume too.
The ceremony commenced in Burslem town center at approximately 4:00 p.m., with friends invited to come early and make a day of it by enjoying some pre-ceremonial MOTÖRHEAD beverages at the various site-adjacent hostelries including Old Post Office bar and Ale House, while the Market Place Café also had refreshments, including a special MOTÖRHEAD roast of the day.
Some of the ceremonial festivities included a biker's corteo accompanying the ashes, various speakers, and a roaring 21-rev salute which hit the skies in ceremonial reverence. The statue itself captures Lemmy in all his live glory from the 1981 era, which saw MOTÖRHEAD headline the Heavy Metal Holocaust just down the road at Port Vale Stadium back on August 1, 1981.
MOTÖRHEAD fan Nobby, who was at the ceremony, told BBC Radio Stoke he had been following the band since he was 15 and described the unveiling as "absolutely awesome".
"It's unbelievable — it looks alive. Looking at it now, he really has captured Lemmy to a tee. It's brilliant," he said.
"It's well worth the wait, well worth everything and I hope it brings people to Burslem to see it."
Edwards, who had previously created sculptures of THE BEATLES, Bob Marley, Sir Alex Ferguson, Muhammed Ali and the BEE GEES, said: "Of all the figures in music, there aren't that many that have the unique stature that Lemmy does. He's like an avatar of the purest spirit of rock and roll — he's one of us. I think it's right that it [the statue] has been made locally."
MOTÖRHEAD is a Grammy Award-winning British rock band renowned for their groundbreaking contributions to a variety of musical genres including heavy metal, punk rock and rock'n'roll, as well as their rebellious, free-wheeling attitude. 2025 sees the band celebrating its 50th anniversary with a series of "Motörhead For Life" and "Lemmy Forever" events to carry on the lifestyle perpetuated by the band and its iconic frontman Lemmy Kilmister.
Lemmy, who was born in Burslem and later lived in nearby Newcastle-under-Lyme and Madeley, died on December 28, 2015 at the age of 70 shortly after learning he had been diagnosed with cancer.
MOTÖRHEAD had to cancel a number of shows in 2015 because of Lemmy's poor health, although the band did manage to complete a European tour a couple of weeks before his death.
In June 2020, it was announced that Lemmy would get the biopic treatment. The upcoming film, "Lemmy", will be directed by Greg Olliver, who previously helmed the 2010 documentary of the same name, "Lemmy".
A custom-made urn containing Lemmy's ashes is on permanent display in a columbarium at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Hollywood, California.
Lemmy statue
What a fantastic day we've had in Burslem.
Hundreds of people turned out to honour Motörhead frontman Lemmy with a brand-new statue in Market Place.
Cllr Lyn Sharpe paid tribute to Lemmy before the statue was unveiled this afternoon.
Posted by Stoke-on-Trent City Council on Friday, May 9, 2025
Wicked day at the Lemmy statue unveiling in stoke. Met some great people and listened to some great music.
@...
Posted by Ethan Quinney on Sunday, May 11, 2025
The legend has returned to Burslem!
What a fantastic turnout for Lemmy's statue unveiling.
Now time for the after party in typical Motörhead style.
Posted by Stoke-on-Trent City Council on Friday, May 9, 2025
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15 май 2025
STRYPER's Christmas Album Should Be Completed By Early July
 Christian rockers STRYPER enter the studio in late April to begin recording their first-ever full-length Christmas album. The 10-song effort will include five original Christmas tracks and five traditional Christmas cuts, including remakes of "Reason For The Season" and "Winter Wonderland", both of which originally appeared on a 1985 single and were also made available on the 1986 re-release of STRYPER's debut EP, "The Yellow And Black Attack".
Earlier today (Tuesday, May 13),STRYPER frontman Michael Sweet took to his social media to write: "Update on Christmas album: Today the guys are going home.
"We accomplished a lot in 13 days! Everything is sounding absolutely amazing. [Longtime STRYPER collaborator] Danny [Bernini at SpiritHouse Recording Studios in Northampton, Massachusetts] and I will go through all the songs today and make some adjustments to levels and prep mixes for me to sing too. I'll then go home and take a day or two off and then I'll start singing and tracking vocals. I'll have that wrapped up before we leave for Sweden. And then when we get back from Sweden, mixes will be finalized and it will be mastered and get turned in by the end of June or the very beginning of July.
"This album has its own unique signature to it and it's becoming a favorite of mine. There's just something about it that's really special and unique. An album weve wanted to do for so many years and here we are.
"We tried some different things on this album in terms of the sound but yet we didn't venture too far away from who we are and what we do. It's 100% STRYPER yet it has some new flavors here and there and it's really amazing how it turned out. It will be released this year.
"We'll also be starting on a brand new album in January of next year. It will be our 18th studio album (unless my math is wrong). We're almost at my goal of 21 albums. Then I have to catch up with the solo albums. With the release of the inspirational album, I'll be at 12. My goal with that is also 21."
STRYPER's latest studio album, "When We Were Kings", came out in September 2024.
The band recently completed the U.S. leg of its 40th-anniversary tour, which was described as "a celebration of both classic hits and new-era fan favorites, including outfit changes and an exciting new show production."
In December 2023, Michael underwent partial thyroidectomy, the surgery to remove part of his thyroid gland. It is the most common surgery for thyroid cancer.
Formed 41 years ago, STRYPER's name comes from Isaiah 53:5, which states: "But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed."
STRYPER's albums include "To Hell With The Devil", "Second Coming", "No More Hell To Pay", "Fallen", "God Damn Evil", "Even The Devil Believes" and "The Final Battle".
In a recent interview with The Front Row Report With Reggie Edwards, Michael Sweet spoke about how his songwriting process has evolved over the four decades of STRYPER's existence. He said: "I personally think that that's my greatest gift in terms of the abilities God's given me. I'm a guitar player, I'm a singer, but I feel like I shine more at songwriting, and I get more excited about it.
"When I sit down to write, it's always a few weeks before we start recording," he continued. "I don't have any songs, and I sit down in my studio and I write a song a day. Once I have one song finished, I go down the next day, I write another song until there's 11 songs or 12 songs. And then we go in a studio, I teach the songs to the guys and we record them. And it's been that way really from the beginning, starting with [the 1984 EP] 'The Yellow And Black Attack', but the difference between now and then is we spent more time working out songs [back then]. Now it's a lot faster process, and it's not because it's rushed [or] because we have to; it's just because that's the way it is. That's the way it works.
