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19 ìàð 2025
Watch: QUEENSRŸCHE Performs Early Classics On This Year's 'Monsters Of Rock' Cruise
 Fan-filmed video of QUEENSRŸCHE's March 10 performance at the pool stage aboard this year's Monsters Of Rock cruise can be seen below (courtesy of DarthNimmer).
In a recent interview with The Joel Martin Mastery Podcast, QUEENSRŸCHE guitarist Michael Wilton spoke about a possible follow-up to the band's 2022 album "Digital Noise Alliance". He said: "We do have one record left with our contract with Century Media and Sony. And yeah, we're putting together demos right now. So, when will it get done? I don't know. QUEENSRŸCHE has a lot of touring to do, and you've gotta schedule with your producer. But yeah, we've started writing demos, and we've got a good bunch of tunes. And we're about ready to head to Europe, and then we do the Monsters Of Rock cruise and then we're [going] to South America, and then after that, maybe we can concentrate a little more on the next QUEENSRŸCHE record."
Asked if he thinks the next QUEENSRŸCHE album won't arrive before 2026 at the earliest, Michael said: "We don't know. Just because it's harder to find pockets of time when we can develop this. We're always touring or on the road, doing weekend gigs or whatever. But we'll just see where this takes us."
Wilton also talked about whether the new QUEENSRŸCHE LP will be once again helmed by Chris "Zeuss" Harris, who previously worked with QUEENSRŸCHE on 2015's "Condition Hüman", 2019's "The Verdict" and "Digital Noise Alliance" LPs. He said: "Well, he's already committed to helping the demos getting written. So, yeah, he's back."
Elaborating on the QUEENSRŸCHE songwriting process, Wilton said: "Well, the last few albums we've kind of wanted to write fresh, so kind of on the spot. So I'm not looking at anything I've done in the past. I'm looking at just the inspiration of the day and getting something recorded and live with it for a couple of days and then come back and go, 'Okay, yeah, this is pretty cool,' or, 'Nah, I'm gonna delete this.' But I think it's something that is special to a group of guys that everything that you create is new or kind of new. We're probably ripping ourselves off blind with all the riffs and melodies, but that seems to be the fresh approach. I mean, the stuff that goes by the wayside, that's stuff that goes on solo albums. [Laughs]"
Wilton previously discussed the progress of the songwriting sessions for the follow-up to "Digital Noise Alliance" earlier in the month in an interview with Marko Syrjala of Metal-Rules.com. Michael said at the time: "We're currently working on demos for the next album, which is really important for us. After this [European tour], we have the Monsters Of Rock cruise, followed by the Monsters Of Rock festivals in South America. That brings us to May. Then we have some sporadic gigs here and there, but we're also planning to work with our producer, Chris 'Zeuss' Harris, and continue the writing sessions. Hopefully… But we're already getting offers for the end of the year, so I'm not sure when the album will be released. [Laughs]"
When Syrjala noted that the "schedule sounds a bit complicated," Michael explained: "You know, for the bands to make money, they have to tour. We get lots of offers — weekend gigs, two-week tours or even just a weekend here and there. You can't say no because if you do, someone else will take that opportunity and might not ask you again.
"The thing is, to do a proper QUEENSRŸCHE album, we need about six weeks of uninterrupted time. But it's harder now because we have to juggle these gigs — weekends here and there — before coming back to focus. Zeuss has had to adapt; he's very mobile now. He's learned to be because we’re not the only band that does this; all bands do. He works with Rob Zombie — 'Hey, come on over for the weekend. Let's work on some stuff.' Or with SHADOWS FALL — 'Let's work on some stuff.' So, he's used to it. It's just a matter of someone organizing it all."