"But I love writing," Sweet added. "Everyone has this perception that we've always written songs as a band. That's just not true. It's never been that way. I've always been open and honest about that. And sometimes people think I'm a dictator and I hold a gun to the guys' heads and I don't let 'em write and whatnot, and it's just not true. I give music to my brother all the time and say, 'Hey, why don't you write the lyrics?' Because Robert's [Sweet, STRYPER drummer] a good lyricist. I say, 'Why don't you write the lyrics for the song?' And three months later, when it's time for me to sing the song, the lyrics aren't done. So I wind up doing it myself. And it's perceived often as I don't let the guys do anything, and it couldn't be further from the truth. And I'm letting you know that, I'm going off on that a bit of tangent, because I see this online every day. I just saw something at breakfast an hour ago, someone saying that very same thing."
Michael also addressed his reputation as one of the most outspoken musicians in metal when it comes to his beliefs and thoughts. He said: "The thing is, I'm a very open book. So when I do interviews, I speak my heart. The other guys don't. And what I mean by that is when my brother does interviews, he's much more reserved and cautious about what he says. Now, behind the scenes, he'll say what's on his heart, and I hear it all. I hear it all, 'cause I travel with him. Same with Oz [Fox, STRYPER guitarist]. Same with Perry [Richardson, STRYPER bassist]. I hear everything that you hear me saying in interviews and then some. But see, people's perception is they don't say anything bad, I say everything bad. I'm the dictator, I'm the tyrant, I'm this, I'm that. And then when I talk about it, like I'm doing now, I'm a crybaby. I'm going off and I'm getting upset about it. And I guess the point I'm trying to make — as much as I love these guys, the public perception of this band isn't at all true. It's always been that way. When I left the band, people hated me. I still have people come up to me to this day and say, 'I hated you. I was so mad at you because you left the band, you left the other three guys. You betrayed them. You abandoned them.' And I'm, like, wow. I left this band to save my marriage. I had to. I had to. And I wanted my marriage to survive. I wanted to be a father to my children. And the perception is I was an asshole."
Update on Christmas album:
Today the guys are going home. We accomplished a lot in 13 days! Everything is sounding...
Posted by Michael Sweet on Tuesday, May 13, 2025 | 0 | |
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15 май 2025
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15 май 2025
CHEVELLE Releases Music Video For 'Rabbit Hole (Cowards, Pt. 1)'
 This past March, CHEVELLE unleashed its first new music in four years with the single "Rabbit Hole (Cowards, Pt. 1)". It's a gnarly, riffy rager with more hooks than a tackle box and alternately snarling and melodic vocals. Push and pull tension define the song, which leads to thrilling, dissonant breakdown at the end of the song. Put simply, it was worth the wait.
Today, the band, fresh off an appearance at Coachella, shares the official video for "Rabbit Hole (Cowards, Pt. 1)", which is rife with the same tension as the song. The black-and-white footage is stark yet startling, and is unlike anything the band has done in the past.
"The sea was angry that day, my friends, for sometimes you cast your net and win, sometimes you lose, and sometimes you just don't get that happy ending. Either way enjoy the new 'Rabbit Hole' music video, friends!," the band says.
In a recent interview with "Whiplash", the KLOS radio show hosted by Full Metal Jackie, CHEVELLE drummer Sam Loeffler spoke about "Rabbit Hole (Cowards, Pt. 1)". The track is taken from CHEVELLE's as-yet-unannounced tenth studio album, which will arrive later in the year. The follow-up to 2021's "Niratias" will mark CHEVELLE's first release through Alchemy Recordings following a long run with the Epic label. Alchemy Recordings is a record label created in partnership between Dino Paredes, former American Recordings vice president of A&R, and Danny Wimmer, the founder of Danny Wimmer Presents, the premier production company for rock music festivals in the United States.
Asked why he and his brother, CHEVELLE vocalist/guitarist Pete Loeffler decided to produce the band's new LP themselves after working with Joe Barresi for almost a decade and a half, Sam said: "Well, I'll tell you this. We did four records with Joe [starting with 2011's 'Hats Off To The Bull'], and he was awesome. And he said to us, he goes, 'You guys should do something different. Go try doing a record yourselves. See how it goes.' So we did. And it's the hardest thing we've ever done, for sure. It's probably not worth it, but we did it, and we can say we did it."
As for the decision to part with Epic and find a new label home, Sam said: "After we did eight full-length records with Epic Records, which we still have a very good relationship with them, yeah, we branched out and became part of a label with our friends that we've known for 25 years in the business. And our old friend Danny Wimmer tried to sign us to Flawless Records back in like 2000, and it didn't work out, and we went to Sony instead. So now, after all these years, we've signed with him and his current label, so it was kind of cool."
Asked what lyrical themes are covered on CHEVELLE's upcoming album, Sam said: "Well, [Pete is] definitely our lyricist, and he likes to write about things going on around him, of course — anything that's just interesting that you can make interesting in an interesting way. That's a lot of 'interesting' words there. So, yeah, on this one — 'Rabbit Hole' is really about going down a rabbit hole. And that's 'Cowards, Pt. 1'. And there's a 'Cowards, Pt. 2', which deals with the same stuff but just a different part of it. And I don't wanna give that away yet 'cause I'm hoping that's gonna be the second single. And that'd be really rad if it was. But it's definitely about going down rabbit holes."
On the topic of a possible release date for CHEVELLE's tenth studio album, Sam said: "Well, I'm hoping record will be out by the time we go on tour [in August]. It's just a matter of getting all the artwork and everything finished to get in the queue for printing LPs and stuff. So, we should have a date hopefully soon, the actual date. But this album's pretty well-rounded as far as heavy songs go. I mean, it's mostly really, really hard rock, 'cause that's our thing, but there's two lighter songs on it. And this song, 'Rabbit Hole', is, as far as the rock songs, the lightest song on the record, for sure. So you just end up going with the mid-tempo song as your first single. It happens every time."
This past March, Sam told Audacy Music about the musical direction of the new CHEVELLE material: "We've worked really hard on it, and I think it's some of the best stuff we've ever done, honestly. It's so much fun to play, that's for sure."
Pete added: "We're just happy maintaining — we're trying to maintain, anyway — and put out shit that's fun to play live. And a lot of these tracks are. I'm running through four of 'em right now that I can rip out at any time. That goes both ways too. A lot of fans wanna hear the old stuff, some wanna hear the new, but we just try and mix it up. But I think this new album's gonna be a blast to see it live. So, come out to a show, please."
This summer CHEVELLE will embark on a massive tour with special guests ASKING ALEXANDRIA and DEAD POET SOCIETY. Produced by Live Nation, the 38-city trek kicks off on August 7 at Boeing Center at Tech Port in San Antonio, Texas, making stops across North America in Chicago, New York, Los Angeles and more before wrapping up in Airway Heights, Washington at BECU Live at Northern Quest on October 2.
Last July, Sam told TribLive.com about CHEVELLE's next LP: "We kind of did expect to have it done [already]. It's like pulling teeth. This is what I described: Writing an album and doing all that is like pulling your hair out and then trying to put it back in. Writers love having written, is what I learned. It's just torturous on my brother. It's torturous because there's just so many factors to making something great. And then the longer you can live with it, the more changes you're gonna make. So that makes you never want to put it out. You never want to pull the pin and throw the grenade because you're like, well, it gets better every time I look at it."
As for what the 10-song album sounds like, Sam said: We're always skewing towards heavy. [But] these [last] two songs that we've been working on right now are definitely different from everything we did, although 'Niratias', our last album, I think was a really important snapshot of what we've been learning about writing and about music and stuff. This one definitely sounds different than just rock music, definitely different."
Back in 2022, Sam told Knotfest's Cori Westbrook about CHEVELLE's songwriting process: "Well, Pete's our songwriter so he's our lyricist and everything. Basically, he just writes about what's going on around him. If he's taking the garbage out that night or has a bad day driving, he's watching a documentary that really affected him, he hears a podcast — so he's writing about those kinds of things. So if you're able to internalize that kind of a thing, I think you have a lot to write about. It doesn't just have to be a relationship that — a relationship with your dad or your significant other. I think those are some pretty powerful feelings — I get it — but if you are able to bring in all those other things in from your everyday life, there's a lot more to write about. So as far as inspiration goes, it's not hard to find; it's everywhere; it's all around you. And especially nowadays, we have so much access to what's going on around us that there's even more ideas to pull from."
In a separate interview with Heavy New York, Sam said that he and Pete had "a whole bunch of music written... Because that's what we do — you put music out, you write… It'll be our first record in a long time not with a major label, which is just neither here nor there," he added. "Epic Records did a lot of good stuff; we were with them for a long time, but we're finished with that contract now. So now we're doing something different. And we'll see how different it is."
Released in March 2021 via Epic Records, "Niratias" was recorded throughout 2019 and 2020 with Barresi. The album artwork was designed by Boris Vallejo — the famed and award-winning artist is responsible for the posters used for films like "Knightriders" and "National Lampoon's Vacation", as well as iconic '70s and '80s science fiction novel covers and magazines (such as Heavy Metal).
Over the course of its career, the Chicago rockers have generated nearly half a billion streams, notched seven No. 1 hits, and sold out shows worldwide. Their catalog spans the double-platinum "Wonder What's Next", which boasts the double-platinum smash "The Red" and the platinum hit "Send The Pain Below". "This Type Of Thinking (Could Do Us In)" attained platinum status, while "Vena Sera" was certified gold. CHEVELLE has landed four Top 10 debuts on the Billboard 200, including "Sci-Fi Crimes" (2009),"Hats Off To The Bull" (2011),"La Gárgola" (2014) and "The North Corridor" (2016). The latter two each captured the No. 1 slot on the Top Rock Albums chart. | +1 | |
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15 май 2025
BILLY SHEEHAN Will Be Working With 'A Lot Of Folks' On 'Some Records And Possibly Touring As Well'
 In a new interview with the Play That Rock N' Roll podcast, Billy Sheehan was asked how he feels about the fact that MR. BIG is now a closed chapter of his career, at least as far as recording new albums and playing live shows is concerned. The 72-year-old bassist responded (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "I really feel great about it. 'Cause we did accomplish a lot. We had a Number One single, we had platinum records. We had a Number One in 14 countries. We played all over the planet. Having a hit single is your passport to the world. We played everywhere — India, Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, Korea, Japan, Russia, every country in Europe, pretty much every country in South America as well, and Australia, all over. Quite amazing. I wish everyone — I know it's impossible, but I wish everyone could at least go through that or just have a shot at having a Number One single and going all over the world."
Asked what he is working on right now, Sheehan said: "Writing like a fiend. Practicing my bass like a supreme fiend. I've got a lot of new things I'm working on and some of them take a great amount of effort and time to really get my hands and muscles grooved in on 'em, 'cause they are complex and complicated. Not necessarily sounding complex, but there's things that are difficult to do. So I'm just so happy that I get up every morning, feed the cats, and I go downstairs and I start hitting it hard. And usually when I'm off the road, I don't have calluses — my calluses are major — and I play guitar and write on guitar as well. Just learning a whole different approach to some of the chording that I've done in the past. And so I just wanna write a lot. And I have about two or three groups of people that I will be working with on some records and possibly touring as well. Nothing that I can speak of at this point, but a lot of folks."
MR. BIG played the final show of its "The BIG Finale!" tour on February 25 at Nippon Budokan in Tokyo, Japan. Earlier that same month, the band played three other shows: on February 14 at the Bloomverse Festival in Meghālaya, India, on February 16 at the Bloomverse Express in Bengaluru, India, and on February 22 at the Osaka Music Hall in Osaka, Japan.
In an October 2024 interview with Ruben Mosqueda of We Go To 11, Sheehan was asked if the band's "The BIG Finish" farewell tour was just the end of extensive touring for him and his bandmates, with plans to make special appearances from time to time, or if MR. BIG was going to become a studio-only project going forward. Billy responded: "The end is the end. It's finished. If some extenuating circumstances come up, we might do a show or two, maybe, but touring and recording… We kind of wanted to put a period at the end of the sentence. And as I've said many times, we wanted to run over the finish line, not crawl over it. And for us, a fully functional band is on tour playing live and doing the thing and writing recording, and then go out on after the record and do another tour, to do that, we've done that for 34 years, and it's been an amazing run. We have friends all over planet earth. It's fantastic. And it's probably our greatest asset, personally, for me, the amazing people that we've touched around the world. But we decided to really, 'Let's do it the right way,' and not to have some continual farewell thing that goes on for an eternity."