Wilton went on to say that he and his QUEENSRŸCHE bandmates are "following the same process" this time around as they did for "Digital Noise Alliance". "With ['Digital Noise Alliance'], the recording and writing sessions were meant to feel fresh — nothing was e-mailed back and forth," he said. "Everything was built during the writing process. In that sense, it was about going back to the days when we'd be in a room writing the [debut QUEENSRŸCHE] EP in the morning. Back then, we didn't have technology like we do now. No cell phones, no computers — maybe, if you were lucky, you had a four-track recorder. The way we worked was simple: 'Hey, Chris [DeGarmo], you got a riff?' And I'd say, 'Okay, I like that. Let me add something to it.' It was a real band effort because everyone was in the room, giving input. That's exactly what we did with ['Digital Noise Alliance']. Everyone was involved — 'Oh, I like that,' 'Oh, I don't like that' — and the songs evolved a little more each day. Some songs we dissected and reworked completely. Take 'Tormentum', for example — that's like four songs merged into one! [Laughs]"
Asked if it's "correct to say" that recording the "Digital Noise Alliance" album was "a fresh start" for QUEENSRŸCHE, with drummer Casey Grillo becoming a permanent bandmember and guitarist Mike Stone returning to the fold for the studio sessions, Michael said: "Yeah, I think so. This next one will be even better because, with ['Digital Noise Alliance'], Mike didn't come in until the end of the process. But now, he's here from the beginning of the process. He's writing with me, and I'm writing with him, so it should be a bit more cohesive, I think… He knows the ways of the RŸCHE. He knows the guitar style and how to stay within that area. But, like I said, the stuff we've written so far sounds pretty cool."
QUEENSRŸCHE kicked off the European leg of "The Origins Tour" on January 31 at Kulttuuritalo in Helsinki, Finland.
Although QUEENSRŸCHE would score multi-platinum albums and hit singles over their career, their fans have developed an undeniable love for the group's early releases, the 1983 EP and 1984's "The Warning" album, when they helped trailblaze a style of rock that combined elements of metal and prog. And for the first time ever, QUEENSRŸCHE is performing both classic releases in their entirety as part of "The Origins Tour".
Two years ago, QUEENSRŸCHE completed its 2023 U.S. headlining tour with support from former MEGADETH guitarist Marty Friedman and TRAUMA. On that tour, QUEENSRŸCHE's 18-song set included no less than five songs from "Digital Noise Alliance", which came out in October 2022 via Century Media.
Stone, who rejoined QUEENSRŸCHE in 2021, contributed guitar solos to the band's latest studio album.
Since late May 2021, Stone has been handling second-guitar duties in QUEENSRŸCHE, which announced in July 2021 that longtime guitarist Parker Lundgren was exiting the group to focus on "other business ventures."
Stone originally joined QUEENSRŸCHE for the 2003 album "Tribe" and stayed with the band for six years before leaving the group.
For the past eight years, drummer Casey Grillo has been filling in for original QUEENSRŸCHE drummer Scott Rockenfield, who stepped away from the band's touring activities in early 2017 to spend time with his young son.
In October 2021, Rockenfield filed a lawsuit against Wilton and bassist Eddie Jackson, alleging, among other things, breach of contract, breach of fiduciary duty and wrongful discharge. A few months later, Wilton and Jackson filed a countersuit against Rockenfield, accusing him of abandoning his position as a member of the band and misappropriating the group's assets to his own personal benefit. That dispute has since been settled out of court.  | +1 |  |
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19 ìàð 2025
HIEROPHANT Signs With Agonia Records
 Italian-based black/death metal purveyors, Hierophant, have signed a record deal with Agonia Records for the release of the band’s sixth studio album and successor to Death Siege (2022). The as-yet-untitled album is currently in the works and is expected to surface next year.
“We enter a new path into the abyss. A pact has been sealed with Agonia Records,” Hierophant comments. “The next offering is already taking shape, set to emerge in 2026. This marks another step towards the infinite darkness. There is no light ahead. Only the coming ruin. Hail to Chaos.”
Since their last two albums, Mass Grave (2016) and Death Siege (2022) – both released on Season of Mist – Hierophant have carved their path into the extreme metal underground with a relentless and furious approach. Following the conquest of the most prestigious stages (Hellfest, Party.San, MetalDays), the “Death Siege” ranks pushed the limit to the extreme and ultimately forged the first live album in the band’s career. Recorded at Hellfest in 2023, Gateway To The Abyss (released via Dusktone) is the feral representation of what Hierophant’s music is about: hatred, blood, nihility.
“Now, with eyes set upon our new offering, the path descends even deeper,” the band wraps up.
Lineup:
L.G. – vocals/guitars
F.C. – guitars
G.M. – bass | 0 | |
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19 ìàð 2025
TESLA's FRANK HANNON To Release All-Guitar Instrumental Solo Album 'Reflections'
 TESLA guitarist Frank Hannon has released a new solo single titled "Walk In The Rain" as the first preview of his upcoming full-length all-guitar instrumental album "Reflections", due in May 2025.