He continued: "Our last show [of 2024] was in Romania [in August 2024]. Unusual. That's where the roulette ball fell into that as we spun the wheel. And we had a great time. And our last shows in Europe, we did a bunch of shows in Germany. Amazing. We have a lot of friends in Germany. We had big hits in Germany as well. And all over Europe and England. We got to play Ireland — Belfast and Dublin. And I'm an Irishman, so that was very nice. We played Liverpool, the Holy Ground. It was quite amazing. I had to put one little BEATLES melody in my solo at the end. Pretty cool. So it was a nice way to go out. I'm glad we did it. We did it with as much class as we're capable of. We did the final tour, and I'm very, very pleased about it."
In a separate interview with George Dionne of KNAC.COM, singer Eric Martin once again admitted that he was second guessing the group's decision to stop touring after the completion of "The BIG Finish" farewell tour. Asked what "The BIG Finish" means to him, he said: "Yeah, I'm not pulling the wool over anybody's eyes. It means the touring is over. Which kind of bums me out, because I was there in the meeting a year and change ago going, 'Yep. I agree. It's time that we call it quits.'
"I didn't wanna quit for the longest time," he admitted. "I mean, this was brought up, like, five years ago. 'Should we do a farewell tour?' We've got other projects going, and it's kind of hard to keep the MR. BIG thing alive. And I was, like, 'No,' cheerleading, 'Please, no. We've gotta keep it going.' But yeah, a year and a few months ago, I was totally in agreement with everybody going, 'Yeah, this is it.' I even thought of the name 'BIG Finish'. So I put the nail in the coffin. But now I'm, like, oh, I wish I had a nice big hammer to unclog that nail. 'Cause the band's so good and so tight. The crowd's coming out. New album came out. The momentum is there. And the band just sounds so tight on stage.
Circling back to what "The BIG Finish" meant as far as the possibility of future MR. BIG live shows, Eric said: "What I mean by 'The BIG Finish' is there's no touring anymore. I would hope that we still leave the door open. I mean, I brought this up many times online. Even Nick D'Virgilio, our drummer, he goes, 'Man, we should do a residency in Indonesia or Japan or just anywhere,' like do a residency. And I go, 'Man, I just hope we can play in a few years, play four or five shows here and there, maybe play a festival with bands in our ilk.' It'd be great to keep that door open. And no response. I think also, a whole year and almost a half of touring, everybody just kind of wants to take a break. But I'm, like, 'Let's ride this wave, brother. Let's do this.' But yeah, no more touring. No more multiple dates. It's over. The big lady has sung."
In August 2024, Eric told Roppongi Rocks's Stefan Nilsson that there was no chance of him and his MR. BIG bandmates going back on their word that they would not tour ever again. "We're not the kind of band — when we say that we're gonna quit and it's over and we're not touring anymore… We may do a one-off here and there every couple of years or whatever, but we're not going to be like the MÖTLEY CRÜEs and the KISSes," he explained." And no offense to them, because the crowds keep coming to see 'em, but we're not gonna do it. We just maybe have too much pride in it."
Asked if there was a chance of MR. BIG making more studio albums in the future, Eric said: "I did an interview the other day with Billy, and… I'm not my brother's keeper. I don't know what he thinks. I know what I think, that I'd like to do albums. If we're not gonna tour anymore for different reasons — I mean, I just don't wanna tour lengthy…. This has been a year. I just can't do it. I'm too old to… Everybody goes, 'Oh, what about THE ROLLING STONES?' Yeah. What about THE ROLLING STONES? Flying in, playing one show and two weeks later playing another show. Yeah, this is back-to-back touring. Hardly any hotels. I mean, the bus will suffice, but it's like a big camping trip for older men. So, I would like to do other albums. But the interview went like this. The guy goes, 'You gonna do another album?' And I'm, like, 'I'd like to.' And Billy goes, 'No, that's it.' I'm, like, 'All right.' But he's the guy that always says, 'Never say never.'"
MR. BIG played the last show of its "The BIG Finish" farewell tour on August 23, 2024 at the Way Too Far Rock Festival in Bistrița, Romania.
After the concert, Sheehan took to his social media to share a picture from the gig and he included the following message: "Romania!!! Crowd was a little bit light, but they made up for it in enthusiasm! The last MR. BIG show (not MY last show, goddammit!!).
"What a great run we've had since 1988. We made Great memories and millions (literally) of friends all around the world. My unlimited love and respect to all who listened, watched, purchased records, tickets and T -shirts. — without you we would have been nothing. Fact. Moving on now to other adventures, but never forgetting this amazing experience."
Gilbert added: "What an adventure! MR. BIG wraps up over a year of touring! Many thanks to ALL! I'll get home just in time for my son's 10th birthday. I hope he remembers who I am!"
D'Virgilio, who joined MR. BIG in 2023 as the replacement for the late Pat Torpey, commented: "It has been an amazing run with @billysheehanonbass @paulgilbert_official and @iamericmartin I've been able to rock n roll all over the world with the guys and I will be forever thankful. Big Love for MR. BIG!"
MR. BIG's tenth studio album, "Ten", was released on July 12, 2024 via Frontiers Music Srl. The LP features 11 new original tracks written by Martin and Gilbert, along with André Pessis and Tony Fanucchi. "Ten" was produced by Jay Ruston and MR. BIG.
D'Virgilio missed most of the final European leg of MR. BIG's "The BIG Finish" tour due to his commitments with his band BIG BIG TRAIN. He was temporarily replaced on the trek by Edu Cominato, an experienced drummer from São Paulo, Brazil who has previously played with Sheehan and Martin, Jeff Scott Soto and Geoff Tate (QUEENSRŸCHE),among others.
When MR. BIG announced "The BIG Finish" tour in 2023, the bandmembers said that it was "time to mark the end of this chapter of their legacy" after drummer Pat Torpey lost his battle with Parkinson's disease in 2018. The first leg kicked off in Japan and Southeast Asia in July and August 2023, where the band performed for hundreds of thousands of loyal fans at 11 sold-out shows including Budokan in Tokyo, Japan.
MR. BIG's last-ever live album release was "The BIG Finish Live", which came out on September 6, 2024 via the Evolution Music Group. | +2 | |
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15 май 2025
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15 май 2025
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15 май 2025
Ex-ICED EARTH Members MATT BARLOW And FREDDIE VIDALES Announce Fourth ASHES OF ARES Album 'New Messiahs'
 ASHES OF ARES, the U.S. heavy metal duo featuring former ICED EARTH members Matt Barlow and Freddie Vidales, has revealed first details of its new studio album, titled "New Messiahs", that is slated for a release in Europe on July 18 and in North America on August 8, 2025 via ROAR!
A music video for the LP's first single, "Wake Of Vultures", can be seen below.
Matt comments: "'Wake Of Vultures' is derived from the idea 'misery loves company' but this goes one step further. This is the back side of involving yourself with the group of miserable people. Once you are a part of that group, you are either a vulture or you are the miserable piece of meat that they feast upon. Another cautionary tale… I'm seeing a pattern."
Formed in 2012 by Barlow and Vidales, alongside former NEVERMORE drummer Van Williams, ASHES OF ARES was born from a shared vision: to create a sound that reflects their personal influences, ideas, and visions. With their self-titled debut album released in 2013, the band quickly captivated audiences in the USA and Europe with their electrifying live performances.
In 2017, after Van's departure, Matt and Freddie continued undeterred, forging ahead with their creative journey. Their sophomore album, "Well Of Souls" (2018),showcased a more intense and expansive sound, cementing the duo's partnership in songwriting, followed by their third full-length, "Emperors And Fools" (2022),that marked a new milestone and evolution in the sound of ASHES OF ARES.
Now, ASHES OF ARES returns with "New Messiahs", continuing its relentless pursuit of sonic excellence and delivering a collection of 12 new tracks that push the boundaries of the band's signature sound. Featuring the blistering title track and standouts like "Two Graves" and "Wake Of Vultures", the LP brings an emotional intensity, sharp songwriting, and captivating melodies that reflect their journey as artists.
"New Messiahs" introduces notable collaborations, including Kyle Taylor on drums and guest appearances from Charlie Honig, Craig Blackwell and Todd La Torre (QUEENSRŸCHE). A surprise bonus track, featuring a powerful cover of Elton John's "And The House Fell Down", highlights the duo's ability to make any song their own. Recorded and mastered by Byron Filson at Villain Recording in Phoenix, Arizona, the album features stunning artwork by Kamil Pietruczynik, bringing a visual dimension to the sonic experience.
Spanning over a decade of evolution, ASHES OF ARES continues to honor their commitment to heartfelt, powerful music that transcends boundaries. With "New Messiahs", they solidify their place as masters of storytelling and architects of a sound that resonates deeply with fans worldwide.
"New Messiahs" track listing:
01. Novus Ordo
02. New Messiahs
03. Two Graves
04. Where You Go
05. Wake Of Vultures
06. Infection Deception (CD bonus track)
07. Atrophy
08. Keep On Walkin'
09. The Hawk And The Dove
10. Lust To Feed
11. From Hell He Rides
12. And The House Fell Down (CD bonus track)
Recording lineup:
Matt Barlow - Vocals
Freddie Vidales - Guitars, Bass
Guest drums by Kyle Taylor
As previously reported, ASHES OF ARES will celebrate the upcoming 30th anniversary of ICED EARTH's third album, 1996's "The Dark Saga", on a European tour in September/October 2025.
Vidales played with ICED EARTH from 2008 to 2012 and is featured on the band's 2011 album "Dystopia".
Barlow served two stints with ICED EARTH, from 1993 to 2003 and from 2007 to 2011.
Recorded in early 1996, "The Dark Saga" was a concept album based on the Todd McFarlane comic book character Spawn (who also appears on the album's cover). Upon its arrival, the LP was praised for Barlow's vocals, as well as ICED EARTH founder, songwriter, guitarist and producer Jon Schaffer and Randall Shawver's guitar playing. Eduardo Rivadavia called Barlow's vocal performance "impressive throughout", while Mike Stagno felt that "Barlow's deeper vocal style also helps the songs sound much more emotional". Rivadavia also named Schaffer and Shawver's interplay the highlight of "The Dark Saga".
Seven years ago, Barlow told "The Classic Metal Show" about ASHES OF ARES: "Sometimes it's hard to escape the comparisons [to ICED EARTH], because my voice is still my voice no matter what, and I'm still gonna deliver things emotionally like I have before, so people are always gonna draw comparisons with ICED EARTH, and that's fine; I'm completely cool with that. I'm proud of my time in ICED EARTH, proud of everything that I've done with them, proud of them right now, going on and kicking ass. So I don't have any problem with that whatsoever — the comparisons. But that being said, I want ASHES to have its own identity as well. I think, again, as my writing partner, Freddie deserves that — he deserves to have his own identity in ASHES — and I think that's really important; that's what we're striving to do."
ICED EARTH played its final show with Barlow at the 2011 edition of the Wacken Open Air festival in Wacken, Germany.
Barlow, who is married to Schaffer's sister, announced his departure from ICED EARTH in March 2011. In a heartfelt statement, he cited his commitment to his family and the need for ICED EARTH to tour more as the reasons for his retirement; however, he committed to performing with ICED EARTH on all 2011 European festival dates, including Wacken Open Air.
Back in late 2020, Barlow reunited with Schaffer to celebrate the holiday season with an EP called "Winter Nights". Released under the SCHAFFER/BARLOW PROJECT banner, the effort contained the duo's unique spin on five Christmas classics and two ICED EARTH songs.
Last October, Jon was sentenced to three years of probation and 120 hours of community service in connection with his involvement in the riot at the U.S. Capitol. He was also ordered to pay $1,000 in restitution and a $200 financial assessment. Schaffer later became one of about 1,500 people accused of crimes related to the riot who were pardoned by President Donald Trump.
This past April, Schaffer said in an interview that the legal issues and professional setback he faced as a result of his involvement in the Capitol riot have been "the biggest gift" of his life, in part because "it is what led" him "to [Jesus] Christ."