A short video for "Walk In The Rain" can be seen below, with Frank stating about the clip: "This is the actual recording session for the lead guitar solo recorded live. I had practiced it a few times, had sort of an idea of what to play, took a break then improvised and recorded this solo from start to finish in one take. It was so fun and is what inspired me to create a whole album of 12 guitar songs coming in May 2025!"
Renowned for his soulful playing and electrifying guitar solos, Hannon — legendary guitarist, songwriter, and co-founder of TESLA — returns with a brand-new LP showcasing his mastery of the instrument. This latest release is an all-guitar instrumental record, highlighting Hannon's deep passion for melody, tone, and raw expression. Only guitars are used, and the entire album was recorded and produced using his cell phone.
After enduring a tumultuous year of loss and pain, Frank took time off to reflect and rediscover his passion for guitar as a lead instrument. Using a very limited recording format and digging deep into a simple yet emotional approach to playing his guitar, standout songs are "Our Fathers Love", "Sunrise", "Poncho's Song" and "San Francisco", which is a nod to Frank's musical influences. The soulful guitar phrases of "Joy And Pain" show Frank's ability to emote heartache from the strings of his guitar in a way that hadn't been heard by him before.
Blending blues, rock, and intricate acoustic compositions, the album takes listeners on a dynamic musical journey, reflecting Hannon's decades-long evolution as a guitarist. With soaring solos, intricate fingerpicking, and immersive soundscapes, the record captures his signature style while exploring fresh sonic territories.
Having built a career on both hard-hitting rock anthems and heartfelt ballads, Hannon now steps into the spotlight with an album that speaks purely through the power of the guitar. Fans of guitar-driven music — whether blues, rock, or beyond — will find plenty to love in this inspired collection of instrumental storytelling.
Stay tuned for tour dates, special-edition vinyl releases, and behind-the-scenes insights into the making of this highly anticipated album.
Released last November, TESLA's latest six-song EP, "All About Love", includes four versions of the title track (acoustic, electric, hybrid, live); a live version of "Walk Away", a concert favorite from "Reel To Real, Vol. 1"; and another new song, "From The Heart", an instrumental track by Hannon.
Some fans criticized TESLA for adopting a 1980s-style polished production for its latest album, 2019's "Shock". The follow-up to June 2014's "Simplicity" was helmed by DEF LEPPARD guitarist Phil Collen, whose own group is no stranger to slicked-up, glossy-sounding recordings.
In September 2023, TESLA released the official music video for its cover of AEROSMITH's "S.O.S. (Too Bad)". The song is a bonus track on TESLA's live album, "Full Throttle Live!", which arrived in May 2023. The LP includes the band's "Time To Rock!" single, plus other songs, all recorded in August 2022 at Full Throttle Saloon in Sturgis, South Dakota.
In September 2021, original TESLA drummer Troy Luccketta announced that he would "take a little time from the road" to spend with family and friends. He has since been replaced at TESLA's gigs and in the recording studio by Steve Brown, the younger brother of former DOKKEN drummer Mick Brown.
TESLA's debut album, 1986's "Mechanical Resonance", went platinum on the strength of the hits "Modern Day Cowboy" and "Little Suzi". The 1989 follow-up album, "The Great Radio Controversy", produced five hits, including "Heaven's Trail (No Way Out)" and "Love Song", which hit the pop Top Ten. | +1 | |
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19 ìàð 2025
Watch: Pop Superstar DUA LIPA Covers AC/DC's 'Highway To Hell' At Melbourne Stop Of 'Radical Optimism' Tour
 Pop superstar Dua Lipa performed a cover of the AC/DC classic "Highway To Hell" during her concert earlier tonight (Monday, March 17) at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne, Australia. Lipa sang the song while standing at the end of the stage, surrounded by her band. Check out fan-filmed video below.
After completing the Australian leg of her "Radical Optimism" tour, Dua Lipa will head to New Zealand, Spain and France before launching a U.S. run with a two-night stint in Chicago beginning on September 5.