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15 май 2025
BORN OF OSIRIS Announces New Album 'Through Shadows'
 Progressive metalcore pioneers BORN OF OSIRIS have announced their forthcoming album "Through Shadows", due out Friday, July 11 via Sumerian Records. The LP is the band's newest body of work following up their critically acclaimed 2021 album "Angel Or Alien". In celebration of the news, the quartet has shared the title track, "Through Shadows", along with the accompanying music video.
BORN OF OSIRIS commented: "'Through Shadows' is a reflection of the human experience — both the quiet struggles and the heavy storms we each endure. It's about confronting the darkness with the understanding that without shadow, there is no light to shine through. When all feels lost, we're left with a choice: face demise or defend our existence. This song is our call to choose the light, even in our darkest moments."
Prior to today, BORN OF OSIRIS released "Torchbearer", "A Mind Short Circuiting", "Elevate", and, most recently, "In Desolation" which altogether have clocked up over 1.2 million views on YouTube.
"Through Shadows" track listing:
01. Seppuku
02. Elevate
03. Through Shadows
04. The War That You Are
05. Inverno
06. A Mind Short Circuiting
07. Burning Light
08. In Desolation
09. Torchbearer
10. Activated
11. Dark Fable
12. Transcendence
13. Blackwater
Following BORN OF OSIRIS's current European headlining tour, the band will next make the trek across Canada with THE BROWNING and CONVICTIONS as support.
BORN OF OSIRIS is:
Ronnie Canizaro - Vocals
Lee McKinney - Guitar
Nick Rossi - Guitar
Joseph Buras - Keys/Vocals
Cameron Losch - Drums | +2 | |
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15 май 2025
CATTLE DECAPITATION Shares Two-Hour Documentary 'From This Flesh: A CATTLE DECAPITATION Story'
 San Diego deathgrind band CATTLE DECAPITATION is celebrating the second anniversary of its monstrous tenth studio album, "Terrasite", by releasing a two-hour making-of documentary, "From This Flesh: A Cattle Decapitation Story".
The documentary was shot, directed, and edited by Australian videographer Nicholas VanVidler who produced the band's 2021-released "Finish Them" music video. Van Vidler captured the entire "Terrasite" recording process from beginning to end and has spent the last two years piecing together the footage. The film not only celebrates "Terrasite", but inadvertently examines the history of the band from inception.
Comments CATTLE DECAPITATION vocalist Travis Ryan, "Our buddy Nick VanVidler (NJV Media, BODY PRISON) went to make a studio documentary about 'Terrasite' and what came out was more of an extremely introspective look into the band as a whole with a specificity on how we write and record albums. It's insightful, intense, funny, sad, unfiltered, immersive, and if you're a longtime true fan of the band, you gotta see this thing."
Next month, CATTLE DECAPITATION will return to Europe on a three-week run of headlining shows and festival appearances.
Though many bands have tried, no one articulates the real apocalypse humanity is facing as vividly and succinctly as CATTLE DECAPITATION. With 2019's "Death Atlas", they reached the apex of this, perhaps leading some to believe they had no place left to go beyond such an achievement, but alas, in 2023 the band returned with "Terrasite", which is as bold a statement as they have ever made. It's an album that constantly shifts dynamics and demands a variety of emotional responses.
Metal Injection championed, "another absolutely stellar release from these guys with lyrics and themes that represent the apex of today's extreme music." MetalSucks concurred calling "Terrasite", "a powerful and important album," and, "a must-listen for fans of extreme metal and… anyone who cares about the future of our planet." Added Lambgoat, "They've evolved from a grind band into something even more maniacal with this album; a true and brilliantly executed hybrid of heavy death metal, brutal grind and lyrical terror."
"Terrasite" crushed Billboard charts upon its first week of release, earning the No. 2 position on the Current Hard Music Albums chart, No. 3 on the Current Independent Albums chart, No. 4 on the Rock Albums chart and more and appeared on multiple year-end lists both stateside and abroad.
"Terrasite" features artwork by longtime collaborator Wes Benscoter (VADER, KREATOR, BLOODBATH, HYPOCRISY),was produced by Dave Otero (CEPHALIC CARNAGE, ALLEGAEON),and includes Dis Pater of MIDNIGHT ODYSSEY handling piano and synths.
Photo by Nick VanVidler
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15 май 2025
DISTURBED's DAVID DRAIMAN Proposes Marriage To His Girlfriend On Stage During Sacramento Concert (Video)
 DISTURBED's David Draiman proposed to his girlfriend on stage during the band's concert in Sacramento, California Friday night (May 9).
The emotional proposal took place before the second-to-last song of DISTURBED's set at Golden 1 Center, "The Light", which was part of the band's ongoing "The Sickness 25th Anniversary Tour".
After bringing Sarah Uli out on stage, David pulled her close to him and said into the microphone: "Sarah, my love, you have made my life so much better. You are the light in the darkness for me. I love you more than anything I have ever loved in this world, and it would be the absolute pinnacle of my life and my existence…"
He then reached into his right pocket and pulled out a tiny box and opened it before getting down on one knee. The singer continued: "Sarah Uli, will you marry me?" Sarah quickly nodded yes before David got back up and put the ring from the box on her finger.
Draiman then addressed the crowd: "In case you didn't hear, she said 'yes'."
"Go ahead and join the rest of your family, sweetheart," he directed his soon-to-be wife.
David went public with his relationship with Sarah Uli in January 2024, less than a year after announcing that he had split up with his wife.
According to TheOrg.com, Uli — who, like Draiman, resides in Miami, Florida — has over 12 years of work experience, starting in 2005 as a sales manager at TNT Powersprot. Sarah then worked as a senior nightlife manager at GMR Marketing from 2011 to 2015. Afterwards, Sarah joined Young's Market Company as a sales representative from 2015 to 2017. Sarah then worked as an independent marketing contractor from 2009 to 2017, handling marketing and promotional projects for various companies including Samsung, JBL, and Marlboro. In 2017, Sarah became a territory sales manager at Reynolds American Inc. and worked there until 2020. Sarah then joined AstroNova, Inc. as a regional account executive from 2020 to 2021. Sarah's next role was at secure staffing as a model account manager from 2020 to 2022. She most recently held the position of senior sales account manager at JDI Distribution since April 2022. Sarah's most recent work experience is as an account executive at eSpeakers since January 2023. Acccording to eSpeakers, she is passionate about being healthy and living life to its fullest. She loves to travel and see new places. She also enjoys being in the sun, at the beach, and spending time with her puppy, Raya.
In May 2023, Draiman said he deleted his account on Tinder, calling it "an absolute shitshow". One week after he confirmed that he had been using the dating app to find "the right woman" following his divorce, Draiman offered an update on his search for romance, writing on Twitter: "Holly fucking dumpster fire Batman, @Tinder was an absolute shitishow. Scammers, grifters, fakes and phonies abound. What a colossal fucking nightmare. Deleted it. Dear lord."
On May 5, 2023, one of Draiman's Twitter followers shared a screenshot of what appeared to be the singer's Tinder profile, and he wrote: "Lol dude you see this?! I'm tagging you bc I believe it's fake @davidmdraiman". David quickly responded: "Not fake lol. It's me". This prompted the fan to write, "My bad bro for assuming", to which Draiman replied: "All good. You'd be surprised. It's hard for a guy like me to meet the right woman. I'll tell you, it's been weird so far. Lots of scammers. Trying to figure out how to navigate this new terrain."
Another fan also chimed in on Draiman's presence on Tinder, writing: "Read: David Draiman can't get laid anymore." Draiman fired back with: "I can get laid anytime I want if I'm willing to drop my standards, but my standards are quite high, and I won't dishonor myself that way. Looking for the RIGHT woman, not just ANY woman. Oh. And btw? You're a dick".
In April 2023, Draiman confirmed that he finalized his divorce from his wife of 11 years, Lena Draiman.
The singer opened up about his split in an interview with Kyle Meredith. Speaking about why DISTURBED continues to make music and stay creative after being together for nearly 30 years, David said: "Therapy. [Laughs] It's as pure and simple as that. Right now for me it's the most effective form of therapy.
"I'm very much looking forward to the performance end of things, which is coming up shortly, but the creative end is the perfect way to come to terms with your demons, and I'm definitely stocked up," he explained. "I need this, and I need the music — creating it, performing it, living it — right now more than I ever have.
"I just recently finalized my divorce. I just recently said goodbye to my Akita [dog], my best friend of 14 years. There's gonna be plenty of inspiration for the next body of work. Battling depression, battling all the demons that normally come along with it. And I know that music — our music, other music like it and different types of music in general — is just the perfect means of therapy for so many other people. And it really is my saving grace. I don't know what I would do without it."
Draiman touched upon his divorce again later in the interview when the conversation turned to the DISTURBED song "Don't Tell Me", which appears on the band's latest album "Divisive". A duet with HEART's Ann Wilson, the track was inspired by DISTURBED guitarist Dan Donegan's own recent divorce. "Mine hadn't been finalized yet [when the song was written]," David revealed. "And to be honest, when I wrote the song, I didn't realize how prophetic it was going to be. I kind of hate that shit. [Laughs] It ended up becoming not just about Dan's divorce, unfortunately. It wasn't exactly the same situation, but I definitely have added reverence for the song, and it has added meaning and power to me, especially now."
When David first announced his divorce on his Facebook page in February 2023, he described himself as "heartbroken" and "very lost" and revealed that there was "no infidelity" involved in the split. He went on to say that there was "no bad blood" between him and his now-ex-wife and added that they would "continue to be the best parents" we can be to their son Samuel, who was born in September 2013. "Lena is still the best mother I could ever hope for, so we've got that going for us," he wrote at the time. He added: "I will continue to try to be the best father, and frontman that I can be, and I hope that Sam can forgive me one day for my part in this failure."
In November 2022, Donegan told the Z93 radio station that DISTURBED drummer Mike Wengren also "went through a divorce early on in the pandemic."
More than three years ago, Draiman and his then-wife and son moved to Miami, Florida after living in Honolulu, Hawaii for a few years.
Draiman first announced his family's decision to relocate to Miami in February 2022, explaining on his Facebook page that he and his then-wife "gave it our best shot, but between the extraordinarily long travel times for business, island fever, and a bunch of other factors, we've decided to move on." He also shared a link to a video tour of his then-Honolulu home which had just been listed. That house has since sold for more than $6 million, according to public records.
In September 2023, Draiman sold his house in the Miami suburb of Pinecrest for $5 million. David bought the modern Spanish-Moroccan villa for $5.22 million in March 2022 and first listed it for $5.75 million in January 2023. It was last asking $5.19 million.
This past March, Draiman filed a lawsuit against his former landlord, alleging that mold in a rental home in Coral Gables, Florida caused him to suffer health issues that negatively affected his singing career.
DISTURBED kicked off the U.S. leg of "The Sickness 25th Anniversary Tour" on February 25 at Ford Idaho Center Arena in Nampa, Idaho. The trek celebrates 25 years of DISTURBED's seminal debut album which launched the band into public consciousness and is one of the most important and influential heavy metal albums of all time
On February 21, DISTURBED released a new single, "I Will Not Break", via the band's own label, Mother Culture Records.
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15 май 2025
KERRY KING On SLAYER Being Inducted Into ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME: 'I Don't Know What They're Waiting For'
 In a recent interview with Billboard Brasil, Kerry King was asked when fans will see SLAYER get inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame. The SLAYER guitarist responded (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "Pfft. Why don't we see them there yet? [Laughs] I don't know. We've never even been on the nomination list, so I don't know what they're waiting for. How many more decades do we have to play? Forty years isn't enough, I guess. I don't know. We'll see."
He continued: "I went to [the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame museum in Cleveland, Ohio] thinking I'd be there for, like, a half hour, and I didn't go there until like 10, 15 years ago. It took me a while. And I'm, like, 'Eh, I'll go check it out for maybe like a half hour.' I was in there for four hours, and there's a lot of cool stuff in there."
Circling back to the possibility of SLAYER one day being inducted into the Rock Hall, Kerry said: "Is it something that's gonna make my career complete? Absolutely not. If my parents were alive, I would be stoked if we got in there so I can say, 'Hey, mom, I'm in the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame.' That would be cool.
"To me, if it happens, it happens, 'cause, obviously, the voting process and the election process is a little faulty. So we'll see. And me here badmouthing it probably isn't helping my situation. [Laughs]
"If we ever got nominated and the fans elected us to be in, it would be honorable, for sure, just to say these kids from Los Angeles got together and ripped the world a new fucking asshole," he added.