Dua is touring in support of her third studio album, "Radical Optimism", which was released May 3, 2024 via Warner Records. The album went straight to No. 1 in 11 countries, including the U.K. where it became the biggest album debut from a U.K. artist in 2024 and garnered the highest week one sales from a U.K. female artist since 2021. In the U.S., the album debuted at No. 1 on Billboard's Top Album Sales chart and No. 2 on the Billboard 200 chart, marking Dua's biggest sales week yet. It was named a Critic's Pick by The New York Times, who hailed it as "an album of nonstop ear candy," along with Variety, who declared it is "a joyous blast of pop savvy." Additionally, the New Yorker praised, "the instrumentation is a gleaming and impenetrable expanse, and the main attraction is Lipa," and Vogue raved it is "a summery, self-assured slice of pop brilliance…[and] catchy as hell."
Following its release in 2020, Dua's certified-platinum sophomore album "Future Nostalgia" became the longest running top 10 album by a female artist on the Billboard 200 in 2021. The Grammy Award-winning album spawned multiple worldwide hit singles, with "Levitating" earning certified diamond status and the title of Billboard's No. 1 Hot 100 Song of 2021.
Dua has found superstar status on stage and off, thanks to her many passions outside of music. 2022 saw Dua launch Service95, a global style, culture and society editorial platform that now comprises a weekly newsletter, the Service95 book club and the "Dua Lipa: At Your Service" podcast, which has been lauded by The Sunday Times and The Guardian and was named one of the "Best Podcasts Of 2022" by Spotify. Having graced every major fashion magazine worldwide from Vogue and Elle to W and Dazed, Dua added "designer" to her resume in 2023 when she co-designed Versace's "La Vacanza" collection alongside Donatella Versace herself, which Vogue deemed "the hottest collaboration of the summer."
Dua's eponymous 2017 debut album is certified platinum, spawned six platinum tracks, and made her the first female artist in Brit Awards history to pick up five nominations in a single year. Dua has a total of 10 Grammy nominations, with three wins for "Best Pop Vocal Album", "Best New Artist" and "Best Dance Recording". Additionally, she earned nominations at the Golden Globes and Critics Choice Awards for her hit song "Dance The Night" from the box office sensation "Barbie". Across platforms globally, she has amassed over 45 billion streams and holds the record for being the first female artist to have two albums with over 10 billion streams each on Spotify.
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19 ìàð 2025
FLOGGING MOLLY Issues Statement On Frontman DAVE KING’s “Very Serious Health Condition” – “Dave Suffered A Brain Hemorrhage And Underwent Two Subsequent Surgeries To Save His Life”
 ack in February, Celtic-punk outfit, Flogging Molly, announced that they had been forced to cancel their upcoming live dates as frontman Dave King (ex-Fastway) is “battling a very serious health condition.”
The band shared the following message via social media:
“To our family, friends and fans,
“Our fearless leader, the inimitable Dave King, is currently battling a very serious health condition. Dave and Bridget ask everyone to respect their privacy at this time, we will share as we can. Any good thoughts or prayers you can send Dave’s way, he and we would appreciate it.
“Unfortunately Flogging Molly will be unable to perform shows in 2025. With the Salty Dog Cruise 12 days away, the boat will sail as planned with 18 bands, and members of Flogging Molly, on board to celebrate the cruise, the community and our captain, Dave King.
“Thank you, Flogging Molly”
Last night (March 17), Dave King’s wife and bandmate, Bridget Regan, shares the following update:
“Hi everyone, I’ve wanted to reach out for some time, but it was necessary to wait until we were safely out of the woods first.
On January 24th, Dave suffered a brain hemorrhage and underwent two subsequent surgeries to save his life. He then spent two weeks in a coma, followed by varying stages of treatment and recovery. On February 28th he underwent yet another surgery and I now feel confident we are on the other side of this.
He is now entering into the next phase of his recovery and wants nothing more than to play music again. The road ahead is uncertain but we, as ever, will roll with the punches and hope to see you all in the near future.
I’d like to thank Dave’s neurosurgeon, Mr. Kieron Sweeney and his amazing team at Beaumont Hospital in Dublin. Thank you. Thank you for saving my husband’s life.
To all of the nurses and staff in both St. Brigid’s and Richmond Wards, thank you. Your extraordinary level of care was also integral to him being where he is today.
To friends and family whose support was unwavering throughout this ordeal, a heartfelt thank you.
And a special thanks to everyone who sent well wishes and messages of support.
Please look after each other and tell your people you love them. Life can change in an instant.
Until we meet again, Bridget.” | +2 | |
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19 ìàð 2025
HEXENHAUS ïåðåèçäàþò àëüáîìû
 On May 16, 2025, powerhouse label ROAR! will reissue the first three, iconic records by Swedish thrash and speed metal legends Hexenhaus: A Tribute To Insanity (1988), The Edge Of Eternity (1990), and Awakening (1991).
Available on CD, colored vinyl and digitally, the physical products will also come with new liner notes and an exclusive history text. All formats got remastered by Ronnie Björnström (Mezzrow).
Depending on the path you chose, one could say that the story of Sweden’s best kept thrash metal secret starts all the way up in the northern parts of Sweden. In a city called Boden to be more precise. That’s where the metal force Maninnya Blade took it’s form during the middle of the ‘80s.
Their take on speed metal caught the interest of the young guitarist Mickael Vikström, better known as Mike Wead and later on the guitarist in both Mercyful Fate and King Diamond. He would start out as a fan of the band, but it didn’t take long until he was their new guitarist and the talk of the town.
“When I joined them they already had four great songs more or less done already. It was, ‘Requiem’, ‘The Dead Are Restless’, ‘Delirious’ and ‘Eaten Alive’,” Wead reveals. “The style was much heavier than the music we had done before and to mark the fresh start of the band, at least that’s how we saw it, we also decided to change the name from Maninnya to Hexenhaus. The name is German for witch’s house and is a reference to the Malefizhaus in Bamberg, Germany. A frightful place where hundreds of suspected witches were tortured and executed during the early 17th century.”
To call the material “heavier than before” is an understatement. The music on the four songs that ended up on the today highly sought after demo cassette Demo 1988 drew its inspiration from bands like Metallica, Slayer and Mercyful Fate.
After signing with Axis Records, the band entered the studio to record their stellar debut album A Tribute To Insanity. Half of the album contains the four songs that made up the demo, as well as four more songs that seen the band combine ideas and trading riffs like never heard before on a Swedish metal album. A Tribute To Insanity was originally released on vinyl on October 17, 1988.
Preorder the A Tribute To Insanity reissue here.
Follow-up album, The Edge Of Eternity, was originally released on November 1, 1990. Preorder the reissue at this location.
During the same time as The Edge Of Eternity was released in the early ‘90s, Megadeth released their classic album Rust In Peace, Exodus came out with Impact Is Imminent and Germany’s Mekong Delta – who also was a big influence on The Edge Of Eternity – came out with their most popular album Dances Of Death (And Other Walking Shadows). To say that the thrash scene was looking good is an understatement, it was boiling hot!
In the midst of it stood Hexenhaus just waiting for the big breakthrough. “We thought that we would get approached by different management and offered tours that would take us all over Europe but that never happened”, Mike Wead sighs. “We were amateurs when it came to promote ourselves and how could we be anything else? We didn’t know that we needed to do more than creating albums to get a breakthrough!”
When the offers didn’t come as expected Mike and the band started to work on new material. But just like the last time it was with a new line-up who was more than ready to give their all for the band. Besides the broken bones, the blood and the gated reverbs the recordings of Awakening went smooth. The album was released in August 1991 and much to the bands dismay nothing happened for them this time either. “Once again we got great reviews from abroad,” Mike recalls. “Big and important magazines like Metal Hammer, Kerrang, Metal Forces and Aardschok gave us fantastic reviews! Even better than the ones we’ve received before, but we just couldn’t break through. We were still stuck in Sweden doing small shows put together by fans.” | 0 | |
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19 ìàð 2025
IRON MAIDEN's Aviationtag Celebrates History Of Band's Chartered 'Ed Force One' Plane
 Aviationtag has announced the launch of the exclusive Aviationtag x Iron Maiden Edition: Ed Force One. This special edition celebrates the spectacular and storied history of IRON MAIDEN's legendary "flying tour bus," the Boeing 747 Ed Force One.
Ed Force One was not merely a mode of transport; it became a flying symbol of IRON MAIDEN's global touring legacy. The aircraft, a Boeing 747-400 with registration TF-AAK, was instrumental in carrying the band, its crew, and an impressive array of stage equipment on their epic 2016 world tour, "The Book Of Souls".