When the interviewer noted that SLAYER "changed heavy metal music forever", Kerry said: "Yeah, we were part of it, for sure. There was a movement of a lot of bands, ironically at the same time, that came out and then put thrash on the map."
King previously addressed the likelihood of SLAYER being inducted into the Rock Hall during a 2015 interview with VH1.com. He stated at the time: "I went there [Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame And Museum] last year, and I was surprisingly amazed. It was awesome… I thought I'd be there for, like, 40 minutes. I spent three and a half hours. The stuff in there is amazing. It's way cooler than I ever imagined it would have been. It is really cool."
He continued: "I'm not making a ploy to get in, but it makes me think, 'Man, I hope they call my name one of these days.' I think it took them a long time to get METALLICA in there. But METALLICA basically opens door for us, because when you think of metal who do you think of next from that generation? Of course there's [BLACK] SABBATH, [JUDAS] PRIEST and [IRON] MAIDEN, without question. But for the 'Big Four,' you think METALLICA… We've always been number two on the 'Big Four' shows. So come on, Rock Hall, give us that call! We're ready! I'll donate some change or something. [Laughs]"
Even though artists are eligible for the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame 25 years after the release of their first album or single, iconic hard rock and metal bands like IRON MAIDEN and MOTÖRHEAD have yet to be recognized by the institution, which inducted GUNS N' ROSES in that group's first year of eligibility.
The Rock Hall didn't induct BLACK SABBATH until 2006, and METALLICA followed three years later.
Rock Hall rules state that artists become eligible a quarter century after their first records were released, but the Hall also claims that other "criteria include the influence and significance of the artists' contributions to the development and perpetuation of rock 'n' roll," which is, of course, open to interpretation.
Eligible for induction since 1999, KISS didn't get its first nomination until 2009, and was finally inducted in 2014.
DEEP PURPLE was eligible for the Rock Hall since 1993 but didn't get inducted until 2016.
Having been eligible for induction since 1999, JUDAS PRIEST was finally inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in 2022. PRIEST received the Musical Excellence Award — originally titled the "Sidemen" category when it debuted — which is given to artists, musicians, songwriters and producers whose originality and influence creating music have had a dramatic impact on music.
Asked about the fact that MOTÖRHEAD's Lemmy (born Ian Fraser Kilmister) and Ronnie James Dio had not yet been inducted into the Rock Hall, King told Loudwire in a 2017 interview: "It's kind of like Ken Stabler not going to the NFL Hall Of Fame. They waited till he died, when he can't enjoy it, and that's a super bummer. Dio is one of my top two singers of all time, and he was a good friend and a good dude. Lemmy, the career speaks for itself.
"The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame, it's weird. It's private. It's privately owned, so people from the music industry don't vote. I don't actually know how it works. I've been there and it's very cool, I've gotta tell you that. I went there, like two, three years ago, and I expected to hang out for, like, an hour, and I was there for, like, three hours. It was very cool. If you ever get around Cleveland, check it out. But that being said, I still don't understand the process. But yes, [Lemmy and Ronnie James Dio] motherfucking should be in the Hall Of Fame." | +5 | |
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15 май 2025
ALICE IN CHAINS Cancels All May 2025 Concerts Due To SEAN KINNEY's Health
 ALICE IN CHAINS has canceled all of its previously announced shows this month after drummer Sean Kinney fell ill.
One day after scrapping a concert at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut due to Sean's health, the band released a follow-up statement saying: "After careful consideration and following the advice of medical professionals, we have made the decision to cancel our upcoming festival performances and the ALICE IN CHAINS headline shows.
"While we were all eager to return to the stage, Sean's health is our top priority at this moment.
"Although the issue requires immediate attention, his long-term prognosis is positive.
"We sincerely appreciate your understanding and support during this time."
When the Uncasville show was called off on Thursday, ALICE IN CHAINS said in a social media post that "Sean experienced a non-life-threatening medical emergency" after the band's soundcheck earlier that evening."
No additional information is currently available on Kinney's condition or medical issue.
The Connecticut show would have been ALICE IN CHAINS' first full concert since an April 2024 appearance at the Sick New World festival in Las Vegas.
ALICE IN CHAINS was scheduled to appear at a few festivals this month, including the MMRBQ in Camden, New Jersey (May 10),Sonic Temple in Columbus, Ohio (May 11) and Welcome To Rockville in Daytona Beach, Florida (May 16). They had also lined up several other headlining shows, in Nashville, Tennessee (May 13) and Dothan, Alabama (May 15). ALICE IN CHAINS is also on the bill for the final BLACK SABBATH/Ozzy Osbourne show on July 5 in Birmingham, United Kingdom.
In a recent interview with "Whiplash", the KLOS radio show hosted by Full Metal Jackie, ALICE IN CHAINS singer William DuVall was asked where things stand with him and his bandmates at the moment. He responded: "Well, we're excited for these dates we have coming up in May. We're excited to get out there and see everyone. We are in regular contact and communication, and so we'll just have to see what comes after May. I really wouldn't wanna say anything more than that. But we're excited about these shows in May. We're really looking forward to it."
In the last four years, ALICE IN CHAINS guitarist/vocalist Jerry Cantrell has released two solo albums, 2021's "Brighten" and 2024's "I Want Blood", and has toured extensively in support of both efforts, performing material spanning his solo career and ALICE IN CHAINS.
ALICE IN CHAINS regrouped in 2006 with DuVall joining the band, and released its third LP with DuVall in the lineup, "Rainier Fog", in August 2018.
Prior to joining ALICE IN CHAINS, DuVall was a member of punk rock bands AWARENESS VOID OF CHAOS, NEON CHRIST, BL'AST! and FINAL OFFERING. DuVall's long musical history also includes COMES WITH THE FALL and Cantrell's solo work.
Cantrell befriended the members of COMES WITH THE FALL in the early 2000s, playing shows with the band on the West Coast, then enlisting the musicians to tour with him as both opening act and backing group in support of his album "Degradation Trip".
DuVall appears on the last three ALICE IN CHAINS albums: 2009's "Black Gives Way To Blue", 2013's "The Devil Put Dinosaurs Here" and the aforementioned "Rainier Fog".
Posted by Alice in Chains on Friday, May 9, 2025 | +1 | |
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Before the Dawn