Bruce Dickinson, IRON MAIDEN's legendary frontman and licensed pilot, was more than just the voice of the band — he also personally took the controls of Ed Force One during the tour. Reflecting on the aircraft's unique presence, he summed up its legacy: "She always behaved like the Queen Of The Skies that the 747 will always be. There will never be another to occupy her throne. The power, the noise of those 4 engines, the featherlight touchdowns (not my fault — blame good design) and her airborne elegance put the 747 in a unique category."
A detailed interview with the singer is available exclusively in a booklet, which is included as a special supplement with every Ed Force One Aviationtag.
In Zurich, Ed Force One truly stood out. While the jets belonging to chancellor Angela Merkel and president François Hollande were parked nearby and appeared almost miniature in comparison, Ed Force One captured everyone's attention. Its larger-than-life presence and undeniable rock 'n' roll charm set it apart, underscoring why this iconic aircraft remains a symbol of global aviation history.
The Aviationtag x Iron Maiden Edition is carefully crafted from upcycled material of the iconic Boeing 747 TF-AAK, which was scrapped in 2024. The tag's front proudly displays the legendary Ed Force One logo, while the back features the unmistakable image of Eddie, IRON MAIDEN's iconic mascot. This design not only celebrates the aircraft's storied past but also bridges the gap between aviation heritage and rock 'n' roll culture.
Tobias Richter, CCO at Aviationtag, states: "We have been working on this project for over two years, and we're proud to finally present our Aviationtag x Iron Maiden Edition. Ed Force One is one of the most famous aircraft in the world, and this edition captures its enduring legacy in a truly collectible form."
With this exclusive Aviationtag edition, fans can now hold a tangible piece of aviation and rock history in their hands.
For more information and to purchase, visit www.aviationtag.com/ironmaiden. | +4 | |
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18 ìàð 2025
ANDERS NYSTRÖM Confirms Exit From KATATONIA: 'The Roads Ahead Have Grown Too Wide And Far Apart'
 Founding KATATONIA guitarist Anders Nyström has confirmed his departure from the band.
Earlier today (Tuesday, March 18),Nyström released the following statement through KATATONIA's social media channels: "Sad but true.
"The time has come for me to confirm that the roads ahead Jonas [Renkse, KATATONIA vocalist] and I have chosen for both KATATONIA and ourselves have grown too wide and far apart, and as a result, our long-term collaboration has drawn to a close.
"With him and I being the duo that founded KATATONIA almost 35 years ago, and owing to the fact that we managed to take our mission this far, it's inevitable that our band's legacy will continue to play a huge role for both of us and always live on, albeit in a different light either captured by our past, future or the many chapters in between.
"To each our own, we may all have our own preferences and different levels of appreciation for either the early, mid or later KATATONIA eras, but it seems like any willingness to embrace them all, in order to honor our history through live activities, has unfortunately failed to sustain. Needless to say, I still love ALL our albums, but with the early stuff being neglected for so many years, a feeling of having 'unfinished business' with a style that goes far back to our roots has just grown stronger and stronger. I can't help feeling adamant that songs from our early-mid discography deserve to be equally acknowledged and likewise targeted for our live show repertoire, the essential medium where the past should always be alive! Unfortunately, that door has been kept shut and left everything we did pre-millennium in a void.
"Avowed, with one of us gone, KATATONIA could and should have been mutually laid to rest while exploiting the freedom to continue in any desirable direction under a new name. But with Jonas now regrouping with new members and navigating further in his own direction, I no longer need to wait and see which way the wind is blowing to enter that void and grab hold of what's been abandoned. After all, KATATONIA's legacy is resting on both ends of the timeline.
"Come what may, I'd like to thank Jonas and the rest of my ex-colleagues for the incredible ride we shared through four compelling decades.
"Blessed be!"
Renkse announced Nyström's exit from KATATONIA in a statement on Monday, March 17. He wrote: "Anders Nyström and I are going our separate ways. A decision not taken lightly, but for everyone to thrive and move forward with their own creative preferences as well as personal schedules this has become the realistic option.
"Anders and I started the band in 1991 and his impact on the band's trademark sound is undeniable.
"As bleak as this sounds, and is, it's further evidence of life getting in the way of our preferred plans. I wish Anders all the best for the future."
Earlier this month, KATATONIA announced a fall 2025 European tour. Kicking off on November 11 in Tampere, Finland, the trek, with special guests EVERGREY and KLOGR, will cover 31 major cities in total and culminate in a grand finale in Stockholm, Sweden on December 20.
KATATONIA released their triumphant Napalm Records debut, "Sky Void Of Stars", in 2023 to the enthrallment of critics and fans alike. The album, which topped several soundchecks — including Rock Hard and Legacy magazine in Germany — showcases their brilliant, genre-defying fusion of melodic death metal and atmospheric post rock. Following its release, the band jumped on a massive headline tour across Europe alongside SÓLSTAFIR and SOM.
Founded in 1991, KATATONIA has continually embraced the dark and the light alike and, living through genre evolutions beyond compare, ripened its own particular form of expression. From doom and death metal to soul-gripping post rock, they've explored endless spheres of the genre, accumulating only the very best aspects. After signing with Napalm Records, KATATONIA showcased its brilliance and illuminate the void in the scene once more with "Sky Void Of Stars".
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18 ìàð 2025
AMERIKAN KAOS Album Feat. STU BLOCK – “Not Metal At All, Just Badass Rock N’ Roll”
 Annihilator mastermind, Jeff Waters, has announced an upcoming new release from his solo project, Amerikan Kaos.
Says Waters: “2nd solo record coming soon, titled All That Jive. Featuring Stu Block on vocals, this one is in my Top 3 best records I’ve ever done. Totally NOT metal at all. Just badass rock n roll!
“For those who want to know, the Amerikan Kaos “project” of mine consists of 3 different-styled records but is, un-traditionally, being released within a video game, called Rock Kommander.
Luckily, the company also releases Ltd. Ed. vinyl and CDs, so you can get the stuff traditionally, too… but you have to find it. No big label promo, no press trips, ads, etc… this is an awesome deal for the gaming company and great for me!
MANY people are hearing this stuff and the game gets lots of new players because of it. There is also MANY other amazing artists, that you know, who’ve have joined up with the game, too. So seek it all out and check back here soon! Amerikan Kaos in Rock Kommander.
PS. Anyone who THINKS they know my music, style and Stu Blocks vocals, will be surprised! No metal on this one, baby!” | +1 | |
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18 ìàð 2025
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18 ìàð 2025
GATES OF ISHTAR Sign With The Circle Music; New Music On The Way
 The Circle Music has signed the influential Swedish melodic death metal band, Gates Of Ishtar. Revered as one of the genre’s most underrated acts, Gates Of Ishtar are poised to triumphantly return with their first new album in nearly three decades.
Formed in Luleå, Sweden, Gates Of Ishtar burst onto the scene with their seminal 1996 debut album, A Bloodred Path, which quickly cemented their place in the pantheon of melodic death metal. Two more critically acclaimed albums followed, The Dawn Of Flames (1997) and At Dusk And Forever (1998), showcasing their signature blend of razor-sharp riffs, thunderous drums, and the unmistakable growls of vocalist Mikael Sandorf. Despite their early success and promising trajectory, the band went on hiatus, leaving a void in the metal scene that their dedicated fanbase keenly felt.
After a 17-year silence, the anticipation for a reunion grew, and while a planned comeback in 2015 was sadly derailed by the passing of drummer Oscar Karlsson, Gates Of Ishtar finally resurrected in November 2023 with a powerful performance at House of Metal. The overwhelming response from fans at this show ignited the spark for new music, leading to the decision to record a new album.
The Circle Music is ecstatic to welcome Gates Of Ishtar to their roster. “If there was a list of the most underrated bands in metal, Gates Of Ishtar would hold a prominent place,” states the record label. “It’s been almost 30 years since their legendary debut ‘A Bloodred Path’ appeared, and still remains in the pantheon of melodic death metal. Life often plays strange games. One thing is certain: Gates Of Ishtar is owed a lot and they are coming back determined to claim it all, one by one. It is our great joy to be on this journey together! Stay tuned, the Gates are open again…”
Gates Of Ishtar themselves are equally enthusiastic about this new chapter. “The gates are open once more!!! We are super excited to work together with Maria and The Circle Music to bring you our new album! It will be the first new release in almost 3 decades and we have put all our hearts and souls into this beast of an album,” the band comments. “The process of writing this new material has been a joyful experience and it didn’t take more than a minute to realise that we still had that magic flow between us all in the band. We can’t wait to hear your response to it and hopefully we meet you all out there in 2026! Hail Inanna!”
Fans who have been eagerly awaiting new material will be thrilled to hear that Gates Of Ishtar’s signature sound remains potent, delivering Swedish melodic death metal at its finest.
Adding to the significance of their return, Gates Of Ishtar recently performed a devastating live show in their hometown of Luleå. This performance coincided with the 30th anniversary of their very first concert in the same location, marking a powerful full-circle moment for the band.
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18 ìàð 2025
IAN PARRY’s CONSORTIUM PROJECT VI Available In Mid-2025; Video Trailer
 Due for release in mid-2025, Ian Parry’s Consortium Project VI is the sixth part of a fictional prog-metal concept going back in time revealing how mankind’s origins began and how our alien ancestors discovered and integrated the human species.
Ian Parry revisits Consortium Project with the video trailer below, featuring the opening song “The Constellation Of The Stars”.
The previous five Consortium Project albums dealt with issues such as global warming and now Consortium Project VI shows how A.I. alien intelligence was first introduced by an alien Pharoah and his Queen to be, who escaped a repressive regime and rejected by their own race went in search of a new home.
Featuring 10 incredible co-written songs from Stephan Lill, Johann Cadot, Luca Sellitto, and Casey Grillo.
Lineup:
Ian Parry – Lead, Harmony Vocals & Keyboards (Elegy/ex-Ayreon/ex-Vengeance)
Stephan Lill – Guitars & Keyboards (Vanden Plas)
Johann Cadot – Guitar, Keyboards/Backing Vocal (Asylum Pyre)
Luca Sellitto – Guitar, Keyboards/Backing Vocal (Timeless Fairytale/Rock Emporium 2)
Allan Sorensen – Drums (ex-Pretty Maids/ex-Royal Hunt/ex-Cornerstone)
Ombeline Duprat – Female Lead & Choir Vocals (Asylum Pyre)
Andreas Passmark – Bass (Royal Hunt/ex-Narnia/ex-Tony Mills)
Kris Gildenlow – Bass (Kayak/ex-Pain Of Salvation/ex-Neal Morse)
Franky Rummler – Bass (All My Shadows/ex-Michael Schenker Group)
Special Guest Appearances:
Patrick Rondat – Solo Guitar (Ex-Elegy/ex-Jean Michel Jarre)
Manolo Arias – Solo Guitar (Magik/ex-Niagara)
Casey Grillo – Drums (Queensryche/ex-Kamelot/Consortium 3&5)
Jan Bijlsma – Bass (The Last Element/ex-Ayreon /ex-Vengeance/Consortium 1&2) | +1 | |
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18 ìàð 2025
SPREADING THE DISEASE Sign With AMG / Universal Music Group Canada/Worldwide
 UK metal band, Spreading The Disease has issued the following signing news:
“We recently said we had a major announcement, so here it is!
“The band has been working for 10 years now, three albums, and new material ready to go and some real achievements from being on rotation on Scuzz TV, great reviews all the way down the line kicking off with out first EP securing a KKKK! Kerrang review and putting us on the road to playing every corner we could not once but four times around the UK and into Europe headlining eventually all shows.
“The band has had many ups and downs including sadly being shunned by many of our festivals, Promoters etc, which pushed us to look elsewhere in our drive to keep the band moving forward, however we do thank and appreciate every one that has stuck by us through thick and thin you know who you are. This announcement is in great part thanks to all of you and our perseverance and determination often having to choose a different path to move forward.
“We have been negotiating for months and could not mention anything until the deal was done.
“We wish to specially thank our US Manager Mister “James Shaffer” a giant in the business working with some of the biggest artists on the planet for his unwavering faith and commitment to the band even when things looked very grim.
“James is the man who has negotiated this deal. Thank you James for your tireless work, production and creating our sound and new material. A major mention goes to Mister “Chris Scott” for giving 30 years of his time belief and work to also get us here.
“Lastly a big thumbs up and thank you to the band members that believed and all their hard work, dedication and steering through some tricky times occasionally.
“WE HAVE SIGNED TO: AMG/UNIVERSAL – CANADA/ WORLDWIDE!!! Encompassing (Sony and Virgin) .
“We are very excited and raring to go working with this great company and another big thank you to Mister Mark Berry for his patience and willingness to make this happen no matter what. We would like to think that we can work with everyone ahead starting with being on the look out for an international booking agent willing to work with us.” | 0 | |
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18 ìàð 2025
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18 ìàð 2025
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18 ìàð 2025
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Queensrÿche
